By Macky Sall, President of Senegal

I often remind all the people who work to help me fulfil my duties as president of Senegal that no fatalism can be allowed to take hold in the midst of the current pandemic. I also suggest that the only thing worth keeping in mind is to know how to face such challenges with determination and clarity in order to make sure the country is not left behind due to underdevelopment.

No democratic leader likes to declare a state of emergency. Not only is it a sign of very troubled times, but freedom is fragile and should always be protected. So it is with a heavy heart that I put Senegal back into special measures in recent weeks. I did so reluctantly – but knowing too, without doubt, that I had no choice. This second COVID wave is visibly more contagious and life-threatening than the first.

In harmony with the philosophy of the Emerging Senegal Plan (PSE), which governs our development policies, I advocate the idea of relying first on ourselves, even if the valuable contributions of others, in an open and interdependent world, could supplement our efforts.

The main lesson of our first lockdown for me was go early, go hard and keep it simple. Declaring a state of emergency allows us to impose a curfew – which is critical in the Dakar and Thies regions that constitute the epicentre of the pandemic. At least 90% of new contaminations are there, so we will target our efforts in those areas, as we did first time round.

Back then, we benefited from a rapid and economical COVID test with a 24-hour turnaround for results; the requisitioning of hotels to quarantine victims; and clear communication, specifically directed where most needed, using different platforms for the range of different communities we had to address. For some in our cities, that was television. Others were easier to reach on social media, but the madrasas and churches were vital to reach the wider population, as were some of our more cultured citizens. I am grateful to the artists, singers and other stars who turned to song, or painted murals, making it crystal-clear what was required of our people to stay safe. Washing hands, wearing masks, keeping your distance are simple instructions, so why complicate them? Why mess around, confusing the message, delaying the action and losing momentum?

Rising early makes the road short, as we say in Africa, and moving quickly was critical in our first encounter with this pandemic, as it will be now. Our first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, who was famous for starting his day before dawn, set a humbling example for all of us who have followed him – we must move fast and take the road very early in our fight against COVID-19. Central to his vision was the idea that we “survey our riches, potentialities and shortcomings” before acting. By that he meant our human qualities, skills and organizational structures as well as our natural resources.

The other major new development in the fight against this second wave is the decision to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in the near future. The strategy is ours to design and implement, but we clearly need our partners and friends in the COVAX initiative led by the World Health Organisation, Gavi Alliance, UNICEF, the EU and others to gain access to safe and effective donor-funded doses of the vaccines. Senegal is among 92 countries qualifying for the Advance Market Commitment funds and that will pay for enough supplies to immunize 20% of the population.

Our vaccination strategy is focused on two stages: The first will include health personnel, the elderly, those with co-morbidities. Stage two will involve the vaccination of an estimated 80% of the population, by the end of 2022. The good news is that this allows us to start vaccinating over the next few weeks, and we are confident of completing that phase by June.

When so many have suffered, it gives us no pleasure to be congratulated by the Brookings Institution and others for our relative success. But they did provide a timely reminder of the many things we got right then and need to repeat now. This positioned us first in Africa and second in the world, behind New Zealand. This ranking insisted on the efficiency and transparency in the management of the pandemic, the rapidity of the tests, the requisitioning of hotels for quarantining, the early and transparent communication on coronavirus infection cases; in short, on the actions that show the promptness and efficiency with which Senegal has managed the first COVID-19 wave.

Judd Devermont at the Center for Strategic Studies summed it up as “following science, acting quickly, working on the communication side of the equation and then thinking about innovation”. I take those words as a compliment, but our work is yet not done and is far from over.

In the first wave, my call for individual and collective responsibility, for active citizenship and patriotism, had a very positive response. With the declaration of the state of emergency, I was able to undertake actions that normally fall within the scope of the law, in order to meet the budgetary, economic, social, health and security imperatives of the fight against COVID-19. As I said in one of my speeches to the nation: “This is a serious time.” And that is why we have been working with determination, while remaining open to any initiative ready to support these efforts, in the name of solidarity among nations. The virus leaves us no other choice.

