MUSA LEAVES HIS AUDIENCE BATTLE EMOTION

From the left Musa Saidykhan, Ebrima Sankareh and Fatou Jaw Manneh

Kibaaro News Editor was on Saturday accorded standing ovation at the Gambia Conference on Democracy and Good Governance in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Musa Saidykhan’s presentation on media freedom in the Gambia touched the hearts of many delegates. It all started with an honest introduction of Mr. Saidykhan by the Editor and Publisher of the Gambia Echo. Ebrima Sankareh, who moderated the session, described Mr. Saidykhan as “an icon who represents the struggle against Jammeh’s impunity. He has been abused, misused, tortured and exiled. Sometimes you see the photo that is blinking with a person having his entire back lacerated. That’s Musa Saidykhan’s back. He has been seriously humiliated and abused but he is still seriously kicking on.”

Then it was time for Mr. Saidykhan to share delegates an inkling of something that he has to live with throughout his life. “I was tortured beyond human imagination but the good thing is that it hasn’t affected my humanity.  The whole essence of torture is to dehumanize a person, and I refused to be dehumanized for whatever reason,” he said amid a round of applause.

“My story is a graphic one; it’s a story that is brutal and cruel, and should not have happened to anyone. I have had, endured and gone through all,” he said, explaining how he had at first struggled to piece together his three nights of inhumane systematic and physical tortures which had left lacerated marks all over his body and a broken hand.

“At first it was a great pain for me to tell my story but I came to a conclusion that my story has to be told. But the fundamental question was how my torture story should be told, considering the fact that some part has to remain private. I asked myself “am I suppressing information just like dictators? That was a difficult situation for me.”

At this stage Kibaaro Editor emphasized the need for responsible journalism. “Not everything that a journalist knows is meant for public consumption. As journalists, we need to become sensitive to everything around us: tribes, religions, cultures. We should endeavor to respect the rights of individuals. We need to treat stories with maturity just like I the way I handled my own story,” he said.

Musa’s presentation filled the conference room with uncontrolled emotion, especially when he recounted accidentally exposing his battered body to his five-year-old son. “I had done enough to avoid exposing my kids from seeing my battered body,” he said, narrating the quagmire he had found himself when his son had touched his wounds and asked him to explain. “I told him that I was a victim of the Jammeh regime’s brutality. I could see tears on his cheeks. He said “if I were old enough I would kill anyone who battered my father’s body. That tells you how the Jammeh regime is hurting even innocent children.”

Mr. Saidykhan also explained Kibaaro’s road to responsible journalism. “We are doing our best to be responsible. We must not use our pen, keyboard or microphone to divide politicians, shatter families or abuse others. It’s unfair for us to divide our people with our instruments, for we will not do justice to the future of our country and its great people.”

Musa explained why he had engaged the Gambia government on a legal battle. “I wrote my case file and sent it to the Media Foundation for West Africa because I believe that someone needs to take Yahya Jammeh down and I wanted to be that sacrificial lamb.”

Ends

HE SELLS EVEN DIAPERS AND USED CLOTHING

Ousainou Mbenga, Amadou Scattred Janneh, Ousainou Darboe and Muhammed Lamin Sillah

President Yahya Jammeh’s former minister has accused Gambian leader of treating Gambians with disdain.

Dr. Amadou Scattred Janneh, Coordinator of the Coalition for Change – The Gambia (CCG), punched President Jammeh for turning the nation’s coffers and resources into his personal property.

“Despite constitutional prohibitions, Jammeh is actively involved in virtually every sphere of economic activity in the country — from selling diapers, used clothing, bread, and beef to vegetable gardening,” the former Information Minister told the just concluded Gambia Conference on Democracy and Good Governance in North Carolina. “In the process, he has used not-so-subtle bullying tactics to stifle competition in the economic arena. From targeted tax audits to outright theft of private property, the President blatantly uses state power for the advancement of his narrow, private economic interests.”

Dr. Janneh was a victim of the Gambia’s malfunctioning judicial system, resulting to his incarceration. He was convinced that the Gambia’s “judiciary has become largely an arm of Yahya Jammeh, doing his bidding in dealing with enemies, both real and imaginary. The outrageous, ill-advised, and overtly unfair decisions taken by the highest courts of the land confirm the widely held contention that the institution is run by foreign mercenaries paid with public resources, but loyal only to their master and their pockets.”

In September last year, the United States Civil Rights Activist, Reverend Jesse Jackson secured the release of Dr. Janneh and Tamsir Janneh, the former top immigration official. The two were expelled from the Gambia.  Janneh has since become an important player in the struggle to shatter the pillars of the Jammeh dictatorship.

