Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 29/2008, 10 – 11 March 2008
Editorial
International Women’s Day
Every year, on 8 March, the world commemorates international women’s day, a
day set aside to draw the attention of the populace to the plight of women.
Women constitute 51% of the population of The Gambia. They constitute part
of the productive forces of our society but their condition and status leave
much to be desired.
In the rural area, women farmers just like their male counterparts continue
to live in extreme poverty.
Most women who are not engaged in farming are engaged in the informal
sector. They produce or sell fruits and vegetables, but storage and marketing of
the produce of the producers is still a serious problem. Besides, land is
becoming scarcer in the Kombos, as it is being sold to the disadvantage of women.
In addition, there is little access to inputs.
If every effort is made to avert that the gap between producer prices and
export prices only reflect the real cost of handling and transportation, the
more lucrative farming will be.
Those involved in the informal sector must be encouraged to form
associations in order to gain greater access to funds from credit societies to expand
their informal investments. A growth in the farming community will enable those
in the official sector to gain more to facilitate access to goods and
services.
Finally, there is need for the formal private sector and the public sector
to grow in productivity to ensure that the labour force is employed by
industry and other sectors. This will enable women with education and skills to find
work in the productive public and private sectors of the economy.
Apart from promoting the economic progress of women, their political, social
and cultural rights also need to be protected.
Several legal and policy documents are in place but the problem is
implementation. The National policy for the Advancement of Women, the Convention for
the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the
Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of
Women, have all been ratified by the National Assembly. A women’s Bill is in
preparation.
Although a few women have been appointed to high political and
administrative positions, the bulk of women continue to clap and dance while the men
continue to occupy political leadership.
Five Gambian Security Agents to Appear Before ECOWAS Court
Five State Agents of The Gambia are expected to appear on Tuesday, March 11,
2008 before the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West
African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja, Nigeria in the ongoing case of a detained
Gambian journalist, Chief Ebrima Manneh, according to reports emerging from
the Media Foundation For West Africa.
This followed an order from the Community Court for the agents to appear
before it to answer their alleged roles in the arrest and subsequent detention
of Chief Manneh, a former reporter of Daily Observer newspaper, who has “
disappeared” since 7 July 2006.
The order was contained in an interlocutory ruling on January 31, 2008 and
signed jointly by Justice Anthony A. Benin, the Presiding Judge and Tony
Anene-Maidoh, the Court Chief Registrar.
It said “the Court had realised the need to give opportunity to those
persons, who were identified by the witnesses as having played a role in the arrest
and/or detention of the applicant”.
The court said since the agents who are military and police personnel have
been mentioned in the court by witnesses, it would invite them through the
Gambian government, which is the defendant in the matter.
Three of the security agents are military personnel: Captain Tumbal Kemaba,
Personal Protection Officer to President Yahya Jammeh, Lt Omar Colley,
Liaison Officer between the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Mile Two
Prison and a member of The Gambian Armed Forces and Corporal Sey, a member of
the NIA stationed at a police station in Bakau, a town in the western part of
the country. The rests are two senior police officers: Ousmane Sarko,
Inspector General of Police and Aziz Bojang, Police Public Relations Officer.
At the last hearing, the court also said it needed time to translate new
evidence it had received from Manneh’s counsel into the French language for the
benefit of French speaking judges on the panel.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in June 2007 filed a complaint
at the sub-regional court to compel the government of President Jammeh to
produce Manneh and to answer for his arrest and subsequent disappearance.
The government has denied ever arresting Manneh. There have been reports
that Chief Manneh had been sighted several times in the custody of state
security personnel. The government has consistently failed to appear before the
court.
International Women’s Day Commemorated
By Annia Gaye
Saturday 8 March is recognised as the International Women’s Day celebrated
all over the world. In The Gambia, the women organisation called Gambia
Committee on Traditional Practices (GAMCOTRAP) commemorated the day with the
official launching of their website at Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi. The theme
for this year’s celebration is “The struggle for Gender Equality Continues.
Delivering her remarks at the launch ceremony, Dr. Isatou Touray, Executive
Director of GAMCOTRAP, said that this day is set aside to reflect on the
concerns and strategic interests of women all over the world. She further noted
that this day is a day when women around the globe celebrate their successes,
while renewing their determination to defeat the challenges they still face
with the support of each other. She also reflected on the promises made by the
governments and donor agencies to ensure that women are put at the centre of
development.
She said the celebration coincides with the launching of their website, www.
Gamcotrap.gm, in which they accumulated a lot of data and information about
the status of women and children in The Gambia, so as to share with its
partners, donors and the general public through the use of modern technology.
