By D. A. Jawo The Raleigh conference on democracy and good governance which brought together some political leaders from the Gambia and several other political and civil society activists in the Diaspora has been labeled as a success by most of those who attended it. While its success no doubt can only be measured by its outcome both in the immediate and long term future, but the very fact that it succeeded in bringing together some people who hardly ever saw eye to eye on many issues to sit down for three days to talk about what should be done…
Author: Gainako
Your Excellency, A nation is not about its leaders but of its people. It goes without saying that the people are the symbolic mirror of their nation. That is precisely why foreigners particularly investors and development partners assess and evaluate a nation through its people. In other words, a happy people are citizen of not only a peaceful and happy nation but one which adheres to the principles of democracy, rule of law and human and people’s right. On the contrast, grieving, timid and unhappy people most often than not are subjects of dictatorial, callous and brutal regimes. Such people…
By Yero Jallow The old man stood there lonely and helpless Supported by his walking stick And his prayer beads he had for ages He looked to the skies in utter disgust His heart sounded and gave up over his legacy As his only sons slapped unity hard on her face And you could see the swells and marks on her face She was hurt, wounded and humiliated.
By D. A. Jawo As African leaders gather in the Ethiopian capital to wine and dine as part of the celebrations of the golden jubilee of the African Union, most ordinary Africans continue to question the Union’s relevance to their everyday lives. While no doubt the AU has undergone some transformation since its founding on 25th May 1963 as the Organization of African Unity (OAU), but certainly, the lofty dreams that its founding fathers had in setting it up have so far eluded ordinary Africans, a majority of whom not only continue to wallow in abject poverty, but after more…
Below is the press release issued by PDOIS on why it was not at the Raleigh meeting of 17-19 May, 2013. 22 May 2013 The PDOIS received a letter from the organizers of the Raleigh Conference inviting the Secretary General of PDOIS to a Conference to be held in Raleigh North Carolina from the 18th to 20th May aimed at deliberating on strategies and tactics on how to effect peaceful change in the Gambia . The Central Committee of PDOIS met to review the invitation and came to the conclusion that two preliminary steps are necessary before such a meeting…
Imam Baba Leigh has issued a message of solidarity and appreciation to all those people and institutions who stood firm in calling for his unconditional release. The message as produced below calls for tolerance and reconciliation despite what he call – his ordeal that made so many people worried and sleepless. He reassured all that he will remain truth to himself and to the truth. That he will never abandoned the truth and only Allah can decide his faith and what he goes through… “Since my abduction, spanning five months and 17 days; I have caused tremendous stress to my…
A young Gambian name Nfamara Jarju passed away on Monday May 20th 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was 28, married and left a wife and two children behind. He died of natural causes and was reportedly a fine gentle man, a loving father and husband. He was also active within his community and loves his people and country. He was full of life with a bright future that ended abruptly. The Gambian community in Charlotte NC wants to send his remains back home to loving family and are in need of your support and assistance. Any donations can be made to…
Abou Jeng’s latest book, Peacebuilding in the African Union: Law, Philosophy and Practice (Cambridge University Press, 2012) has drawn considerable praise for highlighting the limited efficacy of International Law in curtailing conflict in the African region in contrast to the more promising approach embedded in the Constitutive Act of the African Union. He traces his inspiration and thinking behind the book below.
Raleigh, North Carolina U.S.A. May 19 2013: The three-day Gambia Conference on Democracy and Good Governance organized by GDAG, STGDP, and DUGA successfully concluded in Raleigh, North Carolina. The convention brought together Gambians, political leaders, civil society organizations, and non-Gambians alike, far and wide under one roof to discuss ways of restoring democracy, good governance, and the rule of law in the Gambia. Delegate pool included Hon Ousainou Darboe of UDP, Hon Hamat Bah of NRP, and Hon Omar A Jallow of PPP – all representing the Gambia. Dr Sedat Jobe represented the Gambian community in Senegal while former Vice…
By Sarjo Bayang Any person prepared to defend so many wrongs of Yaya Jammeh, the heavy handed self-imposed Gambian dictator needs lot of tongue muscles to win right thinking people. There is yet one situation where Jammeh stays within his rights. Those of you who keep asking why Jammeh does so much wrong especially without respect for rules, there is something you have not caught up clear. No matter how much you hate the dictator and his wayward manners, he is under no obligation to behave as many prefer. Binding social contract Even small social formations set out rules and regulations…