Political parties attend peace and reconciliation platform

Politicians sometime become less mindful of the interest of citizens and
people in the country to live in peace, which will guarantee the
possibilities of prosperity and national unity. This view was expressed by
Ousman Manjang a member of a group of concerned citizens which organized a
consultative meeting with political parties at the Amnesty International
office in Bakau on May 30. All political parties, with the exception of
PDOIS sent representatives to attend the meeting.

However according to the organisers, PDOIS did not send a representative on
a matter of principle until the courts resolved the issue of the dismissal
of Bishop Solomon Tilewa Johnson as chairman of the IEC. The IEC however
were also invited to attend the meeting but they did not turn up. Speaking
to reporters after the meeting, Mr. Manjang said such a meeting was
necessary because "we live in a turbulent sub- region with wars and
conflicts, with all sorts of trouble for the civilian population. He went on
to say that peace is an obligation and the right of all Gambians and people
interested in the future of the country, adding that the framework will
guide political parties and politicians to be mindful of the need to create
peace so that the country does not slide into chaos like other countries in
the sub-region.

Furthermore, he said they have agreed to form a permanent consultative
committee to be more representative with people from civil society and
religious groups. He noted that all the political parties in the land have
shown interest to pursue the matter and create a level playing ground for a
peaceful electoral process. In his turn, the secretary general of Amnesty
International Mohammed Lamin Sillah skimmed over the document, which
outlined the framework for the possibilities of creating the spirit on a
platform for reconciliation, peace and democracy. He said The Gambia is due
for elections this year and tensions have been mounting to heights and are
becoming unbearable and that it was cause for concern to many citizens.

Mr. Sillah pointed out that things would deteriorate unless conscious
efforts are made by all political parties and people to arrest the
situation. Referring to the Basse and Numuyel inter-party clashes and the
tension that flared up from the Kiang and Badibou by-elections, which he
said were like a general rehearsal for future conflicts and a premonition of
how bad things can go. "This is an early warning sign for observers to wake
up and call for peace-loving Gambians that something has to be done if the
country's peace and stability is to be maintained and the nation to be kept
intact.

He asserted that peace is the most valuable asset of this country and was
hard-won by our ancestors. He also said that all must be aware of the fact
that The Gambia belongs to all those who were born, live and work in it and
that the trend of things today may lead into a major conflict situation in
which we all will be losers and none the winners. "We must all be determined
to prevent such a national disintegration of our peace-loving country and
people.

The framework submits proposals for consideration by leaders, political
parties and the civil society; that the effort of the IEC in creating an
inter-party consultation mechanism be strengthened; that a national
conference of all stakeholders on peace and reconciliation be convened with
a view to moderate political animosities; a national workshop of party
workers, campaign activists, polling agents and staff be held for the
promotion of peace, free and fair elections. The APRC were represented at
the forum by Kebba Kinteh; the NRP by Dembo Fatty and the UDP by Lamin Waa
Juwara. Mr. Emanuel Joof, legal officer of the African Society of
International and Comparative Law moderated the meeting.








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