Sedia Jatta’s brother as victim of alleged kidnap attempt Email [log in to unmask] Sedia Jatta the PDOIS politician returned to the National Assembly for Wuli West has alleged that officers of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) had attempted on two occasions to abduct his elder brother during the campaign period. Honourable Jatta who was speaking Tuesday at an occasion marking his triumphant return from Wuli where he had since then been residing, also stated that members of the APRC had gone further to deny him parking his own vehicle in his own compound in Wuli. According to him this was geared towards creating problems for the PDOIS, which is an advocate of mature politics. “Election is the period when people exercise their rights and power, but the APRC do not like it that way” he said, stressing that there is no PDOIS supporter who would be applauded by the leadership for instigating violence. He said PDOIS rather emphasise the principle of peace, tranquility and understanding. Sedia Jatta who was also the PDOIS presidential candidate in the presidential election warned those responsible for what he called acts of tyranny and intimidation to stop immediately, if the country would take up reconciliation and forge ahead. Honourable Jatta congratulated the Gambian people for their support and expressed delight that the people of Serrekunda Central have received enough enlightenment to find it necessary to vote into the Assembly Halifa Sallah. “The world doesn’t possess legs yet still it moves. No one has ever expected that such an occasion would come to pass. One has to be very careful and always remember that the people own power, and that is why we vote. We should all know ourselves and if a person does not respect himself we would then be comparable to rubbish” enthused Halifa Sallah the newly elected member for Serrekunda Central. Mr. Sallah who was convinced that a new political era has dawned in The Gambia following his election and the re-election Sedia Jatta, stressed that the politics of foolery has become a thing of the past, which he said has been the mechanism employed by the APRC in the past election to mislead the electorates into believing that opposition parliamentarians have no use because they cannot engineer or bring about any meaningful development to the country. “But when the PDOIS faced them the whole of the APRC from the president downwards were not at ease” he said. Renewing his response to President Jammeh’s criticism of the PDOIS as a party of non-believers Honourable Sallah opined that is the biggest mistake president Jammeh has made is to mudsling his party. “We will reply to him for the last time so that the politics of character assassination would end here. But if he does it again, we will reply to him and that which will make him tear the ground and enter it. What we yearn for is national development and not such less important issues” he stressed. Halifa Sallah said President Jammeh’s religiosity is in doubt as he hold prayer beads while he dance the Jola traditional bukarabu. “I am convinced that the president has little knowledge in the Quran because if he does not, he would have adhered to the principles of the Islamic religious which does not allow flamboyant lifestyle enjoying the people’s money at their own expense” Halifa charged. He quoted a long verse from the Holy Quran to verify his point adding that he would always be involved in peace advocacy and what will forge the country ahead. “The Gambia can be an example in Africa” he added. Halifa however thanked the Gambian people and promised that his party would within the next five years be involved in a lot of advocacy so that more and more Gambians would discover the politics of foolery as the people of Serrekunda Central and Wuli West did. He ended his speech with a lot of slogans that called for the empowerment of the people. Sedia Jatta returned from Wuli to a rousing procession of PDOIS faithfuls who were estimated to be thousands. The procession started from St Charles Lwanga Catholic church in Fajikunda and went around the streets of Serrekunda. Religious leaders condemn slave-master system Religious leaders across the country have unreservedly condemned the so-called slave and master system thought to be existing in Kerewan, where there was tension over who should be buried in the town’s cemetery which was being reserved for so-called free-borns. Describing such a practice as unislamic and anti-civilization which has a deep rooted culture not only in the Gambia around Africa the religious leaders asserted that so-called slave and master discrimination has been a socio-cultural belief that has its roots in history. They explained that because of this some people take it to be acceptable in religion. They added that this deeply rooted cultural belief has over the years led to a series of socio-cultural crisis among people living together. In