Embattled Gambian President
Seasoned political observers familiar with diplomacy and political maneuvers with dictators recognize that leaders who rule with iron fist do not exit the political scene without a price. They either hold on to power and commit as much atrocities as possible until death do them apart or have to have a reason to give up power. Their mentality is that everyone hates them and therefore is damn if they do damn if they don’t. Many African leaders caught in such traps are in denial and just stays in power to their last breath. Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe is classic evidence where he just held on regardless of what his people or the world thinks about him or what he does to his people.
In the case of recent events in the Gambia, it appears we have entered a new political reality where 20 years of violence and political oppression by the Jammeh government is beginning to be countered by citizens. It appears that’s what is going to take for the world to begin to pay attention to events in that small West African State. Senegal and the rest of the world can no longer ignore those realities lest they risk political instability and another failed State. Therefore it would be politically wise for the US government and Senegal to take a strong stand and force Jammeh to implement political reform. They must use their existing friendly relationship to offer sticks and carrots for Jammeh to change course. With a regional coordination including Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal backed by United States, UN and EU Jammeh will be forced to respond or risk the consequences of what happened on December 30th.
It is particularly delightful to see the US Department of State clearly articulate what friendly nation meant in the context it was used and may we further add that anytime there are Diplomatic Missions in both countries, the latter are friendly nations. This of course, in no way, suggests warmth between the two Governments as intimated by a US Government Official. Diplomatic lexicon is just different, no matter how bad things may look; it will always be flowery and exotic when Governments engage one another. That’s just Protocol in Diplomacy.
We also believe the recommendations made for a Peace and Reconciliation Conference of some sort spearheaded by the United States with Senegal’s full participation is a call in the right direction and should be given due consideration so as to map out a genuine way forward. Senegal and Macky Sall must take their big brother responsibility in this process and ensure that, this time around, it will hold some salt.
God forbid a Rwanda in Gambia. We have endured way too much these last few days. Young Gambian lives were lost; and what one thinks notwithstanding, these young men died for what they thought was right in their hearts and it is indeed tragic. It was the same mindset that brought Jammeh to power through the barrel of the gun. The fallen will forever be associated with Gambian history and we are sure their memories will be cherished in some quarters. While those on one side will try to vilify them, others who have seen this government as a tyrannical dictatorship where no liberties exist; will hail them as true Heroes and Musa Molloh’s who dared to venture to safe a people who have been subjected to the worst form of governance in the past two decades.
In talking this Peace conference, one must also be cognizant of the fact that indeed there was; enter Olusengun Obansanjo former Nigerian President! He brought Jammeh and the opposition together before the last elections. What happened then must not be allowed to reoccur. Jammeh violated the MOU agreements to which he accented to in a heartbeat; this time around, he sure will get the message loud and clear, the stakeholders will not sit idly and watch him manipulate an agreement to suit him. This is a game changer and the players will be different. Lives were lost for this game changer and the best way to pay tribute to these valiant Heroes all who perished in Gambia is to stand up and do it the way they wanted, the right way to benefit every Gambian, the right way to allow every Gambian a “piece to the national cake”; and to fully participate in the political discourse, but this time around, it’s for real!
That said, the United States mention of a proposal for a serious national peace conference is quite encouraging and this is where President Obama can for once do something for the continent he claims to so love. The most powerful man is one of us and should seize this moment to safe a nation and people that are yearning to sing aloud, “Yes we can.” Booting Gambia out of the African Growth Opportunity Act is a good start but has minimal impact on The Gambia and the numbers don’t lie. It will only encourage Jammeh to look for greener pastures from other US adversaries. Therefore, a road map to peace that includes immediate cessation of political oppression on the side of the Jammeh government and one involving all Gambian stakeholders is a convincing way forward failing which; more punitive sanctions including travel ban can be effected.
The barriers for the way forward have been unveiled as it becomes apparent that Gambian citizens are willing to lay down their lives for political freedom. Some gallant Sons lost their lives for the barriers to go away and to show that no one has monopoly to violence. Now the whole world is listening to vibes that have been echoed for the past two decades and we can say the situation temporary averted; everything happens for a reason and now is the time for the United States, Senegal, the rest of the world and the United Nations in particular, to use their influences and authority to stop the crimes against humanity in Banjul. The European Union has sent a strong message to The Gambia; and if this trend continues, Europe should be emulated. The world cannot afford another failed state in Africa; not this time, not in the face of the deadly Ebola, Aids and HIV all because of one person’s desires to impose himself on a nation. Gainako will follow this hinted proposal by the United States very closely and will report on any movements if there are any. We shall see.