As "Jammeh Jipoh" Becomes New Opposition Slogan Euphoric Crowd Greets
Coalition Launch




The Independent (Banjul)

August 20, 2001
Posted to the web August 20, 2001

Banjul, the Gambia

What has been described as hundreds of thousands of people converged at
Brikama Saturday to witness the launching of the opposition coalition in
preparation for the October elections.

Supporters of the various opposition groups could be heard chanting Jammeh
Jipoh meaning down with Jammeh as frantic drumming and dancing resonated all
around the town, which five years ago witnessed the launching of the United
Democratic Party. There were also scenes of complete traffic snarl-ups as
horn-blaring cars filled with supporters lumbered along the Banjul Brikama
highway soon after the rally. The general mood was one of euphoria as
politicians at the rally expressed confidence in the coalition's chances of
bringing an end to what has been variously described as Gambia's recent
years of darkness.

During the rally the Secretary General of the United Democratic Party who is
the endorsed leader of the coalition Ousainou Darboe accused the APRC
administration of bringing only death, torture, misery, economic collapse,
diplomatic isolation and deep discord in the fabric of Gambian society. Mr.
Darboe catalogued seven years of what he called APRC misrule, which he said
is responsible for a drastic fall in the Gambian economy and the "hand to
mouth" existence of Gambians. He said a worsening human rights situation had
meant that Gambians are being left to live under intimidation and death.
"Six years ago when the UDP was formed one Dodou Tailor, Kebuteh Jaiteh,
Sedia Sanyang all met their deaths in the struggle against the Jammeh
regime, which does not respect human rights as demonstrated on April 10 and
11 when they murdered in cold blood school children" he charged.

Mr. Darboe said that notwithstanding the APRC government's unenviable record
in office its politicians would as he put it bombard Gambians with
relentless propaganda and misinformation on the radio and television in the
coming weeks. He said it would be a time to witness no end to the APRC's
money-dishing on the one hand and intimidation on the other. "The APRC would
promise Gambians everything on this earth which they will never fulfill" he
noted.

On the health sector Mr. Darboe said the country has the highest mortality
rate in the sub-region, adding that The Gambia lack doctors who understand
our concerns. He promised that any coalition government elected into office
would give priority to this sector.

He promised that every Gambian would enjoy the full and equal protection of
the law. "As a matter of priority we will embark on a review of the
constitution and all provisions inimical to democracy will be repealed" he
indicated. He also spoke of constitutional reforms, which will include a two
year term limit for the presidency"

He also said the local government administration including legislation will
be reviewed to allow for a genuine evolution of power in the local
authority.

Omar Jallow alias OJ the steering committee chairman of the PPP said he
believes that a new era of Gambian politics has dawned, spelling the end of
President Jammeh's administration. He indicated that the coalition is out to
eradicate as he put it the politics of force, killing, insults, separation
of family members and relatives. He said he could reckon the return of power
to the people. He also believes that if the coalition holds similar rallies
in Bakau, Serrekunda and Barra "President Jammeh will be talking something
else different from politics". He also disclosed that shortly before coming
to the meeting he spoke with ex-president Jawara who he said extended
greetings to the Gambian people. OJ also told the rally that when the ex
Gambian leader secured his land which was seized following the takeover none
of President Jammeh's cabinet members were born. OJ argued that the
ex-president's property was seized without any reasons despite him acquiring
it legally. He also said that the objective of the coalition under Darboe's
leadership is to ensure that by October 18 the Gambian people will be free
of tyrannical and dictatorial rule

Assan Musa Camara seen as the coalition's father and chairman expressed
pride in being associated with the other political figures in spite of his
advanced age. He recounted how Decree 89, which he referred to as obnoxious
was imposed on them, denying them the right to participate in politics. He
said the decree was only lifted after much pressure was exerted on the
government from within and outside the country. He disclosed that the
lifting of the ban. He said the unbanned parties came together because it
was impossible for them to be restructured in a short time after their
supporters joined the APRC, NRP, UDP and PDOIS. He said enemies of the
coalition are saying it is a failure. " I don't share their view" he said,
assuring the militants that it is a "wonderful success" and urged everybody
to join the coalition. He brought forward a new slogan for the coalition,
which he used for his former party the GPP. As he declared Jammeh Jipoh, an
approving uproar ensued interrupting the rally for almost ten minutes.

The organizing secretary of the UDP Lamin Waa Juwara in a brief statement
said on October 18 all those on self-exile abroad will return and those
going will never come back. "This is not because we will exile them but due
to the horrible and terrible politics they played on the Gambian people" he
charged. Some wise people of the APRC he claimed have started packing up and
almost on the run. However he urged them to stay since the coalition regime
he said would be different from the APRC as respecters of human rights and
the rule of law. He also revealed that before the rally Bakary Dabo a former
vice president called to indicate his support for the coalition and vowed to
come to the country just before the October election.

Other speakers were the minority leader in the National Assembly Kemeseng
Jammeh, Lamin Kiti Jabang, Alhajie Yaya Ceesay, Dembo Jatta all former
ministers, Aja Jambanding Drammeh and Aji Safi Ndow former PPP yai compins.


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