Gambia: Cycle Of Violence?
Point News <mailto:[log in to unmask]>  (Banjul)
August 11, 2000
Banjul - The attack on Radio 1 FM is an indication that something is
fundamentally wrong in this country. The attack denotes a very serious shift
from our past culture of brotherhood and tolerance, which has characterised The
Gambia.
Something new and foreign has shown its ugly face in our social fabric. Who
could think that promises to make The Gambia the envy of Africa and the world
would lamentably fail and usher in deadly adventurous trends, which if unchecked
could plunge this country into chaos.
Radio 1 FM has not infuriated any association of masons, carpenters, builders,
farmers, fishermen, drivers, religious groups etc.
So the million-dollar question is who did it? In view of the legal implications
surrounding the issue, it is difficult to point fingers. But the fact of the
matter is that some seven people carrying a container full of fuel, armed with
sprays with the objective of burning down the radio station, were reportedly
involved. For who and for what? Was this meant to silence it permanently? The
act as well as the assault on the owner and staff must be condemned in the most
vigorous manner by all peace loving Gambians.
The incident took place around 3 a.m. but 15 hours later people who entered the
reception were still affected by the repulsive odour of gas still perceptible.
It demonstrates the extent to which the spraying was done! The action maybe new
in The Gambia, but media people, more so those in the independent media are au
fait with such desperate acts that have affected other colleagues in Africa.
Those media people stood firm and carried on with their duties. This is exactly
what is going to happen here! No amount of threats, intimidation, harassment,
attacks would stop us from doing our duty as enshrined in the fundamental law of
the land.
Media people have a job to do; it must be done at all cost and within the limits
of the law.
Our heart again bleeds with the realisation that some people who call themselves
Gambians could unleash such a type of thuggery which signals, without a doubt, a
departure from certain norms and values hitherto jealously guarded.
Some people have demonstrated that they are preparing to put The Gambia in the
line of fire, with untold misery for the people.
But Allah-willing, Gambians who love their fellow countrymen and women and
friends of The Gambia are not, and will no longer sleep, as we are being pushed
into the beginning of a cycle of violence.
If Allah had decreed it, let it be!

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