Sidi,

Again thanks for the updates and it is encouraging that that the Gambia
Government is making some effort to get the team home if these guys can be
rescued out of that hotel.Hopefully, the Senegalese government will ask the
French military to get their people as well as the other teams out. I also
wonder if the Gambia government could not make the same request to the
French. At any rate, it  sounds like the Red Cross may come thorough for all
of them , and we pray that it happens.
I urge you guys even in Abidjan ot be very cautious, and our prayers are with
you.

Jabou Joh


In a message dated 9/26/2002 11:04:13 AM , [log in to unmask] writes:
>
> After a week at the RAN Hotel, the Gambia National Team still maintain a
> certain degree of calm and optimism in the face of uncertainty regarding
> their fate. Although they are safe and unmolested, frustration and
> impatience is beginning to take its toll.  As a team member told me this
> morning over the phone: 'we just want out' and who would disagree.
>
> Living conditions at the Hotel, I am told, is beginning to deteriorate.
> Running water has been cut since the start of the stand-off between
> Government troops and rebels mutineers. Food is now in short supply, at
> least at the hotel food and beverage department. The team relies on daily
> ration comprising of bread and sardines purchased by Team officials
> according to a team member. I am afraid that the team may be deprived
> of
> this luxury if the stand-off continues for any length of time.  Thus the
> need to evacuate the team-including the Senegalese and Sierra Leones-as
> soon as possible and preferably while the French and American troops are
> still in the area.  Should they (French and American troops) leave Boauke
> and Yammoussoukro without assisting the stranded players, the task will be
> more difficult for obvious reasons.
>
> The above notwithstanding, Gambia Government is reported to have on stand-
> by the Presidential jet ready to be despatched at moments notice to
> evacuate the team. This is indeed welcome news to the team members and
> Gambians everywhere.
>
> During my telephone conversation with Sidi Kinteh and 'Parko'on Thursday 26
> September at around 9:30 AM, local authorities in control of the city of
> Bouake and officials of the International Red Cross have put the team on
> alert for possible evacuation from Bouake by road t
> o Yammoussokro where
> they hope to be transported to Abidjan for their homeward journey to
> Banjul.
> We look forward to the local aouthorities putting this plan into concrete
> action, and soon.
>
> Developments will continue to be monitored
>
> Sidi Sanneh
> Abidjan
>

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