Halifa writes to Jammeh

The desire to walk the extra mile in pursuit of the truth, as dictated by justice, wisdom, good faith and the public interest has compelled me to address this memorandum to you so as to seek further clarification regarding the content and ramification of the presumed “Government policy on the screening of witches”.

Attached under the copy of this memorandum is a copy of the charges proffered against me for your perusal. The thread which runs through all the counts is the presumption that there is a “Lawful Government policy on the screening of witches”.

It stands to reason that if I had any prior knowledge and reliable evidence that the abduction of elderly men and women in particular and other persons of different age groups from their homes and their transportation and imprisonment in residents away from their homes is a by product of the execution of an official government policy, there would not have been any need for me to waste time, energy and resources in calling state representatives to try to find out the role of the government in the perpetuation of the exercise. My task to identify who was behind the screening exercise and facilitate redress would have been less cumbersome and much lighter.

In short, instead of visiting the victims to ascertain or validate reports of atrocities perpetrated against them with the view to convey my findings to you to find out the position of your government and call upon your government to grant them protection, I would have enlightened the victims of their Constitutional right to petition the Executive for the redress of grievances and to resort to the Courts for the protection of their rights as engraved in section 25 subsection 1(f) of the Constitution.

Furthermore I have the right to move freely throughout the Gambia and receive and give information. In accordance with section 25 subsection 1 (a) and subsection 2 of the Constitution. As an opposition Leader I could have politicised the issue by opening up a nationwide debate on the policy with the view to promote an alternative policy which could win public approval and thus try to win voters to my side of the political spectrum.

This is perfectly in line with section 103 of the Elections Laws of the country which states that “Political parties may be established to participate in the shaping of the political will of the people, to disseminate information of political ideas and/or political, economic and social programmes of a national character and to sponsor candidates for public elections.”

It is therefore abundantly clear that I have every right and duty to formulate and disseminate alternative policies and to conduct a campaign to convince the masses to elect me to implement the alternative policies. As a seasoned political figure who has been the minority leader in the national assembly from 2002-2007 and a founding member of the Pan African Parliament, I know very well how to criticise existing government policies and formulate alternative policies.

In short, debate on public policy is not an exclusive domain for the executive or political representatives alone. It is a domain for each sovereign Gambian. The Constitution states that “Every citizen of the Gambia of full age and capacity shall have the right, without unreasonable restrictions -“(a) to take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives.”

Suffice it to say, Government policy is a public matter and everyone has the right to comment on its merits or shortcomings and call for its implementation or abrogation. A policy may be consistent with or averse to public decency, public morality, public interest or the public good. This is why freedom of expression should not be hindered to facilitate dialogue to establish what is good and bad policy.

One may now wonder what motivated me to meet the victims of abduction. In my view, the cornerstone of our rights to self determination and Independence is the sovereignty of the people. To attain and conserve the sovereignty of our people is the fundamental objectives of our struggle against colonial domination. This is why the Republican Constitution asserts that sovereignty resides in the people.

Throughout my life as a public servant and private citizen I have worked to ensure that each Gambian, African and Human being is conscious of what it means to be a sovereign person. It is incontrovertible that the sovereignty of the individual person is inviolable. Once this sovereignty is negated one becomes a beast of burden or slave without any rights.

A person whose sovereignty has been negated cannot safeguard the privacy of his or her home from interference. Such a person may be abducted, transported and detained against his/her will without the protection of law. A person whose sovereignty has been abrogated would be at the mercy of his/her abductors and could be forced to eat, drink and sleep as the abductors wish and may be subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment after being deprived of family, community and legal protection. Such a person may be branded, stigmatized and maimed with impunity.

Hence, it has become abundantly clear to me that the sovereignty of the person is indefensible without safeguarding the equality of all persons before the law and ensuring equal protection of all persons under the law.

Hence, when it came to my notice that Jonyi Sonko of Essau had been abducted against her will and transported from Essau to Kololi and was detained in a place commonly referred to as Baba Jobe’s compound, I had to call the Vice President to convey the reports regarding the abduction of men and women from Essau and requested for the information to be transmitted to the President I had expected that the executive will investigate the matter and put all violation of rights to a stop.

When the problem persisted I decided to see many religious leaders of all faiths to inform them of the violations of the rights of very vulnerable victims. As the report persisted I saw the need to come into direct contact with the victims so that I could be doubly sure that the information I intended to transmit to the authorities was the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

I had to validate the reports because of my disbelief that the life of a sovereign Gambian in the 21st century could be more insecure than the life of a ruminant. In short, when a person enters a compound and tries to take a cock or goat, the owner could easily call on the support of the neighbours and police to effect arrest.

According to the information I received, abductors could majestically walk into any compound, enter any bed room, abduct any body’s grandfather or grandmother, mother or father, wife or husband, sister or brother and uncle or aunt and take him or her away without the power to appeal for the protection of family members, community and the law enforcement agents. Even a slave or animal has more rights than the person who is deprived of any protection of the privacy of his/her home or his/her freedom of movement and liberty. I placed myself in the position of the abductees and my conscience could not be free until I did something to end their plight.

This anguish of an elderly man and woman in captivity, being forced to drink hallucinogenic concoctions and is asked to undress to be washed by young people who could be his or her children or grand children and finally forced to sleep on the bare floor after suffering from a state of delirium, tormented my very being. To ignore the traumatic experiences would have made me a prisoner of my own conscience.

My primary task was to find out whether the actions were state sponsored since the acts were perpetrated under the gaze of security personnel. This is precisely why I deemed it necessary to gather concrete evidence for onward transmission to the highest office of the land as proof that the fundamental rights of our sovereign people are being negated.

It goes without saying that, I had the intention to convey to you that governance in a sovereign Republic is a contract between the public trustees and the public; that the terms of the contract are clearly stipulated in the supreme law of our land, the Constitution of the Republic.

I would have reminded you that section 61 of the Constitution states without any ambiguity or equivocation that “the President shall uphold and defend this Constitution as the supreme law of the Gambia”. It was my intention before my arrest to forward a memorandum to you to alert your mind to section 17(d) of the Constitution which states that:

“The fundamental human rights and freedom enshrined in this chapter shall be respected and upheld by all organs of the Executive and its agencies, the Legislature and, where applicable to them, by all natural and legal persons in The Gambia and shall be enforceable by the courts in accordance with this Constitution”.
I intended to convey to you that the people have the right to protection of their person liberty and security under section 19 of the Constitution.

I would have conveyed that even though section 19 states that no one should be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention, elderly men and women; wives and husbands; brothers and sisters; sons and daughters; friends and loved ones were being abducted from their homes by strangers and taken to destinations unknown to them and detained for days against their will.

I would have pointed out that even though section 23 of the Constitution forbids anyone from interfering with the privacy of a person’s home strangers have gone into the bed rooms of sovereign citizens who have not violated any law and have forced them to go along with them into waiting buses. I would have added that freedom goes with the will power to do what is not against the law, public morality and decency. Hence any abduction of the person constitutes a negation of his or her free will and equates the person to a person held in slavery or servitude. This negates section 33 (1) of the Constitution which states that, “all persons shall be equal before the law.”

I would have questioned why one person in a home who has children and relatives is subjected to restrictions and castigations which others are not subjected to in a country whose Constitution says in section 33 that “No law shall make any provision which is discriminatory either of itself or in its effect” and that “no person shall be treated in a discriminatory manner by any person acting by virtue of any law or in performance of the functions of any public office or any public authority”

I would have pointed out that the physical and psychological torment the abductees went through after being put in a state of delirium and further subjected to detention without adequate food, the refusal for them to go to a toilet to urinate or defecate and their banishment to sleep on bare tiles on the floor of their detention centre amount to torture or inhuman or degrading punishment or treatment, which is forbidden by section 21 of the Constitution.

I can now say with utmost sincerity that this matter went beyond partisan, tribal, gender or other parochial considerations. It was a matter of social justice period. My objective for gathering concrete information was to draw the attention of the executive to what I considered to be an aberration which needed to be halted before it was too late. I had to play my role as a public figure who has the conviction that injustice anywhere should be the concern of the public every where.

This is why I said after my arrest that I prefer to be the prisoner of a state instead of becoming the prisoner of my own conscience, that if my suffering could lead to an end to the suffering of others I was fully prepared to be the sacrificial lamb. This is how matters stood.

At no time prior to my arrest did I harbour any intention to do what was not in line with truth, good faith, justice and the public interest. This is precisely the reason why I met many civic, religious and opinion leaders to explain all the actions which constituted an affront to public morality, public decency and justice and leave them to act in accordance with the dictates of their convictions and consciences.

To conclude I must reiterate again that I am not aware of any law on policy on the screening of witches in The Gambia. I was informed of actions which constituted gross violation of the rights of some of our sovereign people and I had to play my part to the best of my ability in accordance with the dictates of time and circumstances, to seek redress. Section 220 makes it obligatory for each sovereign Gambian to foster national unity and live harmoniously with others.

The actions were tearing our communities apart. Section 220 requires each sovereign Gambian to promote the prestige and good reputation of the country. The reports of people becoming internally displaced persons and refugees in peace time could only undermine the prestige and reputation of the country. Section 220 makes it a duty for each citizen to defend and uphold the Constitution.

We are not duty bound to uphold and defend a political party. It is the duty of each party whether in government or not, to build its own prestige and good reputation by defending the rights and promoting the prosperity and general welfare of the people. If any party in government fails to do so the people reserve the right to vote it out of office. This is why section 100 of the Constitution makes it an entrenched provision that “The National Assembly shall not pass a bill to establish a one party state”. A multi party system calls for a country where many policies contend for approval. No single voice will be allowed to dominate.

