Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 023/2007, 26-27 February 2007
Editorial
SENEGALESE ELECTION LESSONS
As we go to press the electorate of our only neighbour, Senegal, are going
to the polls. The campaign has not been without hitches, but one thing is
quite evident – security forces have not put themselves in a compromising
situation to be used as a pawn at the service of the ruling party. Rather, they
have displayed a fair degree of neutrality and professionalism in their conduct.
The media as a whole has played the honourable role of providing a channel
for candidates to be heard by the electorate. Both the non-governmental and
the state owned media, be they the print or electronic media, gave a wide
coverage of the campaign and polling.
The non-governmental media were not afraid of closure consequent upon their
broadcast or publication of views of political opponents. Even the state owned
television was not transformed into the mouth piece of the ruling party. Not
only were political parties granted equal air time for party political
broadcast, Abdoulie Wadda’s image and footages of his activities did not
overwhelm the electorate to give him an edge over his opponents. These broadcasts
were given priority because of their importance and made at peak periods.
No one felt threatened of losing one’s job because of lack of support for
the ruling party or supporting the opposition. Many Gambians who monitored the
campaign felt the free atmosphere that prevailed during the campaign.
One thing that many Gambians also appreciated is the sight of Senegalese
voters queuing to vote in The Gambia. Well, this is not the first time. The
Senegalese have given effect to the right of their citizens abroad to vote unlike
The Gambia.
Section 26 of the constitution makes the right to vote a fundamental right.
Paragraph (b) states:
“Every citizen of The Gambia of full age and capacity shall have the right,
without unreasonable restrictions to vote and stand for elections at genuine
periodic elections for pubic office, which elections shall be universal and
equal suffrage and be held by secret ballot.”
Section 39 (1) which is an entrenched clause states:-
“Every citizen of The Gambia being eighteen years or older and of sound mind
shall have the right to vote for the purpose of elections of a President
…………”
Every citizen here means every citizen, whether resident in The Gambia or
abroad. This is why the Elections Decree makes provision in section 141 for
Gambians abroad to participate in presidential elections. It states:
“The Independent Electoral Commission may make rules for Gambians in any
foreign country to vote in a Presidential election.”
President Jammeh however sees this issue differently. He feels that the
thousands of Gambians abroad who plough a thousand or so million dalasi into the
economy each year and help to stabilize the foreign exchange balance should
come to The Gambia every five years in order to vote.
This attitude has killed the spirit of the IEC to register Gambians abroad
to vote at elections. In short, one can safely say tens of thousands living
abroad have been disenfranchised. There has to be a turn around.
DR. BADARA LOUM GRANTED BAIL
Dr Badara Loum, a Former Permanent Secretary at the Department of State for
Agriculture has been released on bail, reliable sources informed this paper.
A source informed this paper that Loum was granted bail by Justice Dordzie
of the Banjul High Court on Thursday. This release came in the wake of an
application for bail filed by his counsel.
A reliable source has informed this paper that the state has preferred
charges against him.
AT THE COURT MARTIAL,
2nd LIEUTENANT SANYANG TESTIFIES
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Second Lieutenant Pharing Sanyang, who is standing trial at the court
martial for his alleged involvement in March 21st 2006, abortive coup, has
testified before the court on Friday 23rd February 2006 at Yundum Barracks.
2nd Lieutenant Sanyang told the court that on the 21st March 2006 he was at
his office at the State Guards Headquarters. He said that he was later
informed by his Second-In- Command (2/IC) of the battalion, Captain Famara Jammeh,
that he had information about a coup being planned by some people. Sanyang
indicated that he asked Jammeh who gave him the information. He noted that
Jammeh told him that he got a phone call from one Warrant Officer second class
(WO2) Gibba of The Gambia Armed Forces. He said that both of them tried to keep
in touch with their commander, Major Sering Momodou Njie (then a Captain).
He said while he and Jammeh were trying to reach Commander Njie through
telephone, Jammeh left for his office. He said that he later got in touch with
Major Njie and asked him whether Captain Jammeh had informed him about what was
going on. Lieutenant Sanyang indicated that Major Njie told him that Jammeh
had informed him about it and gave brief explanation. He said that Major Njie
told him that he (Njie) was at around the Serrekunda market but that they
should meet at the State House. Sanyang indicated that he also told Major Njie
that he would rush to his office to pick up his rifle and other military
gears. He said that when he arrived at the State House, Major Njie gave him a
batch of soldiers to go and take care of the airport security before the arrival
of the President.
Lieutenant Sanyang indicated that he then checked their military equipment
and later realised that some of them were not in good condition. “When we
changed the ammunitions until everything was intact, I then asked my men, whether
they are good to go, they said ‘Sir, if you are good to go, we are good to
go,’” he said. He said that while they were boarding the truck for the
airport, Commander Njie was making arrangements to deploy other soldiers to go and
arrest those people whose names were involved in the alleged coup plot. He
pointed out that he left for the airport at around 6:00pm. He said that he
later realised that his communication radio batteries were weak. He narrated that
he later called his younger brother to check his brief case and take some
money to buy eight credit cards of Gamcel, including one Africell credit card.
He said that he distributed it among the phones in the platoon for them to be
communicating with each other. Sanyang noted that he then tasked various
groups for their responsibilities and deployed them to various security points
of the airport.
He said that he was later called by Major Njie to enquire about the
situation on the ground. “I told him ‘Sir, as for now there is no problem’. I also
asked him whether I can take the control tower and allow no plane to land
until the president arrived. He asked me to wait for his orders before I can give
any orders. The president arrived at around 11:00pm to 12:00midnight. I went
with Major Njie to receive the president at the foot of the air craft;” said
Sanyang. He said that Major Njie and the president left for the State House.
He said that he was later ordered by Major Njie through telephone that he
should hold the ground for forty eight (48) hours.
“I was there until at the early hours of the 22nd March 2006. In the
morning, when Lieutenant Musa Jammeh, alias Malya Mungu, Lieutenant Alieu Ceesay,
Sergeant Sulayman Badjie and Sergeant Buba Badjie came, they told me that they
had come to change my position and also check my health condition. Lieutenant
Ceesay took over my position and I joined the vehicle with Lieutenant Jammeh
with the two Sergeants. When we reached the Mile Two gate, Musa Jammeh told
the driver to drive into the Mile Two premises.
When we arrived he asked me to hand over my rifle to him. I asked him why
and he responded ‘You are under arrest’, said Sanyang.” I then handed my rifle
to him, plus the ammunitions, pistol, explosives and my Wedding Jacket as
well. He then called, Lance Corporal Malick Jatta, Corporal Ismaila Jammeh,
Private Alieu Jeng and Private Michael Jatta, he told them to take me and sort
me out. I asked him for what they were taking me. He said they are going to
punish you. I asked him why? He said, ‘You have some connection to the coup
plotters’. I told him that I had no connection with the coup plotters. He said,
if they deal with you that will be the time you will know that you have
connections with them,” Sanyang narrated. He said that he was then handcuffed and
made to join a vehicle with Malick Jatta sitting at his left while Private
Jeng sat at his right and Corporal Jammeh took the front seat and they headed
for the NIA Headquarters.
