Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No.58/2007, 21 – 22 May 2007
Editorial
No Need For Hostility
Two days ago, the media fraternity commemorated World Press Freedom day.
Imagine what it would be like if a news black out is imposed by all media
houses – all the newspapers, the radio and the television. The media is a
necessary and vital component of development of society today and both government
and civil society cannot do without it.
How can a government have a clear picture of the reality if it is told only
what it likes to hear and not the truth when it is bitter? How can it
correctly assess the reality and formulate correct policies if it only opens its
eyes and ears to psychophants and praise singers? What would Gambia be like if
all media houses are turned into clogs in wheel that move according to the
whims and caprices of a deity?
As the watchdog of society, the media cannot allow itself to be cowed, to
crinch and crawl before anybody. The media must come up with the truth and it
must do so in good faith and in the public interest. It is nobody’s enemy. On
the contrary, it is the friend of the truth.
It is given the arduous task by the constitution of scrutinizing society and
publishing the truth in the public interest. The government is obliged to
serve the public and cannot therefore free itself from scrutiny.
The constitution provides in its preamble for a transparent government. Yet
seeking for information from government is like mining gold.
The government needs to open up and come out of its shell. The media is not
its enemy. The two need each other. The Secretary of State for Information
and Communication Technology should take invitations from the GPU seriously.
Otherwise she would be seen as distancing herself from the independent media.
Her conspicuous absence from the international conference on Deyda’s death and
the World Press Freedom day symposium without sending a representative has
given such an impression.
CLAIMS BY DOCKWORKERS
As Dockworkers-GPA Saga Unfolds
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
As the wrangling between The Gambia Dock and Maritime Workers Union and the
management of Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) continues, the dockworkers are
levelling serious allegations on what they called “cheating tactics” by the GPA.
According to the Union, the GPA is receiving five Euros (D180) per ton from
shipping agencies for moving bulk cargo and, in turn, the GPA pays ten dalasi
and twenty six butut (D10.26) per ton to the dockworkers for the unloading.
The said bulk cargo includes cement, rice, flour, fertilizer and other items
in bags.
On the container category, the dock workers alleged that the GPA is charging
the shipping agencies 100 Euros (D3,600) for moving a 20 foot container and
will, in turn, pay nine dalasi (D9) to the dock workers for the unloading.
The Union also claimed that the GPA receives 140 Euros (D5000) and 50 Euros
(D1, 800) on the 40 foot containers and empty containers, respectively. The
GPA would then pay the dock labourers an amount of nine dalasis (D9) from one
ton to twenty four tons on the 40 foot containers, eighteen dalasi (D18) for
the empty container.
As for the general cargo category, which includes vegetables, iron rods,
cartons, cases, and other goods, the GPA receives five Euros (D180) per ton from
the shipping agencies and then pays the dock labourers a maximum of ten
dalasi and twenty-six butut (D10.26) during the day and twelve dalasi and one
butut (D12.01) for the night.
On the final category, that is, the vehicles, the dock workers claimed that
the GPA is gaining five Euros (D180) from one to five tons which includes the
space the vehicle occupies. When paying dock labourers, they only pay ten
dalasi twenty six butut (D10.26).
The dockworkers are also complaining that they have no access to protective
clothing and this renders them vulnerable to accidents.
However, attempts to seek the GPA version of the saga has not yet
materialized. A manager at the GPA declined an interview with Foroyaa. The official
claimed that they are engaging the dockworkers in a dialogue, and they cannot
make any comments at the moment.
GPU COMMEMORATES WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
By Baboucarr Ceesay
The Gambia Press Union (GPU) organised a symposium to mark World Press
Freedom Day on May 19, 2007 at Alliance Franco-Gambienne on Kairaba Avenue, on the
theme “the Media, Society and Impunity.”
The chairperson of the symposium, Assistant Secretary General of GPU, Mr.
Emil Touray, in his opening remarks, placed vital emphasis on the importance of
World Press Freedom Day.
Mr. Touray clarified that World Press Freedom day is celebrated on 3 May as
a day universally set aside. He stated that the symposium has been postponed
from 3 to 19 May due to circumstances beyond control.
He indicated that press freedom is a necessity if we are to win the battle
against impunity.
