Gambian protest against Jammeh during 2014 UN General Assembly
The leader of the small West African state of the Gambia Dictator Yahya Jammeh is a NO SHOW at the 70th UN General Assembly taking place in New York from September 20th – 26th, 2016. This is the second consecutive year Gambia’s so called ‘strong man’ is kept away from attending the World’s largest Assembly being attended by leaders across the world.
Yahya Jammeh whose favorite country is the United States where he bought a $3.5 Million Dollar Manson in one of the richest neighborhoods is reportedly scared to attend the General Assembly due to threats by Gambian dissident activists in the United States who are his fiercest opposition since he came to power.
In 2014, Jammeh who often portrays himself as a God and stronger than evil in the tiny African country attended the UN General Assembly in New York. He was held hostage in his hotel by a strong group of Gambian activists including Banka Manneh, Omar Bah, Nanama Keita, Saikou Mballow, DuGa DC activists and several others.
Jammeh had to be protected by US Secret Service who could barely contained the angry small group of protesters. They were not only loud but were determined to overrun the dictator and his entourage. Jammeh was reportedly so angry that he vowed to deal with protesters. What he did not realized was that this protest was not in Gambia where he can prey on weak opponents and use his brutal force against them. This was taking place in the world’s strongest democracy where freedom of expression is guaranteed to all citizens. What Jammeh was more angry about during that trip was seeing his wife Zainab Jammeh being smuggled through the backdoor of his luxury hotel into a park car just so they can go to dinner that night.
Mr. Jammeh’s NO Show at the UN General Assembly is not surprising to many Gambians and activists. Jammeh has gotten the message loud and clear that when he sets foot in US soil he will be confronted head on. He has therefore resorted to sending his Vice President and Minister of External affairs who are reportedly in New York as we go to press. Another issue that is keeping the Dictator away from traveling outside of the Gambia at this time is the heightened security tension that exists in the country. Since jailing his political opponents – UDP’S party leader and his entire executive for demanding electoral reforms Jammeh has been on the edge. Two citizens Solo Sandeng and Solo Krumah both members of the UDP were tortured to death by Jammeh’s forces. Jammeh continued to face international and domestic pressure to investigate the killings of these citizens and free political prisoners. Due to massive pressure from International rights groups and donors, Jammeh has been forced to fire two of his strongest aides the Justice Minister Mama Sighateh and his brutal Interior Minister Ousman Sonko who is alleged to be involved in many crimes during Jammeh’s two decades in power. Mr. Sonko is reportedly under house arrest and is being prevented from escaping awaiting what may happen to him. Many believes that he is headed to Mile II prison for knowing too much about Jammeh’s inner operations.
The Gambian Dictator who is increasingly bitter is facing a possible strong opposition unity in the up coming December 1st Presidential elections. Jammeh is reportedly so insecure that he is scared to leave the country in fear of being overthrown by his morally demoralized security generals who are reportedly very unhappy and insecure. There are been reports of power struggle within the corridors of power and Jammeh is said to be losing grip over his top security as he attempts to blame them for killing Solo Sandeng and other related crimes. He is known for his notorious ability to instruct his aides to carry out illegal crimes only for him to turn around and accused them of committing crimes he knew nothing about. He simply makes them sacrificial lambs to maintain his long grip on power. Mr. Jammeh’s power and arrogance are only exercised on the poor people in the Gambia. Ruling over a weak and vulnerable people, he often threatens to kill or imprison any opponents who dare challenge him in the open. But as the saying goes, everything has a beginning and an end and Jammeh’s grip on to power is loosening by the day. His downfall if not imminent is closer than he thinks opined a long time Diaspora activist.
For now Yahya Jammeh does not have the moral fiber to join his fellow world leaders in the world’s largest gathering of world leaders. while other leaders around the world take this opportunity to strengthen ties with other world leaders and their nations, Jammeh is beating his chest against his poor citizens thousands of miles away from the rest of the world leaders. He is so embarrassed and isolated that he could not muster the courage to travel to New York. Both the United Nations, the EU, the United States and rights groups around the world are fully aware of Jammeh’s brutality and his welcome is limited on the world stage. What happens to him come this year’s presidential elections in Gambia is anybody’s guess. The opposition are reportedly negotiating to put forward a single candidate to run against him and the APRC regime.