The case was adjourned till 1st March 2007.
BETRAND SAMBOU ARRESTED
Mr. Betrand Sambou, a native of the Casamance region in Southern Senegal,
was arrested by the Sibanor Police few weeks ago.
According to a relative of Mr. Sambou who lives in The Gambia his arrest
came after when one Young man was apprehended by the Police at a Bulock check
point. Mr. Sambou was said to have been approached by the Police who arrested
him on the spot and took him to Sibanor Police post from where he was later
transferred to the Serious Crime Unit at Police headquarters in Banjul where he
is reported to have been held presently.
Foroyaa made effort to get in touch with the police to verify rumours of
Mr. Sambou’s link with the insurgencey and /or the reason for his arrest.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Aziz Bojang, told
this reporter that he is presently busy on preparation to go on a mission.
Superintendent Bojang then advised this reporter to wait for his successor or
contact any other person in the Police Force. This reporter went to the
office of the Inspector General of Police but was told by the Secretary that the
IGP was out at the time and could not be available.
DEBT AND NEW FINANCING STRATEGY REPORT DUE SOON
Bubacarr K. Sowe
Dr. Chris O. Itsede, Director General of the West African Institute for
Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), has announced that Gambia will soon
get a report articulating debt and new financing strategy.
Dr. Itsede was speaking at an ongoing debt and new financing strategy
analysis workshop organised by his institute and Debt Relief International (DRI) at
the Paradise Suites Hotel.
He said that participants who are officials with responsibility for debt
management and poverty reduction programmes in The Gambia will produce a report
for the consideration of senior policymakers. He said they will also prepare
a time table for regular updating of the country’s debt strategy; and review
capacity building needs for strengthening, monitoring and analyzing those
different types of external resource inflows.”
Specifically, Dr. Itsede said the workshop will review and update The Gambia
Debt Strategy Document prepared in 2000, identify priority creditors or
donors in line with best practices in financing for the Poverty Reduction
Strategy Paper II (PRSP II) and sensitise government officials on debt and new
financing strategy issues.
With funding by the governments of Austria, Canada, Ireland, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom, since 1999 WAIFEM and DRI have worked to capacitate
a national team of officials with expertise in Debt Strategy Analysis (DSA)
methodology in each WAIFEM member country. Itsede said due to staff turnover,
many of the trained Gambian officials on DSA Methodology have either left the
public service for the private sector with higher remuneration or gone for
further studies, thus creating capacity constraint in the Debt Management
Units.
OPINION
HAS THE GPU REPORT DONE JUSTICE TO FOROYAA?
WHERE ARE ITS FACTS?
By Ousman Sillah
I want to respond to the claims made against the Foroyaa Newspaper as
contained in The Gambia Press Union (GPU) “Report on Media Monitoring Exercise of
the 27th January 2007 National Assembly elections.”
Although the Foroyaa reaction to the said GPU report, in its publication of
the 19th – 20th February 2007, has adequately addressed the issue, I still
believe that there are some few very important points which need to be
highlighted in order to expose the lack of objectivity and the inherent contradiction
in the report vis a vis its own facts and conclusions.
This, however, is not in anyway an attempt to defend, for there is nothing
factual in the report’s conclusion to be defensive about. My only concern is
centred around the fact that the GPU report has simply not done justice to the
Foroyaa Newspaper on the issue of the coverage of the recently held National
Assembly elections. This is pointedly a rebuttal aimed at putting things in
proper perspective, so as to set the records straight.
I will, therefore, show the readers how the purported bias reporting by
Foroyaa is even at variance with the facts provided by the data in the same GPU
report. This will just go to show how this unsubstantiated negative conclusion
is just a mere allegation that fundamentally negates the principles of
objectivity required in journalism.
It is important to note that this exercise by the GPU had received financial
support from the UNDP and is meant to support the democratic process.
The report indicated that the methodology applied was to engage three
personnel who monitored the print and electronic media by filling out sheets as per
news item or article, identify quantity and determining quality. It is also
divided into pre-election and post-election assessments.
The report presented its own data in pictograms on what it refers to as Type
of Coverage, size, size of item and quality.
1. Let’s start with the graph under item 6.1 ‘Type of Coverage.’
Graph 8A pre-election (January 4-24), according to the report, monitors ‘
news, editorial, commentary, features, etc…., lumped together;
Pre-election Report (Jan. 4 – 24)
- The Foroyaa was recorded to have covered the scale of 1 for APRC, 9 for
UDP, 2 for NADD, 1 for NRP and 4.5 for independents.
- The Point was recorded to have covered 8 for APRC, 4 for UDP, 3 for NADD,
1 for NRP and 3 for Independents.
- The Daily Observer gave 24 for APRC, 2 for UDP, 1 for NADD, none for NRP
and 1 for Independents.
The report, under bullet points below, observes as its conclusion that;
· Only Foroyaa and The Point give reports on all political parties.
· Where UDP stories were published in the Daily Observer, they were
mainly on arrest, detention/trial of candidates and there was no comment from
party.
· The Daily Observer reports give more coverage to the APRC.
I now ask the readers who, according to this findings, did Foroyaa give more
coverage to? Is it NADD? Is it not the UDP?
Under Post Election Report (Jan. 27 – Feb. 2);
-The Foroyaa was recorded to have given 8 for APRC, 3 for UDP, 1 for NADD,
none for NRP and 1 for Independents.
-The Point has given none for the APRC, 2 for UDP, 1 for NADD, none for NRP
and none for Independents.
-The Daily Observer has given 4 for APRC, 5 for UDP, 3 for NADD, non, for
NRP and 1 for Independents.
Based on the above facts, the report then concludes;
‘Post Election:
· ‘The Foroyaa gives more coverage to the APRC
· ‘The Daily Observer gives more coverage to the APRC although almost
all news items are neutral or negative.’
Can the readers see the discrepancies and the prejudice inherent in the
conclusion the conclusion that Foroyaa was bias towards NADD?
Let’s proceed to the findings on the pre-election interviews.
2. According to graph 8C, the monitoring of the interviews is thus;
- The Foroyaa gave 2.5 for APRC, 3 for UDP, 4 for NADD, 1 for GPDP, none for
NRP and 3 for independents.
- The Point gave none for APRC, 1 for UDP and none for the rest.
- The Daily Observer gave 4 for APRC and none for the rest.
Based on the above findings, the report concludes as thus;
‘Pre Election:
· Foroyaa interviewed candidates from almost all parties, Interviews
are not reflective of number of candidates per party. There is a favourable
slant toward NADD candidates.
