Isatou Touray

Isatou Touray (born 17 March 1955) is a Gambian politician, activist, and social reformer. A noted campaigner against female genital mutilation (FGM), she became the first female Gambian presidential candidate in 2016, before dropping out to endorse Adama Barrow and Coalition 2016. She then served in Barrow's cabinet, as trade minister, and then as health minister. On 15 March 2019, Touray became Vice-President of The Gambia, replacing her predecessor, Ousainou Darboe in a major cabinet reshuffle.

Isatou Touray at the 2nd Conferência de Intelectuais da África e da Diáspora (2006)

Quotes

• "We need change because the APRC regime has failed Gambians, leading a country facing economic hardship, unlawful arrests and detentions, and high youth unemployment."

• I urge all Gambians to actively participate in the elections to vote out the APRC regime.

• The broom is a bundle of sticks bound together, with each stick representing an individual Gambian or group of Gambians who, while maintaining their individuality, are united in purpose. Together, they aim for one goal—to bring change and progress, symbolizing the unity and shared aspirations of the Gambia.

• Over the past two decades, I have traveled across this country, meeting hardworking men and women in cities, towns, and villages. I have listened to your frustrations and am deeply inspired and motivated by you, the people of Gambia, and by your desire for change despite immense economic hardship and limitations on our freedom and personal liberty.

• I have witnessed a Gambia in decline, with deteriorating institutions where those in authority misuse state power to spread fear and hopelessness among the people. Today, Gambians are not free to express their thoughts; fear and terror, fueled by the abuse of state power, have taken such a hold that most people look over their shoulders before they speak.

• "If elected, I am committed to serving only a single five-year term, working alongside all those with the capability and dedication needed to rescue Gambia as it stands on the brink of collapse."

• I want us to create a Gambia that embraces the hearts and minds of all Gambians in the Diaspora, including those who left due to the hardships, persecution, fear, and abuses they experienced as private citizens, entrepreneurs, academics, politicians, and artists. More than anything, I envision a new Gambia marked by economic prosperity, freedom, the rule of law, peace, and stability.

• Twenty years of APRC rule has deprived them of opportunities to fulfill their aspirations and achieve their goals. The jobs, quality education, healthcare, and decent living their country failed to provide have driven many to risk everything by crossing the treacherous Mediterranean, where tragically, many lose their lives.

• Your votes have the power to defeat the APRC and are the tools to bring about the change you desire.

• We will encourage and motivate the private sector to create opportunities for young people to earn a decent living and achieve their dreams. We must protect The Gambia for our children and future generations, and open doors to development.

• The human rights framework will remain central to our approach as we work to restore the dignity and integrity of all Gambians and those who choose to live in The Gambia. We are committed to democracy and good governance as we tackle the emerging challenges facing the state, ensuring that The Gambia takes its rightful place in the world.

• When the government of the First Republic was unconstitutionally overthrown in a military coup in 1994, Yahya Jammeh, then a young officer, claimed he wanted to end self-perpetuating rule and criticized what he called the extravagant lifestyle of the previous regime. However, in an ironic twist, he amended the constitution to remove term limits without consulting the people, allowing himself to remain in power for twenty years.

• "I reject any call to transform The Gambia into an Islamic State, which seeks to divide us and pit us against one another. I will defend and strengthen the secular republican nature of our constitution, ensuring that every Gambian is free to practice their religion according to their beliefs. In a Gambia where democracy, good governance, and human rights prevail, I will restore the pride and spirit of the 'Smiling Coast' for all its people."
  • [1]

• "I am unable to make any decision at this time,"

• "I need to return to the people to consult with them.

• "I want to make it clear to the world that all these efforts are aimed at promoting democracy in The Gambia, because we all seek change, and those in the diaspora also desire positive change for our country."

• "I did not pull out of the coalition; what actually happened is that I was sidelined. I joined with the intention of working in unity to achieve the common goal of bringing change to The Gambia—so that we could build a young generation ready to take on leadership and responsibility in the future, while creating an environment that enables the people to thrive."

• "I have not shared them with the public because I believed it was an internal matter. It was important for us to address these issues privately, as it is all about promoting good governance, managing the process, and working as leaders to move The Gambia beyond its current situation."

• During that meeting, after making my presentation, there were comments. I took them into consideration, and when I returned the third time, I brought everything they suggested, as I believed it was critical, important, and addressed the need at hand.

• I was sidelined, marginalized, and discriminated against, but that didn’t affect me because I believed I joined this space to advance democracy for the people.

• "I explained that I am available and still a reliable option they can trust. I am here to work for the country's progress, not for personal gain.

• I entered the presidential race as an independent candidate to champion the will of the people, addressing the concerns of Gambians both at home and in the diaspora.

• Despite all my efforts, I realized that I was not being recognized within the space. I understood that it was the same trust or lack thereof, that has existed for 22 years, a longstanding mistrust between the parties, and that this same feeling was now being directed towards me.

• I have come to understand the nature of the system during the process. Although I was present, it was unfair and undemocratic; there was a lack of transparency, and I was marginalized for not being included in it.

• For you to hold a convention that I was supposed to be part of, and then only present the document meant to legitimize my participation afterward, shows that we are not promoting good governance.

• We are not upholding transparency and accountability. If we begin like this, it's a non-starter, because we aim to bring about positive change.

• I was kept in the dark throughout the process, despite making every effort to fully participate. However, Mrs. Fatoumatta Tambajang, for reasons unknown, was not forthcoming.
  • [2]

• I am Dr. Isatou Touray, an independent candidate running for the office of President of the Republic of The Gambia.

• Over the past two decades, I have traveled across this country, meeting hardworking men and women in cities, towns, and villages, and listening to your stories and aspirations.

• I have also heard your frustrations, and I am inspired and motivated by you, the Gambian people, and your strong desire for change despite the severe economic hardships and the restrictions on our freedom and personal liberties.

• Driven by a profound concern for The Gambia and a commitment to our nation's progress, free from repression, abuse, impunity, and persecution, I have closely observed the current situation over the years.

• Those in power are ignoring calls for political and economic reform. The conditions for political participation have been designed in a way that limits political pluralism, leaving many feeling powerless. Excessive power is concentrated in the hands of a few, and we need a new approach to governance that includes the people in decisions that impact them. Decision-makers are often not held accountable for their actions on behalf of others.

• If elected, I will restore the sovereignty of the people, end impunity, and decentralize power and authority. I am committed to serving only one term, during which I will collaborate with all political parties and Gambians who are ready and willing to guide the country in a direction that addresses the needs and aspirations of the people.

• In this mission, I seek your support to help build a brighter future for our country.
  • Dr Isatou Touray: Why I Want To Be President Of The Gambia September 2, 2016

External Links

Origin