CA ‘disheartened’ by the green/grey alliance
SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
The Dr Ismaila Ceesay-led Citizens’ Alliance (CA) yesterday issued a press statement declaring that it is disheartened by the recent announcement of an APRC-NPP alliance.
It said the alliance “goes against the very foundation of why President Adama Barrow was elected…and betrays individuals and communities already grappling with the trauma caused by Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year brutal authoritarian regime.
It stated: “Gambians and friends and supporters of The Gambia are concerned that the regime change that promised to end self-perpetuating rule through constitutional, institutional, electoral, administrative and security reforms to lay the foundation for a system change has been abandoned in favour of a government that represents the interest of a few people, desperate to stay in power at any and all cost while the country faces the risk of sliding back to the dark days of dictatorship which Gambians, supported by the diaspora and international community, fought so hard to break away from.
“The leadership and members of CA wish to reiterate its commitment to ensuring that the work of the commissions established by the Gambian people do not go in vain and that the resulting recommendations and necessary reforms are fully implemented to ensure justice and accountability. CA is now, more than ever, committed to uniting the citizens of this country to build a society where democracy is the order of the day, civil liberties and human rights are respected and impunity is a thing of the past.”
The Dr Ismaila Ceesay-led Citizens’ Alliance (CA) yesterday issued a press statement declaring that it is disheartened by the recent announcement of an APRC-NPP alliance.
It said the alliance “goes against the very foundation of why President Adama Barrow was elected…and betrays individuals and communities already grappling with the trauma caused by Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year brutal authoritarian regime.
It stated: “Gambians and friends and supporters of The Gambia are concerned that the regime change that promised to end self-perpetuating rule through constitutional, institutional, electoral, administrative and security reforms to lay the foundation for a system change has been abandoned in favour of a government that represents the interest of a few people, desperate to stay in power at any and all cost while the country faces the risk of sliding back to the dark days of dictatorship which Gambians, supported by the diaspora and international community, fought so hard to break away from.
“The leadership and members of CA wish to reiterate its commitment to ensuring that the work of the commissions established by the Gambian people do not go in vain and that the resulting recommendations and necessary reforms are fully implemented to ensure justice and accountability. CA is now, more than ever, committed to uniting the citizens of this country to build a society where democracy is the order of the day, civil liberties and human rights are respected and impunity is a thing of the past.”
It said the alliance “goes against the very foundation of why President Adama Barrow was elected…and betrays individuals and communities already grappling with the trauma caused by Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year brutal authoritarian regime.
It stated: “Gambians and friends and supporters of The Gambia are concerned that the regime change that promised to end self-perpetuating rule through constitutional, institutional, electoral, administrative and security reforms to lay the foundation for a system change has been abandoned in favour of a government that represents the interest of a few people, desperate to stay in power at any and all cost while the country faces the risk of sliding back to the dark days of dictatorship which Gambians, supported by the diaspora and international community, fought so hard to break away from.
“The leadership and members of CA wish to reiterate its commitment to ensuring that the work of the commissions established by the Gambian people do not go in vain and that the resulting recommendations and necessary reforms are fully implemented to ensure justice and accountability. CA is now, more than ever, committed to uniting the citizens of this country to build a society where democracy is the order of the day, civil liberties and human rights are respected and impunity is a thing of the past.”
The Dr Ismaila Ceesay-led Citizens’ Alliance (CA) yesterday issued a press statement declaring that it is disheartened by the recent announcement of an APRC-NPP alliance.
It said the alliance “goes against the very foundation of why President Adama Barrow was elected…and betrays individuals and communities already grappling with the trauma caused by Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year brutal authoritarian regime.
It stated: “Gambians and friends and supporters of The Gambia are concerned that the regime change that promised to end self-perpetuating rule through constitutional, institutional, electoral, administrative and security reforms to lay the foundation for a system change has been abandoned in favour of a government that represents the interest of a few people, desperate to stay in power at any and all cost while the country faces the risk of sliding back to the dark days of dictatorship which Gambians, supported by the diaspora and international community, fought so hard to break away from.
“The leadership and members of CA wish to reiterate its commitment to ensuring that the work of the commissions established by the Gambian people do not go in vain and that the resulting recommendations and necessary reforms are fully implemented to ensure justice and accountability. CA is now, more than ever, committed to uniting the citizens of this country to build a society where democracy is the order of the day, civil liberties and human rights are respected and impunity is a thing of the past.”
MAN WHO THREATENS TO ASSASSINATE BARROW APPEARS IN TURKISH COURT
SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
By Omar Bah
Yankuba Suso, a Gambian resident in Turkey who recently made death threats against President Adama Barrow and the first lady, has confirmed to The Standard that he was arraigned in an Istanbul court in Turkey last Thursday.
