Hi!
      Now that nearly all of us have come to the agreement that the Gambian people have spoken and that their voices should be listened to and respected, I think Gambia-l should move a step higher. What I mean by moving higher is that we have demonstrated to both the ruling party and the opposition that Gambians in the diaspora are truly a force that cannot be discounted. Gambians in the diaspora especially here on Gambia-l have helped shape and determine this election in many ways. A notable example is how list members brought up the issue of a coalition and how organisations formed through the list furthered the issue until it partly became a reality. Other notable examples are how Gambians in the diaspora convened meetings in London and Washington and had party leaders and / or representatives travel all the way from Gambia to partake in the discussions. Now that the potent force of the diaspora Gambians and Gambia-l have been established, I think it is time to move the list from a talking shop to an action shop. 

            While it is important to remain vigilant with regard to issues affecting our country, it is more important to move beyond the insults, blame and rigid opposition to one of dialogue and contact in order to continue to positively influence events back home. The opposition leaders back home especially Ousainou Darboe have taken the step toward reconciliation by accepting defeat and calling Jammeh and congratulating him. Fatoumata Jahumpa has extended an olive branch on behalf of Jammeh to Gambia-l and the opposition on the ground. What is the right approach to take here? Should it be one of outright rejection and mistrust because it comes Jammeh or should it be one that can be explored with mechanisms instituted to further dialogue between Gambia-l and our rulers to safeguard democracy and mirror diaspora Gambians' wishes in the way our country is run?

            We can choose either but there are both advantages and disadvantages linked to either choice. We can choose to reject the offer as has already been done here with the motivation that it is designed to silence critics and / or appease the international community because such promises have been made before. Maybe this is correct. Maybe it is not. The situation for Yaya Jammeh has dramatically changed. The legitimacy of his rule has been challenged since he came to power. Now that nearly everyone has agreed that he has earned legitimacy to rule through the Gambian people maybe his position would not be not as defensive as before. What course of action should the list take? Should it continue with a no-compromise stand? Should it continue to reject all offers of compromise and dialogue? What will the result be for Gambia and Gambians? 

            The other option is to take the rulers to task by accepting the olive branch and instituting a mechanism of dialogue between Gambia-l and the rulers. Here a contact group or committee can be set up comprising two or so representatives from Gambia-l such as Dr. Saine, Katim or Jabou for Gambia-l and Fatoumata Jahumpa, Tombong etc. (please pardon me for suggesting your names if it doesn't sit alright) for the Government. This has to first of all ensure that the legitimacy of the representatives from the Government's side is recognised and accepted by the Government and that the results of dialogue between the two parties will be considered by the Government. After this first issue is settled, issues of concern from Gambia-l and further governance issues will be solicited and compiled by the Gambia-l representatives and the same will be done by the Government representatives. Some have already listed issues here on Gambia-l. These can be expanded. One of the most acute is the reports that people are currently being arrested and beaten. As this clearly undermines the worth of the olive branch, the committee should tackle the issue first. The committee can then continue with the other issues and set up ways and means of further dialogue. The advantage of setting up structures is that at least issues of concern to diaspora Gambians can be discussed at an official level bringing a better chance of their being taken into consideration. This would not mean the disarmament of Gambia-l as the representatives can, if they see that the issues they are raising are not being considered or dealt with, report thus and ways and means can be sought as to how to deal with the situation. I think the opportunity that has presented itself immediately after the elections should be truly exploited for the betterment of our country. What do you think, Gambia-l? Thanks and have a good evening.

                                                                                                                        Buharry.

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