Gambia-L: (writing in a hurry) The situation in The Gambia, clearly, is now "in extremis", as they say in Latin. Having sacked Bishop Solomon Tilewa Johnson, the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (a body which is supposed to be independent of and autonomous from government influence), Jammeh’s latest actions have now become "the straw which broke the camel’s back". Commentators on The Gambia were already citing Yahya Jammeh’s clear intentions (to perpetuate his rule), but which political commentator could have predicted that Jammeh would be so up-front in putting down the leaders of the IEC? Bishop Tilewa Johnson and Saja Fatty have been shown the door in no uncertain fashion, and one wonders what will happen next! It is very telling that Jammeh could feel free to sack Bishop Johnson: there are far-reaching implications of this action, and there can be no doubt that Jammeh now considers The Gambia his oyster: that he prevails as the "king": that he perceives The Gambia as "his property". Jammeh considers that he may subjugate Gambian citizens without fear of the law: that he is omnipotent. It is a daily affront to our liberty, our freedom and our democratic rights that Jammeh feels free to act in these despotic ways: that he feels that the way ahead is clear for him to deny us our rights as citizens. Jammeh is, in fact, the type of leader who wouldn’t hesitate, for a minute, to sell a portion of our wonderful country, to the highest bidder, if the need has definitely arisen. The man is greedy and not concerned with the overall well being of our nation: he is rather more concerned to maintain his own self-interests: to ensure that he is the chief beneficiary in terms of money and influence. With Jammeh at the helm, we are on the verge of becoming a chaotic and insubstantial nation within Africa. Jammeh continues to destroy the intrinsic good in our country: he is subverting every positive aspect, and is bringing The Gambia into worldwide disrepute. One wonders what the future will hold for our country. Who can possibly believe (given his actions) that Jammeh wants free and fair independent elections within the next year? It seems more likely that Jammeh will now seek to install his "puppets" at the IEC, to replace Bishop Johnson and others, in order for him to steal the forthcoming elections before our very eyes. What hope then for free and fair elections? My personal concern is that the Independent Electoral Commission is no longer going to be Independent: Jammeh’s interference has put paid to any semblance of independence. With government interference at the highest levels of the IEC, what degree of support can this institution expect from the populace? There will always be a huge measure of mistrust and suspicion. Jammeh is doing everything in his power to ensure that his regime will continue on into the future: with the destabilisation of the IEC, and the restraints which are increasingly being placed on the opposition parties in The Gambia, the outlook for The Gambia is bleak indeed. Right now, before our very own eyes, Jammeh is already attempting to influence next year’s election results before the electoral process has even started. Gambians, therefore, have every right to be suspicious and demanding of truthful answers. There can be no turning back: as concerned citizens, we must meet the problems of the forthcoming months head on. We have to do our hardest to ensure that if the elections are going to be held, then they must be freely and fairly conducted, and that the results truly reflect the wishes of The Gambian majority. Gambians need to come out into the open and declare their dissatisfaction with the tyrannical and repressive nature of the present regime. We also need to be discussing freely and openly, what each of us may do to contribute to the restoration of full democracy in The Gambia. We also need to be calling directly for support from the international community, but in reality, the bulk of the work must be done by Gambians. Only by being proactive can we seek to reduce the power base of the APRC regime. Ebrima Ceesay, Birmingham, UK PS: Karamba Touray - I saw the piece you wrote on Tamsir Jasseh, the dismissed deputy IGP, and I know you wrote this in good faith. You appreciated all that Jasseh was attempting to do in the Police Force, and, as a consequence, you wrote a favourable and positive article on Jasseh. Now Jasseh has gone to The Observer newspaper to disassociate himself from your comments: this is his right, but his motives are questionable. It is for this reason that I have decided that I, for one, will not now defend these individuals who go and work for the APRC, in any way, and then fall into disfavour with the regime. Intelligent people like Tamsir Jasseh, have foreknowledge of the machinations of the Jammeh regime and all that it stands for, but still join up for whatever reasons. If they join the APRC at their own volition, well, let them face the consequences. Our primary duty – as concerned Gambians - is to defend the interest of the people of The Gambia, rather than the interest of misguided individuals who go and join this barbaric Jammeh regime. All the same, Karamba, keep up the good work you are doing. Despite what Jasseh reportedly said, we know that your integrity is unquestionable. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Get more from the Web. 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