She said that achievements have been made by women and in which Gamcotrap
has contributed; that these include the ratification of the Convention on the
Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, without reservations, the African
Protocol on Human Rights on the Rights of Women, the Convention on the
Rights of the Child, the land mark success by the public declaration of 13
circumcisers and 63 communities to stop Female Genital Mutilation and the launching
of their website.
Dr. Touray further said that as the feminist movement is progressing all
over the world there are dynamics unfolding in the journey towards achieving
gender equality. “Here I would like to highlight some of the factors that impede
the realization of this journey concerning over 50% of the world’s population
”, she said. She highlighted the concept of Gender Equality, which she said
seems to raise a lot of intellectual and political debates, particularly
among the epistemologists, as well as men, women and highly placed decision
makers who, she said, tend to politicize the issue and thereby miss its essence.
Dr. Touray concluded that the struggle for women continues as they rekindle
their commitment and determination and spell out the visions they have for women
’s empowerment.
Dr. Amadou Scattred Janneh, of COMIT, said today all women around the world
are celebrating this important day to aspire for their rights and potentials
in the society. He said that Gamcotrap’s launching of its own website would
help their partners to access the information of the organization’s structure
and that the website is invaluable; that Gamcotrap is playing its role to
reverse some of the problems that women face.
Saikou Omar Dibba, a Board Member of Gamcotrap, said that this event is
important in the business to advance the cause of women in this country. He gave
a brief history of Gamcotrap and said they have embarked on the issue of
harmful practices on women and girls. He observed that international women’s day
is a very significant day throughout the world.
Officer’s Family Thrown out of Their Home
By Bubacarr Sowe
The family of Bakary Camara, an ex-lieutenant, have been thrown out of their
house following his dismissal from the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF).
Mr. Camara who was President Jammeh’s body guard was dismissed from the
military because of accusations of stealing a government vehicle.
“It’s true he has been dismissed from the military,” says GAF spokesperson,
Lieutenant Alhagie Sanneh.
Even though Mr. Camara is not yet convicted of any offence his family was
told to vacate their house at 11 New Primet Street in Banjul, because it is a
government house where they have lived for over ten years.
Mr. Camara has maintained his plea of not guilty and so is ex-superintendent
Manlafi Sanyang who used to be the head of the government vehicles unit and
also facing similar charges of stealing.
Foroyaa has learnt that Mr. Sanyang is also sacked from the police force.
Both men are still in detention because they cannot meet the bail conditions
granted to them by the High Court.
Mr. Camara is also in another case of stealing in which he was granted a
bail bond of D50,000.
His co-accused, Mr. Sanyang, who is facing two separate cases of stealing,
was unable to meet a bail condition of 200, 000 dalasis and a surety not less
than the rank of a permanent secretary.
“We are not having a permanent secretary to bail him,” said his lawyer,
Lamin Camara.
The trial of both men are due to continue today at the Banjul Magistrates
Court.
NUGS Leadership Dispute Intensifies
By Isatou Bittaye
The dispute over who should be the president of the National Union of
Gambian Students (NUGS), the umbrella organisation of students unions in The
Gambia, has intensified as the University of the Gambia Students Union (UTGSU)
recalls its representative in the NUGS Executive Council. This move was taken at
an emergency congress of UTGSU on Wednesday. The president of NUGS, Ebrima
Sanneh, is a student of UTG who is not a member of the UTGSU Executive Council.
The UTGSU president, Ousman Badjie, was voted in by the UTGSU congress to
occupy the position of president of NUGS. This recall came as a result of the
just concluded NUGS congress of which the UTGSU boycotted and had threatened to
pull out of NUGS if their concerns were not addressed by the NUGS congress.
The row began when the congress decided to amend a constitutional clause to
relocate the portfolio of Vice President from UTG to IBC. This move was taken
by the Constitutional Review Committee, in which UTG was not represented.
Tabling the agenda before the UTGSU congress, the president of UTGSU told
congress that the idea of separating the two unions has created confusion in
the system. He said this separation of powers always results to conflict of
interest between the two union presidents and that this has denied the UTGSU a
chance of achieving its objectives for the students.
He claimed that the NUGS president has always been doing things without
consulting with the UTG student Executive Council. He pleaded to the UTGSU
congress to endorse the resolutions tabled before them. After a heated debate the
UTGSU congress finally endorsed two of the three resolutions brought before
it. The three resolutions, as demands, read:
i) Congress should recall the UTGSU NUGS representative, Ebrima Sanneh.
ii) The UTGSU president must automatically become the president of
NUGS.
iii) NUGS should go by the previous constitution which granted the
portfolio of Vice President to the UTG or the UTGSU would pull out of NUGS,.
The Congress, however, agreed to the first two resolutions and UTGSU
president is mandated to take up the mantle of NUGS presidency with immediate
effect. For the third resolution, congress gave room to the executive council to
enter into negotiations with the NUGS Executive Council before any final
decision can be taken.
