My Dear good Dr,
I do agree with you that sometimes our political differences are reduced to
very low level of personal differences,this is without doubt very
unfortunate.Such debating tactics are off course as a result of the fact that
one is not in the position of stating clearly what one is against or for,this
is very unhealthy.
But there are some issues that you raised in your article which sounds very
compromising,I think politically it will be wrong to compromise the future and
or lay grounds for a political compromise with a political force that is bend
on political tactics much more disturbing than ever experience in the
political history of our dear nation.
But first ,on the past years of the Jawara regime,30 years of neo-colonial
rule,did reduced our dear nation to that of a begging status,corruption,tribal
confusion,the decaying poverty etc could not only be placed in a
museum,without bringing those responsible to account.This will be in
contradiction with any effort geared towards national compromise,it will not
be a sign of respect for all those who have have suffered under such
conditions.Not even to talk of parents who spent all day,from sun up to sun
set,on the land,producing not only for themselves but for the development of
our dear nation,they do pay tax,but never had access to clean drinking
water,no medicines at hospitals,their children died before reaching the
hospital whiles those responsible could travel to London for a holiday,or to
play golf at the expense of the nation.To say that these people should be
given the opportunity to participate again in the political life of our
nation,in my opinion is no call to democracy.But turning the clock of national
development backward,this will be unfortunate for our dear nation.
Yes then comes the APRC government.I dont agree with Ebrima Ceesay that things
are different in the country,because we moved from military rule to Civilian
rule.I have it very difficult to see the differences.It was not under military
rule that Syngle Nyasse,among others, was unlawfully arrested,detained and
tortured,it was not under military rule that Demba Jawo was arrested and
detained,it was not under military rule that the press bill was prepared,it
was not under military rule that our hospitals were rob of X-ray machines and
incubators,etc,etc.Who were those denied traveling out of the country under
military rule ?What Ebrima failed to see and understand is that we have
opposition parties and elements who never allow themselves to be silent with
unlawful arrest,detention and torture.They continued to show resistance and
demand democratic changes,if our country have become more democratic it is not
as a result of goodwill political gesture but as a result of the consistent
struggle of ordinary Gambians.We must continue to speak out against
injustice.
We have in these days been reading interesting revelation from Ebou
Jallow,when a president handle national property,transferring loans from one
personal account to another and in millions,like personal property,the
sincerity of such a political leadership to national development is without
doubt very questionable.And now the national debt stands at more than 4
billion dallasis,(yet there are no funds to print birth certificate)who is
going to pay for all these monies ?is it not the ordinary Gambian people ?We
know that despite this huge debt problem,which will have to increase,a month
hardly pass without hearing that the president is on tour,security at the
state house is costing our nation millions,how much is the security of the
president at Kaninlia costing our nation ?Should one go in to political
compromise with such a political force.It is not reforms we need but total
political change.
In that regard I demand that;
1)The AFPR government be dissolved immediately
2)To set up a commission that will look into all loans that have been taking
in the name of the Gambian people
3)To set up a transitional national unity government that will have as an
assignment
a)The review of the constitution
B)Prepare a national election
C)Set up a committee that will have as an assignment to recover all
national property and bring all those who have misuse their office and other
state apparatus for personal and collective interest
4)Set up a committee to find out the truth behind the death of Ousman Koro
Ceesay and Sadibu Hydara
5)Release all political prisoners.
For Freedom
Saiks
G-L Community:
I have been greatly enriched by my association with the Bantaba and over
the year that I have been a member, I have been impressed by the
diversity of views expressed. Yet, I am also saddened by the pain that
seem to be at the core of our constant criticisms against Jammeh and
Jawara. Clearly, the coup in 1994 and its aftermath have had and
continue to have a traumatizing effect on all Gambians. The criticisms
leveled against Jammeh and his Government and for that matter Jawara's
by well meaning people, reflect the hurt and trauma I spoke of earlier.
Both Jawara and Jammeh have made mistakes. It has been pointed out by
many that Sir Dawda made many mistakes during his thirty year rule. And
needless to say Jammeh has also had his share of mistakes. It is time to
move the debate beyond blame and recrimination and propose concrete
remedies to both the political impasse/stalemate on Gambia-L and in the
country of our birth, Gambia. The reality is Jammeh is President and
Jawara is not. Both Jammeh and Jawara are not perfect.
And it appears that the overwhelming sentiment on the L and Gambia,
though expressed differently, lead ultimately toward improving the lives
of Gambians. This ought to be the theme that unifies us as a people.
This unity of purpose does not mean necessarily that we would all agree
on an issue, but it should guide us as we pursue a common vision for
Gambia with other Gambians.
What can we do as a community of Gambians and people interested in
Gambia to influence and shape in a decisive and positive way political
events unfolding in Gambia? How can we begin to engage President Jammeh
and his Government and influence him in the direction we desire and
toward that vision? What compromises is Jammeh willing to make? What
concessions must we make?
It seems that the L and the political situation at home are populated by
some individuals who speak at and alienate each other. We need to get
to the next level, I suggest, by proposing solutions to Gambia's current
political crisis. The criticism leveled against Jawara and Jammeh during
their recent visits to the U.S., have had an effect, admitted by them or
not.
Let us turn to a new page!
From the discussion over the last year certain key concerns we appear to
share are summarized below. These include:
a)A Gambia where individuals can pursue a livelihood in dignity while
enjoying basic freedoms and to vote in a government of their choice
unrestrained by the state or its authorities;
b)A political atmosphere were fear of retribution is not a constraint to
the expression of one's beliefs, either in print or verbally; and
c)Political participation as a right that all Gambians are entitled.
If my reading of the Bantaba and the crisis at home are accurate, we
must begin to work with President Jammeh, his Government and the Gambian
People to resolve these issues. And as the Presidential and National
Assembly elections are fast approaching, it is imperative that the
political system be opened up.
I propose that at minimum, all political parties and politicians that
were banned shortly before the 1996 elections, be unbanned and let the
Gambian people decide who rules them.
The latter it appears to me and many more on the Bantaba, is a way to
realizing this vision for Gambia and Gambians. To me, this is beyond
partisan politics. It is life of a people and of future generations.
This could be our challenge to President Jammeh and his government.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Abdoulaye Saine
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L
Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
____________________________________________________________________
Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L
Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
