I wish to encourage PDOIS and NCP to look beyond philosophical and psychological interests and join with the already formed coalition of opposition parties in order to lay the foundation for a climate conducive to their own goals and aspirations.

I am not however urging the two parties to abandon their respective platforms and core principles in order to forge such a coalition and if we pause for a moment and look at the construct and mandate of a coalition, it does not challenge nor negate any of the constituent parties' platform or core principles (raison d'etre). On the other hand, this symbolic adhoc union celebrates the values of freedom and democracy from whence each will pursue their unique goals and aspirations without fear, let, or hinderance.

At the very least, if their absence at the talks/meeting was a result of slight-in-protocol or semantics, it will be grander to reprimand the culprits or remove them from their position of responsibility. I sympathize with the view that such a coalition and preparations toward that end are so very important and defining that the preparatory work must not tolerate any "inadvertent slight", misinformation, inexactness, or ambiguity. It is in effect a legal and binding union that is to be forged and any sign of irresponsibility in the offset must be dealt with swiftly and decisively. Therefore, I also urge those responsible in the logistics of the union to display integrity, high moral character, and excuse themselves if there is any evidence of incompetence they have displayed. In other words, you must make it comfortable for someone to want to sign an agreement with you. Ignorance is not an excuse in such events of national import.

Keeping the eye on the freedom prize, PDOIS and NCP should demand that impressions of their alienation is corrected and I urge them not to play a passive role in the coalition. If they sincerely believe in a coalescing force to restore democracy, they ought to take initiative in either beginning talks by inviting other parties, or furthering the process by defining other elements of the coalition. They must not wait to be invited by UDP, PPP, NRP, or others thereby according the latter an image of ordained leader.  

I congratulate the UDP and PPP for showing initiave in the right direction and I urge humility on their part and the recognition that the union of the two alone does not a coalition make. They must work hard to win the trust of PDOIS, NRP, and NCP and not discourage a greater coalition of more formidable stature.

I caution my fellow L-participants to refrain from incendiary remarks and innuendo that nurtures division within the parties. It is foolhardy to employ arm-twisting tactics and false bravado when you want to entice someone to join a noble effort. So calm down guys.

It is the desire of most Gambian citizens at home and abroad to live in an environment free of state-sponsored murder, arrestation-without-cause, state-induced ethnic conflict, theft of public resources intended to provide amenities and facilities for agricultural and industrial productivity. Therefore, any manner of coalescing forces which will bring that about without the citizenry resorting to armed rebellion, would be more favored. Rise up to the occasion gentlemen, and recognize the intrinsic value of sacrifice of self-interest for National good.

Haruna Darbo - SONS OF AFRIKA