Mr. Sam Sarr, the Editor-in-Chief of Foroyaa newspaper and adviser to the
GPU underscored the point that The Gambia is making headlines, noting that such
headlines are those on arson attacks, arrests, detentions, threats and
murder, which earn the country no pride.
In this regard, he said, society has a role to play as far as the media is
concerned, and it’s the same reason why the media needs protection from
society, the state and the law. Without such protection, he noted, impunity would
become the order of the day. He went further to cite section 25 (1) of the
Gambian Constitution which categorically states “Every person shall have the
right to –
“(a) freedom of speech and expression, which shall include freedom of the
press and other media;”
He further made reference to section 207 of the constitution that stipulates
“(1) the freedom and independence of the press and other information media
are hereby guaranteed.
(3) the press and other information media shall at all times, be free to
uphold the principles, provisions and objectives of the constitution, and the
responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people of The Gambia.
”
He said these are instruments to protect the media. Summing up his
statement, Sarr said that the media is therefore given the role to scrutinise the
leadership. He indicated that all arrests and detentions should be in accordance
with the law; that about a dozen of journalists were arrested last year and
nothing came out of it. He added that freedom of expression is guaranteed by
the law; that the constitutional provisions are there to be utilised,
otherwise, the ugly head of impunity will continue to grow bigger and bigger.
He insinuated that freedom of expression is not restricted to the media
alone, but it is the same freedom that politicians, artists, academicians and all
others need. “Any society that tolerates impunity to grow will suffer the
consequences,” concluded Sam Sarr.
Addressing the gathering Mr. Madi K. Ceesay, President of The Gambia Press
Union and Director of Media Agenda, delved into the press freedom situation
in The Gambia. He mentioned that this is a day that journalists honour, taking
into account the journalism profession world wide. He said it is also this
day that some of the oppressions against the media are highlighted.
He asserted that the year that has just ended (2006) is the worst year as
far as threats and attacks on the media is concerned. This noble profession, he
said, has witnessed the killing of 110 journalists and media workers in 2006
alone. Mr. Ceesay said these incidents highlight the significant dangers
journalists and media workers face throughout the world, as well as, the need to
improve respect for freedom of the press and safety of journalists.
Press freedom, he said, as indicated in the GPU’s press release which is
reproduced by Foroyaa and The Point newspaper in their last editions, is a
cornerstone of human rights and guarantee of other freedoms. “It encourages
transparency and good governance; it ensures that, over and above the mere rule of
law, society enjoys the rule of true justice.” He said there are those who
still question the value of freedom of speech to their societies; those who
argue that it threatens stability and endangers progress; those who still
consider freedom of speech an imposition from abroad and not the indigenous
expression of a. people’s demand for freedom.
Madi went further to indicate that it is rather unfortunate that today as we
mark another Press Freedom day, we have not got any positive results in the
case of Deyda
Hydara’s murder. He added that no satisfactory investigations were mounted
into his killing, as far as the GPU is concerned; that a colleague, Ebrima
Manneh is missing since July (last year). Lamin Fatty and Fatou Jaw Manneh are
being drag to court for what is related to their work as journalists.
He added that in May (last year), there was a crackdown on the media which
resulted in the arrest and detention of scores of journalists for long periods
and no charges brought against them. Such, he said, are some of the concerns
of the GPU. He said their position is always that they are not above the
laws of the land and are not against arresting any journalists who goes wrong,
but their concern is lack of respect for the law which says no one should he
detained for more than 72 hours without charge.
Ceesay went further to say that the Independent newspaper, Citizen Fm and
Sud Fm all remain closed with the exception of Citizen Fm without any court
order. He said the continuous presence of the police at the offices of the
Independent is a violation of their right to operate as a legally registered
newspaper.
“Colleagues as we are gathered here to mark this day which was set aside by
UNESCO, I want to take this opportunity to say that despite the fact that we
are operating in a hostile environment, we should be focused and not allow
ourselves to be overcomed by detractors of press freedom; as journalists, we
should stick to the ethics of the profession and properly investigate our
stories before putting pen to paper,” the GPU President tipped.