an interview with The Independent the imam of state house mosque Abdoulie Fatty said that slavery had existed well before Islam and also along side Islam but he noted that the type of slavery recommended and approved by Islam is when one refuses the call to Islam. He added that our cultural way of acquiring slave is not in line with Islam and therefore not recommended. He emphasized that all Muslims are equal before God and that the best Muslims are those who fear God the most. Imam Fatty warned against instigating violence quoting a verse in the Quran which says that that Satan is sleeping and that who ever wakes it will receive the curse of God. He also condemned the segregation of graveyards for so called masters and their so-called slaves as unislamic and anti-civilization. On his part the outspoken imam of kanifing mosque Imam Baba Leigh emphasized that Islam condemns anyone who treats his fellow human being as a slave. “In fact Islam has eradicated slavery using such method like if a freeborn marries a slave and delivers a child who is free. Imam Leigh asserted that segregating people in the graveyard is unfounded. He said that what is important is to fear God. He advised people to live together in a peaceful atmosphere and treat each other with love and affection and warned against segregating people at death. He also said, what is important is to face God with good deeds in worship and God-fearing behaviours. He finally called on Muslims to be tolerant and build mutual understanding and fraternity between them. Sheikh Jibril Kujabi of the Tallinding Islamic Institute gave a historical account of Islamic ways of acquiring slaves and noted that it is only the Islamic way of acquiring slave that is recommended. He explained that acquiring slaves during fighting a Jihad is legal so is inheriting a slave captured in a jihad or buying a slave captured during a Jihad. He warned that other ways of regarding people as slaves is not Islamic and therefore cannot be accepted. Imam Kujabi asserted that there is nothing like segregation in Islam, citing the holy city of Medina where many slaves had lived together with prophet Muhammad and his companions in peace without suffering discrimination as far as where they were buried were concerned. He further went on to say that it is high time that people distinguished between culture, and sharia noting that any aspect of culture that doesn’t conform with sharia should be abandoned. He asserted that a Muslim is equal to all other Muslims. He warned people to desist from keeping slaves and segregating in graveyards. He added that burying the dead is an act of worship and that who ever took part in it will be rewarded in the hereafter. Many other religious leaders expressed similar sentiments and appealed for tolerance, peace and understanding among Muslims in particular and humanity in general. As crisis gets from bad to worse Continent Bank Manager fired The managing director of the Continent Bank Kawsu Gibba has been fired from his post impeccable sources there intimated to The Independent. His sacking comes amidst consistent reports about the bank’s crisis of mismanagement, which led to a dampening of customer confidence and a flurry of withdrawals. Mr. Gibba was said to among the board of directors of the Civil Aviation Authority, which was also reportedly dissolved recently. People who spoke to this reporter at the bank said customers could not withdraw huge amounts to run their businesses because the bank was plunged in a financial hubbub. Recently the bank’s branch in Brikama was the scene of long queues by customers eager to withdraw their money after press reports caused a scare and deflated confidence among customers. The crisis had culminated in the disappearance of Murad Beyzid the former manager of the bank. Mr. Gibba has been re-elected as National Assembly member for Foni Kansala, a position he had held since 1997. Honourable Gibba could not be reached to shed light on the issue. Slain Gambian buried in Spain Angered blacks vow to seek justice More than a month after he was killed 39 year-old Essa Marong who died in circumstances, which incriminate the Spanish police was finally laid to rest Tuesday at a emotionally charged funeral organised by Gambians and other black immigrants in Spain. Thousands of black immigrants attended the funeral, which was another occasion to echo anti-racist sentiments against the Spanish police, who are being blamed by Gambians and other West Africans there for what they called a racist murder. Essa was reportedly gagged and beaten with police batons and died from injuries resulting from what his compatriots called naked police brutality, spurred by a racist mindset by the police. His death had sparked a storm of violent anti-racist protest from Gambians and other West Africans who could not make out the reason for the alleged brutality by the Spanish police who are yet