It is my standpoint that concerned Gambians should explore the possibility of suing the Gambia Government and President Adama Barrow to stop France’s gradual annexation of the Gambia with the help of West African Francophone nations spearheaded by Senegal. We will sue him in our courts or take the matter to ECOWAS or other international courts.

Similar attempts by the French were tried on Gambia’s previous leaders but failed woefully out of incompatible policies and great leadership demonstrated by our presidents, culminating in France’s covert involvement in ousting both leaders, President Sir Dawda Jawara in 1994 and President Yahya Jammeh in 2017. I am a living witness but will conserve the details for the right time. This is about the looming crisis the Barrow government is deliberately or inadvertently ignoring in France’s impossible effort to control our political and economic destiny.

Of course, the foolish, ill-informed, undereducated and certain Gambian judases seem to have been since 2017 happy to watch as we lose our sovereignty to this greedy foreign power; but it is now abundantly clear that France is going to use Senegal and other West African Francophone nations such as Togo and Ivory Coast to do this dirty work for them.

The acceptance of the Gambia government to replace ECOMIG in 2022 with mainly West African Francophone police forces will not only be illegal but tangential to any effort of ECOWAS or the international community to help the Gambia’s quest for a so-called meaningful democracy. Crisis-prone Ivory Coast constantly overwhelmed by a mutinous rebel army certainly needs a more urgent ECOWAS peacekeepers than the peaceful Gambia we have been living in. Excluding Nigeria from the rogue deal seemingly lobbied by France through stooges like Mackey Sall has nothing to do with the principles laid by ECOWAS to work in harmony for the common benefit of member states. I could however excuse Ghana’s participation in the police contingency on that country’s current mandate of chairing the subregional organization but do expect them to withdraw from the nonsense as soon as another country succeeds them next year. The late Dr. Kwame Okuruma and Jerry Rawlings will be rolling in their graves to hear that Ghana the cradle of Africa’s liberation struggle, is in this 21st Century under President Nana Akufo-Addo being manipulated into compliance by a low-IQ Senegalese puppet leader, President Mackey Sall in such a nasty French-neocolonial scheme.

Just like at the United Nations and all these world organizations, it is no longer a secret that superpower nations merely use them with the help of their puppets to pursue their nefarious crimes. Please spare me any logical reasoning of the ECOWAS block loving the Gambia so much that it will bypassed Nigeria and other West African English-speaking countries and assemble a predominantly Francophone police force including Ivorians for deployment in Anglophone Gambia because Gambians are too troublesome, stupid and lack the fundamental capacity and discipline to police their own country. Indeed it becomes more insulting when the decision is taken without consulting the Gambian people, our judiciary or legislature but restricted to an inexperience-undereducated executive.

Without doubt most Gambians particularly the ill-informed were since 2016/17 too naive to understand the deceptive motive of Senegal’s and France’s intervention in our political impasse with the help of our worst politicians and diplomats; but after four years, only those in denial still consider it the “blessing in disguise” they thought it was when it was actually all about France’s control of our political and economic destiny assisted by minions like Presidents Mackey Sall and Alasane Ouattara of Senegal and Ivory Coast respectively who will rather throw their parents in a dungeon full of poisonous snakes than challenge anything desired by French President Emmanuel Macron. Simply put, Macron and the French government want Gambia in the neocolonial Francophone Zone and there is nothing to stop our bastards from delivering our country to the “toubabs, even if it means turning the country into another failed state like what happened in Libya since 2011.

When it comes to France’s colonial or neocolonial interest it has always been what they want or the destruction of any country or leader in resistance. That’s why Gambians should be careful in challenging the French scheme to annex us; France will not hesitate to arm rebels and dissidents to destabilize and render the Gambia ungovernable just to prove to the world that without them nothing could work. Hence the need to first sue the Gambia government and illustrate how nowhere in the world nations or people will accept this kind of nonsense and above all how the Gambia was in the past failed by foreign troops taking control of our security forces. I will be willing to testify as expert witness on the subject in any court of law.

