Doing the same thing over and over again and getting the same results is the definition of insanity. As Gambia’s political tension reaches a tipping point, the Gambians opposition must hold their ground this time and demand that Jammeh accepts electoral reform or no elections will be held in Banjul come 2016. In fact it should be recognized that Jammeh is not only at war with the Gambian people but the International community. His recent expulsion of the EU Representative to the Gambia and raining insults against the United States simply shows the desperation the Gambian leader is facing. His sermon of the ICC Prosecutor to investigate numerous African Youths dying through the back way into Europe shows the last breath of a desperate leader..
The slogan and firm position of the Gambian opposition must be “No Reforms No Elections” this time without an exception… The statement by the APRC mobilizer that “no reforms will be allowed in Gambia” further buttressed their desperation. Although we have heard all Political leaders calling for reforms and Mai Fatty’s recent demand at ECOWAS ‘No 5th Term for Jammeh’ are signs of encouragement but the sticky point we have with the oppositions until now is that they have still not put out their demands for reforms to the general public. They must never assume that the people are aware of their demands without putting them in the public space.
During their rallies the Opposition need to be telling people ‘these are the reforms we are progressing and we are not just going for the age limit for our benefit as the opposition’. Instead we are making these demands on your behalf. In fact if push comes to shove the Opposition needs the people to buy into these demands for them to be progressed.
I’m convinced that the Opposition are willing to collectively come to the Diaspora for support. Which I think they need in both expertise and funding. My only concern on the ground is that the Opposition are currently preparing people for elections through their rallies. That could prove futile if no reforms are progressed and you have eager Gambians ready to vote. Unlike stating “No Reforms, No Elections” which prepares people for the inevitable come no reforms. Gambians need time to prepare and the opposition needs to lead them through that.
In my humble opinion elections right now is a waste of time. What could be more useful is to prepare the Gambian people that if Jammeh continues to say No to our demands for Reforms, we are saying No Elections.
Taking to the streets also takes time, maybe a truce can be No elections folks can prepare for the inevitable protests and Elections folks can try to push reforms. Ultimately a successful plan will require both the Diaspora and the opposition on the ground to collaborate (resources and expertise).
Report by Flex Dan