to come out with a comprehensive statement over how he died. Bully Marong Essa’s elder brother had told The Independent that his brother’s mortal remains were laid to rest after spending over a month in a private hospital in Larida to where it was hastily taken by the Spanish police after he died in one of their cells. The police have also refused to come out with a statement about the reason for his arrest. Bully added that the family of the deceased had earlier requested for the body to be evacuated to The Gambia for a decent burial befitting a Muslim but this was curtly turned down by Gambians and other black immigrants there, who are engaging the services of lawyers to work out the modalities of bringing Essa’s alleged murderers to justice. The black immigrants have since vented their anger over the lack of action by the Spanish authorities, whom they accused of allowing the alleged perpetrators to go scot-free. Bully however, revealed that members of the Gambian community in Spain have vowed to pursue the tragic case to the end. Essa who was residing in Larida Spain, since he left The Gambia four years ago, as part of the steady tide of African economic migrants to Europe in search of greener pastures, died after being manhandled by the Spanish police officers who were having him detained in their cells for a crime that remains far from far. The late Essa Marong was born in Badibbu Jajarin in the North Bank Division and was married to one Jara Saidy with whom he had four children before travelling to Spain. New Gambian High Commissioner to UK? Unimpeachable sources within the National Intelligence Agency and the Department of Foreign Affairs have intimated to The Independent that Tijan Bah is the Gambia’s new High Commissioner to the UK. Prior to his appointment Tijan was a senior officer at the NIA. Sources revealed that Tijan’s appointment resulted from the reshuffles in the NIA. Mr. Bah’s whose appointment came following the withdrawal of the deputy Gambian High Commissioner from UK Fatou AK Njie as a retaliatory step by the British for the expulsion last August of the deputy British high Commissioner Bharat Joshi. However, the SoS for Foreign Affairs could not be reached but the deputy permanent secretary there said Alasan Krubally told our reporter that he was not aware of Mr. Bah’s appointment. “It is not up to my notice” he maintained. Efforts to talk to Tijan Bah himself proved futile as he was said to be indisposed but an insider, speaking under condition of anonymity confirmed his appointment. Independent View Spotting the problem A growing tide of Islamic fundamentalism is brewing in our sub-region and very few seem to be aware of its implications. Any day from now Safiya Hussaini Tungar-Tudu, a 35-year-old Nigerian woman with a year-old infant, who was last year, found guilty of adultery may be buried up to her waist in the sand and stoned to death. She would have been stoned last week but the execution was again delayed because the local court adjourned an appeal hearing until March. The delay in Miss Hussaini’s execution came at the behest of a group of 77 Euro-MPs who pleaded her case with President Olusegun Obasanjo and have requested he throw out the sentence. The fifth of 12 children, Miss Hussaini gave birth to an illegitimate child, which is the only proof required by the court. Although Safiya said she was raped and the alleged father is at large, the authorities seemed not to pay heed to her plea or plight. We believe that collapse of the old regime in Afghanistan ought to mark the beginning of the end to stonings and other medieval practices copied from the Taliban. Already, the EU in a letter to Nigerian President has implored the government to respect “international human-rights standards.” The biggest concern in Nigeria today is the apparent rise of Islamic fundamentalism and if not curtailed it may spread to the rest of the sub-region, judging by the high level of migratory movements. Just like Indonesia, Nigeria is a big and populous country rich in natural resources and the potential for instability. It is a source of succor that the European Parliament, a pretty lonely voice on the Hussaini case, has sent a strong message to President Obasanjo who oversees a fledgling democracy beset by recurring - and worryingly bloody - clashes between Muslims and Christians. Judging by the growing fears that the execution of Ms. Hussaini will bring more violence, the opposite is more likely. Even the Europeans are also making that clear. The Europeans are also pointing out to Mr. Obasanjo that Nigeria gets most of its development aid from the EU - 70 million euros in 2000, and 552 million euros available through 2006 if the country sticks to democracy and tries to live by human rights standards. The Parliament, similarly, is out in front in trying to bring Zimbabwe’s would-be dictator Robert Mugabe to heel through “smart sanctions.” Different