The Opposition Must Not Be Indecisive
The Price Of Indecisiveness Is A Weakened Opposition

Rumours are rife that meetings are taking place between opposition parties
in one home or the other.
Some claimed that there is indecisiveness among the opposition because of
the problem of leadership. It is argued that the quick steps taken to lift
Decree 89 have created  new a situation that the parties in opposition are
trying to cope with. It is therefore necessary to focus on development as
they are at the moment.
Decree 89 And The Opposition
It is true when the PPP, NCP and GPP were banned by Decree 89 many of the
prominent personalities of the various parties and their grassroots members
either joined the APRC or UDP. A few joined other political parties. Those
in the APRC include personalities who were banned from participating in the
political life of the country for having been ministers, vice presidents or
president under the first republic. These people were left to campaign for
the APRC while their counterparts who may have been in support of the
opposition did not come out in the open to give support for one reason or
another. The process put in place to repeal Decree 89 has changed the
situation.
The Changed Situation
Prior to the process of lifting the ban on parties and individuals there
were five registered political parties. Gambia Democratic Party however had
never participated in elections. The four active parties have been APRC,
UDP, NRP and PDOIS.
Now that Decree 89 is for all intent and purposes dead, the representatives
of PPP, NCP, GPP have been obliged to engage in a series of informal
consultation regarding the future of their parties. The fundamental
question which has confronted these parties is whether or not to register
as political parties and put up candidates in the coming presidential and
National Assembly elections. The NCP members hold s that most of the UDP
National Assembly members are from the NCP whilst the PPP members see
themselves as the former ruling party. They claimed that they have the
funds which provided sponsorship to the UDP in previous elections. It
appears that such  parties are therefore under the pressure to come back to
the fore front in Gambian politics.
On the other hand, they cannot come to the forefront unless they take their
membership back from mainly the APRC and UDP.
Analysts maintained that while the APRC can hold on to their former PPP and
NCP supporters by offering them privileges it is the UDP which could be
negatively affected by the emergence of the banned parties on the political
stage. What to do has been a source of speculation.
At the moment no formal  meeting has taken place between UDP, NRP and PDOIS
which are the active registered parties in the opposition.
UDP has held rallies and invited opposition parties to join them but this
had not materialised. Analysts observe that unless the opposition reaches
an agreement on a presidential candidate it is not likely to have a joint
rally which gives the impression that a particular aspirant's candidature
has been endorsed. What is therefore of paramount importance is discussion
to determine whether a coalition is to be forged or not.
The Sending Of Feelers
It is true that no  formal meeting has taken place between the registered
political parties since the declaration was made to repeal Decree 89.
Meeting has taken place between PPP, NCP and GPP. The NCP and PPP have made
a decision to register their political parties. The GPP leader made a
decision not to register the party before the coming presidential and
National  Assembly elections.
The purpose for registering both the PPP and NCP is for the two parties to
take centre stage in the Gambian politics. They have agreed that Mr. Assan
Musa Camara could consult with UDP, NRP and PDOIS regarding the basis for a
coalition. As of 7th August Mr. Camara has submitted a one page proposal on
a coalition to the UDP and PDOIS. The NRP leader was out of town and is
likely to receive the proposal on his return.
FOROYAA has reliably learnt that PDOIS is giving the proposal an immediate
response. Apparently Mr. Camara now seeks to be an elderly Statesperson who
wishes to facilitate a process. If one casts a fleeting glance at
development it becomes apparent that not much discussion is taking place
regarding the agenda for the coalition.  How each party will be regarded in
the coalition, especially the PPP and NCP will determine whether a
particular leadership will be endorsed or not. The bargaining is still on
in private through home meetings. Mr. Assan Musa Camara is still waiting
for the response of the parties to his proposal which is yet to be made
public. FOROYAA will follow the developments and will publish facts as they
come.
Caution
The Gambian public should bear in mind that there are different agendas for
a coalition. Some are declared, some are being hatched in secret between
individuals. The reason why the results of the meetings are not being
declared is because of difference on the sharing of government
responsibilities. There are suggestions on the ground for an alliance for
democratic transition to empower the people and alliance to share power.
This does not leave the opposition with the prospect of unity unless one
agenda is adopted by all.
While the proposal for alliance on democratic transition has been made
public, the proposals for alliance to share power is still in its
formulation stage. It is yet to be made public. This is the source of
uncertainty.
FOROYAA's Advice
FOROYAA wishes to advice the leaders in the opposition to know that Gambia
now has its first great opportunity to make a new start to build a
sovereign republic with democratic constitution,  institutions and
practices that will set the country on the road to genuine democracy.
There is always the possibility of a minimum and maximum programme that
could be the basis of a coalition. In view of the fact that  political
parties have different manifestos, the minimum programme is the democratic
revolution. All political parties who are worth the truth would agree that
democracy is inconceivable without an informed citizenry who can make
informed choices. This is why civic education to eradicate ignorance is a
key instrument in doing away with the politics of inducement or
intimidation. Since each political party has the view that it can earn the
confidence of the people a short transition programme of one year will not
allow anyparticular person to entrench himself or herself. It would avail
an opportunity for each political party to put its programme before the
people on a weekly basis for a whole year.
Finally constitutional changes would eradicate all unreasonable and
unjustifiable restrictions imposed on citizens to stand as candidates. This
is the type of agenda that can establish a new democratic foundation to
hold free and fair elections after one year transition period. We strongly
feel that if a  trust worthy candidate who has no axe to grind with anyone
is elected by the coalition success is achievable and any party which holds
that its can get a majority would have one year to campaign to get a five
year mandate.
To us this is a credible way forward.
If the opposition do not agree with this agenda each party should come up
with its own agenda for general discussion by the people to test its
popularity. This could then be followed by an informal discussion between
the parties to come to the minimum programme they can agree on. This could
then lead to a formal discussion.
FOROYAA cautions that no conspirational meeting should be held by the
opposition with a view of putting up agendas that are agreed upon in
secret. If certain persons have already decided on their participation as
presidential candidates and are just looking for endorsement from other
parties that should be done on a party to party basis rather than calling
for a coalition. A minimum programme is necessary if there is to be a
presidential candidate and it must be someone who stands a chance in
winning the support of APRC supporters especially the youths. If any
opposition party disagrees with such an agenda then it should state its own
for a discussion. It is important to have an understanding before any
meeting is called to establish a coalition. Any disagreement or one group
endorsing something that is opposed by other groups would be
unsatisfactory.
It is therefore important for each opposition party to become transparent
and decisive on its position on coalition. The opposition must avoid
putting itself in a situation where they will  be accusing each other of
being the cause of the failure. This will lead to a weakened opposition.
The opposition must agree  or disagree in good faith and then face the
people to seek their mandate. This is the demand of the times. Any talks
held should not end in squabbles.


