Halifa,
You have been very instrumental in 'educating'the mass through foroyaa,
But if my language hasnt fail me that means freedom? I mean foroyaa.
One of the key elements of of foroyaa is selfdetermination-the idea
that people choose who ever they want to rule them. What we have in the
Gambia is some 'too educated few' and some 'illiterate majority',the
question is; do we let the majority carry the vote or do we let the
educated few decide? If 90% or so vote for Jawara Who are we to overturn
their expressed desire? Some people have not been to school but they seem to
know who will buy their groundnuts and let their kids live
through a demonstration once in a while!Now we are stuck with a trend
of uncertainty and treachery in what used to be the smiling coast of Africa
because some people have gotten 'educated'.When will we learn that there are
times that this western idealogies do indeed replace what is indeed
significant part of us for millions of ages?
IN conclusion if Jawara is the majoritys choice so be it!
I must appologise for my not so being 'educated'has have been expressed
by some of my collegues here but beyong the spelling errors on my part,
i hope you relate to the essence of my input.
kalilu camara
>From: foroyaa <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
><[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: A Coup Plot Again?
>Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2000 12:01:29 +0100
>
>Ebou,
>
>Thank you for your observations. You wrote:
>
>"Now Sir Dawda has a very legitimate interest in the Gambia. He was
>illegally removed from office whilst serving the mandate of the Gambian
>people, therefore the issue you raised insinuating the Gambian people to
>make a choice between the past and the present is totally irrelevant!"
>
>I cannot understand where we had made any insinuation that the Gambian
>people should make a choice between the past and present. Let us quote in
>full the irrefutable lessons that we have drawn. The relevant portion
>reads:
>
>"Gambia is a country in transition. Those who were overthrown yesterday or
>have fallen out with the regime are interested in having a favourable
>condition to be restored. Those in control of power today or are
>beneficiaries of the takeover of 1994 have interest in maintaining the
>status quo. Gambians are being given the option to choose between the past
>and the present. What the country needs is a future free from economic,
>social and political exclusion. This is, however, more difficult to create
>since it requires Gambian citizens who will no longer allow any particular
>citizen to utilise them as tools to acquire or maintain power. Once such
>Gambian citizens come into being, power will be controlled by the people
>instead of having few elements contesting for it by using the people as
>pawns or consigning them to the ranks of spectators.
>
>"In our view, coup d'etats are political gambling matches. It appears so
>easy to orchestrate but it is also so difficult to bring about. History has
>shown of many coups and counter-coups costing many lives and leading to
>many
>unstable changes. In short, the more some feel that coups are easy to
>orchestrate, the more attempts are made to change governments by coups.
>This
>is why coup making became a career in Nigeria.
>
>"The real solution lies with the empowerment of the people. When people are
>fully conscious of their power and organised, they cannot have a leadership
>that functions against their will. There are no short-cuts to the
>empowerment of the people. They must be enlightened and organised to
>control
>power."
>
>Contrary to your assertions, our position is that the Gambian people are
>victims of a wretched past and present and deserve a better future.
>Notwithstanding, we respect your opinion minus the misconception of our
>position.
>
>Secondly, we made reference to your memorandum of 11 July 2000 only to
>clarify what is a subject of rumour in this country. Some people who had
>read your posting went about to link your claims to what is currently
>taking
>place. I only hope that our quotation will not be taken out of context. I
>am
>glad that you have decided to throw more light on the issue so that
>distortions about Jawara's role will not be possible. I am sure he will
>appreciate your intervention.
>
>Greetings.
>
>Halifa.
>
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Ebou Jallow <[log in to unmask]>
>To: <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2000 1:31 AM
>Subject: Re: A Coup Plot Again?
>
>
> > Mr. Halifa Sallah,
> >
> > Your article draws some valid observations and concerns, and I somehow
> > totally agree with two of your propositions: coups are wrong and should
>be
>
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