From http://www.observer.gm

News
The drama of Juwara’s release
By Ebrima Jaw Manneh
Jun 28, 2004, 13:35



Drama unfolded Friday, June 25 when freed leader of the National Democratic
Action Movement (Ndam), Lamin Waa Juwara, was whisked away from the Mile 2
prison gates by security officers and dumped at Tabokoto.

Early in the morning, at least 15 officers of the Police Intervention Unit
armed with AK 47 guns and riot gear manned the prison gates while leaders
of the opposition alliance including Halifa Sallah (PDOIS), Ousainou Darboe
(UDP), Omar Jallow (PPP) and Dulo Bah (NRP) gathered in anticipation of Mr
Juwara’s release. The waiting crowd was asked to relocate to the nearby
Palm Grove Hotel gate area.

At 10.02 a.m, a prison warder approached the waiting crowd and informed
them that Juwara was put on board a van to Banjul where he would join
another one to Brikama.

Halifa Sallah was sent to look for him in Banjul while the assembled
opposition politicians speculated about his whereabouts.

The Ndam youth leader, Pa Manneh, queried the way in which the prison
officers and the PIU personnel choreographed his leader’s release, but he
was calmed down by Darboe and OJ.

Some of the people even doubted his release but the PIU superintendent,
Biran Mbye, confirmed that Mr Juwara was indeed released and driven to
Banjul.
At 10:57 am, Halifa Sallah returned and said he could not locate Mr Juwara
in Banjul.

It was suggested that Mr Sallah should go to enquire at the NIA head office
at Marina Parade. However, 38 minutes later, the waiting politicians
received a phone call from Brikama saying that Mr Juwara had arrived at his
home.

Addressing a gathering of his supporters and political allies at his home ,
Mr Juwara, who looked robust in health, said the prospective opposition
coalition is a genuine idea. "We should pray to God for it to become a
reality. If we put an end to tyranny and govern according to the ethics of
leadership, our world will be free of war and violence. It is incumbent
upon us to assert our rights and freedom against leaders who treat their
subjects without regard to their dignity and rights."

He said he was abreast of all that was happening in the country during his
period of imprisonment. "Things have now taken a national dimension. The
journalists are independent and that is why he told them to go to hell. You
see, a dictator, when he or she is desperate, he or she says things which
he cannot apply. We are winning because his minister said registration with
the National Media Commission is optional and he said let them go to hell.
If you see UK and America talking about democracy in The Gambia today, it
is because of our sacrifice and steadfastness since 22 July 1994.

We said we must restore democracy in The Gambia, so it is us who are
winning. The oppressor is losing grip and that is why democracy is coming
into The Gambia. That is the result of the struggle. There is no going back
on our level of commitment to the struggle. I am au fait with everything
that has been going on and I am part of it. I am for the coalition and I
think it is the only way out. Let’s bury all our differences - small egos
here and there. Gambia is primary."

Halifa Sallah, Ousainou Darboe, Omar Jallow and Dulo Bah representing Hamat
Bah, who is said to be out of town, all made brief statements.

© Copyright 2003 by Observer Company

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