He described the Gambia’s legislature as “a big joke,” as its “chamber is packed with a bunch of puppets whose task is primarily to carryout Yahya Jammeh’s dictates; flying even before he says jump. Jammeh manipulated the constitution to ensure that he becomes Puppet-in-Chief. After cheating in elections and gaining almost total control of the National Assembly, he got his cronies to amend the constitution to his tune. For instance, any member who is expelled by his party automatically loses his seat in the legislature. As Jammeh is the only one empowered to expel members from his APRC party, he uses the threat of expulsion to ensure total conformity.”

Ends

The Raleigh Accord

Raleigh, North Carolina U.S.A. May 19 2013:  The three-day Gambia Conference on Democracy and Good Governance organized by GDAG, STGDP, and DUGA successfully concluded in Raleigh, North Carolina.  The convention brought together Gambians, political leaders, civil society organizations, and non-Gambians alike, far and wide under one roof to discuss ways of restoring democracy, good governance, and the rule of law in the Gambia. 

Delegate pool included Hon Ousainou Darboe of UDP, Hon Hamat Bah of NRP, and Hon Omar A Jallow of PPP – all representing the Gambia.  Dr Sedat Jobe represented the Gambian community in Senegal while former Vice President Bakary Bunja Darboe and Abdoulie Jobe represented the UK and Europe.  Representing the Gambian community from Mali was Mrs. Adelaide Sosseh. Leadership of PDOIS and Mai Fatty of GMC were unable to attend but the latter sent a message of solidarity on behalf of his party GMC. In a letter sent to the organizers of the conference, Halifa Sallah – Secretary General of PDOIS wrote, “I have been asked to convey to you the deep admiration we have for those of you who spared no effort in sacrificing time and resources to bring sovereign Gambians together to reflect on the past, present and future of our country. We applaud your initiative and wish you utmost success.”

In North America, delegates flew or drove in from coast to coast.  From New York, Ohio, Kentucky, Seattle, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Georgia and more – men, women and children came.  In Raleigh, North Carolina where the conference was held, residents turned out in large numbers to support their local organizers.  Raleigh Mayor Pro Tem Eugene Weeks, United States Congressman David Price, and Regional Liaison Michael Jones at Senator Kay Hagan’s office were present.  Also in attendance was a returning Peace Corps volunteer from the Gambia Marisa Benzle, aka Fatou Manjang.

On Friday May 17, 2013 Raleigh Mayor Pro Tem Eugene Weeks, introduced by Co-Chairman Alkali Conteh, welcomed guests to the city and wished delegates a successful convention.  Chairman Conteh thanked the Mayor Pro Tem for coming and requested for the city to proclaim May 17 or May 18 as Gambian Day in Raleigh.  On Saturday May 18 2013, delegates deliberated on the most poignant issues of the gathering such as the violations of human rights in the Gambia, putting up a united opposition front against the Gambian dictatorship, lack of press freedom, enlisting the international community in our struggle, and mapping sustainable ways of financing the struggle.  The opposition party leaders pledged their commitment to work with the Gambian Diaspora to bring down tyranny in the country.  Conference delegates agreed to pursue legal actions against Yahya Jammeh, his government, and his interest pursuant to his continued disregard for the rule of law and human rights.  Convention concluded with the signing of a communiqué that comprise of action plans.

Below is the full text of the communiqué.

WE MUST NOT LET FEAR TO PARALYZE US

Sillah on the right with Ousainou Darboe, Amadou Scattred Janneh and Ousainou Mbenga

Gambian activist has called for an urgent need to put concerted efforts together in a bid to take down a dictator who “terrorizes us out of wits by the nearly two decades of virulent dictatorship, repression and state terrorism.”

Muhammed Lamin Sillah, the anchor of Gambian Experience on Kibaaro Radio, was the moderator of the Rule of Law at the just concluded Gambia Conference on Democracy and Good Governance in Raleigh, North Carolina.

“Many say it is because of fear,” Mr. Sillah said, believing that “fear is normal and human and even at times healthy. We can be afraid but we must not let fear to paralyze us. Fear is not a permanent quantity. It is dynamic, ever-changing even ephemeral and manageable with sober risk- assessment and risk taking. The thinking that Gambians are innately peaceful or cowardly is a myth held on to by those who have not studied our history properly. Between1850, when the king of Kombo was slain in Busumbala, to March 21^st 1901 with the defeat of Foday Kaba , all the communities straddling the Gambia River valley knew no peace, only war.”

“In our struggle for the restoration of sanity,” contended Sillah, “democracy and the rule of law in the Gambia therefore, the problem is not lack of courage, but lack of concerted direction of efforts. The problem is not the will but the way.” He said this was why “we have been called to assemble in this august gathering to try to collectively chart out a way forward towards National Liberation. We are on the verge of liberation and we must define a way towards that liberation and what that liberation is. In these deliberations, pluralism of views must be respected but once decisions are reached, commitment to compliance and implementation are paramount. In these deliberations we can hope to exhaust the questions around the way forward but not the definition of the liberation. That definition cannot be usurped by this conference as that is the work of voters in elections and referenda in the coming post Jammeh era.”

