Press Statement from Democratic Union of Gambian Activists (DUGA)

The Democratic Union of Gambian Activists-DUGA condemns, in the strongest terms, the suspension of Home Digital FM and King FM Radio Stations and the arrest and detention of proprietor Pa Modou Bojang and manager Gibbi Jallow, respectively. We demand for their unconditional release with any other detained journalists and all confiscated materials returned to the journalists. The media plays a pivotal role towards the development of society and any attempt by security forces to attack and/or intimidate members of the fourth estate is reprehensible and unacceptable.
Additionally, we express concern over the arrest and detention of over 130 protesters from Operation 3 Years Jotna Movement during their march on January 26th, 2020. The right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in our national Constitution and therefore, citizens must not be denied this inalienable right to exercise their civic duty. We hereby remind the Barrow Government of its Constitutional obligation on the protection of civilians’ life and property. We also call on our leaders and authorities to publicly condemn this act of violence and demand that an immediate investigation be launched to determine reasons for the violence, arrests, detentions, and closures of both media houses.
DUGA is also troubled by the extrajudicial banning of Operation 3 Years Jotna. It is our fervent belief that it is not only enough to ban any group on a mere pronouncement, that all such moves must be done in accordance with the Constitution.

Finally, as a result of the security personnel from the Gambia Police Department’s paramilitary unit’s heavy-handed approach to the protesters and the media, we urge the government to perform a comprehensive security review and reform that will mitigate such instances from reoccurring, at the same time preserving the democratic rights of Gambians. The concerns of the citizens especially the civil society organizations such as Operation 3 Years Jotna must be heard and addressed.

I salute you Sheriff Fadel, my good friend!

But how do I greet you in a fitting manner given the the occasion that occasions this epistle?

The celebration of the birth of our noble prophet, Muhammad (Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam), kicked off a couple of weeks ago, and as you know, the gamo season would continue till the next birthday of the Noble Messenger (Peace be on him). Barely a week ago, one such majorgamo was held in your home town, Brikama; so do not consider this epistle late for the season continues about the real man of all seasons, the one who is sent to all for all times. Indeed the elders of the Bulundaa of Brikama will continue this tradition with zest.

In the spirit of this timeless season, then, shall I not breath some inspiration from the elders of the central mosque of Brikama? Verily, I must borrow the golden voice of the late Imam Karamo Touray of (blessed memory) And  sing the the solemn song with which they would raise the white flag in what we call ‘joonyi dengo’ at the mosque in commemoration of the birth of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam). Let me sing with joy “A-salaatu; wa salaamu alaika yaa Rasoolullaah!’

Sheriff, it is surely gratifying that after decades of a coordinated onslaught on the celebration of our beloved Prophet’s birthday, our people are still persistent in this practice for the sheer love of the best of creation. Indeed our Prophet is Arab but I believe that no race loves him more than our African brothers and sisters, south of the Sahara. And is this not proof of the universality of his blessed message, Islam?

It is sad to note that those who keep bashing the culture and practice of celebrating the ‘Mawlid Nabi’ are mostly trained and funded by a moneyed entity that is itself steeped in the celebration of a flawed mortal being and his conquests.

Indeed Islam is a very vast and internally diverse religion and we need to study this tradition with some seriousness and dedication rather than leaving this golden heritage to be hackneyed by the dogmatic rhetoric of a geopolitical entity that is less than 200 years old. We are Muslims and the Holy Kaaba is our center in the Holy city of Mecca but we are not, and shall never be, vassal entities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and her overlords. How is it possible that a religion that is more 1400 years old, can be defined by the dogma of an alloyed system less than 200 years old?

My good friend, let us thrive on inspired scholarship and enlightened tolerance as we try to practice the religion of the most tolerant of all human beings, the one Allah has given the titles “Ra’oofun-Raheem” (tolerant and merciful), Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi was sallam.)

Sheriff, with the spirit of the Mawlid, shall I not then share with you some golden nuggets of prayers upon our beloved prophet (Sallaaluahu alaihi was sallam), as complied in the sacred scroll “Dalailul Khairat” by Sheikh al Jazuli; in celebration of this year’s Mawlid Nabi, here’s to the one Almighty God described as “but a mercy to the worlds” [al-Anbiyâ’ (21): 107], and “upon an exalted [standard] of character” [al-Qalam (68): 4] :

O Allah, bless the One for whom a palm trunk wept and sighed at its

separation from him.

O Allah, bless the One whose mediation was sought by the birds of

the desert.

O Allah, bless the One who held stones in his hand which glorified

Allah.

O Allah, bless the One whose intercession was sought by the gazelles

and whose request was made in human speech.

O Allah, bless the One to whom a lizard spoke at an open gathering

of the most learned Companions.

