Amadou and others,
Those who know Lalo Jaiteh would tell you he is not only a very serious
gentleman but one dedicated to carry out his duty as a soldier in the GNA.
yes he had over the past couple of years served in the States Guard and even
as ADC to Jammeh. However, he is no less a victim of Jammeh's criminal
activities than anyone else.

He joined the GNA as a less than a year after graduating from a-level class.
All he wanted in life was to give a little back to the family who did so
much for him including sending him to school. Since we could not afford him
a visa and ticket to greener pastures he chose on his own accord and
encouragement from his cousin Alagie kanteh to join the army. I am sure
those who had chance to know him in the army will be in position to tell you
more about Lalo as the soldier.

Regarding the recent allegations about his role in a "coup plot"? I am sure
even Yahya Jammeh knows that  Lalo has no interest in a coup. Until the
night he was abducted Lalo believed that he did nothing wrong in his job as
ADC. When his transfer was reported he accepted it as a Soldier. At the time
of his abduction Lalo was on the phone talking to his brother in the US. The
irony was that he was assuring that it was nothing other than a routine
transfer when there was a knock on the door. The last words from him were,
someone was knocking at the door and was going to find out who. Of course he
never returned to the phone. If he was aware of any of these incredible
"coup plot" charges and god knows  what may follow soon, he would have given
a hint.

In any case it should be clear to Yahya Jammeh that he is responsible for
the safety of our kids in the Army since assuming office of
Commander-in-Chief. He cannot get away with these crimes. The Gambians are
not sleeping. Staying in bunkers in the middle of nowhere in rural Gambia is
not a cool and secure live! Its only a manifestation of guilt and ignorance.
It is not how many kid-soldiers one terrorize into carrying out one's
criminal activities (terrorizing the Gambia people) in the name of national
security,  that makes one secure. Security comes when your conscience is
clear!

Also I would like to say that we should understand the plight of those young
soldiers caught up in the Army. Many like Lalo joined because there was
little  employment outside the army for high school graduates. Also many do
not realize the dangers in the army until they sign-up. Since one has to
serve term before being allowed to leave, it should not surprise us to learn
that there are many who are literally hostages. They have no choice but to
carry out the criminal orders of Yahya Jammeh or face fabricated charges
when seen to be leaving.

Malanding Jaiteh


----- Original Message -----
From: "Amadu Kabir Njie" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2000 3:07 PM
Subject: Re: Fw: Dumo

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