The occasion was attended by media practitioners from different media houses
and members of the general public whose hearts beat in unison with that of
the media in their strive to achieve freedom of press and expression. The
American Ambassador also attended the forum.
POLICE ROUND UP PARTYING TEENAGERS
By Yaya Dampha
On Friday 18 May, 2007, teenagers who had just completed their schooling in
three Upper Basic Schools namely, St. Therese’s, Latrikunda and Ndow’s Upper
Basic were rounded up by the members of the NIA, Police Intervention Unit
and plain clothes officers when they were about to start their celebrations of
the completion of nine years of basic education.
According to sources, these teenagers, from the said three schools, had
planned to celebrate their completion of basic education jointly. For this reason
they agreed to put on a special uniform (“ashobi”) for the day and planned
to have games like hunting and other types of masquerades. It is reported
that on Friday morning just when the students were about to start their events
they were greeted by a heavy presence of police intervention personnel who
arrested their masquerades and some members.
When this reporter asked Madam Jammeh, the headmistress of St. Therese’s,
she said she had no hand in the matter.
She said as from Thursday 17 May the teenagers were no longer members of her
school, since they have sat to their final examination.
During the police round up many students at Latrikunda School panicked and
could be seen running in and out of the school as a truck full of PIU members
disembarked at the school gate.
The arrested kids were initially detained at the PIU Headquarters at
Kanifing before being transferred to Serrekunda Police Station where they were not
only beaten but turned into clowns by asking then to kneel under the hot sun
and sing. They were later released in the evening.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Jobarteh,
the police decided to arrest and dispersed the students because of the manner
in which the students conducted themselves. He noted that they made this
decision because the situation might go out of hand if certain characters joined
the students. Jobarteh confirmed the release of all those arrested, noting
that no charges were preferred against them. He did not say how many were
arrested in their rounding up process.
Subsequently, the second phase of the student’s passing out ceremony which
was scheduled at Jakarlo Night Club was cancelled.
MAN ALLEGES BRIBING POLICE
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
One Salifu Mbacke Colley, of Serrekunda, who is standing trial at the
Kanifing Magistrate Court for allegedly driving a vehicle with registration number
BJL 2194B without paying road tax, has, on Tuesday 15th May, accused the
traffic police officers of taking a bribe from him to settle his case out of
court, but that never materialised.
Mr. Colley explained that on the day in question in October 2006, while he
was driving towards Barthez in Serrekunda, he was stopped by a traffic police
officer named Suba. He said that he was ordered to park his car and asked to
produce his driving licence and other documents of the vehicle. He noted that
he produced the photocopy of his driving licence but told the police that
the vehicle’s documents were with the owner of the vehicle. Colley said that he
told the officer that he was taking the vehicle from a mechanic’s garage and
that he was taking it home to park. He said that at that point another
vehicle with registration number BJL 0653E was also stopped by the same officer
(Suba) and the driver asked to produce his documents, which the driver could
not produce. He added that another vehicle was also stopped with the number
BASE1 and that the Base1 driver gave some money to the officer (Suba) and that
the driver was released. Mr. Colley asserted that Suba came to him and asked
him what he (Colley) intend to say. “I told him that, I have only D50 with me
and my friend wanted to add D25, but I asked him not to do so,” said Colley.
Colley indicated that they were later joined by another traffic officer called
Trawally who later escorted him to the Mobile Traffic Unit with the other
vehicle (number BJL 0653E) with Suba riding on a motorbike. He said that upon
arrival at the mobile unit, he parked his vehicle and handed the keys to Mr.
Trawally. Mr. Colley said that he was later asked by another officer called
Fadia to go and bring the documents of the vehicle, that he would then be
released. He stressed that another officer named Touray insisted that he (Colley)
should wait behind the police station counter until somebody bailed him. He
said that a friend of his named Ousman Jobe came to bail him out. He said
that the vehicle’s owner came with the documents and tried to compromise with
the police to settle the matter. He said that the vehicle owner told him that
he had agreed with the police to pay them D700 to settle the matter. Colley
indicated that he provided D300 while the vehicle owner provided D400. He said
that they went into the office and gave the amount of D700 to officer Touray
and that Touray promised that the case was over. He indicated that he later
asked for his bailor’s Identity Card but that Touray asked him to come for it
later. He said that, upon his return with another vehicle to the police mobile
unit, Touray asked him to produce his driving licence. He indicated that he
told Touray that the issue is not about driving licence but that of his bailor
’s ID Card. “Touray said that if I did not produce my driving licence, I
would not be allowed to go,” lamented Colley. He said that he called a friend
who brought his driving licence to him but that Touray insisted that they
would summon him at the court. He said that on four occasions he came to court
but the case never proceeded. He alleged that Trawally told him that the police’
s process of taking cases to court takes a long time.
