Darboe's obsession for the presidency scares me-Political commentator Fatou Jaw Manneh
      BY STAFF WRITER OMAR NJIE
  Darboe's obsession for the presidency scares me-Political commentator Fatou Jaw Manneh
  
  DARBOE ON THE SPOT LIGHT!!!
  "Personally I think Darboe has no place in our political system. The Guy is worse than Jammeh. Did you guys listen to his interview on the Gambia Post? Darboe is not only a small man. This guy is pathetic and will not stop at nothing to be president, but there is plenty of news for him. The political game is becoming more interesting as we have a third party on the wings, whether it is real or imaginary, The Disgruntled Military. I am personally very disappointed with Darboe listening to that interview. I don't see him as president and he can claim all the chicken on his side and he will never be President. He is thin skinned, judgmental, petty, arrogant and dumb. Yes very dumb. The law degree is not helping this Guy. Can you imagine Darboe as a presidential aspirant of a multiethnic nation, how can he come here thumping on his chest about how proud he is of being a mandinka. And of course a Jula caste!!!!! Who cares what caste he is. You will expect that kind of displaced comment
 from 110 year old chief of wulli not a 21st century presidential candidate lawyer. Darboe is no more mandinka than I am and he is truly a shame and disgrace to the mandinkas, excuse me, the Julas. If he so proud of being a JUla, then he should go back to selling mangoes or create a Mango juice factory as he asserts in his interview and help the economy. That is what Julas are best known for. He is not Presidential material and I have washed my hands of him and I have started a personal campaign for all to see this guy for who he is; arrogant, greedy and selfish. The Guy has this fantasy that he is the next President made in heaven for Gambia. He is mistaken, because I think even if NADD decides to take him back as the flag bearer, he is going to be the worst president ever to emerge in the Gambia. Remember the Guy is a coward too. When Jammeh coughs you see him crawling on the American Embassy fences asking for rescue. Please guys just listen to him. He has this braggart attitude
 that he is the game in town but he is not. WE were running after him because we want to see them collectively against Jammeh to reduce the risk of losing the elections but arrogant, retarded and selfish as he is, he refuses to see the main issue here. He is all about me ,me ,me. HE is a complete turnoff."said Fatou Jaw Manneh, journalist cum political commentator based in Washington DC. She was speaking in an exclusive interview with the Freedom Newspaper's Omar Njie. Please read on...
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: Ms. Manneh, as discussed over the phone, I will be very glad to facilitate this interview on behalf of freedom Newspaper, and I appreciate the time you spend talking to us today. As we all work on a tight schedule, I will go ahead with the questions on the table:

  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: Recently, two prominent members of NADD resigned from the coalition. Are you shocked by such a move?
  FATOU J MANNEH: Not really. We knew all along it is not going to be easy and some commotion is expected.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: You have been a strong supporter of NADD, are you still pledging allegiance for NADD or Ousainou Darboe?
  FATOU J MANNEH: Neither, personally. It is a shame that these NADD leaders break our hearts. I am not personally impressed with any of them individually. We have seen and know how far they can go on their own and we don't have to be soothsayers to know that none of them will make it if they breakup. No new statistics will convince us otherwise. Ousainu is fooling himself if he thinks he can make it with Hamat. The PPP group that he is claiming does not exist as he is witnessing Jawara and his corrupt and useless followers all recamping at APRC. All the PPP supporters are cowardly drooling after Jammeh fearing what will happen to them and their so-called loots if they are to follow NADD or OJ in particular. What do you make up of all this crazy PPP mishaps? Where on this planet have you seen such an unprincipled ex-president like Jawara? So Darboe is in fantasyland if he thinks he carries the PPP majority backing. Actually these PPP people who are flocking to him are going to quit
 him for Jammeh. They are just waiting for the next job call from Jammeh. On the other side, NADD is not going anywhere without Ousainu and Hamat supporters. How are these breakup groups going to campaign? What are they going to say? How and why can we respect them? Can we even trust them? How do we solicit help for them? How are we going to raise funds for them? If after all what Gambia is going through and after almost 2 years of talks, NADD cannot come together as a group you think we can take them seriously? If they don't have respect and trust for each other how can they expect anything from us? Even if they were together they have a lot to do to tackle Jammeh much more if they go fragmented. They are just wasting our time and energy and most importantly our hopes. How is history going to judge them? As a group they can wrestle Jammeh to the ground believe me, but if they cannot come together they might as well follow Jawara's footsteps and join the APRC camp and save us all the
 energy and sleepless nights. This is very embarrassing. Lamin Kitty Jabang has followed suit. Yes that shows how desperate Jammeh is and he is making all the right political moves as NADD breaks apart. Jabang is a dusty old bag that even all the electricity in the Saudi Kingdom cannot make shine. These are pathetic old politicians whose lack of self worth is appalling. But if Jawara is rolling under Jammeh's feet I guess his peers don't have to wait hopelessly in the corner. Jawara's legacy is a disgrace.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: In your own view, what will you attribute the NADD breakaway to?