IEC To Meet All Security Chiefs And Representatives Of Political Parties

A meeting is to be convened by the IEC to which security chiefs and
representatives of registered political parties are invited. It is not
clear whether the IEC will retake the issue of counting on the spot for
discussion. This is what is anticipated any way.
The position of the president on the counting on the spot is considered
counter productive. He failed to acknowledge the laws of the country which
empower the IEC to designate counting centres. It is such comments which
often lead members of the IEC to assert their independence by doing what is
to be done according to their best understanding of the dictates of the
law. When such actions counter act the declaration of the the president he
accuses the IEC of not engaging in consultation with  the executive on
matters that are in  the hands of the executive.
We need an executive who appreciate the dictates of the law not one who bow
down to sentiments and personal power.
A civilised society is one based on reasonable and justifiable laws which
are observed by all, irrespective of position, government or opposition
party. What should be clear is that neither the president nor the
opposition parties own the country. It is the people who own the country.
The president or those who aim to replace him should explain their position
to the people with the obligation of being heard and understood. This is
what makes leaders public servants. When they no longer owe obligation to
the people they become rulers and tyrants.
The president and those who aspire to lead the country should move away
from displaying their temper and speak to enlighten and convince the people
that their positions are correct. The people should have no taste for
outburst of temper. They should be ready to get rid of anyone with such a
tendency. We want leaders and not rulers.