The police prosecutor, Inspector Secka, put it to him that the police had
never asked any money from him and that the vehicle did not have a document at
that time but that the documents were prepared after the incident. Mr. Colley
replied in the negative. “I’m putting it to you that Suba caught you
because the vehicle does not have a road tax and a licence,” said Secka. Colley
replied, “That was not correct.” The case was adjourned for further hearing.
NIAMINA EAST INDEPENDENT
CANDIDATE’S CASE SET FOR JUDGMENT
The defeated independent candidate for Niamina East constituency, Mr. Ebrima
L.S Marenah, who was arrested by the security agents with his coordinator,
Mr. Talibou Ceesay, during the Parliamentary election campaign and charged
with public disorder offence, has been standing trial since January.
According to judicial sources the judgment on the matter will be delivered
on Tuesday 22 May 2007, at the Jareng Magistrate Court.
This is the third time that a date has been set for this long awaited
judgment. The previous two dates have been postponed due to the fact that the
presiding Magistrate, Mr. Amadou Tony Baldeh, has been on a training workshop in
Banjul.
I KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THE 3 DETAINED SOLDIERS,
“Says GAF PRO”
By Yaya Dampha
It is almost one year since Sergeant Buba Jammeh, Sergeant Buba Mendy and
Private Yahya Bajinka of The Gambia National Army were arrested and they are
presently reported to be in the Central Prison, Mile II. These soldiers have
since not been brought before any court of law. They are being detained more
than is constitutionally required.
When this reporter contacted the GAF Spokesperson, Lt. Alhagie Sanneh, and
asked him why these soldiers are still detained and why they were arrested,
Lt. Sanneh said the three soldiers were arrested when he was on a mission
abroad. He claimed to learn of their arrests from the newspapers. He said he was
never briefed by either his predecessors nor his superiors. He said the issue
of these detainees is not commonly discussed among soldiers. When I asked him
if he could contact the PRO to find out from his superiors and enquire what
is the fate of these soldiers, in his position as the Public Relation
Officer, and for the sake of justice and human rights, Sanneh said since he was
never briefed on the matter; he also feels it is not his business to enquire. He
noted that he doesn’t know Private Yaya Bajinka. He said that for the two
Sergeants, they were reported by the Daily Observer newspaper as informers of Pa
Nderry Mbai’s online paper. He said their matter is not connected to the
Army as far as his knowledge about them is concerned.
Rethinking Conflict Prevention and Resolution:
Strategies, Instruments, Institutions and Post Conflict Responses
[Lessons on the Pan African Parliament’s mission to Darfur]
Halifa Sallah
Part 2
A NEW MILLENNIUM AND A NEW AFRICA
The birth of the AU at the dawn of a new millennium was both symbolic and
strategic. It was symbolic in the sense that the liberation of South Africa
witnessed the end of the decolonization process which was conceived as the
foremost achievement of the OAU.
Aside from the Western Sahara or Saharawi Democratic Republic whose
decolonization process was impeded by Morocco, decolonization on the continent has
mostly been achieved. The major challenge for the 21st century is how to move
from an Africa characterized by of heads of sovereign states to an Africa of
the people. Herein lies the transition from the principles of governance under
the OAU to the principles of governance underlying the establishment of the
AU. Unlike the OAU Charter which provided no role for parliaments, article 17
of the AU’s Constitutive Act required the mandatory establishment of the
PAP.