Suso, who identified himself as a native of Niani Kuntaur and claimed to be part of the security detail of President-Elect Barrow during the 2016/17 political impasse, released an audio on the social media two weeks ago threatening to assassinate the president and his wife.
Government spokesman Ebrima Sankareh told West Radio Coffee Time programme on Monday that Suso was apprehended in Turkey and will face justice in Turkey.
However speaking to The Standard from his base in Istanbul yesterday, Yankuba Suso said: “I was arrested by the Turkish anti-crime police at around 3am last Thursday and taken to court on the same day. I was asked whether I was the one who released the audio. I said yes. I told the court that I didn’t mean it. That I was just angry about the way President Barrow is treating Gambians who laid down their lives for him to win the election.”
Suso said he was later released and asked to go home and would be called if needed. He said the court has barred him from traveling outside Turkey and asked him to be reporting to the nearest police every Monday.
Suso said The Gambia government identified him as a terrorist to the Turkish authorities.
“The government through the Gambia Embassy in Turkey and consul Suntou Touray in the UK wanted me deported. But when the Turkish police took me to the Turkish Deportation Centre they refused to accept me because there was no authorisation from the courts,” he alleged.
When contacted, Mr Touray said: “I had no clue and I have no jurisdiction to influence his deportation. I am not even aware until when his friend called to tell me about it. I publicly advised him to retract his statement and correct his message.”
The Turkish Embassy could not be reached for comments. However when asked whether Suso’s arrest came through the influence of the government, Spokesman Sankareh said: “All I know is that Suso is going to face justice for his actions”.
By Omar Bah
Yankuba Suso, a Gambian resident in Turkey who recently made death threats against President Adama Barrow and the first lady, has confirmed to The Standard that he was arraigned in an Istanbul court in Turkey last Thursday.
Suso, who identified himself as a native of Niani Kuntaur and claimed to be part of the security detail of President-Elect Barrow during the 2016/17 political impasse, released an audio on the social media two weeks ago threatening to assassinate the president and his wife.
Government spokesman Ebrima Sankareh told West Radio Coffee Time programme on Monday that Suso was apprehended in Turkey and will face justice in Turkey.
However speaking to The Standard from his base in Istanbul yesterday, Yankuba Suso said: “I was arrested by the Turkish anti-crime police at around 3am last Thursday and taken to court on the same day. I was asked whether I was the one who released the audio. I said yes. I told the court that I didn’t mean it. That I was just angry about the way President Barrow is treating Gambians who laid down their lives for him to win the election.”
Suso said he was later released and asked to go home and would be called if needed. He said the court has barred him from traveling outside Turkey and asked him to be reporting to the nearest police every Monday.
Suso said The Gambia government identified him as a terrorist to the Turkish authorities.
“The government through the Gambia Embassy in Turkey and consul Suntou Touray in the UK wanted me deported. But when the Turkish police took me to the Turkish Deportation Centre they refused to accept me because there was no authorisation from the courts,” he alleged.
When contacted, Mr Touray said: “I had no clue and I have no jurisdiction to influence his deportation. I am not even aware until when his friend called to tell me about it. I publicly advised him to retract his statement and correct his message.”
The Turkish Embassy could not be reached for comments. However when asked whether Suso’s arrest came through the influence of the government, Spokesman Sankareh said: “All I know is that Suso is going to face justice for his actions”.
Victims Centre says NPP/APRC alliance a betrayal of public trust
SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
By Aisha Tamba
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations yesterday issued a press statement expressing its dismay at the confirmation of an APRC/NPP alliance.
It said it is “confused and deeply saddened” by the move and that it does not bode well for the on-going transitional justice processes and condemned President Barrow for allying with “a terrorist party”.
It called the memorandum signed by the parties as “obnoxious” and claimed they failed to disclose its contents “because it represents the worst betrayal of public trust”.
The statement reads: “The victim’s community finds it utterly shocking and deplorable because the former APRC regime was led by a tin-pot dictator Yahya Jammeh who orchestrated the crimes of mass killings and rape of innocent mothers and daughters and fathers and sons for 22 years.
“The victims find it quiet disheartening and treacherous for Adama Barrow to abandon The Gambia’s transitional justice process and her crying citizens to run back to that killer and rapist tyrant and his terrorist party for an alliance to consolidate a desire for self-perpetuating rule.
This alliance came at a time when the truth commission is at the tail end of its mandate and subsequent submission of its final report and recommendations to the president. The alliance is perceived as a threat that may affect the implementation of TRRC recommendations by the government as well as the healing process of victims of the former ruling government.
