www.freedomnewspaper.com
Breaking News: Gambia: NADD’S Pa Manneh Joins UDP
NADD’S Pa Manneh Joins UDP
By Staff reporter Fatou Cham, Banjul
Pa Lamin Manneh, a former Executive Member of the opposition NADD has shifted his allegiance to the main opposition UDP. The decision was reached at a UDP Executive meeting Saturday, where Mr. Manneh announced his support for the UDP and its leader Ousainanou Darboe.
Mr. Manneh said that his main reason to join the party which he once served as a youth activist and member is to promote democracy and the rule of law as well as fight for the people in the country that is marred by human rights violations and other undemocratic acts.
Pa Manneh is also a former member of Lamin Waa Juwara’s NDAM party, but he later fall apart with Juwara. The UDP leadership welcomed his move to join the party.
Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 (Archive on Wednesday, June 30, 2010)
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
UDP Leader Speaks
http://www.box.net/shared/ij900em2me
Breaking News: Gambia: DARBOE SAYS HE IS WILLING TO ALLOW OTHERS TO LEAD UDP
DARBOE SAYS HE IS WILLING TO ALLOW OTHERS TO LEAD UDP
The leader of the main opposition United Democratic Party Lawyer Ousainou Darboe said has said that he is willing to allow any Gambian to lead the UDP, saying that his leadership is entirely in the hands of the party’s grassroots people. Darboe said if the UDP membership decides to replace him in the coming congress, he would gladly relinquish his position as a party leader. To listen to the audio version of the report, please click this link:
Audio Link http://www.box.net/shared/ij900em2me
Mr. Darboe said he was chosen to lead the UDP, and if the party’s membership wants to replace him with another candidate he would step down. Darboe said he was partly forced to serve as the leader of the UDP when the country was experiencing a transition—from a military rule to civilian rule. He said accepted the mandate of the UDP membership to preside over the affairs of the party in good faith.
Darboe would not confirm it he is going to retire from politics in the coming UDP Congress, but he invited Freedom Newspaper Editor Pa Nderry M’Bai to vie for the UDP leadership position if he M’Bai is interested. He said any Gambian can vie for the UDP leadership.
The UDP leader also talked about Gambia’s human rights crisis. Mr. Darboe said the Gambia is faced with serious human rights situation—pointing out that the Government of the day is bent on undermining the constitution. He said detainees are exposed to inhumane treatment, while citing the case of General Tamba and co. Mr. Darboe said Mr. Tamba and co are handcuffed while in court as if they are common criminals. He said all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Regarding Hamat Bah’s declaration that he Bah is not going form an alliance with other political parties, Darboe said he seriously questioned if the statement is coming from Mr. Bah. He said Bah could have been possibly been misquoted by the press, but he was reminded that there was indeed an audio interview in which Bah made the statement. Darboe said he read the story in one of the local papers in The Gambia, but cautioned that it is only Mr. Bah who can explained the rationale behind his statement.
According to Darboe, few weeks before the said statement was attributed to Hamat Bah, NRP’S Administrative Secretary attended the UDP meeting in Serre Kunda.
Mr. Darboe said he is not aware of any problem the UDP and the NRP. He said Mr. Bah is right person to answer questions as why he Bah wants to contest the elections without an alliance. He said his party shall continue to call for an opposition alliance.
Audio Link http://www.box.net/shared/ij900em2me
Breaking News: Gambia: DARBOE SAYS HE IS WILLING TO ALLOW OTHERS TO LEAD UDP
DARBOE SAYS HE IS WILLING TO ALLOW OTHERS TO LEAD UDP
The leader of the main opposition United Democratic Party Lawyer Ousainou Darboe said has said that he is willing to allow any Gambian to lead the UDP, saying that his leadership is entirely in the hands of the party’s grassroots people. Darboe said if the UDP membership decides to replace him in the coming congress, he would gladly relinquish his position as a party leader. To listen to the audio version of the report, please click this link:
Audio Link http://www.box.net/shared/ij900em2me
Mr. Darboe said he was chosen to lead the UDP, and if the party’s membership wants to replace him with another candidate he would step down. Darboe said he was partly forced to serve as the leader of the UDP when the country was experiencing a transition—from a military rule to civilian rule. He said accepted the mandate of the UDP membership to preside over the affairs of the party in good faith.
Darboe would not confirm it he is going to retire from politics in the coming UDP Congress, but he invited Freedom Newspaper Editor Pa Nderry M’Bai to vie for the UDP leadership position if he M’Bai is interested. He said any Gambian can vie for the UDP leadership.
The UDP leader also talked about Gambia’s human rights crisis. Mr. Darboe said the Gambia is faced with serious human rights situation—pointing out that the Government of the day is bent on undermining the constitution. He said detainees are exposed to inhumane treatment, while citing the case of General Tamba and co. Mr. Darboe said Mr. Tamba and co are handcuffed while in court as if they are common criminals. He said all accused persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Regarding Hamat Bah’s declaration that he Bah is not going form an alliance with other political parties, Darboe said he seriously questioned if the statement is coming from Mr. Bah. He said Bah could have been possibly been misquoted by the press, but he was reminded that there was indeed an audio interview in which Bah made the statement. Darboe said he read the story in one of the local papers in The Gambia, but cautioned that it is only Mr. Bah who can explained the rationale behind his statement.
According to Darboe, few weeks before the said statement was attributed to Hamat Bah, NRP’S Administrative Secretary attended the UDP meeting in Serre Kunda.
Mr. Darboe said he is not aware of any problem the UDP and the NRP. He said Mr. Bah is right person to answer questions as why he Bah wants to contest the elections without an alliance. He said his party shall continue to call for an opposition alliance.
Audio Link http://www.box.net/shared/ij900em2me
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
UDP Youth Leader speaks to the Dialynews. Dodou Kassa
www.dailynews.gm
Mr. Dudu Kassa Jatta, a youth leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) is our Discourse guest this week.
More... ...
"I was arrested and detained over 23 times; nastily tortured; my manhood tied on my thigh with electric wire and electrocuted," he told The Discourse.
Finally, UDP was able to secure a permit to hold rally. Why do you think the government gave-in?
I think the government has pressure, especially when our campaign manager, Femi Peters was imprisoned. We have been applying but they denied us. Government herself knows that does not favour them.
Isn’t it rather late because the election is near and you need to do a lot within a short span of time?
Government was applying political delaying tactics. They don’t want the people to be aware of what is happening. It is only UDP that can reveal lots of the wrong doings within government circles. The government knows if we are given the chance we will always deliver.
Are you sure come 2011 UDP can challenge the ruling party?
Yes, I told you UDP is the only party that can challenge Yahya Jammeh. And it is only UDP that can remove Yahya Jammeh from the seat. That is why they have been denying us permits.
But have you done enough to win the elections?
Yes we did enough to win the election. But the opposition needs to form a united front.
…are you implying that UDP cannot do it alone?
No! UDP can make it alone, but we needed a united opposition. Gambians want all opposition parties to come together.
Do you think this would be possible having tried before and failed?
Yes! I was part of NADD. But I am the first person to resign because there was a crisis of leadership going on within. When I realised that I resigned.
And your party followed suite?
My party leader is a true, genuine person. There was someone who was creating confusion and that person later fell-out.
Who is this person?
You know the person better that I do. There is only one opposition leader, who was part of NADD and now joined APRC.
How do you want the opposition to unite?
It depends on leaders when they talk. We at the grassroots will support them. Politicians have been arrested. If the opposition parties unite, this would end. And for certain Jammeh will go. It’s very easy. It does not require a lot of campaigning. People know what is going on.
We [UDP] are the strongest. But you have good opposition leaders. All we need to do is to come together, direct Gambians towards one objective which is to get rid of Jammeh.
The leaders should talk and who forms the majority should be supported. UDP is the main opposition, so others should follow us.
Are you dictating to them?
There is no dictation. As far as UDP is concerned and I know UDP can make it. But we want a concrete opposition party.
Darboe has recognized the importance of rural people’s participation in the coming elections. What are you doing in this area?
UDP is a party with so many branches. We have our executive members, women’s wing, and youth wing among others. We are all the time functioning. The last time we made a tour in the Kombos. So, we never sit for a second and we are always on the ground. They have been denying us permits otherwise they know what we are capable of doing.
But the Interior minister says the state denied you permits because it did not have enough police personnel to provide you with security…?
That is a big joke. When the ruling party is holding rallies they have enough. That is misleading. They have enough personnel to provide us with security, but they have never and will never do it.
It’s a pity in The Gambia. No one’s life is safe; there is no justice, no liberty, no human rights since Yahya Jammeh took over.
Opposition members are joining the ruling party en mass. Why?
No UDP supporter has ever moved to APRC. I have never seen any. Rather it is APRC joining UDP. Thank God the media was there during our previous rally and covered it.
The Gambia has been experiencing voter apathy in all its previous elections. Some say most of those that do not vote are opposition supporters. Is it that you (the opposition) is not doing enough to convince your people to cast their votes?
That voter apathy is because we are not able to unite. That is why I told you the opposition needs to come together. And that will happen because I do go round the country talking to the people; I do research in politics. Gambians are saying now it is enough for Yahya Jammeh.
What is your take on Femi Peter’s imprisonment?
There is no justice in Femi Peter’s imprisonment. Femi is a perfect gentleman, hardworking and truthful. There are other motivations behind his imprisonment but not the rally. It is all politically motivated. They should have arrested our party leader and not Femi. Government should free Femi Peters. Every Gambian should be concerned with Femi Peter’s imprisonment. There is no justice in it. They cannot silence the opposition.
The Gambia’s problem is not individual but national.
In your opinion how responsive is the government of the day to plight of. the people of The Gambia?
Very bad! All those infrastructural developments are debts which Gambians will pay. The present government is acting as if it is from one man’s pocket. It is not impressive to me in any way. They should not boast of that. We can do it better than them. Gambians are not enjoying anything.