The Constitution buttressed our duty to defend the constitution in section 2 which states that “All citizens of the Gambia have the right and the duty at all times to defend this Constitution and in particular, to resist, to the extent reasonably justifiable in the circumstances, any person or group of persons seeking or attempting by any violent or unlawful means to suspend, overthrow or abrogate this Constitution or any part of it”.

Section (3) of the same section adds, “a person who resists the suspension, overthrow or abrogation of this constitution as provided in subsection (2) commits no offence”.
My mission was that of promoting social justice. It was designed to alert the minds of those who have sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution to govern by the dictates of their oath of office and save the sovereign citizens of the country from abduction, arbitrary detention and subjection to degrading treatment. I hope the abduction has come to an end I am still monitoring the situation.

I will now wait to receive a copy of the policy on the screening of witches so that it will be subjected to National debate if it does exist. History will record the debate and the actions perpetrated against some of our sovereign citizens. It will pass judgment on our conduct.

On my part, I have said that as a Pan Africanist who has heeded Lumumba’s call for my generation to uphold and defend the sovereignty of the African people, I would prefer to lie six feet deep in my grave or be incarcerated in a dungeon somewhere, for eternity, rather than to have it recorded in the history of the Gambia that while our people were being abducted and subjected to degrading treatment I just sat and watched and said or did nothing. I will never leave such a history behind for the future generation to read.

Yours in the Service of Humanity

……………………
Halifa Sallah

Cc: The Chief Justice
The Director of Public Prosecution
The Secretary Of State for Interior

Gambian gets life sentence in UK

A Gambian national was Thursday sentenced to life in prison by a British court after been found guilty of murder.

Juvinal Ferreira was found guilty by Norwich Crown Court for killing a British woman, Elaine Walpole in Dereham, Norfolk, last April.

Ms Walpole's body was found in a house in Dreibholz Court in Dereham. The post-mortem revealed three stab wounds to her head and neck and more fifty other injuries including a bite mark to her face.

Forensic examinations of samples taken from her body identified the defendant who was arrested in May in Hertfordshire.

At the time of his arrest on suspicion of murder, Mr Ferreira told police he was 16 years old. Police doubted his claim and embarked on a 10-month inquiry - using bone specialists and records found in Africa - to prove he was an adult.

Their research allowed the courts to treat Ferreira as an adult and not a juvenile.

In sentencing Mr Ferreira, the presiding judge handed down a life sentence, saying he should serve at least 22 years before being considered for parole. A juvenile would been handed a much shorter sentence.

Speaking to reporters after the judgement was delivered, a police spokesman, Detective Inspector Jes Fry said detectives were sure Ferreira was older than 16 as soon as they arrested him. He added that the police could not prove their suspicions because Mr Ferreira had no birth certificate, driving licence or other paperwork containing his date of birth.

"We were forced to trace Ferreira's history in Africa - and gather records available in Gambia - then compare that data to forensic tests on the age of his bones. He gave us his name and said he was from Gambia - which was true. He also said was 16 - which wasn't. We would have said he was in his early 20s. The problem was that he had none of the usual paperwork. So we made inquiries in Gambia through the Foreign Office and traced identification documents and school records.

"X-rays were then taken of his wrists, clavicles and lower jaw and these were examined by forensic odontologists and forensic anthropologists. When we compared the forensic evidence to the records we traced in Gambia we were able to show that he must be at least 20 and therefore an adult - and his lawyers accepted our findings.

"We don't know his exact age but that doesn't matter. We established that he was at least 20 and therefore the court could treat him as an adult. A juvenile would have had to have a much shorter sentence," the spokesman said.

Inspector Jes revealed that Mr Ferreira have shown no remorse for his actions.

Head of Protective Services, Detective Chief Superintendent Julian Blazeby said: “This was a challenging investigation, where the team of officers involved demonstrated professionalism in bringing a successful conclusion.

“This was a very unusual case that required the use of innovation and forensic specialists to prove the defendant's age and highlights the determination of our investigative team.”

More troubles for jailed David Fulton

The Point, Banjul: David Fulton, a British national who is currently serving a one year jail term for seditious publication, is convicted for another offence of forgery.

David Fulton Wednesday pleaded guilty to the charge of forgery before Magistrate Lamin George of the Banjul Magistrates’ Court, and was subsequently convicted and sentenced to three years mandatory jail term.

According to the first Count, some time in the year 2007 and 2008 in the city of Banjul and diverse places in The Gambia, David Fulton, forged a Technical Assistance number plate No: GSC 1TA which he affixed to his vehicle. Prosecuting Officer, Sgt Fatty, asserted that such number plates, red in colour, are normally issued for vehicles of persons under Technical Assistance in the Gambia. He said that there was no record at the Department of State for Foreign Affairs to show that Mr Fulton had been in The Gambia under some technical assistance programme. He stated also that records at the police licensing office indicate that the said vehicle was not registered as a Technical Assistance vehicle. He asserted that Mr Fulton made the number plate and the registration number on his own.

Sgt Fatty further informed the Court that upon the completion of investigations the Accused was subsequently collected from Mile 2, cautioned and charged with the offence committed. The Accused, Mr Fulton, having admitted the facts as narrated by the police prosecutor, was subsequently convicted and sentenced accordingly.

The case was adjourned to 7th April 2009 for consideration of the second Count.

Under Count two, the Accused, David Fulton, some time in the year 2007 and 2008 in the city of Banjul and diverse places in The Gambia, falsely represented himself as a military officer by wearing a military uniform and thereby committed an offence. He has denied the charge.

Praising Halifa Sallah

Halifa Sallah may have gone through some inconveniences and hardships while been remanded at the Mile Two Prisons, but the NADD flag bearer has again emerged victorious in his fight for the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in the country.

By PK Jarju

Mr Sallah was kept away from his loved ones and friends not because he committed a crime or posed a threat to the peace and stability of the Gambia, but because he chose to challenged the state sponsored witch hunting exercise, which was not only against the constitution and other laws of the Gambia, but a violation of the rights and freedoms of the Gambian people.

Halifa's duty to the public and his belief in morality of the essential rightness of the cause for which he stood for, has compelled him to offer himself as a 'sacrificial lamb to ensure the liberty and dignity of the Gambian people'.

As he stated in a recent interview with Foroyaa: "My arrest, detention and release is not about me. It is about the sovereignty and welfare of the people which is the cornerstone of our right to self determination and independence."

Halifa was as strong as ever when he was arrested. And instead of calling on his angry supporters to take to the street when he was unable to meet his bail conditions, he asked them to return home and not be despaired.

Halifa knew that he was not a criminal and remanding him at the Mile Two Prisons only exposed the Jammeh regime's desire to keep the Gambian people silence while it does anything it wants without giving a monkey to the laws of the country. The longer he remained banged up and denied access to visitors, the more respect he got from the Gambian people many of whom have previously supported Jammeh.

President Jammeh may try to fool the Gambian people yet again, by saying that the charges against Halifa were dropped in the interest of peace. We all know that the charges were only dropped as a damage limitation on Jammeh's battered imaged.

Since Halifa's arrest, newspapers in many countries both in Africa, UK, America, Asia, China and even far away Australia developed interest in the state sponsored witch hunting and have ran stories about the arrest and persecution of suspected witches and wizards in the Gambia.

Many Gambians and friends of the Gambia turned Jammeh into a subject of ridicule and have even expressed doubts whether he is mentally fit enough to continue running the affairs of the country.

Peace was the last thing on Jammeh's mind when he ordered the arrest of Halifa Sallah. If Jammeh was really interested in the peace and progress of the country, he would not have in the first place invited the Guinean witch hunters into the country to rudely disrupt the lives of our elderly parents.

And I am very certain that the Gambia would have been in flames today if the Gambian people had taken to the street to demand the immediate release of Halifa Sallah and an end to the activities of the witch hunters. Jammeh would have surely ordered his security officers to come down heavily on the protesters, like he did on April 10 and 11, 2000.

Lets not forget that Jammeh once said on national television that he would not hesitate to kill 99 per cent Gambians and go to sleep if it is in the interest of the Gambia.

To Jammeh, the witch hunting is in the best interest of the country and only God knows how many Gambians would have been killed during the protest.

The Gambia can only move forward if Jammeh as president orders the immediate stop to all witch hunting activities, issue a public apology to the people whose lives were torn apart by the witch hunters as well compensate them fully.

A full investigation should be conducted on the reported death five Gambians and the rape of a woman from Makumbaya by the witch hunters. Murder and rape are a serious crime under Gambian law and those responsible should be arrested and prosecuted.

Gambian men and women who have fled the country into neigbouring Senegal should be allow to return home to their families without any intimidation or harasment.

There cannot be peace and progress without justice.

Gambia top group at U-17 Champs

The Gambia claimed top spot of Group “A” at the ongoing 8th CAF U-17 Championship after a 2-0 victory over hosts Algeria on Wednesday in Zeralda.

The hosts were without some regular faces including first choice goalkeeper Abdennour Merzouki and midfielder Houssem Ferkous who were both suspended. Striker Nadir Bendhame who scored twice against Guinea and Cameroun was used as a substitute.

The Baby Scorpions registered the first goal in the 26th minute when a corner kick from Dawda Ceesay was deflected by an Algerian defender into his net.

The hosts responded positively but failed to tally the score despite the home support and creative football where it mattered most for them to score.

The second period saw both teams making tactical changes. Despite bringing on their top scorer Bendhame, Algeria found it impossible to score. To add to their worries, the Gambia added another goal in injury time from striker Ebrima Bojang.

