culled from the freedomnewspaper. Haruna. I thank Nigel for his gracious counsel.

What your country does need is this:

1. A new President. One who is elected rather than one imposed by the Army. Your current one came from that direction so the next one will would be just the same.

2. You need a new and invigorated Political Opposition. One that is effective and united.

3. You need to limit your president's terms of office. A maximum of 2 x terms each of 5 years duration.

4. Your Government ministers and President must be limited to the businesses that they can hold and trade in during their terms of office.

5. An actually independent judiciary. No Government involvement in appointment of judges.

6. An independent electoral commission. The Government should not be able to appoint the managers of this.

7. Make the NIA accountable under the law.

8. Reform your economy. The western world throws away vast quantities of resources. From Motor Cars, TV's, Music Centers, CD's Videos, PC's, You name it we throw it away. A lot of this stuff we are now recycling and could be shipped to Africa and resold as 2nd hand goods. You could buy the stuff from the west. Sort it, repair it and ship it to other African Countries.

9. In short with a new Government with some outside advisers to help sort the mess your Government is in you could pull the country around.

A stable African State with a good Government is your number one priority. You need leaders that are working for the people that elected them. Also the people need to work together not against each other. Western democracies are only successful because we change our leaders on a regular basis. Virtually no one stays longer than 10 years in power. A good clean out of the governing politicians is what you need on a regular basis.

The USA changes its entire Government every 8 years. The UK usually every 10 to 12 years. Only our Queen stays for life and she is genuinely popular as she has no real power. However a great ambassador.

Finally the point is the British gave you a democracy, laws, a judicial system, schools, an actual working government before we left. It is that governance that has failed you since. However you have an election coming in 2011 and if I read your paper correctly your president does not have the actual backing to pull off a rigged result. You don't need a coup de ta by the army you need your people, your middle classes to get organised and raise a political campaign in the next election. I know the NIA is as divided as hell and Jammeh fears his army which is why he will no longer leave the country.

So get stuck in guys. The west is not going to get involved and you would not want us too.

I think the Freedom Newspaper needs to aim its fire on the opposition for its lack of organisation. Create a new single party call it something new and get organised.

Regards,
Nigel Speakman.
Tourist

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