In other countries the opposition has some of its activities funded by government. Is that the case here?
No. we don’t even have access to the public media. GRTS is 85 percent on President Jammeh, 10 percent on adverts and 5 percent on …
IEC is going biometric in 2011. This would help resolve problems, especially reports of foreigners infiltrating and voting?
IEC is the worst. They are not even independent. The commission was selected by president Jammeh.
What motivated you to become a politician?
I liked politics since I was a child. If you belief in something, you should continue doing it. That is why I am doing it. As soldiers say ‘no retreat no surrender’. No one can make me silent. Even if my throat is cut-off, I will speak before dying.
The Current regime has carved a bad name for itself of being intolerant to the opposition. Can you share with us your experience as a politician?
I have been arrested and detained at NIA over 23 times. I was tortured, very very nasty tortures, which I will never forget in my life. I was stripped naked; they tied my manhood, and electrocuted me. I have received death threats. My younger brother Rambo Jatta was arrested and detained for two years. At one point I was arrested together with 8 members of my family. Among them were minors. But I am a genuine politician. No body can silence me. I am a dead man working in the streets.
Have you been ever tried after these arrests?
We were accused of disturbing APRC militants. We were arraigned at Kanifing Magistrates’ court. The case dragged on for two years, and was thrown out because it was politically motivated.
What would be your advice on the countdown to 2010?
I am appealing to all Gambians to yearn for opposition unity. Let us come together, work together, come under one umbrella and fight the APRC. It is enough for Jammeh. Let us now say bye-bye to Jammeh. And let all Gambians register and vote.
Posted By: article on May 19, 2010 11:09AM Category: Discourse
Mr. Dudu Kassa Jatta, a youth leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) is our Discourse guest this week.
More... ...
"I was arrested and detained over 23 times; nastily tortured; my manhood tied on my thigh with electric wire and electrocuted," he told The Discourse.
Finally, UDP was able to secure a permit to hold rally. Why do you think the government gave-in?
I think the government has pressure, especially when our campaign manager, Femi Peters was imprisoned. We have been applying but they denied us. Government herself knows that does not favour them.
Isn’t it rather late because the election is near and you need to do a lot within a short span of time?
Government was applying political delaying tactics. They don’t want the people to be aware of what is happening. It is only UDP that can reveal lots of the wrong doings within government circles. The government knows if we are given the chance we will always deliver.
Are you sure come 2011 UDP can challenge the ruling party?
Yes, I told you UDP is the only party that can challenge Yahya Jammeh. And it is only UDP that can remove Yahya Jammeh from the seat. That is why they have been denying us permits.
But have you done enough to win the elections?
Yes we did enough to win the election. But the opposition needs to form a united front.
…are you implying that UDP cannot do it alone?
No! UDP can make it alone, but we needed a united opposition. Gambians want all opposition parties to come together.
Do you think this would be possible having tried before and failed?
Yes! I was part of NADD. But I am the first person to resign because there was a crisis of leadership going on within. When I realised that I resigned.
And your party followed suite?
My party leader is a true, genuine person. There was someone who was creating confusion and that person later fell-out.
Who is this person?
You know the person better that I do. There is only one opposition leader, who was part of NADD and now joined APRC.
How do you want the opposition to unite?
It depends on leaders when they talk. We at the grassroots will support them. Politicians have been arrested. If the opposition parties unite, this would end. And for certain Jammeh will go. It’s very easy. It does not require a lot of campaigning. People know what is going on.
We [UDP] are the strongest. But you have good opposition leaders. All we need to do is to come together, direct Gambians towards one objective which is to get rid of Jammeh.
The leaders should talk and who forms the majority should be supported. UDP is the main opposition, so others should follow us.
Are you dictating to them?
There is no dictation. As far as UDP is concerned and I know UDP can make it. But we want a concrete opposition party.
Darboe has recognized the importance of rural people’s participation in the coming elections. What are you doing in this area?
UDP is a party with so many branches. We have our executive members, women’s wing, and youth wing among others. We are all the time functioning. The last time we made a tour in the Kombos. So, we never sit for a second and we are always on the ground. They have been denying us permits otherwise they know what we are capable of doing.
But the Interior minister says the state denied you permits because it did not have enough police personnel to provide you with security…?
That is a big joke. When the ruling party is holding rallies they have enough. That is misleading. They have enough personnel to provide us with security, but they have never and will never do it.
It’s a pity in The Gambia. No one’s life is safe; there is no justice, no liberty, no human rights since Yahya Jammeh took over.
Opposition members are joining the ruling party en mass. Why?
No UDP supporter has ever moved to APRC. I have never seen any. Rather it is APRC joining UDP. Thank God the media was there during our previous rally and covered it.
The Gambia has been experiencing voter apathy in all its previous elections. Some say most of those that do not vote are opposition supporters. Is it that you (the opposition) is not doing enough to convince your people to cast their votes?
That voter apathy is because we are not able to unite. That is why I told you the opposition needs to come together. And that will happen because I do go round the country talking to the people; I do research in politics. Gambians are saying now it is enough for Yahya Jammeh.
What is your take on Femi Peter’s imprisonment?
There is no justice in Femi Peter’s imprisonment. Femi is a perfect gentleman, hardworking and truthful. There are other motivations behind his imprisonment but not the rally. It is all politically motivated. They should have arrested our party leader and not Femi. Government should free Femi Peters. Every Gambian should be concerned with Femi Peter’s imprisonment. There is no justice in it. They cannot silence the opposition.
The Gambia’s problem is not individual but national.
In your opinion how responsive is the government of the day to plight of. the people of The Gambia?
Very bad! All those infrastructural developments are debts which Gambians will pay. The present government is acting as if it is from one man’s pocket. It is not impressive to me in any way. They should not boast of that. We can do it better than them. Gambians are not enjoying anything.
In other countries the opposition has some of its activities funded by government. Is that the case here?
No. we don’t even have access to the public media. GRTS is 85 percent on President Jammeh, 10 percent on adverts and 5 percent on …
IEC is going biometric in 2011. This would help resolve problems, especially reports of foreigners infiltrating and voting?
IEC is the worst. They are not even independent. The commission was selected by president Jammeh.
What motivated you to become a politician?
I liked politics since I was a child. If you belief in something, you should continue doing it. That is why I am doing it. As soldiers say ‘no retreat no surrender’. No one can make me silent. Even if my throat is cut-off, I will speak before dying.
The Current regime has carved a bad name for itself of being intolerant to the opposition. Can you share with us your experience as a politician?
I have been arrested and detained at NIA over 23 times. I was tortured, very very nasty tortures, which I will never forget in my life. I was stripped naked; they tied my manhood, and electrocuted me. I have received death threats. My younger brother Rambo Jatta was arrested and detained for two years. At one point I was arrested together with 8 members of my family. Among them were minors. But I am a genuine politician. No body can silence me. I am a dead man working in the streets.
Have you been ever tried after these arrests?
We were accused of disturbing APRC militants. We were arraigned at Kanifing Magistrates’ court. The case dragged on for two years, and was thrown out because it was politically motivated.
What would be your advice on the countdown to 2010?
I am appealing to all Gambians to yearn for opposition unity. Let us come together, work together, come under one umbrella and fight the APRC. It is enough for Jammeh. Let us now say bye-bye to Jammeh. And let all Gambians register and vote.
Posted By: article on May 19, 2010 11:09AM Category: Discourse
UDP Youth Leader speaks the Dialynews. Dodou Kassa
www.dailynews.gm
Mr. Dudu Kassa Jatta, a youth leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) is our Discourse guest this week.
More... ...
"I was arrested and detained over 23 times; nastily tortured; my manhood tied on my thigh with electric wire and electrocuted," he told The Discourse.
Finally, UDP was able to secure a permit to hold rally. Why do you think the government gave-in?
I think the government has pressure, especially when our campaign manager, Femi Peters was imprisoned. We have been applying but they denied us. Government herself knows that does not favour them.
Isn’t it rather late because the election is near and you need to do a lot within a short span of time?
Government was applying political delaying tactics. They don’t want the people to be aware of what is happening. It is only UDP that can reveal lots of the wrong doings within government circles. The government knows if we are given the chance we will always deliver.
Are you sure come 2011 UDP can challenge the ruling party?
Yes, I told you UDP is the only party that can challenge Yahya Jammeh. And it is only UDP that can remove Yahya Jammeh from the seat. That is why they have been denying us permits.
But have you done enough to win the elections?
Yes we did enough to win the election. But the opposition needs to form a united front.
…are you implying that UDP cannot do it alone?
No! UDP can make it alone, but we needed a united opposition. Gambians want all opposition parties to come together.
Do you think this would be possible having tried before and failed?
Yes! I was part of NADD. But I am the first person to resign because there was a crisis of leadership going on within. When I realised that I resigned.
And your party followed suite?
My party leader is a true, genuine person. There was someone who was creating confusion and that person later fell-out.
Who is this person?
You know the person better that I do. There is only one opposition leader, who was part of NADD and now joined APRC.
How do you want the opposition to unite?
It depends on leaders when they talk. We at the grassroots will support them. Politicians have been arrested. If the opposition parties unite, this would end. And for certain Jammeh will go. It’s very easy. It does not require a lot of campaigning. People know what is going on.
We [UDP] are the strongest. But you have good opposition leaders. All we need to do is to come together, direct Gambians towards one objective which is to get rid of Jammeh.
The leaders should talk and who forms the majority should be supported. UDP is the main opposition, so others should follow us.
Are you dictating to them?
There is no dictation. As far as UDP is concerned and I know UDP can make it. But we want a concrete opposition party.
Darboe has recognized the importance of rural people’s participation in the coming elections. What are you doing in this area?
UDP is a party with so many branches. We have our executive members, women’s wing, and youth wing among others. We are all the time functioning. The last time we made a tour in the Kombos. So, we never sit for a second and we are always on the ground. They have been denying us permits otherwise they know what we are capable of doing.