This reporter contacted the recalled NUGS president, Ebrima Sanneh, to hear
his own version of the story. Sanneh said that the UTGSU has no right to
remove him from the position of NUGS presidency. He said this move is
unconstitutional as it is neither in the NUGS constitution nor the UTGSU constitution.
Sanneh noted that any case of removal of an executive official should follow
certain procedures. He said it is stated in the NUGS constitution in Article
13, paragraph 1(f) that any executive council officer at anytime can be
removed from office when a vote of no-confidence is passed by the NUGS congress
against him/her as a result of ;
i) abuse of office
ii) wilful violation of the general objectives of NUGS and
iii) physical or mental incapacity.
“I remain the president of NUGS until proper legal actions are taken based
on the NUGS constitution, up till May when my term of office will terminate,”
Sanneh added. He said from now until May, in any NUGS meeting, he will
represent the University because he is still the president of NUGS.
He said it is not spelt out in the NUGS constitution that the presidency of
NUGS should go to the UTGSU president and that the separation of UTGSU and
NUGS presidencies was made at a congress last year. Sanneh said that it is that
congress decision which mandated him to be the president of NUGS and until
that congress decision is revoked through the right procedures, he still
remains the president of NUGS.
“I am neither impeached nor recalled and I remain the president of NUGS
until May,” he concluded.
UTG Holds Seminar On Swedish Education System
By Isatou Bittaye
The University of The Gambia, in collaboration with two visiting lecturers
from Vaxjo University in Sweden, on Wednesday, 5 March, held a seminar on the
Education System in Sweden, at the Girl Guides Training Centre.
In his opening remarks, the Vice Chancellor of UTG, Professor Andreas
Steigen said Sweden has been very innovative in their educational system and is the
leading nation in Scandinavia. Professor Steigen added that Norway and
Sweden were in a union up till 1905 and even their foreign policy was the same.
In presenting his lecture, Mr. Hans Lindquist, Associate Professor at Vaxjo
University said the Swedish educational system is in three forms beginning
with nursery, where children from one year to six years can attend. He added
that the next stage is preparatory schools where children from the ages of
seven to sixteen can attend from grades one to twelve. Mr. Hans noted that the
final stage is university where 50% of young people go before the age of 25
years. He said in Sweden 95% of the population go through 12 years of schooling
which everybody should get (ie from primary to senior secondary school). He
noted that they also have schools for football and hair-dressers.
Mr. Hans said that in Sweden they have advanced in their school system but
also encounter problems such as teachers’ status, state financing and
discipline among students. He said in Sweden, some universities specialise in
business called business universities and draw students from other parts of the
world. He said in the university where he is lecturing, Vaxjo University, their
motto is “From a joining university to a leading university in education and
research.” Mr. Hans noted that Vaxjo University started as a college in 1967
and in 1977 they had a teacher training college, in 1989 engineering
programmes were integrated and it became a full university in 1999. He said in the
Vaxjo University they have schools such as Education, Health and Social Work,
Management and Economics, Mathematics and System Engineering, Social Sciences
and Technology and Design. He said they have 94 educational programmes, 52
undergraduate programmes, 42 graduate programmes and they offer 1,200 courses.
Also deliberating, Mr. Magnus Levin, Senior Lecturer at Vaxjo University,
dwelt on their degree award system. He said they have diploma undergraduate,
which is 2 years and is 120 credits. He added that the Bachelors degree is 3
years and 180 credits, Masters 2 years and 120 credits. They also have
professional undergraduate and graduate programmes such as Nursing, Special Work and
Education. Mr. Levin concluded that at Vaxjo they conduct research in areas
like Labour Market, Migration, Entrepreneurship, Welfare Studies, Inter-Media
Studies, Technology and Wood and Energy.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
THE ECOWAS MEDIATION COMMITTEE DEFIES WARNING NOT TO SEND COMBATANTS TO
LIBERIA
With Suwaibou Touray
We have been focusing on politics in this column with the objective to help
our young readers to reflect on the politics of the past so as to help them
understand the present in order to forge a durable Democratic society in the
future. We intend to do this together.
In issue no. 26 of Foroyaa, it has been mentioned that Mrs. Elizabeth Renner
replaced Mr. Pesseh Njie as a Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Health,
Environment, Labour and Social Welfare. It should have read, Mrs. Alaba Mboge,
MP, was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Health,
Environment, Labour and Social Welfare. Mrs Elizabeth Renner was only nominated to fill
the vacant post of a nominated member which occurred after the death of Mr.
Sheriff Sisay. The error is deeply regretted.
