After everything has been said, it is still obvious that Halifa, has been
pivotal in the political transformation in the Gambia, then and now. The
issues that have been raised, are genuine concerns that Halifa should find
the time to reflect upon. The expectations were high, the circumstances
different, yet the reality remains the same. How this reality was viewed and
impacted upon, is the basis of the contention that surrounded this debate.

      Infact, what has transpired here is not new; reality as a social
phenomenon, has both an objective basis and a subjective basis. People tend
to look at it differently, the objective being the goal, and the subjective
being how to achieve the goal.The contentions in this debate, more or less,
borders around the subjective basis of this reality. How differently Halifa
Sallah impacted the post Jawara era from the Jawara era. Or conversely, how
indifferently Halifa Sallah impacted the Jammeh era from the Jawara era.

      What made the difference so obvious, is the fact that Halifa is not an
ordinary person; he is not an ordinary person, precisely, because more than
any other politician in Gambian history, he has influenced, shaped and
cultivated a political orientation for a generation of youths, as well as
being a formidable force in the vanguard of our political evolution. This is
the burden he has to carry. People's expectations of him, especially after
the coup was very high, thus the questions that have been raised about his
role during this period. Halifa, should therefore understand, if this
constituency feels that their expectations have not been fulfilled; he should
not antagonize them, but rather should try and reach out to them. Accept the
criticisms that are vaild in good faith, resolve to create a more
understandable dialogue, and forge a consensus around the issues that would
bring meaningful changes in the political process. My humble opinion on this
matter.

    Rene

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