The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Gambia

  • Gambia soldiers, regional forces clash outside Jammeh’s home

    West African forces clashed with Gambian soldiers loyal to former leader Yahya Jammeh, shooting and injuring three who were guarding graves at his home, the soldiers said yesterday.

    Modou Mbye said he and his colleagues were guarding graves at the property Thursday and refused when the troops asked to enter. They then entered by force in an armored personnel carrier, firing their guns, Mbye said.

    “We did  not fire back as we were commanded not to,” Mbye said.

    The conflict was caused by a misunderstanding between the two forces and investigations have begun into the incident, Gambia Armed Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Omar B. Bojang said.

    Tensions remain in the village where Jammeh once said he would return after he lost December elections to President Adama Barrow.

    Jammeh flew into exile in Equatorial Guinea as regional countries threatened a military intervention.

    Thousands of the West African forces,most of them from Nigeria, are now providing security in Gambia as the new government settles in.

    Barrow has promised to reverse many of the actions taken by Jammeh, who was accused by human rights groups of leading a government that arrested, tortured and killed opponents during his more than two-decade rule.

  • Ambode calls for political reformation in Africa

    Ambode calls for political reformation in Africa

     

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday called for collaboration among political leaders in Africa to reform political process for development and economic transformation of the continent.

    Ambode, represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the call at the 2nd African Political Summit organised by the Association of Political Consultants in Africa (APCA) in Lagos.

    The theme of the summit is: “Democracy and Political Consultancy.’’

    “The nature of politics in Africa has for long been a source of grave concern to those who are genuinely interested in taking Africa to its rightful position in the mainstream global system.

    “It is in our best interest and in the interest of our democracy to reform our political process and enhance the engagement of the electorate in the democratic process for credibility and transparency.

    “The resultant effect will be effective leadership for transformative growth and development,’’ Ambode said.

    Also, Mr Benjamin Eisenberg, a Political Consultant based in U.S, said that professionalising politics was the only way for democracy to succeed in Africa.

    Eisenberg said that the recent elections in Ghana and Gambia showed that democracy was growing and political processes in Africa were becoming encouraging and there was need to intensify the reformation.

    “This conference will avail us the opportunity to discuss better ways of training campaign managers to organise voters and help the people to get a better understanding of politics.

    “Professionalising  politics in Africa will enhance moving to issue-based campaign instead of ethnic or tribal politics,’’ he said.

    In a goodwill message, Mr Kipngeno Dunchi, a representative from Kenya, said that there was the need for African countries to reform their political practices for the growth of democracy.

    “We shall be exchanging ideas on how we can really democratise Africa and ensure that our political system has a stronger ballot which will decide the leadership.

    “When we make politics a profession in Africa, we will likely see more people with genuine interest engaging in politics and political affairs will be properly managed,’’ he said.

    In his remarks, Mr Kehinde Bamgbetan, the Chairman of APCA, said that the way politics was practised in Africa, with poor campaign processes, poor financing, poor mobilisation, violence, fear and anxiety called for concern.

    Bamgbetan said that politics in Nigeria and Africa was negatively affecting the growth of democracy.

    “APCA seeks to redefine the way politics is played in Africa.

    “We need to emulate advanced countries where politics is characterised with healthy rivalry and scientific approach.

    “We can achieve such in Nigeria and Africa by following scientific pattern of politics to enhance political practice with healthy competition and reduce corruption in politics for the good of the people,’’ he said

     

  • Gambians go to the poll to elect parliament

    Gambians were Thursday voting for a new parliament to further establish democracy in the West African nation after more than two decades of autocratic rule.

    During the poll, the country’s first election since autocrat Yahya Jammeh went into exile in January, 239 candidates from nine political parties were competing for 48 seats in the national assembly.

    Five additional seats would be appointed directly by President Adama Barrow, who took power on Jan. 19.

    Report says there is much hope in the nation of 1.8 million people that the legislative election will provide Gambia with a functional national assembly that will help amend the wrongs committed during Jammeh’s regime.

