An article titled "Calling All Fellow Sycophants," published on May 21, 2026, by author Alagie Saidy-Barrow, urged various government and public officials to demonstrate their loyalty. The piece specifically called on ministers, senior government officials, civil servants, public servants, and technocrats to prove their usefulness to "His Excellency, King, Dr. Prof. Adama Heeno Saidy Barrow Mannassi." The article referred to this figure as "His Excellency, Dr. Prof. Adama Heeno Barrow Mannassi, Commander-in-Chief of all things seen and unseen," emphasizing the need for officials to align themselves with the leader. The article, authored by Alagie Saidy-Barrow, explicitly targeted a broad spectrum of public office holders, from cabinet ministers to the foundational layers of the civil service and technical experts, demanding a clear display of allegiance. It showed the perception that their utility and continued relevance were directly tied to their demonstrated loyalty to the named leader. This direct address left no ambiguity regarding the expectations placed upon those holding positions of influence and responsibility within the state apparatus.
The King's Benevolence and Our Debt
The article asserted that "our King" provided official positions, implying that supporters were indebted to him and owed a return favor for his benevolence. It detailed various benefits allegedly received by these supporters, including free cars, free fuel, and travel. Further advantages listed were free medical care, overseas treatment, and free hajj packages for individuals, their families, or friends. The piece also noted "huge allowances" and other unspecified benefits as part of the support extended to these individuals. The underlying message was that these positions and perquisites were not earned through merit alone, but were gifts bestowed by the King, thereby creating a moral obligation for unwavering support. The extensive list of benefits, from tangible assets like vehicles and fuel to full medical care, including expensive overseas treatments, paints a picture of substantial material rewards for loyalty. The provision of free hajj packages, a deeply significant religious journey, for individuals, their families, or friends, suggests a full system of patronage designed to secure allegiance across personal and familial networks. The inclusion of "huge allowances" and "other benefits" implies an even broader array of undisclosed advantages, reinforcing the idea that the King's generosity is boundless for his loyalists.
Demonstrating Loyalty and Support
The article noted Njoggu Bah as an individual demonstrating significant support for King, Dr. Prof. Adama Heeno Saidy Barrow Mannassi. It claimed other figures have visited the State House, accompanied by former party members, various tribal groups, and opportunists. The publication also stated that individuals have been compensated to publicly acknowledge the King as a paternal figure, with videos of these acknowledgements reportedly reaching him. The article included a direct quote from Demba, who asserted, "for the King, we must be ready to shed blood. For the King, we must sing and dance. For the King, we must give our all." Njoggu Bah was specifically singled out as an exemplary figure, whose actions were presented as a model for others to emulate in their expressions of loyalty. The article further elaborated on the various forms this support takes, noting the frequent visits to the State House. These visits were not just by individuals, but often involved groups, including those described as "converted party members," suggesting a shift in political allegiances driven by the desire to align with the King. The presence of "various tribal groups" indicates an effort to consolidate support across ethnic lines, while the mention of "opportunists" points to individuals seeking personal gain through association with power. The claim that people have been financially compensated to publicly declare the King as a father figure, with evidence of these public displays, specifically videos, reaching the King himself, illustrates a deliberate strategy to cultivate a cult of personality. This practice not only generates public displays of affection but also ensures that the King is personally aware of who is performing these acts of devotion. The stark and absolute declaration by Demba, "for the King, we must be ready to shed blood. For the King, we must sing and dance. For the King, we must give our all," encapsulates the extreme demands of loyalty articulated in the article, suggesting a willingness to make ultimate sacrifices for the leader.
The Stakes of Losing Power
The article warns that a loss of power represents an existential threat to the individuals involved. It suggests that such an outcome could lead to a loss of personal freedom. This stark warning serves as a powerful deterrent against any wavering loyalty, framing continued support not merely as a choice, but as a necessity for personal survival and liberty. The implication is that the benefits and protections afforded by the King's patronage are not just privileges but essential safeguards against severe repercussions should the political landscape shift.
