Mr. Sidibeh:
I wish to commend you for your thought provoking and succinct analysis
of the causes of the 94 coup, events that transpired since, and the
April 10 Massacre, in particular. In my view, you have identified many
of the challenges that afflict overseas Gambians and other communities
seeking to make a difference in their country of origin. Indeed, I share
your concern and frustration. It is a paradox that we continue to
contend and live with.
What your analysis left out however, is how far Gambia-L has come, from
a forum of necessary political/social discourse and criticism to one of
pro-active/agency. Unquestionably, G-L(and its constituent parts) is a
player in The Gambia's political landscape. Collectively, we created a
voice and space for ourselves long before the April 10 Massacre, and
have since then, exerted pressure on Jammeh and his regime. The latter
was made possible, in part, by the practical strategies the G-L took in
its efforts to influence events at home.
Not withstanding the lack of response from the Jammeh regime, The G-L
Position Paper(published in New African, The Independent, BBC interview
and other outlets)has made an impact. How much? It is hard to measure
as of now.. Yet, we must never judge our success and possible impact by
the lack of response from Jammeh and his government. This was to be
expected. The response I and others have received from Gambia since the
publication of the proposal have been positive. And in the aftermath of
the killings, our efforts to see justice rendered and comfort the nation
at a time of such a tragedy and loss, must not be underestimated. In
fact, the postings forwarded to us by Ebrima Ceesay from Gambia and the
circulation of Karamba Touray's article at home, and others I have
received privately, suggest that our efforts as a collective,
(GAMBIA-L), are positive.
Also, Overseas Gambians are very diverse in their political and
ideological orientations. We are not a monolith. In fact, a great
number of us are apolitical, but not any less concerned about events at
home, or trying to make a contribution, however modest. To call for
"some kind of ideological commitment...."on the part of Gambians, is at
best naive and setting ourselves up for possible failure. We must rid
ourselves of the notion that "We Are All One" because we are not.
Witness the April 10 Massacre and the different versions each
representing different interests. More important, Gambians today are
distinguished along lines of wealth, class, education, gender etc.,
hence different material interests. I wish it were different.
Thus, Gambians will support a cause(s) if it interests them, be it GESO,
the Book Project, COFFET-GAMBIA, etc. To expect overwhelming support
other than in a case such as the April 10 Massacre, would be difficult
to say the least. At best, we can strive for greater participation and
inclusion.
When changes occur in the lives of a people and nations, (short of a
revolution), it is bound to be tentative, fitful, messy and sometimes
slow. The Gambia and Gambians are not any different. While I commend
and admire the initiatives of Overseas Eritreans, our historical
conditions, as indicated in your first posting, are different in many
important respects. We are Gambians and like peoples every where, we
have both positive and negative attributes. That is a fact we must
accept and the basis upon which any analysis must proceed.
Finally, it has become fashionable to scapegoat so-called intellectuals
and in particular, their collective failure to the nation. Again,
intellectuals are not a monolith and the failures at home are a
collective responsibility that we all must bear. Most so-called
intellectuals do what they can to assist family and nation, in addition,
to their professional contributions. To expect less of them or
so-called "non-intellectuals" is unforgivable.
In conclusion, I agree with you and support your call to Gambians to
participate more in causes that interest them, be it political,
religious, economic, medical etc. I also urge Gambians (and myself in
particular), to redouble our efforts in our respective campaigns of
petition and letter writing for JUSTICE in Gambia and to do all we can
to rid Gambia of the likes of Yahya Jammeh. We can not be non-partisan
anymore, contrary to your suggestion of a "non-partisan" organization.
The time has come for us to take sides. And in our efforts to forge
along, and help tackle a difficult political terrain and human
shortcomings, we must continue to cherish debate and criticism like
those you have so eloquently raised. But in so doing, we must not
"throw out the baby with the bath water." Thanks.
Abdoulaye Saine
No justice, no peace!
Jammeh Must Go!
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