“The Victims Centre and the community of victims of the former regime of the APRC see this alliance as outrageous and unpatriotic, therefore we expect all Gambians regardless of party affiliation to express their disappointment.
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations will continue to work with relevant partners to facilitate justice to victims, through national, regional and international mechanisms to ensure that the recommendations of the TRRC are fully implemented to safeguard the rights of victims in the country.
“Finally, we strongly advise the president to respect the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights as enshrined and entrenched in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia.”
By Aisha Tamba
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations yesterday issued a press statement expressing its dismay at the confirmation of an APRC/NPP alliance.
It said it is “confused and deeply saddened” by the move and that it does not bode well for the on-going transitional justice processes and condemned President Barrow for allying with “a terrorist party”.
- Advertisement -
It called the memorandum signed by the parties as “obnoxious” and claimed they failed to disclose its contents “because it represents the worst betrayal of public trust”.
The statement reads: “The victim’s community finds it utterly shocking and deplorable because the former APRC regime was led by a tin-pot dictator Yahya Jammeh who orchestrated the crimes of mass killings and rape of innocent mothers and daughters and fathers and sons for 22 years.
“The victims find it quiet disheartening and treacherous for Adama Barrow to abandon The Gambia’s transitional justice process and her crying citizens to run back to that killer and rapist tyrant and his terrorist party for an alliance to consolidate a desire for self-perpetuating rule.
This alliance came at a time when the truth commission is at the tail end of its mandate and subsequent submission of its final report and recommendations to the president. The alliance is perceived as a threat that may affect the implementation of TRRC recommendations by the government as well as the healing process of victims of the former ruling government.
“The Victims Centre and the community of victims of the former regime of the APRC see this alliance as outrageous and unpatriotic, therefore we expect all Gambians regardless of party affiliation to express their disappointment.
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations will continue to work with relevant partners to facilitate justice to victims, through national, regional and international mechanisms to ensure that the recommendations of the TRRC are fully implemented to safeguard the rights of victims in the country.
“Finally, we strongly advise the president to respect the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights as enshrined and entrenched in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia.”
By Aisha Tamba
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations yesterday issued a press statement expressing its dismay at the confirmation of an APRC/NPP alliance.
It said it is “confused and deeply saddened” by the move and that it does not bode well for the on-going transitional justice processes and condemned President Barrow for allying with “a terrorist party”.
- Advertisement -
It called the memorandum signed by the parties as “obnoxious” and claimed they failed to disclose its contents “because it represents the worst betrayal of public trust”.
The statement reads: “The victim’s community finds it utterly shocking and deplorable because the former APRC regime was led by a tin-pot dictator Yahya Jammeh who orchestrated the crimes of mass killings and rape of innocent mothers and daughters and fathers and sons for 22 years.
“The victims find it quiet disheartening and treacherous for Adama Barrow to abandon The Gambia’s transitional justice process and her crying citizens to run back to that killer and rapist tyrant and his terrorist party for an alliance to consolidate a desire for self-perpetuating rule.
This alliance came at a time when the truth commission is at the tail end of its mandate and subsequent submission of its final report and recommendations to the president. The alliance is perceived as a threat that may affect the implementation of TRRC recommendations by the government as well as the healing process of victims of the former ruling government.
“The Victims Centre and the community of victims of the former regime of the APRC see this alliance as outrageous and unpatriotic, therefore we expect all Gambians regardless of party affiliation to express their disappointment.
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations will continue to work with relevant partners to facilitate justice to victims, through national, regional and international mechanisms to ensure that the recommendations of the TRRC are fully implemented to safeguard the rights of victims in the country.
“Finally, we strongly advise the president to respect the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights as enshrined and entrenched in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia.”
By Aisha Tamba
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations yesterday issued a press statement expressing its dismay at the confirmation of an APRC/NPP alliance.
It said it is “confused and deeply saddened” by the move and that it does not bode well for the on-going transitional justice processes and condemned President Barrow for allying with “a terrorist party”.
- Advertisement -
It called the memorandum signed by the parties as “obnoxious” and claimed they failed to disclose its contents “because it represents the worst betrayal of public trust”.
The statement reads: “The victim’s community finds it utterly shocking and deplorable because the former APRC regime was led by a tin-pot dictator Yahya Jammeh who orchestrated the crimes of mass killings and rape of innocent mothers and daughters and fathers and sons for 22 years.
“The victims find it quiet disheartening and treacherous for Adama Barrow to abandon The Gambia’s transitional justice process and her crying citizens to run back to that killer and rapist tyrant and his terrorist party for an alliance to consolidate a desire for self-perpetuating rule.