He said the august gathering was called “in order to take stock of efforts so far, by patriotic Gambians at home and abroad, to take back our country from the hands of an insane and bloody autocracy, and to chart a way forward towards achieving this goal,” he said, blaming Gambians for allowing “tyranny to triumph over us for too long. The incidence of tyranny may not have been sufficient to call a society weak, but its longevity certainly does. July 22^nd 1994 might have been an accident of history, an aberration, a whimsical episode, but its prolonged duration may be an indication of the health status of our society, the moral courage of its members and the level of commitment to it by its citizens.”

Mr. Sillah said “the Gambia is not a dictatorship by a caste, class or tribe of governing, exploiting and oppressing group of privileged people, as elsewhere. No. What obtains is a one-man rule, an autocracy that is not only kleptocratic but also psychopathic. An autocracy that seizes hold of hundreds of thousands of hectares of farmland  from communities all over the country and compel citizens, from soldiers, police officials, villagers, university students, to members of religious sects, to toil free-of-charge on those expropriated farms. An autocracy that claims to have cure for almost all the diseases we know of; that decides on the composition of the boards of Islamic bodies; of imamates, and of even the times we should do our prayers. A one-man rule which holds the country in an iron grip, emptying it of all its purposes and its raison d’etat.”

He said the Gambia’s “system of rule cannot exist for so long without citizens of that particular country being liable for some blame.” He asked whether the country’s small size of population and geography make it vulnerable and maneuverable to the whims and caprices of a tyrant and autocrat. “Is it that we are innately so cowardly that anyone can trample on us and our rights as he or she likes?  Are we as Gambians, so cheap and ignorant that we are ready to surrender all our rights and civil liberties for the sake of some ill-conceived, ill-planned and ill-coordinated gains in infrastructural developments? Gains, in fact, that for the most, look like they were more for the show, the kickbacks and the politicking than for their economic logic. Where are the signs of our manhood, our commitment to community and our sense of patriotism, solidarity and sacrifice for the right course?”

The former Secretary General of Amnesty International in the Gambia said the Raleigh conference must help to answer to answer so many vital questions such as where do we go from Raleigh, how do we help build a National Front of all opposition parties, groupings and tendencies inside and outside Gambia around a minimum program of working for the ousting of the Jammeh autocracy; its replacement with a transition government, enabling of national discourse to precede the usher of Third Republic. What institutional arrangement do we work out for the front that will unite and coordinate the activities of both domestic and Diaspora activities?”

He also believed that the Raleigh deliberations were crucial since they clearly defined the methods of struggle we are going to adopt – peaceful or armed, mass-based or conspiracy, coups or the hatching of plots.

“With Jammeh’s tightening control over Gambian Islam and ceaseless onslaught on the Muslim clergy, how can we court Gambian Islamists into our movement without losing the secularity of the struggle? How do we, as a front deal with foreign governments, especially Dakar? How do we avoid letting our struggle degenerate into personal squabbles, ethnic strife and national disintegration? How do we avoid the front becoming another epitome of disunity? Where do we stand on the coalition of the Six Opposition Parties and their boycott or non-participation in the electoral process, as they call it?  These and many more questions should be addressed in the course of this conference.”

RESOLUTION SEEKS TO RESTORE DEMOCRACY IN GAMBIA

Delegates adopting the final resolution

The Gambia Conference for Democracy and Good Governance wrapped up in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Sunday, with delegates adopting a resolution that seeks to restore true democracy in the West African country. The three-day conference was attended by Gambians from all walks of life. Below is the full text of the Raleigh Accord.

Preamble

Concerned about the deteriorating political, economic, social and human rights conditions in The Gambia which resulted from the unfortunate event of the AFPRC/APRC coup on July 22, 1994

Recognizing that the national political leadership (the opposition) has not relented in its efforts to restore sanity to Gambian politics;

Aware that the failure of these efforts to achieve the desired goal of restoring true democracy  is largely attributable to the unorthodox and criminal strategies employed by the Jammeh dictatorship;

Realizing that the fragmentation of the efforts of the opposition significantly undermined their impact;

Cognizant of the urgent need to put in place a centralized coordinating  mechanism that would, inter-alia, coordinate the  activities and efforts of the various opposition groups and camps,  and in effect, serve as the face of the struggle to restore democracy,  the rule of law and good governance to The Gambia;

The proposed structure will not seek to usurp the roles/rights of the individual parties and groups, but will strive to coordinate their efforts and strategies with a view to achieving the desired results.

That GDAG, STGDP, DUGA convened a conference in Raleigh North Carolina from the 17th to the 19th May 2013 to bring together the key players in the field (heads of political parties, politicians, civil society, and the media to dialogue and consult on the way forward.

The delegates assembled in Raleigh, NC have agreed to the following:

To form a Steering Committee (SC) to pursue an agenda for democratic change in The Gambia.

