Coalition to Resume Talks With Party Leader




The Independent (Banjul)

September 3, 2001
Posted to the web September 3, 2001

Omar Bah
Banjul, the Gambia

Sources close to the coalition of opposition parties have intimated to The
Independent that the "ground" is being prepared for further talks between
the UDP-led coalition and the National Convention Party of Sheriff Mustapha
Dibba that would lead to a possible merger.

Sources claimed that the main purpose for such talks, which are expected to
start this week is to create another chance to have Sheriff Dibba and his
party "on board" to augment the opposition coalition.




The NCP literally walked out of the talks for an opposition coalition weeks
ago, igniting some controversy over the choice of leadership for the
coalition. The meeting was temporarily stalled when the NCP whose
flag-bearer Sheriff Dibba a veteran opposition leader accused its organisers
of treachery after Ousainou Darboe's nomination as the coalition's
president.

However, sources claimed that this time efforts to get Mr. Dibba's NCP on
board will succeed.

When contacted the chairman of the coalition of opposition parties Assan
Musa Camara said "the policy of the coalition is a policy of accommodation
and for that reason we will invite everybody on board".

Mr. Camara who said the coalition always welcomes anybody to its ranks,
disclosed that no talks have yet been held with Mr. Dibba.

Although he stopped short of confirming efforts to invite the NCP, Mr.
Camara said "nothing is impossible especially considering the fact that when
Decree 89 was repealed Sheriff, O.J and myself agreed to form a coalition".
He said the question of leadership had brought the rift.

Further quizzed as to whether they will be holding such talks, he said, "we
are not saying that we will, but nothing is impossible under the
circumstances".

Meanwhile Mr. Dibba when contacted said he could not comment on the issue.
Omar Jallow (O.J) also said that he was not in a position to comment since
he is not the chairman of the coalition.




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