Gambia: The Mighty ‘Bai Faal’ Have Finally Fallen From Grace

Sonko, photo source: Foroyaa

The past week has shown a dramatic and a rather unexpected turn of events in the Gambia government. The Minister of Interior - Mr. Ousman Sonko, one of the longest serving cabinet official in the country have been terminated and replaced by a serving officer in the Gambia Armed Forces - Mr. Momodou Alieu (MA) Bah who was once sentenced to 25 years in prison for allegedly taking part in a coup plot in 2006 and later release on a presidential pardon in 2009. Sonko’s dismissal was aired on GRTS on Saturday 17th September, 2016 (unofficial working day) according to Foroyaa.

A self-proclaimed ‘Bai Faal’ (disciple) to his now ex-boss, Mr. Sonko have held the interior portfolio for the second time since 2012. He was first assigned the post in November 2006 and removed in February 2012, only to be reinstated three months later. Overall, he served for a combined period of 10 years making him seem untouchable in a cabinet where ‘hire and fire’ is as rife as the corruption embedded within.

It is widely reported that Ousman Sonko is seeking asylum in Sweden at the moment making one to wonder how on earth can that be possible. He is said to have arrived in Sweden on Tuesday 20th September via Senegal. Another episode that severely undermines the security situation in the country. How can a high ranking government official be terminated on a Saturday and reached a destination as far as Sweden within two days - only in The Gambia!

Talking of security, where are we heading Gambia? Barely two months to the most crucial elections, the most important ministry in terms of security is now occupied by a complete novice in government affairs. As far as I can remember, the Gambia was in military rule for just two years (1994 - 1996). So how an active army officer be elevated to a ministry portfolio in a civilian government is certainly beyond my comprehension.

For Ousman Sonko, as it is often said, surely ‘what goes around, comes around!’ Am pretty sure you never saw this coming when you proudly declared yourself a ‘Bai Faal.’ Notwithstanding though, we humbly welcome you to the real world, the world of ‘have-nots’ which is very different from the elite status you used to enjoy over the years. I must warn you though, it is really tough out there especially for a controversial character like yourself. So be fully prepared to reap what you sow!

Gambia: The Ambiguity in the Conference of Presidential Candidates

Following a constant public outcry for opposition parties in the Gambia to form a unified coalition in order to try and bring an end to the 22-year reign of the APRC government in the upcoming general elections, opposition party leaders have finally managed to organise a meeting aimed at finding modalities to that effect.

Spearheaded by the veteran politician and PDOIS flagbearer - Mr Halifah Sallah, the presidential aspirants and/or their representatives with some observers converged at the Kairaba Beach Hotel on Wednesday 14th September 2016 to commence discussions on such a matter of national interest. It is reported that the meeting was held behind closed doors and lasted for about two hours.

Photo Source: sharonspano.com

According to foroyaa, the Presidential hopefuls in attendance at the meeting were Dr Lamin Bojang of NCP and Halifa Sallah of PDOIS. Mr. Hamat Bah of the NRP and Mamma Kandeh of GDC were represented by their deputies - Musa Sonko and Yusupha Jaiteh respectively. Both Bah and Kandeh were said to be out of town during the meeting.

Meanwhile, the two presidential candidates who did not appear or send representatives to hold briefs on their behalfs were Mr. Adama Barrow of the UDP and the Independent candidate - Dr. Isatou Touray. Similarly, Mr Henry Gomez of the GPDP promised to send two representatives but no one turned up for him. Also the PPP and GMC sent neither any representatives nor observers - foroyaa reported.

This meeting is undoubtedly a step in the right direction but its ambiguity badly exposes the division amongst Gambian opposition parties. The weakness in participation/representation level from the stakeholders was rather too obvious to formulate conspiracy theories around it.

However, since another meeting is scheduled to take place, we will give this one the benefit of the doubt for now and look forward to the second meeting. We hope for a more meaningful outcome next time around and look forward to a single opposition candidate come December 1st.

It must however be stressed that time is not our side since December 1st is just about 10 weeks away.  We therefore continue to plead with all opposition leaders to put their egos and personal interests aside and put the interest of the country first. May the forthcoming elections usher in a new dawn in Gambian politics and bring us the much sought after 3rd republic.

A Somber Reflection on Current Global Crisis to Mark the Celebration of Eid-ul-Adha

Photo Source: usa4thofjuly

As today marks the holy feast of Eid-ul-Adha (the feast of sacrifice), we take a moment to reflect on the sufferings of millions of innocent people the world over. From Banjul to Jeddah, we join the rest of the Ummah to pray for the unfortunate sons and daughters of this universe who are, at this point in time enduring difficulties in their lives. We especially remember and pray for those Muslims who do not have the luxury of celebrating this year’s Eid in peace due to endless and senseless conflicts going on in their backyards.

