The difference between a successful leader and a great leader is dictated by
timing, political climate and relevancy. Nkrumah is still regarded as one of
the few Great ASfrican leaders because of his participation in the
propagation of self rule when the idea was not popular. Another Great African
leader, Mandela is still seen as one of the Greatest world leaders, and this
is clearly dictated by his bold political stand against apart-heid at a time
when it was both dangerous and suicidal. Clearly, relevancy, ie ending
apart-heid and bringing majority rule to South Africa contributed to earning
Mandela respect in the world community.
Maybe, I am overlooking other successful African leaders, but it is evident
that to call them great would be seen as a hyperbole. Corrupt, incompetent,
failed and dishonest leaders would be the umbrella that most African leaders
would find themselves.

To the Gambia, heading to the dawn of the new mellinium; after our present
generation witnessed the overthrown of a corrupt and ineffective Jawara
leadership, and still find ourselves in what most characterize as an
extension of the Jawara regime with a flagrant disregard to personal freedom,
the new century could be the turning point. The year 2201 is election year in
the Gambia and this can pose an opportunity for President Jammeh to take a
bold move and shake-up the political landscape that would lead to a much more
democratic Gambia, one Gambia, one destiny.
A. Open up the political system and lift the ban on all political parties
including the PPP; also lift the ban on all ex-politicians and put the power
in the hands of the Gambian people. After Gambia's experience with a regime
different from Jawara, it would be fair to give them the opportunity to make
a choice. If Serekunda East wants O. Jallow to represent them, they should
have that option; if the people of Kiang wants to vote for Jawara as
President , they should be surely given that option. It is not about setting
the clock back, but rather give the people the right to choose.

President Jammeh, certain political moves can be very risky, politically
expensive, but that is what differentiate a great leader from a failed
leadership. The question is not what works for Jammeh and his political
survival, but your honest contribution to our quest to descent shelter,
access to food, and a liberated society.

It takes boldness to become a great leader !

Musa Jeng

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