incentives can work in Nigeria. We plead with the international community not to stay aloof, but instead assist that country in whatever way possible, to find a quick solution to the disturbing rising phenomenon of religious fundamentalism. Over the years, the EU hasn’t been particularly good in using its very generous aid budgets to influence foreign policy. It’s a surprise, to say the least, that the Parliament has turned out to be the EU institution endeavoring to give it a try. We call on the international community not to hesitate in applying both covert and overt pressures in ensuring that African governments abide by acceptable international standards. We Ecowas citizens cannot afford a regime in the sub-region structured after the ousted Taliban. Beards as bone of contention in Nusrat Secondary Reports reaching The Independent have hinted of a charged atmosphere at Nusrat Senior Secondary School where students have threatened to protest against any move by the school’s authorities to punish them for not removing their beards as demanded of the. Some students of the school say they would not accept the school authorities’ plan to prevent from attending school any student who does not comply with the school’s rules and shave off their beards, which the authorities there say is not how boys should look in campus. Report from the school also disclose that a disciplinary committee has been set-up to take action against those students who have disregarded the school rule and continue to sport beard in classes. The issue of beard has been a contentious problem in the school since last year when boys wearing beard to school have persistently ignored the school rule. It is said that their obstinacy has angered the school authorities to take the mater seriously and prevent “renegade” students from entering the school, which they reportedly argued should be seen as entertaining decent boys and girls. A student of the school speaking under condition of anonymity revealed that last Monday during the school assembly students wearing beard were told to stand aside from the rest of the line and later reprimanded in the full glare of their peers. He said this had angered the bearded students who saw the action as an unnecessary breach of their respect. The principal of the school Karamo Bojang said removing their beards is one part of the school’s rules and regulations, which must be observed by all students of the school. He spoke about the need for students to dress and appear like students. “There are less than three students with beards in my school though” he added. Nonetheless some of the students whom our reporter was able to interview said punishing students for wearing beards is a backward idea, which cannot work. “Growing beards is one feeling and nothing is wrong with that” said one visibly angry student. According to them, this new measure must be planned by some senior staff of the school “who are acting like the principal”. “We are waiting for that day” they said. In OJ and co trial Bag of stones presented in court The criminal proceedings at the Kanifing Magistrate court involving Omar Amadou Jallow alias OJ and six others took a dramatic turn Wednesday 23rd January when Salka Fall the plaintiff tendered a bag of stones as missiles allegedly used by a crowd of opposition supporters on her in Ebo Town. Salka was trying to convince the court over the alleged use of stones by her alleged attackers. “There have never been any stones in my compound before the incident” declared Mrs. Salka Faal during cross-examination by Lawyer Ousainou Darboe the counsel for the defence. Mrs. Salka Faal who had brought to court a bag of stones, which was alleged to have been thrown at her by UDP supporters during a political clash at Ebo Town, said she had picked the stones the morning after the incident assisted by one Fatou Sanneh. She said she had not counted the number of stones they had picked from the compound but claimed that they were many. “I took the stones to the Tallinding police station to one officer called Jesus who recorded my statement” she said. On how she identified Mamady Yafa and Bamba Bahoum as her alleged attackers, she explained that days after the incident Inspector Jesus had taken her to the Kairaba police station to identify the alleged perpetrators of the assault on her during their arrest as suspects. Lawyer Darboe however put it to her that those two accused persons were not at Ebo Town on the day of the attack but that they were at Bakau preparing for the UDP night political broadcast. He added that the people she identified were arrested on September 28 2001 for allegedly molesting Baba Jobe. Salka had however, insisted that they were recognisable to her since she had seen them at Ebo Town on the day of the clash. Salka revealed that four members of her APRC club (Yai Compin), Fatou Sanneh, Combeh Badjie, Isatou Gaye and Fatou