That the SC shall be responsible for the effective crafting and representation of the Agenda for change.

That the SC will identify and work with groups, organizations and institutions that are engaged in the struggle to promote good governance, democracy and the rule of law.

That the SC will serve as a link between the opposition movement in the Diaspora, political parties and civil society organizations and the media on the ground to promote the agenda for change.

The SC shall initiate contact with regional, sub-regional and international bodies and organizations with a view to enlist their support towards finding peaceful and democratic solutions to the Gambian political situation.

The SC shall mobilize the required funding and other logistics for the struggle and the agenda for change.

The SC shall encourage and support the reform agenda outlined by the G6.

The conference directs the conveners of the Raleigh gathering, STGDP, GDAG and DUGA-DC to act as committee pro-temp with the responsibility to put in place the permanent Steering Committee comprising representatives from Africa, North America, and Europe within 4 weeks.

Done in Raleigh, North Carolina, on this 19th Day of May 2013

Signed by

Omar A Jallow

A.N.M.Ousainou Darboe

Hamat NK Bah

Adelaide Sosseh

Dr Sedat Jobe

Maila Touray

Dr Abdoulaye   Saine

Dr Amadou S Janneh

Fatou Jaw Manneh

Bakary Bunja Darboe

Miss Sigga Jagne

Gambia Democratic Action Group

Save the Gambia Democracy Project

Democratic Union of Gambian Activist

“Our ultimate salvation is not in Senegal, Brussels or Washington D.C. Our success lies within ourselves; in our willingness to do what it takes to break the bondage of tyranny.  This is not to diminish the fundamentality of conducting diplomacy, which our Party is widely known for. Meetings and statements, important as they are, shall not get us to the ultimate destination. This is time for action.”

The above is contained in a solidarity message to the participants of the Gambia Conference on Democracy and Good Governance in Raleigh, North Carolina, The full text of the message sent by the Gambia Moral Congress party leader Lawyer Mai Fatty. The message below was ready by a veteran Gambian politician Omar Amadou Jallow.

On behalf of GMC, I have the honour and privilege to express our profound appreciation to the co-organisers and sponsors of Gam-conference 2013 – The Gambia Democratic Action Group, Save The Gambia Democracy Project and the Democratic Union of Gambian Activists. Allow me to make special mention of Mr. Alkali Conteh, Lamin Tunkara, Fatty Kunda Nyacho Banka Manneh, the able Pa Samba Jow, Musa Jeng, Comrade Ousainou Mbenga and the rest of crew. If your name is not mentioned, it is not because your role has not been generously acknowledged. Thank you very much for what you have been doing for our country.

Ladies and Gentlemen; I send you fraternal greetings from our Leadership and GMC supporters not only in The Gambia but around the world. We are with you each moment of this historic gathering right through to the implementation of its Resolutions. GMC congratulates you and wish you very successful deliberations. We also welcome the initiatives taken by our compatriots in England at the recent London Congress, which culminated in the election of a Committee under the Chairmanship of Hon. Bakary Darbo.

While congratulating all those elected to serve along with him, we wish to extend to them a generous hand of fraternity and solidarity. Allah, the Omnipotent, bears me witness that if there is anywhere else I would love to be today, it is to be with you right here in Raleigh, North Carolina. I did all within my human capacity to be able to join you here in resolving the urgent challenges confronting our nation and peoples. The Organising Committee of this Conference has been privy to those genuine efforts. Together, they supported me to make it a success, and I am thankful to them. Even with our combined efforts, unfortunately, my presence among you this time was not Decreed by Allah. I accept His Will with total submission, gratitude, faith and patience. I bear testimony to the unconditional acceptance of the undeniable truth that God’s time is the best, and I praise the Almighty for His absolute authority over me and my destiny.

Mr. Chairman, allow me this opportunity to express our strong commitment to our

enduring partnership with the United Democratic Party, in working together to forge significant political changes in our country. The UDP-GMC-PPP Alliance is grounded on trust, sincerity, principle, vision and profound respect. GMC remains loyal to the leadership of our great Alliance. I take this opportunity to convey the goodwill and solidarity of my leadership and that of our Party supporters to the UDP Secretary General and Leader of the UDP-GMC-PPP United Alliance, the Hon. Ousainu Darboe who is here with you in Raleigh. We thank him for his sterling leadership, for his statesmanship, for his rare service to our country, and for being a great role model to emerging politicians like us. Hon. Ousainu Darboe, let me assure you that you remain our leader, and that you can continue to depend on our loyalty and support. To Hon. Omar Jallow, I will compensate you for stealing your wife at a wrestling contest between us if my Nyancho Banka Manneh would be the referee. However, you can have consolation that she is in good hands and about me and her, reserve no worries. Hon Hamat Bah, I thank you for your care and visits during my hospitalization in Dakar. The times we spent together, and the discussions we had are fresh in my mind, and I value those moments. Njaarama.