What Does It Take To Register A Political Party?
A Case For PPP And NCP

PPP, NCP,GPP, and PDP are not registered political parties. It is necessary
for such political parties to be registered if they are to be part of any
inter-party meeting to discuss about a coalition. PDP was not prevented
from being registered as a political party by Decree 89. Apparently,
finance was said to be the major constraint of Dr. Bojang in registering
his party. The IEC office has indicated that some people have picked up
forms for registration but have not submitted them for registration up to
the time of going to press.
One may now ask: How are political parties formed? Section 105 of the
Elections Decree establishes the condition for the registration of
political parties. It reads: (1) ''The Commission shall, on the written
application of a political party in the prescribed form, register the
party, if the Commission is satisfied that -
(a) it is the principal object of that political party to participate in
the promotion of election under this decree including -
(i) the nomination of persons as candidates for such election;
(ii) the canvassing for votes for a candidate at such election; and
(iii) the devotion of any of its funds or any part thereof to the election
expenses of any candidate taking part in such election;
(b) the internal organisation of the political party conforms to democratic
principles;
(c) the purposes and actions of the political party do not contravene or
are not inconsistent with the constitution or other laws; and
(d) the political party has a national character and is not formed on any
sectional, religious, ethnic or regional basis.
(2) The application shall be accompanied by -
(a) the political party's constitution;
(b) the political party's name and full address;
(c) the names and addresses of all the registered officers of the political
party;
(d) the full address of the political party's secretariat;
(e) the political party's emblem, colour, motto and symbol which shall have
no ethnic, religious or regional connotation;
(f) a declaration signed by at least five hundred members of the political
party whose names appear in the register of voters to the effect that such
voters support the registration of the political party and seek its
registration as a political party;
(g) such feeas the Commission may determine; and
(h) a written undertaking that the political party shall abide by the code
on election campaign ethics which the Commission may from time to time
prepare.


Display Of Military Hardware Or New Consignment?

On 7th August 2001 over 30 military vehicles were on the Brikama Highway.
Many people contacted FOROYAA bureau to question what was going on. The
soldiers on the vehicle were jubilating. It was not clear whether the state
was displaying military hardware or has received new consignment of
military vehicles. FOROYAA is conducting investigation into the matter and
would report the facts acquired.
What is necessary is for the government to understand that display of
military hardware is done when a parade is organised. It is their duty to
inform the public of any developments of such a nature so that rumour and
unnecessary alarm can be dispelled.
It is necessary for the Department of State for Defence to issue a press
release to explain why the vehicles were on the road.


