The former Chief of Kombo Central, Alhagie Dembo Santang Bojang has said in his own words that he ‘saved’ the Gambia from civil war by telling the former chairman of the military junta, Colonel Yahya Jammeh to contest in his first presidential elections in 1996.
“I have played a huge role in Yahya Jammeh’s government and I have never committed any crime,” former Chief Dembo Santang Bojang said.
The retired police commissioner and former chief of Kombo central has made these revelations during the TRRC nationwide consultative tour at Brikama.
Bojang said he was the chairman of the selected committee that encouraged the former military leader to contest his first election.
“I did exactly what Landing Barabali Bojang and Sanjally Bojang did for Kairaba Jawara,” Dembo Santang Bojang interjected.
He added: “I have not done anything wrong.”
The former Chief of Kombo Central raised his voice with emotions saying it was only after their visit to the State House that they realized that the former military leader has a strong desire for power as he started enjoying authority towards the end of his military regime.
“We felt it prudent at that time to ask him to contest otherwise there could be a civil war in the country because he has soldiers with guns behind him,” he asserted.
The retired police chief further explained the role he played in the former government ranging from police, constitutional review committee and the judicial service commission among others. He advised the setting of TRRC commission to establish the truth without fear or favor, affection or ill-will. He said only the truth will restore peace in the country.
Meanwhile, the Councillor of Nyambai, Pa Manneh raised concerns about the establishment of the TRRC whether it is necessary saying there are institutions like the police and justice department that can handle issues.
Manneh warned against over ambitiousness that could backfire, saying so many of the perpetrators were from the same homes who share family ties with us.
The Nyambai Ward Councillor argued that the magnitude of crimes committed in places like Sierraleone, Burundi and South Africa were not the same as in the Gambia.
Mr. Lamin Darboe, a VDC Chairperson also recommended the establishment of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission TRRC. He said all the administrative regions of the country should be represented in the commission. He condemned the former government’s human rights abuses.
Imam Lamin Kinteh of Brikama Car park called on all to forgive and forged ahead as the religion of Islam preached forgiveness. He mentioned the persecution treated on the prophet. He forgive when he gained power against the disbelievers of Mecca.
Imam Baba Ceesay of Farato complained about the Casamance rebels having machines and vehicles doing business for them in the country. He call on the government to investigate. He said some of the rebels are having compounds here.
The Paramount Chief, Lady Councillors and youth leaders all spoke about the setting of transparent, credible and reliable commission.