At the post match conference, Gambia’s Coach Tariq Saigy commended his players whilst the team continues to build on their achievement.
His Algerian counterpart, Othmane Jbrir conceding defeat, while adding their focus is now on the semi-final, with their target on a place at the last two.

The group’s other match between Cameroon and Guinea in Dar El Beda ended barren. The result meant that both teams failed to score at the championship.
CAFOnline

Dalasi & Butut: Dalasi Loses to US Dollar

with Databank Securities Ltd
The Gambian local currency lost ground to the US Dollar on both the interbank and parallel markets this week. On the interbank market, the Dalasi depreciated by 13 bututs and was quoted at D25.88 but gained 50 bututs against the pound to close at D36.75.

The local currency strengthened by D1.37 against the Euro and was quoted at D33.63 but was down by D2.50 against the CFA Francs to close the week at D257.50. On the parallel market, the Dalasi depreciated by 2 bututs against the greenback to close at D26.25 and depreciated by 25 bututs against the Pound to close at D36.75. The Gambian currency also lost 38 bututs against the Euro and depreciated by D1 against the CFA Francs to close the week at D33.88 and D253.50 respectively.

The Dollar recorded losses against the Pound and the Euro but gained against the Yen on the international currency market this week. The US dollar moved south by 4.14 per cent against the pound to close at $1.45 and depreciated against the Euro by 5.15 per cent and was quoted at $1.36. Against the Yen, the dollar appreciated by 3.39 per cent to close this week at $94.79.


91-Day Bill Up
Treasury Instruments traded on the floor of the Central Bank of the Gambia posted mixed performances this week. The 91-Day Bill was quoted at 11.48 per cent following a 3-basis point gain from a previous rate of 11.45 per cent.

However, the 182-Day Bill lost 15 basis points andis currently quoted at 12.62 per cent but was quoted at a higher rate of 12.77 per cent a week ago. The 1-Year Note also dipped by 8 basis points from 14.43 per cent. The Note was quoted at 14.43 per cent last week. The 91-Day Sukuk-Salam Bill was unchanged at 11.26 per cent.

Dalasi Inter-Bank Mid Exchange Rates

USD 25.88
UKP 36.75
Euro 33.63
CFA 257.50

Dalasi Forex Bureau Mid Exchange Rates

USD 26.25
UKP 36.75
Euro 33.88
CFA 253.50

CPI Stays at 7 Per cent…
The Gambia Bureau of Statistics has released the Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) for the month of February 09 at an unchanged rate of 7per cent (y/y). The price pointer was fixed at a previous 7 per cent that was quoted at the end of January 09.

Halifa Sallah speaks

Foroyaa: Your arrest, detention and release have been very dramatic could you help our readers to have a clear understanding of what happened?

Halifa: My arrest, detention and release is not about me. It is about the sovereignty and welfare of the people which is the cornerstone of our Right to self determination and independence.

Foroyaa: The second charges against you which replaced the first chargers made reference to your attempt to incite people against government policy on the screening of witches. How is this related to what you are saying?
Halifa: You know as much as I do that I am an opponent of the government and reserve the right to put alternative policies before the people. This is what multi party system is all about. No one can possibly break a law by putting an alternative policy before the people. I am not aware of any Law or government policy on the screening of witches. I therefore did not campaign against a policy or law which were unknown to Gambians. They reserve the right to make allegations but I reserve the right to rebuttal of these allegation. I would like the people to move away from the allegations of the government and focus on my concerns and intentions.
Foroyaa: What are those concerns?
Halifa: The President in particular and all citizens in general are to uphold and defend the constitution.” Section 220 of the Constitution which spells out the duties of a citizen states that every citizen shall “uphold and defend the Constitution.”
I have been repeating over and over again that “the sovereignty of the Gambia resides in the people. Section 1 subsection (2) of the Constitution indicates that organs of government must derive their authority from the people and their powers are to be exercised to promote the welfare and prosperity of the people.

I came to the conclusion that the sovereignty of the person is meaningless if he or she could have his or her freedom of movement restricted by strangers and his/her liberty ceased by abductors. Sovereignty means the possession of a will to move about freely without being subjected to any arbitrary arrest, detention or any form of servitude.
In my view, any interference with the privacy of the home of a person who has not committed any crime; any restriction imposed on the person to bar him/her from moving freely throughout the Gambia in lawful pursuits, any seizure of liberty and forceful attempts to transport a person to a destination against his or her will; make a person drink hallucinogenic concoctions and their subjection to inhuman and degrading treatment constituted gross violation of the Constitution of the Gambia.
Initially I could not get any indication from the government that they were behind the abductions. I considered it my duty to bring the happenings to the awareness of the government through a petition after the collection of all the facts with the intention to bring the misery and insecurity of the victims, the potential victims and their families to an end. I did not act hastily. I had consulted with many prominent personalities, civic and religious leaders before I took further steps. I was arrested on 8th March while fulfilling the mission of a sovereign citizen of a sovereign Republic. I made it very clear to those who detained me that I would rather be a prisoner of the state than to be the prisoner of my own conscience. I was taken to court on Wednesday 11th March. The 25th of March was set for the commencement of the trial. The bail conditions made it impossible for me to be released on bail. Hence I was remanded in custody at the maximum security wing of the central prisons at Mile 2. I had no access to visitors until I reminded the prison authorities that as a former social welfare officer I was acquainted with the Prison Act and rules and that I had a right to visitors. This was confirmed on Monday 16 March but because of the bureaucracy the message could not reach my wife and friends until Wednesday 18th March. On Thursday 19th March 2009 I had a visit in the morning to enable me to prepare my grounds of appeal regarding the bail conditions. By afternoon I was moved from the prisons. I was informed at Banjul Police Station that the first charges were to be withdrawn and replaced with second charges. I was driven to Brikama Magistrate Court. On 19th March 2009 the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Richard N. Chenge stood up to announce that they have decided to withdraw both the old and new charges in the interest of peace and justice.

Foroyaa: What next?
Halifa: I am investigating whether the Abductions have stopped or not. The fundamental objective is to see to it that the abductions and inhuman treatment of the people are put to a stop. I am open to receive any information regarding such abductions and maltreatment. I will be writing to the President and the Attorney General to investigate whether there is a written government policy on the screening of witches as implied in the second charge sheet. I will keep the public informed.

Foroyaa: Are you going to seek the support of anyone?
Halifa: This is a non partisan issue. It is a matter of social justice. I am a public figure and my duty is to amplify the concerns of the people to ensure redress. One does not invite people to carryout their duty to their country in the context of their times. Each has to make his or her own personal decision. As far as I am concerned my right and duty to defend the sovereignty and welfare of the people is inviolable and non negotiable.

Global justice derailed

By Hassan Nafaa*

Ahram Weekly: Human societies either live in a "state of law", or what Hobbes used to call a "state of nature", where anything goes and the winner takes all. To live in a state of law you need an elected government, a parliament with oversight over the executive and a judiciary independent of both. In other words, you need a democracy.

In the absence of democracy the government is selective in its implementation of laws, the judiciary is beholden to the government, and parliament is manipulated by special interests and even foreign powers. In short, you live in a "state of nature", where not everyone is equal before the law.

What about the international community? Until recently experts in international law argued that the world started to move away from the "state of nature" and towards a "state of law" following World War II, when a sufficient number of countries agreed that a means of settling international disputes was needed that did not involve war. It had become glaringly obvious that international interests were so intertwined that giving up some sovereignty for the sake of peace and security was not a bad idea.

Many international organisations were born to manage international relations and steer the world away from deadly conflicts. The trend started with the League of Nations then, after WW II, was picked up by the UN. In theory the UN had the seeds of an international global system, if not an international government.

Many expected the International Court of Justice to develop into the world's ultimate legal authority. Some wanted the General Assembly to act as a world parliament, overseeing the Security Council. The international system, at least in theory, could function as a democracy.

This is what many believed until the Cold War dashed their hopes. Abuse of the power of veto, by the Soviet Union then others, undermined the credibility of the Security Council. As a result the International Court of Justice was unable to maintain its authority.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union things changed. The UN Security Council began to assert its power and a new organisation came into being: the International Criminal Court (ICC). But instead of helping upgrade international law the ICC became a tool for its destruction.

The ICC cannot act fairly unless: (a) all countries ratify their statutes; (b) the Security Council is overhauled; and (c) the International Court of Justice is given a much wider mandate. As it turned out, the US and Israel didn't ratify the ICC statutes, the Security Council retains the political bias of the post-WW II dispensation, and the statutes of the International Court of Justice remain narrow.

Theoretically, any UN member state can remain beyond ICC jurisdiction as long as it refrains from ratifying its statutes. Practically, and this is the good part, the Security Council can refer any crimes to the court, even if the country in question hasn't signed up. What this means in practice is that if a country is strong enough, or has friends in the right places, it can get away with anything. To get away with murder all you need is to be either a UN permanent member or a close friend of one. If that's not a recipe for international blackmail, I don't know what is.

Let's say that Israel decides tomorrow to deport Palestinians from their homes, or starts killing Israeli Arabs. Far fetched, perhaps, but with Netanyahu in power nothing can be ruled out. What will the ICC do? Nothing. Because the US and Israel's other friends on the UN Security Council would never refer the case to the ICC.

Sudan, however, is different. The Sudanese government may not be above abusing its own citizens. But what it is facing in Darfur is basically an insurgence that threatens to rip the country apart. While the Sudanese are grappling with this admittedly thorny situation, the ICC stepped in with a warrant to arrest the Sudanese president. Now how selective can justice be?

