It is my understanding that Halifa Sallah of PDOIS has already left the
Gambia for the ALD talks. Halifa Sallah, makes complete the list of
attending opposition parties save the UDP. Having in Washington D.C. all
representatives from all the political parties including the ruling party,
makes this conference all the more significant in the history of the Gambia.
It means that for the first time all citizens attending the meetings can
openly discuss issues of national interest, as well as have the government
reps explain to them what has been going on since july, 1994, and why, after
all that had happen, they are again contesting in the presidential
elections. What difference can they make in the next five years? Is the
Gambia better off today than it was seven years ago? What benefit, if any,
will Pa Pateh of Sara Pateh Takoh gain by voting APRC? This is a time for
reflection and dialogue. This is the way forward.
The organisers of this event ought to be congratulated for their efforts in
bringing together Gambian politicians in an atmosphere where all
participants can freely express their views without fear of intimidation,
arrest or it's like. Congratulations!
On a concluding note, have we ever,just for a minute, thought about forming
a government of national unity? Afterall, we are all Gambians, aint we? And
the interest of the country comes first before any considerations. If such a
conference is achieveable (ALD meetings), i see no reason why a government
of national unity cannot be forged. A meeting can be organised tabling the
wishes and desires of the Gambian people with regards to the ways and
manners with which the Gambian ship is to be paddled.
Any ideas on such a conference?

Good one,
Harona.


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