Editorial: What Gambia Can Learn From Its Next-Door Neighbour

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Editorial: What Gambia Can Learn From Its Next-Door Neighbour

Monday, 12 March 2012 12:11

(JollofNews) – The last two years have seen peculiar happenings, in terms of the political developments across Africa, especially so north of the Sahara.

The so-called North African Spring started off with a simple surge of anger in a rather disillusioned, unemployed youth in Tunisia and ended with the uprooting of one of the most powerful and ruthlessly entrenched despots the world has known.

Little did any of us envisage such an outcome. OPPOSITION_LEADERS

But like the unlikely demise of the late Leader of the Great Jamahiriya, Col. Muammar Ghadafi, so many things have happened within this same period that could have been equally unimaginable, like the situation Senegal`s Abdoulaye Wade find himself in today. Again, no one might have thought, on seeing that old man standing side by side with senior Libyan National Transitional Council members in Benghazi, that he would soon be left in the same position as Ghadafi was.

No doubt the question in many minds is: what is in Gorgi’s mind now. Is he sympathising with the poor Ghadafi?

In less than two weeks we shall know the outcome.

But for now, there are a lot of lessons to be learnt from the north African and Senegalese situation – and that is that people`s power is the ultimate.

In other words, there is so much the masses can condone, and if you fail to give them they will soon demand it. What that old man Wade is going through now is long overdue.

But Senegalese are not alone. Gambians, for one, very well identify with their cousins across the border. And that is why what is happening in Senegal should matter to Yahya Jammeh and his supporters. Alternative views, too, counts!

The opposition concerns need be paid attention to. We cannot call what we have in Gambia democracy if things continue to be a matter of one person [Jammeh].

The questionable character of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is of utmost concern to all. To address present opposition concerns could be a good start towards amending the flaws of the electoral body.

For the opposition, you must not expect a smooth ride. If need be you must go out and demand what you want. Learn from the Senegalese next door. The role of opposition is not just about winning the presidency; it is about making change with the use of your status as an alternative government. Let this seeming unity in concern continue…

Comments

-2 #4 2012-03-14 20:44

B4africa, Thank you, for the prayers. but let me ask you this, dont you think that you need more prayers than me? with all the good things Pres. Jammeh is doing, you seem to be too jealous of APRC, and it leadership.

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0 #3 2012-03-14 11:56

Quoting Radiokangkang:

Gambian oppositions, can only learned from our neighbours, that violence will not get them anything and wound get them nowhere. when Senegalese oppositions engaged in violence, there was only Macky Sall, who wasn't part of it, that is why he came second behind Pres. Abdulai Wade. Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, came second in november pres.elections, so what do they've to learn from our neighbours?to end up second place, i wouldn't join a coalition just to finish second.

The same Abdulai Wade, who was an opposition with the backing of other opposition parties, has betray the course and becomes waste than Abdou Joof. Now Abdulai Wade, is bad, wonders will never end.

Ooh, Allah, who can satisfied my race? it seems like nothing is enough, we always wants more and more, eeh Allah help me and my race, AMEEN.

May Allah bless your mind from your ingnorance and heartless attitudes

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-2 #2 2012-03-14 01:33

Gambian oppositions, can only learned from our neighbours, that violence will not get them anything and wound get them nowhere. when Senegalese oppositions engaged in violence, there was only Macky Sall, who wasn't part of it, that is why he came second behind Pres. Abdulai Wade. Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, came second in november pres.elections, so what do they've to learn from our neighbours?to end up second place, i wouldn't join a coalition just to finish second.

The same Abdulai Wade, who was an opposition with the backing of other opposition parties, has betray the course and becomes waste than Abdou Joof. Now Abdulai Wade, is bad, wonders will never end.

Ooh, Allah, who can satisfied my race? it seems like nothing is enough, we always wants more and more, eeh Allah help me and my race, AMEEN.

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+2 #1 2012-03-12 12:49

Well well well, what else can I say, our politicians could not let go of their differences for the greater purpose of saving their mutual mother land The Gambia from the shackles of dictatorship and tyranny. To be able to win the trust of the public, they can only unite fully for the mutual interest of all and not buy in the cheap criticism of each other.

It is a bizarre situation we got ourselves into, with the help of so called moral leaders. Our beloved country has been turned into a gangster town. And it will take us, yes us to get ourselves out of this situation.

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