· The Point interviews on the UDP were mainly the party leader’s
reactions to the arrest/ detention/ trial of the UDP candidates in Bakau and Basse.
· The Daily Observer only interviews APRC candidates.’
The readers can now see that despite Foroyaa’s efforts to interview
candidates from almost all the parties, according to the findings, the conclusion is
trying to negate this essential element of objectivity by accusing Foroyaa of
biasness in favour of NADD. The pictogram shows that the Point covered only
UDP and NADD whilst the Daily Observer presented APRC alone.
In fact, contrary to their findings which indicated ‘interviews almost all,’
the Foroyaa had indeed interviewed candidates from all the contesting
parties, namely, the NRP, UDP, APRC and NADD. The NRP Candidate for Lower Nuimi
(see No.10/2007 page 9). Mr. Hamat Bah of NRP was approached twice but he
declined, because he was too busy. Foroyaa had even gone to the extent of
interviewing a non contesting party, and that is the GPDP leader, as confirmed by the
findings.
As for the post election interviews, graph 8D presents its findings as thus;
- The Foroyaa gave none for APRC, 1 for UDP, 2 for NADD none for NRP and
none for the Independents.
- The Point has given 3 for APRC, 1 for UDP, 1 for NADD, none for NRP and
non for Independents.
- The Daily Observer gave 3 for APRC and none for the rest.
In its footnote conclusion on the post election interview, the report states,
· ‘Daily Observer interviews still favourable only to APRC
· ‘Foroyaa does not interview APRC.’
This last statement is at variance with the reality. Foroyaa published five
interviews with APRC Candidates in its first two editions after the National
Assembly elections. In No. 11/2007, Foroyaa published interviews with the
APRC Candidates for Wuli West, Kombo North and Kombo South on page 6. In issue
No.11112/2007, page 10, Foroyaa published interviews with the APRC Candidates
for Central Baddibu and Bakau.
3. There is also what they called ‘size of text’ assessment in the
monitoring exercise which, according to the report, is ‘measured in centimetres square
’.
Graph 9A on pre election reads;
- The Foroyaa gave 3000 for the APRC, 2500 for UDP, 2000 for NADD, 50 for
GPDP, 100 for NRP and 1500 for independents.
- The Point has given 1500 for APRC, 2000 for UDP, 750 for NADD, non for
GPDP, 100 for NRP and 500 for independents.
- The Daily Observer gave 4500 for APRC, 250 for UDP, none for NADD and 50
for NRP.
- The Daily Express gave 500 for APRC, 100 for NADD and none for the rest.
The report made no footnote observation on these findings.
Where is the slant of Foroyaa in favour of NADD?
As for graph 9B dealing with size of text on post election monitoring, it
states;
- The Foroyaa gave 2000 for APRC, 1000 for UDP, 1100 for NADD, none for
the rest.
- The Point gave 600 for APRC, 1000 for UDP, 1100 for NADD and none for
the rest.
- The Daily Observer 1300 for APRC, 1200 for UDP, 899 for NADD, none for NRP
and 500 for independents.
- The Daily Express has given the APRC 200 and none to the rest.
This above graph is also not accompanied by any comments from the author (s).
Where is the purported Foroyaa bias in favour of NADD?
4. There was also monitoring on what the report termed as ‘size of item.’
Graph 9C presents ‘size of item’ on pre election report, also in centimeter
terms, as follows;
- The Foroyaa provided 2750 for APRC, 2500 for UDP, 2250 for NADD, 100 for
GPDP, 200 for NRP and 1500 for independents.
- Whereas the Point had 2250 for APRC, 1500 for UDP, 500 for NADD, 200 for
NRP and 500 for the independents.
- The Daily Observer provided 2750 for APRC, 250 for UDP, none for NADD,
none for NRP and 100 for Independents.
- The Daily Express has given 250 for APRC, 100 for NADD and non for the
rest.
There is no foot note observation by the GPU monitors.
Where is Foroyaa’s favourable slant towards NADD?
Graph 9D deals with ‘size of item post election’ and it reads;
- Foroyaa provided 200 for APRC, 1000 for UDP, 1250 for NADD, none for NRP
and 750 for independents.
- The Point provided 750 for APRC, 1250 for UDP, 1500 for NADD, none for NRP
and none for independents.
- Daily Observer has given 200 for APRC, 2000 for UDP, 1500 for NADD, none
for NRP and 1250 for the independents.
Again, there were no footnote observations.
Where is the Foroyaa bias in favour of NADD against the other contesting
parties?
5. There is also what the report refers to as ‘Quality.’ This it states, is
determined by the ‘positive, negative or neutral context of coverage. Now,’
let us see what it has for us on this score.
Graph 10A of the report presents pre election ‘Positive News findings as
thus;
- Foroyaa gave APRC 30, UDP 30, NADD 200, NRP 2.5 and Independents 5.
- The Point gave APRC 20, UDP 15, NADD 10, NRP 2.5 and Independents 10.
- The Daily Observer gave APRC 55, UDP 1, NADD none, NRP none and the
Independents 1.
The Daily Express gave 2.5 to APRC and none to the others.
As for Graph 10B on what the report terms “Positive Context Post Election.’
It presents the findings as thus;
- The Foroyaa gave APRC 10, UDP 5, NADD 10, none for NRP and Independents 3.
- The Point gave APRC 5, UDP 4, NADD 4 and none for the rest.
- Daily Express gave APRC 1 and nothing for the rest.
However, observations were made as footnote for both graphs as thus;
· Across the board, APRC enjoys relatively more positive news than the
other parties.
· The Daily Observer gives overwhelming positive coverage and context
to the APRC.’
Looking at these graphs, does NADD enjoy more positive news and coverage
from Foroyaa than the other parties?
6. On the part that deals with ‘Negative News’ Pre Election, Graph 10C
presents its findings as thus;
- The Foroyaa gave APRC 4, UDP4, NADD1, GPDP1, NRP none and Independents 5.
- The point gave APRC 2, UDP 14, NADD 1 and none to the rest.
- The Daily Observer gave one for APRC, 3 for UDP, 1 for NADD, none for NRP
and 1 for the Independents.
- The Daily Express gave 1 for APRC, none for UDP, 1 for NADD and none for
the rest.
If one looks at this graph, one will not fail to see that all the four
Newspapers gave NADD one point each, including the Foroyaa. So where is the
Foroyaa slant towards NADD?
As for Graph 10D on ‘Negative News Post Election’, it shows;
- Foroyaa gave APRC 7, UDP 3, NADD 2.5 and none for the rest.
- The Point gave none for APRC, 2.5 for UDP,2.5 for NADD and none for the
rest.
- Daily Observer gave none for APRC, 9 for UDP, 3 for NADD and none for NRP
and Independents.
There was no observation from monitors under footnote.
6. The last monitoring mechanism was graph 10E which shows ‘Neutral News
Post Election.’