The way I see it is that, instead of the ICC taking us away from the "state of nature" it is pushing us further into it. For the international community to have a credible legal mechanism a lot of today's global institutions will need to be reformed.

The UN General Assembly should turn into an international legislative body with the power of political oversight over the UN Security Council. The Security Council should become more democratic. The International Court of Justice should acquire a larger mandate, even to the extent of overseeing the constitutionality of Security Council resolutions.

Only then will the ICC be able to look us in the face and speak with authority on war crimes and other forms of abuse. Global justice is a good thing, but first we have to ensure that all members of the international community are equal before the law.

* The writer is secretary-general of the Arab Thought Forum, Amman, Jordan.

Algeria, Gambia in U-17 semis

Hosts Algeria and Gambia have qualified for the semi-finals of the African U-17 Football Championships.

Algeria beat Guinea 1-0, courtesy of a strike from Nadir Bendahmane 14 minutes into the game.

Gambia beat Cameroon 2-0 in today's game in Group A.

Dawda Ceesay opened the scoring halfway through the first half.

Alasane Camara made it two for Gambia 15 minutes from time.

Gambia and Algeria both have six points in Group A, while Guinea and Cameroon have none with one game to go.

By reaching the last four, Algeria and the Gambia also qualify for the Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria in October.
BBC Sports

Woman raped by Jammeh's witch hunters

A resident (name witheld) of Makunbaya who was abducted by witch hunters in the early hours of Tuesday, on the 25th day of February 2009, at about 11:00am in Makumbaya village has alleged that she was raped by one of her captors.


According to her, she was raped by a young man while she was in captivity in a compound they called Baba Jobe’s compound. The victim who was in an angry mood, said she was at the Makumbaya village garden when she and her colleagues received a messenger who claimed to be sent by the Alkalo, Alhagie Kujabi; that all the Gardeners should immediately go and answer to a very important guest from the president.

She said whilst on their way to the Alkalo, they met with the so-called witch hunters that were accompanied by armed personnel and young men and women in green clothes. The woman added that after she was abducted by the group, she was told that she was possessed by demons that “gave her their shirts without her notice”, and that being the case, she had to go to Kololi with them in order for her to be cured of the spell.

The distraught woman said upon their arrival at Kololi, she was told by the witch hunters that she should drink the concoction so that they could start her treatment. She said her captors forced her to drink the concoction; and shortly after drinking the liquid that night, she said she fell down and went into a trance and did not know where she was or what was happening to her.

She said a young man raped her while she was under detention at Kololi; that she was raped during the second day of her detention at Kololi. She said while in captivity, this young man would come to her and ask her to take bath; and that while she was taking bath; the young man would stand and look at her while she was naked. She said whenever she planned to go to the toilet to urine or defecate; the young man would insist that he was going to accompany her.

She lamented that it was during one of those instances that the young man wrestle her to the ground and forcefully raped her.

The victim said after undergoing this ordeal, her daughter who is a police at the Banjulinding Police Station came to Kololi and requested for her release. She said that was how she regained her freedom. She said if she sees the man who raped her, she would recognise him.
Foroyaa Newspaper

Ghana to unravel deaths of Ghanaians in Gambia

Ghanaian vice president, John Dramani Mahama on Friday re-echoed the commitment of his government to work towards unravelling the circumstances that led to the death of 44 Ghanaians in the Gambia.

Meeting with a joint United Nations – ECOWAS Commission Mission which is investigating the incident at the Osu Castle, Vice President Mahama stated that in as much as Ghana would like to improve her relation with its West African neighbour, it would, nonetheless, not gloss over alleged killing of her citizens.

A known advocate for the victims, dating back to his days as a Member of Parliament, Vice President Mahama reiterated the desire to work towards ascertaining the reasons that led to the death of the victims so as to assuage the pain of the distraught family members.

Ghanaians woke up to the unpleasant news on July 23, 2005, of the alleged killing of 44 of their compatriots and nine other West African nationals in the Gambia.

The news generated a national furore against The Gambia, compelling the then government to press the ECOWAS Commission and the United Nations to conduct an independent investigation into the case, so as to establish the complicity or otherwise of the Gambian security apparatus in the melee.

Subsequently, the two institutions did set up a joint mission on August 15, 2008, tasked with investigating the issue under the chairmanship of eminent Jamaican diplomat, Ambassador Curtis Ward.

The presence of the mission in the country was to enable the team interview some surviving victims and collate additional information from other sources that might help to shed some light on the incident.

Vice President Mahama expressed government’s confidence in the expertise of the team, assuring them that Ghana would respect their verdict, although he also conveyed the anxiety of the generality of the Ghanaian populace over the issue.

He said Ghana wants the “unfortunate” incident investigated so that those found culpable for the dastardly act would be brought to book and also allow for a thawing in the relationship between the two countries.

Vice President Mahama also expressed delight about the cooperation received from The Gambia, which he said, would enable a successful closure of what he described as a “sad chapter” in the relation between the two countries.

Ambassador Curtis Ward told the Vice President that some headway had been made in forming some conclusions as to what happened, although he conceded that it would still take some time before a definite report would be issued.

Ambassador Ward said the team had received cooperation from the two countries and has received similar support from surviving persons, and families of some of the victims.

Other members of the mission included Justice Ariranga Pillay, President of the South African Development Community Tribunal, Justice Albert Redhead, a retired Appeal Court Judge and Mr Morie Lengor, a security expert with the ECOWAS Commission.

Source: GNA

Halifa’s Release is Great News but Witch-Hunting Must Stop!

GPU – USA PRESS RELEASE

The Gambia Press Union-USA welcomes the unconditional release of NADD flag bearer and Foroyaa editor Halifa Sallah by the Gambian authorities.

The arrest and detention of Mr. Sallah was an act of senseless criminality that has received its fair share of condemnation both at home and abroad. We commend Mr. Sallah and all those who raised their voices to condemn his arrest and call for his immediate release. We also commend all Gambians and friends of The Gambia who took the time to read and sign our petition on stopping the madness in our country.

But while we welcome Mr. Sallah’s release, we continue to demand that the senseless arrest and detention of civilians on bogus charges of witchcraft must stop now. President Jammeh’s bizarre act of paranoia and blatant disregard for human dignity and the rule of law in ordering the raiding of government offices and villages and the arrest of thousands of innocent civilians including women and the elderly on bogus charges of witchcraft must be immediately brought to an end.

There is no law in our constitution or law books that define alleged witchcraft as a crime. Despite this fact, Jammeh orders innocent men, women and the elderly of both sexes to be rounded up by armed soldiers and supposed sorcerers from Guinea, and forced to drink concoctions which cause them to faint, vomit, urinate or even defecate on themselves in the presence of other people, an extremely humiliating experience in Gambian culture. GPU–USA strongly condemns these outrageous violations of human rights and human dignities and calls on all Gambians, friends of The Gambia, the international community; human rights organizations, and other interested groups to bring pressure to bear on Jammeh to put an immediate halt to these senseless persecutions and humiliations of innocent people.

The GPU-USA specifically calls on President Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Representive Susan Rice, U.S State Department agencies, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the British Parliament, the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the European Union, the Commonwealth, CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, the VOA, the BBC and other international media and human rights groups to intervene and help rid the Gambian people of a regime headed by a mentally unstable president who is subjecting the Gambian population to unprecedented levels of oppression and persecution. The senseless witch-hunting must stop now!

Signed on behalf of GPU-USA
Demba Baldeh, Public Relations Officer
Baba Galleh Jallow, Secretary General

Gambia frees 'spying' politician

Gambian opposition leader Halifa Sallah has been released from jail and all charges against him dropped.

Mr Sallah was arrested earlier this month and charged with spying, sedition and holding illegal meetings.

Shortly after his release, Mr Sallah told the BBC he had no idea why he had been detained because all the charges were false.

Mr Sallah, who leads the National Alliance for Democracy and Development, has been imprisoned many times before.

During elections three years ago he stood against Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, who has been in power since a coup in 1994.

A report by Amnesty International released in November said opponents of Mr Jammeh were subjected to daily rights violations, including torture and unlawful arrest.
BBC

Africa's water crisis: a quarter of a billion dollars down the drain

Press Release
Hundreds of millions of dollars have been wasted on rural water projects in Africa , threatening the health and livelihoods of millions of vulnerable people according to a forthcoming briefing paper by the International Institute for Environment and Development. The announcement comes ahead of the UN’s World Water Day (22 March).

Tens of thousands of boreholes in rural areas have fallen into disrepair, depriving poor communities of water because donors, governments and nongovernmental organisations have built infrastructure but ignored the need to maintain it.

The paper provides a 30-point checklist of features that rural African water supply systems need to succeed. They include the right technology, community ownership and local capacity to repair and maintain wells.

"The water community has often focused on building infrastructure, rather than on maintaining it. This failure is forcing women and children to carry water over great distances with serious impacts on their health and education," says Jamie Skinner, the paper's author. "It is not enough to drill a well and walk away. Water projects needs to support long term maintenance needs and engage local communities. Without this, it is like throwing money down the drain."

Tens of thousands of new water points - such as boreholes with motorised or hand pumps - are created in Africa each year but many fall into disrepair after just a few years. Of 52 deep water borehole and supply systems built by the charity Caritas since the 1980s in Senegal 's Kaolack Region, only 33 still function today.

The Global Water Initiative has found that 58% of such water points in northern Ghana needed repair. In western Niger , it found that of 43 boreholes, 13 are abandoned, 18 are non-functional for more than three days once a year, and 12 are non-functional for more than three days, more than three times a year.