Editor’s note: Article culled from World Economic Forum website @ weforum.org

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

By D. A. Jawo

Sometimes it looks as if President Adama Barrow either does not listen to his advisers or they are too incompetent to give him the correct advice. We are all witnesses to an obvious surge in coronavirus cases and according to predictions; the pandemic is likely to increase drastically before it begins to slow down. We have, for instance, seen the exponential increase in COVID 19 cases in neighbouring Senegal, and it is quite obvious that it is just a matter of time before anything (good or bad) happening in Senegal arrives in this country. Therefore, every reasonable person would expect President Barrow and his government to be in the forefront of strictly observing the WHO health guidelines as well as all other protocols put in place by the Ministry of Health in order to minimize the surge.

We have constantly been reminded by the ministry that we should strictly follow the guidelines in order to protect ourselves and the rest of society from the pandemic. However, we have all seen the large crowds that President Barrow had been attracting during the recently concluded ‘Meet the People Tour’, with hardly any social distancing or other COVID 19 protocols being observed. Yet, the Minister of Health Dr. Ahmadou Samateh was part of the entourage throughout the tour.

As if the tour was not enough flouting of the COVID 19 protocols, we are told that President Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP) would be launched on Saturday at the Independence Stadium with plans for much fanfare and according to the ongoing advertisements for the launch, they are expecting 100,000 people to attend. It is also said that a Senegalese music maestro, Waly Seck would be the guest artist. Obviously, under such circumstances, it is nigh impossible to observe the social distancing protocols.

Therefore, all this seems to border on irresponsible behaviour on the part of the Ministry of Health to allow such a forum to go ahead under the present circumstances. Alternatively, do we assume that either the health authorities have failed in their duty to advise President Barrow and his party executive, or their advices have been ignored? Whatever the case however, we seem to be treading on dangerous ground, which can lead to catastrophe for our fragile health system.

Recently for instance, we have heard the ministry issue a statement lamenting the failure of certain people who have been tested positive of COVID 19, as well as others who arrived in this country from hot-spot countries to respect the isolation protocols. Therefore, with such irresponsible behavior from members of the government, it would be quite hard to enforce the COVID 19 protocols on ordinary members of the society.

Indeed, by insisting on going ahead with the launching of the NPP in the middle of the pandemic, inviting the whole country to the event, President Barrow is certainly making it extremely hard for the Ministry of Health to henceforth have the moral fibre to enforce the COVID 19 protocols on the other political actors and the rest of the society. It therefore means that President Barrow and his NPP are not helping to empower the Ministry of Health to enforce the COVID 19 protocols. We are definitely not in the era of ‘Do as I say and not as I do”. We expect our leaders to be more disciplined so that they can become our role models and we do not therefore expect any irresponsible behavior from them.

By Madi Jobarteh

The presence of ECOMIG mission in the Gambia until today highlights everything that is wrong in this country since 2017 for which each and every citizen must be highly concerned. The story of the Gambia between 1994 and 2016 is common knowledge. Hence when the Tyrant rejected the presidential election results on 9 December 2016 and backed by the National Assembly on 17 January 2017 when they extended the term of the President, it was finally left to ECOWAS’ military intervention to effectively make Jammeh relinquish power as Barrow took the oath in Dakar on January 19.

The mandate of ECOMIG therefore as expressed by the Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, “was to create an enabling environment for the effective enforcement of the rule of law, and, in accordance with the Constitution of The Gambia, facilitate the inauguration of the President-Elect, Adama Barrow, on Thursday January 19, 2017.” It was on January 18 that ECOMIG entered the Gambia through Farafeni, comprising 7000 troops made from Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, and Togo, with air and naval support.

It is therefore obvious that the intent behind ECOMIG intervention was essentially to ensure that Yaya Jammeh was removed from power so that Adama Barrow could assume office in a peaceful environment. There is no written declaration by ECOWAS nor an agreement between the Gambia and ECOWAS about the continued presence of ECOMIG after the ousting of Jammeh. Thus, since 18 January 2017 when ECOMIG entered the Gambia, it has remained in this country only at the request of President Barrow and the unilateral approval of the ECOWAS heads of states.

Yet it is obvious that the presence of international forces in any country which is not at war, nor a post-conflict society would have to be guided by an agreement. In our context, the 1997 Constitution stipulates that only the National Assembly approves any international agreement that the Government can enter into. Yet since 2017 the National Assembly never received a bill for the ratification of an international agreement to legalise the presence of foreign troops in this country. Why didn’t the President ever take the issue of ECOMIG to the National Assembly?

