It is a common knowledge that the situation in the Gambia is not a usual
political problem, therefore extraordinary measures are required to resolve
extraordinary challenges.  There are two apparent fallacies inherent in our
ongoing struggle to effect change in the Gambia.  There are those who
believe in the reification of change through a coup d'etat, and another
group that believes in a democratic process through constitutional means.  I
strongly believe that neither suffices our situation at this moment.  A coup
d'etat is a very effective tactical means in changing a political leadership
in the short run, but in the long run, it proves to be a bad strategic
approach for serious political reforms.  Coups lead to instability,
inefficiencies and other serious lapses in governance besides pervasive
violence and loss of innocent lives.  On the other hand, the democratic
process is a viable and solid means of reform ONLY if the political climate
is conducive.  It is commendable only if the constitutional framework is the
implicit wishes of the people, and NOT an extension of statecraft of a
Dictatorship.  Tyranny will never rhyme with a democratic process.
Therefore I will again assert that those hoping to change the leadership
through the ballot box are applying an inherently good strategy to the WRONG
political climate with all the odds against them.
So where do we go from here?  I will reiterate what I stated earlier in a
comment to Hamjatta.  The opposition need to draw a combined comprehensive
strategy to restore LEGITIMACY first in the Gambia before any form of
democracy will ever have any chance of survival.  Like I said before this
requires some moral will power to overcome all parochial interests, fears
and differences and focus on the sole OBJECTIVE of restoring the rule of
law, human decency and a levelled political playing field.  The Gambia is
ripe for a serious revolution.  I beg the opposition not to ignore this
oppurtunity, otherwise the consequences shall be very grave.  The political
situation in the Gambia is the very stuff from which revolutions have
evolved since the American Revolution, the French Revolution, the
Bolsheviks, and many more freedom movements around the globe.   The catch at
this moment is to ORGANISE, AGITATE and INSTIGATE change.  The rhetorics,
petitions, and numerous memoranda are enough.  This has inadvertently turned
this forum, G-L, into some kind of entertainment jamboree where we soothe
our frustrations, and eventually never exercise our common will to change
the Gambia for good.  How many more petitions are we going to write to
prevent the legacies of the "Dumo Sahos", the "April Massacres", and
political violence from ever happening again?  It is time for all Gambians
to take political action right now!  There are leaders in the Gambia who
already chose to champion the rights and wishes of the oppressed, and I urge
them to stand up to their convictions of right and wrong no matter what.  I
implore them to agitate in the streets of Banjul before the whole world to
any violations of human rights and decency.  I urge them to organize civil
disobedience against tyranny for all Gambians have an inalienable right to
live without fear of any person or government agency.  I beg them to
instigate SOPI to restore LEGITIMACY in the Gambia.  What is going on in the
Gambia is ABSOLUTELY WRONG and any man with some moral conviction should
stand up against it not only in words but also with political action.  Our
children have sacrificed themselves in April, what is the leadership waiting
for...?
Those of us who cannot participate actively in the Gambia should give all
moral, political and finacial support to a UNITED FRONT against the tyranny
in the Gambia.  G-L should set up a fund to solicit contributions towards
this effort and STRONGLY urge the opposition to unite and start the process
NOW!.
My fellow Gambians, the only way we can regain our honour, dignity and
freedom is through a united political action against tyranny.  This way we
can earn the respect of the entire world.

Greetings

Ebou Jallow
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