Mr. Chairman, there is only one objective that merits exclusive focus: achieving total political change in our country. This effort must be championed and led by Gambians. No oppressed people that depend essentially on external assistance from tyranny ever succeeded in liberating themselves. We beg to differ with those who pin substantial hopes on a foreign government to launch them into the fulfillment of political ambition. The independence of our country shall not be compromised, the integrity of our institutions shall be enforced and the inviolability of our resources shall be protected.

Gambians shall liberate our country without appeasement to a certain country, which may potentially jeopardize our long term stability and independence. It would be unfortunate to subscribe to the principle of power delivered on a silver platter by a foreign government. This would be a dangerous miscalculation, an unrealistic aspiration, and a clear lack of vision. Here in Raleigh, we must pull our own weight and depend on it. We must make the necessary sacrifices ourselves, for no one shall fight our battle for us. By now, we must come to the inevitable realization that only we ourselves shall get the job, and we must assume that mindset supported by the right vision with targeted, pragmatic, result-oriented actions.

Our ultimate salvation is not in Senegal, Brussels or Washington D.C. Our success lies within ourselves; in our willingness to do what it takes to break the bondage of tyranny. This is not to diminish the fundamentality of conducting diplomacy, which our Party is widely known for. Meetings and statements, important as they are, shall not get us to the ultimate destination. This is time for action.

In charting a way forward, it must be understood and appreciated that your natural partner is the internal opposition on the ground. Let me trumpet it and clear here that there can be no successful political transformation that alienates the internal opposition, and by this I mean the opposition Parties on the ground. The international community will not open up to serious dialogue on the future of our country in any initiatives that set to render the internal opposition secondary. I know this. With all humility, we have had more consistent, diverse and extensive interaction and diplomatic intercourse with the international community than any existing Gambian political group.

For us to succeed, the Diaspora and the internal opposition on the ground must embrace each other, complimenting each other. We cannot succeed by mutual antagonism, mistrust, confrontation and competition. There was never a time, and there will not be a time during the struggle to cast aspersions on the internal opposition. The Gambian opposition, like the Diaspora reflects the nature of The Gambian society. We are what you are, so let us look inward. Yet there is hope. This Conference is intended to enable us banish negative values, and in their place enthrone a culture of cooperation and solidarity – working together in a united, concerted action as one entity, one people to deliver change to our citizens.

On the sensitive, but elusive issue of a united opposition on the ground, this is truly vital. It is the unanimous conviction of all stakeholders in the struggle for the opposition parties to unite under a single leadership. Speaking for our Alliance, we share this conviction.

However, it is easier said than done. The issue of a united opposition is the most complex labyrinth in the process. I am confident that the UDP-GMC-PPP Alliance shall continue to search for all avenues for a united opposition. Let me also state that no country in the world has had its opposition totally united in facing the incumbent. To demand 100% unity of the opposition parties is a continuous work in progress. The same way that Gambian Diaspora organisations cannot achieve unity although your objectives are identical, explains how tough the process may be. What is helpful is for you to help us overcome this challenge with wisdom and patience, not condemnation and vilification.

Lastly, our view of a successful conference is one that sets up an umbrella entity with the primary objective of supporting the capacity of the internal opposition as well empowering their structures on the ground. The notion of a conference to empower a diaspora entity as the face and soul of the struggle seeking the blessing of the internal opposition leadership to facilitate the same would be an unrealistic expectation. Anything that has the potential to split us into them and us should not find its way either directly or subtly in our deliberations or Resolutions. Regular contacts, consultation and coordination based on mutual respect, should dictate dealings between both sides.

Mr. Chairperson, GMC assures you our full support within the context of the United Alliance. We shall continue to consult within the Alliance with a view to harmonizing and coordinating policies and efforts that may emerge out of this Conference, where there is a convergence. I can also assure you that, under the leadership of Hon. Ousainu Darboe, the United Alliance shall continue to relentlessly search and work for the unity of the opposition parties on the ground. We ask for your support in facilitating this.

Once again, I pay homage to the organisers of this historic event. I would also like to recognize the presence of Hon. Bakary Bunja Darbo, Dr. Abdoulaye Saine, Dr. Sedat Jobe, Dr. Amadou Scatred Janneh, and all other Delegates who came from different States within the United States and outside of the United States. This is the opportunity we have been calling for. Let us make it a success in the interest of Mother Gambia. I formally request that this Statement be taken as part of the official records of this Conference.

May the Almighty Allah help us in liberating our country. Long Live the Republic of The Gambia! Thank you all.

A veteran Gambian politician wants the Gambia Conference for Democracy and Good Governance to shape a new destiny, new life and environment for all Gambians so that every Gambian will be proud to call that country home.

Omar Amadou Jallow, a former Agriculture Minister told delegates to discuss as matured human beings willing to accept their weakness and imperfection. He said by accepting our weakness and imperfection does not signify our weakness but strength.