"Across rural Africa , some 50,000 water supply points have failed, representing a waste of US$215-360 million," says Skinner. "It seems simple and obvious but it needs to be said: there is little point in drilling wells if there is no system to maintain them. Every day that a borehole does not provide safe water, people are obliged to drink from unclean pools and rivers, exposing them to water-borne diseases. "

The paper says donors, governments and nongovernmental organisations need to realise that funding infrastructure is just part of the solution. Also important are better investments in knowledge, community-led management and government capacity to sustain water supplies. It says local communities must take part in choosing and maintaining appropriate technologies, and how much they are willing or able to pay to maintain them, rather than having them imposed on them by outsiders.

Hundreds accused of witchcraft and poisoned in government campaign

Amnesty International today revealed that up to 1,000 people in Gambia have been kidnapped from their villages by 'witch doctors', taken to secret detention centres and forced to drink hallucinogenic concoctions.

Some have developed kidney problems and two have died after these attacks.

Reports suggest that officials within Gambia including the police, army and the President's personal protection guards are accompanying 'witch doctors' as they carry out their campaign.

Victims and their relatives told Amnesty International that 'witch doctors' have visited villages with armed security and forcibly taken people they accused of being 'witches' to secret detention centres. Many of those taken were elderly.

At the secret detention centres, where some have been held for up to five days, they are forced to drink unknown substances that cause them to hallucinate and behave erratically. Many are then forced to confess to being a witch. In some cases, they are also severely beaten, almost to the point of death.

Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen said:

'These horrific attacks and kidnappings are part of a witch-hunting campaign that's spreading terror throughout the country. Already hundreds of Gambians have fled to neighbouring Senegal for safety after their villages were attacked.'

Eyewitnesses and victims told Amnesty International that the 'witch doctors', who they say are from neighbouring Guinea, are accompanied by police, army and national intelligence agents. They are also accompanied by "green boys" - Gambian President Yahya Jammeh's personal protection guards.

The most recent incident took place on 9 March in Sintet village in the Foni Jarrol district, where up to 300 people were forced to go to the President's farm in Kanilai.

According to one eyewitness:

'At 5:00 am the paramilitary police armed with guns and shovels surrounded our village and threatened the villagers that anyone who tries to escape will be buried six feet under...Fear gripped the village...children were crying and traumatised. They randomly identified over 300 men and women who were forced at gunpoint into waiting buses and ferried to the President's hometown.

Once there, they were stripped and forced to drink dirty water from herbs and were also bathed with these dirty herbs. A lot of these people who were forced to drink these poisonous herbs developed instant diarrhoea and vomiting whilst they lay helpless. I stayed there for five days. I experienced and witnessed such abuse and humiliation. I cannot believe that this type of treatment is taking place in Gambia. It is from the dark ages.'

The incidents have taken place in the Foni Kansala district, an area near to President Jammeh's farm of Kanilai. However, many people are telling Amnesty International that the 'witch hunting' campaign will spread throughout the rest of the country.

Witch doctors were invited to Gambia early in 2009, soon after the death of President Jammeh's aunt. The President reportedly believes that witchcraft was used in her death.

Kate Allen continued:

'The Gambian government has to put a stop to this campaign, investigate these attacks immediately and bring those responsible to justice.'

On 8 March, Halifa Sallah, a prominent opposition figure who has written for the main opposition newspaper, Foroyya, about the activities of the witch doctors, was arrested at his home. He has since been charged with sedition and spying, and is currently in Mile II, the Central Prison in the Gambia. His next court date is set for Wednesday 25 March. Amnesty International is concerned that he is at risk of being tortured or ill-treated and that his trial will be unfair.

In response to Imam Fatty

This Monday, while reading the Senegambia Newspaper, I came across their lead story in which the imam of State House, Abdoulie Fatty was quoted as describing the on going state sponsored witch hunting exercise in the Gambia as nothing but wild rumours aimed at discrediting the government of Yahya Jammeh.


In as much as I respect Imam Fatty's right as a Gambian to express himself, I think he should as a man of God have the fear of God in his heart and must always speak the truth and nothing but the truth in his sermons.


Imam Fatty should be burying his head in shame for he have lied to his congregation and Allah when he choose to defend Yayha Jammeh instead of condemning the criminal activities of his witch hunters, which is tearing many Gambian families apart.


And it makes me wonder where the hell the Gambian is heading to when I see respected religious scholars such as Imam Fatty choosing to tell lies instead of the truth in their blind support of Yahya Jammeh.


Every Gambian know that the stories of witch hunters arresting elderly men and women in the privacy of their homes and detaining them in Kanilai and other secret detention centres across the country are 100 per cent true. The Gambian people also know that the arrested men and women are forced to drink a mysterious concoction by the witch hunters. The Gambian people are aware that some elderly people were tortured by the witch hunters and at least five people have died as a result.


So, if Imam Fatty thinks he can fool the Gambian people by lying on the pulpit in order to save the battered and bruised image of his adopted son-Yahya Jammeh- then let him think again.


What is happening in the Gambia is unacceptable in any civilised country-more so a religious country like ours that is totally against homosexuality and skin bleaching. Imam Fatty may choose not to speak the truth, but the Gambians whose families are being torned apart by Jammeh's thugs will always speak out.


Imam Fatty should know that no matter how hard he tries, he cannot hide the true picture of Jammeh's savagery and thuggery from the Gambian people. The more he tries, the more laughable his efforts will be to the Gambian public.


Imam Fatty has made himself look so stupid in the eyes of the Gambian public and his attempts to distort the truth, can be compared to that of a person trying to hide from the sun with his hands.


Imam Fatty have always been a stooge of Yahya Jammeh. And I think becoming Jammeh's right hand man has corrupted his mind and blinded his eyes. His long association with Jammeh may have made him fall into temptation thereby ignoring all the brutalities being meted out to Gambians by President Jammeh and his regime.


In recognising the dangers of religious scholars associating with kings and rulers, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is reported to have said: "Whosoever lives in the jungle becomes hard hearted; one who is fond of hunting becomes neglectful (of everything else) and one who visits kings frequently falls into temptation."


Imam Fatty needs to take a serious look at himself. He is allowing himself to be used by Jammeh in his dirty political game thereby compromising his responsibilities as a man of God. His blind support of Yahya Jammeh is preventing him from heeding to Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) warning that ".....You people must preach the truth and prevent the sinners from doing forbidden things and check the tyrants to bring them to the right path, otherwise you will be accursed and your hearts will be corrupted just as Allah did with Bani Israel."


In his book Faza'il Sadaqat, Shaikhul Hadith Hadhrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariya Kandhlawi, said: " Religious scholars who are concerned about the life after death keeps away from the company of princes, lords and rulers, and do not associate with them unless it becomes unavoidable. For their companionship may involve seeking their pleasure and winning their goodwill. Besides, rulers often indulge in cruelty, injustice and other sinful deeds and it is incumbent upon religious scholars to forbid them from doing evil, expose their injustice or cruelty and admonish them against transgressing the commandments of Allah. Observing reticence in such matters (instead of voicing one's disapproval) amounts to compromising one's religion. Furthermore, if one is obliged to praise the rulers with a view of gaining their favours, amounts to telling lies. Our worldly minded religious scholars are worst than the Devines of Banu Israel for they go to the rulers and tell them how to evade the law (shariah) and thereby seek to win their favours. If the scholars were to tell the rulers about their responsibilities in plain words, they would never like them (scholars) to visit their palaces frequently, but their truthfulness will be a means of eternal salvation in the of Allah."


Imam Fatty needs to know that the Gambian people are fed up with Yahya Jammeh and his calls for them to rally behind a man who is responsible for their sufferings is nothing but an insult. While he may be driving a flashy car and enjoying all the privileges as State House Imam, Imam Fatty needs to open his eyes and look at the poor conditions of the Gambian people 53 per cent of whom are being born in poverty, growing up in poverty and dying in abject poverty.


Gambians know that the APRC leadership is a complete sham. It is a bunch of corrupt and selfish individuals who are using their positions to enrich themselves.

Imam Fatty, Jammeh has everything to do with the witch hunters. If indeed he has nothing to do with them, then why the hell is he using Kanilai as a concentration camp to detain suspected witches and wizards arrested from Sintet and other neibouring villages? Why is Jammeh having Halifa Sallah detained at the Mile Two Prisons for speaking to the people of Makumbaya whose lives were rudely turned upside down by the witch hunters? Why are Gambian security officers being used by the witch hunters to intimidate and arrest our poor elderly parents?

Imam Fatty, the Gambia under Jammeh is not developing but retrogressing. And if things can be that bad for the country when Jammeh is doing his best as you have said, then God help us when Jammeh start doing bad.

President Jammeh may be a great guy to Imam Fatty, but to me and many Gambians, he is nothing but an evil monster who is ruining the hopes and aspiration of the Gambian people.

Let Halifa Go

by PK Jarju

Mr President, its well past mid-night here in the West Midlands and I should have been fast asleep in my bed. But my conscience cannot allow me to enjoy the comfort of my bed without condemning the arrest and prosecution of Halifa Sallah and demanding for his immediate release.


Mr Sallah is currently remanded at the Mile Two Prisons after he was unable to meet the stiff bail conditions imposed on him by the Brikama Magistrate Court. The harsh bail conditions were imposed by your state control judiciary in order to keep Mr Sallah away from his loved ones as long as you wish.

The charges against Mr Sallah are a mockery to our judicial system. They are a well calculated move by your despotic regime to jail Mr Sallah like you have always done, there by silencing him in your quest to become king of our land.