Follow the track record of French colonialism and neocolonialism from Vietnam, Southeast Asia, to all parts of Africa, e.g., Algeria, Libya, Central African Republic, Burkina Faso, Mali, and it would shown nothing but a consistent pattern of France having it their way or destroying any resistance from leaders or countries. Unfortunately, Senegal has always been there with them in their colonial and neocolonial destructive path.

On a final note, it is fair to say that the Gambia TRRC contributed immensely in sending the signal to an imperfect world that our security forces lack the “standard global perfection” that makes them untrustworthy and a national risk warranting indefinite foreign intervention and presence in the country. That could be one good reason for ECOWAS to endorse Ivory Coast of all nations to be among those Francophone forces to police the Gambia next year as if we are definitely expecting national crisis in 2022.

Since the TRRC has successfully instilled in the minds of our security forces that acting tough on crime, criminals and even on terrorists is a serious human rights violation (Essa Faal) and a violation of the Geneva Convention (Dr. Lamin Sise), France and Senegal could always reflect on that stigma as a need to take charge of our national security. And mark you, Senegalese forces in the country have murdered Harona Jatta a peaceful Gambian demonstrator and was treated more like an example of their liberty to exercise raw brutality against Gambians than violating any human rights or the Geneva Convention which further seem perfectly normal to our government and the TRRC hypocritical conformists. “Never again”! Really? The struggle continues!!!

Thanks for reading!

SAMSUDEEN SARR

BANJUL, THE GAMBIA

I am thankful that we are here today, for the grand launching of our party, the National People’s Party – NPP. It has been a year since our party was registered but the launching was delayed because the world has been overwhelmed by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Globally, experts are trying to find more lasting solutions but in the meantime, we will have to live with managing and containing the virus in-order to prevent its further spread. Thus it has become mandatory to wear facial mask, wash our hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer regularly, while we avoid hand shaking. These are some preventive measured important for our safety and to contain the spread of COVID -19.

To proceed, let me begin this historic event in the annals of the political evolution of our country by sharing some of the questions I reflected on before embarking on my political journey. In fact, I believe that all genuine citizens should ask themselves such questions as: “What defines a person’s credibility? How is a citizen’s mission determined, and who should define such a noble mission? How do we earn the reputation of a patriot in one’s land?

How do we design the footprints we leave behind after bowing out from public life? When is it mandatory to serve humanity, and when is it time to quit?

I have learnt that in answering these questions, we must be guided by history and the existing circumstances of our era; by our insight into life and our vision for the future; by a keen sense of purpose and a clear sense of direction; by passion and commitment, and by the degree of our sincerity and how high we can rise above our ego.

I am convinced that in urging me to form a political party to contest the 2021 Presidential Election, the people of this nation must have assessed me and my performance.

Furthermore, I am convinced that your confidence in me, as a nation, is based on sound reasoning and wise judgment, hence your call for me to lead this historic voyage.

It is with much humility and profound gratitude, therefore, that I register my appreciation of the faith and confidence that the Gambian population have in me and their encouragement and support for me to champion the cause of this nation under the banner of a new Party. This is what has given birth to the National People’s Party (NPP), which we are here to officially launch today.

I have accepted to form this party, together with all of you to provide a platform for us to collectively fight the social divisions, political cracks and institutional failures that have persistently undermined the peace, stability, progress and development of our dear motherland.

Be assured that this is a party devoted to creating, expanding and sustaining space for popular participation in development as politically mature, democratic, patriotic and economically independent citizens.

To define these, my view is that political maturity is reflected by how well we behave, act and respond to our civic responsibilities, and not how vulgar, how ambitious and how violent we are or can be.

