The Independent newspaper has greatly impressed me with her unbiased reporting.  In the latest version of the paper, the events that happened at Red Cross HQ in Serrekunda are chronicled.  According to the director of the organization, Mr. Andrew Jarju, Omar Barrow was shot by security forces within the organization's compound which was under siege from armed security forces.  He further espoused that he saw a boy with his guts hanging out, and, also, at some point, he saw the body of a young man, dead and stark naked on the grounds of the Red Cross building.

From this man's version of events, a few things are clear.  Omar Barrow selflessly tried to help the students, and paid the ultimate price for it.  The security forces targeted him because, in their eyes, he was helping the enemy. Aftera all, he was within the sanctuary of the Red Cross, supposedly out of bounds to security forces even in the instance of war. In addition, his Red Cross bib was clearly on his chest when he was shot.  The deceased was indeed a Shahib (a hero), as the Imam of Latrikunda said.  Another thing is clear, the military and police tortured and killed students at the demonstration.  How else would you account for a completely naked dead body with a bullet hole through it?  That person was obviously beaten, tortured and killed.  Shades of Cry Freetown, perhaps?

Not only did the Independent chronicle a "few" of the human rights abuses, but it also covered the shameless statements of the Education Secretary, Theresa Ndong.  In her response to the tragedy the Independent says:

"Education secretary Ann Therese Ndong Jatta said the student demonstration was a clandestine move, which was discovered by intelligence agents. She said the students never conferred with her department on the issue. 'They did not even announce it. It was through intelligence agents that we knew of their plans,' she said.

She finally said government should be applauded for its handling of the crisis."

My question is how can someone that represents the interests of all students make such a crude and cold hearted statement?  The answer is clear.  All these so-called secretaries are incompetent and half literate with one thing in mind, patronizing Yahya Jammeh, to put it mildly, and trying to save their behinds. Pap Cheyasin Secka, while withholding information form the press, was more diplomatic and restrained in his official statement.  He came short of putting blame on any of the parties involved.  Instead, he assured the Gambian public that justice will take it's due course and an investigation would be carried out.

As an indicator of the amount of confusion and discord in the government, Yahya Jammeh has made an about face from his original statement that was posted by Tombong Saidy a few days ago.  In his most recent statement, in addition to sending out his condolences to the bereaved families, he has declared a week of national mourning and has ordered that all flags be flown at half mast.  This most recent statement is a complete departure from his initial statement that condemned the protesters.

These conflicting statements from different elements of the government are indicative of a government in disarray.  The hierarchical chain of command has been broken, just like an army that has been attacked and destabilized.  They are of no more use to the Gambian people.  All they can do is tell lies and save their behinds.  And, folks, they are as aware of this fact as we are.  I say, in addition to carrying out all the brilliant proposals that have been suggested on this forum, let us all enjoy the events unfold as they self-destruct.

I was particularly encouraged by the statement issued by the Gambia Teachers Union.  The teachers partly accepted responsibility for the actions of the students, but also zeroed in on the law enforcement authorities and government that are trying so hard to hide the truth.  The teachers have spoken and the seed of discontent for this regime will and has been firmly planted in the minds of the Gambian students.  As Bob Marley said, "You can fool some people sometimes, but you can't fool all the people all the time."

Yus

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