Mr President, you told us last month that you will always interfere with the judicial process of the country and Mr Sallah's arrest and prosecution exposes you and your government's lack of respect to the democratic values of our country and its people.

Mr President, Halifa Sallah was arrested on Sunday following his return from Makumbaya Village were he spoke to people who were recently harassed and mistreated by your witch hunters. He had intended to bring to your attention the mistreatment meted out to these poor villagers by the witch hunters thereby bringing an immediate end to such barbaric practices.

Mr Sallah, who is the secretary general of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), coordinator of the National Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD) and a member of the Foroyaa Newspaper editorial board has every right to visit any Gambian village as well as to hold conversation with any Gambian he wish.

Mr Sallah never forced those villagers to speak him neither did he forcefully entered their homes. The villagers spoke their hearts out about the sufferings they went through and if you are not happy with that then so be it.

Mr President, having Mr Sallah arrested and charged for speaking to villagers whose rights and dignity as sons and daughters of the land were trampled underfoot in their own backyards by foreign witch hunters, tantamount to an admission that you and your regime are condoning the criminal activities of these witch hunters and never want the Gambian people to know the true extend of their brutality.

I am not surprised by the step you have taken because I have since 1994 witnessed a breath-taking rise of your evil regime that lives and rule by the gun and shows no mercy in crushing its political opponents and critics.

Mr President, let me remind you that as man who likes to show anyone who cares what a devout Muslim you are, you have sworn by the Qur'an, the holy book of Allah, to govern the people according to the dictates of the Gambian constitution. But instead, you are abusing the Constitution and treating Gambians like a piece of dirt.

You have transformed yourself into a god that all Gambians must worship or die and have confused yourself with the believe that you love the country more than every Gambian.

Mr President, you have to know that you may have all the powers you want, but people will always see you as the son of Asombi Bojang. People like Halifa love the Gambia a million times more than you. Their love for the country is not driven by selfishness and greed. That is why they refused all the ministerial offers you made to them.

Halifa is a true servant of the Gambian people and if you think having him remanded in stinking Mile Two Prisons will kill his desire to free the Gambian people from the clutches of your dictatorial regime, think again. Like all true freedom fighters, Halifa knew that fighting against dictatorship is never easy and that he has to past through pain and sufferings like Nelson Mandela in order to free the Gambian people. The more you persecute him, the stronger and more resolute he becomes.

That is why he told the Gambian people who gathered in Brikama on Wednesday that he is willing to become a sacrificial lamb to ensure the liberty and dignity of the people and that he is ready to suffer for others not to suffer, but what is going on [activities of the witch hunters] must come to a stop.

Mr President remember that it is easier to move mountains than the heart of men. And despite being the commander-in-chief of the Gambian armed forces you can only do three things to people like Halifa- arrest and detain him, kill him or set him free.

Wise men earn the respect of people not because they are wise, but because they do the right thing. So let Halifa go!
Have a nice weekend your Excellency.

Hero to Weirdo

Every time I take a look at our president, Yahya Jammeh, I find it hard to convince myself that the man is really fit enough to continue running the affairs of our blessed country.

Am not trying to be disrespectful to Mighty Jammeh. But his conduct and actions are increasingly making me worry.

Over the years, Jammeh, once regarded by many as a liberator of the Gambia, has being slowly transforming himself from a hero to weirdo. And his weird behaviour is living me worried by the uncertain direction in which the Gambia is going.

To be precise, I am scare of what the future holds for the Gambia under Jammeh.

In this 21st century, while many world leaders are busy building their countries and laying a bright future for their people, our leader is doing the complete opposite. He busies himself in ridiculous controversies that bring nothing but shame to our country.

Jammeh portrays himself as a special creation of God. While we humans have two eyes, he has four, which enables him to see both the natural and supernatural world. He is blessed with so much powers which enables him to communicate directly to his Creator and devils.

He carries a praying bead and the Muslim holy book, the Qur’an, 24 hours a day, which helps to facilitate his direct communication with God. Through the Qur'anic verses, he is able to find cure for HIV/Aids, tuberculosis, impotence, barrenness, ulcer, cancer, asthma, among others.

Jammeh also armed himself with a sword, which he uses to fight demons and other evil spirits. Above all he claimed on national television that God is his banker and that he is ruling the country with the support and guidance from devils.

Jammeh also claimed that devils vote for him in general elections because of his love and development programme for the Gambia.

To further add to my worries and fears for the future of the Gambia, Jammeh have recently hired a contingent of witch hunters from Guinea Conakry to wage a war on suspected Gambian witches and wizards.

Many Gambians are being rounded up in the privacy of their homes by these witch hunters and detained in Jammeh’s home village, Kanilai and other secret detention centres across the country.

One Ceesay Jatta, a school caretaker in Kanilai was recently reported to have been beheaded by the witch hunters, who identified him as a local commander of the witches and wizard.

Two women from Makumbaya and Foni Funtang are reported to have died after being tortured and forced to drink a mysterious concoction by the witch hunters.

Many Gambians are today living in fear wondering which community is going to be invaded next by the witch hunters. Some villagers in Foni are reported to have fled the country into neighbouring Cassamance living behind their their houses and livestocks.

Despite the actions of these witch hunters being unlawful as it violates the rights and freedoms of the Gambian people enshrined in the 1997 constitution and other laws of the Gambia, only a few Gambians have come out of their shells to condemn them.

These is indeed pathetic and unfortunate. And If Gambians have not been concerned with Jammeh’s behaviour and conduct in the past, I think it is time they do. Our country is fast plunging into a lawless state, where the weak are bullied and oppressed.

Members of the Gambian National Assembly should act now. They have to stop their selfishness and live up to their oath of office by starting an impeachment proceeding against Jammeh. They have to remember they that they have a duty to the Gambia and her people. They also have to remember that the Gambia is bigger than Jammeh and that while Jammeh will be history whether today or tomorrow, the Gambia will and will always remain until the end of time.

Jammeh has brought disrepute into the highest office of our land and Members of the Gambian National Assembly should invoke Section 67 of the 1997 constitution which empowers them to remove a president for:

(a) abuse of office, wilful violation of the oath of allegiance or the President’s oath of office, or wilful violation of any provision of this Consultation, or (b) misconduct in that- (i) he or she has conducted himself in a manner which brings or is likely to bring the office of President into contempt or disrepute; or (ii) he or she has dishonestly done any act which is prejudicial or inimical to the economy of The Gambia or dishonestly omitted to act with similar consequence.

Members of the National Assembly should also remove Jammeh for being mentally incapable of executing the functions of President and head of state by virtue of section 66 of the constitution.

Impeaching Jammeh now is the sensible way of stopping our country from sinking. Our country is in the hands of a president who can be likened to a drunkun and confuse captain in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. He have lost his sense of direction and we are all bound to drown if continue to sit and fold our hands.

No country in the sub-region would have allowed a man like Jammeh to continue being President. Why should we?

May God save and protect the Gambia and her people from the mishief of Jammeh and his witch hunters. Amen.

UPD breaks silence on Gambian witchraft

For the past few weeks The Gambia and Gambians have been preoccupied with the strange story of unknown and unidentified people engaged in hunting witches and cleansing them of their devilish disposition. Banjul, the Kombos, the Fonis and Niumis have so far been the areas in which the witch hunters have operated or been operating.

The average Gambian believes that witches and witchcraft do exist. Labelling any person a witch attaches to such person stigma that he/she will live with for the rest of his/her life and this stigma continues to stick to all members of that person's family particularly his children.

Those involved in the ritual of administering whatever stuff it takes to expose a person as a witch and those aiding and abetting them by giving them full protection against resistance are not only committing the crime of abduction and/or kidnapping but they are also defaming the character of so-called witches.

It behoves the Government of The Gambia through the law enforcement agencies to arrest this horrible and un-heard of situation which is causing extreme uneasiness in every part of the country. Any responsible Government would on the first time that the issue of witch hunting came into the public domain mount the necessary investigation and apprehend those involved in these criminal activities. The inaction of the Government is incomprehensible in the face of revelations that unmarked vehicles under the control of security agents have provided escorts for the so-called witch hunters.

It is regrettable that those who are expected to investigate the veracity of this saga of witch hunting are now obstacles and hurdles for the unearthing of the truth.

The arrest of Mr. HALIFA SALLAH the spokesperson for the National Alliance for Democracy and Development and a member of the Editorial Board of Foroyaa and his subsequent arraignment before the Banjul Magistrates Court are a naked misuse of the power to arrest and the criminal justice process.

The United Democratic Party condemns in no uncertain terms Mr. Sallah's arrest for the reasons revealed to us in the media. His arrest is nothing but an affront to democracy and the right of every Gambian to receive information on what ordeal if any the victims of the witchcraft hunters went through.

The United Democratic Party is concerned that Mr. Sallah has been indirectly denied bail because the conditions of bail imposed by the court are so onerous as to amount to a denial of bail. It is regrettable that the administration of criminal justice in The Gambia is being exposed to ridicule and suspicion by the imposition of bail conditions such as the surety being the rank of a retired Inspector General or Brigadier General.

The United Democratic Party with other individuals and organizations that firmly believe in the free and unimpeded flow of information stand in SOLIDARITY with Mr. Sallah in this trying times for justice and rule of law. The United Democratic Party does not only call for Mr. Sallah's bail conditions to be reviewed and replaced with conditions that will augur well for his fair trial.

The United Democratic Party

Secretariat

11 March 2009

Halifa Sallah remanded in Mile Two

Halifa Sallah, former NADD presidential candidate and Foroyaa Editorial Board member, told supporters and sympathisers at the Brikama Magistrates Court, that he is willing to become a sacrificial lamb to ensure the liberty and dignity of the people. He made this remark at the close of his first appearance in court since he was arrested on Sunday 8 March, 2009.

