Omar,
Thank you for clarifying the points that Waa Juwara was trying to make in his
statement that was reported in the Independent newspaper. I agree that he was
perhaps alluding to first finding a solution to the issue of the constitution
of the IEC, and the fact that they have been virtually turned into a state
machinery to ensurethe re-election of Jammeh.
First though, let me also point out for the record that one of the things
that was attributed to Waa was that he said that some of the oppositions parties
were trying to be the leader of the coalition. I want to mention that these
issues of who will do what is something that can only be addressed when all the
opposition parties sit down together and iron out the details, terms and
conditions of a coalition. This is really what will give reality to a coalition and
not just the provision of funds. This very idea is what myself, Momodou
Sidibeh and others have echoed here. First, there has to be a viable organization
behind which we can then throw our support financial and otherwise, and this is
not by any means a dismissal of the importance of the collection of funds
already spearheaded by Joe Sambou and others.
However, going back to Waa's alluding to finding a solution to the issue of
the composition and ethics of the IEC, I must say that as pertinent and
important as this statement is, this one poses a dilemma (did i spell that right)
just like all other issues of ethics and the issue of operating within the rule
of law because the APRC regime does not seem to honour any laws as set forth by
our constitution, which is why they have manipulated an institution like the
IEC that si not supposed to be subject to such things if a fair election is to
ever take place.
Not knowing under what guidelines pressure can be brought to bear to ensure
that the IEC operates within the law, again, these are all issues that can only
be tackled if and when the opposition parties are willing to sit down to talk
to each other, forge a sincere alliance and prepare a mode of action to move
forward. I am certain that the Gambians in the diaspora would be willing to
assist in any way possible once happens, even if all one does out here is to
help with reserach. That is the bulk of the work that needs to be done and time
is of the essence on this. Perhaps the issue of the IEC is a case that can be
taken to the Commonwealth, but if that is possible, then the opposition going
in to request intervention in this matter as one voice under a coalition will
certainly be much more effective than if there is still an unorganized group.
To echoe what Sidibeh was restating again in his post yesterday, one thing is
very certain, the defeat of the current regime in any election will become
much more of a reality with a united coalition of the opposition parties than
without and the guidelines for such a coalition starts at the bargaining table
where all will cooperate to develop a framework. It is a matter of the
oppositions parties recognizing that it is time to set aside all differences and
talk to each other to accomplish what can lead to an atmosphere where the damages
left by the Jammeh regime can be addressed.
Addressing the damages is a long process that requires not only the
cooperation of the oppositions parties but imput by the Gambian public as well.
Therefore, these are issues that can be tackled under an interim government so that
by the time that interim government ends, the atmosphere will be conducive to
open elections that will be conducted within the laws of our country.
Waa Juwara's illegal detention should serve as a wake up call to the
opposition parties that none of them or their leadership is immune to the illegal acts
of the regime, and therefore, the most urgent thing for them to focus on is
to know that they and the Gambian people they represent have a common enemy,
namely the APRC regime which insists on bypassing or changing laws to ensure
that they will stay in power against the wishes of the people.
Jabou Joh
In a message dated 10/16/03 11:58:29 PM Central Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
>
> Mr Sidibe,
> There seems to be a misunderstanding in the diaspora about the thrust of
> Waa's arguement as was reported in a story published by the Independent
> newspaper a month or two ago.
> I am very positive that Mr Juwara did not intend to convey any message of
> opposition to the coalition, and in fact I would not hesitate to say that
> as far as I know, he is very supportive of all efforts geared towards
> creating a viable alternative to the Jammeh regime. In the story you made
> mention of, which I have also alluded to herein, Mr Juwara expressed strong
> opinion about two issues. These were: (1)- A proper reconstitution of the
> Independent Electoral Commission(IEC) with a view to ensuring a free and
> fair electoral process; and (2), the seeming hope that all the alternative
> parties need is funding to flush out the APRC regime at the Polls.
> Pertaining to the first issue, most of us will agree that since the
> controversial removal of bishop Telewa-Johnson from the chair of the IEC,
> the latter has suffered a dented credibity. There have always been claims of
> electoral fraud in the Gambia in the aftermath of elections, but that of
> 2001 is unprecedented in terms of both scope and nature. It has been
> alledged that foreign elements were used to swing the vote infavour of
> incumbent Yaya Jammeh. In a nutshell, some observers have concluded that the
> Presidential election of 2001 was rigged before Gambians went to the Polls.
