I agree with Dr Saine critique of Mr Salieu Njie’s invitation to a point; however, I completely disagree with his insinuation that for any idea to have claim to legitimacy, it has to derive from a foundation of broad popular support. Every successful institution or organization has its origin from the mind and idea of one individual; not, in fact, never the plurality in a given community. The other point I find baffling is Dr Saine’s questioning of the role of journalist as “king-makers.” In the real world, even though their roles in politics have generally been benign, journalism has always been the one institution that has played the greatest role in shaping public opinion, and by extension, often successfully steering the public towards their political biases. And to now deny journalists’ role as “king-makers” is truly remarkable for a person who teaches political science. Additionally, Dr Saine’s mention of “your group,” in his response to Salieu Njie invitation, is a clear reference to GCC. I got news for him. Salieu Njie’s letter was his personal initiative, and GCC had no hand, whatsoever, in its origination, writing and/or distribution. The original invitation letter was mailed to me to work on and improve, which I never did, and still don’t know the full content of the letter. Salieu Njie did mention his idea to me and I am sure to other GCC members, but my understanding was that it was only to bring leaders of the various organizations together to discuss how to advance the common goal. In his brief to me, nothing was ever mentioned to me about the election of a “leader,” which I too would have opposed as premature and ridiculous in a New York minute. As you may or may not know, GCC is composed of individuals with a common objective, but the organizations also recognizes the individuality of each member, and as a policy matter, encourages its executives to dig deep into their brains for ideas on how to make the struggle against Yahya Jammeh even more effective.
The only ground rule for GCC members is to recognize that there is only one objective; removal of Yahya Jammeh. But something else in Dr Saine’s response caught my attention; his complete denial of reality is mind-blowing. I mean; his constant harping of CORDEG as an “umbrella organization” is more like a Pravda-style propaganda, unsupported by substantiating facts. But perhaps his rationale is that if he repeats it so often, it may have the ring of truth to it. Maybe, but not all Gambians who are living witnesses to the still unfolding CORDEG drama are that gullible to this kind of rhetoric. Perhaps what comes across to me as lack of realism is Dr Saine’s reference to GDAG’s departure as a “temporary withdrawal,” in complete contradiction to GDAG’s own words, and an even outright reluctance to acknowledge the deep philosophical and strategic differences between GDAG and CORDEG. In this regard, the CORDEG Manifesto, which clearly seeks political power in The Gambia, speaks for itself, and clearly illustrates either the complete lack of understanding of the functions of civil society organizations by CORDEG’s leadership and drafters of the CORDEG Manifesto or the absolute ridiculousness of CORDEG’s political aspirations as outlined in its document of intent. GCC has always maintained that the struggle is only about Yahya Jammeh’s removal and preparedness for peaceful transition to civilian rule; not political power. The recent financial matter involving a CORDEG executive and the EU, and the amputation of another key executive from the organization he represents at CORDEG, are both glaring examples of what can only be described as managerial inefficiency. Clearly, for any organization to effective, funding is key, and true the GCC executive is aware of this shortcoming. Additionally, the GCC has been hamstrung by the increasing distrust of civil society fund-raising in light of the apparent use of the struggle for individual financial gains. But, GCC’s financial woes could change, and if they do, the organization has an agenda to remove Yahya Jammeh working with Gambians at home and abroad, and the political establishment both at home and abroad.
I personally have been naive enough to believe all along that everyone was in this struggle for the right reason; the removal of Yahya Jammeh and his divisive, criminal regime. Given this, GCC has deliberately declined to join the mad dash to the EU in Brussels for funds and other favors, recognizing that in the past three years, various Gambian groups have visited the EU nearly a dozen times; a clear overkill, if you ask me. I might have to add that GCC will always be relevant because it is not about an organization, but the individuals in the organization, ergo, I don’t believe I or any GCC executive is irrelevant to the Gambian struggle and anyone who thinks so needs a reality check. But coming back to Salieu Njie’s letter, one thing I can say is that Salieu does not regard himself as a journalist; he just mostly publishes what others write. I might also add that he comes from a deeply religious angle, is very committed to rapid political change in Gambia, even if some of his ideas are not always of Nobel Price reverence. Salieu Njie may have taken his ambition one step too far, but the idea of organizational leaders meeting on a radio medium was originally proposed by Demba Baldeh. GCC supports the concept of unity as the only way to move the needle, but Dr Saine and what is left of CORDEG’s insistence on unity around CORDEG, will only prolong Yahya Jammeh hold on power. Raleigh was not quite representative of the broad Gambian community of organization and CORDEG even less, especially with the departure of the political parties and the loss of Raleigh’s foundation GDAG under Alkali Conteh and impactful executive members like the perennial revolutionary Jaineba Bah, Lamin Tunkara and Demba Dem. So in a way, Salieu Njie’s call to meet and discuss makes sense; electing a leader; not so much, I would agree. But that was not sufficient reason for Dr Saine to challenge his intellectual competence, especially knowing that most of us are not renowned as paragons of intellectual sophistication.
Mathew K Jallow
GCC Adviser