“I am ready to suffer for others not to suffer, but what is going on must come to a stop,” he told his audience. He told them that there is no need for them to despair. He asked them to go home, but they need not worry that he could not possibly meet the conditions of the bail granted. He indicated that he was looking for their strength and not their weakness. He stressed to them that they needed to be strong.

These words evidently touched the audience and the grim faces soon became bright.

Shortly after the adjournment of the case he was whisked to the Remand Wing of Mile Two Prison.

Many people in court were dumbfounded when the Magistrate imposed the following bail conditions:
(1) A bail bond in the sum of 1 million dalasis to be signed by three sureties;
(2) Two of the sureties must be Ex-Inspector General of Police or Ex-Brigadier of the army who have been retired for at least eight years;
(3) One of the sureties must be an Alkalo (village head) from Western Region

When he appeared in court, three charges were read to him:
(i) Spying, in that while at Makumbaya, he had obtained confidential information which he knew is useful to the enemy
(ii) Control of processions in that he held a procession while in Makumbaya
(iii) Seditious intention in that he unlawfully assembled the people of Makumbaya in order to collect information that would bring hatred or contempt or excite disaffection against the Government of The Gambia.

He pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

The police prosecutor then stood up at this point to oppose the granting of bail. He argued that they took a lap top from Halifa Sallah’s home which is in their possession and if Halifa is granted bail he may tamper with the ‘website of the lap top’.

Halifa Sallah, who was unrepresented, submitted that the offences alleged are bailable. He further submitted that every accused person is presumed innocent until he/she has pleaded or proven guilty. He also submitted that the hearing of the case should be free and fair. He concluded that the court should not restrain his ability to defend himself.

He opined that what is significant is for the court to ensure his appearance whenever it deems it fit. He pointed out that he had sought the highest office of this land as a presidential candidate in 2006. He assured the court that he would comply with whatever condition the court imposes to ensure his appearance at an adjourned date as long as the conditions are reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. The magistrate did not like the last bit of the statement and after a brief exchange Halifa amended it to: “I will comply with whatever the court deems just.” He therefore asked the court to grant him bail.

He pointed out that the submission of the prosecution regarding the lap top is neither here or there in that in the first place the lap top does not belong to him but his wife.

Fishing Expedition
He asserted that the prosecution were simply engaged in a fishing expedition. He emphasised throughout his detention that he had never been confronted with any witness.

Culled from Foroyaa

Gambia's Obama

Readers,
I have just finished reading Lawyer Mai Fatty's, address to Gambians and its just great. This guy is very talented. For me, he is our very owm Obama.


I am thankful to Allah, for your prayers and concerns during my hospitalisation for life threatening injuries. In particular, I am profoundly grateful to my family and colleagues at the Bar for their timely intervention in help saving my life. Let me report that my recovery has been phenomenal, thanks in large part to them. Many thanks go to my friends as well, for their care and support during this traumatic life-changing experience. I would love to be amongst your midst today, but my doctors have not yet given me the final nod to completely abandon care and return home, even though the confidence in my health condition has never been so real like now. Therefore, I am obliged to heed medical advice, and that is why I am conditioned to communicate to you through the media in this way, and at this time, and not in person. I miss you, I love you Fellow Gambians, and I look forward to returning to our Homeland.

I would like to introduce to you your new political Movement, The Gambia Moral Congress, which I am fortunate to lead at this challenging time. You will also get the chance to know, hear from our other Leaders on different occasions. We intend to share with you our Enduring Values to serve as some of the reasons for our formation. We urge you to read on.

Today we witness a new beginning in the annals of Gambian history; a new beginning that shall usher in a new era of hope, freedom and prosperity for all Gambians. Today, we proclaim the dawn of a new era; an era that shall be defined by the genuine triumph of the will and aspirations of our peoples who have for too long endured under a political system characterised by cult patronage of apocalyptic proportions. More importantly, today, at this historic moment, we declare the ferocious imminence of total victory against the malignant forces of organised political deception in our Nation.

Today, we embrace the coming into effect of our Future which is NOW, and the rise of this Great Land to towering heights of inconceivable possibilities — a people who firmly believe that the purpose of government is to act as the SERVANTS of the people and NOT as their MASTER; a people who are staunch in the irrevocable conviction that freedom and independence are priceless, and must be pursued persistently and valiantly till conclusive victory, knowing that power never concedes anything by itself. Today, with sombreness, we draw inspiration from the fundamental principle contained in the historical lessons of Sankandi — the lesson that freedom based on popular but discretionary loyalty and consent of the governed is worth the ultimate sacrifice. Today, we re-affirm our unwavering faith in the might of reason over raw power.

Today, we seek to accelerate the celebration of the triumph of Democracy — a day when journalists shall be free to practice their creed without fear of persecution; when Judges and Magistrates shall be subordinate only to the Constitution of the Land without the wanton desecration of the concept of judicial tenure; when the people’s elected deputies shall accord due prominence only to the people’s business in Parliament instead of compulsive partisanship without fear of retribution; when all law enforcement agencies shall collectively practice allegiance to the Constitution and Sovereignty of The Gambia.

Today, Fellow Gambians, we proclaim the dawning of a transformational era, when teachers in our schools and lecturers in our centres of higher learning shall be free to teach in accordance with the highest academic values — to unleash the noble pursuit of intellectual and scientific excellence from pernicious political bondage; when the civil and public services shall be the hallmark of objectivity, ingenuity, innovation, discipline, patriotism, service and sacrifice in the over-riding national interests; when freedom itself shall be expanded, and the gates of equal opportunities for all Gambians opened for good. This we DECLARE for and on behalf of generations of Gambians here at home and around the world. Together, we shall make leaders and elected representatives truly accountable to the people, instead of the whims and caprices of the few; and to take purposeful steps in redeeming our sovereign reputation.

Today, we proclaim our Friendship with the world, to join the global community in the fight against poverty and disease, tribalism, xenophobia, civil strives and its diabolical impacts on civilians, the building of strong sustainable economies, the integration of African economies into the world economy, food security, the fight for peace, security, international diversity, the environment, and cooperation with civil societies around the world to achieve global values such as democracy, good governance, the rule of law, racial harmony, gender issues, child rights, globalisation, etc. Today, we connect our hearts to our fellow Africans everywhere and declare that securing and strengthening the interests of Africa shall be the primary focus of our diplomacy, and relations with the Republic of Senegal at the fore-front. Together, we shall work towards rapid bilateral economic cooperation, political concord, and finally resolving for good the diplomatic impasse massively accentuated by a sustained policy of insincerity, propaganda and indifference.

Together, we shall bring peace to The Gambia’s southern frontier settlements that are the constant victims of armed incursions, and other violent crimes. Together, we shall ensure that The Gambia-Senegal basin is weapons free, and free of armed bandits masquerading, and those who harbour them or patronise them. We believe that it is in The Gambia’s national security interests to work for and support the speedy, but peaceful resolution of the Casamance imbroglio as a first measure, prior to other measures. We shall induce firm confidence in our Special Preferential Relations with Senegal, not only because both Nations have no better options to the contrary, it is equally the persistent demand of peoples on both sides of the border as the only right thing to do. This unique preferential relation must be based on unwavering sincerity, demonstrable mutual respect for sovereign independence and integrity, and sovereign equality for it to endure.

These are the vital elements which must inspire and command our attitude towards each other at the highest level. We believe that The Gambia’s national interests are best protected and advanced by promoting peace and cooperation rather than confrontation and conflict.

Above all, a GMC government foreign policy shall be citizen-centred by which we shall not flinch to utilise the full effects of our sovereign diplomatic goodwill to protect every single Gambian on foreign shores. We consider our diplomatic resources a formidable national asset, and shall empower capacity, enhance and expand the role of the Department of State for Foreign Affairs, with increased resources and facilities. Let each and every Gambian, where ever you may be at this hour, and no matter your condition, circumstance or status, be confident that we are always on your side and we shall always be with you. In particular, those Gambians who are compelled or impacted by the circumstances of on-going political practices, or sought refuge elsewhere, be informed that indeed help is on the way. You shall once gain reunite with your families, loved ones and friends here back home, in dignity, freedom and prosperity.

Today is also opportunity to express appreciation to Hon. Ousainou Darbo, Leader of the UDP for his patriotism, in the growth of pluralism. Gratitude is owed to Hon. Hamat Bah NRP, Hon. Halifa Sallah & Hon. Sidia Jatta NADD, Hon. Omar Jallow PPP, and Hon. Henry Gomez GPDP, for their commitment to the national cause. Albeit GMC has fundamental philosophical differences from them all, our message is one of cooperation and consultation within, NOT confrontation. Our approaches to politics may differ, but we should share the common goal of providing prosperity for our citizens. This shared objective far exceeds any artificial differences that may be invented by some. However, The Gambia Moral Congress believes that prosperity is not to be measured by wealth or worldly gains alone. There is a higher prosperity — the health of the mind and the spirit and the quest to lead a righteous and sober life.

We believe that leadership is inspiration, not just by example. We cannot demand sacrifice and defiance from our people when we could be found wanting in that regard; when we fail to unite for a common cause, we lost all justification to anticipate loyalty; when we exhibit addiction to Party power for its own sake without giving others opportunity to experiment, we lost our bearing and when we militate against new thinking instead of embracing change, we get swept away by the tide of historical irrelevance. These are vestiges of the failed past, and today, this new Movement spearheads a bold new direction radically different from business as usual.

