Gambia-l:

I concur with Ebrima's source that we may be witnessing a new strategy on the part of Yahya Jammeh---a less confrontational one. 

 

I can't say who is advising him, but it is a fact that he has kept a relatively low profile.  In some cases, there are well-founded rumours that he avoids certain parts of the country out of fear.  He recently canceled well-publicized appearances at APRC functions without any explanations.  And he is no longer riding around town to show off his new toys or to wave at adoring crowds--if there are any now.

 

However, that should not be mistaken as complacence on the APRC and Jammeh's part.  They are taking no chances on staying in power.  Pick-up trucks with loudspeakers and green APRC flags blasting pro-Jammeh statements are now a hallmark of many rural communities.  The party operatives are working hard--doing whatever it would take to keep their boss in power and happy.  The opposition may be hibernating or relying exclusively on the handful of news outlets, but the APRC's campaign is on. 

 

To make matters even more daunting, the NIA 's campaign of intimidation and terror countinues unabated throughout the country.  These aren't mere allegations.  As I indicated earlier, I have factual accounts of incidents to buttress my statements.

 

It may be premature to call for a boycott of the forthcoming elections now, but it should not be ruled out if the present trend of events continues.  The challenge is for a united opposition to rise up and deal with the political situation squarely.  If it's deemed impossible to unite the opposition in challenging Jammeh at the polls, I wonder what the chances are for a unified and broadbased boycott of national elections.

 

On other matters, the nation's power problem hasn't been tackled as promised by the regime.  Power outages are very common and frequent throughout the country (with thexception of Kanilai).  ...Development of the country's road network is making significant progress.  But unnecessary police/security checkpoints are installed on much of our roads.  Carry your ID or five dalasis if you want to get to your destination without much hassle.

 

Oh, I got to go.  The bill is getting too high.  And I need to take a shower after going through clouds of red dust while traveling from Pirang to SereKunda.

 

Kats