What is it? How can it be done? Why did it elude us for so long?

First……for me this is same unity that everyone were/is calling for.  Unity (united) on good is both cultural and religious to Gambians. So why couldn’t we make so on Gambia?

My take:

People are/were not against common ground/unity/united/union, etc…….but very suspicious of either the motive or the potential likely outcomes of the past and current approaches. Can you see how fierce the debate even on this forum when the subject is one or the other group - amazing!

From since first republic political parties/individual ban was lifted we’ve tried to come together and each time it failed. It always fail because the eventual outcome is not necessarily the interest of all those ask to make it work.  I wouldn’t even try to debunk the various rationalizations - simply is not there!

Lets step back with a view to find a workable solution……that’s common to all!

So far the only communality of us Gambians - is ‘ A Democratic Republic! A republic - a shared ownership. Democracy - a system that enable equitable participation in the management of our common property. THIS IS A GIVEN! Let me know who is excluded in this or who is disadvantaged by this.

Lets then go directly after this - regardless you are in a political party or not, living in Gambia or outside, interested in politics or not - as long as you are a Gambian - your stake is readily there.

How can this be done without asking each other to leave/abandon their party/group interests: - 

1) Lets demand for a common set of rules (constitution) that applies to all equally at all time

2) Lets demand a limited, separated and decentralized governance

3) Lets demand rule of law and due processes at all times - however hard and dire the situation may look

4) Lets develop the capacity of the population - this is different from simply sending kids to school

5) Lets document and account every public affairs with material proof

The higher the degree on any/all these fronts the closer we’re a functioning institutional democracy.

Some have problem - say how can we get these when Yahya is in town. Legitimate concern for sure. Equally I say how can we win Yahya in an election when he’s in charge. 

Today none of these will work because Yahya has no material incentive to give up his grip. Suffice to say we will have to create/generate such incentive.

How do we create/generate such incentive? It’s call leverage - political/social/economical/cultural/religious, etc

Basically - organization, mobilization and capacity building!

1) We’ve to make our case (legitimate case) - this is already found in our demands. We only have to articulate concisely for marketing purposes

2) We’ve to look for representatives ( I called this National Face) - we can’t all be at everything at every time.  On this whether Dr. Saine or Dr.Jobe or Ousainou or Halifa or Hamat or Mai or Henry or Yahya or Demba, etc. is the leader - out come is the same (level playing field) for all. On this we wouldn’t spend another 20 years searching for a group

3) The rest of us can continue to pursue our personal interests whether those are political or apolitical. Our sector groups and interests can always enhance/support the efforts of the group. We can also hold them accountable 

Right now it appears we are trying ‘To Fit A Jumbled Up Puzzle' by simply running our fingers through - that wouldn’t do it. We have to be patient and methodical by picking one piece at a time and place it at it spot. Sure laborious but no other practical way if we are to ensure our desired outcome

Guys and gals how is this difficult to see! Ok I got it!

Come up with something you think will work better………20 years is gone and Yahya is now stopping our people from practicing their religions as they see it fit. Soon he will tell us who to marry/divorce (is not impossible at this rate).

Burama

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