Today we wake up to another shocking news of the loss of a comrade, a resource, and a whole library of the 22 years of Struggle to uproot a Dictator. It is shocking to read about Mathew’s demise on Facebook after wishing him a happy Birthday January 1st. He has contributed, sacrificed a lot, provided lots of knowledge, resources and information during the struggle. I used to contact him when I needed information and he always had the answers during the heat of the struggle and even after the struggle. When the struggle got heated, he petitioned the UN Secretary General on Gambia’s Dismal Human Rights Record in 2013. His perennial campaign against corruption across Africa, and his work, syndicated in papers and journals, distinguishes his record and sets him apart. These activities lead to his charges in absentia with four counts under a treason and sedition law that carries a maximum sentence of death during the dictatorship. From 2015 to match 2023 some of his writings can be found here http://www.wisafricana.com.

We can have disagreements, argue but Mathew will never frown on you. He is always willing to share his knowledge and expertise. His knowledge, excellent research, and documentation skills are unquestionable. He has documented and continued to document what was happening during the struggle against a dictator. List of missing people, those killed, certain events etc and he was always available to share his findings. Recently, he announced his intention to publish another book series, but God knows best!!

Mathew has published many articles and contributed to a lot of published books and research on Gambia and Africa as a whole. He wrote for the Observer, AllAfrica, Madison Times etc. His academic research on the effects of Foreign Aid in Africa’s underdevelopment, is published in a college text and library reference book. He wrote extensively about the plight facing the people of Gambia and Africa as an unapologetic good governance campaigner.

His recent book «Anthology of an Exiled African Dissident: A Diaspora Movement That Toppled a Government and Exiled a Dictator» is a great read and sold across the world. I hope the University of the Gambia, our historians will gather the writings and documentations written and collated by Mathew that narrates the process we went through as a nation in the fight against a dictator.

I am still in shock about the untimely death of Mathew who a couple of hours ago was communicating on his facebook page.

A library is gone!!
A resource is gone!!!
A fearless Comrade is gone!!
A patriot and a good son of the nation is gone!!!

My condolences to his family and friends. May God give them the strength to cope in this difficult time.
May God have Mercy on his Soul!! May his Soul rest in peace!

Rest well Comrade

Rest well Mathew and you will surely be missed!!

Ndey Jorbateh