Dr Saine,

I think you have done a great job in bringing this important issue to our
attention. However as one begins to put ideas on paper it would be important
to ask a few questions.

1. Who are the "We"?
2. What is the role of this team? Advisory or  negotiating?
3. What is at stake or what are the potential rewards for all the potential
participants?

I begin with asking "Who are the We" because it will determine how all
interested parties will respond. If the "we" is viewed with skepticism or
partisan then out goes the good work and intentions.
I believe that the team will go far if it is seen NON-PARTISAN. Of course
taking into consideration past references.

Secondly any suggestion (explicit or implicit) that team is demanding or
negotiating with the government could seriously affect its performance. This
team should take the high road as a Think Tank free of influence from either
sides of this debate. It must not judge but advice with reasoning. Any
demand made should be seen in all quarters as fare and square. Taking up an
advisory role may help a lot.

Thirdly, what's at stake for me or anybody? We mentioned the people of the
Gambia, the detainees how about those unfortunate enough to be in power? The
teams suggestions and ideas MUST benefit them too.  If it appears that is
not the case its a dead end road!

That brings us to the issue of where to begin. I think the team should equip
itself with sufficient ammunition by asking right questions to the right
people. Some effort should be made to get REAL public opinion. That opinion
should be free of bias. I think the infrastructure is there for some kind of
opinion survey to be conducted in and out of the Gambia on burning troubling
issues threatening the Gambian society.

Results from such as study could be the talking points for any future work.

Have a good day.

Malanding Jaiteh




----- Original Message -----
From: Abdoulaye Saine <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 1999 1:45 PM
Subject: Responses to "It is Time to Heal"/ Possible Strategies


> G-L Community:
> The response to an earlier posting "it is Time to Heal" was positive.
> Many felt that the time had come to go beyond personal attacks on the L
> and debate the issues. Others who remarked on the posting also saw the
> need to engage the current APRC Government, its leadership and other
> groups and parties in Gambia, in order to effect the meaningful change
> we all desire in Gambia.  Amidst this agreement, however, were those who
> while agreeing with these goals, felt that the current regime may not be
> open to such a dialogue. Accordingly, what seemed to be agreed by all
> was the need for "peace, tranquility and reconciliation" and that we
> should try, regardless. Several suggestions emerged from the discussion
> regarding what we want to see implemented in Gambia. These include:
>
> * Unbanning all political parties and politicians in preparation for the
> presidential elections in 2001;
>
> * The Holding of free and fair elections, a pre-condition of which would
> be the resignation of the current Government or the appointment of a
> transitional national Government;
>
> * Newly Elected Government must investigate all allegations of
> corruption and embezzlement and punish those guilty of such crimes
> against the People;
>
> * Investigate and prosecute instances of human rights violations,
> including but not limited to the deaths of Ousman "Korro" Ceesay and
> Sadibu Hydra and release all political prisoners.
>
> It was proposed that:
>
> * We need to assure the current APRC Government of our goals and
> intentions and our desire to work with them to effect these reforms;
>
> * Galvanize as broad a spectrum as possible, here and in Gambia, in
> order to get the critical mass to see these reforms through;
>
> * Set up a coordinating committee representing the diverse views on the
> L and in Gambia.
>
> Where do we go from here and what do we do:
>
> It was propose that we write to President Jammeh and other opposition
> political parties informing them of our goals and our collective desire
> to work with them to bring an end to Gambia's political and economic
> crises;
>
> Follow this up with a delegation to meet and discuss these issues with
> the above parties;
>
> Begin to raise the funds for travel and ultimately financially support
> Jammeh and/or any political party that best represents our views.
>                             WHAT DO YOU THINK?
> Thank You
> Abdoulaye Saine
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Several suggestion
>
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