By Madi Jobarteh

The press conference by the Minister of Justice Aboubacarr Tambadou on the measures the government is taking about the assets and financial transactions of the Despot Yaya Jammeh indeed gives lot of hope and confidence. Listening to the details of some of the cases and issues only confirms and explains even better the kind of lifestyle that Yaya Jammeh lived as a dictator. With this press conference one can better appreciate the rationale and the source of funds of the hugely lavish jamborees that this despot was throwing away every few weeks in Kanilai, McCarthy’s Square and on the beaches and other places in the Gambia. It gives one a picture as to why and how he was the Donor-in-Chief as he splashed millions of dalasi to all categories of individuals, communities, institutions and organizations in and out of the Gambia. It is now getting clearer that indeed Yaya Jammeh had not only severely sucked the blood of this country but such bleeding will continue to hurt us for a long time to come.

 
I therefore welcome the idea of freezing his ill-gotten assets, which to me is better late than never. One of the first actions of the Barrow Administration should have been to freeze these assets both locally and internationally. One does not have to run an investigation to confirm that indeed Yaya Jammeh was engaged in fraudulent and corrupt practices. Hence the first decision of the government when it took over in January should have been the freezing of these assets and the seizure of all properties and put under government custody. If we had done that earlier, we would not have had the terrible experience between ECOMIG forces and folks in Kanilai. I hope Minister Tambadou will seek a court order to place all such properties under tight government control if this current action does not include that.

 
I also welcome the idea of a Special Prosecutor for the NIA case. I agree with the rationale for the decision. Not only are capacity issues critical but also to ensure the integrity and credibility of the process to seek justice, it is important that this case is pursued in a manner that will earn the trust and confidence of all stakeholders. This case must be pursued in a manner that should not appear to be a witch-hunt or a revenge exercise.

 
However I am concerned with the issue of the special prosecutor for one case when we have many more similar cases of legitimate public interest. What about the case of Koro Ceesay, Deyda Hydara, Daba Marenah and Co, April 2000 Massacre, Chief Ebrima Manneh, Mamut Ceesay and Ebou Jobe among other severe atrocities? Are we going to see a special prosecutor appointed for each of these cases or will they be prosecuted in the normal process? Hence I would urge the minister to reflect on these issues because the concerns that led to the appointment of a special prosecutor for the Solo Sandeng case are the same concerns for all the other cases. In fact while the NIA 9 case concerns only one person, we have other cases where multiple persons were victims. Thus there is a need to consider how best to address all of these cases in the most cost-effective manner.

 
The minister also pointed out the need for the Gambia to assume its rightful role in the promotion and protection of human rights in the continent. This is a very highly welcome statement and I wish that the government truly understands the significance of that point and fulfill it accordingly. The African Charter on Human and People’s Rights is nicknamed the Banjul Charter. This is because when no African government was willing to host a meeting to review the draft charter, it was the Jawara government that agreed to convene two ministerial conferences in 1980 in Banjul where the draft charter was reviewed and approved and subsequently submitted to the OAU Assembly on 28 June 1981 in Nairobi, Kenya where it was adopted. It was for this reason that the African Charter is also called the Banjul Charter. Later when the African Commission came into being in 1987, again Jawara agreed to have the Gambia serve as the host of the body until today.

 
For this reason, the Barrow government would therefore be fulfilling a historic duty that Yaya Jammeh abandoned if the current government goes back to take the lead for human rights in Africa. Yaya Jammeh had trampled upon human rights in the Gambia so severely that there were frantic efforts all over Africa to have the African Commission relocated from the country. If those efforts had succeeded it would have been an eternally painful shame for the country, which was indeed the midwife of both the African Charter and the African Commission. Therefore Barrow Administration deserves the highest commendation for their recognition this historic duty and pledging to fulfill our historic duty and contribution to human rights in Africa and humanity.

 
As Tambadou noted, being the birthplace of the African Charter and hosting the African Commission places an obligation on the Gambia itself to be seen to defend and promote human rights at home. I am therefore encouraged that this government recognizes that responsibility and determined to fulfill it. We must remind the Barrow Administration that while we welcome efforts in seeking justice for the past atrocities, however our greater task is to ensure that form henceforth human rights shall characterize our lives, conduct and operations as a society and a state. Thus the adherence to the rule of law and protection of fundamental rights must become synonymous with this new dispensation.