In this graph, the Foroyaa is the only newspaper shown to have scaled the
highest point of what the report terms ‘Neutral News Post Election and this was
on the APRC. All the other newspapers according to the graph did not provide
to any of the parties any ‘Neutral News Post Election’.
This also is not followed by any comments from the author(s) of the reports.
However, even relying on all these facts which are contained in the said GPU
Report on Media Monitoring Exercise of the 25th January 2007 National
Assembly Elections, one will not fail to see, relatively, how the Foroyaa was
trying to be objective and impartial in its presentations as well as extensive in
its coverage. There is no evidence which shows or corroborates the
allegations that the Foroyaa was bias towards the NADD party in terms of coverage and
interviews of parties and candidates.
So my question, therefore, is which facts did the author(s) of the report
rely on to come to the conclusion that cast aspersion on the neutrality and
integrity of the Foroyaa.
In reality, the Foroyaa has made every effort to ensure that there is a
balanced presentation in election coverage reports. There was a policy in place
which compelled our reporters to bring stories of all contestants in a given
constituency before publication is made.
The Foroyaa is not competing with any Newspaper in this country. It has its
guiding principles, which it impresses on all its reporters. The reporters
are asked to always strive to report the truth, in good faith and in the public
interest. This is what the gatekeepers also safeguard. This is why in The
Gambia, one cannot talk about objective reporting in the media without
mentioning Foroyaa as a leading example.
On The Coverage Of NADD By Foroyaa
Out of the 5 candidates of NADD, 3 of them were interviewed and 2 meetings
covered before elections.. There was non-coverage for the NADD candidate for
Sandu constituency whose meetings were not reported and was also not
interview. The NADD candidate for Wuli West was only covered once in an interviewed.
Equally, the Wuli East candidate was also reported to be interviewed once. For
the NADD Central Baddibou candidate, he was interviewed once and no meetings
of his was covered. As for the NADD candidate for Serrekunda Central there
was no interview but 2 of his meetings were covered. All these presentations
were made in a balanced way.
It is a cardinal principle and requirement for Observers of any process,
most especially journalists, to be driven in their engagement by the spirit of
an open-mindedness and sans-prejudice. They should not harbour any preconceive
notions about somebody or some thing in the absence of convincing evidence
to conclude otherwise. Journalists, like other citizens, are also stakeholders
in the political life of a country. As such, they may hold a certain view or
a given impression of a government and can also support this or that
political party. This is something that is normal. However, what is unacceptable
and is unethical is for a journalist or Newspaper to allow taking open partisan
inclinations or postures to reflect in its editorial or reporting as such a
stance may interfere and compromise with objectivity, truthfulness,
impartiality and serving the public interest.
The Foroyaa as well as the GPU and the other media houses may have people
who support the UDP, NADD, APRC, NRP, GPDP or even be non-partisan. The proviso
is, this support should not compromise or interfere with your work as a
journalist or media institution.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
GAMBIA ON THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE
FRANCIS SMALL, FIRST GAMBIAN DIRECTLY ELECTED
By Suwaibou Touray
To quote a great African historian, Robert W. July, “Colonialism contained
the germ of its own destruction; indeed, the whole colonial system was a vast
engine for the creation of a modern, self-governing Africa. By conquering,
colonialism caused the desire to be free.
By exploiting, it produced a rising resistance to tyranny. By introducing
Africa to the modern world, it generated visions of a better life consummated
in liberty. By demonstrating its own fallibility, it begot the hope that led
to autonomy.
By educating, it taught the skills of self-direction.”
By education, the African has the tool to use to regain his/her freedom.
This was why the colonialists struggled tooth and nail to disallow the
introduction of committees and councils to the ideas of the protectorate people.
It is therefore an irony in this day and age for Gambians who argue against
democracy as an alien ideology. They did not know that they are speaking the
same language with the colonial master.
As the struggle involves the provincial people to participate in the
political life of the country, the struggle in the urban areas intensified to
accommodate African members not only in the legislative council but also in the
Executive Council.
This was why by 1942, one of the nominated members of the legislative
council, Mr. J.A. Mahoney, asked during a meeting when there would be African
representation in the executive council and the elective principle introduced in
determining African members of the legislative council. In reply, the colonial
secretary categorically said the government was not ready to consider any
constitutional changes.
Despite that, by 1946, constitutional changes gave the council for Bathurst
to have an elected majority but the Governor could still dissolve the council
and appoint an administrator, thus delaying the democratic process.
By 1947, elective principle got introduced in the legislative council. This
means that the “culture of voting” has been introduced in the Gambia in
1947. In that same year, the election for the only seat provided for the
legislative council took place and Edward Francis Small won the seat as duly elected.
FRANCIS SMALL now speaks with the voice of the people. His objective was to
push the colonialists through their own system to attain self-government.
According to the Foroyaa booklet authored by Halifa Sallah, in 1951, “the
elective seat in the Legislative Council increased to two. Political parties
also began to emerge in The Gambia. The Gambia Democratic Party was founded by
Reverend J.C. Fye and Mama Tumani Bah. They were followed by The Gambia
Muslim Congress of Ibrahima Garba Jahumpa. The United Party of Mr. Pierre S. Njie
also followed. In 1954, the number of elected members to the Legislative
Council increased to fourteen. The battle for seats in the Legislative Council
between the various political parties intensified.
In 1958, Edward Francis Small passed away at the age of 68 years. The gap he
left in the political life of the country had become difficult to fill. He
had established Rate Payers Association, Trade Union for workers, Cooperative
Unions for farmers, a newspaper to enlighten the people. He stood shoulders
high above the rest and is qualified to be called the pioneer of Gambia’s
independence struggle.
The independence of Ghana in 1957 gave impetus to the struggle for
independence everywhere in Africa. In The Gambia, civil society became more vibrant
from 1957 onwards. The Gambia Workers Union followed small’s tradition of
building associations to put pressure for political independence. The political
figures also called for internal self government. The wave for independence had
started. The colonialists could not stop the wave. Hence, on 11 March, 1959,
they called for a Constitutional Conference.
The Gambia Democratic Party, the Gambia Muslim Congress, The Gambia United
Party, The Gambia National Party and representatives of chiefs, religious and
business persons were present. This gave birth to the 1960 constitution which
established a House of Representatives comprising 27 elected seats. 12
members were elected by people resident in the protectorate as it was then called
and 7 in the colony as it was then called. The chiefs of Districts were to
elect 8 members.
Prior to the 1960 elections to fill the seats established by the 1960
Constitution, a party called Protectorate People’s party,(PPP) which later became
People’s Progressive Party, was formed in 1959.
Politics in the country in the late 1950s and early 1960s were personality
centred. Consequently, much civic education was not done to prepare to people
for nationhood. Political parties struggled among themselves using tribe,
sectionalism, religion, money, thugs, intimidation or any other ideas to be able
to win votes. They could engage in character assasination just to be able to
win votes. This is what is called dirty politics.
