Mr. Jaiteh,
A very sound and objective analysis.
Best Regards,
Ablie Njie- Lekbi
>From: Malanding Jaiteh <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: A SENEGALESE SHOT ; Senegalo-Gambian relations
>Date: Tue, 3 Feb 2004 11:09:19 -0500
>
>Sister Jabou,
>The following is a version of the story as reported by hte Daily
>Observer. I do not read much French so cannot say much about this
>version, but I hope that all people concern (Gambian and Senegalese) see
>this event in the right perspective. Reading story a number of things
>came to mind.
>While the failure to stop may have been geniune error of judgement which
>could have been caused by many things, knowing miliraty check points one
>really run the risk of being shot by ignoring orders to stop.
>Also having past through this said check point several times month
>(between ) it is hard to imagine how the Soldiers could tell before
>shooting if the motorist is a Gambian or Senegalese if he failed to stop
>as reported.
>
>With regards the greater Senegalo-Gambian relationship I must say things
>are not looking good atleast for the near future. My observation is that
>the two people are increasing losing to extremist on both sides. There
>are influential media houses in Senegal who do not hesitate to call a
>school yard brawl in Sare Mankamang Kunda Anti-Senegalais. What is even
>worrying is that, to many of these commentators, there is no difference
>between Yahya Jammeh government and the Gambian people. In other words
>it does not matter whether it happens in the curridors of State House or
>Faros of Kiang, Gambians are bent on bringing down the high and mighty
>Senegal. This I believe was what led to Gambia football fans being
>provoked and beaten by first ordinary Senegal and then by law
>enforcement agents as a way to get even with Yahya Jammeh.
>Such rethoric is received with great disappointment and bewilderment by
>moderate Gambians who are fighting a losing battle against the
>extremist. The extremists on our sides are arguing that it is hopeless
>to try to put sense into Senegal. That any attempt to explain to Senegal
>about rationalizing our relationship will seen as Gambians weaking to
>Senegal's hardline stance. In order words let's show them what we have
>got ant see who blinks first. There are signs that this group has the
>upper hand at the moment.
>At the end the two people will lose out. Restricting Senegalese traffic
>across the River Gambia may mean Senegales paying dearly using
>alternative routes, but it also means lost revenue to the Gambian
>government and biusinesses. It is interesting that the towns of Farafeni
>and Soma the two fastes growing urban centers in the 80s/early 90s have
>have experienced depopulation, over the last 7 yrs. These are some of
>the casualties of strained Senegalo-Gambian relationship.
>In the long-term, I believe Gambia will be the ultimate loser in a
>prolonged Senegalo-Gambian fight. Senegal is not only bigger and more
>populous than the Gambia, it also hold a key to access to and from the
>Gambia. There is no doubt the Gambia has competive advantages over
>Senegal, but if anything else I think it more of a competitive obstacle
>to Senegal. With time, Senegal's focus and determination will make them
>less dependent on the Gambian River. A Senegal who does not need the
>Gambia is definitely a much more problem than many of the extremist can
>imagine. This unfortunately is largely ignored by our policy makers but
>may be the ultimate obstacle to our dreams of becoming a Singapore of
>West Africa.
>A wiser Gambia should push for creating synergies between Senegal and
>the Gambia. I believe that will only enhance our ability to compete in
>the long-term. Senegal has the Airport, we have the Seaport. Senegal
>needs access across Gambia, we need access into and across Senegal.
>Creating a free port in the Gambia will not pay dividens if we are
>unable to push the excess good into and through Senegal cheaply.
>However, our current postures will not help. To extremists on both
>sides, Gambians and Senegalese must see themselves as FARA and JAMBA
>KATANG. To believe that each can prosper by going our separate ways is
>seriously flawed.
>
>
>Malanding Jaiteh
>
>
>Soldiers shoot runaway driver
>Police urge drivers to cooperate
>By Frederick Tendeng
>Jan 30, 2004, 10:56
>
> Email this article
><mailto:?subject=Soldiers%20shoot%20runaway%20driver%3Cbr%3EPolice%20urge%20drivers%20to%20cooperate&body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.observer.gm%2Fartman%2Fpublish%2Farticle_920.shtml>
>Printer friendly page
><http://www.observer.gm/artman/publish/printer_920.shtml>
>
>Pape Fall, a Senegalese mechanic operating in Tallinding,was Wednesday
>night shot and wounded by soldiers at a checkpoint on the Kombo Coastal
>Road.
>
>When contacted by the Daily Observer, police spokesman Superintendent
>Pah-Amady Jallow said the incident occurred between 1am and 2am when Mr
>Faal who was driving a vehicle was ordered by soldiers to stop for a
>routine check but disobeyed and instead sped away. Supt Jallow said the
>soldiers fired warning shots into the air in vain.
>
>"Pape Fall's persistence in ignoring the warning shots left the security
>forces with no option other than to disable the suspicious vehicle as a
>result of which he sustained injuries on his shoulder," he said.
>
>In the wake of the shooting, the police spokesman stated, "I want to
>remind the general public that checkpoints are mounted for the security
>of Gambians and non-Gambians and people should therefore respect them.
>Failure to comply with security forces at checkpoints always raise
>suspicions. In certain instances, the security forces would be compelled
>to act in the interest of the security of the country. I consequently
>urge the general public to comply with security forces at checkpoints."
>
>Supt Jallow said the police have opened an investigation to determine Mr
>Faal's mission at the time of the incident.
>Mr Fall is being treated at Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital.
>© Copyright 2003 by Observer Company
>
>
>.
>
>Jabou Joh wrote:
>
>>Binneh,
>>
>>I heard about this but how about an English version of this story?
>>
>>Jabou Joh
>>
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