Alhagie Nyabally's Educational Career In Limbo

The memorial day observed by students on the 10th of April 2001 was
generally a severe and touching  affair. Little did any one imagine that a
person like Alhagie Nyabally would be arrested for the speech he delivered
which was considered by some security officials. These officials did not
mince their words in telling Alhagie Nyabally if there is any student
incident he would be considered among those who had incited them for
action.
Arrest, occasional surveillance by persons who look rather suspicious make
Nyabally's situation precarious. The heavy blow came on 10th May 2001 he
received the following letter addressed to his Vice Chancellor, University
of The Gambia by the Permanent Secretary, Department of State for Education
and chairman of the Scholarship Board:
"It is with regret that I am to inform you that funds are not available for
the continued sponsorship of Mr. Alhagie Nyabally a student at the
University of The Gambia.
Mr. Nyabally is therefore to seek alternative means of funding for the rest
of his university programme."
Dated 7th May and the letter was copied to the Scholarship Advisory Board.
The Cost Of University Education
Mr. Nyabally entered the University Extension Programme with the objective
of getting government scholarship to continue his studies because of his
family status. School fees for each semester is D7000. There are two
semesters in each academic year. Thus requiring the students to pay the
D14, 000 dalsiss on fees.
Mr. Nyabally is in his second year and has arrears amounting to D28, 000.
Mr. Nyabally has also registered for two semesters at a rate of D15, 000
per course. Mr. Nyabally wants  to take the course but does not have
D3,000to pay for them.
There is need for the government to change it's decision. Merit should be
the basis for getting government sponsorship and not one's opinion. People
are entitled to their opinions and should not be transformed into prisoners
of conscience or subjected to disadvantages because of their views. This is
clearly stipulated in section 33 subsection (3) and subsection (4).
Subsection (3) states:
"(3) Subject to the provisions of subsection (5), no person shall be
treated in a discriminatory manner by any person acting by virtue of any
law or in the performance of the functions of any public office or any
public authority."
Subsection (4) adds:
"(4) In this section, the expression "discrimination" means affording
different treatment to different persons attributable wholly or mainly to
their respective description by race, colour, gender, language, religion,
political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or
other status whereby persons of one such description are subjected to
disabilities or restrictions to which persons of another such description
are not made subject, or are accorded privileges  or advantages which are
not accorded to persons of another such description."
Mr. Nyabally must not be allowed to suffer just because he expressed
sentiments that were considered a security threat by security officials.
Those who manage the affairs of people are supposed to discharge their
responsibilities without fear or favour, affection or ill will. The nation
has more to lose in not sponsoring the education of a citizen with the
academic competence. It has more to gain by sponsoring one citizen too
develop his or hercapacity to the fullest.
Mr. Nyabally needs the support of any human being who sees the need to come
to the rescue of his fellow human being irrespective of opinion and belief.
To assist Mr. Nyabally has nothing to do with his opinions and belief. It
is to respect  academic freedom.


Ignorance Is An Illness

Dear Editor,
Would you allow me space to air out my views on the event which took place
on 2nd August 2001.
I was in Banjul at about 11 am to mid day I saw a large crowd following a
vehicle. I was informed that the vehicle was carrying a generator. The
president was accompanied by  the crowd heading for the Kombos. When I had
a close view of what was happening I saw party supporters dancing in the
street and the president appeared exited by the crowd's response. I am not
sure whether the crowd was natural or mobilised for the occasion.
This however was the not the most important consideration. I hope most
readers would recall what the president used to say about praise singing
and patronage. He would say that he is not a politician; that he does not
say or do things just to please people. My eyes saw the president dashing
out 50 dalasis notes to anyone who  was lucky to be close. The rumour
spread that the president was giving D50 notes. Many people rushed to the
site. After walking with the people for sometime which posed difficulty to
his security staff he went into his vehicle and stood in the open air cabin
to express his excitement. After sometime he put his hands in the pocket of
his gown to give money to the crowd.
This makes me to see very clearly  when PDOIS talks about poverty and
ignorance in relation to democracy. When people are poor they are likely to
yield to bribery. When they are ignorant they can easily be deceived. The
president has not been able to solve the electricity problems in 7 years
despite the fact that we have been paying our bills for seven years . When
a generator is brought we will continue to pay for electricity in order to
maintain it. I think it is the president who owes Gambians apologies or
promising and failing. Why would Gambians jubilate for having lost a lot of
equipment for the past 36 years. One can imagine the lost opportunities in
terms of investment; the electrical equipment which had been destroyed. The
earnings that could have been made by refrigerator owners, people with
workshops and so on. Inadequate electricity has been a major obstacle to
development. How can any body with such knowledge jubilate because of a
generator.?
Ignorance is the worst enemy of democracy as FOROYAA always say. You will
have to do more work to enlighten the people. That is the solution to our
problem. When I looked around one could see that all those who were
struggling to get the 50 dalasis notes were poor. The president could not
struggle to get 50 dalasis note. He was going away. This again shows that
poverty is degrading.
I am glad that I have gained a lot of awareness from FOROYAA to be able to
know what I should jubilate  about. I hope others would learn to own their
minds and be no one's fool.

