Joe, Jabou, Elhagie, Conteh et all,

I am so disappointed in you people. I just can't believe what I am reading and hearing. It is alright for us to disagree with one another but it we don't have to degenerate to this level as people who are advocating for change in Gambia. In each struggle there are times when we are at each other but in a more constructive and healthy manner but not what I am reading now. I asked myself are these the people who are advocating for change in Gambia?

I thought after reading Soffie's email all you people will go to bed and sleep. Wake up fresh and digest her response to this issue. Soffie made very important points, whether you people agree on it or not it is a fact.

Yes, Yaya is using the tribal card to rule the Gambia and unfortunately it is the Jolas. I do agree that some Jolas are also benefiting in it and using it against other tribes. But how many are they?

 My grandmother is a Jola, I mean a true born Jola who cannot stand Jammeh. It went to a point that he cannot watch TV because she does not want to see Jammeh. I remember her always saying to us that Jammeh has disgrace the Jolas. At the same time I have my step grandmother who is also a Jola who even goes to pray at the State house Mosque because of her love for Jammeh. I remember her not talking to me for days because of my position on Jammeh. She deeply felt that I should be supporting  Jammeh. My mother has to warn me not to talk about Jammeh in her presence. Then you have my Father who is a Mandinga who felt that the Jolas are becoming too much and they are getting out of her. They even refused to speak any other language apart from Jola. I had to tell my Father you cannot say that just because few Jolas are doing that and what is wrong with them refusing to speak other languages. Of course my father felt I was not too proud of my Mandinganess. I said no I am proud to be a Mandinga by virtue of my father, proud to be a Wollof by virtue of my mother, proud to be a Jola by virtue of my grand mother, proud to be a Tukulorr by virtue of my Grandfather. So, who am I?

I remember one Senegalese MPs from cassamance came to a meeting in Ghana. He met with the late Satang and I and the first thing he said to us was " You the Mandingas are the ones who hate Jammeh but we the Jolas will make sure that he stays" I was so mad and really gave it to the MP. I remember Satang said to me why are so going that far. Just ask the guy if the Gambia belongs to the Jolas only? What is the percentage of Jolas compare to other tribes?  How many Jolas have better lives since Jammeh took over? Believe me  after Satang finished with the MP, he was a reformed tribalist.

Let us be very careful in our struggle against injustice in the Gambia. Lets us be mindful that Gambia does not belong to any tribe but Gambians. Even if Jammeh is using them let us made it clear to Jammeh that we are not going to buy it. After all how many Jolas lives have change since Jammeh came to power? How many?

We all agree that it is a problem, let us educate people and condemn any tribal activities and comments. This is the only way forward. In all the African crisis and genocide, tribalism was used  to wage wars, genocides and murders. Please let’s address it maturely and carefully.

 NB:

Ebou Jallow's mail is disgusting and unacceptable. We can agree to disagree.

 

The Struggle Continues!!!

Ndey Jobarteh