In the last edition we stopped where the PDOIS toured the Wuli and Sandu and
tried to clarify the issue of political leadership to the populace.
Let us continue from where we stopped.
The PDOIS told the people that just as they don’t want to be lords above
the people tomorrow but to be their servants, in their party they have no
lords; that they have a group of dignified and knowledgeable people who have
voluntarily come together to combine their knowledge and efforts to serve the
interests of the people; that a leader in their party is not a privilege but a
role which anybody in the leadership would be in a position to perform; that
whoever is considered appropriate becomes the party leader; that none hungers
for this role and that there can never be any competition for it since no role
is privileged role in the party.
By May 28th, 1990, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
met in Banjul. The PPP government did not take this occasion lightly. They did
everything to show that all these heads of states were coming to the Gambia
because of Jawara’s respect for human rights and democracy and for the respect
they have of the man himself.
So what did the government do to create an illusion? Months before the
occasion, message spread that the Gambia was to witness its largest gathering of
heads of states. Intensive efforts were made to rehabilitate the VIP lounge at
the Banjul international Airport. A new five star hotel, the Kairaba beach
hotel, which was constructed for D135 million dalasis was to accommodate the
guests. A committee was set up, headed by a minister, to mobilize mass support
in welcoming the visitors. Buses were provided, food was available and even
cloths were provided to people to encourage them to participate.
According to reports, very few people came out to welcome the presidents. It
was also observed that most of those who even stood near the main road were
children drawn to those places out of curiosity because of the bleeping noise
that accompanied the presidential motorcade.
Foroyaa attributed this poor reception from the masses as a lesson to the
Jawara regime indicating one indisputable fact and that was, it was losing the
confidence of the people. The paper also wrote that it was clear that the
people do not necessarily have to go out in the streets to demonstrate or to
show their dissatisfaction to the government.
It appeared that the ECOWAS was more concerned with the economies of the
region. According to the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS who reviewed the
performance of the West African economy during the 1980s, “It is quite obvious that
the period was a lost decade for the sub-region and for the rest of Africa.
The Executive Secretary lamented that,” in spite of the tremendous and
sustained efforts of all member states at economic reform to halt the economic
decline, the standard of living of our people was still well below the
pre-crisis level. The different structural adjustment and economic recovery programmes
notwithstanding; the prognosis for the 1990s is a very gloomy period indeed
for the West African Economy, unless dramatic changes are engineered and some
fundamental rethinking of our strategies is inaugurated.”
The chairman of ECOWAS also asserted that “The aid allocated by the Western
countries to Eastern Europe is on a dramatic increase, to the detriment of
aid in developing countries; that multinational enterprises operating in our
countries are abandoning the sub-region and relocating in the North, with an
eye on the prospect of the 1992 single European market. This trend is
dangerously compromising the increase of capital flow to developing countries and
needs to be reversed”
Foroyaa claims that the statements constituted an indictment of all
governments in the sub-region and the ECOWAS in general; that it confirms that no
meaningful achievements have been made by the individual nations in particular
and the community of nations they had established in general; that despite the
fact that opinions on reinforcing political will to revitalize sub-regional
integration, some member states considered it so insignificant that they do
not even pay their contributions.
Foroyaa maintained that the ECOWAS summits were in fact becoming occasions
for heads of states to go on holidays in one African country just to talk
about their intentions and why they have not materialized.
Foroyaa then asked, since ECOWAS could not rely on the industrialized
countries to promote economic development, what was their solution?
Quoting the executive Secretary of ECOWAS “One obvious avenue that holds
much promise for our member states is regional integration.” Foroyaa, however,
asserted that anybody who believes that African countries would make headway
by integrating the current economies under their present parasitic systems of
government would qualify to be called an idle dreamer.
Foroyaa maintained that the unity of present day African economies would be
a unity of debtor countries. The paper quoted the ECOWAS chairman as thus; “
Efforts to resolve the debt problem have still not yielded anticipated
results; that there were several plans, proposals and measures for temporary debt
relief but these unfortunately did not cover all countries and the debts we owe.”
Foroyaa argued that only six heads of state excluding the host,
participated in this summit; that this indicated how much importance such countries
attached to sub regional integration.
Foroyaa agreed with the Executive Secretary, among other things, that the
economies were “Characterized by conditionalities” and that confirmed that it
was an illusion to expect the gloomy situation to be changed by relying on
the “International environment.” The paper finally maintained that the only
solution was to build self reliant economies.
By about March 1990, civil war broke out in Liberia, which threatened the
peace and stability of West African States. Most West African leaders were
ousted by coup d’etat, but the Liberian civil strife was seen to be setting up a
new and dangerous precedent. This was why the ECOWAS Heads of State and
Government meeting in Banjul indicated that they have been following with grave
concern the civil war that was presently raging in the sister Republic of
Liberia. They called on the warring parties to observe an immediate cessation of
hostilities, to put an end to the wanton destruction of life and property and
to accept the holding of free and fair elections, as a means of returning
peace and security to Liberia.