This alliance came at a time when the truth commission is at the tail end of its mandate and subsequent submission of its final report and recommendations to the president. The alliance is perceived as a threat that may affect the implementation of TRRC recommendations by the government as well as the healing process of victims of the former ruling government.
“The Victims Centre and the community of victims of the former regime of the APRC see this alliance as outrageous and unpatriotic, therefore we expect all Gambians regardless of party affiliation to express their disappointment.
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations will continue to work with relevant partners to facilitate justice to victims, through national, regional and international mechanisms to ensure that the recommendations of the TRRC are fully implemented to safeguard the rights of victims in the country.
“Finally, we strongly advise the president to respect the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights as enshrined and entrenched in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia.”
By Aisha Tamba
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations yesterday issued a press statement expressing its dismay at the confirmation of an APRC/NPP alliance.
It said it is “confused and deeply saddened” by the move and that it does not bode well for the on-going transitional justice processes and condemned President Barrow for allying with “a terrorist party”.
It called the memorandum signed by the parties as “obnoxious” and claimed they failed to disclose its contents “because it represents the worst betrayal of public trust”.
The statement reads: “The victim’s community finds it utterly shocking and deplorable because the former APRC regime was led by a tin-pot dictator Yahya Jammeh who orchestrated the crimes of mass killings and rape of innocent mothers and daughters and fathers and sons for 22 years.
“The victims find it quiet disheartening and treacherous for Adama Barrow to abandon The Gambia’s transitional justice process and her crying citizens to run back to that killer and rapist tyrant and his terrorist party for an alliance to consolidate a desire for self-perpetuating rule.
This alliance came at a time when the truth commission is at the tail end of its mandate and subsequent submission of its final report and recommendations to the president. The alliance is perceived as a threat that may affect the implementation of TRRC recommendations by the government as well as the healing process of victims of the former ruling government.
“The Victims Centre and the community of victims of the former regime of the APRC see this alliance as outrageous and unpatriotic, therefore we expect all Gambians regardless of party affiliation to express their disappointment.
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations will continue to work with relevant partners to facilitate justice to victims, through national, regional and international mechanisms to ensure that the recommendations of the TRRC are fully implemented to safeguard the rights of victims in the country.
“Finally, we strongly advise the president to respect the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights as enshrined and entrenched in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia.”
By Aisha Tamba
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations yesterday issued a press statement expressing its dismay at the confirmation of an APRC/NPP alliance.
It said it is “confused and deeply saddened” by the move and that it does not bode well for the on-going transitional justice processes and condemned President Barrow for allying with “a terrorist party”.
- Advertisement -
It called the memorandum signed by the parties as “obnoxious” and claimed they failed to disclose its contents “because it represents the worst betrayal of public trust”.
The statement reads: “The victim’s community finds it utterly shocking and deplorable because the former APRC regime was led by a tin-pot dictator Yahya Jammeh who orchestrated the crimes of mass killings and rape of innocent mothers and daughters and fathers and sons for 22 years.
“The victims find it quiet disheartening and treacherous for Adama Barrow to abandon The Gambia’s transitional justice process and her crying citizens to run back to that killer and rapist tyrant and his terrorist party for an alliance to consolidate a desire for self-perpetuating rule.
This alliance came at a time when the truth commission is at the tail end of its mandate and subsequent submission of its final report and recommendations to the president. The alliance is perceived as a threat that may affect the implementation of TRRC recommendations by the government as well as the healing process of victims of the former ruling government.
“The Victims Centre and the community of victims of the former regime of the APRC see this alliance as outrageous and unpatriotic, therefore we expect all Gambians regardless of party affiliation to express their disappointment.
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations will continue to work with relevant partners to facilitate justice to victims, through national, regional and international mechanisms to ensure that the recommendations of the TRRC are fully implemented to safeguard the rights of victims in the country.
“Finally, we strongly advise the president to respect the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights as enshrined and entrenched in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia.”
By Aisha Tamba
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations yesterday issued a press statement expressing its dismay at the confirmation of an APRC/NPP alliance.
It said it is “confused and deeply saddened” by the move and that it does not bode well for the on-going transitional justice processes and condemned President Barrow for allying with “a terrorist party”.
- Advertisement -
It called the memorandum signed by the parties as “obnoxious” and claimed they failed to disclose its contents “because it represents the worst betrayal of public trust”.
The statement reads: “The victim’s community finds it utterly shocking and deplorable because the former APRC regime was led by a tin-pot dictator Yahya Jammeh who orchestrated the crimes of mass killings and rape of innocent mothers and daughters and fathers and sons for 22 years.
“The victims find it quiet disheartening and treacherous for Adama Barrow to abandon The Gambia’s transitional justice process and her crying citizens to run back to that killer and rapist tyrant and his terrorist party for an alliance to consolidate a desire for self-perpetuating rule.