O Allah, bless the Bearer of glad tidings and the Warner.

O Allah, bless the Brilliant Lamp.

O Allah, bless the One to whom a camel made its complaint.

O Allah, bless the One for whom sparkling water burst forth from his

fingertips for his Companions.

Amen!

In parting, Sheikh Fadel, shall I not remind you (and myself) about the one Quranic verse in which Allah (Subhaanahu wa ta’aalaa) gives us instruction to perform an act that He Himself performs? Inshaa Allah, we shall never relent, in our devotions, to act on this:

Surely Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet; O you who believe! call for (Divine) blessings on him and salute him with a (becoming) salutation.(Surah Ahzab, 56).

God bless you my good friend.

Yours Faithfully,

Momodou Sabally

The Gambia’s Pen

By Sheriff Kora and Sulayman Njie

01/19/2020

To begin, centralization and rural decline in the Gambia has led to high rates of urban and peri-urban migration. Due to poverty, weak agriculture, unemployment, and underemployment, many rural youths and farmers sell their land and migrate to the urban and peri-urban areas in search of jobs. The rapid growth of these urban and peri-urban areas brought about a lot of environmental, economic and social pressures. The urban and peri-urban areas today are dealing with a lot of problems that include overcrowding, high unemployment, underemployment, crime, packed public transportation, traffic jams, and air pollution, just to name a few.

Essentially, most observers and analysts would contend that urban Gambia is changing at a rapid rate. Since the dawn of the 21st century, The Gambia has witnessed a plethora of trends, shifts, changes and developments. However, one of the biggest changes our country has witnessed is, for lack of a better word, the rapid erosion of the compound model — which used to be a buffer for many folks in the urban areas. This model used to be a safety net for many family members who were not financially stable. This model also provided many assurances including, but not limited to, food, shelter, and childcare. The erosion of this very necessary and quintessential Gambian institutions — one could argue — portend many problems, to wit, homelessness and food insecurity.

Moreover, spatial inequality is also another contending problem in urban Gambia. The poor make up the majority of the urban and peri-urban population. Many live in modest dwellings that lack electricity, water, and proper sanitation. Some in the urban and peri-urban areas are forced into deeper poverty by selling their lands and properties to meet the rising cost of living.

As The Gambia becomes more urbanized, it is also experiencing an increase in its young population — a demographic shift that may change the dynamics of migration, in the country. With the current state of our economy, the pressure for rural people to migrate to the urban and peri-urban areas will heighten.

Today, the younger generation that is between the ages of 15 and 30 is struggling in an environment in which job creation has not kept up with population growth. Many among the Gambian youth are deprived of the economic opportunities and independence once enjoyed by their parents. The alarming rate of high unemployment, underemployment, and social stigma has left many young Gambians in a state of disillusionment and fatalism. In addition, in a country where 22% of GDP is based on remittances, it is not hard to see why the “Babylon Syndrome” is evermore etched in the consciousness of its youthful population; thus, propelling the avalanche exodus of our youth to Europe via the “backway”.

As a result, one could argue that given all the aforesaid problems, migration to Europe, for many of our youth, becomes a necessity not a choice. And, with all of these challenges, why does the youth have to stay in a country (i) where there is no upward mobility and (ii) where the economic ambiance is static in a decadence of an antiquated era? If you were in the shoes of these urban and peri-urban youths — wouldn’t you consider taking the “backway” in hopes of getting yourself and your family out of this cumbersome cycle of poverty, disillusionment, and fatalism?

Finally, rapid urbanization and high economic growth are likely to heighten economic inequality. It’s important for governments to introduce sound social and economic policies to mitigate negative effects. To that end, are the national and local governments making any forecasting, projections, or conjuring any ideas on how such changes are going to affect the citizenry? How is this going to affect the societal and communal structures that have held our communities together since time immemorial? Is The Gambia ready to deal with homelessness and food pantries? What does all of these foretell? The answer to these questions are beyond the scope of this article, however, if our country is to achieve sustainable development and inclusive growth, it’s important for the government to refocus its attention towards creating sound policies and development strategies to address these complex problems.