It is now our time — to confront long term challenges that have been neglected; to restore the balance; to invest in our future; to set a realistic vision for ourselves to become the best educated country, the most skilled economy in the region, and best trained work force in Africa; to build modern infrastructure that lays a platform for future growth, laying the foundations for long term prosperity. This emerging Leadership can get us there with your support, and our enduring values will help set our course for the future, and united by a common hope for our future. We are committed to building a modern competitive economy that competes successfully in the global marketplace for agriculture, resources and services. We believe that our long term prosperity will be at risk if we rely too heavily on one sector of the economy for our economic growth. We believe that in the long term, building a modern competitive economy is the best way of securing good living standards for Gambians. By building long term prosperity, we can also ensure that our Nation will be able to create and sustain high quality public services and a generous safety-net for those in need.

Our commitment to a fair and equitable society is at the foundation of our approach to government. Fairness will be a guiding principle for a GMC government in all aspects of government policy and initiatives, whether dealing with labour matters, access to educational opportunities, justice delivery, entrepreneurial aspirations, health-care or community services. As a Nation, we will be at our best when we can work together for the common good. We believe that governments should play an important role in building stronger relationships at each level of our society. A GMC government will strengthen the strong role played by community organisations in both helping individuals in need and in building a sense of community. We are committed to building communities that embrace cultural diversity — a society that celebrates diversity, tolerates and respects divergent views.

Today, we extend our solidarity to members of The Gambia Labour Union, the Teachers Union, the Transport Union, The Gambia Press Union, the National Union of Gambian Students, the Dock workers, and The Gambia Bar Association. We recognise and accept your rights to organise, collective bargain, and act as responsible interest groups and strategic partners to government. Together with your help, we shall ensure that the right to organise, to belong to a union and to effectively exercise such rights shall be clearly guaranteed by legal provisions, and enforceable by the courts of the land.

Together, we shall make freedom of association, which is currently under siege, truly liberated and relevant. GMC assures you that whenever your rights are threatened, and in consequence if you rise to defend or enforce your rights, we shall rise with you rain, shine, storm or torture. Our Movement’s policy is to treat human rights abuse as a threat to The Gambia’s national security.

Today, above all else, let us applaud the Farmers of The Gambia, the forgotten heroes/heroines and the neglected constituency that comprised the majority of the extreme poor in our Nation, a situation that remains a horrendous scar on the national conscience. GMC government shall, together with your help and support put an end to this dismal and unacceptable phenomenon. This is their struggle too, and the imminent victory shall be theirs as well. It is utterly unacceptable to us that over 85% of Gambians continue to experience very severe economic trauma. We shall issue our Economic Policy Statement in due course as we commit ourselves to seriously fight poverty with single-mindedness.

A GMC government shall empower The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry in its efforts to build formidable indigenous enterprise capacity, innovation in trade expansion, opportunity, wealth creation and corporate compassion. The Gambia ranks very low at Number 165 world-wide Global Index for protecting investors. This is highly unacceptable, and we shall change this ugly image. Lip service is all we have seen.

On this historic occasion, GMC remembers the late Deyda Hydara, a distinguished Patriot I had the privilege of working closely with as a high school student journalist over a decade ago. In this connection, GMC strongly condemns the murder of Mr. Deyda Hydara and demands that the authorities do the right thing, including the attempted murder against my dear friend, the veteran human rights lawyer Mr. Ousman Sillah. A way to sustain the memory and legacy of martyr Deyda Hydara is to demolish the shackles asphyxiating freedom of expression in particular and eliminating conditions upon which impunity thrives.

We pay homage to the late William Dixon-Colley, a pioneering champion of Gambian press freedom and the man whose ideals profoundly influence my approach to politics. We call for the Government’s compliance with the Orders of the ECOWAS COURT and implement the Resolutions of the 44th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human Rights, Abuja, regarding journalist Chief Ebrima Manneh, and all other victims of human rights atrocities, such as the Students of April 10 and 11.

Our country should be seen to respect international law as a civilised nation, for only through this would we inspire respect and reciprocity from the international community. This, to us is not a matter of politics, but one of solid principle. If we are seen to be dismantling international commitments and protocols we enter into freely with other nations and multilateral institutions, it is our sovereign integrity that massively suffers, and reflects on Gambians everywhere. This ought to be a matter of serious concern for all Gambians regardless of political inclination. We urge The Gambia Government to comply with international law our Nation agreed to abide by, such as United Nations Charter, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the protocols of the Ecowas Treaty and the African Union, particularly pertaining to our sovereign obligations on human rights. Our own Constitution, which is the embodiment of our national will, enjoins us to do just that. This is not merely an ordinary Document, it is sacred and sacrosanct.

The Scriptures (Qur’an and the Bible) teach us that God forbade torture for whatever purpose, much less the taking of another life for political reasons. The Qur’an talks about the Day of Judgment, meaning that even God who created Leaders will not condemn mankind without judging them fairly first. That is why as a Faith Nation, we should respect courts of law as Temples of Justice, not to manipulate and abuse them. One cannot seek refuge in his Faith by flouting this Divine instruction and at the same time anticipate no consequences from fellow man or God. No government should be told to treat its people decently, because that is the proper function of any government. When a government is reminded of this obligation, instead of receiving such information with dismissal and contempt, it should be opportunity for introspection and reform.

Democracy is an on-going experiment to produce better circumstances, not to rejoice in the deficiencies of political experiments and failures of political systems as pretext to deride them. Democracy is not the enemy, and should not be prostituted. We believe that human society’s best invention is the political experiment of democracy often represented by the universally acclaimed essential freedoms, now condensed into the single concept of “human rights “. Rather than fear this concept and try to kill its survival, the converse survival instinct of humanity for human rights often prevails to instil fear into those combating the tide of freedom. The fact that dissent is not loud should trouble any good leader, for human history proves that systematic suppression of dissent often ends up in a political volcano.

History has shown that it is impossible to continue to deny active dissent permanently because sooner or later, human nature would find a permanent solution to that problem. The best way is to encourage dialogue and free flow of ideas. Nelson Mandela preaches that a leadership that fears the power of ideas and information would be planting its own inevitable demise. We concur.

Good leaders protect their citizens, not harm them or unleash law enforcement agencies to repress dissent. Gambians are decent people and deserve to be treated with decency. Our Movement hereby extends olive branch solidarity to all, bearing animosity towards none, and we are adamant on the irrevocable conviction that there shall be no negotiation regarding principles on sovereign constants and values. The Gambia will be best placed to confront contemporary challenges if we maintain the best values that have characterised our Nation. Many of these values have been undermined. It is time to restore the balance. We know that the truest measure of a society is the care it provides for those most in need, and the opportunity it provides for every person to realise his or her own potential.

Our Movement will be responsive to genuine engagements with all players in the political process, including the APRC for the exclusive national good, based on:

1. Predetermined, objective, result oriented, ascertainable and openly verifiable principles and actions.

2. Level playing field, transparency and fairness in the electioneering and electoral processes. If the processes leading towards an election are not free and fair, the results of such an election cannot be fair and will not be accepted, and will be rejected by Gambian voters and the international community.

3. Demonstrable commitment to the rule of law, including judicial non-interference with unbridled law enforcement neutrality.

4. Demonstrable commitment to full and sincere implementation of inter-Party agreements, and negotiated principles, MoUs, etc.

We believe that The Gambia belongs to us all equally. If we all genuinely make The Gambia our passion, go to work every day to achieve the means of securing the interests of Gambians, we should be able to forge healthy and spirited debates on issues about the way forward. Our doors shall remain open for consultations and consensus building. The Leadership of our Party has no illusions as to the enormity of the tasks ahead, or as to the likely reaction of our formation from established political ranks. We also know about the predicament of prisoners and detainees or those who graduated from incarceration. We are not trapped by naivety nor could we be lured by false sense of security. We shall remain sharply vigilant at all times.

The Gambia National Congress is about The Gambian people, and belongs to the people. We seek to bring about the urgent change you require, but this can only be done with your support and help. The power to change is in your hands for no government, regardless of how autocratic or brutal it may be, can successfully continue to survive if the people, the citizens in whose hands power lies, take the gauntlet and demand change. You, the people can change and improve your political and economic conditions by voting in a Congress government, and if you do so in sufficient numbers, you shall bring about the change you require. Nelson Mandela again preaches that there are limits even to highly sophisticated or professional vote rigging and voter intimidation during election times, and we know those limits. In The Gambia too, you the citizen voter has the compelling power to influence the political direction no matter how seemingly powerful an individual or system might appear.

Such power is mere illusion because real power is in your hands. You can also support our ground efforts with your financial contributions and other resources.

The awesome power those in government appear to wield is made possible by you. If you the people decide to withdraw your political support, you will easily find that they are powerless without you. It is you Gambian voters and citizens who made them powerful, so real power is yours, and you can demonstrate this power by choosing to join us, vote for us in your largest numbers, fund us, and take part in a new democratic Movement. Believe in yourselves. We invite you to join and vote for our political Movement - The Gambia Moral Congress where you will be truly respected, where your opinions count, where you have equal rights and the power to succeed, and where power truly belongs to you, the peoples. Together, let us steer a bold new direction, reject past political failures and never to be associated with selfish political bickering, and heartily welcome change.

With the power of your ballot, the strength of your numerical superiority, and a new spirit of commitment, together we can bring about the change we require in The Gambia. Together, we can prove that indeed it is possible through patriotic vigilance to invent our future with our votes, and put in place your Congress government. Thank you all, and God Bless the Republic of The Gambia.