Badjie were also taken the next day to the Kairaba station by the same Jesus to identify the accused persons. Lawyer Darboe meanwhile concluded that apart from Salka identifying herself as an artist, all that she had told the court were untrue. It could be recalled that OJ and others appeared in court to face criminal charges for allegedly assault and threatening the public peace. I’m not shaken by Jammeh’s threats Hamat Bah asserts In response to President Jammeh’s threat to deal with him after the National Assembly election for allegedly playing the politics of tribalism, Hamat Bah the leader of the National Reconciliation Party and member for Upper Saloum has described such threats as a political joke never to deter him from fighting for the restoration of democracy and good governance in the country. Speaking to our reporter at his party’s bureau in Banjul Mr. Bah who was recently re-elected as member for Upper Saloum, noted that as a Gambian he has great respect for President Jammeh whom he said is welcomed to deal with him at any time he so wish. Hamat said he is not shaken as a politician who is out to defend the Gambian people and to work for the betterment of the country. Mr. Bah added that the allegation of politics of tribalism by President Jammeh was erroneous and as a party leader he was to show maturity in politics instead of character assassination. He added that as his party was concerned, they are not the least tribalistic. How can Jammeh accuse me of tribalism which he has preached and strengthened in Foni to an extent that no opposition party is allowed to hold meetings there” he queried. Commenting on the outcome of the election Mr. Bah stated that although a lot of state machinery and inducement were used in the run-up to the election, yet he has proven to the APRC that he was force to be reckoned after gaining a remarkable increase in voters in all constituencies NRP had vied for. He added that though it was rather unfortunate to secure one seat out of ten they have participated in order to avoid the concentration of the APRC in Upper Saloum that was mainly targeted. He added that his victory means a lot for the people of Upper Saloum who over the past five years have enjoyed some development projects, which they have never enjoyed since independence. “This seat shall always remain a political base for the NRP” he stressed. The NRP leader however admitted that the APRC members in the National Assembly would have more weight against the opposition member in deliberations due to their numerical strengths. He said despite this the opposition would have great impact as they would make their views known to their colleagues and the Gambian people during deliberations on essential issues. Harping on his priorities over the next five years, Mr. Bah stated that he would be working on important projects and programmes so as to improve the living conditions of his people whom he described as heroes, struggling against all odds to get him back to the Assembly. Armed men strike Brikama-Ba On dead, one injured Seven armed men in the wee hours of Monday 21 January 2002 with very powerful weapons invaded the provincial town of Brikama-Ba and attacked two shops belonging a Mauritanian business tycoon Amad Faal and a Gambian Amadou Gaye. One of the attackers was shot dead on the head while six of them disappeared with over D5, 000 and 25, 000 CFA. A police officer intimated to The Independent said the attackers invaded the town with motorbikes first attacked Amad Faal a Mauritanian shopkeeper and took away D5, 000 and D25, 000 CFA and later attacked Amadou Gaye’s shop both of which are at the Brikama-Ba market. Amadou Gaye according to our sources shot dead one of the armed men. He shot another one who escaped crying over his wounds and the rest of the six escaped into Casamance. Four A.K 47 bullets were found on the way as they disappeared through Boiram and Fass Abdou pass. Shortly after the attackers left the Brikama-Ba police was said to have followed them to the border at Pata and reported the matter to Senegalese soldiers at the border. According to Ebrima Fatty, a military intervention team from Kudang led by one Lt. Paul Mendy went after the armed robbers but could not see them. Residents of Brikama-Ba who called The Independent said a lot of gunshots were heard in the wee hours of Monday morning and has caused big alarm. They however accused the Casamance rebels of the act. They called on the government to introduce more security measures to be taken to stop such situations. Copyright 2000 QuantumNET _________________________________________________________________ Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: http://mobile.msn.com <<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>> To view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to: [log in to unmask] <<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>//\\<<//\\>>