Monday 27th March 2006
 
 In his public address following Tuesday’s foiled coup, Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has vowed to crush without mercy any attempt to unlawfully dislodge his government.
 
 President Jammeh said he would live and die for The Gambia, adding that no amount of intimidation could derail what he called “our predestined patriotic course of rapid development”.
 
 Here, following, is the full text of the President’s maiden speech on Tuesday’s foiled coup:
 
 Fellow Gambians,
 Further to the press releases on the recent unsuccessful coup attempt, I come before you today to share few important statements.
 
 Before proceeding any further, let me seize this opportunity to thank our valiant and gallant members of the Armed Forces for courageously standing against these cowardly plotters and foiled their treacherous act while I was away on an official working visit to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.
 
 Most of those involved within the Armed Forces are now in custody helping the investigation except the master minder, ex-Chief of Defence staff, Col. Ndure Cham, who is still at large. A vigorous search is underway for the fugitive who is armed, desperate and therefore dangerous. The General Public and the international community are however assured that there is cause for alarm as things have since been brought under control. People should all continue with their normal daily routine. As this crucial juncture, I urge all Gambians to take a minute and cast their minds a few years back concerning the development path this country has taken
 
 It is an open secret that with an indomitable spirit, the APRC Government overcame all difficulties and triumphed over all adversaries in the economic, social and political reconstruction of mother Gambia. I need not delve any further into the laudable achievements registered by my administration since its inception in 1994 to date.
 
 Fellow Gambians,
 Given the current admirable rate of rapid development with which our country is moving coupled with a stabilised economy and other sectoral feats, it is evident that these bed bugs and fleas made such an unpatriotic act for no reason other than sheer greed, inordinate and selfish desire for power and possible outside influence. The Gambia is hosting the AU Summit in few months’ time and some entities do not to see that take place. They want to give the impression that we are not stable enough. They have failed and will always fail. By the grace of Allah, we will host the AU with success whether any country, body or organisation likes it or not.
 
 Fellow Gambians,
 Let me once again remind you, as I always say, I will live and die for this country. As to that which concerns the progress of this country, we have taken a course of no return and no intimidation no matter how mighty, can derail our predestined patriotic course of rapid development. It was by Allah’s will that my regime came into being and it will be by the same will that attempts to unconstitutionally overthrow it will be crushed without any mercy.
 
 Gambians can be rest assured that Allah’s willing, I will set an example that would put a definitive end to these ruthless, callous and shameless acts of treachery and sabotage. I have warned Gambians long enough. This time, you can be rest assured is not the time for sympathy. Enough of this nonsense.
 
 I urge my fellow Gambians to bring all hands on deck and work for the advancement of our country. The Gambia is on the right track and God willing, we will deliver Gambia of great prosperity within very short period of time. That all patriotic Gambians are very proud of The Gambia today is an understatement.
 Thank you all for your kind attention and may Allah bless the Gambia.
 
 Long live the APRC!
 Long live The Gambia!

		
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