Gambian Opposition leaders followed through on their pledged to organize massive political rally this weekend in Serekunda and Brikama. The Saturday rally held at the Buffer zone in Serekunda saw a massive turnout of Gambians to support their opposition leaders. Gambian youths and the elderly all turned up in mass numbers to participate in the political rally.
The rallies were organized amid efforts by Diaspora Gambians in collaboration with opposition leaders to dialogue and bring the opposition together on the same platform. Many Gambians believe that the fear factor that has been instilled in the minds of Gambians could be diminished if opposition leaders are seem together on the same platforms to challenge President Jammeh on his heavy handed rule and dismal human rights records and economic policy failures.
The concept of such a rally was driven from initial efforts of the Group of six (G6) who earlier pledged to not participate in any form of elections until electoral reforms are instituted. However, due to some lack of progress in the group of six an idea was suggested for all political parties to begin building trust and working relationship by organizing political rallies together. Once they are able to build that working relationship and trust they could then forge an alliance to challenge President Jammeh on electoral reform and subsequently contest elections with a possible victory on a level playing field.
Many leaders spoke at the Rally including the dynamic OJ Jallow one of few former PPP politicians who has stayed the course in Gambia and have endured all kinds of suffering. Speaking at the Rally OJ said “Our purpose is to uplift the welfare of Gambian people…non partisanship..we are working hard to make Unity our goal. we have started and we will continue” He lambasted on President Jammeh who had accused the former regime of corruption. OJ responded that the man who accused them of stealing has turned out to be the biggest thief in the Gambia. He went further to insinuate that Jammeh was a poor soldier before coming to power and now he claims to be rich. OJ called for unity and for Gambian citizens to come out and defend their freedom.
Adding the crowd Lawyer Darboe leader of the UDP said there is more corruption, intimidation and impunity in Gambia today than any time in the Gambia. He lamented on the high cost of living, insecurity and blatant violation of the rights of Gambian citizens. Darboe called for the release of political prisoners, the respect for rule of law and level playing field. Other speakers includes UDP’s organizing secretary Lamin Dibba and many other elderly folks. GMC representatives also spoke at the rally while their leader Mai Fatty joined the online community to add his voice.
If anything what the political rally held Saturday shows is that Gambians are willing to get out of their comfort zones and attend political rallies when their leadership are willing to stand with them. The massive rally one of two taking place this weekend was a moral booster to both the opposition and their supports. It also shows the power of unity and how it could motivate the people to shed fear and stand up for their political rallies. Despite the arrest of a UDP Youth Leader and a Foroyaa Messenger for organizing a youth conference in Tangi and criticising ugly portraits of President Jammeh respectively, people came out in massive numbers to attend the rally.
Diaspora Gambians and the online media were equally galvanized and all online networks directly carried the rally live to inform a large Gambian population in the Diaspora. Activists leaders joined the networks to make analysis and observations of the situation. It was a much needed break for the opposition and their supporters to defy fear of arrest and intimidation – a tactic used by President Jammeh to silence their opponents.
Many people strongly believe that with such rallies taking place in Gambia on a more regular basis, the people will once again be re-energized and participate in the political process of the country. It is also more likely to put added pressure on President Jammeh to respond negatively to the opposition thus further isolating him and his regime which has made many economic, political and diplomatic blunders within the last few months. Jammeh’s blood must be boiling hearing opposition leaders and ordinary citizens criticizing him openly without fear said one observer.
Although not attended by Hamat Bah of the NRP who pulled out of the meeting agreement barely three days before the meeting and when his defiant participation in the King West By elections where his candidate was bitterly humiliated, Gambians proceeded to hold a much needed rally. Another Political party the PDOIS who formed an alliance with NRP in the last elections also failed to attend the rally. It was allegedly reported that PDOIS wanted to be given more time to prepare for such a meeting,
Despite all this many Gambians are optimistic that it is in the best interest of the opposition to come together and work together for change in Gambia. Many believe that there is little choice to work separately as it will only spell failure for the opposition. Another rally is planned for tomorrow Sunday December 15th, 2013 in Brikama which is more likely to see a bigger turnout especially after the success of the Serekunda Rally.