The colonialists, however, could not stop the process because of the demand
of the people to control their destiny. Hence, by 1961, after massive
demonstrations organised by The Gambia Workers Union, the colonial administration
had to call for another conference to discuss about constitutional changes. And
protest by the PPP regarding the appointment of P.S. Njie as Chief Minister
led to the convening of another constitutional conference.
On 4 and 11 May, 1961, the Bathurst Conference was held. On 24 July, 1961,
the London Conference was held. The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the
United Party (UP), the Democratic Congress Alliance (DCA), Mr. M. E. Jallow for
the Labour Union, Chief Representative and representatives such as Mrs. Rachel
Palmer and Mr. Henry Madi were present.
This gave rise to the 1962 Constitution which provided 25 seats for the
Protectorate, 7 for the Colony and 4 Chief’s representatives. In the 1962
elections, the PPP had 18 seats, the UP 13 seats and the DCA 1 seat. The 1962
Constitution created an Executive Council with the Governor as President, a
Premier, 8 ministers and an Attorney General. Mr. D. K. Jawara became Premier. The
Governor had reserved powers as far as defence, foreign affairs and internal
security were concerned, but in other areas he was required to consult the
Executive Council. The House of Representatives was responsible for passing
Bills. But this was subjected to the approval of the Governor, who could
legislate by declaration if he considered it to be in the public interest.
In 1963, Gambia attained internal Self Government with Mr. D K. Jawara as
Prime Minister, and on 18 February, 1965 The Gambia Independence Constitution
came into being. This is the day that is often celebrated as Independence Day.
OPINION
WHO APPROVES THE PRGF,
GAMBIA GOV’T OR IMF?
By Suwaibou Touray
The caption caught my eye in the observer Newspaper which kept me laughing
for a second. It is a wrong caption meant only to confuse us the readers. The
caption is “IMF Approves Gambia’s PRGF.” The meaning of PRGF (Poverty
Reduction Growth Facility) is very technical. One may be tempted to translate it to
mean that a facility meant to reduce poverty for the Gambia is growing.
I dare argue that the IMF infact does not approve the programme. The fact of
the matter is that it is the IMF which initiated the programme in the first
place and convinced the Gambia to accept it, not the other way round.
The PRGF is conditionality on the Gambia because the Gambia is a highly
indebted poor country. The APRC Government depended on loans upon loans thinking
that it is loans which can develop a country. It is investment in the
productive sectors of the economy that can create development not loans.
Loans not invested in production only goes to make a nation more and more
indebted.
The Gambia was supposed to have reached the “completion point” since 2002
but did not. If it had reached the completion point, we could have benefited
from a debt relief package amounting to about 66.6 million dollars or 1832
million dalasi. This package includes an interim relief in the form of debt
service reduction by our creditors such as IDA, IMF and the African Development
Bank.
But we did not attain the completion point because of what are termed as “
slippages arising from a combination of so called exogenous stocks, fiscal out
turns and accommodating monetary policy etc. What does this mean? It simply
means that the Gambia Government could not manage the economy to reduce
expenditure and raise revenue to be able to settle what was due to be paid to our
creditors as stipulated in the conditions so as to attain the completion
point. So in essence, we have failed to get the debt relief which could have
earned us D1832 million dalasi.
Again what it means is that we have started from square one: and that is,
the IMF is again saying to us try and get to completion point and benefit from
debt relief. Again we are saying “the IMF has approved PRGF. The PRGF will
never be done so long as the conditions for it are not met. It is like saying,
hey! You owe me D1000 but if you can pay D500 to me by 10days from now, I
will be willing to relieve you of 10% of the loan which you can also use to buy
a plate of rice. What about if you did not pay D500 in 10 days it means you
have also lost the 10%.
So will there be any jubilation in it if I should again tell you that I
still accept to give you 10% if you should pay me D500 out of my D1000. Any sane
person would not jubilate for such an arrangement.
According to the promise of SOS for Finance Mr. Gaye, after the
implementation of a staff monitored programme, a conditionality imposed by the IMF
between October 2005 to March 2006, the way has been paved for the restoration of
PRGF from January 2007. He also promised that they will attain the completion
point established by the IMF by mid year.
So it is clear. The attainment of the completion point is what will enable
the Gambia to obtain the debt relief. The reason why I laughed when I saw the
observer caption” IMF approves Gambia’s PRGF” is because of my observation
that it is aimed precisely to give us false hope. The PRGF is what the IMF
promised. The caption should have read “The Gambia accepts IMF conditionality”
not the other way round.
There is no escaping from it. This country has been reduced to a heavily
indebted poor country. The Secretary of State infact confirmed this. According
to him, the Gambia is a low income country with heavy need for continuous
borrowing in order to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which he said
is a great challenge.
According to him, the result indicates that, with the full delivery of both
HIPC and MDRI relief, the Gambia is deemed to be in debt stress.
I am definitely frightened by the SoS’s utterance when he said “The Gambia
is a low income country with heavy need for continuous borrowing in order to
meet the Millennium Development Goals.”
Is this not frightening? You are poor and heavily indebted at the same time
conditioned to pay certain amounts at certain period or be refused loans
which gives you stress. But again you are saying despite all that I need more and
more loans to develop. Is that not just spiraling about in extreme poverty
causing ignominious stress?
The answer is not to take more and more loans. The answer is to put
programmes in place that would allow you to invest and pay loans stage by stage so as
to get out of the debt trap. Then and only then would you be able to meet
the target envisaged in the Millennium Development Goals which is a big
challenge indeed if they are to be genuinely met.
AZIZ TAMBA, 2 OTHERS CASE DEFERED
By Fabakary B. Ceesay& Bubacarr K. Sowe
Magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh of the Kanifing Magistrate Court has, on
Wednesday 21st February, 2007, adjourned the trial of the former APRC bigwig and two
other defendants to the 27th February, 2007.
When the case was called before a crowded court room, 493 Badjie announced
his representation for the prosecution officer. 493 Badjie told the court
that, the prosecution officer, Mballow, was ill and could not make it to court.
He asked for the case to be adjourned. Two of the defendants, Famara Colley
and Mustapha Bojang, asked the court to grant them bail. Mr. Colley informed
the court that his father was ready to bail him out. However, his father who
was also in court told the Magistrate that he had a compound at Jeshwang but
did not have a title deed. Mr. Bojang also indicated that, his brother was in a
position to bail him. But the brother indicated that he could not tell the
value of his compound located at Tallinding Sicap. Magistrate Jammeh then told
the defendants that he would think about their matter. The matter was
therefore adjourned. Mr. Aziz Tamba, the former APRC Deputy National Mobiliser,
alongside Famara Colley and Mustapha Bojang were standing trial for fraud at the
Kanilai Family Farm. They were alleged to have jointly stolen D19, 589, 77
9.34 as employees of the said farm between 2005-2006. They all pleaded not
guilty. Aziz Tamba is already serving eleven 11 years of prison sentence from a
different trial.