In short, under Article 4 (c) the AU’s principle ensures the “participation
of the African peoples in the activities of the union.” The PAP was created
to ensure the realization of this principle. Under the Constitutive Act, the
heads of state promised to take all necessary measures to strengthen common
institutions and to provide them with the necessary powers and resources to
enable them to discharge their respective mandates effectively. It is
therefore no accident that the preamble of the protocol establishing the PAP made it
categorical that it be “informed by the vision to provide a common platform
for African peoples and their grass root organizations, to be more involved in
discussions and decision making on the problems and challenges facing the
continent.” Furthermore, it provided the basis for creating a community
transcending cultural, ideological, ethnic, religious and national differences to
promote and consolidate the aspiration of African people for greater unity,
solidarity and cohesion. In this regard, the PAP is given power under Article 3
of the protocol to oversee the effective implementation of policies and
objectives of the Union, promote the principles of human rights and democracy in
Africa, encourage good governance, transparency and accountability; promote
peace, security, stability; facilitate cooperation and development in Africa
by promoting collective self reliance and economic recovery, strengthening
continental solidarity and building a sense of common destiny among the people
of Africa.
In order to achieve these objectives, the parliament must perform
legislative, advocacy, advisory and oversight functions. However, currently, the
legislative function is muted. The PAP is accorded an advisory, consultative,
advocacy and oversight role in the first phase of its existence.
A WORKING PARLIAMENT
The AU created synergy where the assembly constitutes specialized committees
to prepare projects and programmes and ensure supervision and follow up in
their implementation. These specialized committees are supposed to be
monitored and advised by the PAP. This is precisely why the protocol establishing the
peace and security council states under Article 18 that “the peace and
security council shall whenever so requested by the Pan African Parliament submit
through the chairperson of the commission, reports to the Pan African
Parliament, in order to facilitate the discharge by the latter of the
responsibilities relating to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in Africa.”
It asserts that “the mechanism shall maintain close working relationships
with the Pan African Parliament in furtherance of peace, security and stability
in Africa.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PAP’s OVERSIGHT FUNCTION: THE DARFUR MISSION
Barely 7 months after its birth, the PAP considered it necessary to
undertake missions to zones of conflict or potential conflict areas to investigate
and report to parliament for informed recommendations and resolutions. PAP
resolution RE 002/04 which provided for the commissioning of a mission to Darfur
to acquaint itself with the realities on the ground and report to parliament
was debated and adopted during the second ordinary session of the PAP dated
16th September to 1st October 2004.
The seven member parliamentary delegation comprising of parliamentarians
from different parts of the continent visited Khartoum to speak to members of
the Sudanese executive, parliamentarians, jurists, human rights agencies, civil
society and to become familiar with the situation in Darfur . The mission
met with heads of the AU Commission including the deputy chairperson,
Commissioner for Political Affairs, personnel of the peace and security department ;
the special convoy of the UN Secretary General in Sudan, Mr Ian Pronk ; the
political affairs officer of the AU mission in Sudan ; members of the
parliament of Sudan including the Darfur parliamentary caucus; Ministers of
Agriculture, Interior, Humanitarian Affairs and Health; the governors of Northern ,
Western and Southern Darfur or their deputies, the commanders of six sectors of
the Cease Fire Commission, representatives of the armed wings of the
Sudanese Liberation Movement (SLM) and the Sudanese Justice and Equality Movement
(SJEM) in the Cease Fire Commission, a former Chief Justice mandated to hold
an enquiry on Darfur, members of the Advocacy Committee on Human Rights,
female judges ;ambassadors of the states belonging to the AU in Sudan and members
of the UN International Enquiry on Darfur ;police and security personnel
;refugees and displaced persons.
The PAP mission presented a report to parliament which covered the
demographic and historical overview of Sudan in general and Darfur in particular which
uncovered the uneven development between the north and the western region
encompassing Darfur .It highlighted the gross negligence of Darfur since the
colonial period and the failure by subsequent governments to remedy the
situation. The report examined the political aspect of the conflict characterised by
the absence of good governance and the rule of law, the lack of democratic
participation and culture in managing the affairs of the region. It observed
that the impoverishment of the people could easily be attributed to racial and
ethnic divides, giving rise to power struggles for control of decision
making institutions and resources. Some referred to the conflict in Darfur as a
war between Arab and non-Arab tribes and attributed the cause to attempts at
ethnic cleansing. Others referred to it as a rebellion of the Zaghawa and Fur
tribes against the Sudanese state. The state actors considered the conflict to
be a by product of a split in the ruling party in Sudan and accuse the
Turabi camp of using Darfur as a bridgehead to wage a final onslaught to overthrow
the current government.