On the other hand, democratic maturity is demonstrated through the exercise of our rights without infringing upon the rights and freedoms of others. By the same token, patriotic maturity is shown by how much we selflessly contribute to development, and how we refrain from undermining the progress and development of the nation and the people. It is the combination of all these that defines the type of citizens we are.

This new Party, the NPP, represents the present and the future, and it is here for all Gambian citizens within the frame of a new political consciousness and a new direction. It is the party for all categories of people, based on the concept of true democratic and patriotic Gambian citizenship.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The NPP is the outcome of the commitment to sustain the change that was brought about in 2016 and the public outcry for freedom, justice, peace, progress and dignity, as well as for fundamental rights and liberties.

It is anchored in a well-defined approach to harness our human and material resources in order to address our challenges, manage our circumstances better and redirect the course of our destiny for the common good.

To guide the Party, a comprehensive manifesto has been developed. This manifesto, which is now available, is the result of an in-depth search for options and possibilities that meaningful change can bring about in the country.

In it, we offer alternatives to rescue the Gambian citizens whose talent and potential have either been wasted, untapped or ruthlessly exploited for decades.

We offer a governance construct that is truly rooted in uprightness, sincerity and accountability, complemented by the drive to promote and sustain equitable and efficient service delivery and justice for all. We bring a new and vigorous infusion of vision, talent and leadership that boldly maintains that our democracy must be re-energised to broaden and secure the scope and grounds on which our people can make informed choices, and live decent lives.

Our Party’s vision is to build “a nation we can be proud to call home.” This is derived from the desire for positive, transformative change that will result in an all-inclusive, all-progressive and an accomplished society of happy, peaceful, dignified and united people who are proud to call The Gambia home.

We believe in democracy for good governance, as defined by law and approved by the people. We do not believe in any form of government that contravenes The Gambia’s shared ideals and values. Accordingly, we denounce and reject all forms of dictatorship and degrading treatment of human beings or communities. We believe that all are equal before the law, and all human beings have the same fundamental rights to life and good living.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

We have realised formidable successes over the past few years under my leadership, which we need to build on. To ensure continuity, we will fully engage all sections of society, especially the private sector. We are convinced that it is imperative to explore all types of investment avenues in an inclusive manner to ensure development.

Under my leadership, during the last four years, the close working relationship established among Gambians and the external support provided to implement our National Development Plan (2018-2021) have led to sustained and impressive economic growth, with GDP at its highest margin. Until recently, when the Coronavirus pandemic struck, various sectors have registered significant increases in their output levels. We consider every sector important; thus, all sectors will continue to receive due attention.

Chairperson,

The Gambia has a youthful population of 64%. Although a Ministry for Youth affairs has existed for decades, it has not competently addressed the youth predicament.

We believe that the youth should be meaningfully involved in discussions, and decision making on youth matters intensified as part of the strategies to address youth unemployment, crime, illegal migration, drug abuse and all the vices associated with this invaluable resource of the nation.

The NPP maintains that it is most pressing to pay more attention to the youth, and ensure that their lives and potential are not wasted. To achieve these objectives, we invite the youth of this country to rally behind the NPP, and work with the Party leadership in the interest of all Gambians. We are natural allies!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The women of The Gambia are part of the political and economic vanguard of the nation. They constitute a bigger percent of the Gambian population than their male compatriots, and contribute very significantly towards nation building. In spite of this, they are grossly disadvantaged in Gambian society.

Their literacy levels, leadership roles, participation in decision making and economic circumstances fall far below average in comparison to their male counterparts.

In view of all these, the NPP will prioritise policy decisions to alleviate their suffering. We accept the women as equals and partners, and will stand by them. Gender issues and matters affecting all disadvantaged and minority groups, including those that are physically or mentally challenged in one way or another, will be given more attention.

Chairperson,

We believe that our legal and judicial system should be independent, efficient, trustworthy and balanced to ensure due legal processes and procedures, safeguard the interests of all stakeholders and promote accountability for appropriate action. Therefore, we will pursue the reform agenda of our Judicial and Justice systems with vigour.