“ABOLISH OBNOXIOUS MEDIA LAWS”
The Managing Director of the Point Newspaper, Pap Saine, has asked National
Assembly Members to abrogate what he described as unpleasant media laws.
Mr. Saine made this statement at a meeting held at the National Assembly
Complex on Friday. The meeting was triggered by an invitation sent to the media
practitioners by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Fatoumata Jahumpha
Ceesay. However, the Speaker was indisposed and was deputised by Fabakary
Tombong Jatta, the Majority Leader, at the National Assembly. Mr. Saine said: “
Abolish the obnoxious laws against the media. It is only few countries in Africa
that have these laws. Our hands are tied. Revisit the obnoxious laws against
the independent press. They were enacted in December 2004. There is no need
to enact obnoxious laws. The courts are here to adjudicate on matters. We have
problems to access information. We are not invited to government functions.
The government officials are not cooperative.” Saine remarked.
In his expose, Jatta said the National Assembly members have recognised the
significance of the media. Jatta said they are looking forward to a conducive
working environment with the media. According to him, media practitioners
will be given vital documents that will enable them to report accurately. He
also stated that two media practitioners from each media house would be
accredited to enable them to cover proceedings at the National Assembly. He said
media practitioners covering National Assembly sittings are expected to observe
a dress code. He said reporters covering National Assembly sittings are
expected to dress neatly. Responding to the statement by Madi Ceesay (GPU
President) that the press should be allocated a place at the Assembly, Jatta said
they will make arrangements for that. On Madi Ceesay’s statement that media
houses should be accredited instead of media practitioners, Jatta said they would
take that into consideration.
Other people who were present at the gathering are the Deputy Director of
GRTS, Modou Joof, Emil Touray of Foroyaa, Suwaibou Conateh of News and Report,
Dodou Kebbeh, the clerk of the National Assembly and the minority leader,
Modou Sanneh.
FINAL DAY OF PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN IN SENEGAL
Fifteen candidates for the 2007 Presidential Election of Senegal have
concluded their campaign trails on Friday the 23nd day of February, 2007. Senegal
has 5 million registered voters, including those in the Diaspora. The fifteen
candidates are Abdoulaye Wade, Abdoulaye Bathily, Mamadou Lamine Diallo,
Robert Sagna, Cheikh Bamba Dieye, Me Mam Adama Geuye, Talla Sylla, Idrissa Seck,
Ousman Tanor Dieng, Louis Jacques Senghor, Moustapha Niasse, Modou Dia,
Landing Savane, Alioune Petit Mbaye and Dodou Ndoye. The candidates are permitted
to hold meetings until 12 midnight and leave Saturday period as laid down by
the electoral commission. Some of the the candidates cautioned their
supporters to respect the rule of law for the maintenance of peace and tranquility and
avoid the reoccurence of the Wednesday incident between the militants of
Idrissa Secka and loyalists of Cheikh Bethio Thioune,a mouride Serigne.
WADE PROMISES PEASANTS
Abdoulaye Wade entered Dakar with his convoy on Friday after the conclusion
of his provincial tour to hold his final meeting in Dakar.
Addressing a rally in Dakar, Wade called on all the candidates to accept the
verdict of the ballot box. Wade told his adversaries to preach peace for
harmony on polling day. The candidate of PDS, the Coalition Sopi 2007 promised
Senegal of realising his dream in two years. Closing his election campaign with
a mega-meeting, Addoulaye Wade said he does not doubt his victory in the
evening of February 25.
“Nobody will create situations of disorder. I will not accept it. I have the
authority and responsibility to ensure order and the security of the
Senegalese people,” said Wade. He cautioned his militants to go and to put their
bulletins in the ballot boxes and avoid provocations.
Citing a proverb in Wolof, he said “when a pretty jewellery is put on, one
does not quarrel with somebody who does not have anything around the neck”. He
pointed out that taking into account what he did in Senegal, in Africa and
abroad, will become known to the people when the results are out, which will be
the future of Senegal. “I will speak to the people about Senegal on Sunday”
, said Wade. He said after the Organisation of Islamic Conference, Dakar will
certainly be one of the most beautiful capitals of our continent.
In 2008, he said Senegal would have beautiful constructions, in particular,
5 star hotels to accommodate tourists and foreigners. “You will see in two
years an express train which will bring you to Diamniadio in a few minutes”,
stated Wade. He promised that Senegal would begin an agriculture project to
produce bio carburant; that in two years, Senegal will be the only steel
producer in West Africa. Abdoulaye Wade said that he would continue to work for
Africa. He said the money to develop Africa exists; there is necessity to know
and seek it. Referring to young people, Wade said that his government of
alternation is not against the emigration, but want Senegalese who will go to
France, Spain or elsewhere to leave with valid documents. “Then my dear young
people refuse to go to die at the bottom of the oceans”.
SECK VOWS TO SUPPORT ANY BEST PLACED CANDIDATE
Idrissa Seck the candidate of the Coalition And Ligguèy Senegal speaking on
the waves of Sud FM, intimated that in the event of second round if he did
not capture the position he will support the candidate of any opposition best
placed against Wade.
Politically speaking, he said, in spite of the many meetings, which they
had, Wade is a dangerous man for Senegal.
Analysts said those who believed that the pipe of peace had been smoked
between them or that the clouds had been completely dissipated between the
President of the Republic and his Ex-Prime Minister, Idrissa Seck after a series of
meetings, will be disappointed.
Regarding the violence that occurred last Wednesday, Idrissa Seck holds Wade
responsible for masterminding it. He said is it Wade who orchestrated the
plan of eliminating him.
“I do not consider any person in charge of anything else for something.
There is only one of them. All the others are instruments of execution” alleged
Seck.
Idy registered these scenes of violence within the framework of the diagram
of elimination of his person. According to Idrissa Seck, the renewal of the
tension between him and Wade came owing to the fact that his last dream be
(he) Idrissa Seck not being a candidate for the presidential election of
February 25, 2007. #
BATCHILY ON WADE’S ALLEGED PLANS TO BE VICTORIOUS AT ANY COST
The candidate of Jubanti Senegal Abdoulaye Bathily said that the passage of
Abdoulaye Wade to the first tower of presidential election on Sunday would
lead the country in chaos. Speaking at the Stade Iba Mar Diop, in Medina, Dakar,
Bathily said he is in possession of information which reveals that a ‘
masquerade’ is in the making for the installation of fictitious offices in the
country by the members of the coalition Sopi 2007. He said Wade is trying with
all measures to organize a masquerade and to proclaim himself elected in the
first round.
“We will not accept the results which will leave these fictitious offices. I
warn Abdoulaye Wade solemnly if he acts like that, he will be responsible
for the plunging of Senegal in turmoil. He said Wade wants to be proclaimed
victorious candidate without difficulty on Sunday evening. He warned Wade of the
dangers which will emanate from such situation. He called on the
international community to take note.
