Dear First Lady: Mrs. Zineb Jammeh,
After learning that you were here in Maryland, I could not sleep at night knowing that you are the closest person to the President’s heart that can talk to him in order to reason with him. It is 1:30am, and I am at work but determined to write to you so that you can deliver this letter and message to him. I owe it to God, my religion (Islam), my people, and to my country: The Gambia.
I am a concerned citizen of The Gambia and a student studying in the U.S who in this holy month of Ramadan feels the need to talk to the President for some solutions to our problems as Gambians. I hope you please bear with me and read the entire letter. I don’t want any favors, nor do I want any money from him, but a pathway to peace, reconciliation, and prosperity for The Gambian people. What I ask of him will not be easy, but as someone who fears God alone, I will hate to leave this earth without trying my utmost best. I am all for non-violence, and strongly believe that the pen is mightier than the gun. With the help of God, and your help as a first lady, it may not be as difficult as it seems to acquire these goals for our common good. God works in mysterious ways, and in Him, I have no fear in delivering a great message. Not that I claim to be a messenger, but I just want the best for all of us, and our people.
I am fully aware that it was last year around the end of Ramadan that the President vowed to kill everyone on death row, which should have been a month of showing compassion and forgiveness. I am not a politician, journalist, or a member of the opposition parties, but a student studying Political Science and International Relations. It will be a disservice to me morally, and my country for seeing the truth and leaving it untold. Although painful, it would hurt even more by not trying to cure and find concrete solutions to our problems. I do not wish to be a part of the problem like many, but a solution to fixing the problem without fear, or affiliation to any interest other than that of the Gambian people. A short history of my past, gave me the knowledge I possess with the experiences I have come across lately.
I was a young boy in 1994 when your husband (the President) took over power. Like many children, watching and chasing the motorcades, I was happily jumping up and down seeing him cruise by. Not knowing fully what was happening, I was baffled by the great changes of the new airport, developing projects, and the T.V station that got me thinking, he is definitely working hard. I listened to his speeches and after hearing how he condemned corruption, made me believe that he is the right person for the job. However, my thoughts started changing when in April 10th 2000: I was forced out of my classroom when taking an exam, for which I studied hard for by students who were really angry. I ran home only to find out that three soldiers would eventually force me out of my dad’s compound, placing an Ak-47 to my chest, because a student ran in the compound. Someone I did not know, but perhaps like me, was young and terrified by the sounds of gun shots that were ongoing. I couldn’t make sense of the people that should have been protecting us were now pointing loaded weapons on us. After I was let loose from the cries of my mother, I then realized that danger can even find you in your own domain (my father’s), when doing nothing. I later left for the U.S feeling disappointed over the years that no one was held accountable.
I personally don’t hate your husband, but I find it troubling not knowing why he reacts the way he does to every single thing happening that he is not praised for. I don’t think he is the problem we face, but the Gambian mentality that pretends to be in love with him because they can have something from him. In other words, why are there more griots in The Gambia, than independent hard working citizens! Many people fail to realize the essence of hard work, justice and injustice, their educational capabilities, and not knowing when or how to demand for more from their elected leaders. However, it also reminds me of a speech by JFK when he said, “Ask of not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
During my high school years in The Gambia, I was taught government of the people, by the people, and for the people. I was also taught that no one is above the law. All the time I heard of how the colonials ruled Africa, and yes it was devastating and inhumane, but I feel like those days are now behind us. We Africans should stop blaming colonialism and take matters into our own hands. It is said that journalists are always lying about the President, and so after giving him benefit of the doubt, I decided to observe things for myself. I have watched the President on numerous occasions, and although God is the one that ultimately judges, I am pleased with some of the infrastructure developments and projects his government has made, but displeased with the way he conducts and handles international matters, and human rights. For example, this last February 18th independence inauguration speech he gave; approximately 25 minutes of it was spent on threatening its citizens that live in the Diaspora for them to dear not step foot in their beloved country. It should be understood that yes he is the President, but these are not terrorist to be depriving them of their birth place. He is definitely the President but surely not the owner! The last 4 minutes focused on his vision for the future which should have been the platform for such an occasion.
Truly, journalist can exaggerate events and criticize no matter what good he does, but he should be able to lend them a deaf ear if he is busy working for the good of the country. However, although sad to say, I have seen in his own actions and words, how he plays into their tunes and reacts; which is not pleasing for a man of his status, and the oath of office he holds. I have never seen or heard of President Obama rounding up the Secret Service to investigate and lock up anyone that opposes the government such as the Tea Party members, or any other person even though he carries on his shoulders the most powerful nation on earth! So, as a concerned Gambian, and a Muslim who fears only God, I ask of you these 10 proposals that will benefit our nation if you and the President are really on the side of humanity and the Gambian people:
1. Show compassion towards the prisoners on death row and release them.
It is the holy month of Ramadan and compassion and forgiveness must be shown. You are a mother of two kids and know how it must hurt for those mothers that can’t see their sons or daughters for years. God shall surely reward him for pardoning them.
2. Call the National Assembly into session and repeal laws that are unconstitutional, and threatening to its citizens. The internet bill or law for example gives ultimate powers to the State and government officials, which is a disaster and abusive. It is too broad that it violates every aspect of the constitution, and what it means to say that no one is above the law. May I remind you, that even government is not above the law!