 
I wish to also appreciate the information provided on the much talked about truth and reconciliation commission. While I prefer Truth and Justice Commission, I must add my support to the initiative especially when Tambadou noted their awareness and commitment to ensure its impartiality, integrity and credibility. I look forward to the composition of the commission and its terms of reference.
Finally let me say that this short but highly valuable statement by Minster Tambadou has served all Gambians well because we have heard from our trustees. This statement would have been even sweeter from the mouth of our Chief Servant Adama Barrow as the person we have directly elected to serve us. But while I appreciate the job Tambadou has done, one needs to again emphasize to them that when a government communicates to its citizens, it solves half the problem. The last time we had from Tambadou was in March, i.e. two months ago. Can the Minister do better to provide updates on a monthly basis at least given that he has raised quite many fundamental issues? We cannot wait for another two months before we know the status of the assets freeze, the special prosecutor or the outcome of the ongoing case in the UK.

God Bless The Gambia

The government has indicated that it is looking into the truth and reconciliation mechanism as a means of handling past injustices. Parallel to this charges are already being preferred against security operatives of the past regime and measures are being taken for them to be put on trial.

This creates two different approaches in handling the challenges of providing justice to victims. The question that many people are asking is whether all members of the government are operating in accordance with the same meter band.

Some of the people being indicted are out of the jurisdiction. It is not clear whether investigations have been done regarding the issue of extradition. In many cases countries are skeptical to deport people to countries where they may face prosecution.

Uncertainty is now creeping in as to what is meant by transitional justice. A lot of hope has been given that the government will speak with one voice in dealing with the challenges of the past. Unfortunately while some members of the government are talking about truth and reconciliation others are going on with normal court processes. We hope that the alarm bell will be heard by all members of the government and efforts will be made to ensure that the members of the government will speak and act in unison.

Source: Foroya

Dear Mr Sallah,

Honourable Member of Parliament

You may have been aware that the Managing Director of GRA, Yankuba Darboe, recently presented Two (2) brand new cars to President Barrow. It has to be said this is quite disturbing reminiscent of the Jammeh-era excesses. The remit of that parastaral is simply to collect tax revenue on behalf of the Gambia government – Nothing else or more.

As an oversight scrutiny body in Parliament, sincerely I urge the chairman of the Public accounts committee (PAC/PEC) to write or summon this moron Yankuba Darboe to answer for his sins. Yes he should be called into the “House” before the committee to acquaint himself and the decision therein. Why is public money spent on useless cars for a president who doesn’t need them; and what national intetest does it serve? Such bribery and largesse is what we have fought for, yet still trying to do away with in this dispensation #NewGambia.

In recent months, I’d called for the swift replacement of the clueless heads of public-owned parastatals therein, and the country’s unworthy diplomats around the world; and it pays well the administration took heed. However, this GRA buffoonery remains the last clog standing, echoing nightmares of favoritism and playing the “Tribal-Card”. That aside he is as corrupt as they come – just look at the houses and cars he “own” across the country. No wonder the Gambian people are beginning to lose hope in Barrow and his cabinet. And certainly, confidence & morale is low amongst the diaspora visioning a transformational leadership.A word of advice to Foreign Minister Darboe – learn to consult and to guage opinion given the illadvised appointment of Jammeh-enabler Abdoulie Bojang who could barely spell the world “globalisation” as Ambassador. Based on democracy terms, one often argued for appointments based on merit. Bojang is a discredited shameless scum, and his appointment should be rescinded henceforth.

On a crystal clear starry night across the London sKyline, I write with a sense of deja vue, unhinged, still searching for ethical leadership the Gambian people truly deserve.

Gibril Saine, LONDON.

Well, some of you might take it with a teensy weensy pinch of salt, but, President Barrow is subtle yet bold and committed to drive development targets. We may not realise it but earnestly, with him we are blessed. Here, others would be thinking aloud “What?” And probably spicing “if it is this way he conducts his leadership, let the hand of fortune unbless me”. Your frustration is legit. Especially with the false prophets preaching to him no matter the heat he will survive. But anyone who isn’t a glue-huffing maroon knows the heat that disgracefully whisked Goloh to Equatorial Guinea will not leave Mr Penguin in Iceland for long if he continues to mirror Goloh Friday. Honestly, deep down I knew what glitters now is not what we fought so hard to polish. Cause the appointment of APRC former Speaker as our diplomat in South Africa just says it all. The appointment deepened the already feverish speculation that all what matters to you, Mr President, is interest of the unequal few. And that one. Definitely is a bad political and leadership blood.

 
Enviably, despite all the dirt heap on you, you unlike some of us, do not wall yourself off from scrutiny and dissent. Instead, you encourage it. Some of us get very personal when someone genuinely objects our view. Others draw out daggers of profanities to banish their critics to perpetual silence. Double standards we call it in the UK. Barrow is one of us. Imperfect. Conversely, unlike some of us, he is not ashamed of his diminish prospects. Some doofy sceptics are insinuating that the government has hacked its emblical cord with the people as a result has turned deaf, dumb and blind. Ah…ah…that is a flimsy excuse of a quiter. An illustrious instance which invalidates that claim is the Gunjur beach saga. The government did not only listened but responded by sending a minister to hear from the youths and also issued a directive for the immediate stop on illegal fishing. The fundamental question is how did the people of Gunjur do it? Please don’t tell me because they are member of the UDP. That one definitely is the mind of a hater. The truth is they are united, organised, determined and persistent. Their campaign has proven that together our voices are powerful and when we add enough of them it makes a difference. True or false?