Mr. Jallow promised “to stand up to the trust and confidence thousands of Gambians had in us and sent us here to discuss the issues that affect Gambians.”

He thanked the Mayor’s office for accepting Gambians and making them feel comfortable in this country.  Mr. Jallow was grateful to Gambians who have invested their resources and time to move the struggle that have been waged against dictatorship.

The leader of opposition National Reconciliation wanted the meeting can only be a meeting that operates within the laws and the constitution of the Gambia. “We are an official opposition group recognized by the law and whatever we do must be within the purview of law at home,” Hamat Bah said.

“We were advised that there is nothing wrong or subversive in the agenda. I hope this will be an opportunity for us to talk frankly and sincerely and honestly so that we can come out with something that nationally and internationally will be recognized as a fruitful document that will shape the way forward. It’s an important opportunity to come not only to give our position and the way we view the situation in the Gambia and way forward to honor the efforts some of you are investing. Your efforts are recognized. Get prepared. We are here to listen and to learn from you and give you people what we have or know what is on the ground.”

Ends

Pro Tem Mayor Eugene Weeks posing picture with some conference delegates

Gambian opposition leader Ousainou Darboe has advised delegates of the Gambia Conference on Democracy and Good Governance to address issues affecting their country with “frankness.”

Mr. Darboe said it would not make any sense for “us to come out of this conference without achieving anything” after all the resources and energy infested in organizing the two-day watershed event. He described the organizers of the conference as mere facilitators. As such the actual burden lies on the opposition to make sure whatever comes out of the conference succeeds.

“We have a duty to ensure that we free that country from dictatorship,” Mr. Darboe said. He said this should be done with united front and sincere commitment. In that he wants delegates to say what they mean.  “We cannot come here and play to the gallery. We have to speak and talk frankly,” Lawyer Darboe said. In the absence of that delegates will go home empty-handed.

Mr. Darboe was grateful to the city of Raleigh, especially Eugene Weeks, who represented the city. His presence at the program, Mr. Darboe added, “shows that there are people of moral and political statue who share special values with us; the values that we pursue are the values the United States government is built on.”

The UDP leader relayed the message from Gambians in general, particularly the women wing of his party who have been at the forefront in the struggle; who have been bulwarks against the dictatorship in the Gambia. “They have asked that I conveyed to you that these deliberations should be done in a matured and dispassionately order. You cannot discuss the affairs of any nation with emotions, with passions. We have to be less emotive, dispassion and accommodating. We will fail in our effort if we behave in that way.”

Ends

The journey to start fixing the Gambia’s broken democratic and governance system began with an official ceremony in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina, on Friday night.

Organized by the Gambia Democratic Action Group (GDAG) in collaboration with Save the Gambia Democratic Project (SGDP) and the Democratic Union of Activists (DUGA), two-day conference proper starts on Saturday.

The Chairman of GDAG, Alkali Conteh, who welcomed the guests, said he was excited by the commitment being demonstrated by Gambians. Mr. Conteh said the meeting was the fruit of two months of organization involving GDAG and SGDP. He said the conference is all about bringing Gambians together to discuss their country’s democratic and governance problems. “It takes the form of a bantaba style, which allows people to discuss their problems,” he said.

SDGP executive member, Banka Manneh, said the Raleigh meeting will be a turning point for our country’s struggle to regain sanity in the Gambia. “It is a testament for the landmark everyone has done,” he said, explaining how organizers with different ideas fight before they finally come to a conclusion.

He said the most gratifying about the moment in Raleigh is that it shows the undivided resolve that Gambians have to fix their country’s broken democratic and governance problems.

Eugene Weeks, who deputized for the Mayor of Raleigh, said it’s an honor for him to welcome the guest to Raleigh. He was inspired by the enthusiasm of Gambians who are doing their best to bring about change in their country. He said such a momentum is laudable. Mr. Weeks extended the city’s hospitality to delegates and assured them of the city’s support.

By Pata PJ

I know it is very easy to be worn out on a long walk where the finish-line is not at sight. And I am talking about the psychological more than the physical wearing down. In that case, you could only be driven by DETERMINATION, FAITH, CONVICTION and LOVE.

Nineteen Years of prolonged but persistent combat against Tyranny and Anarchy in Banjul, more than half of my human life. Yet, there are people who from day one, stood up against Jammeh and his armed bandits (even before the selfish, vicious civilian cronies jumped to hug him) who hijacked our society and nation, and the same people stayed staunched and determined today than ever in their pursuit of restoring democracy, justice and decency in our homeland. They forfeited a lot they could have enjoyed as Gambians. They have invested human and material resources in this fight but never looked back a day, to quantify what they had given up. They assumed them to be sunk costs. To them, I say THANK YOU! You all spur us on.

