Banjul Youths Withdraw Support For APRC Youth Wing
The Independent <http://www.qanet.gm/Independent/independent.html>  (Banjul)
August 11, 2000
By Alhagie Mbye
Banjul - Some youths in Banjul have vowed to withdraw their 'involvement and
support' for the APRC Youth Action Group. The youths believed that their
involvement with the now defunct July 22nd Movement and other organisations
formed under the banner of the ruling APRC had caused them to act 'outside the
jurisdiction of law and order.'
They maintained that their involvement with the APRC had made them more liable
to commit acts that run contrary to the spirit of the rule of law and democracy
and declared that it was better to withdraw their support as a result.
They said the decision was prompted by their 'opposition' to violence and
tendencies that might infringe human rights and advised other like-minded youths
in the city to 'immediately desist from unlawful acts and behaviour but to
engage in positive moves for socio-economic development and peaceful co-
existence.'
The group of youths, who approached The Independent recently, denounced what
they called 'political extremism and crime' and urged the general public to work
harmoniously for the country's best interest.
Biram Ceesay, alias Bunna, of Tobacco Road speaking on behalf of the youths,
claimed that since the July 1994 coup they have all been members of the July 22
Movement and Youth Action Group but recently decided to withdraw their
involvement because of what they saw as 'the growing prospect of committing
crimes' against other political groupings.
Mr. Ceesay said although they were applauded as patriotic citizens under the
APRC, they were vested with 'so many rights' which were 'doing more harm than
good' to other Gambians. 'Now we will never allow ourselves to be used as tools
to satisfy the political designs of a few,' he declared.
'Such a situation had left us in a painful dilemma especially after confronting
our own brothers and sisters.'
Mr. Ceesay, who conveyed the Banjul youths' decision to cease identifying with
APRC activities, said they are ready to defend themselves against any
eventuality in the future.
According to him, their group, 'concerned with the state of human rights
violations in the country' last week formally met some senior government
officials to express their concerns. He added that following their
disappointment with the officials' reaction, they later 'unanimously' withdrew
their allegiance. 'We will instead keep a low profile from now on,' he
intimated.
Asked whether they had informed the officials that they were withdrawing their
support for the APRC Youth Action Group, Mr. Ceesay said they were not required
to notify the officials. 'We do not need to consult anyone for our withdrawal.
We are Gambians with the right to decide our own destiny,' he declared.
'We need not be part of the group any more and our reasons are very clear and I
hope they are understood.'
Mr. Ceesay, who claimed to be a secondary school leaver, intimated that he would
convince fellow youths to engage in 'more constitutional programmes and develop
their talents for their own good.'
'Everyone knows that we are always at loggerheads with innocent people and this
might cause trouble in the future,' he reasoned.
'We are urging our fellow youths to stop the intimidation, harassment and
beating of people without justification.'
Mr. Ceesay also expressed concern over the handling of the student
demonstrations and the controversy surrounding the crude oil saga. He also
expressed concern over the US $52 million Taiwanese Grant to The Gambia, the
Auditor General's report and the difficult situation under which the private
media operate.
'A lot of issues need to be addressed before we can be convinced back to any
movement,' he noted.
Mr. Ceesay also urged politicians to engage in 'constructive politics, dialogue
and respect for citizens' rights irrespective of their political affiliation.'
Musa Faal, another youth, vehemently condemned what he called 'political
opportunism, sycophancy, and corruption', warning that taxpayers' money should
be used for socio-economic development 'and not to satisfy flamboyant
lifestyles. 'The taxpayers' money is not meant for the purchase of expensive
fleets of vehicles while Gambians live in abject poverty,' he reminded.
Mr. Faal commended the international community for 'their concern over the
welfare of ordinary Gambians.'

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