On education, the NPP holds the view that the quality of a people and their rate of development and advancement are closely linked to the level and quality of their education and the nature of their education system. In this respect, we maintain that public educational institutions should provide improved quality educational services.

In defining and providing quality education, an NPP Government will strive to make the Gambian education system more equitable and better balanced to yield desirable outcomes. Thus, education will be used as a tool for the development of the country and advancement of all within the nation.

Chairperson,

As a Government, we plan to increase investments into the health sector, and make health care more affordable to all. More attention will be focused on mothers and children, and support will be provided to help senior citizens to stay active and engaged. In this regard, we plan to increase health care spending, and build more general hospitals, community hospitals and day-care centres.

We will endeavour also to provide greater retirement assurance through better pension schemes, as demonstrated by the new Pension Scheme enacted recently.

Although Government cannot dictate how the economy should behave, as the pandemic has shown, it is possible to put a sharp focus on all sectors and nurture the right environment for productive and creative activity therein. In light of this, each sector will be required to generate significant output levels and wealth, register growth and create jobs. Of particular importance, as an example, is the Agriculture sector.

As an NPP Government, we plan to unfold and implement an ambitious modernisation plan to address our infrastructure challenges. Examples of proposed projects include roads, drainage systems, street lighting and waste management, among many others.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We acknowledge the need to set up National Agencies to groom Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). Our plans are to ensure an effective capital funding system to cater for the capital needs of local businesses, keep business costs down and distribute key resources to local businesses.

Chairperson,

The transition period thus far, 2017-2020, has been marked by tremendous success in fostering cordial and fruitful friendship and relations with the international community. These include International Organisations and countries around the world. Such relations need to be cemented in the best interest of The Gambia. To preserve the progress registered within this short span of time, and to strengthen our ties with the world, our external relations will be guided by active diplomacy and an all-inclusive foreign policy.

The Gambia will continue to participate actively in international organisations, and will accord Gambian citizens the right, privilege and honour to compete on the global stage and take their rightful places.

On security, I must observe that our survival as a dignified people rests on our security as Gambian nationals and the sovereignty, peace and stability of our nation. We declare that an NPP Government will give the fullest support to the Armed and Security Services. We will endeavour to have a well-trained and better equipped Armed and Security Services to enable them discharge their duties professionally.

Under an NPP Government, the Security Services Sector reforms and the transformation process started during the era of the transition Government will be sustained.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The NPP leadership understands that development rests on knowledge and skills. As a result, the NPP is willing and very ready to find common grounds and collaborate with all Gambian citizens.

An NPP President will be the President of all; so, we welcome the participation and services of all categories and types of professionals, experts and scholars. We recognise that the elite have a role in society; therefore, we welcome them all to the NPP. I assure everyone that our Party stands for the unity, progress and happiness of all Gambians at home and in the Diaspora.

Gambians are Gambians, no matter wherever they may be, or whatever they may be doing. It is the duty of the Government of the day to protect and respond to their needs.

In this light, the welfare of Gambians in the Diaspora shall be our concern, and we will encourage them, like all other Gambian nationals, to participate in the affairs of the NPP and, most effectively, in national development. They are an invaluable resource, and should be given space to operate functionally.

We lament the number of Gambians who were forced to go into exile voluntarily or involuntarily. Consequently, we are bound to emphasise that The Gambia is their land of birth, their home and the nation of their kit and kin. We urge them to be part of the process of healing and building the nation. Like every citizen in the country, all Gambians in the Diaspora are assured of their full rights as Gambians.

Chairperson,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

To conclude, our party recognises that Gambian citizens have to appreciate our nation within a new type and level of political consciousness that puts emphasis on growth and development, stability, progress and professionalism within the context of positive change.