This alliance came at a time when the truth commission is at the tail end of its mandate and subsequent submission of its final report and recommendations to the president. The alliance is perceived as a threat that may affect the implementation of TRRC recommendations by the government as well as the healing process of victims of the former ruling government.
“The Victims Centre and the community of victims of the former regime of the APRC see this alliance as outrageous and unpatriotic, therefore we expect all Gambians regardless of party affiliation to express their disappointment.
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations will continue to work with relevant partners to facilitate justice to victims, through national, regional and international mechanisms to ensure that the recommendations of the TRRC are fully implemented to safeguard the rights of victims in the country.
“Finally, we strongly advise the president to respect the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights as enshrined and entrenched in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia.”
By Aisha Tamba
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations yesterday issued a press statement expressing its dismay at the confirmation of an APRC/NPP alliance.
It said it is “confused and deeply saddened” by the move and that it does not bode well for the on-going transitional justice processes and condemned President Barrow for allying with “a terrorist party”.
- Advertisement -
It called the memorandum signed by the parties as “obnoxious” and claimed they failed to disclose its contents “because it represents the worst betrayal of public trust”.
The statement reads: “The victim’s community finds it utterly shocking and deplorable because the former APRC regime was led by a tin-pot dictator Yahya Jammeh who orchestrated the crimes of mass killings and rape of innocent mothers and daughters and fathers and sons for 22 years.
“The victims find it quiet disheartening and treacherous for Adama Barrow to abandon The Gambia’s transitional justice process and her crying citizens to run back to that killer and rapist tyrant and his terrorist party for an alliance to consolidate a desire for self-perpetuating rule.
This alliance came at a time when the truth commission is at the tail end of its mandate and subsequent submission of its final report and recommendations to the president. The alliance is perceived as a threat that may affect the implementation of TRRC recommendations by the government as well as the healing process of victims of the former ruling government.
“The Victims Centre and the community of victims of the former regime of the APRC see this alliance as outrageous and unpatriotic, therefore we expect all Gambians regardless of party affiliation to express their disappointment.
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations will continue to work with relevant partners to facilitate justice to victims, through national, regional and international mechanisms to ensure that the recommendations of the TRRC are fully implemented to safeguard the rights of victims in the country.
“Finally, we strongly advise the president to respect the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights as enshrined and entrenched in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia.”
Barrow says it will be a waste of time to challenge him
SEPTEMBER 7, 2021
By Omar Bah
President Barrow has said challenging him at the polls on December 4th will be an exercise in futility and told his opponents to join him.
He told a mass rally at Bakadaji near his home village of Mankamang Kunda on Sunday: “There is no need to go against me in this election because there will be no contest. Going against me will translate to waste of time and resources. Let us all come together because nobody will come from outside to develop this country for us. It is only troublemakers who will leave the NPP – a party in power – to join the opposition. But even on the Day of Judgment some people will be forced to enter paradise.”
- Advertisement -On his party’s alliance with the APRC, he commented: “I am confident that with all these political parties on our side, we are certainly going to win. I thank and praise the APRC leadership. It has never happened anyway in the world where a party you defeated in an election turned around to support your bid for re-election.”
Underscoring his prospects in the approaching election, he stated: “Don’t allow anyone to fool you. This election is going to be a referendum on The Gambia. It will be about the country’s progress or retrogression and I am convinced that the Gambian people, especially youths in this country, don’t want to vote for retrogression. Voting for the opposition represents voting for backwardness. The solution is NPP.”
GDC
Almost every speaker at the rally called on Mamma Kandeh, President Barrow’s main political sparring partner in Jimara, “to swallow his pride” and join Barrow. At least 500 supporters of the GDC and UDP were reported to have decamped to the NPP and some of them were presented at the rally.
The NPP deputy national mobiliser, Dodou Sanno called Mamma Kandeh to swallow his pride and join Barrow and the NPP before “it is too late”.
He said the GDC “is all but finished in Jimara and Gambia in general”.
“When Mamma Kandeh knew President Barrow was coming to Jimara he [Kandeh] rushed and started distributing cola nuts to villages in the constituency and invited them for a meeting. But all the villages except five villages rejected his cola nut. We receive information that he slaughtered a cow and anticipated to received those villages but none of them turned up. It was yesterday [Saturday] that he returned to Kombo and surrendered Jimara to President Barrow. It is all over,” Sanno said.
The NPP deputy national president Demba Sabally who was once an executive member of the GDC said: “I never mention Mamma Kandeh in a political rally but effective today I want to appeal to him to pack all what he has and join President Barrow.”