Apart from the unconstitutional presence of ECOMIG in this country, we must bear in mind that the Gambia has an armed force already which is led by a Chief of Defence Staff with various service chiefs, and whose Commander-in-Chief is the President of the Republic. Yet, four years since taking office in such abnormal circumstances, the Commander-in-Chief is yet to visit any military barracks in this country despite the fact that this country has launched an ambitious security sector reform as part of the wider transitional justice program. Why?

Hence when we get to this point, it will be harmful to the country if our concern is only about the perceived security threats based on the idea that there are Jammeh loyalists in the military. The fact that must be recognised is that the new government was expected to lead a robust transition process that would have addressed the issues and concerns of the country as any serious government would, given our background. Why didn’t they do so meaningfully?

I do not think there are so-called Jammeh loyalists in the military or in any part of our society who are armed to the teeth and lurking behind the shadows seeking to overthrow this government or destabilise our society. No. if so, why are they not doing it until now? Yes, someone will claim because ECOMIG is present. I say to that person, the presence of ECOMIG will only delay that intention and therefore further empower those Jammeh loyalists as ECOMIG will not be present here forever. Hence ECOMIG is not a viable bulwark against such threats.

There are Jammeh supporters in every sector of our society and institutions; and indeed, a citizen has a right to support Jammeh. But the strength of these Jammeh supporters are actually derived from the failure of this President to lead a comprehensive, effective and meaningful security sector reform and overall transitional justice processes. Rather what Barrow has succeeded in doing over the past four years is to strengthen the cleavages in our society, weaken institutions further and undermine the social, economic and political transformation of the country. What this has resulted into is widespread and deep polarisation on all fronts.

To address these cleavages, polarisation, issues and concerns is not to maintain foreign forces any longer. No. Rather, it is time that we demand this government to have balls and lead this country well. We must demand a plan of not more than three to six months for ECOMIG to withdraw, while frantic efforts are undertaken to address all issues and concerns in the security sector.

For example, the issue in the security sector is not primarily Jammeh loyalists versus the country. The issue is fundamentally about the working conditions, leadership, fair play and morale in the security institutions. Go to any military barracks or police station or police quarters or prison quarters to see the deplorable living and working spaces – unkempt compounds, worn-out and rundown buildings, poor lighting, poor ventilation and toilet facilities, poor materials and equipment in the offices, limited vehicles, poor salaries and incentives, and overall low morale. Are these being addressed?

And remember, in April/May 2017 there was an audit of the army to ascertain who was a true and genuine Gambian soldier by asking soldiers to line up to present their documents at Yundum barracks. The audit found out that some soldiers could not read and write English language, while some were never seen in any barracks in this country. But this was an exercise that was a good start to help the Commander-in-Chief and his service chiefs to restructure and transform the military. Did they do that?

Until today, there is no reform of the Armed Forces Act, NIA Act, Police Act, Prisons Act or other laws establishing other security agencies. Yet one cannot do a security sector reform in a post-authoritarian regime without first conducting legal reforms thus paving the way for institutional reforms and capacity building.

Thus, I wish to call on the National Assembly to take up its leadership role urgently and vigorously to correct this gross travesty on our sovereignty. ECOWAS has no mandate to extend the presence of ECOMIG here. Hence NAMs should demand that the President brings to them an agreement for their review. In this review, I wish to call on NAMs to approve only a maximum of six months within which ECOMIG should wind down and leave completely.

For that matter, the National Assembly must demand that the President provide a comprehensive security sector reform action plan covering January to June 2021. This action plan must realistically outline what needs to be done to build a robust security sector that is fit for democracy. There is absolutely no justification to give 12 months to ECOMIG and then transform it into a police mission. This will only serve to delay and derail SSR, undermine good governance and bring unforeseen costs and consequences on the country in the medium to long term.

For The Gambia Our Homeland

What made sense in 2017 is beginning to be abused, and put the Gambia’s sovereignty and pride into question. The idea of the ECOMIG forces transitioning to a police force is very stupid, and frankly, even the politics of it is odious. In the early sixties, under the British empire, The Gambia was not seen in a position to function as a viable independent entity, thus tag as the improbable nation. Even though it has been a difficult journey but we held our own and proudly became the Republic of The Gambia

Back in 2017, the ECOMIG forces roaring into the Gambia was well received and seen as the only solution to see the wishes of the Gambian people respected. The majority of the Gambian people lost faith in the security apparatus of the Gambia, and frankly, the forces were also totally out of their element. Transitioning from a twenty-year rule under a dictatorship where command and control were under the tutelage from one person morphing into a fragile democracy trying to find its footing, ECOMIG forces made lots of sense. Four years later, our democracy is evolving and the promise of Gambia can be seen on the horizon, only if we have faith in ourselves.