Our manifesto highlights the reality underlying our national sovereignty and the need for active and productive citizens. We maintain that politics is not about party animosity. It is about citizenship and service to a people who share a common identity and must act according to accepted values and agreed principles, regulatory systems and procedures.

We admit that the responsibility rests on the leadership of a nation to propel growth, development and progress, in addition to satisfying the essentials of social life through well-established and functional institutions. This has to come about through efficient management and judicious use of the resources that are available.

With the necessary programmes that respond to the needs of the Gambian community, there is no doubt that the National People’s Party and the entire Gambian nation will register unprecedented successes in the years ahead. This is attainable if we give the Party the mandate to translate the proposals in our manifesto into action. Collectively, we can deliver.

The best option for every Gambian is to join us on this national mission. For NPP, every citizen has a responsibility to make The Gambia a better place for all. As a result, we invite you all to come on board. The people come first on our agenda; therefore, join us to make history. Together, let us build a nation we can proudly call home.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In opening this address, I referred to several questions on issues of credibility, citizenship and patriotic service to one’s nation and humanity. To answer those questions, let me reassure you that I am credible, ready, willing and able to serve this nation according to the Constitution of the Land. All I ask for is your support.

With these remarks, it is my singular joy and honour to launch the National People’s Party in the name of all citizens of The Gambia and on behalf of the National People’s Party leadership, militants and entire membership.

I thank all those who have contributed to the success of this historic occasion, and I thank all of you who have come to be part of the event, especially our members who travelled from the Diaspora to witness this grand launching.

I now officially declare the National People’s Party launched.

May Allah bless and help us all.

Long live the Republic of The Gambia!

Long live the National People’s Party!

Somehow, there are certain people in the world, who walk the earth’s surfaces as if entitled to all the goodness there is. In The Gambia, meanwhile, boasting some twelve (dormant) political parties & counting, could it be that the pomp & pageantry synonymous with presidential politics with its network of cars and ministers and security detail & agents entices irresistible thrills worth game. This morning, as I reminisce on the chorus of hardworking families going about life in sweltering heat for an honourable survival, it soon dawn to me that the country’s empirical sovereignty is somewhat risked, tackled from behind, but for political brinkmanship. Common sense has to prevail, and quickly at that – given great confusion & uncertainty in the world.

On the economic front – Since independence, conflict expectations in regional geopolitics has not brought any success to West Africa. War fatigue exists, hence nation-states have come to realise that peace & improved trade relations is the pragmatic conduit to economic prosperity. The Gambia need to strategically plan spread wing across West Africa & beyond if gov’t is truly serious about ambitions on being a middle-income country in the near term.

While it is admirable that normalisation has occurred between Banjul and Washington, and such countries of the European Union, the initial excitement has failed to translate into any fruitful gains. Where is the annual trade volume with EU member countries, or opportunities AGOA (United States) offers?! Historically, Banjul had done quite well in export trade during the Jawara era, Jammeh impaired it – though Barrow’s gov’t has failed to kick-start manufacturing as promised in its white paper. Questions will be asked of the trade ministry – is it leadership vacuum, or just a lack of critical understanding on the utility of trade?!

On due diligence – Before any sneezes, one only need to look at the attitude of certain civil servants during negotiations with quote on quote “foreign” investors. For instance, a trade ministry official who charged that the navy was too harsh on Chinese fishing trawlers despite caught red-handed in territorial waters; or signing up the airport to foreign firms charging own citizens exorbitant arrival fees for a 25% pocket change. How can the government justify such criminal contracts, never mind the throwaway deal handed Semlex with regards to national (passport) documentation: The latter expires this year, all eyes are wide open on the tendering process.

Government officials need sit confident at negotiating tables face their interlocutors as equals, regardless whom or what country that may be. Knowledge of the world and beyond is important, even the more reason for politicians & such people of high society to promote books, readings on our history & culture. Young Gambians today need good role models who inspires away from harmful streets. See, curiosity allows for critical thinking, thus, intellectual growth!