President Barrow has said challenging him at the polls on December 4th will be an exercise in futility and told his opponents to join him.
He told a mass rally at Bakadaji near his home village of Mankamang Kunda on Sunday: “There is no need to go against me in this election because there will be no contest. Going against me will translate to waste of time and resources. Let us all come together because nobody will come from outside to develop this country for us. It is only troublemakers who will leave the NPP – a party in power – to join the opposition. But even on the Day of Judgment some people will be forced to enter paradise.”
- Advertisement -On his party’s alliance with the APRC, he commented: “I am confident that with all these political parties on our side, we are certainly going to win. I thank and praise the APRC leadership. It has never happened anyway in the world where a party you defeated in an election turned around to support your bid for re-election.”
Underscoring his prospects in the approaching election, he stated: “Don’t allow anyone to fool you. This election is going to be a referendum on The Gambia. It will be about the country’s progress or retrogression and I am convinced that the Gambian people, especially youths in this country, don’t want to vote for retrogression. Voting for the opposition represents voting for backwardness. The solution is NPP.”
GDC
Almost every speaker at the rally called on Mamma Kandeh, President Barrow’s main political sparring partner in Jimara, “to swallow his pride” and join Barrow. At least 500 supporters of the GDC and UDP were reported to have decamped to the NPP and some of them were presented at the rally.
The NPP deputy national mobiliser, Dodou Sanno called Mamma Kandeh to swallow his pride and join Barrow and the NPP before “it is too late”.
He said the GDC “is all but finished in Jimara and Gambia in general”.
“When Mamma Kandeh knew President Barrow was coming to Jimara he [Kandeh] rushed and started distributing cola nuts to villages in the constituency and invited them for a meeting. But all the villages except five villages rejected his cola nut. We receive information that he slaughtered a cow and anticipated to received those villages but none of them turned up. It was yesterday [Saturday] that he returned to Kombo and surrendered Jimara to President Barrow. It is all over,” Sanno said.
The NPP deputy national president Demba Sabally who was once an executive member of the GDC said: “I never mention Mamma Kandeh in a political rally but effective today I want to appeal to him to pack all what he has and join President Barrow.”
APRC, NPP agree on Jammeh’s return as duo form alliance ahead of Dec polls
Sep 6, 2021, 2:08 PM | Article By: Momodou Jawo
The Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) over the weekend announced it has reached an agreement in forming an alliance with the National People’s Party (NPP) to re-elect President Adama Barrow.“We have also agreed that when we succeed after the December 4th election, the former president Yahya Jammeh will be accorded the right to come back peacefully to The Gambia.”
APRC the former ruling party of Yahya Jammeh lost the 2016 election to then independent candidate Adama Barrow now the leader of the NPP. After the announcement of the result by the country’s Independent Election Commission, the former president conceded defeat but later made a dramatic turnabout (u-turn), claiming that the election was not fair and urged re-election. Jammeh's refusal to step-down resulted in political impasse in which about 40, 000 Gambians fled to Senegal.
After months of negotiation, APRC and NPP on Thursday 2nd September 2021 signed a MoU on what they described as the interest of the country and in the interest of national reconciliation.
Part of the agreement APRC officials said, is to ensure that Yahya Jammeh, who is currently is in exile in Equatorial Guinea, returns to the country peacefully with dignity.
However, what’s not clear is whether the MoU protects Jammeh from prosecution given the fact that there's a campaign currently ongoing to bring him (Jammeh) to justice for allegations of crimes against humanity.
“The country is so divided and fragile. Therefore, the APRC party coming together with the incumbent and forming an alliance will be a booster for Gambians to reconcile,” Fabakary Tombong Jatta claimed at a press conference on Saturday at the Coco Ocean Spa and Hotel in Bijilo.
Ninety-nine percent of the APRC Party national executive committee, he said, is okay with the party forming a coalition with NPP, adding that only two people from the APRC national executive committee have their reservations.
He maintained that political agreement anywhere in the world is based on trust, adding that they have trust in President Barrow, saying: “Our objective is to get former president Yahya Jammeh back in the country peacefully with dignity. Make no mistake because that gesture will be good for any government because of the polarity of The Gambia. For the stability of this country, you can’t ignore the influence and good work of former president Jammeh.”
Key among the agreement, he added, is to form an alliance with the NPP. “We are convinced that the two parties coming together is in the greater good of Gambian people and will also steady reconciliation for Gambians.”
“We have resolved and agreed that come 2021, all APRC members will vote for President Barrow for the December 4th election. We also agree that after the formation of the coalition and the success of our election, there will be a coalition government where APRC will be part of that government from all levels ranging from ministerial level to any other level.”