3. Allow term limits. It was said before that the former President was in power for far too long; be it good or bad, but it’s almost 20years now. The argument there will be null and void if he is to say that it doesn’t matter how long you stay in power. We as Gambians should try to abide by democratic rules if we are a democratic nation. Even if he means well for 20years, at some point, it will be seen as clinging on to power because of entitlement, or that other people of the Gambia can’t be trusted to lead. Every good thing shall always come to an end at some point. For example, as much as we all want to live forever, we shall surely leave everything behind one fine day God willing. He is going to be more respected if he introduced such an approach, than staying for 30 or more years and be criticized like the former President.
4. Call on the International Community for better relations. This would not only bring in investments, but more tourists would visit the smiling coast and the economy will flourish for all Gambians. A more diplomatic approach is really needed to start off talks that can benefit The Gambia. We should be working tirelessly as our neighbors are doing whatever it takes to lead the economic fight.
5. Call on the diasporas that are educated enough to build the country but fear persecution. Many Gambians are highly educated but can’t go home because they are intellectually smart enough to know and feel what they might face if they return home, because they simply cannot ignore such when living in a free world. They shouldn’t be blamed for been exposed to their individual rights as citizens that every democratic country must adhere to. Having an open discussion and speaking to them without threatening them can calm their nerves. Mind you, Gambia is lacking people that really want to develop it but needs to refrain from words of punishment and encourage its citizens to join the country for its National Interest. They are afraid that he will build more Mile 2’s and even use the firing squad on them. Forgiveness is the key, and reconciliation will open the doors to many opportunities if we mean well.
6. Hold officials accountable that abuse power. Be it bribery, or not following a code of conduct, public officials should be disciplined and honest. Ethics has to be taught and great customer service and appreciation must be present in all departments of the government. There are honorable officials, and that is why the bad apples should be disciplined. When such examples are done by the President, many if not all will abscond to their practices. Also, empower citizens to have neighborhood watches for the police cannot be everywhere at every given moment. Before arresting officials or citizens, there should be solid and insurmountable or credible evidence that can convict someone before humiliating them in public. He says she says has no place in the justice system other than facts and concrete evidence. Empower citizens to be able to ask police or other officials for their names and badge numbers and record any conversation that is improper from an official to conduct him or herself in. A lot more can be done to ensure that such crimes can be lowered and power abuse will be eradicated.
7. Call for peace and stability. Without peace, there is no justice. As Martin Luther King Jr once said,” A threat to injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere” As much as some may not want to see your husband in power and will do whatever it takes to make sure that happens, when there is peace and stability, it will be hard to shake up the place because peace is what all Gambians know. There will be no progress without peace, and no stability without assurance of good governance.
8. Call for more transparency. Disclosure is the essence to trustworthiness, and this is the mechanism to which ordinary citizens can know for sure that their tax money is spent wisely. This area really needs much more work to be done, for although his government may mean well, gifts and other expenses should be transparent. Also, as a government, no one or company should have the authorization or consent of lobbying officials with gifts. This can be seen as doing favors and waiting for returns and benefits that call for legal action. There should be no room at all for lobbyist, and any official caught in such illegal actions should be dealt with according to the law. No favors at all, but earn what you work for legally, and spend on it as you wish.
9. Have an open debate were citizens are engaged in the process of electing their leaders. It’s about time we have live debates airing on T.V and citizens get to ask and vet their leaders. If no one is above the law, citizens have the right to question who writes and implements the laws. If we are a democratic nation, let’s show that democracy belongs to the people and no one is above the law. Again: democratic of, by, and for the people.
10. Last but not the least, I know the President is a man of pride and dignity. So please use your first lady skills and tell him to ease the frustrations and aggressive bashing of elders and others on National Television. He is the President and has enormous powers, but I would really appreciate it if he ignores criticism and works on positive results that will get the country going.
In ending this letter, I would sincerely ask you to plead with your husband for you have his ear to some extent, and he has your heart. I don’t hate him and has forgiven him in this holy month of Ramadan, and may he forgive his fellow Gambians. Remind him that we shall all return to God; and if we don’t learn to forgive one another, I wonder how he will forgive us. We all have duties to play, and we shall be asked what we did when we had the chance to do so. I am still a student and hope to return home one fine day God willing. If this letter lands me in my grave, then so be it; but I will not leave this earth without trying to tell the President how I feel, and what good could be done for my people. This road map will lead us to a prosperous Gambia.
I know one would wonder why I would risk my life for Gambians I don’t even know, but I believe we are here for each other through thick and thin. I am a quite person, but because of last year’s execution announcement, I couldn’t help myself. I have come back to my senses, but I did not regret standing up for people I don’t even know. Tell your husband (the President), that this comes from a very genuine Gambian who sees a bright future for The Gambia if these proposals are considered and acted upon. It can’t be brushed aside, or laughed on, but I know it is achievable only if we put aside our differences. I love my country and am grateful from the family I came from, and will never abandon them. If the President really cares and means what he says when he talks about growth, prosperity, and a nation that abides by the rule of law, let him consider my proposals by God’s grace. I am not disclosing this on any website or giving it to anyone, but sending it over to you: the First Lady of The Gambia. Just like the way the President pardoned the former President Sir Dawda Jawara, may he willingly without hesitation do the same for other people! If he does, he will be blessed.
I can be reached at lovegambia1 @outlook.com if need be. I would appreciate it if I got a response back from you or the President’s office and see were he stands on these critical issues. I hope and pray that this letter finds him in a good frame of mind, and may he actually act on reasonable terms. I thank you as a mother for accepting my letter and helping humanity when given the chance to. May you use your God given talent, to talk to him and help those in need! If not for them, for our country! May God continue to bless The Gambia, and our leaders that have their countries best interest at heart! May this sincere letter not defeat the purpose of pleading with you for all I asked of you! It is all for the sake of peace, love, and country. Thank you for your attention!
My name is Mo.