May 17-19, 2013, is, and should be significant. The Raleigh Summit is very timely – not overdue. I am aware that there had been meetings, marches and demonstrations by Gambians all over the world to condemn and denounce Jammeh and his brutal regime in the past, and I am not going to even attempt taking away anything from them. Those gatherings gave birth to the waves of resistance we are seeing in the social media and the sporadic individual resistances and disobedience to Jammeh and his system, under his nose. What makes the North Carolina event different is the PROACTIVE dimension and intent, for most of OUR moves in the past were mostly REACTIONARY. Not to say that is any bad, for they have been effective especially lately. But I am excited by the thoughtfulness of a very active people in the struggle who birthed a very promising belief that we cannot be waiting for Jammeh to always act in a daring fashion for us to sprint. That means he is dictating the show. That means he has absolute advantage over us and his irrational (mis)behavior becomes stimulants for our hidden capabilities.

So irrespective of the number of attendees (and I hope we have our highest record turnout), this would be a representation of ‘willing Gambians’ who want to see meaningful political change in Banjul. And personally, I throw my weight of support and trust behind them to discuss and do what they deem to be in best interest our Country. In gatherings of this nature, there are always going to disagreements; both in principle and in action. That is very normal. That is the beauty of what we are trying to bring to the Gambia – Democracy. Variances in opinion are healthy, as long as they are genuine and could necessitate copious and profitable discourses. Things become awry when people build resistance to inviting foreign perspectives that would give an alternative to the beliefs and positions they hold.

Talking to a friend of mine last night who asked if I would be going to the Summit, I was left disappointed and hurt when I answered him and posed the same question to him. He said “Heck No. Bro I have to be able to go back to the Gambia. Having your face out there is a huge risk that one takes, knowing we still have no idea when Jammeh is leaving. Besides, you guys keep fighting within yourselves. Sort that one out first”. As angry and disappointed as I was, I was able to bridle them for I had some choice words that I almost sent his way but I exercised restraint. I know he is not alone. We have scores of Gambians feeling the same way. That is why we have a silent majority in Country where the blatant disregard for rule of law and human life is accelerating. But whether that is a weak excused-reasoning or not, is up to opinions. I am not the one to dismiss them, for some of their fears are genuine. But it takes selflessness and patriotism (a world I don’t love to use because of what it means in Banjul) to fight for country.

Speaking/standing up against injustice and repression in any way possible is a constitutional and human responsibility we have as a people. Hon. B.B Dabo said it better. If our wants to be able safely go in and out of the Gambia is what we see today, at the pace that things are going in our country, if we do not do anything to immediately reprove it, there may come a time that we wouldn’t even be able head home. So think about that.

On the ‘perceived’ infighting, we have to understand that it is natural. We have to understand that some of what we thought to be divisions are in fact the boiling passion that we all have to attain the same outcome. Our MODs to get to the ‘promise land’ are what’s different thus illuminating and magnifying our ‘differences’. To take consolation from successful fights in the history of struggles against injustice, The Civil Rights Movements in the United States had to go through their bumpy roads. So did the South African Freedom Fighters against Apartheid. Brother Malcolm X and Rev Martin Luther had their clear differences and both camps on many occasions, took jabs at each other. They had differences in ideology and tactics – Necessitated Self-Defense or Non-Violence. And in South African, African National Congress (ANC) had internal fall-outs that led to the formation of Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), a group that would later lead one of the most violent demonstrations that had 69 people killed in Sharpeville. But what was undeniable in these situations was their common desire to effect changes by defeating oppression, repression, segregation and Injustice. So we are not any different.

I am hopeful, that the London Conference on May 11 and the Raleigh Summit, would lead to a more viable, pragmatic and functional boulevard to coordinating our efforts that would earn us a neat and cohesively married household. A household of less disintegrated voices that would be effective and results-oriented. I pray that sanity and understanding prevail in your honest discourses and/or deliberations to ensure conclusiveness in tangible outlines to end two decades of a doddering, impotent and autocratic regime in the Land of Our Fathers – The Gambia.

Below is a comparative analysis of why President Jammeh can be considered as the best and worst Head of State for the Gambia.

10 reasons why President Yahya Jammeh is the Best President for the Gambia

1. Jammeh removed a government that had stayed in power for over 30 years and perceived by many at the time to be inept and corrupt and consequently deprived the Gambia of much needed development. Jawara was regarded by some during his last years in power as a weak President who had no effective control over some of his ministers and certain public servants were perceived as corrupt.

2. In his first 10 years in power, Jammeh carried out major infrastructure developments i.e.  he created a University, built a TV station, built schools, hospitals, roads and bridges etc.

3. Jammeh gave job opportunities to many from all walks of life regardless of their social status, education and or experience and as a result many held ministerial and high positions in government.

4. Jammeh gave out huge sums of money to musicians, youth groups, footballers, associations and many others in appreciation of their work and to help them develop.

5. Jammeh provided tractors and farming implements to farming communities, gave many vehicles to institutions and provided food items (sugar, rice, oil, biscuits etc) to many.