The problem here was that most of the West African leaders did not have the
moral authority to preach free and fair elections since most of them were
military dictators who came to power through coup d’etat and also those who
refused to hold free and fair elections but only cling on to what could be
described as sham elections to remain in power.
By August 6th, the First Session of the ECOWAS Standing Mediation Committee
was held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel conference centre in Banjul. The session
was attended by ECOWAS heads of states, including Flight-Lt. Jerry John
Rawlings of Ghana, General Lasana Conte of Guinea, General Ibrahim Babangida of
Nigeria, Dr. Joseph Saidu Momoh of Sierra Leone, Dr. N’golo Traore, Minister of
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, representing the president of
Mali, Hon. Bitokotipou Yagninim, Minister of Justice, representing the
president of the Togolese Republic and President Sir Dawda Jawara, President of
the Republic of The Gambia who was the current chairman of the ECOWAS Authority
and chairman of the Community’s Standing Mediation Committee.
According to the Nation Newspaper, the session was convened to review the
current Liberian crisis and to plan an appropriate Community action with a view
to re-establishing peace and security in Liberia.
Before the Banjul Summit meeting of 30 March 1990, PDOIS wrote a communiqué
to the Summit meeting warning them not to send combatants to Liberia. The
central committee of the People’s Democratic Organization for Independence and
Socialism (PDOIS) addressed a letter to the ECOWAS Mediation Committee on the
6th August, 1990, well before they met and discuss about the crisis in
Liberia. The PDOIS letter told the West African Leaders that the letter sprang from
the desire of the PDOIS to contribute its quota in mapping out a route that
could be taken to bar the possibility of compounding the crisis which has
engulfed the Liberian nation.
PDOIS reminded the leaders that substantive conception of a crisis at hand
derived from coherent evaluation of it provides the basis for an effective
plan of action; that action, no matter how well intentioned, if it is not
illumined by sound understanding of a situation could only yield undesirable
consequences. PDOIS therefore cautioned that peace is not safeguarded by taking
actions that are likely to breed more confusion in a society.
The first lesson the ECOWAS mediation committee needs to focus on, PDOIS
wrote, is the question, why the United States which had had such special
relation with Mr. Doe’s regime had failed to intervene in Liberia. And why are they
removing their citizens,while motivating other African countries to send
their own citizens to interfere in a military situation.
The answer PDOIS opined was simple. It said, the death of United States
citizens in Vietnam had given rise to mass uprisings in the U.S as people asked
why their children should die in foreign countries because of military
adventures by the United States government. This is the reason why PDOIS said, the
United States would not commit its troops to any intervention where there is
likely to be a bloodbath or a long drawn out war.
PDOIS argued that the U.S government would not be able to solve the problems
of the Panamanian People after the departure of Noriega, that after the
departure all the problems confronting the people would be attributed to the
intervention. The PDOIS Central Committee insisted that the U.S had then
acknowledged that it had terribly miscalculated in its invasion of panama; that the
United States had thought that the unpopularity of Noriega would enable them
to invade panama without much resistance; that it had then been clear to the
U.S that if it intervened everywhere it would make many enemies while it’s
competitors in the economic sphere would make more friends and win more markets.
This and many other reasons made the PDOIS arrived at the lesson that
intervention was a very expensive enterprise. It said, if one takes a partial view,
its advantages may overbalance the disadvantages. PDOIS however said if it
is viewed from a global angle, the disadvantages may outweigh their
advantages. PDOIS reasoned that military situations are transient; that they are not
static; that those who engage in military ventures without examining all the
linkages or chain effects are likely to be confronted with unpredictable and
overwhelming developments.
The PDOIS central committee analyzed that military situation in Liberia at
that material time; that at first, Doe’s forces were in control; that after
sometime, Charles Taylor’s forces had the upper hand; and at the time Doe was
confined at the executive mansion, then a new force led by Prince Johnson
emerged. PDOIS told the mediation committee that the fact that Mr. Taylor’s forc
es controlled most of the countryside indicated that it was the strongest
force, that the fact that his forces tried to lie in wait to allow Mr. Johnson
and Doe’s forces to wear each other out indicated that such a force has a more
superior tactic.
The Military situation therefore stood as follows: Mr. Johnson’s forces had
formed a net on one side and Mr. Taylor’s forces on the other side while Mr.
Doe waited in a hole waiting for a chance to facilitate his rescue.
