I have been following this debate for a while and i must say that it has
been a very healthy debate so far. There is no doubt that  this move taking
by  Dr Sainea is a welcoming and  timely  move. After all a lot had been said
already in this issue and One question i would like to asked is that "what
would be the process of this healing or reconciliation and what dimension
would it take?" Since people have ironed out all their different positions
and as usaul am always sceptical when it comes to the AFPRC  Government.
Then again i will support any genuine move towards this direction.

To me what strikes me most on this  debate is Dr sainea's final words "To
me, this is beyond partisan politics.  It is life of a people and of future
generations."

For that matter I would like to add that a genuine attempt should also be
made to reorganise the security forces and institute human rights courses
and programmes as part of the curricula of the armed forces and other
security services. This would help in building a culture of subordination of the military to civilian authority and the respect of human rights and rule of law within
those institutions. Those who are resposible for gross human rights
violations should not allowed to hold positions of authority where they are
likely to repeat those abuses; they should in fact be disqualified from
holding high public office. As part of the healing process, an
acknowledgement of the crimes by state, preferably by the President
and a public apology to the victims and their families would go a long way
in facilitating the rebuilding of confidence in the government and help in
the healing process.

Finally, for an enduring stability that will lead to social and economic
progress in the country, the importance of accounting for human rights
abuses of the past cannot be over-emphasised. These must be a process of
truth telling, reconciliation and accountability for gross human rights
abuses. The governement must officially acknowledge the violations and
atones to the victims and their families. Without this being done, the
process of healing and forgivensss cannot commerce.

Our role in this will be a practical and active participation in the
development process of the country. What does that mean can also be define
by individuals or groups.


The Struggle Continues!!!
Ndey Jobarteh