On Security Sector Reforms – The much talked about SSR necessitated by need has been an abysmal failure. Those put in charge do not seem eager enough, or know what they’re doing in regards to the critical task at hand. Thing is, the president must take a firm interest in that excise, because the country’s future depends on it. Four years in with millions already wasted with little or nothing to show for it – why da heck does Africa’s executives reward incompetence, heads must roll.

Similarly, the issue of continued Ecomig Troop Presence on Gambian soil is the genesis of this grudge. To be crystal clear, one does reserve high regard for the office of the presidency, yet still resolved to hold the administration to account on its policies: For God’s sake, here is a country in peace time – not war time – yet narrow interest continues to inform Ecomig “peacekeeping” mission with no shred of evidence for what it actually does. The president must not again negotiate any foreign troop presence on Gambian soil without the prior consent of Parliament. A violation of which endangers national security – triggering a vote of no confidence in parliament.

And since it costs the tax payer over D50 million annually to feed Gambian soldiers, per Defence Ministry stats, what is the point of the army or police then left side-tracked & side-lined for reasons still unclear. Four years in with no semblance of needed reforms, the status quo is unsustainable – parliamentary oversight is nigh:

On Impounded Weapons & Cocaine Scandal – The crisis unfolding in Gambian waters and (un)safe streets should not be left to rest. How can it be after all: Sue me (lol), questionable characters should never be allowed anywhere near the State House, nor the president’s side. Crimes must not go unpunished, for the rule of law need apply fairly given national security implications in full glare. Mr president, the country’s development partners are worried asking questions – will the government get its act together learn from history!!!

Cabinet Reshuffle – With a handful of poor performing ministers since the change, fresh ideas are needed at cabinet. The president will have been aware that critical reforms are required at the foreign ministry with regards to personnel & policy choices. Indications are that slippages [ ] respect to pursuance or strengthening the national interest element, secrecy, the world around us – and Gambia’s role in how the world ought to work. My considered view, regrettably, is that foreign minister Tangara lacks the personal touch required of the role. He would no doubt make for a good ambassador to France.

And again, assigning ambassadorial positions to persons with little obvious relevant expertise endangers national interest. Clearly such posts are key to securing Gambia’s interests abroad. The president has to be advised that political appointments undermine the country’s long term interests, as they will almost inevitably change with change in government – Does UDP appointees offer any clues here!

On the Debacle @ IEC – When you thought it could not get any cloudier, a standoff at the Independent Electoral Commission was the latest to come to fore. A self-inflicted crisis bore out of greed, excessive greed that is. Alhagie Momar Njie, once held in high steads, but the cavalier manner that noble institution was run since the change of gov’t is nothing short of contempt. I once wrote to congratulate him, to accord the man deserved fanfare for his stance @ election 2016. The problem with some people is that praise goes to their head quickly.

Let me express high confidence in Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA), its Director General in particular, for his candour, standing by principles seeing to it that fairness ensures in protecting tax payer funds. Three million dollars, the press had said, IEC chose to single source to a German electioneering firm, when local firms could be helped to scale up. Why not accommodate local firms with such lucrative payment so as to secure own future. Don’t you see that’s exactly what China had done to be in this enviable economic position today. The Gambian people expect better decisions from those in charge. And the sooner IEC comes under new leadership, the better for needed reforms – The National Audit Office (NAO) needs to be better!

On NPP Scheduled Bash – The government’s own figures have indicated that Covid-19 infections are on the UP in the country. That should worry us all for a life & death scenario causing havoc on nation states. So how can such an super-spreader political event now proceed after all, unless an administration that contradicts itself, i.e. making rules and breaking them. President Barrow needs to look closely @ the Banjul skyline, understand that the health of the nation is the highest law!!!

#LoveGambia #RiverGambia

Gibril Saine