G-L Community:

I have been greatly enriched by my association with the Bantaba and over
the year that I have been a member, I have been impressed by the
diversity of views expressed. Yet, I am also saddened by the pain that
seem to be at the core of our constant criticisms against Jammeh and
Jawara.  Clearly, the coup in 1994 and its aftermath have had and
continue to have a traumatizing effect on all Gambians.  The criticisms
leveled against Jammeh and his Government and for that matter Jawara's
by well meaning people, reflect the hurt and trauma I spoke of earlier.
Both Jawara and Jammeh have made mistakes.  It has been pointed out by
many that Sir Dawda made many mistakes during his thirty year rule. And
needless to say Jammeh has also had his share of mistakes. It is time to
move the debate beyond blame and recrimination and propose concrete
remedies to both the political impasse/stalemate on Gambia-L and in the
country of our birth, Gambia. The reality is Jammeh is President and
Jawara is not.  Both Jammeh and Jawara are not perfect.

And it appears that the overwhelming sentiment on the L and Gambia,
though expressed differently, lead ultimately toward improving the lives
of Gambians.  This ought to be the theme that unifies us as a people.
This unity of purpose does not mean necessarily that we would all agree
on an issue, but it should guide us as we pursue a common vision for
Gambia with other Gambians.

What can we do as a community of Gambians and people interested in
Gambia to influence and shape in a decisive and positive way political
events unfolding in Gambia?  How can we begin to engage President Jammeh
and his Government and influence him in the direction we desire and
toward that vision?  What compromises is Jammeh willing to make? What
concessions must we make?

It seems that the L and the political situation at home are populated by
some individuals who speak at and alienate each other.  We need to get
to the next level, I suggest, by proposing solutions to Gambia's current
political crisis. The criticism leveled against Jawara and Jammeh during
their recent visits to the U.S., have had an effect, admitted by them or
not.

Let us turn to a new page!

From the discussion over the last year certain key concerns we appear to
share are summarized below. These include:

a)A Gambia where individuals can pursue a livelihood in dignity while
enjoying basic freedoms and to vote in a government of their choice
unrestrained by the state or its authorities;

b)A political atmosphere were fear of retribution is not a constraint to
the expression of one's beliefs, either in print or verbally; and

c)Political participation as a right that all Gambians are entitled.

If my reading of the Bantaba and the crisis at home are accurate, we
must begin to work with President Jammeh, his Government and the Gambian
People to resolve these issues. And as the Presidential and National
Assembly elections are fast approaching, it is imperative that the
political system be opened up.

I propose that at minimum, all political parties and politicians that
were banned shortly before the 1996 elections, be unbanned and let the
Gambian people decide who rules them.

The latter it appears to me and many more on the Bantaba, is a way to
realizing this vision for Gambia and Gambians. To me, this is beyond
partisan politics.  It is life of a people and of future generations.
This could be our challenge to President Jammeh and his government.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Abdoulaye Saine

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