The PDOIS letter then asked what ECOMOG was going to do to restore peace in
Liberia “Was it going to send an intervention force to Oust Mr. Doe?” ‘were
the ECOMOG forces going to push Mr. Taylor’s forces back, to enable an
interim government to be established? Were they going to confront Mr. Johnson’s
force?”
PDOIS maintained that, clearly in any of these cases, force would have to be
confronted with force which could lead to the death of many soldiers. Peace
PDOIS said could not be fostered under such a climate; that if the
intervention force just remain in between the three forces, peace would still not be
attained and the suffering of the people would still persist.
PDOIS suggested to the leaders that if the object of ECOWAS was to promote
peace, then an intervention force was the most inappropriate instrument to
utilize to attain the objective; that it would in fact complicate matters; that
it was likely to excite national chauvinism and lasting hostilities between
the people of Liberia and the nationals of countries which may participate in
the invasion.
“The principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other
countries has the profound effect of preventing such antagonisms arising mainly from
invasion of countries by other nationals” wrote the party. The PDOIS opined
that the shortest road at the time that could lead to the immediate
restoration of peace was the following package:
An agreement be reached for Mr. Doe and his forces to be given safe passage
after being disarmed.
The force led by Mr. Taylor and Mr. Johnson would sign to accept cessation
of hostilities.
An interim government be formed with the strongest force being given a
strong voice in determining the composition of the government; that guarantees be
sought by the mediators for a timetable for free and fair elections monitored
by the international community.
PDOIS asserted with all the emphasis they said they could command that any
war posture assumed by ECOWAS with the view to put an end to the war in
Liberia cannot be rationally justified before the eyes of our various people.
They concluded among other things that every action taken by the mediators
is history, so mediators should guard their actions so that history would
vindicate them; that Liberia belongs to the Liberian people; that they alone
should be commanders of their own destiny, that outsiders can render solidarity
but have no right to dictate how the Liberian nation was to be governed.
PDOIS told the mediators that it anticipated a communiqué that would be
vindicated by History’s judgment. The letter was sent to all heads of States in
West Africa.
By 7th August, 1990, the mediation committee issued their communiqué which
spelt out their programme of action to restore Liberia to normalcy, i.e. Seat
an interim government which could govern to replace Samuel K. Doe’s
government which they said could not govern and pave the way for elections. ECOMOG
reached Liberia on the 25th of August, 1990, with the declared objectives of
seeing that a ceasefire was in place, ensuring the monitoring of the ceasefire,
order and create the climate for the holding of general elections
See next edition as we surge forward into more important political issues in
1990.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Is She A Fortunate Woman?
With Amie Sillah
Part 2
George Is Angry
As he was coming in, a customer was going out. He enquired and the customer
protested. He George went into his restaurant and queried his wife. He did
not give her an opportunity to explain. This attitude got Maria pissed up. “I
am exhausted. The baby is on my back. I am on optimal breastfeeding. Junior is
all the time crying to be fed. Reuben went to the market to buy some
condiments. I nursed the baby to sleep. Then I prepared for a customer’s request.
The man complained. I apologized and told him to be patient as I was the only
one around. He became rude and sulky. I ignored him, he left. What do you
want me to do? Run after him? No! Upon my dead body. I want respect. I’ll not
allow anyone, anybody to disrespect me. It is his choice. After all I didn’t
force him to buy from our restaurant. He can buy any where. I am not disturbed”
. George was guilty. He apologized. I’m sorry for being very harsh with you.
I appreciate your hard work. Who will think a BSc graduate in political
science and international relations is doing this so called menial job. I am
sorry darling. I’ll control my temper next time”. “You better do. Every time,
think about the other person.” George kissed his wife.
At Home
Maria remained cooled as she served food to her husband. George is a warm
person. He felt guilty and isolated. He is disturbed. “Maria! Why are you
unforgiving. I apologized I’ll not do it again. I was naughty. Do you want me to
stoop for you?” George started to stoop down. Maria protested. “Don’t! Don’t
stoop for me. It is culturally unheard of.” “But how can I make you laugh
again. I am disturbed when you don’t laugh for me. I don’t want to see you
perturbed”. George tickled Maria to laughter. She laughed and peace reigned
again in the house. Maria served the food and the couple ate together.