But the Interior minister says the state denied you permits because it did not have enough police personnel to provide you with security…?
That is a big joke. When the ruling party is holding rallies they have enough. That is misleading. They have enough personnel to provide us with security, but they have never and will never do it.
It’s a pity in The Gambia. No one’s life is safe; there is no justice, no liberty, no human rights since Yahya Jammeh took over.
Opposition members are joining the ruling party en mass. Why?
No UDP supporter has ever moved to APRC. I have never seen any. Rather it is APRC joining UDP. Thank God the media was there during our previous rally and covered it.
The Gambia has been experiencing voter apathy in all its previous elections. Some say most of those that do not vote are opposition supporters. Is it that you (the opposition) is not doing enough to convince your people to cast their votes?
That voter apathy is because we are not able to unite. That is why I told you the opposition needs to come together. And that will happen because I do go round the country talking to the people; I do research in politics. Gambians are saying now it is enough for Yahya Jammeh.
What is your take on Femi Peter’s imprisonment?
There is no justice in Femi Peter’s imprisonment. Femi is a perfect gentleman, hardworking and truthful. There are other motivations behind his imprisonment but not the rally. It is all politically motivated. They should have arrested our party leader and not Femi. Government should free Femi Peters. Every Gambian should be concerned with Femi Peter’s imprisonment. There is no justice in it. They cannot silence the opposition.
The Gambia’s problem is not individual but national.
In your opinion how responsive is the government of the day to plight of. the people of The Gambia?
Very bad! All those infrastructural developments are debts which Gambians will pay. The present government is acting as if it is from one man’s pocket. It is not impressive to me in any way. They should not boast of that. We can do it better than them. Gambians are not enjoying anything.
In other countries the opposition has some of its activities funded by government. Is that the case here?
No. we don’t even have access to the public media. GRTS is 85 percent on President Jammeh, 10 percent on adverts and 5 percent on …
IEC is going biometric in 2011. This would help resolve problems, especially reports of foreigners infiltrating and voting?
IEC is the worst. They are not even independent. The commission was selected by president Jammeh.
What motivated you to become a politician?
I liked politics since I was a child. If you belief in something, you should continue doing it. That is why I am doing it. As soldiers say ‘no retreat no surrender’. No one can make me silent. Even if my throat is cut-off, I will speak before dying.
The Current regime has carved a bad name for itself of being intolerant to the opposition. Can you share with us your experience as a politician?
I have been arrested and detained at NIA over 23 times. I was tortured, very very nasty tortures, which I will never forget in my life. I was stripped naked; they tied my manhood, and electrocuted me. I have received death threats. My younger brother Rambo Jatta was arrested and detained for two years. At one point I was arrested together with 8 members of my family. Among them were minors. But I am a genuine politician. No body can silence me. I am a dead man working in the streets.
Have you been ever tried after these arrests?
We were accused of disturbing APRC militants. We were arraigned at Kanifing Magistrates’ court. The case dragged on for two years, and was thrown out because it was politically motivated.
What would be your advice on the countdown to 2010?
I am appealing to all Gambians to yearn for opposition unity. Let us come together, work together, come under one umbrella and fight the APRC. It is enough for Jammeh. Let us now say bye-bye to Jammeh. And let all Gambians register and vote.
Posted By: article on May 19, 2010 11:09AM Category: Discourse
Mr. Dudu Kassa Jatta, a youth leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) is our Discourse guest this week.
More... ...
"I was arrested and detained over 23 times; nastily tortured; my manhood tied on my thigh with electric wire and electrocuted," he told The Discourse.
Finally, UDP was able to secure a permit to hold rally. Why do you think the government gave-in?
I think the government has pressure, especially when our campaign manager, Femi Peters was imprisoned. We have been applying but they denied us. Government herself knows that does not favour them.
Isn’t it rather late because the election is near and you need to do a lot within a short span of time?
Government was applying political delaying tactics. They don’t want the people to be aware of what is happening. It is only UDP that can reveal lots of the wrong doings within government circles. The government knows if we are given the chance we will always deliver.
Are you sure come 2011 UDP can challenge the ruling party?
Yes, I told you UDP is the only party that can challenge Yahya Jammeh. And it is only UDP that can remove Yahya Jammeh from the seat. That is why they have been denying us permits.
But have you done enough to win the elections?
Yes we did enough to win the election. But the opposition needs to form a united front.
…are you implying that UDP cannot do it alone?
No! UDP can make it alone, but we needed a united opposition. Gambians want all opposition parties to come together.
Do you think this would be possible having tried before and failed?
Yes! I was part of NADD. But I am the first person to resign because there was a crisis of leadership going on within. When I realised that I resigned.
And your party followed suite?
My party leader is a true, genuine person. There was someone who was creating confusion and that person later fell-out.
Who is this person?
You know the person better that I do. There is only one opposition leader, who was part of NADD and now joined APRC.
How do you want the opposition to unite?
It depends on leaders when they talk. We at the grassroots will support them. Politicians have been arrested. If the opposition parties unite, this would end. And for certain Jammeh will go. It’s very easy. It does not require a lot of campaigning. People know what is going on.
We [UDP] are the strongest. But you have good opposition leaders. All we need to do is to come together, direct Gambians towards one objective which is to get rid of Jammeh.
The leaders should talk and who forms the majority should be supported. UDP is the main opposition, so others should follow us.
Are you dictating to them?
There is no dictation. As far as UDP is concerned and I know UDP can make it. But we want a concrete opposition party.
Darboe has recognized the importance of rural people’s participation in the coming elections. What are you doing in this area?
UDP is a party with so many branches. We have our executive members, women’s wing, and youth wing among others. We are all the time functioning. The last time we made a tour in the Kombos. So, we never sit for a second and we are always on the ground. They have been denying us permits otherwise they know what we are capable of doing.
But the Interior minister says the state denied you permits because it did not have enough police personnel to provide you with security…?
That is a big joke. When the ruling party is holding rallies they have enough. That is misleading. They have enough personnel to provide us with security, but they have never and will never do it.
It’s a pity in The Gambia. No one’s life is safe; there is no justice, no liberty, no human rights since Yahya Jammeh took over.
Opposition members are joining the ruling party en mass. Why?
No UDP supporter has ever moved to APRC. I have never seen any. Rather it is APRC joining UDP. Thank God the media was there during our previous rally and covered it.
The Gambia has been experiencing voter apathy in all its previous elections. Some say most of those that do not vote are opposition supporters. Is it that you (the opposition) is not doing enough to convince your people to cast their votes?
That voter apathy is because we are not able to unite. That is why I told you the opposition needs to come together. And that will happen because I do go round the country talking to the people; I do research in politics. Gambians are saying now it is enough for Yahya Jammeh.
What is your take on Femi Peter’s imprisonment?
There is no justice in Femi Peter’s imprisonment. Femi is a perfect gentleman, hardworking and truthful. There are other motivations behind his imprisonment but not the rally. It is all politically motivated. They should have arrested our party leader and not Femi. Government should free Femi Peters. Every Gambian should be concerned with Femi Peter’s imprisonment. There is no justice in it. They cannot silence the opposition.
The Gambia’s problem is not individual but national.
In your opinion how responsive is the government of the day to plight of. the people of The Gambia?
Very bad! All those infrastructural developments are debts which Gambians will pay. The present government is acting as if it is from one man’s pocket. It is not impressive to me in any way. They should not boast of that. We can do it better than them. Gambians are not enjoying anything.
In other countries the opposition has some of its activities funded by government. Is that the case here?
No. we don’t even have access to the public media. GRTS is 85 percent on President Jammeh, 10 percent on adverts and 5 percent on …
IEC is going biometric in 2011. This would help resolve problems, especially reports of foreigners infiltrating and voting?
IEC is the worst. They are not even independent. The commission was selected by president Jammeh.
What motivated you to become a politician?
I liked politics since I was a child. If you belief in something, you should continue doing it. That is why I am doing it. As soldiers say ‘no retreat no surrender’. No one can make me silent. Even if my throat is cut-off, I will speak before dying.
The Current regime has carved a bad name for itself of being intolerant to the opposition. Can you share with us your experience as a politician?
I have been arrested and detained at NIA over 23 times. I was tortured, very very nasty tortures, which I will never forget in my life. I was stripped naked; they tied my manhood, and electrocuted me. I have received death threats. My younger brother Rambo Jatta was arrested and detained for two years. At one point I was arrested together with 8 members of my family. Among them were minors. But I am a genuine politician. No body can silence me. I am a dead man working in the streets.
Have you been ever tried after these arrests?
We were accused of disturbing APRC militants. We were arraigned at Kanifing Magistrates’ court. The case dragged on for two years, and was thrown out because it was politically motivated.
What would be your advice on the countdown to 2010?
I am appealing to all Gambians to yearn for opposition unity. Let us come together, work together, come under one umbrella and fight the APRC. It is enough for Jammeh. Let us now say bye-bye to Jammeh. And let all Gambians register and vote.
Posted By: article on May 19, 2010 11:09AM Category: Discourse
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
United Democratic Party (U.K)- Mission Statement
The United Democratic Party [UK] is a not for profit organisation founded on the 27th February 2010 as an affiliated body to the Gambia’s main opposition United Democratic Party [UDP], by concern citizens of the Gambia living in the United Kingdom, whose primary aim and objective is to help end the reign of tyranny and despotism in their beloved country, the Gambia, through lawful and peaceful democratic means, and in partnership with the local political opposition, help substitute it with a democratic, responsive, accountable, transparent and law abiding government; a government that will be sensitive to the plight of ordinary citizens and upholds the values of human dignity and the constitution of the republic.
Country's Political History
The Gambia lies on the Western coast of tropical Africa, occupying an area of 11,295 sq km, making it one of the smallest countries in Africa, and it is a semi-enclave into Senegal. The Gambia has a population of about 1.5 million people and its capital city is Banjul.
