Coach,

I can bet that the Taiwanese Ambassador's comments to the press were all
calculated to further their own national interests.  These Chinese are
scheming every one Yaya, the National Assembly and the Gambian people. Just
take a close look at the issues at stake here for the Taiwanese-  Taiwan is
yearning for a voice within the international community, and here in the
Gambia, they find a beleaguered and unpopular Head of State facing a
presidential election within the next 12 months.  First they "give" Yaya
those tractors to whet his political ego, and knowing Yaya fully well, he
bragged about his "generosity"  before the Gambians with his "donations".
Then the Taiwanese President visits the Gambia with some "parliamentarians"
who busted the bubble about the tractors before a bi-partisan national
assembly.  The Taiwanese achieved two things therein- they gave a symbolic
gesture of goodwill before the Gambian people thus assuring continuity of
Taiwanese/Gambian relations on one hand, and at the same time generating a
lot of controversy that threatened Jammeh's credibility.  Then they go for
the real KILL- the right moment for the Taiwanese President to pitch Jammeh,
influencing him to sing Taiwanese Songs of Independence at the UN Summit
this week in New York!  I can guarantee you that a substantial portion of
Jammeh's speech will be dictated by the Taiwanese, irregardless of Gambia's
interests.  No wonder, the Senegalese government was wise enough to ignore
the ROC's "tour" to Africa.
Do not be surprised later on to learn from the Taiwanese that the tractors
are indeed the proceeds of a "private loan" to...The Gambia.

Greetings Ebrima!

Ebou Jallow
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