Heart To Heart Talk
They retired early to bed. George is devoted to his family. Wherever he
goes, he goes with Maria and children. Maria spoke quietly to him in bed. “We are
graduates. You have a Master in Civil Engineering and a Diploma in Public
administration. I am a BSc holder in Political Science and International
relations and also have a Diploma in IT and Home Management. But where are we? We
have no job, no connection to any future job in sight. That’s why we were
pragmatic. We took a loan and started this business. Thank God. With diligence
and hard work we have succeeded. Our family business is doing very well. Our
annual turnover is quite encouraging. We are also helping our families
positively. We could not have done it with Government white colour job unless we
become corrupt. Now, we need patience. I have two babies within two years of our
marriage. It is hectic. I am practically nursing two babies. You are a great
husband. Women, girls would do any thing to snatch you from me. But I am not
scared. I know you love and value me. I do likewise. I have no reason to
doubt you but my only advice is for you to be calm. Check how you talk to me
infront of strangers. You cannot embarrass me. It is unacceptable. We are going
through a transition but our situation is not bad. We don’t have a government
job but we are self-employed and it is sustainable. Let us be contented for
now and give solidarity to each other. I salute you! I rest my case”. Maria
mocked her husband. He sprang on her and made love to her.
The Candidate
Dr. Isaac is standing for a top U.N. job. All the continents were to file in
a candidate. Some countries were selected in each continent to vote. It was
a big campaign. Dr. Isaac travelled far and wide to campaign for votes. If he
succeeds, he would be the first African to head the top UN job. It was a
great activity for Dr. Isaac. He put his world network at work. He is a well
favoured diplomat loved by all sincere citizens of the world, irrespective of
religion, colour, creed, philosophy or belief. Dr. Isaac is 46 years old.
Supporters assembled at his home and prayed for him. He explained his future plans
when he wins the top U.N job.
His Vision is to be a consensus administrator when he wins the top UN job. “I
’ll bring on everyone on board. Together we can change the world. No more
Business As usual. Business has to bring about social change. The world is one
people, different colours, different religions, different beliefs and
different systems. We will join together to change our world. No more unjust wars,
we have to work to eradicate poverty and disease, give voice to the voiceless
and struggle for positive, social change and social justice.” The supporters
lauded and prayed for their candidate. He served them drinks and snacks. They
were waiting for the Results.
To be cont’d.
NCCE Sensitises Councillors On Local Government Act
By Yaya Bajo
National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) recently held a two-day capacity
building workshop for ward councillors on the Local Government Act in
Kerewan NBR. The objective of the training was to equip and empower ward
councillors to fully understand the content of the Local Government Act in order to
enable them know their roles and responsibilities in the execution of their
functions.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor of North Bank Region, Mr. Eduwar
Seckan, underscored the importance government attaches to the establishment of
National Council for Civic Education which, among other things, will empower
the citizenry to know their civic and constitutional rights. Governor Seckan
described the training as timely. He said new councillors were elected and
building their capacity will contribute immensely to the attainment of council’s
development aspirations. Mr. Seckan urged the councillors to forget about
their individual and political differences and work for the wellbeing of the
people of the region.
The Chief Executive Officer of Kerewan Area Council, Alhagie Tamba S.
Kinteh, applauded NCCE for their timely intervention in capacitating the ward
councillors on the Local Government Act which, he said, will go a long way in
strengthening the council in its daily operation. Mr. Kinteh tasked councillors
to advocate and nuture the cordial relationship that exists between the
council and development partners and tax payers. The rationale of opening of ward
accounts by the council, he said, is to empower Ward Development Committees to
embark on resource mobilization and start undertaking development projects
at ward level; that councillors should therefore ensure the proper utilization
of the funds in the interest of the ward; that the role of the Ward
Development Committee is to coordinate development assistance, review plans and
prioritise development objectives. Mr. Kinteh also used the occasion to commend
the outgoing councillors for their dedication, commitment and steadfastness in
the execution of their functions.
Sainey Saho, Civic Education Officer at NCCE, underscored the importance his
office attaches to the goal of raising awareness of ward councillors on the
Local Government Act. “The amended Act clearly spells out the roles and
responsibilities of councillors in relation to national development,” he said.
The Chairman of Kerewan Area Council, Alhagie Lamin Ceesay, said the
training will help enhance and facilitate the smooth operation of the councils
towards the attainment of their development aspiration. Chairman Ceesay urged
councillors to always use the Local Government Act, which he said is user
friendly, as it will always guide them to know their roles and responsibilities. Mr.
Ceesay finally assured the electorate of the council’s continued commitment
to the welfare of the people.
As NYP Clocks Six
Young People Raise Concern
By Annia Gaye
The speaker of the youth parliament, Hon. Lamin F. Bojang, has urged the
government to consider ratifying the African Youth Charter. He made the call in
an inter-generational dialogue with the National Assembly Members at the
National Assembly Chambers as part of the commemoration of the sixth anniversary
of the National Youth Parliament.
He said that The African Youth Charter, commonly known as the Youth Charter,
which was adopted in Banjul, in July 2006, during the AU Summit, is the only
legal instrument in honour of millions of African youths that will promote
their course. He reiterated that the charter is yet to be signed by The Gambia
Government and went on to say, “We the young people want The Gambia to be
among the first countries to adopt it before it will enter into force.” He also
mentioned certain issues such as illegal migration, which he said is a big
concern for the youth leaders of the country and that they would be grateful
if the trouble of migration can be addressed at the grassroots level.