The Gambia attained independence from Britain on the 18th February 1965 amidst doubts about its economic viability as a modern democratic sovereign state. The first president of The Gambia was Alhagi Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara who ruled the country from independence until 1994 when he was ousted in a military coup headed by the then Lt. Yaya A.J. J Jammeh, who is now the president. The coup was widely condemned by the international community particularly the Commonwealth and the European Union.
Following the 1994 coup, Lieutenant Jammeh dissolved parliament and replaced it with a military council called the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council [AFPRC]. The constitution was also suspended and a ban on political parties and political activity imposed.
In October 1994, the AFPRC announced a programme for transition to democratic constitutional rule which provided for the restitution of elected civilian organs of the state in four years. Both the local civic groups and the international community condemned the length of the proposed transition. The AFPRC responded to these pressures by establishing a National Consultative Committee [NCC] to review the issue. The transition was later reduced to two years but the ban on political parties and political activity remained in force.
In April 1995, the AFPRC established a Constitutional Review Commission and decided that the draft Constitution had to be submitted to a referendum first before the ban on politics was to be lifted. Meanwhile, the junta [AFPRC] had already formed its own 22 July Movement which manifested all the features of a political party and was fully utilised to help Lieutenant Jammeh [now Rtd. Colonel] contest the subsequent presidential election from an advantaged position of incumbency. The transition process included the compilation of a new electoral register, a referendum on a new constitution and the presidential and parliamentary elections in 1996 and 1997 respectively.
In 1996, the ban on political parties and political activity was lifted but the People’s Progressive Party of former president Jawara, the National Convention Party and the Gambia People’s Party –the three main political parties in the country prior to the coup – were banned from contesting the forthcoming elections, as were all holders of executive office in the 30 years prior to the 1994 military takeover [the latter under Decree 89]. The only pre-coup party authorised to contest the elections was a fringe party called The People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism [PDOIS]. These restrictions provoked strong criticism from the international community particularly the Commonwealth, and eventually gave birth to the United Democratic Party [UDP] in August 1996, exactly two weeks before the presidential election. The UDP is headed by a prominent human rights lawyer and former Vice President of The Gambia Bar Association.
Human Rights and Political Governance
In September 1996, the AFPRC transformed itself into a political party and contested the presidential election which it won but the process was rejected by the main opposition United Democratic Party as well as the international community as neither free nor fair. Since then, the Gambia has been faced with serious governance and human rights violation issues, resulting to the creation of a repressive environment and a culture of fear in the country.
Although the constitution provides for the protection of most human rights and civil liberties, there are continuing cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions without warrants or trial particularly against political opponents and perceived opponents of the regime, and journalists -See US Statement Department Human Rights Report 2009. Detainees also face prolong pre-trial detentions and are normally held beyond the 72 hour constitutional limit without charge.
On the 10th & 11th April 2000, 14 student demonstrators were shot dead in broad daylight. A government own appointed Commission of Enquiry held the security forces responsible for the killings but no prosecution has so far being brought against anybody.
The 2008 & 2009 Amnesty International Reports also highlighted some disturbing cases of suspected enforced disappearances. The fate of Kanyiba Kanyi, an opposition activist arrested in 2006, remains unknown as the government continued to deny knowledge of his where about despite repeated ruling by the Gambian courts for his release or for a cause to be shown as to why he should not be.
In July 2008, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice [CCJ] ordered the Gambian government to release Chief Ebrima Manneh, a former reporter from the Daily observer arrested in 2006. The government ignored the ruling and continues to deny that he was in their custody.
The regime restricts freedom of speech and press through intimidation, unwarranted arrests and detentions, and restrictive legislation. The restrictive media environment that exists in the country has forced many journalists into self imposed exile or out of business.
Although the constitution provides for an independent judiciary, the regime continues to fire judges particularly those who made unfavourable decisions against it, without the due process being followed. The most recent case being the removal of the country’s Chief Justice, Justice Abdou Karim Savage.
The lower courts tend to be corrupt and many a times subject to executive pressure.
A recent report by the Millennium Challenge Corporation indicates that the Gambia falls short in a number of governance indicators such as management of state assets, government effectiveness and accountability. In addition, the National Parliament is not effectively performing its oversight roles and responsibilities particularly in the area of budget formulation and public expenditure control.
Aims and Objectives
The United Democratic Party [UK] recognised that the UDP is inter alia;
1. By far the biggest opposition party in the Gambia.
2. Intends to make credible political and constitutional reforms that would nurture in a vibrant democratic society based on respect for the rule of law and fundamental principles of democratic representation, and in which citizens are able to exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms without undue state interference.
3. Intends to introduce a presidential term limit into the constitution [this is expected to be an entrenched clause] as a way of ending the culture of self perpetuating rule.
4. Intends to strengthen and safeguard the independence and integrity of the judiciary particularly the criminal justice system.
5. Is committed to making tangible investment in the productive sectors of the economy so as to stimulate growth, and to the judicious appropriation of taxpayers’ money.
6. Will persevere to improve the quality of state delivered social services particularly in the health and education sectors.
7. Intends to create conducive environment for attracting the much badly needed foreign investment into the country.
8. Have the political will to tackle the perennial issue of youth unemployment head on.
9. Despite being the biggest opposition party, have serious capacity issues. This is attributed to inadequate funding.
10. Lacks sufficient visibility on the ground due to limited campaign tools i.e. T-Shirts, Billboards, Posters and political souvenirs.
11. Lack of funds hinders the party’s ability to conduct regular public political activities.
12. Lack of regular public political activity tends to make their upcountry structures dormant.
13. Communication between the executive and the upcountry structures seems to be periodic and not robust.
14. The party’s overall political communication strategy and mechanisms need improving – There has to be in place an effective and more robust communication media outlet i.e. a website that could be regularly updated with high quality information.
15. The party needs to take a proactive and more vigilant stand towards the upcoming National Voter Registration to ensure that the integrity of the process is guaranteed and safeguarded.
16. Campaign for the 2011 presidential election must begin in earnest.
The United Democratic Party [UK] intends to raise sufficient funds from within the Gambian communities in the Diaspora to;
a) Help address the capacity issues confronting the party so as to make it more competitive in the face of a wealthy incumbent.
b) Acquire enough campaign tools, i.e. T-Shirts, and posters among other things, to create enough on the ground visibility for the party before the 2011 presidential election.
c) Help improve the party’s political communication strategy and mechanisms
d) Help finance party leader’s nationwide tours and public meetings [rallies].
e) Help strengthen the party’s local structures nationwide, and encourage more grass root support and participation.
f) Help fund the party’s 2011 presidential and 2012 parliamentary elections campaign.
The United Democratic Party [UK] urges every Gambian, particularly those in the Diaspora, to dutifully support this venture by making generous donations to the organisation, and together we can build a just, democratic and prosperous Gambia.
Prospective donors can register their interest with the coordinator by email; gambiaforall@googlemail.com. Alternatively, you can make payment[s] into our NatWest bank account, details of which are as follows; Account Name: KD/UDP UK, Account No. 23644079, Sort Code; 602479. For those living outside the UK, our International Bank Account Number [IBAN] is; GB07 NWBK 60247923 644079.
Donate money to the UDP-UK, and secure a real change for The Gambia in 2011.
S.S Daffeh
Secretary-General
Country's Political History
The Gambia lies on the Western coast of tropical Africa, occupying an area of 11,295 sq km, making it one of the smallest countries in Africa, and it is a semi-enclave into Senegal. The Gambia has a population of about 1.5 million people and its capital city is Banjul.
The Gambia attained independence from Britain on the 18th February 1965 amidst doubts about its economic viability as a modern democratic sovereign state. The first president of The Gambia was Alhagi Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara who ruled the country from independence until 1994 when he was ousted in a military coup headed by the then Lt. Yaya A.J. J Jammeh, who is now the president. The coup was widely condemned by the international community particularly the Commonwealth and the European Union.
Following the 1994 coup, Lieutenant Jammeh dissolved parliament and replaced it with a military council called the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council [AFPRC]. The constitution was also suspended and a ban on political parties and political activity imposed.
In October 1994, the AFPRC announced a programme for transition to democratic constitutional rule which provided for the restitution of elected civilian organs of the state in four years. Both the local civic groups and the international community condemned the length of the proposed transition. The AFPRC responded to these pressures by establishing a National Consultative Committee [NCC] to review the issue. The transition was later reduced to two years but the ban on political parties and political activity remained in force.
In April 1995, the AFPRC established a Constitutional Review Commission and decided that the draft Constitution had to be submitted to a referendum first before the ban on politics was to be lifted. Meanwhile, the junta [AFPRC] had already formed its own 22 July Movement which manifested all the features of a political party and was fully utilised to help Lieutenant Jammeh [now Rtd. Colonel] contest the subsequent presidential election from an advantaged position of incumbency. The transition process included the compilation of a new electoral register, a referendum on a new constitution and the presidential and parliamentary elections in 1996 and 1997 respectively.
In 1996, the ban on political parties and political activity was lifted but the People’s Progressive Party of former president Jawara, the National Convention Party and the Gambia People’s Party –the three main political parties in the country prior to the coup – were banned from contesting the forthcoming elections, as were all holders of executive office in the 30 years prior to the 1994 military takeover [the latter under Decree 89]. The only pre-coup party authorised to contest the elections was a fringe party called The People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism [PDOIS]. These restrictions provoked strong criticism from the international community particularly the Commonwealth, and eventually gave birth to the United Democratic Party [UDP] in August 1996, exactly two weeks before the presidential election. The UDP is headed by a prominent human rights lawyer and former Vice President of The Gambia Bar Association.
Human Rights and Political Governance
In September 1996, the AFPRC transformed itself into a political party and contested the presidential election which it won but the process was rejected by the main opposition United Democratic Party as well as the international community as neither free nor fair. Since then, the Gambia has been faced with serious governance and human rights violation issues, resulting to the creation of a repressive environment and a culture of fear in the country.
