By Abdul Savage
You still didn’t get it? These diaspora organizations and many diasporans are betting on a “spark” in the Gambia to trigger a regime change in whatever format or design, be it demonstration, peaceful or whatever means. And then, after that, they will claim credit for such a regime change, and expect to be rewarded with fame, glory, gains, and position themselves post-Jammeh. I bet there will be a mass exodus of Diasporans to the Gambia (which will be good) should there be a regime change today or tomorrow morning, no matter the method, and they will attempt to reposition themselves to selfishly benefit from such sudden change. And then they will try to “work” the new system to immune themselves and others from the seemingly ACCOUNTABILITY exercise the Gambian people are yearning for, will want and demand. This is the Diaspora gamble. This is what those in the Diaspora are betting on.
And that is why, of late, you have seen an abundant, massive calls on social media and online radios to the Gambian people to “rise”. This is all good, well and dandy. But like most things, there are two sides to a coin. Don’t you think, for a minute, the analysts of Monster Jammeh, and non-analysts (and even ordinary Gambians, overseas and at home) have seen, or calculated this too? Yes, I submit they have.
And don’t you think that Monster and his supporters would likewise engage in equally a counter-social media campaign? Yes, they would, and already have. But guess who has the leverage here? They do, and that is why they have been in power for over 20 years now, and from all estimates and indications, they will be in power for another few years. In addition to currently being in power, they have and can access manpower and resources both this “Diaspora” and opposition back home do not have, or cannot access. Are you following me here? HENCE, in order to make any meaningful impact to effect a regime change through the democratic process, it befalls on these varied and diverse entities in the diaspora, as well as the opposition parties back home to Unite, combine or merge all their limited manpower and resources. And 2016 elections are just around the corner, and if this regime wins those elections (which seem more than guaranteed), we are looking at 27 plus years for Yaya Jammeh and his regime to be in power. Is that what you want?
Further, there are some people in “this diaspora” who do not want to see UNITY, for whatever reasons, be it for their own fame, glory and or gains. They would rather be in their own “comfort zones”, and try to gain popularity with their kindred and like. Such ploys must be dismantled for the common and shared good of our country.
Allow me to note something here, away from the point of view of those making these facebook, and online social media calls for Gambians at home to “rise” or to take it upon themselves to effect regime change:
Of course, I have no qualms with people making these calls, and I distaste that regime beyond description, but one thing that we all see apparent, clear and present in these calls is this: They are all overseas, hundreds, or even, thousands of miles away from The Gambia. Can they take these calls “on the ground”? Anyway, that’s another topic this thesis is not here to address right about this time, but this author might indulge himself on such topics as time progresses.
I have offered to put my money where my mouth is, and I invite many to likewise do the same. But like many, I worked hard and long for my money, and I will definitely NOT put it where such funds will not be used for the intended purposes, or misused, or where in-built accountability and transparency mechanisms are absent, insufficient, or outright plainly missing. Many of us shed blood, sweat and tears for our money, and to know that some would just sit behind fancy keyboards and try to milk as much as they can possibly get out of us, under so many disguises, I submit such conceiting maneuver is a little bit dishonest, conniving and deceitful, to be mild and diplomatic here.
With the human rights violations going on in the world, from The Gambia, over 20 years now, to reports of torture by the United States, one will never run out of things to talk about, and make fancy statements and videos about on Facebook, twitter, and social media, and calling themselves “Freedom Fighters”, “Human rights activists” “Revolutionaries” and so on.
It’s a wonder they don’t start calling themselves the next Pope, the next prophet or who knows what next they will claim they are on Facebook and social media, making themselves into anything they want to be, or not what they want to be. That is all good, well and dandy, but there is a lot our people are going through for over 20 years now and we, in the Diaspora, instead of getting our acts together, we are busy playing “popularity” and other self-centered competing games on Facebook, twitter and social media.
And the interesting part is: some of them got quite a following. Facebook, twitter and social media MADE them do it. And they will never, ever run out of things to remain calling themselves whatever they want to brand themselves on Facebook, twitter or social media.
In this process though, we must try to know or distinguish those who are doing their so-called “bit” for fame, glory or gain, from others, especially from those who are doing whatever they can, but do not seek nor want reward or gain.
Once again, I implore and urge my brothers and sisters in this “diaspora” to set aside egos, pride, self-centered ambitions and crooked designs and come together in Unity to confront and deal with the predicament we face back home, in the name of what is or isn’t best for The Gambia we all love, but many hate that regime. And for many of us who have access or who can access this online social media outlets, such as these online radios and online papers, I encourage all of you to discuss the pros and cons of Unity of Action overseas and at home, with your listeners and readers, and based on the overwhelming public sentiments, push the order of the Gambian people, not for what will bring few dollars more in advert revenue. “This Struggle” for and in the name of The Gambia is not an “employment scheme” or a business venture” in disguise, or a “stepping ladder” for some to become “famous” or ‘popular”, or have plenty of “likes”, or “reads” or “hits”. Until “this struggle” becomes an employment scheme or a business venture, find other sources of income to make “ends meet”.
ON a Final Note: We all know, well, most of us know, there are people who, through their resources, connections and or clout can make an “impact” on the cause or direction of “this struggle”, but because of the seemingly clear, present and ravaging divisions, they are tempted to sit on the sidelines and observe, or become spectators, not out of love for the Gambia, (on the contrary, they love the country) but because of the lack of some people to come together in unity to overcome a shared and common predicament they all have a common stake in.
Unity of Action is effective and eloquent.
Instead of finding and making any and all kinds of reasons, explanations or justifications why there will not be Unity of Action, why not find reasons, explanations and or justifications to make Unity of Action possible and workable?
God’s speed to this Cause, and Happy, Blessed and Prosperous 2015
By Abdul Savage
Retired, US Army
Member, Military Order of The Purple Heart
Member, Veterans of Foreign Wars.