One explanation for the cause of the war was consistent among the members of
the Sudanese Liberation Army (SLA) and the armed wing of the SJEM. They
claim that repeated calls are made on the government for an end to the
socio-economic deprivation of the non-Arab inhabitants of Darfur and to address their
lack of security caused by the raids of Janjaweed and the promotion of a
culture of impunity because of their integration into the people’s defense forces
or the local militia in Darfur that is allied to the Government.. This is
reported to have given the Janjaweed impetus to raid villages, kill men, abduct
women and children, and seize properties, camels, cattle and small ruminants
as booty. The SLA and SJEM claim that they are driven to take up arms to
protect their people against the impunity of the Janjaweed and their
collaborators in the Government..
On the other hand the Sudanese government has claimed that an armed
opposition capable of attacking Al fasher Airport in March 2003 and destroying 7
planes, attacking 80 police stations to collect weapons and vehicles, and killing
400 police personnel was not simply motivated by the desire to protect
villagers from raids. They argue that the conflict between agriculturalists and
pastoralists have been exploited by politically motivated groups aimed at
overthrowing the Sudanese government using Darfur as a launching base. They claim
that 80% of tribesmen in Darfur carry weapons thus complicating the security
situation and the government’s role in maintaining law and order.(PAP’s
Report On Darfur 2005)
The members of the armed opposition are accused of using rocket propelled
grenades and other sophisticated weapons while the government troops are
accused of allying with the pro government militias who raid villages and are
backed by helicopter gunships and antenovs. Despite the accusations and counter
accusations, one third of Darfur’s population, numbering between 1.5 and 2
million inhabitants, are either refugees across the borders or are internally
displaced in camps. They depend on food aid of mainly oil and grains. Children
live in dire conditions and the incidences of rape and HIV/AIDS reflects the
situation of women and the violence they endure. Even the camps are insecure.
Reports of killings of people in the camps and the police officers who
guard them are not uncommon. The humanitarian tragedy in Darfur was evident in
all sectors and areas. What to do about it was the question and task facing
the PAP mission.
MARABOUT CROSS-EXAMINED IN THE TREASON TRIAL
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Omar Faal Keita, the seventh accused person in the treason trial of the
March 2006 attempted coup plot, in a cross-examination, on Thursday, May 17, at
the High Court testified that he did not recognise any of the exhibits
(statements) given to him.
Faal told the court that he did not write any of the statements, alleging
that it was prepared by Lamin Cham, a detective officer.
Asked by the prosecutor, E. Fagbenle whether he signed the statements, he
said that he refused to sign the statements because he did not know what it
contained.
Omar Faal also said that he does not think a thumb print on one of the
statements is his. He added that, that night when he returned from the National
Intelligence Agency (NIA) he could not open his eyes due to beatings.
Questioned on how long he was with the detective officer, he said he does
not know how long he was with Detective Cham since he did not have a watch with
him then.
The Marabout went on to say that his 500 pounds seized at the NIA was given
to him by a British lady, Saida.
When it was put to him that he was working for a Bishop in Banjul, the
accused person denied ever working for a Bishop in Banjul. He also denied that he
was Daniel Keita. He added that he was never arrested over missing church
money meant for depositing in a bank.
When asked about any medical paper of his scars, Faal said he does not have
any medical certificate on the injuries he allegedly sustained from torture.
He said that he did not quarrel nor fight with any of the people who
arrested him. Faal narrated that he told the investigative panel that he does not
know anything about the alleged coup d’etat, and that he told them he was at
the Magal of Touba when the coup happened.
He said that no lawyer was present at the panel.
CORRECTION!!
RE: POLICE OFFICER AND TWO OTHERS JAILED FOR 15 YEARS
By Yaya Bajo
In the Foroyaa issue No. 55/2007 of 14-15 May, 2007 under the above caption,
it has been erroneously reported that Charles Mendy (a police officer),
Ebrima Summa and Yusupha Camara pleaded guilty for conspiracy to steal D58,660
from Latrikunda Upper Basic School on or about the 22nd day of September, 2001.