FATOU J MANNEH: Selfishness. They should be able to make some sacrifice, some give and take. It is not easy. But if they really want to walk the talk and they really believe in ousting Jammeh and salvaging Gambia, then it should not come to this disgraceful breakup. Seriously I am heart broken.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: Many people viewed the decision taken by Ousainou and Hamat to quit NADD, as
an action of betrayal against the Gambian voters. Do you buy that argument?
  FATOU J MANNEH: No I did not buy into that argument one bit. All the five NADD members are responsible for the break up. We specifically don't know what and why. They came together to broker a deal about Gambia's future and that is not an easy responsibility. It is a very serious matter that they don't take seriously. It is very unfortunate. Until we see them under one banner, we should not take them seriously. 
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: During the NADD flag bearer controversy, some critics went as far as accusing 
STGDP of being bias towards Omar Jallow. Is this the true state of affairs at the STGDP?
  FATOU J MANNEH: I am not aware of any bias towards OJ. 

FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: Let's shift our gears on women participation in Gambian politics. What's your view on women and politics in the Gambia?
  FATOU J MANNEH: I think Gambian women are very interested in politics but they don't view the environment fair and open. It is still considered a man's game and a bully pulpit for the women. If Gambian politics was on a true democratic platform, we will see a lot of women participating openly. The military -democratic environment makes it the more hostile and it really intimidates women political aspirants. They are very fearful to come out with their opinions against Jammeh.

FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: The opposition demonstrated that they will not put their houses in order, do you think it's time for women to seek for the presidency?

  FATOU J MANNEH: Yes, I think women should start seeking the presidency. They might be able to do better. We have seen all this corrupt and arrogant man presidents that have really taken our country backwards. It is time we send them packing.

  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: Over the years, Gambian women have been complaining about marginalization, but in reality there are few women who are ready to take issues with the Jammeh dictatorship. What will you attribute to the culture of silence in Gambian women?
  FATOU J MANNEH: Fear. Gambia's political environment is very hostile. Gambians in general are very fearful in nature, as we witness especially in this Jammeh era, and women because of our protective nature are not comfortable in coming forward to make their political assertions known in this very hostile environment.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: But Jammeh has hired a lot of women.
  FATOU J MANNEH: Yes. As sneeze guards.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: If given the support for a presidential candidate, will you accept to take up such a task?

  FATOU J MANNEH: Oh No. But I will waste no time giving all I can to a serious woman candidate.

FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: You seem to be wearing two caps at the same time, you are a journalist cum political activist. Can you convince readers to respect your independence?
  FATOU J MANNEH: Under a dictatorship, you cannot be a journalist without some form of activism. You read about what happens to journalist's day in and out in the Gambia. Remember we are still mourning Deyda Hydara. Journalists are seen by dictatorships as enemies so they are pushed to the corner and do not have a choice but to defend themselves as they practice their profession. It is a difficult and bizarre situation but there is no other choice. It would have been beautiful if journalist can just stay being journalists and presidents stay as presidents and not criminals.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: What do you think of Freedom Newspaper? 
  FATOU J MANNEH: You guys are doing a great job but I still miss Pa Nderry, Babucar Ceesay and Yerro Jallow(Dalton) as a team. Keep trying Pa Nderry and good luck to you all. Stay a little bit away from overly sensationalism, and I expect Pa Nderry, Yerro and Babucar Ceesay to share info. And work together. They already broke my heart.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: How do you view the work of Gambian Journalists at this time?
  FATOU J MANNEH: I think they are really trying hard but it is unfortunate to see editors all parting and carrying partisan drums. We all need to put pressure on all these politicians and try to register the frustrations of the masses rather than prophesizing and clapping for these political leaders individually. It is very degrading of their profession and it is really a turn off.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: As a critic of the Jammeh government, do you have any regrets exposing him?
  FATOU J MANNEH: Not one bit. I am not accusing him of anything. I just recite and recount outrageous events that are happening under his watch, from the economy to human rights violations. Not to mention our stagnant health care system and education. That propaganda is going to continue unabated until NADD shapes us and salvage us or Jammeh really regrets and accepts his mismanagement and steps down.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: In the event of President Jammeh's downfall, how do you expect him to be treated by his successors?
  FATOU J MANNEH: In the manner that the opposition is behaving, the ousting of Jammeh looks very farfetched. But in the event that he is ousted, we should let history be the Judge. They should remember that whatever he does, he did not do it alone. So many Gambians have sold their souls for Jammeh. Actually they are still scrambling after him. We should just forgive and forget and move on. It is going to take a whole lot of efforts to bring up Gambia to some favorable standards. If the opposition wants to witch-hunt, it will be tough because a lot of other people will go along with Jammeh. Gambia is a very small country.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: Recently, our paper was contacted by Ebrima Dibba of Seattle, Washington. He claims to be a UDP supporter, and also former GAMSU executive member. In his own words, he said "STGDP has failed Gambians, and the cheap words they issued on Kebba Foon is unacceptable". He also added "Failure to expel Kebba Foon from STGDP, I decided not to associate myself with STGDP for the purpose of posterity". What do you make out of Dibba's claims?
  FATOU J MANNEH: I had no idea about what Kebba wrote. I heard it was on the post but I think it is Jammeh who has failed Gambians by turning our country into a ghetto and NADD for seriously failing us and crushing our hopes. How has STGDP failed Gambians? STGDP is not a political party. Dibba has his disappointment twisted because if I am reading the stories right on the papers, it is Darboe who left NADD and not STGDP.I feel him because this moment is very frustrating but please let us stop finger pointing, keep our partisanship in check and keep praying that NADD come back together.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: Why is Darboe in town?
  FATOU J MANNEH: No idea. He should stop sneaking on us, go back to his peers and remain as a group if they want our respect and support. Darboe's obsession for the presidency is deeply disturbing and it scares me. Their collective rigidity with this flag bearer issue shows how selfish, greedy and unthoughtful this NADD members are, all five. We should stop being too partisan and put pressure on them to come together. As splintered groups they will not be worth one cent. The sooner they realize this, the better.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: What do you personally think of Darboe?
  FATOU J MANNEH: Personally I think Darboe has no place in our political system. The Guy is worse than Jammeh. Did you guys listen to his interview on the Gambia Post? Darboe is not only a small man. This guy is pathetic and will not stop at nothing to be president, but there is plenty of news for him. The political game is becoming more interesting as we have a third party on the wings, whether it is real or imaginary, The Disgruntled Military. I am personally very disappointed with Darboe listening to that interview. I don't see him as president and he can claim all the chicken on his side and he will never be President. He is thin skinned, judgmental, petty, arrogant and dumb. Yes very dumb. The law degree is not helping this Guy. Can you imagine Darboe as a presidential aspirant of a multi ethnic nation, how can he come here thumping on his chest about how proud he is of being a mandinka. And of course a Jula caste!!!!! Who cares what caste he is. You will expect that kind of
 displaced comment from110 year old chief of wulli not a 21st century presidential candidate lawyer. Darboe is no more mandinka than I am and he is truly a shame and disgrace to the mandinkas, excuse me, the Julas. If he so proud of being a JUla, then he should go back to selling mangoes or create a Mango juice factory as he asserts in his interview and help the economy. That is what Julas are best known for. He is not Presidential material and I have washed my hands of him and I have started a personal campaign for all to see this guy for who he is; arrogant, greedy and selfish. The Guy has this fantasy that he is the next President made in heaven for Gambia. He is mistaken, because I think even if NADD decides to take him back as the flag bearer, he is going to be the worst president ever to emerge in the Gambia. Remember the Guy is a coward too. When Jammeh coughs you see him crawling on the American Embassy fences asking for rescue. Please guys just listen to him. He has this
 braggart attitude that he is the game in town but he is not. WE were running after him because we want to see them collectively against Jammeh to reduce the risk of losing the elections but arrogant, retarded and selfish as he is, he refuses to see the main issue here. He is all about me ,me ,me. HE is a complete turnoff.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: And he came very hard on STGDP.
  FATOU J MANNEH: Yes I think the current chairman Musa Jeng is giving an interview on that. I will not represent the STGDP view of the interview. I am a very mandinka member of the STGDP who thinks we should do all that it takes to see that Darboe and his peers are back together even if it means bending NADD hands for him, but belief me am perplexed. Darboe is not worth a cent.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: STGDP is accused of being petty by meddling into trivial issues of this nature, the questions people are raising is whether Mr. Foon's remarks are on
behalf of STGDP or personal. Even though his statement was considered outrageous by his critics, is he not entitled to a private life? 
  FATOU J MANNEH: Whatever Foon wrote am sure was his personal observation. Whatever he wrote I don't know but I don't think he mentioned that he was speaking on behalf of STGDP. And yes he is entitled to free speech. Freedom of speech does not always have to be only on what we all agree on. But yes it also has its consequences too.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: What type of person is Mr. Foon? Is he controversial as portrayed by his critics?
  FATOU J MANNEH: I have worked with him for many years and I know of his commitment to see a better Gambia.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: I know you have no powers to speak on behalf of STGDP, but maybe you can answer this question as a member. Now that there is a split in the opposition, are you still going to keep funding NADD or Ousainu's coalition?

  FATOU J MANNEH: STGDP as an organization has put out a press release already that they are moving on with NADD but we are keeping our fingers crossed that it will consider working hard to bring this people together.I think the executive is working hard on that too.
  FREEDOM NEWSPAPER: After the NADD shake up, is the STGDP united or divided today?
  FATOU J MANNEH: STGDP is still going strong. The NADD breakup was difficult on every Gambian STGDP included but we have regrouped and are moving on.
   
   
    
Posted on Thursday, March 23, 2006 (Archive on Tuesday, April 25, 2006)
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