Mawdo Touray
Fagi Kunda

Dear Editor,
All journalists should take a tour of of the area near the Serrekunda
Clinic and the market that is close by. I really cannot believe that the
KMC, the Department of Works and Communication and the Department of State
for Health can be aware of the pools of water going to the clinic.
Pregnant women have to be brought to the clinic on a frequent basis. The
foul smell around the area has made the place a breeding place for
mosquitoes and flies. People selling at the market near the clinic are
paying duties only to sit near pools of stinking water and mud. Even taxi
drivers evade those pools of water thus making it very risky for patients
who need treatment at night.
I have raised this with one of the FOROYAA editors who lives near the area.
I was told to write for publication. I hope this matter will be treated
with urgency.

Brother Cham

FOROYAA's Comment
The Secretary of State for Health should accompany the KMC Chairman and
Secretary of state for Works to make a tour of the roads leading to
Serrekunda Clinic via the "Sandika" or market near the clinic. The pools of
water and the stench are posing serious danger to environmental and
personal health. It is incredible that with all the money that is being
collected at the market the KMC is unable to clear the environment near the
market and cooperate with works to ensure better roads for patients.
Maximum efforts need to be made to address the concern of the water which
is the concern of all those who are interested in better health services
for the people.

GAPD Student's Wing Concludes Annual Sensitization Tour In Farafenni

A 24 member delegation of The Gambia Association for the Physically
Disabled Students' Wing (GAPD) have recently concluded a five day annual
sensitization tour in Farafenni Senior Secondary School, North Bank
Division. The delegation comprised two schools namely, Nusrat Senior
Secondary School and Brikama Islamic Institute. The group was headed by
Lamin Kinteh, a former Nusrat student and a prominent executive member of
the association.
On the first day of the trip, the delegation made a courtesy call on key
personalities in the town including the Chief Alhagie Sambujang Jagne and
the Alkalo Alhagie Bakary Dibba who all accorded warm welcome to the
delegates and applauded their excellent initiative.
After the curtsey calls, the delegation proceeded to address the students
of Farafenni Senior Secondary School who were the host, the Junior
Secondary and the Primary school respectively.
During the encounter, Lamin Kinteh the head of the delegation told students
that GAPD Students' Wing has been touring the country for the past two
years with a view to sensitizing the public particularly, the students
about the wrong notion relating to disability concepts. He added that the
trip in general was geared towards improving public interactions with
disabled individuals by not suppressing their rights and dignities as human
beings.
He advised students not to discriminate or marginalise disabled persons
since according to him one may be  able bodied today and tomorrow becomes
disabled as the president of GAPD Students' Wing, Ebrima Dibbasey
accidently fell down from a donkey cart and had his left arm amputated.
On his part, Yaya Bajo, the association ex-president of Nusrat Sub-union
noted that disabled persons deserve to be respected, educated and most
importantly live a dignified life. He challenged parents to hesitate to
send their disabled children to school, skills centres and all sorts of
learning institutions so that they could become productive members of the
society. He further challenged the school authorities and West African
Examination Council in particular to allocate ample time to disabled
students who had their arms amputated during examination period so that
they could also write their exams at their best convenience. He concluded
by echoing the old adage that disability does not mean inability.
The delegation was later offered an airtime at Farafenni Community Radio
Station. The forum was used to sensitize the community about disability
concepts, aims and achievements of the association. The delegation had also
visited the AFPRC General Hospital where the Senior Nursing Officer, Mr.
Gomez led the entourage on a conducted tour of the hospital premises.
However, the tour was highly eventful and it was also punctuated by a drama
play entitled ''Rights to Survival'' and a poem entitled ''Disability is
not a wish but a fate.''