Abdoulaye Bathily said Wade has already lost Sunday’s presidential election
and as in 2000, he must agree like his predecessor and respect the verdict of
the ballot boxes. “Any attempt of President Wade proclaiming himself
victorious, in the first round, will be followed by great response,” said Bathily.
He lengthily addressed his militants, supporters and sympathisers who were
putting on pink scarves, caps and dresses on the importance of an election in
a democracy. He told the crowd to vote massively for the departure of Wade’s
regime.
A system, which, according to Bathily made Senegalese sink in extreme
suffering during these last seven years. “Our coalition made a tour of Senegal and
everywhere we went, the report remained the same: The Senegalese are
extremely tired. The regime of Abdoulaye Wade wasted the money of the Senegalese and
has give rise to extreme poverty within the households”, said Abdoulaye
Bathily.
ROBERT SAGNA ON HIS COALITION TAKU DEFARAT SENEGAL
Holding his final meeting in his stronghold, Ziguinchor, Robert Sagna
explaining what motivates him to contest as a President candidate outlined his main
concerns for prevailing peace in Casamance. The candidate of Coalition Takku
Defarat Senegal reiterated that one of his major concerns is the restoration
of peace in Casamance. He told the Casamançais to regard themselves as
Senegalese, to claim for the same rights and have the same duties. He said if
elected, he will devote an invaluable time to the Casamance which suffered so
much and in need of peace. Robert Sagna promised to place the Casamançaise in
the topmost of his agenda. Robert Sagna said he counts on all Casamançais
whose conjugation of their efforts will result in peace. He also count on men and
women of Casamance to achieve this goal of the rehabilitation of peace for
peace and prosperous Senegal. The solution, according to him, is to find a
solution to the problem so that Casamance finds its lasting peace. He expressed
his confidence that Takku defarat Senegal will bring better changes in
Senegal, a change that will bring about justice. Dilating on the value of justice,
Robert Sagna said his party will work for the re-establishment of the values
of justice in Senegal as left by President Léopold Sédar Senghor. He said
under his administration as head of the coalition Takku defarat Senegal, they
aim at a system where the civil servants will not be victims of exclusion. He
said the drivers, the orderlies and the poor under his administration would be
men and women of worth and respected on the soil of Senegal, a country in
which, he said he wishes also to re-establish the values of solidarity, in
accordance with the ideals defended by social democracy.
MOUSTAPHA NIASSE’S VISIT TO MEDINA GOUNASS
Moustapha Niasse the candidate of the Coalition Alternance 2007, paid a
surprise visit to Médina Gounas on Friday, 60 km from Vélingara. The former Prime
Minister left by plane for Tamba, before continuing the journey by vehicle,
in a very discrete place, and is said to have met the young brother of the
Khalife and some religious dignitaries. There are doubts whether Niasse had
gone to request the active support of the Tidjane family of Médina Gounass.
According to sources, from the tomb of the first Khalife of the place Thierno
Mouhamad Said Bah, and that of his/her maternal uncle Thierno Ousmane Thiam, the
candidate of the coalition Alternance refused to talk to the press about the
issue. A source said his only word was “If I am here, it is to greet the
marabout and to visit the tomb of my late uncle, then received by the khalife,
Thierno Abdoul Aziz Bah”. Sources went further to say that his meeting with
Abdoul Aziz Bah is not fortuitous owing to the fact that this religious
dignitary is recognized as a true `maker of king’ in the locality. The source said
after having taken leave of the taalibe militant, the president of the rural
council of Médina Gounass specified that no watchword was given the taalibe to
vote for such or to such other candidate.
OUSMANE TANOR DIENG ENDS HIS CAMPAIGN IN PARCELLES ASSAINIES
The candidate of PS (Partie Socialiste), Ousmane Tanor Dieng chose Parcelles
Assaines to conclude his election campaign. Addressing his final rally, near
the car park of Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor, Ousmane Tanor Dieng, pointed
out to the gathering that Sunday will be another important day in the life of
Senegal as a nation. “We have an image to safeguard, that of a country where
the democracy is advanced. We should not miss this go with history”, said
Tanor. According to him, no voice must miss, because each Senegalese of voting
age must discharge his or her civic duty. He said the government must take its
responsibilities by organizing transparent, free and fair elections. The
socialist candidate solicited each political leader to speak to their militants.
According to Ousmane Tanor Dieng, they must do everything so that there is no
(dialgati) violation by taking care and making sure that the rule of law is
respected. He vowed to review the Constitution in order to restore the values
of the Republic. He said the journalists will enjoy freedom of expression
and improved working conditions. While claiming to have respect for his
opponents in the presidential election, he said the essence of the vote is
determined by the choice of the voter.
ALIOUNE PETIT MBAYE MANIFESTS OPTIMISM
Alioune Petit Mbaye an independent candidate in his Liberté VI meeting
proclaimed victory in the presidential election of February 2007. Alioune Petit
Mbaye arrived around 7 p.m. at the football field of the Sicap-Liberé VI where
he held his meeting attended by an enthusiastic audience.
He said at the end of the poll of Sunday, President Wade will leave the
palace and he as the candidate of youth, hope and qualified dynamism will take
the mantle of power of the country. “Senegal does not need a generational
alternation but, rather a generational rupture. According to him, Abdoulaye Wade
and its putative son Idrissa Seck orchestrated and always continue to
orchestrate deals at the back of the Senegalese people. The independent candidate who
affirms being the junior of the Presidential battle said Ousmane Tanor
Dieng, Robert Sagna, Moustapha Niasse, and others have nothing to say to the
Senegalese; that they should all be put in the same bag, because they walked on
the head of this country for more than twenty years, without anything to prove.
He said they have all dirty hands, whereas he has clean hands. He said he
has come to put his knowledge and competences at the disposal of his country.
CHEICKH BAMBA DIEYE IN ST. LOUIS
Chiekh Bamba Dieye, speaking in Saint-Louis, said the poverty that had hit
the most underprivileged of Senegal should not last for another five years. On
Friday Feb 23, 2007, Cheikh Bamba Diéye chose his birthplace Saint-Louis to
hold his final meeting. Saint Louis had a place of choice in the history of
Senegal and he would defend it; that it will be the place of the
Saint-Louisiens for whatever generation. According to him, the Saint-Louisiens always were
leaders in Senegal because they are learned.
They learn Koran and French very early. He asserted that Saint-Louis is
where the political history of Senegal began. He said in 21 days he explained his
program, his vision and the prospects which must be set up to develop
Senegal.
Dieye said he travelled the whole world. He said his compatriots know that
FSDBJ has a program and a vision. Deliberating on the execrable living
conditions that the Senegalese live and he said that that must cease.
