BETTY McCOLLUM
4TH DISTRICT, MINNESOTA
COMMITTEE ON
EDUCATION AND THE WORKFORCE
1029 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
(202) 225-6631
FAX: (202) 225-1968
COMMITTEE ON
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
www.house.gov/mccollu m
165 WESTERNAVENUENORTH
SUITE17
ST. PAUL,MN 55102
16511224-9191
FAX:(651) 224-3056
UNITED STATES
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November
22,2005The Honorable Condoleezza Rice
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Secretary Rice:
It has been reported in the media and confirmed by the State Department that on November,
15, 2005, Gambian government authorities arrested three opposition political leaders - Hon.
Halifah Sallah, Mr. Hamat Bah, and Mr. Omar Jallow. This unfortunate event casts the
appearance of an attempt by the Republic of the Gambia to silence legitimate democratic voices
of the political opposition.
Last week, I sent a letter to the Ambassador of the Republic of the Gambia expressing my
concern over the arrests of these three political leaders, and I have included a copy of this letter
for you. Our country profoundly values democracy and the opportunity for people around the
world to pursue freedom and self-determination. I am
very concerned that the arrest of theleaders of the political opposition by the Gambian government sends a signal that next year's
scheduled elections are in danger of not being free or fair. I urge you to send a clear and.
unambiguous message to the Gambian government and hold them accountable for the safety
and well-being of the three leaders, as well as to secure their release as soon as possible.
In July
2005, I had the opportunity to meet with the Hon. Halifa Sallah, the Minority Leader ofthe Parliament, in my Minnesota congressional office. He expressed to me his desire to work
with his fellow citizens of the Gambia to engage in an open, democratic process leading to free
and fair elections. This noble goal has my strong support and I would greatly appreciate all
efforts by the Department of State and the U.S. mission in the Gambia to reinforce this message
as well as our concern for the well-being of these political leaders.
Madame Secretary, thank you for your efforts and please keep my office informed of any
developments in this situation.
SinCereIY'1J
If/!~ ~'Ollum~%df Congress
BM:cw
PRINTED
ON RECYCLED PAPER