“We have fundamentally agreed, we as Africans and for that matter Gambians, we should call to the end where our political leaders after leaving office are traumatised, harassed, exiled or even jailed. For now and posterity, it’s not only what we have now or what will come tomorrow, we are aware and convinced that it’s not only African leaders who commit errors. No government in the world is perfect, but if you go to the ICC, you only see African leaders there. We have seen atrocities being committed by this so-called western world, but never have they been taken to the ICC.”
The Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) over the weekend announced it has reached an agreement in forming an alliance with the National People’s Party (NPP) to re-elect President Adama Barrow.“We have also agreed that when we succeed after the December 4th election, the former president Yahya Jammeh will be accorded the right to come back peacefully to The Gambia.”
APRC the former ruling party of Yahya Jammeh lost the 2016 election to then independent candidate Adama Barrow now the leader of the NPP. After the announcement of the result by the country’s Independent Election Commission, the former president conceded defeat but later made a dramatic turnabout (u-turn), claiming that the election was not fair and urged re-election. Jammeh's refusal to step-down resulted in political impasse in which about 40, 000 Gambians fled to Senegal.
After months of negotiation, APRC and NPP on Thursday 2nd September 2021 signed a MoU on what they described as the interest of the country and in the interest of national reconciliation.
Part of the agreement APRC officials said, is to ensure that Yahya Jammeh, who is currently is in exile in Equatorial Guinea, returns to the country peacefully with dignity.
However, what’s not clear is whether the MoU protects Jammeh from prosecution given the fact that there's a campaign currently ongoing to bring him (Jammeh) to justice for allegations of crimes against humanity.
“The country is so divided and fragile. Therefore, the APRC party coming together with the incumbent and forming an alliance will be a booster for Gambians to reconcile,” Fabakary Tombong Jatta claimed at a press conference on Saturday at the Coco Ocean Spa and Hotel in Bijilo.
Ninety-nine percent of the APRC Party national executive committee, he said, is okay with the party forming a coalition with NPP, adding that only two people from the APRC national executive committee have their reservations.
He maintained that political agreement anywhere in the world is based on trust, adding that they have trust in President Barrow, saying: “Our objective is to get former president Yahya Jammeh back in the country peacefully with dignity. Make no mistake because that gesture will be good for any government because of the polarity of The Gambia. For the stability of this country, you can’t ignore the influence and good work of former president Jammeh.”
Key among the agreement, he added, is to form an alliance with the NPP. “We are convinced that the two parties coming together is in the greater good of Gambian people and will also steady reconciliation for Gambians.”
“We have resolved and agreed that come 2021, all APRC members will vote for President Barrow for the December 4th election. We also agree that after the formation of the coalition and the success of our election, there will be a coalition government where APRC will be part of that government from all levels ranging from ministerial level to any other level.”
“We have fundamentally agreed, we as Africans and for that matter Gambians, we should call to the end where our political leaders after leaving office are traumatised, harassed, exiled or even jailed. For now and posterity, it’s not only what we have now or what will come tomorrow, we are aware and convinced that it’s not only African leaders who commit errors. No government in the world is perfect, but if you go to the ICC, you only see African leaders there. We have seen atrocities being committed by this so-called western world, but never have they been taken to the ICC.”
‘Barrow’s decision to form alliance with APRC is shocking to Jammeh’s victims’ Sep 7, 2021, 1:12 PM | Article By: Sankulleh Gibril Janko
Sep 7, 2021, 1:12 PM | Article By: Sankulleh Gibril Janko
The chairman of the Victims Centre of The Gambia, Sheriff Kijera, has said that President Barrow’s decision to form an alliance with the former ruling Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) is “shocking and depressing to Jammeh’s victims, some of whom, he said, could not sleep for 24 hours after the announcement of the merger..This, comes after interim leader of APRC Fabakary Tombong Jatta at a presser on Saturday, announced that his party has reached an agreement to throw its support behind President Barrow’s bid for re-election on 4th December 2021.
Sheriff is among many Gambians, who expressed rage over Barrow’s ambition to retain power at the expense of Gambians.
Gambians on social media including Facebook and Twitter expressed dismay that a president, who on many occasions admitted former ruling APRC government’s atrocities, a president they voted for to bring about change, is the one attempting to bring back that same government to power.
“This is the biggest betrayal of the century I can mention.”
President Barrow’s government established the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to establish facts on human rights violations from July 1994 to January 2017, a commission that was seen as a beacon of hope for victims of the APRC government.
Interestingly, the report and recommendations of the TRRC’s two-year work which is expected to greatly affect former President Jammeh and top security officials among others, will be handed to President Barrow.
After this alliance with a party that is expected to be the centre of the report and the recommendations, many Gambians say the work of the commission will be a waste as they don’t expect the president to carry out the recommendations.