Syria in particular have endured a brutal civil war for the best part of five years now. Most of this country’s citizen unfortunately haven’t had the chance to peacefully celebrate Eid since 2011. Some family members have been forced apart making the situation all the more traumatic. Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Palestine, Yemen, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan - just to name a few, have all had their fair share of conflicts over the years prompting massive exodus of people.

Syrian refugees. Source: cbc

Globally, the amount of people escaping war or fleeing persecution have risen sharply over the last couple of years with Europe, mainly Italy and Greece, feeling overwhelmed with the number of refugees arriving on their shores. According to the IOM, 291,175 migrants and refugees entered Europe by sea in 2016 through 7 September. In 2016 almost all migrant and refugee landings in the Mediterranean have been to Greece and Italy.

Although the total number of arrivals so far this year (291,175) are almost 60,000 less than the same period last year (350,504 up to 30 August), mainly due to the sharp drop in arrivals to Greece since earlier in the year, the number of deaths is higher compared to last year. Through 7 September, the estimated 3,198 Mediterranean deaths are over 630 more than the 2,656 recorded between 1 January and 31 August 2015. This indicates that while total arrivals are now lower than they were at this time last year, the number of reported deaths is significantly higher.

South Sudanese refugees. Source: CCTV-Africa

Meanwhile, IMO also reported that fighting between armed groups across parts of South Sudan continues to drive displacement, including in areas that had been relatively stable since the crisis broke out in December 2013. The dynamic nature of the conflict has resulted in the constant movement of civilians as they attempt to escape shifting locations of insecurity. More than 1.6 million people are internally displaced across South Sudan, in addition to 786,000 people who have fled to neighbouring countries since December 2013. More than half of the country (6.1 million people) are in need of relief aid.

These figures are indeed staggering and people of all faiths and non-faiths alike must take a somber moment to seriously reflect on them. I know most of us (ordinary people) cannot in anyway offer any meaningful solution to the problems, but we are certainly enjoin by our moral obligations to continue to pray and empathise with all those affected by all the selfish and mad-made atrocities threatening the existence of our universe.

Gambia: The Perplexity Surrounding the Current Political Discourse

It is just a little over twelve weeks to the much anticipated date of December 1st which is set aside by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for the crucial presidential elections in the Republic of The Gambia. The campaign trail is gradually heating up with the political parties beginning to crisscross the length and breadth of the country trying to win the hearts and minds of the electorates.  

Meanwhile, after the emphatic introduction of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) and the less talked-about announcement of the candidature of Lawyer Joseph H. Joof, another independent candidate in the person of Dr. Isatou Touray has emerged. Interestingly, the emergence of the renowned gender and humans rights activist almost coincided with the unveiling of Adama Barrow as the United Democratic Party (UDP) flag bearer for the December 1st polls.

The euphoria in the GDC’s camp has so far been very overwhelming indeed making many to believe that the 3rd republic is imminent. Roll on the weeks and here comes Dr. Touray. So all of a sudden, the paradigm in the political arena swiftly begin to shift in her favour. Without a shadow of a doubt, most Gambians are yearning for a change but just who can usher in that change continue to perplexed many. Mamma Kandeh who have been touted as the only possible candidate who can make that change happen, have suddenly been debunked by Dr. Touray in the eyes of many. The differences in opinions amongst sympathiser and militants are already obvious but that is understandable in politics.

What is perplexing however is, some commentators who have been calling for other party leaders to rally behind Mamma Kandeh to lead a unified coalition over the past weeks are the ones suddenly advocating for the coronation of Dr. Touray as a coalition flag bearer. The same commentators who vehemently opposed going to elections prior to the emergency of Mr. Kandeh and Dr. Touray are the same ones loudly beating up the election drum. How confusing! As we desperately yearn for a change, our heads are being completely messed up and our patience/emotions are tested to the limit. So if care is not taken, we will end up making the wrong decisions in the ballot box come December 1st which could potentially lead to a catastrophic aftermath.

In hindsight though, having so many candidates vying for the presidency should have been deemed as a victory for democracy. But unfortunately, the saying - “the more, the merrier” is certainly not compatible with the current political climate in the Gambia. The more candidates we have for this coming elections, the more we are definitely going to make it easy for the incumbent to retain power.

Sadly, the outcry for a united coalition has so far largely fallen on deaf ears. Perhaps something is brewing behind the scenes but the signs are not at all promising as of now. How I wish am proven wrong! And how I wish that all opposition candidates are willing to come together and put forward just one candidate to challenge the incumbent. May peace continue to prevail in The Gambia.