The second phase of their struggle must find a way and the method to do this.

-Rene"

Rene,

Your above statement needs reflection by the PDOIS folk.   Indeed, some sections of the diaspora must be listened to and engaged with (here i am not talking about the rabid and false posturers already using this editorial to have a go at Halifa).  There are many who simply and genuinely want PDOIS to succeed and these people agree in principle with the party's approach to things Gambian. 

I for one, I totally disagree with those folk who keep castigating the opposition on the ground in the way they do things.  I equally think that it is false to state that the opposition parties on the ground are afraid, or not doing enough about the madness in Gambia or that their leadership are selfish as some in the diaspora continue to insinuate.  For me on every pertinent issue both the UDP and PDOIS are doing what they could in context of what they deem fit.  Perhaps they could do more, I am in no position to say.  I appreciate what they are doing in their capacity to bring democracy and sanity in the Gambia.  PDOIS are as relevant as ever in our political landscape.  

In the struggle to rid Gambia off President Jammeh and his enablers, I will not urge the opposition to do what I am not ready and willing to do in this present time.  I am against the some of the violence some diasporans are calling for to remove Jammeh granted that President Jammeh has been using violence in all its shape and form since 1994.  I urge those who really believe that they are more patriotic and willing to die for their beloved land to pack up and go to Gambia and confront Jammeh and his goons in the manner they urging the opposition on the ground to do.  After all we are all adults and we claim not to be controlled by anybody.  We have equal stake as the opposition leaders and we should not wait for them to do anything on our behalf.  Many have claimed to be as educated, sophisticaed, connected or even more than the 'weak and ineffectual' opposition leaders on the ground.  I say go forth and do what you have to do.

That said, direct action such as the DUGA act in DC is legitimate, relevant and useful in this struggle especially where the rule of law exist to a certain degree such as the USA.  One must be reminded that Martin Luther King Jr's great historic march in Washingston never occurred in a vacuum or sponteneously.  There were many small direct action protests they the Civil Rights Activists carried out that made them visible and ultimately gave the courage to stage such the historic I HAVE A DREAM march which without a doubt jolted the US authorities.  Small actions by Rosa Parks and the everyday resistances of ordinary folk made it possible for King and X to confront the government, thus it is uncalled for to ridicule others actions which hey carry out responsibly.

Indeed, Halifa used direct action tactic on that ELECTION DAY against Jawara just to inspire people and to make them not to be afraid of their leaders. Coach Pa Samba must have learned from that. What Halifa did on that day had symbolic meaning and dismantled the mysticism surrounding Jawara.  To me the DUGA folks are no political novices, these people knew and calculated their actions which was in my view  to generate attention on the serious situation in the Gambian.  It was a success.  I hope the momentum continues.

Direct action inspired the Y'EN MARRE youth in Senegal to take on the Wade government and without a doubt the youth in Senegal forced the opposition in the end to rally together and find a political solution to the Senegalese problem.  These direct actions took place both in Senegal and in the diaspora.  We are reminded of Sulayman Jules Diop's action against Wade in Chicago.  It had a major impact in Senegal and beyond. 

The oppostion parties in Senegal knew they would have died a natural death if they stood on the sidelines and watch the then Wade government continue with their violence against its citizen.  I hope DUGA's action is replicated everywhere Gambia has embassies or such offices.  If we cannot protest peacefully in the Gambia without being killed or arrested then we should be able to do it in places where rule of law and human rights is to some extent respected.  We should be supported or left alone. 

Foroyaa which is obviously controlled by PDOIS erred on this editorial, period.

Best,

Mboge