-----Original Message-----
From: Sonko Bakary
Sent: Friday, November 12, 1999 10:28 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: RE: It is Time to Heal Self and Nation
Hello Laye,
Thank you once more for your constructive proposals in trying to move our (
Gambian people)agenda forward. I think the proposals are at the core of
what we as a nation need in order to make any meaningful progress in our
national development in the next century. I do not think these proposals
are partisan. They are basic human rights which are necessary for any
nation to optimize its developmental goals, whatever those may be. I am
sure most well meaning Gambians will see these proposals as corner stones
for the way forward.
I therefore plead with all of you my compatriots to approach these proposals
with an open mind, and give them your support in all its forms in order to
help bring about the stated goals in our country.
However, one question remains and that is; how do we approach the
reconciliation process? Here are a few suggestions.
(1) We will need a coordinating committee which, should include
members from all factions (opposition, government supporters and those
who are neutral) probably to be headed by Dr. Saine.
(2) We need to galvanize as broad a spectrum as possible of our
people both abroad and at home. This will give the necessary
critical mass to push the reforms we are advocating for in The
Gambia.
(3) We need to assure the present government of our good
intentions and that there are no hidden agenda for us. This should
be easy because the committee that will be dealing with the
government will include supporters of the government. We also should
treat all the parties to the dialogue befitting their status.
Thanks Laye.
Bakary J Sonko.
-----Original Message-----
From: Abdoulaye Saine [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, November 11, 1999 4:10 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: It is Time to Heal Self and Nation
G-L Community:
I have been greatly enriched by my association with the Bantaba and over
the year that I have been a member, I have been impressed by the
diversity of views expressed. Yet, I am also saddened by the pain that
seem to be at the core of our constant criticisms against Jammeh and
Jawara. Clearly, the coup in 1994 and its aftermath have had and
continue to have a traumatizing effect on all Gambians. The criticisms
leveled against Jammeh and his Government and for that matter Jawara's
by well meaning people, reflect the hurt and trauma I spoke of earlier.
Both Jawara and Jammeh have made mistakes. It has been pointed out by
many that Sir Dawda made many mistakes during his thirty year rule. And
needless to say Jammeh has also had his share of mistakes. It is time to
move the debate beyond blame and recrimination and propose concrete
remedies to both the political impasse/stalemate on Gambia-L and in the
country of our birth, Gambia. The reality is Jammeh is President and
Jawara is not. Both Jammeh and Jawara are not perfect.
And it appears that the overwhelming sentiment on the L and Gambia,
though expressed differently, lead ultimately toward improving the lives
of Gambians. This ought to be the theme that unifies us as a people.
This unity of purpose does not mean necessarily that we would all agree
on an issue, but it should guide us as we pursue a common vision for
Gambia with other Gambians.
What can we do as a community of Gambians and people interested in
Gambia to influence and shape in a decisive and positive way political
events unfolding in Gambia? How can we begin to engage President Jammeh
and his Government and influence him in the direction we desire and
toward that vision? What compromises is Jammeh willing to make? What
concessions must we make?
It seems that the L and the political situation at home are populated by
some individuals who speak at and alienate each other. We need to get
to the next level, I suggest, by proposing solutions to Gambia's current
political crisis. The criticism leveled against Jawara and Jammeh during
their recent visits to the U.S., have had an effect, admitted by them or
not.
Let us turn to a new page!
From the discussion over the last year certain key concerns we appear to
share are summarized below. These include:
a)A Gambia where individuals can pursue a livelihood in dignity while
enjoying basic freedoms and to vote in a government of their choice
unrestrained by the state or its authorities;
b)A political atmosphere were fear of retribution is not a constraint to
the expression of one's beliefs, either in print or verbally; and
c)Political participation as a right that all Gambians are entitled.
If my reading of the Bantaba and the crisis at home are accurate, we
must begin to work with President Jammeh, his Government and the Gambian
People to resolve these issues. And as the Presidential and National
Assembly elections are fast approaching, it is imperative that the
political system be opened up.
I propose that at minimum, all political parties and politicians that
were banned shortly before the 1996 elections, be unbanned and let the
Gambian people decide who rules them.
The latter it appears to me and many more on the Bantaba, is a way to
realizing this vision for Gambia and Gambians. To me, this is beyond
partisan politics. It is life of a people and of future generations.
This could be our challenge to President Jammeh and his government.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Abdoulaye Saine
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