    “Jammeh, who ruled the Islamic Republic for 22 years with an iron fist, is widely accused of human rights violations, including torture and arbitrary arrests,’’ it noted.

    The autocrat caused weeks of political impasse by refusing to accept the result of the December 2016 presidential election, which saw him lose power to Barrow.

    After regional pressure and the threat of arrest by West African troops that had entered Gambia, Jammeh eventually conceded defeat and went into exile in Equatorial Guinea.

    Barrow promised to set up a truth and reconciliation commission to ensure justice and reparations for the victims of Jammeh’s government.

    The European Union has sent 50 election monitors to observe Thursday’s polls.

    In addition, 20 observers from the Economic Community of West African States and 30 observers from the African Union were monitoring the election.

    Polling stations are scheduled to close at 1600 GMT, while results are expected on Friday.

  • President Barrow endorses ‘one China’ policy

    President Barrow endorses ‘one China’ policy

    President Adama Barrow of Gambia has endorsed the “one China” policy and said it would not establish any official relations or contacts with Taiwan, continuing a policy adopted in March 2016 by the government of former leader Yahya Jammeh.

    The policy affirms the Chinese position that there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it.

    Senior Gambian government official said in a statement that Taiwan made informal contacts with the new government in an attempt to secure a change of policy.

    Senior Chinese officials attended new president Barrow’s swearing-in ceremony.

    It added that for years, China and Taiwan have tried to poach each other’s allies, often dangling generous aid packages in front of leaders of developing nations.

    The statement quoted the officials as saying: “the government shall remain resolute in upholding the one China policy and fully support all efforts by the Chinese government to unify its rightful territory.”

    Barrow defeated Jammeh in an election in December. Jammeh had held power for 22 years and only stepped down in January as thousands of West African troops who had entered the country were poised to enter the capital.

    China resumed ties with former Taiwan ally Gambia in March last year. São Tomé and Príncipe followed and switched recognition to Beijing in December.

    In Africa, only Burkina Faso and Swaziland now recognise Taiwan, viewed by China as a wayward province to be recovered by force if necessary.

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  • Gambia’s ex notorious intelligence chief, deputy arrested

    Police have arrested Gambia’s former head of the national intelligence agency and his deputy, part of President Adama Barrow’s attempts to re-establish democracy in the small West African nation, a police spokesman said Wednesday.

    Spy chief Yankuba Badjie and director of operations Omar Jeng were detained on Monday and being investigated for potential abuses of power, spokesman Foday Conta told dpa.

    Badjie took over at the intelligence agency in 2013, with Jeng as his deputy.

    During this time, the intelligence agency carried out kidnappings, arbitrary arrests, torture, killings and rape, according to international human rights activists.

    Barrow has released dozens of opposition activists from prison since he took office on January 19, replacing Yahya Jammeh, who had ruled the Islamic Republic for the previous 22 years with an iron fist.

    Jammeh caused weeks of political impasse by refusing to accept the result of the December presidential election.

    After weeks of regional pressure and the threat of arrest by West African troops that had entered Gambia, Jammeh eventually conceded defeat and went into exile in Equatorial Guinea.(dpa/NAN)

  • Buhari lauded over Gambia

    Buhari lauded over Gambia

    A CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC)in Lagos, Chief Emmanuel Remi-williams has praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his role in resolving the political crisis in The Gambia.
    He said but for the President Buhari’s role, the crisis could have snowballed into a major regional problem.
    Remi-Williams, an octogenarian, said: “President Buhari stood firmly during the period. He led the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in peace-making as a panacea to the problem in The Gambia. As a big brother in the ECOWAS region, he and his fellow heads of state agreed that a military option was the best option to remove the then Gambia president Yahya Jammeh, who did not want to go, after 22 years in office and after losing an election.
    ‘’Buhari matched his words with action by dispatching a military peace contigent to The Gambia. And soon, other countries in the region followed suit. It was then clear to Jammeh that the game was over. His boast and confidence collapsed like a pack of cards. No wonder he had to leave town as quickly as possible few days after our soldiers landed Senegal, in preparation for showdown with Jammeh and installation of his successor Adama Barrow.”
    Pa Remi-Williams warned sight-tight African leaders that the era of ruling forever was gone. He urged them to follow what is happening abroad where transition of power is peaceful and rancour-free. He urged them to abide by their constitutional role and leave when the ovation is loudest.