> The ability of the IEC to justly institute, organise and monitor the
> electoral process, is crucial to averting such negative conclusions, and
> ensuring credible results at the Polls. I need only mention here that Mr
> Juwara infact suggested a solution to the IEC problem in the story from
> which it seems some of us have made erroneous deductions.
> In connection with the second issue, a lot of commendable effort is
> presently being geared towards the establishment of a Save the Gambia Fund.
> We are all aware that the fund is already there, and now its just a matter
> of collecting the contributions. This is a fantastic move! However, it takes
> more than funds to win elections. There are organisational and personnel
> issues to deal with even before we move into the realms of logistics and
> strategy amongst others. I wish to ensure you MR sidibe, and indeed all
> concerned persons, that this was basically what Mr Juwara intended to
> convey. His criticism, I am positive, was done with the best of intentions,
> and should be used as a wake up call for all of us involved in efforts to
> bring about a change of the political leadership in the Gambia.
> In conclusion, it is my personal opinion that many of us are focusing too
> much on the removal of Yaya Jammeh from office and not giving attention to
> what to do with the corrupt and brutal system he has managed to put in place
> over the years. I have no doubt that this system, by all indications, poses
> a big threat to the long term development of democracy in the Gambia.
> Omar Joof.
>
>
> >From: Momodou S Sidibeh <[log in to unmask]>
> >Reply-To: The Gambia and related-issues mailing list
> ><[log in to unmask]>
> >To: [log in to unmask]
> >Subject: Re: Why the silence UDP and NRP
> >Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2003 00:40:54 +0200
> >
> >Conteh Julla,
> >
> >A very apt and timely question, especially after receiving the wonderful
> >news from Sister Soffie Ceesay on Waa's release.
> >A week or so ago, I mentioned in passing that Waa Juwara is key to a
> >coalition of the opposition. Now more than ever, the opinion he gave in an
> >interview with the Independent clearly needs clarification. Even if he
> >opposed the idea of a coalition on matters of principle, he needs perhaps
> >to be persuaded that a coalition may be necessary as a matter of strategy
> >to wrest power from the incontinent hands of the APRC. The dificulties
> >toward the coalition effort stretch as far back as the last elections, at
> >least. It is time that we placed these difficulties on the table.
> >
> >Momodou S Sidibeh
> >
> >----- Original Message -----
> >From: "burang conteh" <[log in to unmask]>
> >To: <[log in to unmask]>
> >Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2003 11:59 PM
> >Subject: Why the silence UDP and NRP
> >
> >
> > > Folks, I came a crossed with lots of condemnation from our other
> >oppositions
> > > leaders in the Gambia, mostly all, except Lawyer Ousainu Daroe and Amat
> >bah
> > > for the illigal detention of Lamin waa Juwara. Why are they silence,
> > > especially Juwara's former party UDP. Is it because he felt out with
> >them
> > > and formed his own party? I do remember Juwara condemning Lawyer
> >Darboe's
> > > detention some months ago.
> > >
> > > Why the silence our great political leaders? Have you all been scared
> > > already to get in to jail for demonstrating your constitutional right ?
> >If
> > > you want to lead the people, you most prepared to face the hard line. Do
> >not
> > > expect us to do it for you all the way to the statehouse.
> > >
> > > Even though, Juwara and most of you are not sharing the same political
> > > principles at the moment. What is important for you as leaders is, unify
> >all
> > > your parties and condemn such act in a strongly terms without any
> > > reservation of being scare to be send to jail.
> > >
> > > Get your ranks together to salvage our country from the APRC regime, our
> > > party political differences shouldn't make us silence on things that
> >really
> > > matters, especial when it deals with the breach of human right.
> > >
> > > Arresting opposition leaders will be a continuation for the APRC regime,
> > > today is Waa Juwara , tomorrow might be NRP Amat Bah, day after might be
> >UDP
> > > Lawyer Ousainu Darboe, Halifa Sallah, Sidia Jatta or Omar Jallow. So our
> > > leaders, forget about your differences and forge your hands together for
> >a
> > > more hard task awaiting you in the coming months and years.
> > >
> > > Forward ever backward never
> > >
> > > Conteh Julla
> > >
> > > _________________________________________________________________
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