Although the constitution provides for the protection of most human rights and civil liberties, there are continuing cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions without warrants or trial particularly against political opponents and perceived opponents of the regime, and journalists -See US Statement Department Human Rights Report 2009. Detainees also face prolong pre-trial detentions and are normally held beyond the 72 hour constitutional limit without charge.
On the 10th & 11th April 2000, 14 student demonstrators were shot dead in broad daylight. A government own appointed Commission of Enquiry held the security forces responsible for the killings but no prosecution has so far being brought against anybody.
The 2008 & 2009 Amnesty International Reports also highlighted some disturbing cases of suspected enforced disappearances. The fate of Kanyiba Kanyi, an opposition activist arrested in 2006, remains unknown as the government continued to deny knowledge of his where about despite repeated ruling by the Gambian courts for his release or for a cause to be shown as to why he should not be.
In July 2008, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice [CCJ] ordered the Gambian government to release Chief Ebrima Manneh, a former reporter from the Daily observer arrested in 2006. The government ignored the ruling and continues to deny that he was in their custody.
The regime restricts freedom of speech and press through intimidation, unwarranted arrests and detentions, and restrictive legislation. The restrictive media environment that exists in the country has forced many journalists into self imposed exile or out of business.
Although the constitution provides for an independent judiciary, the regime continues to fire judges particularly those who made unfavourable decisions against it, without the due process being followed. The most recent case being the removal of the country’s Chief Justice, Justice Abdou Karim Savage.
The lower courts tend to be corrupt and many a times subject to executive pressure.
A recent report by the Millennium Challenge Corporation indicates that the Gambia falls short in a number of governance indicators such as management of state assets, government effectiveness and accountability. In addition, the National Parliament is not effectively performing its oversight roles and responsibilities particularly in the area of budget formulation and public expenditure control.
Aims and Objectives
The United Democratic Party [UK] recognised that the UDP is inter alia;
1. By far the biggest opposition party in the Gambia.
2. Intends to make credible political and constitutional reforms that would nurture in a vibrant democratic society based on respect for the rule of law and fundamental principles of democratic representation, and in which citizens are able to exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms without undue state interference.
3. Intends to introduce a presidential term limit into the constitution [this is expected to be an entrenched clause] as a way of ending the culture of self perpetuating rule.
4. Intends to strengthen and safeguard the independence and integrity of the judiciary particularly the criminal justice system.
5. Is committed to making tangible investment in the productive sectors of the economy so as to stimulate growth, and to the judicious appropriation of taxpayers’ money.
6. Will persevere to improve the quality of state delivered social services particularly in the health and education sectors.
7. Intends to create conducive environment for attracting the much badly needed foreign investment into the country.
8. Have the political will to tackle the perennial issue of youth unemployment head on.
9. Despite being the biggest opposition party, have serious capacity issues. This is attributed to inadequate funding.
10. Lacks sufficient visibility on the ground due to limited campaign tools i.e. T-Shirts, Billboards, Posters and political souvenirs.
11. Lack of funds hinders the party’s ability to conduct regular public political activities.
12. Lack of regular public political activity tends to make their upcountry structures dormant.
13. Communication between the executive and the upcountry structures seems to be periodic and not robust.
14. The party’s overall political communication strategy and mechanisms need improving – There has to be in place an effective and more robust communication media outlet i.e. a website that could be regularly updated with high quality information.
15. The party needs to take a proactive and more vigilant stand towards the upcoming National Voter Registration to ensure that the integrity of the process is guaranteed and safeguarded.
16. Campaign for the 2011 presidential election must begin in earnest.
The United Democratic Party [UK] intends to raise sufficient funds from within the Gambian communities in the Diaspora to;
a) Help address the capacity issues confronting the party so as to make it more competitive in the face of a wealthy incumbent.
b) Acquire enough campaign tools, i.e. T-Shirts, and posters among other things, to create enough on the ground visibility for the party before the 2011 presidential election.
c) Help improve the party’s political communication strategy and mechanisms
d) Help finance party leader’s nationwide tours and public meetings [rallies].
e) Help strengthen the party’s local structures nationwide, and encourage more grass root support and participation.
f) Help fund the party’s 2011 presidential and 2012 parliamentary elections campaign.
The United Democratic Party [UK] urges every Gambian, particularly those in the Diaspora, to dutifully support this venture by making generous donations to the organisation, and together we can build a just, democratic and prosperous Gambia.
Prospective donors can register their interest with the coordinator by email; gambiaforall@googlemail.com. Alternatively, you can make payment[s] into our NatWest bank account, details of which are as follows; Account Name: KD/UDP UK, Account No. 23644079, Sort Code; 602479. For those living outside the UK, our International Bank Account Number [IBAN] is; GB07 NWBK 60247923 644079.
Donate money to the UDP-UK, and secure a real change for The Gambia in 2011.
S.S Daffeh
Secretary-General
UDP Rally In Serrekunda on the 16/may/2010
APRC Youths Swap to UDP
coutesy of www.dialynews.com
By Saikou Jammeh
Four youths claimed to be supporters of the ruling ARPC Saturday defected to the opposition UDP at a political rally held at Serre kunda.
Wuyeh Camara, Famara Sonko, Mamadi Manneh and Sargo Gassama all from Tallinding declared their loyalty to United Democratic Party amid rousing cheers.
The party has at last secured a permit to meet after several denials by the police resulting in jailing the party’s campaign manager, Femi Peters for organising a political rally without permit.
Interior Minister, Ousman Sonko had said the previous permit applications were rejected because the state could not provide security as police were fully, however, there was no state security at sight during Saturday’s rally.
"register and vote"
The party leader, Ousainou Darboe, addressing the gathering called on Gambians to register and vote come the forthcoming elections slated 2011
"If you do not register and vote, you do not have the right to complain about the government because you fail to execute your civil duty," Darboe said.
"Femi not a criminal"
Darboe re-echoed that his campaign manager, Femi Peters, serving one-year jail term, is not a criminal, but a freedom fighter, who’s desire is to safe The Gambia from its present predicaments.
"Future capital is Kanilai"
UDP leader said Jammeh’s programmes are all for himself. He said he had said Jammeh is building Kanilai to become The Gambia’s future capital and some APRC supporters branded him a liar, but time has proven him right.
"We now have our cabinet meetings in Kanilai, Science and Technology academy is there, the festival and government officials are buying residential plot there," Darboe said.
Wastes public fund
"… the government never budgeted for the Kanilai International Festival, which means it is a private initiative… why public institutions have to fund it" he said. " public fund should not be used to support private initiatives. And it is not only the festival, but on other areas too."
Kemeseng Jammeh said there is no accountability in Jammeh administration. He said large sums are being given out, which are not accounted for.
Momodou LK Sanneh, member for Kiang West said the developments registered are public funds, grant-in-aid and loans, noting those funds are not from Jammeh’s pocket as portrayed.
Oppositions to come together
Darboe called on opposition parties to "come out from their shells as NRP did", form a united front to oust Jammeh.
"This is not the time for academic argument but philosophizing" he said. "We know our problem; let’s confront it to safe the Gambia."
Posted By: article on May 17, 2010 02:23PM Category: Articles
coutesy of www.dialynews.com
By Saikou Jammeh
Four youths claimed to be supporters of the ruling ARPC Saturday defected to the opposition UDP at a political rally held at Serre kunda.
Wuyeh Camara, Famara Sonko, Mamadi Manneh and Sargo Gassama all from Tallinding declared their loyalty to United Democratic Party amid rousing cheers.
The party has at last secured a permit to meet after several denials by the police resulting in jailing the party’s campaign manager, Femi Peters for organising a political rally without permit.
Interior Minister, Ousman Sonko had said the previous permit applications were rejected because the state could not provide security as police were fully, however, there was no state security at sight during Saturday’s rally.
"register and vote"
The party leader, Ousainou Darboe, addressing the gathering called on Gambians to register and vote come the forthcoming elections slated 2011
"If you do not register and vote, you do not have the right to complain about the government because you fail to execute your civil duty," Darboe said.
"Femi not a criminal"
Darboe re-echoed that his campaign manager, Femi Peters, serving one-year jail term, is not a criminal, but a freedom fighter, who’s desire is to safe The Gambia from its present predicaments.
"Future capital is Kanilai"
UDP leader said Jammeh’s programmes are all for himself. He said he had said Jammeh is building Kanilai to become The Gambia’s future capital and some APRC supporters branded him a liar, but time has proven him right.
"We now have our cabinet meetings in Kanilai, Science and Technology academy is there, the festival and government officials are buying residential plot there," Darboe said.
Wastes public fund
"… the government never budgeted for the Kanilai International Festival, which means it is a private initiative… why public institutions have to fund it" he said. " public fund should not be used to support private initiatives. And it is not only the festival, but on other areas too."
Kemeseng Jammeh said there is no accountability in Jammeh administration. He said large sums are being given out, which are not accounted for.
Momodou LK Sanneh, member for Kiang West said the developments registered are public funds, grant-in-aid and loans, noting those funds are not from Jammeh’s pocket as portrayed.
Oppositions to come together
Darboe called on opposition parties to "come out from their shells as NRP did", form a united front to oust Jammeh.
"This is not the time for academic argument but philosophizing" he said. "We know our problem; let’s confront it to safe the Gambia."
Posted By: article on May 17, 2010 02:23PM Category: Articles
Saturday, 15 May 2010
United Democratic Party [UK] – Mission Statement
The United Democratic Party [UK] is a not for profit organisation founded on the 27th February 2010 as an affiliated body to the Gambia’s main opposition United Democratic Party [UDP], by concern citizens of the Gambia living in the United Kingdom, whose primary aim and objective is to help end the reign of tyranny and despotism in their beloved country, the Gambia, through lawful and peaceful democratic means, and in partnership with the local political opposition, help substitute it with a democratic, responsive, accountable, transparent and law abiding government; a government that will be sensitive to the plight of ordinary citizens and upholds the values of human dignity and the constitution of the republic.