However, the statement should have read: “Charles Mendy, Ebrima Summa and
Yusupha Camara, on or about the 25th day of September, 2001 at Latrikunda Lower
Basic School at Latrikunda German (not Latrikunda Upper Basic School), in
the Kanifing Municipality of the Republic of The Gambia, jointly conspired to
commit a felony by stealing D58,550 from the said Lower Basic School.” The
error is deeply regretted.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
THE 1981 POLITICAL CRISIS
THE EVENT THAT SHOOK THE COUNTRY
With Suwaibou Touray
The 1981 action of few civilians, who sought for the collaboration of some
Field Force officers and struck on a fateful day of 30 July 1981, was indeed a
crisis of monumental proportions. It was also described by sociologists and
observers alike as an eye opener for leaders who cared less about public
opinion.
Events leading to 30 July 1981 suggested that the youths of this country
expressed in every way not only their disappointment but also their
dissatisfaction with the status-quo. Instead of engaging them, as suggested by Mr.
Melville Jones, editor of the Outlook, the regime decided to suppress them.
The latest suppression of The Gambia College Students in March 1981 was
mentioned by the leader of the rebellion as one of the reasons that had motivated
their action. But observers of the scene also confirmed to this columnist
that Kukoi had planned his assault almost a year before July 30 event.
The Assault had indeed taken the ruling elites by surprise. The Gambia’s
lack of an army at the time had always been a factor cited as the main reason
why the country had not experienced coup d’etat or civil strive when many
African countries had undergone it, and for some more than once.
Gambians including the ruling party elites were under the illusion that
since Gambia is a Muslim country, and the people, peaceful, this was why God had
helped maintain peace in the country. They even called on other countries to
emulate our peaceful nature.
But the illusion came to an end when in the early hours of 30 July 1981 when
a group of civilians and some Field Force elements entered the Field Force
Depot in Bakau and went straight to the house of the then Deputy Field Force
Commander, Mr. Kekala Baldeh and demanded for the keys to the Armoury. It was
reported that Mr. Baldeh refused to budge, possibly not fully aware of the
repercussion of his refusal. He was said to be shot instantly at close range.
The intruders entered his house at the camp and searched for the keys which
were eventually found by them. The attackers then rushed, leaving behind
perhaps the first casualty of the crises.
The culprits or rebels went straight to the armoury, opened it and had all
the weapons at their disposal. The weapons, without which, no group of people
could coerce or subdue others, had now fallen in the hands of self appointed
saviours of the people. This had incapacitated or demobilized the operations
of the Government.
What Next?
From all indications, a few people cannot easily subdue a bigger force, let
alone conquer a whole people, even if they had all the weapons at their
disposal. This must have been the reason why the perpetrators had to distribute
those weapons to anybody who was willing to join them. The distribution of
weapons commenced unabated. The dissident Field Force elements from the Bakau
depot together with Kukoi, his civilian collaborators and the others such as Mr.
Pengu George, began to distribute weapons. According to the Outlook,
suspicions began to surface when Mr. George became instrumental in the distribution
of weapons. It was speculated that he was given weapons to his own supporters
and may have been preparing to undermine Kukoi Samba Sanyang’s leadership.
On his next arrival to collect weapons, and with the suspicion that he was
compiling them as well, he was shot, thereby becoming the second possible
casualty of the crises, also at the Bakau depot.
But this action must have sparked not only confusion but also struggle
between the various factions. What was also suspected was the understanding or
possible collaboration between Mr. George and the MOJA. Whether MOJA, as an
organisation, took part or not, many supporters of the organisation participated
in it.
The struggle, logically, could not stop at the Bakau Camp alone. It must
proceed. This was why Kukoi and contemporaries had to take weapons to Brufut and
to control the national radio, as quickly as possible.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RADIO
Radio Gambia, the only National radio in The Gambia which could reach across
the country was the best and most appropriate medium to propagate one’s
ideas and information. The PPP reserved this radio exclusively for themselves.
Kukoi and his contemporaries who were hardly unknown to the populace stormed
the radio shortly before day break and proclaimed the taking over of the helm
of state.