The Gambia has never been like a Somalia, nowhere close to Iraq’s situation back in the early two thousand, or Afghanistan of today. Now is the time to wean ourselves from external forces, complete the security reform exercise and take the future of our country into our own hands. The future of a peaceful and stable Gambia ultimately is in our hands, and political jettisoning only undermines our trust in our security and police forces that for the past twenty years underwent the same sort of abuse and negligence.

MUSA JENG
FTPBTP

Ecowas troops who entered the country four years ago had one clear task: to sack Jammeh and help the nation stabilise. The stabilisation part entailed reforming the country’s security institutions. The army. The police. And the NIA. And even others.

But after four years, only a brave man will say that programme has thrived. Not much has been achieved really. President Barrow himself will confirm this. That’s why he wants ECOMIG to stay.

But while Gambians are inclined to denounce ECOWAS and its new decision to keep soldiers here till the end of 2021 and beyond, it’s our security who should feel ashamed of themselves.

They created our current predicament. Their lack of love for country is what has now made our nation look like a failed state in the eyes of others.

If only our men and women in uniform saw country and not Yahya Jammeh, there would not have been an ECOMIG. Never mind transforming it into a police mission. They would therefore be last to ever complain.

As the security sector reform staggers, President Barrow can only turn to ECOWAS for help. But doing so repeatedly only points to our failure as a nation. Sadly.

Yesterday, Saturday January 23 the heads of state of ECOWAS held their 58th ordinary session via videoconference and chaired by the President of Ghana.

In the communique issued after the summit, the West African leaders have decided to extend the presence of ECOMIG in The Gambia for another 12 months, that is from January to December 2021. Secondly they said they want to transform ECOMIG into a police mission!

I hereby state my total and complete opposition to this decision by ECOWAS. I hereby condemn Pres. Adama Barrow for agreeing to such a terrible decision that undermines national security and national unity.

The Gambia has a national police already and they are enough to ensure law and order. All they need is the right support from the President with effective leadership from the IGP and the Minister of Interior.

The decision to keep ECOMIG in The Gambia as either a military or police mission must have National Assembly approval first. Hence I demand the National Assembly to stand up to defend the sovereignty of The Gambia and ensure good governance by rejecting the ECOWAS decision and order The Gambia Government to remove ECOMIG altogether out of The Gambia.

The Gambia is not at war. The Gambia is not a post conflict country. Much as we highly appreciated ECOWAS’s intervention in ousting the Tyrant, this country does not need any foreign force anymore.

The continued presence of ECOMIG has caused the slow progress of security sector reforms which is no fault of ECOMIG. Rather it is the fault of the political and security leaders who are the only people benefiting from ECOMIG presence to the detriment of the country.

Now find in these two following paragraphs the exact decision by ECOWAS about ECOMIG:

30. The Authority congratulates the President of the Commission for the implementation of the Decision of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, taken at its 57th Ordinary Session held on 7 September 2020 in Niamey, Republic of Niger, to transform ECOMIG into a Police Mission.

31. The Authority decides to extend the mandate of ECOMIG for a period of twelve (12) months from 1 January 2021 and transform it into a Police Mission after December 2021 elections. It expresses its gratitude to Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal and Togo for agreeing to contribute Constituted Police Units to ECOMIG, and the European Union for its financial and technical support.

ECOWAS leaders also talked about the constitution building process and its unfortunate what they reported!

No to ECOMIG! Thank you ECOMIG.

For The Gambia ?? Our Homeland

By Musa Touray

AU member states will converge on February 6 to elect a new deputy chairperson for the AU commission headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The plebiscite will be pitting The Gambia’s former vice president Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang with five other challengers. All five come with vast CVs but none can match that of Jallow Tambajang.

“I have an edge over the other candidates,” Jallow Tambajang tells The Fatu Network.

And she’s right. Jallow Tambajang’s leadership competence has seen her climb up to the role of vice president of a country, running the affairs of a whole nation when the president is not around. That’s no small feat. None of the other candidates have ever reached that level.

The AU commission will be richer for the arrival of Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang. And member states must know this.