Shocked  And Disappointed
I am shocked and disappointed by the behaviour of some men when they are
interested in having an affairs with a woman. I was brought up to be very
careful with men. A man began to follow me day and night to have an affair
but was unsuccessful. He started to come to my compound regularly but could
not get close to me for a period of two months.
I did not want to develop any relationship with him without being sure that
we will be married. He would stand outside the compound to speak to my
friends and relatives. His friends also continued to approach me. They made
it clear that he was interested in marrying me. He asked why I was always
at home.  I explained that I had many things to do at home. He kept on
showing interest. Knew all members of my family. They took interest in him.
It became safe for me to develop relationship with him. We started to talk
to each other when we got familiar with each other I started to sit with
him to drink green tea. We met every Saturday and Sunday to sit, chat and
drink "attaya" (green tea) with friends. Sometimes we would watch video
shows. The closer we became the more he tried to have an affair with me.
I told him that I could not do that until we got married. He said that he
was interested in marrying me but that he had a very bitter experience with
his first wife because of hasty marriage; that he would want to take his
time to know me better before getting married. He spoke to me in such a
kind way that I decided to yield to his request. I was however courteous. I
did not want to go very far because of fear of pregnancy. I accepted to be
close but not to go too far to have sexual relationship. He said that we
could have romance without having sex. I was sceptical at first but I
agreed to be visiting in his house and we started to have fun. I began to
develop liking for him. I enjoyed his company. I would think about him. My
relatives started to tease me. His friends became my friends. I would wash
his clothes for him. I was beginning to be his wife.
Everyone started to associate me with him. I began to have trust for him to
go as far as he wanted with me.  I was confident that no matter what
happened the man will marry me.  I did not know that I was making the
biggest mistake of my life.
I accepted to share love and romance with him. I suggested many times that
we should get married. He kept on promising and told me that I had nothing
to worry about. He went as far as to have an affair with me. Once this
happened I did not see any need to preserve myself again. I continued to
accept whatever he wanted. I did not want to separate with him. He became
more demanding. I continued to yield more and more to his passions.
Sometimes I know that I could get pregnant but he would tell me not to get
worried. The problem of pregnancy did come. I explained to his relatives
what had happened. He accepted the pregnancy and promised to take care only
to disappear. Now I have to face the problem on my own. This is the dilemma
of being a woman. You share love and romance but when pregnancy comes the
man disappears and leaves one with all the pain.


Wallidan Champions Of The League And The FA Cup
 Black Pool: A Revelation In Gambian FootBall




Wallidan FC the league champions in showing their experience and supremacy
in football in the country stunned Black Pool with 3 – 0 win in the FA Cup
final to claim double championship. Black Pool formidable in the mid field
demonstrated witty ball possession and accurate passes but could not cause
their usual upset of big teams.
Wallidan utilising the fluidity of their flank players spread their passes
and had more attacks at goal.
In an onslaught Pap Gaye as a result of defensive lapse collected re-bounce
and registered the first goal in the first half.
After the recess Black Pool put up stiff-neck challenge but lacked the
resilience to keep the tempo. A fluid flank player Abdou Rahman Conateh of
the Blue Boys out-placed his marker and put in a cross, Buba Sonko sneaked
from his marker and increased the scores with leader to two goals. The Blue
Boys not showing any sign of smugness step up the onslaught and Black Pool
defender was red carded for handling the ball. Bai Omar Samba converted the
penalty to increase the goal margin to three goals. Black Pool despite the
score line was not down hearted, but kept their composure and continued to
show case their witty skills to the final whistle. The Blue Boys securing
their eighteenth title of championship received a trophy and D20,000 cash
prize. Black Pool collected D10, 000 and D5, 000 was given to other teams
as consolation.
Speaking to the press the coach of Wallidan FC commended both teams for
rising up to the occasion by playing good football. He indicated that
Wallidan is a highly committed and disciplined team composed of ten
national team players. He concluded that Wallidan won the championship but
Black Pool rises up to the occasion.
Assistant coach of Black Pool, Lawis opined that seasoned veteran players,
should be brought on board to take Gambian football to higher heights. He
indicated that playing a final junior team was a big challenge but his
team's rise to the occasion and played good football. He urged scouts of
their big team to maintain the team together; that the team is a family and
well composed and disintegrating them would not pay dividend for the team
and for football in the country; that all stakeholders should play their
quota to develop and promote the game.

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