Gainako received news with sadness that one of Africa’s strongest advocates for Human Rights, Democracy and Justice is no longer working at the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights. While we are not privy to the circumstances of Mr. Smith’s departure from the RFK Center, we are saddened that such a strong advocate and resource who has been a champion and voice for the voiceless in the remotest part of Africa would no longer be at the people’s center to continue his advocacy for human rights, justice and Democracy in Africa.
Jeffrey Smith was not only an ordinary employee of the RFK Center, but was a beacon of hope for millions of oppressed Africans who have been brutalized by their own leaders and neglected by the International community who see no immediate strategic economic and security interest in these vulnerable parts of Africa. Jeffrey would not look at Africa with an economic or political interest, but with a Humanitarian catastrophic man made disaster that does not only need exposure but attention of the International community. From South Africa; Zimbabwe, Ethiopia Somalia, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire to West Africa’s smallest but most oppressed nation – The Gambia, Jeffrey Smith shine a light of hope for millions of men, women and children in the darkest places in Africa. He has brought to light heinous crimes of human genocides through his RFK advocacy representation that would have never made international headlines if it wasn’t for his strong advocacy.
Jeffrey Smith represented the voice of the voiceless, he decried the misery of women and girls thousand miles away and exposed dictators’ predatory activities on young innocent girls, oppression of the media, political brutality and the threat of wiping out the hope of a people by none other than their own African leaders. Mr. Smith symbolizes the dreams of the former President Robert F. Kennedy’s call for Americans to give back to the world through the Peace Corps Volunteers across the globe. A program that allowed America to not only export its democratic values and culture but learn more about the world and care for the well-being of fellow human beings across the globe. Jeffrey epitomizes what is best of American values by bringing hope and shining lights in the darkest corners of the world.
What the RFK Center may not be aware of or is simply indifference with is that Jeffrey Smith’s strong advocacy has been a threat to ruthless dictators across Africa. They have been so threatened by his work and collaboration with African Human Rights and political activists that they resort to smear campaigns to discredit his incredible work that is making a mark and impacting the lives of ordinary Africans especially women and the youths. Jeff was one of the strongest voices on urging the Obama Administration to levy targeted sanctions against dangerous African dictators who are bend on creating an environment of political chaos which is fertile ground for grooming terrorists and religious extremists. His lightening campaign on twitter and social media became the only hope for Journalists, religious leaders and oppressed voices who have been assaulted by African dictators such as Yahya Jammeh of the Gambia.
In fact, Jeff’s work was so pronounced and effective that the Gambian Dictator Yahya Jammeh instructed the Banjul mission in Washington DC to wage a PR campaign to discredit Jeff”s work. They laundered money to finance clandestine blogs orchestrated by dictators like Yahya Jammeh to go after Jeff and other activists to stop his effective campaigns against the ruthless dictator. The Gambian Embassy which is supposed to be the people’s house was also instructed to counter the effective work Jeff is doing on behalf of vulnerable Gambians in the hands of the dictator. The morally bankrupt dictators did not take Jeff’s work lightly and therefore engaged on a negative PR to minimize Jeff’s growing influence at the RFK Center and beyond. However, as the saying goes “you can kill a man but never his ideas”. Jeff’s Human and Political rights advocacy is just the beginning as he stands up for justice and the rights of the most vulnerable in these destitute African nations held hostage by African leaders who can only stay ahead by putting everyone else down. If they think they have succeeded in silencing the moral voice of reason, they haven’t seen anything yet. Jeff is in his prime time and his work has just begun in earnest. He doesn’t only do it from the heart but that’s who he is and the life he has lived. Jeffrey is a champion of Democracy and Human rights!
In validating the story of Jeff’s exit from the RFK Center, gainako reached out to Jeffrey to confirm the story. As a Democrat and believer in freedom of information and respect for media advocacy work, Jeffrey responded to our inquiry by confirming that his separation with the RFK Center is Mutual. Jeff said in a message to Gainako “Our priorities and our vision for the future did not align. In that sense, it was a mutual parting of ways. Sadly, advocacy on African human rights issues and exposing those vital stories to an international audience will now fall by the way side. However, I will continue in my own independent capacity to continue what I started, and I am truly looking forward to it” concluded an optimistic and upbeat Jeffrey. The news of Jeffrey’s departure was received with sadness among the Gambian activists community and Africa at large. “He has not only been a friend but a voice of the voiceless for Gambia and beyond” added a Gambian activist who has worked closely with Jeffrey.
In a letter written on behalf of Gambians to express their appreciation of the services Jeff rendered on behalf of Gambians, one prominent Gambian activist wrote “I was very hopeless because Gambia is a small country and the international community did not give much credence to the atrocities committed by President Yahya Jammeh and his tyrannical government. But thanks to Jeff’s efforts, the issues of this once neglected country have finally been brought to the limelight – his passion is second to none, He introduced us to many organizations, finally got the U.S government to pay close attention to The Gambia, and taught us how to be effective. He utilized the platform you provided him to bring light where there was darkness, justice where impunity reigned, and hope where despair found a home. I am therefore eternally grateful for the work Mr. Smith has done through your organization. Thank You the letter concluded.
In Essence Jeffrey’s advocacy work at the RFK Center has the greatest impact activists have seen in recent times. He was focused, professional and knew how and what issues to work on to have the maximum impact. He delivered with no uncertain terms and Gambians and Africans who have suffered the most brutal assault on their humanity do truly appreciate his services. The likes of Jeffrey are very rare to come by and as a result of his conviction he has found permanent friends and family in the oppressed masses of Africa. We are optimistic that Jeffrey’s advocacy is just beginning to take off. While we join our fellow citizens to thank the RFK Center for allowing Jeff to render these services to the African people we renew our call and hope for African dissidents to rally around Jeff and form a greater alliance to combat oppression and Human Rights Abuses in Gambia and other parts of Africa. To Jeffrey Smith we celebrate him and thank him and his family so immensely for a job well done.