And Mr. Kijera says Barrow used the commission to give false impression.
“The establishment of the TRRC basically is a window dressing, he just used it as a political gimmick, trying to show the whole world he is interested in pursuing justice for , while he is interested in pursuing his desire to hold on to the grip of power, self perpetuating rule.”
The APRC interim leader FTJ told party supporters during the press conference that the core of the agreement was to have Jammeh back home as a free man and to be accorded all the respect and dignity as a former Head of State.
Meanwhile, Essa Njie, a Political Science Lecturer at the University of The Gambia says the APRC-NPP coalition will be a formidable team but said it will be too early to call, saying “you can’t say they will win the election hands down.”
He said there could be a possible grand coalition among opposition parties to prevent the incumbent from re-election. “We may see another coalition just like 2016.”
The Political Analyst described the Gambia's political situation as sad, noting that many Gambians never thought an incumbent will form an alliance with APRC after the 2016 election that brought Barrow to power.
He says many Gambians are shocked at Barrow’s decision, but claimed there were indications that Barrow would form an alliance with APRC.
He cited examples of Barrow’s response to questions of forming a coalition with the former ruling party and the handling of the Janneh Commission’s report etc.
The NPP meanwhile in a press release issued on Sunday, expressed excitement over agreeing a deal with APRC in their bid for the presidency.
The chairman of the Victims Centre of The Gambia, Sheriff Kijera, has said that President Barrow’s decision to form an alliance with the former ruling Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) is “shocking and depressing to Jammeh’s victims, some of whom, he said, could not sleep for 24 hours after the announcement of the merger..This, comes after interim leader of APRC Fabakary Tombong Jatta at a presser on Saturday, announced that his party has reached an agreement to throw its support behind President Barrow’s bid for re-election on 4th December 2021.
Sheriff is among many Gambians, who expressed rage over Barrow’s ambition to retain power at the expense of Gambians.
Gambians on social media including Facebook and Twitter expressed dismay that a president, who on many occasions admitted former ruling APRC government’s atrocities, a president they voted for to bring about change, is the one attempting to bring back that same government to power.
“This is the biggest betrayal of the century I can mention.”
President Barrow’s government established the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to establish facts on human rights violations from July 1994 to January 2017, a commission that was seen as a beacon of hope for victims of the APRC government.
Interestingly, the report and recommendations of the TRRC’s two-year work which is expected to greatly affect former President Jammeh and top security officials among others, will be handed to President Barrow.
After this alliance with a party that is expected to be the centre of the report and the recommendations, many Gambians say the work of the commission will be a waste as they don’t expect the president to carry out the recommendations.
And Mr. Kijera says Barrow used the commission to give false impression.
“The establishment of the TRRC basically is a window dressing, he just used it as a political gimmick, trying to show the whole world he is interested in pursuing justice for , while he is interested in pursuing his desire to hold on to the grip of power, self perpetuating rule.”
The APRC interim leader FTJ told party supporters during the press conference that the core of the agreement was to have Jammeh back home as a free man and to be accorded all the respect and dignity as a former Head of State.
Meanwhile, Essa Njie, a Political Science Lecturer at the University of The Gambia says the APRC-NPP coalition will be a formidable team but said it will be too early to call, saying “you can’t say they will win the election hands down.”
He said there could be a possible grand coalition among opposition parties to prevent the incumbent from re-election. “We may see another coalition just like 2016.”
The Political Analyst described the Gambia's political situation as sad, noting that many Gambians never thought an incumbent will form an alliance with APRC after the 2016 election that brought Barrow to power.
He says many Gambians are shocked at Barrow’s decision, but claimed there were indications that Barrow would form an alliance with APRC.
He cited examples of Barrow’s response to questions of forming a coalition with the former ruling party and the handling of the Janneh Commission’s report etc.
The NPP meanwhile in a press release issued on Sunday, expressed excitement over agreeing a deal with APRC in their bid for the presidency.
Press Statement Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations. Concerns about the NPP/APRC Alliance for the forthcoming Presidential Elections - and its Impact on the on-going Transitional Justice Processes Sep 7, 2021, 2:10 PM The Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations is confused and deeply saddened by the recent Alliance between the NPP/APRC which was announced by the Interim Leader of the APRC Hon Fabakary Tombong Jatta at a Press Conference held on 4 September 2021 at Coco Ocean, and the statement made by the Deputy Spokesperson of the National People’s Party (NPP) Seedy Njie in a press briefing held on Sunday at Mankamang Kunda, welcoming the announcement made by Fabakary Jatta for the APRC to form an alliance with NPP.
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DAILY NEWS FROM BJL THE GAMBIA,12/05/2021:
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