LANDING SAVANÉ PLEDGES TO BUILD A GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY
At Grande-Dakar, Landing Savané addressed a big meeting where he pledged to
build a government of national unity. Savane said he is ready to build a new
Senegal and resolutely engage in working for a true democracy, fight against
corruption as one of his priorities, but also eradication of poverty; that
justice and the state of right, also remain priority axes of its program. The
candidate of AndJef/Pads said he hopes, in addition, to restore the dignity of
the Senegalese people by consolidating democracy and peace. He said he will
also combat unemployment. He expressed readiness to work with the Senegalese
who have the clean hands, for unity, to make Senegal a prosperous country.
MAMADOU LAMINE DIALLO CALLS FOR TRANSPARENT ELECTION
Mamadou Lamine Diallo, another independent candidate and leader of Tekki
chose the suburbs of Guédiawaye to give his final message of the election
campaign where his last meeting took place. The young people of Guédiawaye, lodged
their problems to the candidate. The youths complained of the widespread
incidence of malaria in the area.
In response the independent candidate said “it is not normal for the
population of Guédiawaye to live under conditions worse than those of the other
communities.
He promised to meet the youth of Guédiawaye in order to find solutions to
their problems, shortly after its election. He also encouraged them to vote
massively for his triumph. According to Mamadou Diallo, it is the advent of
Tekki that something be done there for the young people must live in good
conditions. He also said he is certain of his victory in the evening of February 25.
“We will not accept fraud elections. We want transparent elections because,
we made a civilized campaign. “We are sure we will win the election and
change the behaviour of the Senegalese and create jobs for the young people and
all the social strata” he concluded.
MAME ADAMA GUÈYE
Mame Adama Geuye the candidate of Sellal with white and purple flag
addressing a meeting at the Stade Alassane Djigo de Pikine said reading from the
crowd the mobilisation had proved that movement is impregnated with the whole
country. According to Mr. Guèye, a second round is inevitable and the Sellal
will be present there. He said trying to make people believe that Wade will be
elected in the first round is a dream, because PDS would not make more than
30%. He called on citizens to value their votes not to believe any more in the
selfish politicians who think only of themselves and their families; that it
is for this reason that the movement Sellal will win the elections. He said
there are more honest men than malevolent people in Senegal. All the just ones
of the country are neutral to the capacity and therefore will vote for us.
The candidate of Sellal said he will support a candidate who has the highest
percentage of vote for the second round.
TALLA ON GOVERNANCE ON THE BASIS OF JUSTICE
Candidate of Jëf-Jël Alliance, Talla Sylla, in a meeting to draw the
curtain of the campaign for the 2007 presidential race on Friday inspired a
political gathering in his district of birth, Pikine where he was accorded a
triumphal reception. The Jëf-Jël Alliance candidate said he is quite simply
convinced of the Senegalese desire for change. He said Wada has destroyed this
country. To direct this country, one should be liked and be honest, but these
people are not; therefore, those the Senegalese want for change because they are
tired”, stressed Talla Sylla in an indescribable clamour. He said the Jaxaay
Plan did not bring anything to the town of Pikine. Today, it is clear that
Abdoulaye Wade did not do anything to leave this district in its current
situation. He called on the youths to rise up by putting a term limit to the reign
of Abdoulaye Wade. “I will rebuild this country with all the population on the
basis of justice, honesty and make Senegal a new privileged destination. It
will be a country where everyone will feel like a true Senegalese. But, it
will be necessary to change mentalities with respect to the money, the
management of the resources of the State”, he opined. The candidate of Jëf-Jël
Alliance called on his militants to be calm, to observe the vote under alleviated
conditions, without violence.
MODOU DIA TALKS ON EDUCATION FOR GIRLS
Modou Dia, one of the independent candidates, said he would make the regime
regret their policies by sweeping the polls. Modou Dia, for the presidential
election of Sunday, said in a statement on TV on Friday that Wade has nothing
to do but regret if he wins the polls, because the population have seen
enough of the past policies and unfulfilled promises. He added that action is
what is needed now. He said the present politicians in power do not have a
program. They failed and should be sorry”, said Dia.
He said he would inject new blood in the mutualisation of curricular area,
of health and the habitat so that the poor can have a share from the entire
national cake. He also vowed to fight the illiteracy of the girls in rural
communities.
LOUIS JACQUES SENGHORE OF MLPS
Louis Jacques Senghor the president of the Liberal Movement for the
Senegalese People (MLPS), nephew of former president Léopold Sédar Senghor, indicated
that once elected, he intends to give priority to the resolution of the
problems of the rural area. “We are ready with all the levels. Nothing will stop
us, because we think that with the goodwill of the Senegalese people, we will
not have any difficulty”, he confidently asserted. The 54 year old said MLPS
is a party which militates in favour of a step of rupture as well in speech
and actions. “This political good-will arises from the sickness of Senegalese
democracy, from the vain attempts, for decades, to develop this country.
That is the result of the combined system of the PS and of PDS which followed
one another”, Senghor stated. According to him, his party intends to formulate
a true policy of economic and social development by giving the priority to
the rural world and other areas like energy. “I am for the people”, he said.
ELECTION DAY IN DAKAR
By Baboucarr Ceesay in Dakar
The people of Senegal in their large numbers turned out to exercise their
civic duty to elect a President who will be given a mandate to preside over the
affairs of the country for another five year term. This reporter has been
closely monitoring the election process at several polling stations in Dakar
from Medina to Ouakam. The people seem to have taken the exercise seriously.
Polling started as early as 6 am and ended at 6 pm.
(See rest of the story in my next posting)
POETRY CORNER
SONG OF THE RIVER GAMBIA
Song of The River Gambia
A sanctifying sweet song
Like that of a flying nightingale
Rendering consciences amplified
Freeing victims of calumnies
And prejudice of anarchy
Telling about the good past
Inherent in history
When equality really exists
Human beings were not greedy
To own a chattel
No slave or master
Imagine when imperialism was not born
This songs of The River Gambia
Of our time and cline
Warns against impending convulsion
The Will and Testament
Of great ancestors
Vouchsafed to the generation
Calling for annihilation of bad systems
Causing flaws in the terrestrial globe
All over a song sings
But of The River Gambia
To The Gambia for good
Fight but first with our hands,
With our mouth – words
And then with our hearts
To win the long fight for liberation
Join the whole world
As one people, one heart and one destiny
By Baboucarr Ceesay@2007
ODE OF EDWARD FRANCIS SMALL
Edward Francis Small
What an icon for unionists!
The heroes of tax payers
Father of modern Gambian politics
The pen and ink of The Gambia Outlook
And the Senegambia Reporter
History speaks positive of you;
Critical and independent
A gallant editor you were
Who threatened colonialism
To jump out of its skin
“No taxation without representation”
With which you broke
The inimical horns
Of the colonial buffaloes
Who were marauding the rice field
Of our self-determination.
By Baboucarr Ceesay
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