He said teenage pregnancy, early marriages, and forced marriage remain the
biggest challenges facing young girls of the present generation. He stated
that many girls do not complete their secondary education due to these issues
which hinder their development. “Yet sufficient laws are not available to
protect these young and promising group of our society,” he said. Mr. Bojang urged
the government to put all concerned parties together to help young people
and young girls in the country.
He also expressed worries about the challenging issue of drug or substance
abuse by young people and called on stakeholders to support youth institutions
to strengthen the campaign against drugs and substance abuse.
Speaker Bojang concluded by noting that their concerns are not limited to
the few issues mentioned above, but would be glad if those highlighted issues
can be given urgent attention.
In her response, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Fatoumatta
Jahumpa Ceesay, said that youth parliamentarians should hold their interaction
session at the National Assembly chambers for NAMs to know about the problems of
youths in this country and tackle them. She said that youth parliamentarians
should always try to bring all youth organisations under one umbrella for
them to express their problems within themselves and in the country. The Speaker
asked the Youth Parliamentarians to promote and encourage skills centres so
that youths can benefit from them.
Other speakers include Hon Seedy Njie, who is the nominated youth
representative at the National Assembly, Hon. Mariama Sarr, Deputy Speaker NYP, and
Ousman Conteh-Programme Office NYP. The Vote of thanks was delivered by Satang
Naban, Banjul Youth Parliament.
The commemoration is marked by the theme “Youth-Adult Partnership for
Sustainable Development”.
Gambian Military Officer Dies In Helicopter Crash
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
According to reports from The Gambia Armed Forces Headquarters, Captain
Famara Jammeh, an officer of The Gambia National Army died in a helicopter crash
in the Kingdom of Nepal, while on a peace keeping mission under the UN.
The military spokesperson, Lieutenant Alagie Sanneh, stated that the
unfortunate incident happened on Monday 3 March. He said that Captain Jammeh was
under the United Nations peace keeping observation based on humanitarian
activities in the Kingdom of Nepal, noting that the mission was non-combative but
more of civil activities. He added that Captain Jammeh and three other Gambian
Military officers left for the same mission in June last year under the UN.
He noted that the circumstances behind the crash are yet to be confirmed.
Lieutenant Sanneh noted that Nepal is a mountainous country. He said that the
body of Captain Jammeh is yet to be recovered; but that Jammeh was confirmed to
be among the victims. He indicated that the body may not be available for
burial back home due to the nature of the accident. He said that the army and
the family will arrange prayers and charity for the deceased.
According to lieutenant Sanneh, Captain Jammeh was a gallant soldier who
never hesitated to execute his duties. He indicated that it was a big blow for
the entire Armed Force. Lieutenant Sanneh noted that Captain Jammeh joined the
force in 1995 and rose through the ranks up to Captain. He stated that
Captain Jammeh by the time of his departure to Nepal, was serving at the defence
headquarters as a staff officer grade two, who was in charge of training and
operations.
It could be recalled that, Captain Famara Jammeh was implicated in the 21
March 2006, coup plot. He was arrested and later appeared on Television among
those that were implicated in the coup plot. He was later released without any
charges against him.
Captain Jammeh, known as “Farmo” was born in Gunjur village in Kombo South.
He is believed to be in his mid 30s. He is survived by a wife and a son.
Deputy Permanent Secretary Charged
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Department of Forestry and Environment,
Mr. Modou O. Njie, who was recently was reported to be in police net, has found
himself charged with two different criminal offences. Mr. M. O. Njie is
expected to appear at Bundung Magistrates’ Court today, Monday, March 10, to
answer to these two charges.
The Police Spokesperson, Inspector Sulayman Secka, confirmed the detention
and subsequent charges against Mr. Njie. Inspector Secka stated that Mr. Modou
O. Njie has been charged with two different counts, which include
publication of false information contrary to section 181 (a) of the criminal code; that
the second charge is impersonation, contrary to section 93 (b) of the
criminal code, laws of the Gambia. PRO Secka did not go into details as to the
particulars of offence that Mr. M.O Njie is said to have committed, but instead
indicated that the DPS is expected to appear in the dock to plead to the
charges preferred against him.
It could be recalled that a local newspaper reported that Mr. M.O Njie had
been arrested and detained at the Kotu Police Station on 21 February. The
reasons of his arrested were not highlighted in the news report. However, Foroyaa
learnt that Mr. M.O. Njie has not reported to work since his arrest and
subsequent detention.
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