The massive demonstrations held in New York City, London, Sweden and in many other Cities around the world is a clear indication that President Jammeh MUST GO and safe our country from total destruction and blood-shed. His behavior has not only turned-off the entire Gambian population, but turned-off also every international community. I have been talking to so many Black Americans and Asian community who have all expressed their outrage over the killing of innocent students in a country which had known peace for decades. Now the word PEACE IS MORE THAN JUST A NAME to every GAMBIAN living in and outside the country. The important question WE GAMBIANS NOW FACE is how do we GET RID OFF JAMMEH? Do we use the BALLOT-BOX, or do we use ANY MEANS NECESSARY? Another important question we face is, WHO IS THE RIGHT PERSON TO REPLACE HIM? Starting with the former question, could Jammeh be voted out in a free and fair election? And will he accept a defeat and step down? I think the answer to this question could only be possible if Jammeh lifts the ban on all political parties and encourage the atmosphere for a free and fair election where INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS WOULD BE ALLOWED TO COME AND ORGANIZE AND MONITOR THE ELECTIONS. But past and present experiences have clearly illustrated that Jammeh will not be willing to invite International observers to come and arrange and monitor a free and fair election; because he knows that even past elections, he rigged it by force, that could have been the elections which he could have won squarely. Now could he win elections under such turmoil and dislike and anger, ofcourse not. So therefore, could Jammeh be removed by ballot box? Obviously, he would do what ever it takes to remain in power. The above analyses takes us to our latter question, ie BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY? May be not. We do not need bloodshed in one of the most beautiful and peaceful countries in the world. A country which had been firm friends with the international community could not afford to encourage bloodshed; and more significantly, WE GAMBIANS DO NOT WANT A CIVIL WAR, and this is the SEED which Jammeh has sown, encouraged and is currently practicing. A presidency which has been based on only INSULTS, THREATENING TO BURY PEOPLE SIX FEET DEEP, KILLING, RAPING OUR WOMEN, TRIBALISM, LAVISHING OUR RESOURCES ON MARRIAGE CEREMONIES, SENDING 40 PEOPLE TO MECCA UNNECESSARILY, STEALING, LYING ETC. will not ofcourse be ready to encourage a free and fair election. Then do we have to used force to eject him? Or do we have to beg the international community to help us. The option of appealing to the international community would only prolong the situation, since countries such as the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany etc would only act when their own interests are absolutely threatened, or when situations back home becomes totally worst, which we do not hope to happen. MY PRINCIPAL QUESTION TO YOU FELLOW GAMBIA-LERS IS WHAT THEN DO WE HAVE TO DO TO GET RID OFF THIS MAD MAN CLINCHING ON TO POWER? Do we have to be patience and hope that one day a free and fair elections would get rid of him? Or do we have to use any means necessary? Finally, after all said and done, who will be the right person for our beautiful country who will bring tremendous peace and harmony, and credibility back into the country? This will be another difficult undertaking, which we all need to weigh in. To that end, LONG LIVE THE GAMBIA, LONG LIVE FELLOW GAMBIA-LERS. ANSUMANA KUJABI ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.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 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------