Country's Political History
The Gambia lies on the Western coast of tropical Africa, occupying an area of 11,295 sq km, making it one of the smallest countries in Africa, and it is a semi-enclave into Senegal. The Gambia has a population of about 1.5 million people and its capital city is Banjul.
The Gambia attained independence from Britain on the 18th February 1965 amidst doubts about its economic viability as a modern democratic sovereign state. The first president of The Gambia was Alhagi Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara who ruled the country from independence until 1994 when he was ousted in a military coup headed by the then Lt. Yaya A.J. J Jammeh, who is now the president. The coup was widely condemned by the international community particularly the Commonwealth and the European Union.
Following the 1994 coup, Lieutenant Jammeh dissolved parliament and replaced it with a military council called the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council [AFPRC]. The constitution was also suspended and a ban on political parties and political activity imposed.
In October 1994, the AFPRC announced a programme for transition to democratic constitutional rule which provided for the restitution of elected civilian organs of the state in four years. Both the local civic groups and the international community condemned the length of the proposed transition. The AFPRC responded to these pressures by establishing a National Consultative Committee [NCC] to review the issue. The transition was later reduced to two years but the ban on political parties and political activity remained in force.
In April 1995, the AFPRC established a Constitutional Review Commission and decided that the draft Constitution had to be submitted to a referendum first before the ban on politics was to be lifted. Meanwhile, the junta [AFPRC] had already formed its own 22 July Movement which manifested all the features of a political party and was fully utilised to help Lieutenant Jammeh [now Rtd. Colonel] contest the subsequent presidential election from an advantaged position of incumbency. The transition process included the compilation of a new electoral register, a referendum on a new constitution and the presidential and parliamentary elections in 1996 and 1997 respectively.
In 1996, the ban on political parties and political activity was lifted but the People’s Progressive Party of former president Jawara, the National Convention Party and the Gambia People’s Party –the three main political parties in the country prior to the coup – were banned from contesting the forthcoming elections, as were all holders of executive office in the 30 years prior to the 1994 military takeover [the latter under Decree 89]. The only pre-coup party authorised to contest the elections was a fringe party called The People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism [PDOIS]. These restrictions provoked strong criticism from the international community particularly the Commonwealth, and eventually gave birth to the United Democratic Party [UDP] in August 1996, exactly two weeks before the presidential election. The UDP is headed by a prominent human rights lawyer and former Vice President of The Gambia Bar Association.
Human Rights and Political Governance
In September 1996, the AFPRC transformed itself into a political party and contested the presidential election which it won but the process was rejected by the main opposition United Democratic Party as well as the international community as neither free nor fair. Since then, the Gambia has been faced with serious governance and human rights violation issues, resulting to the creation of a repressive environment and a culture of fear in the country.
Although the constitution provides for the protection of most human rights and civil liberties, there are continuing cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions without warrants or trial particularly against political opponents and perceived opponents of the regime, and journalists -See US Statement Department Human Rights Report 2009. Detainees also face prolong pre-trial detentions and are normally held beyond the 72 hour constitutional limit without charge.
On the 10th & 11th April 2000, 14 student demonstrators were shot dead in broad daylight. A government own appointed Commission of Enquiry held the security forces responsible for the killings but no prosecution has so far being brought against anybody.
The 2008 & 2009 Amnesty International Reports also highlighted some disturbing cases of suspected enforced disappearances. The fate of Kanyiba Kanyi, an opposition activist arrested in 2006, remains unknown as the government continued to deny knowledge of his where about despite repeated ruling by the Gambian courts for his release or for a cause to be shown as to why he should not be.
In July 2008, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice [CCJ] ordered the Gambian government to release Chief Ebrima Manneh, a former reporter from the Daily observer arrested in 2006. The government ignored the ruling and continues to deny that he was in their custody.
The regime restricts freedom of speech and press through intimidation, unwarranted arrests and detentions, and restrictive legislation. The restrictive media environment that exists in the country has forced many journalists into self imposed exile or out of business.
Although the constitution provides for an independent judiciary, the regime continues to fire judges particularly those who made unfavourable decisions against it, without the due process being followed. The most recent case being the removal of the country’s Chief Justice, Justice Abdou Karim Savage.
The lower courts tend to be corrupt and many a times subject to executive pressure.
A recent report by the Millennium Challenge Corporation indicates that the Gambia falls short in a number of governance indicators such as management of state assets, government effectiveness and accountability. In addition, the National Parliament is not effectively performing its oversight roles and responsibilities particularly in the area of budget formulation and public expenditure control.
Aims and Objectives
The United Democratic Party [UK] recognised that the UDP is inter alia;
1. By far the biggest opposition party in the Gambia.
2. Intends to make credible political and constitutional reforms that would nurture in a vibrant democratic society based on respect for the rule of law and fundamental principles of democratic representation, and in which citizens are able to exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms without undue state interference.
3. Intends to introduce a presidential term limit into the constitution [this is expected to be an entrenched clause] as a way of ending the culture of self perpetuating rule.
4. Intends to strengthen and safeguard the independence and integrity of the judiciary particularly the criminal justice system.
5. Is committed to making tangible investment in the productive sectors of the economy so as to stimulate growth, and to the judicious appropriation of taxpayers’ money.
6. Will persevere to improve the quality of state delivered social services particularly in the health and education sectors.
7. Intends to create conducive environment for attracting the much badly needed foreign investment into the country.
8. Have the political will to tackle the perennial issue of youth unemployment head on.
9. Despite being the biggest opposition party, have serious capacity issues. This is attributed to inadequate funding.
10. Lacks sufficient visibility on the ground due to limited campaign tools i.e. T-Shirts, Billboards, Posters and political souvenirs.
11. Lack of funds hinders the party’s ability to conduct regular public political activities.
12. Lack of regular public political activity tends to make their upcountry structures dormant.
13. Communication between the executive and the upcountry structures seems to be periodic and not robust.
14. The party’s overall political communication strategy and mechanisms need improving – There has to be in place an effective and more robust communication media outlet i.e. a website that could be regularly updated with high quality information.
15. The party needs to take a proactive and more vigilant stand towards the upcoming National Voter Registration to ensure that the integrity of the process is guaranteed and safeguarded.
16. Campaign for the 2011 presidential election must begin in earnest.
The United Democratic Party [UK] intends to raise sufficient funds from within the Gambian communities in the Diaspora to;
a) Help address the capacity issues confronting the party so as to make it more competitive in the face of a wealthy incumbent.
b) Acquire enough campaign tools, i.e. T-Shirts, and posters among other things, to create enough on the ground visibility for the party before the 2011 presidential election.
c) Help improve the party’s political communication strategy and mechanisms
d) Help finance party leader’s nationwide tours and public meetings [rallies].
e) Help strengthen the party’s local structures nationwide, and encourage more grass root support and participation.
f) Help fund the party’s 2011 presidential and 2012 parliamentary elections campaign.
The United Democratic Party [UK] urges every Gambian, particularly those in the Diaspora, to dutifully support this venture by making generous donations to the organisation, and together we can build a just, democratic and prosperous Gambia.
Prospective donors can register their interest with the coordinator by email; gambiaforall@googlemail.com. Alternatively, you can make payment[s] into our NatWest bank account, details of which are as follows; Account Name: KD/UDP UK, Account No. 23644079, Sort Code; 602479. For those living outside the UK, our International Bank Account Number [IBAN] is; GB07 NWBK 60247923 644079.Donate money to the UDP-UK, and secure a real change for The Gambia in 2011.
S.S Daffeh
Secretary-General
Country's Political History
The Gambia lies on the Western coast of tropical Africa, occupying an area of 11,295 sq km, making it one of the smallest countries in Africa, and it is a semi-enclave into Senegal. The Gambia has a population of about 1.5 million people and its capital city is Banjul.
The Gambia attained independence from Britain on the 18th February 1965 amidst doubts about its economic viability as a modern democratic sovereign state. The first president of The Gambia was Alhagi Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara who ruled the country from independence until 1994 when he was ousted in a military coup headed by the then Lt. Yaya A.J. J Jammeh, who is now the president. The coup was widely condemned by the international community particularly the Commonwealth and the European Union.
Following the 1994 coup, Lieutenant Jammeh dissolved parliament and replaced it with a military council called the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council [AFPRC]. The constitution was also suspended and a ban on political parties and political activity imposed.
In October 1994, the AFPRC announced a programme for transition to democratic constitutional rule which provided for the restitution of elected civilian organs of the state in four years. Both the local civic groups and the international community condemned the length of the proposed transition. The AFPRC responded to these pressures by establishing a National Consultative Committee [NCC] to review the issue. The transition was later reduced to two years but the ban on political parties and political activity remained in force.
In April 1995, the AFPRC established a Constitutional Review Commission and decided that the draft Constitution had to be submitted to a referendum first before the ban on politics was to be lifted. Meanwhile, the junta [AFPRC] had already formed its own 22 July Movement which manifested all the features of a political party and was fully utilised to help Lieutenant Jammeh [now Rtd. Colonel] contest the subsequent presidential election from an advantaged position of incumbency. The transition process included the compilation of a new electoral register, a referendum on a new constitution and the presidential and parliamentary elections in 1996 and 1997 respectively.
In 1996, the ban on political parties and political activity was lifted but the People’s Progressive Party of former president Jawara, the National Convention Party and the Gambia People’s Party –the three main political parties in the country prior to the coup – were banned from contesting the forthcoming elections, as were all holders of executive office in the 30 years prior to the 1994 military takeover [the latter under Decree 89]. The only pre-coup party authorised to contest the elections was a fringe party called The People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism [PDOIS]. These restrictions provoked strong criticism from the international community particularly the Commonwealth, and eventually gave birth to the United Democratic Party [UDP] in August 1996, exactly two weeks before the presidential election. The UDP is headed by a prominent human rights lawyer and former Vice President of The Gambia Bar Association.