 
Following the sudden demise of Goloh’s reign, many of us parted ways. Some remained in closed partisan ranks while others headed for varied pursuance. Few concluded the fight ended with the departure of Goloh Friday who flew out on a Saturday. In the process, a handful got embedded in chasing their personal dreams. The national dream pursuant was rested on the shoulders of few who believe the fight isn’t over until democratic instruments, institutions and practices are restored with a two-term presidential limit. Unfortunately, they are fast becoming lonelier by the day. And lamentably, they are the new “untouchable” caste of new Gambia. Instead of harnessing our energies, unifying our voices and insisting that the leadership not to short change us, we hasten to bash one another to be seen of the conquerors. Ousainou Mbenga is crucified for speaking his mind. All of a sudden he is traitor. They alleged he induced Solo Sandeng to his untimely and brutal murder. I guessed they missed his daughter’s tribute to him. She explicitly spoke of his conviction, determination and courage to die for what he believed. Isnt that stealing the flory of the hero, my fellow compatriots? That not only disgusts but a condescending dishonesty. Yes, I said it. And if need be, I will say it louder all over again. You want to come after me? Be my guest.

 
When Goloh Friday was reported to have donated to government institutions we bashed him. Because we knew it from from our coffers he had a helping. Now, my Presy is reported to have walked the walk of Goloh Friday, we are told it is dandy. You know why my respect for Karamba Touray is on the increase? He does not endeavour to hide from himself. This is his take on the issue, “The phrase ” The president donated” to any state institution or done on behalf of the state even if it is a needle should have been gone for good with Yahya Jammeh. We don’t want to hear anymore donations of any sort. It is a vestige of being a banana republic under the thumb of a tyrant . I suspect this foul up happened somewhere down the bureaucracy but none the less word should be sent down the entire government that the elected president does not get to donate to institutions , they get allocated resources under normal procedures”. This is what President Barrow needs to make a difference. GRTS Director General, Ebrima Sillah is also a gentleman with solid character. This is what he responded to queries why his staff reported the two vehicles as gift from President Barrow, “But for avoidance of doubt, it is important that we set the records straight. It was Thursday night around 9pm Gambia time that I received a call from someone from the Office of the President that I should be at the headquarters of The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) to receive donated vehicle to GRTS.

 
I then informed my line Minister for him too to grace the occasion. Now at the handing over event, all the previous speakers before me and Hon Minister of Information alluded to the fact that the vehicles were donated by the president. Some of the comments you’ve sent me are questioning why GRTS used the phrase “VEHICLES DONATED BY THE PRESIDENT.” But this was exactly what we were told. As journalists we don’t invent stories. We report on the stories. Also since a proper foundation was laid at the handing over event as to where the donated vehicles came from, it was only proper in line with acceptable protocols and conduct especially at public functions to follow the pattern to avoid miscommunication”. Can anyone fault him here?

Sulayman Jeng
Birmingham, UK

To Be Seen To Be Doing Something….

In the previous dispensation, there used to be aloof obliviousness from the ruling government so much so that people stopped expecting any form of explanations from the government. And then when an explanation comes, it will be full of loopholes and half-truths. They were almost always economical with the truth. This made people think that the government has no respect for them.

In your government however, we expected better, we deserve better. After enduring twenty-two years of dictatorship, and after fighting an enervating battle to defenestrate the dictator, Yahya Jammeh, and inatalling you, our Chief Servant Adama Barrow, we deserve better treatment. We need to hear from you, we need to see you, we need to know that you are doing something. We need to feel your presence.

There is a total disconnect between the government and the governed. We are groping in the dark. Take for instance, the current talk in town. There are different voices all talking about the Chinese Company, Golden Leaf Factory. Some information has it that what they do is to process rotten fish into fertilizer. Others say that they are engaged in fishing and exportation. I’m sure there are other versions; yet, your government is mute.

It is the responsibility of the government to assure its people that everything will be done to ensure their safety and security. Once some fear or doubt has been raised by a section of the society, the government should swiftly investigate the issue and come out and tell people what is exactly happening there.

Your government has to be proactive and be seen to be doing something. Engage the public more often and make your presence felt. You see, Mr President, the feeling of the presence of the government can be very beneficial particularly in the area of fighting corruption and malfeasance. You must work to ensure that your government will seem to be omnipresent.

Have a Good Day Mr President….

A Concerned Citizen