By Capt. Ebou Jallo

21 January, 2020

Bullshitting is fashionable in the Gambia today: Stockholm Syndrome, Cognitive dissonance, “Vampire state”, “Symbo-cracy” and a host of neologisms, theatrical expressions and a deus ex machina professor from nowhere making much noise signifying zilch, nada and nix.  Yes, the TRRC does need a “comprehensive conceptual framework”, another fancy phrase for saying that the knuckleheads at the TRRC need a new thinking cap.  Apparently, they have been wayward and lost their souls staring at the dark 22 years of Babili’s chronological abyss of excesses.  Behold! Nietzsche said that those who fight monsters should be careful less they become a monster themselves. And if you stare at the abyss long enough the abyss will also stare back at you. I beg your pardon Mr. Elliot, please ‘borrow’ me some of your poesy just for 90 seconds:

January is the cruellest month, breeding

Lies out of the dead land, mixing

Memory and desire, stirring

Dull roots with cold rain…

A brew of “historical and comparative analysis” and an explosive concoction of disciplines from gender studies to critical theory shall do the trick for us the hapless yokels who don’t have player hating degrees attached to our names.  When shall we the subalterns ever speak for ourselves?  The display of reconstructing and re-litigating reality by the indefatigable professor is nothing but an exercise in epistemic violence in order to usurp an illegitimate power of restructuring Gambia society.  The process of transition itself determines the choice of information utilized as feedback.  If you choose subterfuge and highfalutin then the results of your transitional justice agenda shall be more injustice and authoritarianism in deep disguise. According to the professor’s epistemology “we construct our world, there is no ‘reality’ out there.  Reality is always mediated by our ideas and interests. Therefore, when these ideas change then the world changes”.  These are the professor’s exact words.  According him Yaya Jammeh is a “classical realist”, read Machiavelli, may be some Marx.  The professor further claimed that Jammeh was born in the rural areas, raised in the urban areas, had both Muslim and Christian upbringing and interestingly Yaya Jammeh was your quintessential “Gambian, and not different from any one of us”.  All these formed his “operational code” and the good doctor’s final diagnosis is that Babili was suffering from some “cognitive dissonance” and that he was a monster!

Now Yaya Jammeh is no different from any other Gambian including the good doctor himself who has an interesting background: born in rural Gambia, raised in the urban areas, became a school teacher, later migrated to the West and married a Western woman, no different from Yaya but he sees “cognitive dissonance” in him perhaps because of his “operational code”.

Apart from the obvious factual details derived from past TRRC testimonies and some known public revelations at the online radios during the Struggle, everything else that the good doctor opined about Jammeh, the AFPRC and the Gambian security structure are absolute rubbish on stilts, and I am being very polite and charitable here. Yaya Jammeh who spent most of his professional career with the Gendarmerie before joining the army has a rich and sophisticated mental framework that is evidently more dialectical than anything else remotely close to cognitive dissonance. Pathologizing his cognitive abilities is just another dishonest attempt at erasure and appellation- real vampire intellectualism at best.  The good doctor is obviously no good psychiatrist nor psychoanalyst. The Stockholm syndrome anecdote is also inadequate because the condition proper applies to hostages not political prisoners.  There were some really lousy mental health workers at the TRRC these past two days.

Yes doctor, there is too much “masla” in our society and we shall begin challenging each other beginning with your highly biased, half-truthful, and sometimes-modest-sometimes-egregious testimony. I have to admit, I adore your feigned humility.  It shall get you far within the Gambian community of low expectations; and it has also gained you a huge fan club of ditto-heads including the likes of Commissioner Kinteh, may the Lord have mercy on the Gambia.  The Gambia National Army was not dysfunctional in 1994 but the national civilian leadership was.  Jammeh never read Machiavelli, he barely knows anything about Marx and no, he never looked up to Rawlings- I know how he felt about him because unlike yourself I was present front and center.  Seriously brother professor you were wrong through and through with a lot of your theories about Jammeh, the AFPRC and the Gambia Army.  Your appearance before the TRRC is a mis-opportunity honestly.  Doc, we do also notice your subliminal attacks on our Islamic traditions, the Imam Ratib, and many others you deem deplorable.  You really do have some chutzpah my brother.  Imagine yourself appearing before the US congress babbling your amateurish psychoanalysis, and masturbating on your sophomoric theories… you shall never see a classroom again in the US.  It is really sad that you are offered a national platform to ramble irresponsibly without consequences in the Gambia.

Ministry of Justice, Press Release

Every human being who leaves home for even a few days indeed does get homesick and miss family. That is normal for any normal human being even Yaya Jammeh. Hence the infantile conversation between Yaya Jammeh and his stooges at home is not about him being homesick. That is not the issue.

The issue is that this unintelligible and self-conceited conversation exposes once again the mind of a dictator. The mind of a dictator is one steeped on delusion, false sense of invincibility, self-righteousness and deception. What Yaya Jammeh said in that conversation is nothing new and different from what he has been saying over the 22 years of his misrule: bunch of lies, hypocrisy, violence and dishonesty.

If Hitler is to speak today, he will speak of how great he was for Germany. If Saddam Hussain is to speak today, he will beat his chest that he developed Iraq. If you interview Pol Pot today, he will celebrate his tyranny as the best rule for Cambodia. It will be same narrative if you talk to Campoare of Burkina Faso or Mobutu of Zaire (now DRCongo), etc. They are all mad men! Yet they all have supporters in their countries until today just like we have APRC today!