Human Rights and Political Governance
In September 1996, the AFPRC transformed itself into a political party and contested the presidential election which it won but the process was rejected by the main opposition United Democratic Party as well as the international community as neither free nor fair. Since then, the Gambia has been faced with serious governance and human rights violation issues, resulting to the creation of a repressive environment and a culture of fear in the country.
Although the constitution provides for the protection of most human rights and civil liberties, there are continuing cases of arbitrary arrests and detentions without warrants or trial particularly against political opponents and perceived opponents of the regime, and journalists -See US Statement Department Human Rights Report 2009. Detainees also face prolong pre-trial detentions and are normally held beyond the 72 hour constitutional limit without charge.
On the 10th & 11th April 2000, 14 student demonstrators were shot dead in broad daylight. A government own appointed Commission of Enquiry held the security forces responsible for the killings but no prosecution has so far being brought against anybody.
The 2008 & 2009 Amnesty International Reports also highlighted some disturbing cases of suspected enforced disappearances. The fate of Kanyiba Kanyi, an opposition activist arrested in 2006, remains unknown as the government continued to deny knowledge of his where about despite repeated ruling by the Gambian courts for his release or for a cause to be shown as to why he should not be.
In July 2008, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice [CCJ] ordered the Gambian government to release Chief Ebrima Manneh, a former reporter from the Daily observer arrested in 2006. The government ignored the ruling and continues to deny that he was in their custody.
The regime restricts freedom of speech and press through intimidation, unwarranted arrests and detentions, and restrictive legislation. The restrictive media environment that exists in the country has forced many journalists into self imposed exile or out of business.
Although the constitution provides for an independent judiciary, the regime continues to fire judges particularly those who made unfavourable decisions against it, without the due process being followed. The most recent case being the removal of the country’s Chief Justice, Justice Abdou Karim Savage.
The lower courts tend to be corrupt and many a times subject to executive pressure.
A recent report by the Millennium Challenge Corporation indicates that the Gambia falls short in a number of governance indicators such as management of state assets, government effectiveness and accountability. In addition, the National Parliament is not effectively performing its oversight roles and responsibilities particularly in the area of budget formulation and public expenditure control.
Aims and Objectives
The United Democratic Party [UK] recognised that the UDP is inter alia;
1. By far the biggest opposition party in the Gambia.
2. Intends to make credible political and constitutional reforms that would nurture in a vibrant democratic society based on respect for the rule of law and fundamental principles of democratic representation, and in which citizens are able to exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms without undue state interference.
3. Intends to introduce a presidential term limit into the constitution [this is expected to be an entrenched clause] as a way of ending the culture of self perpetuating rule.
4. Intends to strengthen and safeguard the independence and integrity of the judiciary particularly the criminal justice system.
5. Is committed to making tangible investment in the productive sectors of the economy so as to stimulate growth, and to the judicious appropriation of taxpayers’ money.
6. Will persevere to improve the quality of state delivered social services particularly in the health and education sectors.
7. Intends to create conducive environment for attracting the much badly needed foreign investment into the country.
8. Have the political will to tackle the perennial issue of youth unemployment head on.
9. Despite being the biggest opposition party, have serious capacity issues. This is attributed to inadequate funding.
10. Lacks sufficient visibility on the ground due to limited campaign tools i.e. T-Shirts, Billboards, Posters and political souvenirs.
11. Lack of funds hinders the party’s ability to conduct regular public political activities.
12. Lack of regular public political activity tends to make their upcountry structures dormant.
13. Communication between the executive and the upcountry structures seems to be periodic and not robust.
14. The party’s overall political communication strategy and mechanisms need improving – There has to be in place an effective and more robust communication media outlet i.e. a website that could be regularly updated with high quality information.
15. The party needs to take a proactive and more vigilant stand towards the upcoming National Voter Registration to ensure that the integrity of the process is guaranteed and safeguarded.
16. Campaign for the 2011 presidential election must begin in earnest.
The United Democratic Party [UK] intends to raise sufficient funds from within the Gambian communities in the Diaspora to;
a) Help address the capacity issues confronting the party so as to make it more competitive in the face of a wealthy incumbent.
b) Acquire enough campaign tools, i.e. T-Shirts, and posters among other things, to create enough on the ground visibility for the party before the 2011 presidential election.
c) Help improve the party’s political communication strategy and mechanisms
d) Help finance party leader’s nationwide tours and public meetings [rallies].
e) Help strengthen the party’s local structures nationwide, and encourage more grass root support and participation.
f) Help fund the party’s 2011 presidential and 2012 parliamentary elections campaign.
The United Democratic Party [UK] urges every Gambian, particularly those in the Diaspora, to dutifully support this venture by making generous donations to the organisation, and together we can build a just, democratic and prosperous Gambia.
Prospective donors can register their interest with the coordinator by email; gambiaforall@googlemail.com. Alternatively, you can make payment[s] into our NatWest bank account, details of which are as follows; Account Name: KD/UDP UK, Account No. 23644079, Sort Code; 602479. For those living outside the UK, our International Bank Account Number [IBAN] is; GB07 NWBK 60247923 644079.Donate money to the UDP-UK, and secure a real change for The Gambia in 2011.
S.S Daffeh
Secretary-General
Friday, 14 May 2010
UDP Forums Watch-- Responding to Oceanic
Oceanic Lad is Gambian using a pen in U.S. He writes to call for the release of Femi, however he dislikes the UDP for his own reasons. So he is blaming the UDP for doing nothing at the jailing of Femi.
Oceanic
I again commend you for your constant patriotic reminders here in the Post. I am pretty sure, the family and well-wishers of Femi are glad at the role you task your self with. Repititions and constant reminders are things tyrants hate.
However, my point of departure is in the area of the role the UDP members are doing is making sure Femi is freed. Remember, the laws of the Gambia that is violated at the discretion of dictator Yahya is for us all to stand and protect not just UDP members.
Secondly, imprisonment is a staple dish in all dictatorial nations. And it should sadden and make us quake when we see just few days ago, how patriotic the British PM resign his post and took ordinary life at the command of their nation.
What that expose is that, whilst the real democratic nations are puting their people first, we are puting our people last. It seems as if we are two different make of human beings. I know our pan-Africanist folks would like to jump at me, however, our real problem is us not the west or the whites.
We should stop living in the past and appreciate the today and now.
To come to your compliment of my humble self, I feel you were too generous. I join the UDP just less than one year ago. The reason i join is simply because I am happy with the ways the party has been operating. I know there is room for improvement, but overall the party is doing it's best to bring genuine democracy to the Gambia. And all things being equal, I would salute the fomidable UDP members that are quietly doing their best in strengtening the party. In fact, I am the least important member in terms of activism for the party.
The UDP U.S and others are real party militants and I salute them. The UDP executive have lodged an appeal for Femi. The family of Femi are aware of the developments. And Femi been a long term activist, well before the UDP, prison is something he expect to go, so as all other UDP exceutive members, some of whom have spent time in different Gambian jails, including our leader Ousainou.
Yahya is the loser here. He has virtually destroyed his legacy. Therefore, as the former British conservative leaders once opined "never under estimate a quiet man" Ian Duncan Smith. And funnyly, it's the tink-tank group Smith form that made the crucial recommendation for the conservative party.
There are Gambians whose quietness irritate many of us talkatives, however we shouldn't discount them as uniterested and lacking the fortitude to wish change for our country. The quiet UDP militants may when it boils down to real action be more useful than Suntou.
And George Orwell famously said "my enemies enemy is my friend". However, in the larger efforts of Gambian politics, we are not enemies, at best we are temporal adverseries brough upon us by circumstance.
The UDP will never be criple by the jailing of Femi or the disappearance of Kanyiba. In fact it has re-invogorated the party. We will have a good congress in the coming weeks and the party's energy and strategy will increase on many fronts. The fight is for us to lose Oceanic. This is a Gambia problem and it requires a Gambian solution. We may not agree, we may bikker, frown upon each other, call one another with names and so on. But in the end, we will stand or fall together. So I advise we learn to tolerate one another.
Thanks a lot. Regina and Femi junior are with you Oceanic. Thanks
Bolongba
On Thu, May 13, 2010 at 3:00 PM, OCEANIC LAD wrote:
Thanks Yero for taking the last three days from my hands.Your insights were wonderful.I had not prayed to be back again but have no choice as long as innocent femi peters cannot still be free.
Reading Balangba,i keep on slumbering and yawning with agony and despair as the conditionalities in mile two and what can occur in that country of her own continues to be unpredictable.I have the believe that Balangba is an indictment of Sanna Sabally and he should do himself justice by quietly sitting in Dutchland and leave us alone.He is as guilty as Jemus in any way and by any means.Evidences in Balangba makes him a candidate for the ICC.
All what we are saying,have said are all conditionalities of oppression that innocent femi peters dont deserve.I commend his kids for keeping the struggle especially the passionate words of femi jr.on the tabloids and the great daughter on GRTS international.Suntou is also doing his bit not least the Dibbas who go on Radio freedom and declared from far away seattle that"we woulkd defat him in the polls;the chamoibridge incident was a wake up call and we arestrategizing and ready for 2011"ready and strategizing indeed!!!Femi peters doesnt deserve a day in jail and now it is 43 straight days in jail.The president should release him now and jail the UDP;THE PARTY OF INACTION WHERE THE MOUTH IS THE TIGER.The only genuine pragmatic UDP face both in and out of the Gambia is Suntou Touray.The rest are either looking for fame or lining there pockets with UDP ..............
I cry and wail and still femi peters sits in jail.He is as innocent as the new born infant.In this 43rd day of the second round of injustice in Gambia,i call on Yahya Jammeh to free innocent Femi Peters today and now.
--
Oceanic
I again commend you for your constant patriotic reminders here in the Post. I am pretty sure, the family and well-wishers of Femi are glad at the role you task your self with. Repititions and constant reminders are things tyrants hate.