At this stage, three crucial objectives had to be attained 1. A propaganda
battle must ensue to publicize the existence, ideology and the power of the
group. This propaganda must also persuade the masses that they present a
credible alternative to the regime because of the attractiveness of their programme
and so on.
2. The movement must convince the people that they were in control and
effectively so, to the extent of giving courage to the masses to come out and
support them.
3. the authorities and their supporters must feel discouraged and even to
lose fate in the regime. This would minimize possible attempt to reverse the
gains made by them, the rebels.
Kukoi who was only 28 years at the time, was said to be the youngest head of
state if he had succeeded. Sergeant Doe of Liberia was the youngest African
Head of State at the time, who was only 30 years.
In his speech which is available only in bits and pieces in various
documents and reports, Kukoi first confirmed the takeover of state power. He
suspended the constitution and imposed dawn to dust curfew. He informed the people of
his group which he announced as the S.R.C (Supreme Revolutionary Council).
He declared a State of Emergency and also declared that Gambia’s relationship
with all countries remained the same. He then called for the support of the
masses and emphasised that he was not after any individual but only to remove
the dysfunctional and archaic autocratic regime of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara.
He called on the supporters of the regime to give up and emphasised over and
over again that he was in control as from hence forth. He said Enough is
Enough. Sir Dawda, the incumbent president was in London at the time of the
uprising. He went to attend a Royal Wedding Ceremony which occurred or coincided
with the month of Ramadan. One could imagine shock that must have struck him
in that gathering. When interviewed by the press, Sir Dawda said “My
information from The Gambia according to the acting President and others the Inspector
General of Police, it seems to be that the coup has not yet succeeded yet,
the rebels are only in control of the radio Gambia Station and they claim to
be in control of the airport but the capital Banjul, Vice President and others
are still in Banjul and are collaborating with few officers, to bring the
situation to normal.”
As far as the propaganda battle was concerned, Kukoi was believed to have
been in control. There was no sign of any resistance in the country. According
to Outlook which was apologetic to the government especially after the dust
was settled, said most people believed that Kukoi had already taken over the
helm of state. It went on to say that, “This was why radio Gambia was
overcrowded with those who expected to be countenanced by the SRC, after victory, to
associate themselves during the heat of the battle.
Observers had noticed that the then IGP Commander Tambajang was in action in
Banjul but it was not clear which side he was fighting for or against.
According to Sam Jones, he was seen at different places at different times in
different motor vehicles etc.
This must have been the information given to Sir Dawda as the sign of
resistance in the Capital.
See next issue for more on the crises.
Gambia Sports Journalist Association Admitted into World Body
By Modou Nyang
The Gambia Sports Journalist Association has been accepted into the
International Sport Press Association, AIPS at its 70th congress held in Bregnez,
Austria.
Namory Trawally President of the Gambia Sports Journalist Association GSJA
together with the acting Secretary General Korka Jallow, represented GASJA at
the congress. Appealing to delegates to accept the membership of GSJA into
the world body, Giona Merlo President of the AIPS told delegates that GSJA has
met all the necessary conditions required for membership of the AIPS. And
announcing GSJA acceptance into the AIPS Merlo said: “I am proud to report to
them [GSJA] that all the necessary document and information were sent to us and
we are satisfied with it”.
A total of 352 delegates from 112 countries were present at the congress.
Zambia and Oman were also admitted into the Association during the congress.
The International Sport Press Association AIPS is the world body of press
men and women engaged in the dissemination of sports news around the world. And
the membership of the Gambia Sports Journalist Association into the world
body will go a long way enhancing the development and exposure of the art of
sports writing.
GFA Division 1 Week Ten Results
By Modou Nyang
With the resumption of matches in the second round in the GFA 1st division
league, Hawks opened with a win defeating Bakau United 2-1 at the Independence
Stadium in Bakau.
Gambia Ports Authority FC also won Steve Biko by 2 goals to 1 at the
Serrekunda East grounds whilst at Serrekunda West Armed Forces succumbed to a lone
goal defeat to Sait Matty FC.
The other matches in the week between Real de Banjul and Seaview and Gamtel
with Wallidan at Serrekunda East and Banjul respectively, were in progress on
Sunday as we go to press.
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