In the first place it must be clear to all that Yaya Jammeh does not believe in Allah which is his right anyway. But knowing that he was engaged in serious anti-Islamic activities such as mobilizing half-naked women to wrestle and dance before him it begs the question why is he pretending to be an imam today? Apart from his acts of sexual harassment of girls and women, Yaya Jammeh was a champion of profanity. I am sure Gambians including his APRC folks cannot forget how Yaya Jammeh would tell our women that they could bleach all of their body except the ‘front part’. Which Allah-fearing and self-respecting and decent leader would tell such things to his people?

Both the Janneh Commission and the TRRC have exposed in no uncertain terms that Yaya Jammeh was the personification of corruption and violence. Corruption and torture are not Islamic at all. Hence when Yaya Jammeh talks about Allah it only exposes his level of delusion and dishonesty. Who dare deny the existence of Junglers or the transfers of millions of dalasi from Central Bank? How could such a group exist or such transactions take place without the expressed consent of the head of state?

The so-called agreement he laments about is also another indication of the delusion of Yaya Jammeh. Either out of ignorance or dishonesty or both, Yaya Jammeh should have known that the 21^st January 2017 agreement between the UN, AU and ECOWAS was only a DECLARATION between only these three organizations. It was a commitment among themselves to support the Gambia and not any agreement that has any force of law on anyone including those three entities. A declaration in international relations is only an expression of intent for which parties to that declaration rely on goodwill and good faith to fulfill the declaration. Period.

To make the point that Gambians are in a more dire situation today because of his absence is the height of foolhardiness. If the call that Yaya Jammeh made to his stooges was rather made by any political leader during his time, there was no doubt that his Junglers would have arrested those who received that call. Therefore, the fact that Yaya Jammeh could be calling Rambo, Fabakary and Yankuba Colley yet there has not been any arrest indicates that the Gambia is far better today than when he was in power.

Yes, I dare say majority of Gambians are disillusioned by the equally poor and corrupt leadership of Adama Barrow which is why Yaya Jammeh and APRC could even have the audacity to shout and jump however no sensible Gambian misses Yaya Jammeh and his APRC regime. Therefore, to engage in lies that even Senegalese were coming for healthcare in the Gambia is nothing other than delusion. Yaya Jammeh knows that his own family did not seek medical attention in public health facilities nor does his children go to public schools in the Gambia which was a clear indication of the poverty of services under his watch!

What this conversation therefore should tell Gambians is that Yaya Jammeh is still the remorseless, indecent, uncivilized and dishonest man who cares less about the Gambia. Today he is encouraging his stooges to demonstrate but Yaya Jammeh knows that under his watch he never allowed anyone to demonstrate against him unless one wishes to die. But today he talks about protest as a right. What a hypocrite! If anything Yaya Jammeh once again confirms that he is prepared to sacrifice the Gambia just to protect his selfish interests!

In all of his conversation he never talks about the Janneh Commission or the TRRC. He has never mentioned his victims because he lacks the courage and honesty to take responsibility for his actions. This is why he will never accept or deny anything nor will he ever apologize because he does not fear Allah and lacks courage. If indeed Yaya Jammeh is brave as he claims let him come before the TRRC to testify. Let him go to Ghana to respond to the 44 Ghanaians his henchmen butchered in 2005. Let him demonstrate that he does not only speak about Allah but he believes in Allah in practice.

APRC and all Gambians must understand that Yaya Jammeh stands to be prosecuted if he steps his dirty feet in the Gambia. Hence I urge the Gambia Government to let Yaya Jammeh return home even though the Government is not the one refusing him to return. Yaya Jammeh has a right to return anytime, death or alive. He and his APRC stooges may be thinking that he cannot return because Yaya Jammeh had exiled and refused uncountable Gambians to return home even when they died! No, Yaya Jammeh has a right to return home and no one has authority to stop that.

Therefore, if Yaya Jammeh and APRC are brave enough let them kindly and quickly bring back Yaya Jammeh. I have no doubts that the Government of Adama Barrow will not fail the nation this time by refusing to arrest and prosecute Yaya which will be in line with international law and international human rights law. Accountability is an indispensable element in governance and development. Accountability is the heart of the human rights and justice delivery system. Hence Yaya Jammeh will face accountability anytime he steps on the soil of the Gambia!

For The Gambia Our Mama Land!

…………………………………………….

Madi Jobarteh

Skype: madi.jobarteh

Twitter: @jobartehmadi

LinkedIn: Madi Jobarteh

Phone: +220 9995093