6. Jammeh provided “free” tickets to Muslim pilgrims going to the Hajj in Mecca and Christian pilgrims going to Rome and Jerusalem.

7.  Jammeh organized a successful AU Head of State Summit in June 2006 which placed The Gambia on the world map. The Gambia is also home to the African Commission on Human on & Peoples’ Right.

8. As a peace maker and a Pan-Africanist, Jammeh made great strides in an attempt to broker peace deals between warring factions in Guinea Bissau, MFDC rebels and the Senegalese Government and between Liberian war lords.

9. Jammeh gave amnesty to the first President of the Republic of The Gambia Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara and allowed him to return home with monthly benefits paid to him including a handful of staff to look after him.

10. Jammeh has been holding regular elections every five years thereby allowing Gambians to elect their leaders.

10 Reasons WHY Yahya Jammeh is the Worst President of Gambia

1. Jammeh unlawfully removed a government that was democratically elected, peaceful, held regular free and fair elections, a government that respected human rights especially freedom of expression and generally adhered to the principles of rule of law and good governance.

2. Many of the infrastructural edifices constructed by Jammeh over the last 15 years have fallen into disrepair because of either shoddy workmanship and or lack of maintenance. Moreover, the newly built schools lacks enough qualify teachers and books and the hospitals do not have adequate equipment, enough qualify medical staff and medicines. Meanwhile Jammeh has embarked on controversial and unverified alternative treatments of ailments such as HIV & AIDS, Asthma, Diabetic, Infertility, hypertension etc. 

3. Although Jammeh gave job opportunities to many, there are countless among them who are grossly incompetent and lack the requisite educational requirements with little or no experience and their tenure of office depends on their total loyalty to Jammeh alone and not to the job.

4. Yahya exhibits complete disregard for accountability of tax payer’s money and public funds. He does whatever he likes with public funds with impunity and regards the Central Bank and funds of public institutions and para-statals as his own money. He claims to get his money from Allah’s World Bank and he regards and deals with donor aid and funding as his own personal funds. Jammeh engages in all manner of businesses in the country and it is alleged that his businesses do not pay the required taxes. He coerces people to provide free labour on his farms.

5. Jammeh has no regard and respect for institutions and many heads of institutions have been sacked, detained and basically terrorized by Jammeh. They are requested to obey any and all directives given by Jammeh whether it is in accordance with given policies and or laid down by procedure. Religious leaders have been compromised into agreeing with everything he does and says and the few that express contrary views are either incarcerated or forced into exile.

6. Under Jammeh’s rule, there have been documented cases of disappearances, kidnappings, torture, attempted murders, extra judicial executions and poisoning of perceive enemies and opponents. Many revelations have been brought to light either by those who have been victims and or those who used to work for Jammeh but have now jumped ship and fled the country. Despite the Gambia being the home of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Right a credit to the then Jawara regime, Jammeh has publicly stated that he has no regard for the principles of human rights and good governance which he considers as western concepts.

7. Jammeh has over the years usurped the independence of the judiciary. Mercenary Judges mainly from Nigeria and with the support and connivance of unscrupulous Gambian lawyers and Judges have over the years turn the Judiciary into a lame duck institution where judgments are dictated by the whims and caprices of  Jammeh. Judges and magistrates take instructions from Jammeh and they are also removed as and when he wishes. People have lost faith in a Judiciary which is today regarded as partial, inept and corrupt.

8. Jammeh’s attempt to broker peace deals between warring factions in Guinea Bissau, MFDC rebels and the Senegalese Government and between Liberian war lords have been considered a total sham. In fact he is considered in many quarters as a supporter and sponsor of the MFDC rebels.  Jammeh cannot show any success in his quest as a peace maker and a Pan Africanist. In fact he is not regarded as a serious President by his fellow African Presidents and no one regards him as a serious Pan Africanist. His is only a delusion. Have you ever wondered why Jammeh never mentions names like Nelson Mandela of South Africa and Festus Mogae of Botswana as his mentor or as a Pan Africanist? It is alleged that Nelson Mandela especially had in the past shunned him for his usual nonsense and immature talk on governance and world politics.

9. After digging for many years into the affairs of the former Head of State (Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara) and being unable to link him directly to corruption and ill-gotten wealth, Jammeh had to retract from labeling President Jawara as “Alibaba” the thief to an “honest elderly statesman”. Meanwhile Jammeh carries on plundering the Gambian economy for his own personal gains and acquiring hundreds of properties unlawfully and he is allegedly said to be involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.

10. The political climate of fear, thuggery and intimidation before, during and after elections, and the fact that the ruling party has all the state machinery at its disposal and a politicized civil service and security forces means that there can be no free and fair election in the Gambia. 

Now over to you the Gambian Jury out there, the vote is yours. Is Jammeh the best President or the Worst President to have ruled Gambia? Or are you still undecided?

 From Papa Kumba Loum