In an unprecedented move, eleven (11) serving Gambian ambassadors to various countries around the world have issued a joint appeal on their boss disgraced outgoing President Yahya Jammeh to hand over power at the end of his term.
The Gambian diplomats overseas strongly appealed to Mr Jammeh to accept the choice of The Gambian people and facilitate a peaceful transfer of power to the President-Elect, Mr. Adama Barrow.
They also congratulated President-elect Adama Barrow for the victory in the December 1st Presidential Elections which has been described as transparent, free, fair and credible by both local and international election observers.
The ambassadors are H.E Mr. Dembo M. Badgie in Beijing; H.E Mr. Momodou Badgie in Ankara; H.E Mrs. Elizabeth Ya Eli Harding in London; H.E Dr. Mamadou Tangara in New York; H.E Momodou Aki Bayo in Moscow; H.E Mrs. Teneng Mba Jaiteh in Brussels; H.E Mr. Momodou Pa Njie in Dakar; H.E Mr. Lang Yabou in Madrid; H.E Mr. Masanneh N. Kinteh in Havana; H.E. Mr. Abdou Jarju in Bissau and H.E. Mr. Mass AxiGai in Addis Ababa.
Their letter reads;
We the Ambassadors of The Gambia representing our Nation overseas, extend our thanks and appreciation to Your Excellency, The Government and People of The Gambia for the smooth and peaceful conclusion of the December 1st Presidential Elections which you described as transparent, free and fair. Both local and international election observers also certified the whole process as credible.
Yourstatesmanly and televised acceptance of the election results in favour of the Coalition candidate on December 2nd, was acclaimed and applauded throughout the world. The fact that you further congratulated Mr. Barrow on his victory and assured him of your support and guidance was testimony to the fact that you care for the progressive development of The Gambia in a peaceful and orderly transition. Many of us have received commendations on your behalf in our various jurisdictions from individuals and institutions citing your action as the dawn of a new era in African politics and democracy.
Your Excellency, we were taken aback by your pronouncement on National Television on December 9th, rejecting the results. This new position of Your Excellency has the potential of undermining the peace and stability that The Gambia is renowned for.
Your Excellency, in the light of the foregoing, we the Ambassadors of The Gambia, strongly appeal for you to accept the choice of The Gambian people and facilitate a peaceful transfer of power to the President-Elect, Mr. Adama Barrow.
Meanwhile we applaud the efforts of the international community especially the UN, AU and ECOWAS mission headed by Her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in their quest to bring about a peaceful resolution of the current political impasse in our motherland, The Gambia.
In conclusion Your Excellency, we once again implore you to consider our plea which is aimed at achieving the greater good for our beloved country, The Gambia.
Please accept Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration and esteem.
Meanwhile, the Gambian diplomats also congratulated President-elect Barrow on the victory saying the Gambian people have spoken, and the victory is a manifestation of their trust and confidence that everyone must acknowledge and accept as “vox populi, vox Dei” (the voice of the people is the voice of God).
The congratulatory message read:
It is with honour that we the Ambassadors of The Gambia representing our country overseas, extend our congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency, following your victory in the December 1st Presidential Elections which has been described as transparent, free, fair and credible by both local and international election observers.
Your Excellency, the Gambian people have spoken, and your victory is a manifestation of their trust and confidence that we must all acknowledge and accept as “vox populi, vox Dei” (the voice of the people is the voice of God).
To the International Community, the peaceful and democratic elections, which is the precursor to your Presidency, has been received with euphoria and hope for political and economic partnerships. As patriotic servants of The Gambia, it is our pledge and desire to contribute our quota to the expansion and consolidation of meaningful international dialogue and cooperation for the benefit of The Gambia.
In addition, we seize this opportunity to assure Your Excellency and the Coalition of our support and collaboration.
We pray to Allah the Almighty to grant Your Excellency and team the guidance and wisdom to fulfill the duties and responsibilities bestowed on you by your election to the highest office in the land. May Almighty Allah continue to grant Your Excellency and the Gambian Nation continuous good health, long life, peace, greater protection, prosperity and success.
Please accept Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration and fraternal esteem.
