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

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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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