However, my point of departure is in the area of the role the UDP members are doing is making sure Femi is freed. Remember, the laws of the Gambia that is violated at the discretion of dictator Yahya is for us all to stand and protect not just UDP members.
Secondly, imprisonment is a staple dish in all dictatorial nations. And it should sadden and make us quake when we see just few days ago, how patriotic the British PM resign his post and took ordinary life at the command of their nation.
What that expose is that, whilst the real democratic nations are puting their people first, we are puting our people last. It seems as if we are two different make of human beings. I know our pan-Africanist folks would like to jump at me, however, our real problem is us not the west or the whites.
We should stop living in the past and appreciate the today and now.
To come to your compliment of my humble self, I feel you were too generous. I join the UDP just less than one year ago. The reason i join is simply because I am happy with the ways the party has been operating. I know there is room for improvement, but overall the party is doing it's best to bring genuine democracy to the Gambia. And all things being equal, I would salute the fomidable UDP members that are quietly doing their best in strengtening the party. In fact, I am the least important member in terms of activism for the party.
The UDP U.S and others are real party militants and I salute them. The UDP executive have lodged an appeal for Femi. The family of Femi are aware of the developments. And Femi been a long term activist, well before the UDP, prison is something he expect to go, so as all other UDP exceutive members, some of whom have spent time in different Gambian jails, including our leader Ousainou.
Yahya is the loser here. He has virtually destroyed his legacy. Therefore, as the former British conservative leaders once opined "never under estimate a quiet man" Ian Duncan Smith. And funnyly, it's the tink-tank group Smith form that made the crucial recommendation for the conservative party.
There are Gambians whose quietness irritate many of us talkatives, however we shouldn't discount them as uniterested and lacking the fortitude to wish change for our country. The quiet UDP militants may when it boils down to real action be more useful than Suntou.
And George Orwell famously said "my enemies enemy is my friend". However, in the larger efforts of Gambian politics, we are not enemies, at best we are temporal adverseries brough upon us by circumstance.
The UDP will never be criple by the jailing of Femi or the disappearance of Kanyiba. In fact it has re-invogorated the party. We will have a good congress in the coming weeks and the party's energy and strategy will increase on many fronts. The fight is for us to lose Oceanic. This is a Gambia problem and it requires a Gambian solution. We may not agree, we may bikker, frown upon each other, call one another with names and so on. But in the end, we will stand or fall together. So I advise we learn to tolerate one another.
Thanks a lot. Regina and Femi junior are with you Oceanic. Thanks
Bolongba
On Thu, May 13, 2010 at 3:00 PM, OCEANIC LAD
Thanks Yero for taking the last three days from my hands.Your insights were wonderful.I had not prayed to be back again but have no choice as long as innocent femi peters cannot still be free.
Reading Balangba,i keep on slumbering and yawning with agony and despair as the conditionalities in mile two and what can occur in that country of her own continues to be unpredictable.I have the believe that Balangba is an indictment of Sanna Sabally and he should do himself justice by quietly sitting in Dutchland and leave us alone.He is as guilty as Jemus in any way and by any means.Evidences in Balangba makes him a candidate for the ICC.
All what we are saying,have said are all conditionalities of oppression that innocent femi peters dont deserve.I commend his kids for keeping the struggle especially the passionate words of femi jr.on the tabloids and the great daughter on GRTS international.Suntou is also doing his bit not least the Dibbas who go on Radio freedom and declared from far away seattle that"we woulkd defat him in the polls;the chamoibridge incident was a wake up call and we arestrategizing and ready for 2011"ready and strategizing indeed!!!Femi peters doesnt deserve a day in jail and now it is 43 straight days in jail.The president should release him now and jail the UDP;THE PARTY OF INACTION WHERE THE MOUTH IS THE TIGER.The only genuine pragmatic UDP face both in and out of the Gambia is Suntou Touray.The rest are either looking for fame or lining there pockets with UDP ..............
I cry and wail and still femi peters sits in jail.He is as innocent as the new born infant.In this 43rd day of the second round of injustice in Gambia,i call on Yahya Jammeh to free innocent Femi Peters today and now.
--
Thursday, 13 May 2010
UDP U.K TALKS TO GRTS INTERNATIONAL RADIO
http://www.thegambiajournal.com/sambanner/spacialplayer2.php?sid=342
Click the link above to listen.
We are eagerly anticipating our forth coming congress in the near future. The UDP is working hard towards a more democratic Gambia. This task is not easy, however nothing long lasting is easy or quick to tackle.
Long live the Gambia, long live the UDP.
Click the link above to listen.
We are eagerly anticipating our forth coming congress in the near future. The UDP is working hard towards a more democratic Gambia. This task is not easy, however nothing long lasting is easy or quick to tackle.
Long live the Gambia, long live the UDP.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
UDP Leader's past arrest and Detentions by the Dictators government
(From The Independent (The Gambia) - AAGM)
Byline: Pk Jarju
The number two man in the United Democratic Party leadership has confirmed his release after five days. After five days in police custody in police cells.
Yaya Jallow told The Independent Wednesday that he was just told by the Bundung police to go home after he was held by them for five days in what later passed off as a weekend raid in the homes of members of the UDP leadership among them Ousainou Darboe who is still being held.
Shyngle Nyassi and Lang Marong are still not accounted for, although there is strong suspicion that they are being held at an undisclosed location. …
From The Independent (The Gambia) - AAGM)
Byline: Omar Bah
The final judgment of the appeal case filed by the State against the granting of bail to Ousainou Darboe and co-accused has been preceded by passionate arguments for and against the accused.
The appeal, which was heard Thursday October 24, heard the demand for the court order for the accused not to be arrested should the High Court's decision be nullified
Lawyer Ousman Sillah who led the team for the respondent sought the court's guarantee for the accused person's 'undisturbed liberty if the appeal succeeds'.
Since an application for bail will be pending before the High Court if appeal against the decision succeeds
From The Daily Observer (The Gambia) - AAGM)
Byline: Sidiq Asemota
The criminal trial of Ousainou Darboe and four others charged with the offence of murder resumed yesterday at the High Court in Banjul.
The accused persons, Ousainou Darboe, Shyngle Nyassi, Baba Drammeh, Lang Marong and Rewane Secka, were alleged to have been involved in the murder of one Alieu Njie in June 2000 in Basse, URD while on a political tour of the area.
At the sitting yesterday, Defence Lawyer Ousman Sillah raised the issue of the fundamental rights of the accused persons to elect their mode of trial.
Lawyer Sillah argued that Section 24 subsection 9 of … (From The Daily Observer (The Gambia) - AAGM)
Byline: Omar Bah
The murder trial of UDP leader Ousainou Darboe and four of his supporters, resumed yesterday at the High Court, presided over by Justice AH Tahir.
However, when the case was called up, the DPP, Chief Akomaye Agim, told the court of his unpreparedness for that day's sitting.
He said he was too occupied with the treason trial of Dumo Sarho and others throughout last week. He therefore applied for an adjournment.
The cased was adjourned to the April 2 after the defence counsel raised no objection to the application.
Meanwhile, all but one of the …
......
The above snapshot news items are were taken from the independent achieves held by the:
http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-22679503_ITM.
For those who think Ousainou Darboe was never arrested or trial, they should think again. Our apparent dislike of each other's politics shouldn't make us blind to the truth. The killer and criminal presiding in the Gambia is Yahya Jammeh. Let us tackle him peacefully.
Byline: Pk Jarju
The number two man in the United Democratic Party leadership has confirmed his release after five days. After five days in police custody in police cells.
Yaya Jallow told The Independent Wednesday that he was just told by the Bundung police to go home after he was held by them for five days in what later passed off as a weekend raid in the homes of members of the UDP leadership among them Ousainou Darboe who is still being held.
Shyngle Nyassi and Lang Marong are still not accounted for, although there is strong suspicion that they are being held at an undisclosed location. …
From The Independent (The Gambia) - AAGM)
Byline: Omar Bah
The final judgment of the appeal case filed by the State against the granting of bail to Ousainou Darboe and co-accused has been preceded by passionate arguments for and against the accused.
The appeal, which was heard Thursday October 24, heard the demand for the court order for the accused not to be arrested should the High Court's decision be nullified
Lawyer Ousman Sillah who led the team for the respondent sought the court's guarantee for the accused person's 'undisturbed liberty if the appeal succeeds'.
Since an application for bail will be pending before the High Court if appeal against the decision succeeds
From The Daily Observer (The Gambia) - AAGM)
Byline: Sidiq Asemota
The criminal trial of Ousainou Darboe and four others charged with the offence of murder resumed yesterday at the High Court in Banjul.
The accused persons, Ousainou Darboe, Shyngle Nyassi, Baba Drammeh, Lang Marong and Rewane Secka, were alleged to have been involved in the murder of one Alieu Njie in June 2000 in Basse, URD while on a political tour of the area.
At the sitting yesterday, Defence Lawyer Ousman Sillah raised the issue of the fundamental rights of the accused persons to elect their mode of trial.
Lawyer Sillah argued that Section 24 subsection 9 of … (From The Daily Observer (The Gambia) - AAGM)
Byline: Omar Bah
The murder trial of UDP leader Ousainou Darboe and four of his supporters, resumed yesterday at the High Court, presided over by Justice AH Tahir.
However, when the case was called up, the DPP, Chief Akomaye Agim, told the court of his unpreparedness for that day's sitting.
He said he was too occupied with the treason trial of Dumo Sarho and others throughout last week. He therefore applied for an adjournment.
The cased was adjourned to the April 2 after the defence counsel raised no objection to the application.
Meanwhile, all but one of the …
......
The above snapshot news items are were taken from the independent achieves held by the:
http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-22679503_ITM.
For those who think Ousainou Darboe was never arrested or trial, they should think again. Our apparent dislike of each other's politics shouldn't make us blind to the truth. The killer and criminal presiding in the Gambia is Yahya Jammeh. Let us tackle him peacefully.
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