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  Gambia No longer a Haven for Democracy, Says Birmingham University Professor - 12/6/2005 4:03:25 PM
    By A. Akale <[lb]>
 Gambia Affairs Writer <[lb]>

Banjul, The Gambia-Dr Christopher Williams, an official of the Centre for International Education and Research (CIER) School of Education, University of Birmingham,  United Kingdom,  has said that "The Gambia is no longer a safe haven for democracy."
  Dr.Williams, was speaking at a conference organized by the Alliance for Democracy in Africa (ADA), which is currently underway at the Senegambia Beach hotel. The theme of the conference was  centered on “Violence, Conflict Prevention, Peace Building and Good governance in Africa. The conference attracted  participants from the UK, and The Gambia.

In his powerful address, the Birmingham University delegate  said,  the world is disturbed by Gambia's rights situation and therefore called on the relevant authorities to chart way forward  to change its governance policies.
  "The news that the international community is receiving about The  Gambia, is not promising at all.  I can confidently say  that The  Gambia,  is not a safe heaven for democracy, and I therefore recommend that the government embark on a crucial policy review." Williams  told the Banjul meeting.
  Dr.Williams, also warns of dictatorship and its repercussion on the continent. “Some African leaders,  do not respect the teachings of democracy." he added. He says the basic rights and freedoms of citizens should be respected by the continent leaders. "African governments should listen to their people before acting on issues of national interest” he maintains.

The conference, among other things was  aimed at enlightening people about
the Alliance’s mission and vision and also educate them about their democratic rights.
  Notwithstanding, Dr. Williams, expresses confidence that with the presence  of the Alliance for democracy in the Gambia, the Gambia government will take the lead in transforming to be a democratic state. "The Alliance is working hard to create a dialogue between the government and the opposition and will also be engaged  in election monitoring in the Gambia come 2006, presidential elections. " he said.
  The British education doctor, also urges the Jammeh administration to create a conducive environment for the country's media, while citing the  repressive media laws passed by the Ruling APRC government. “The  government of the Gambia,  should do more to revise it laws towards the media, because the media is a powerful and important partner which cannot be left behind in terms of national development and the building of true democracy in the country." he noted.
  He says the government should also provide "adequate security for it citizens for rapid development to take effect”. The widely traveled Doctor calls for the free _expression and the respect for public opinions by African leaders. In what was described as a master piece speech, Dr.Williams reminded the gathering that the Alliance for democracy in Africa "is not a political body and should not allow to be used by any political body in the country, and should respect the codes of the body, as it is an international body with good reputation. He says The Alliance for democracy in Africa,  will acknowledge any positive developments recorded in the areas of democracy in The Gambia.









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