Hi folks,
I've been following, as much as I can, the debate about PDOIS's reaction to the meeting at the House of Commons about the situation in The Gambia. In my opinion, it's rather unfortunate to say the least that we've been bogged-down in this quarrel. For this reason, I think the posting below is fortunate since it seeks to bring the debate to a close, and looks forward to the tasks ahead. In this MRDG has my full support.
My reaction to the original PDOIS article about the London briefing is three fold. First, they have a right not to attend the meeting (or any other meeting for that matter), and I'm sure many of us respect that right. Second, I thought it was foolish-pride for PDOIS to say that it was beneath them to travel to London to brief British MPs. The reality is that Britain has always and will continue to play a significant role in the affairs of The Gambia. Now, whether their role is positive or negative (from the perspective of what's best for The Gambia) will be debated for ever. However, given the economic, and especially military assistance they have provided various Gambian governments, it would be foolish to discount their influence on events in The Gambia.
Besides, in the fight for the restoration of democracy in The Gambia, no ally is too far-away or insignificant. We live in a fast-changing world in which people across all kinds of divides (cultural, geographic, even time zones!) are constantly forming and forging alliances. The meeting in London was just one more manifestation of this changing world, and if PDOIS in their wisdom thinks it would have been a waste of their time, I say more power to them.
The third point I'd like to raise about the PDOIS reaction and the London meeting is that they were right to suggest that people can also do well by supporting whatever party they'd like to. While this might sound counter-productive, if not subversive to the cause of coalition-building, it is the truth. Fortunately, an opposition coalition to contest APRC at the next elections is not necessary for Jammeh to be replaced. While I have sent postings to this list expressing support for calls for opposition unity, I would also like to add that we should not get overworked about this coalition thing.
The only important issue that we should rally around is the commitment to free and fair elections. Once we are assured that every eligible Gambian will be able to cast his or her vote with hindrance or fear, and is freely able to express their opinions, engage others in a dialog about our nation's affairs, then I really don't care whether the opposition is united or divided.
Given free and fair elections, the only way Jammeh is going to win is there is opposition candidate who can get more votes than Jammeh. In my opinion, even if there were 1000 candidates (including Jammeh) all 999 should get more votes than Jammeh simply because of his terrible record. And if for some reason Gambians freely choose President Jammeh over all the other 999 candidates, then I'll support him, and let the nation face the consequences.
On an un-related note, I would like to inform you that the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters, known as AMARC (the acronym of it's name in French) will be organizing a 24-hour broadcast to commemorate the Sharpville massacres on 1960. The broadcast will be hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa, and I'm proud to say that our own George Christensen is the Studio Manager for the broadcast. This is the same George whose radio station was torched a number of months back, and who (and someone else?) sustained injuries trying to put out the fire. We now have proof that even if he's not appreciated by those that tried to silence him and his station, the rest of the world appreciates his talents. By the way, you can check out the broadcast online at http://www.amarc.org/vsf
Also, I'd like to express support for the idea about a Unity conference, but it would make sense to make sure that efforts are made to clearly define it's aims and objectives. Otherwise, we'll just end-up with a meeting with too much said, and little done. I'll provide as much help as I can, and hopefully contribute any ideas I have about making it a successful meeting.
Finally, I'd like to say a big "Thank You" again to both the MRDG and also to Joe Sambou and others in Chicago. The meeting in London was a definite and positive contribution to efforts to restore democracy and the rule of law in The Gambia. Similarly, Joe Sambou and others in Chicago stood up to the presence of Jammeh at the Chicago State Univ. lecture, and we owe them a big "Thanks!" Keep up the great work.
That's about it. Have a great week(end) and best wishes.
Katim
----- Original Message -----
From: MOVEMENT FOR THE RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY IN THE GAMBIA (UK)
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2001 4:03 PM
Subject: Statement on the PDOIS position
STATEMENT ON THE PDOIS POSITION
Following the London Briefing Session of the 28th February 2001, which was held at the British Houses of Parliament, the Peoples Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) published a series of articles in their official newsletter the Foroyaa, which were highly critical of the London meeting and most of what it achieved. Between the 7th and 15th of March, the Foroyaa published three such articles, one of which was a statement from the Secretary General, which we believed, sought to denigrate the successful briefing session that was organised by the Movement for the Restoration of Democracy in the Gambia UK (MRDGUK), in conjunction with Mr. John MacDonnell MP for the London Constituency of Hayes and Harlington, who both hosted and chaired the session.
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