  • Gambia: Jammeh was ready for war – Troop commander

    Gambia: Jammeh was ready for war – Troop commander

    The Nigerian Air Force’ (NAF) contingent to The Gambia yesterday disclosed that ousted ruler Yayha Jammeh was ready for war but for the intimidating air power deployed by the subregion.
    Leader of the contingent, Air Commodore Tajudeen Yusuf stated this in Lagos after the arrival of 77 airmen and 20 officers, who were among the over 200 personnel sent to country to deploy force and install the  country’s democratically elected President Adama Barrow.
    With the different NAF air lifts and aircrafts flying over, as well as that of other countries, The Gambian military were said to have downed their weapons for fear of retribution, given the small strength of their military power.
    They arrived in NAF 918 C-130 aircraft and two Alpha Jets at about 6:18pm and landed the 203 NAF Airlift Group.
    According to Yusuf, what they saw at the state house in The Gambia and Jammeh’s country home showed he was ready to die and even cause the death of innocent people.
    The contingent was received by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal James Gbum, on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar.
    Yusuf said: “We conducted the operation with deterrence and diplomacy. When we gained access to the state house, from what we saw, Jammeh was prepared for war.
    “But for the airpower that we showed, as we were the first country to show up at The Gambia, he would not have stepped down.
    “For now, we have won the battle but it’s left for the political leaders to win the peace and stabilise the country. The forces we left there are to basically stabilise The Gambia and integrate their forces in the security arrangement.
    “They will continue to be there until stability is achieved and the ECOWAS leaders decide that all security forces of other nations stand down.”
    Asked if any casualty was recorded, Yusuf said no, adding that they have advised Barrow on how to sustain the peace and stability achieved in The Gambia.
    While receiving the contingent Abubakar said the NAF would have applied force if Jammeh hadn’t opted to back down, adding that they were prepared for it.
    He stated that the troops left behind would remain there to ensure stability, adding that others would arrive today.
    He said: “Prior to your departure, the CAS addressed and emplored you to represent Nigeria well. Thus, the discipline and professional conduct you all maintained was highly commendable and worthy of mention.
    “Also, your cooperation with sister services and other military forces of other ECOWAS countries is also commendable. We are glad that democratic order has been maintained in The Gambia and stability achieved through your efforts. You have proven to be good ambassadors of NAF and made Nigeria proud.
    “Note that the ability of NAF to provide Airpower at home and project same seamlessly in other countries is an achievement buoyed by the support of President Muhammadu Buhari.
    “Yes, we would have applied force to restore peace. We went with our fighting forces.”
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  • Photos: Nigeria’s military contingent to Gambia returns

    Photos: Nigeria’s military contingent to Gambia returns

    NGR Troop from Gambia

     

    NGR Troop from Gambia1

  • Gambia‘s good riddance

    SIR: The nauseatingly relieving image of electorally-deposed erstwhile Gambian leader, Yahya Jammeh boarding a private jet on his way to exile in Equatorial Guinea was watched in a mixture of glee and gall   by many. It was finally good riddance to really bad rubbish which disposal had been delinquent for the better part of the last twenty-two years.

    There was glee and indeed tremendous relief because for the first time in over two decades, the long-suffering people of Gambia were able to finally shake off a monkey that had distastefully and disquietingly made its home on their aching backs, piling their woes.

    But   watching him gleefully mount a private jet and   depart for Equatorial Guinea in exile amidst a clutch of other agreements, it becomes glaringly clear that the whole jamboree was a ploy by Jammeh  to force the hands of the Gambian people and the international community to sign off some of his atrocities and give him a seemingly soft landing. Now, he has flown away to Equatorial   Guinea as a guest of a man whose own governance has always been stalked by shadows of autocracy.

    While the hapless people of Gambia would have to stanch their justifiable thirst for justice until the boot slips to the other leg, the   helpless people of Equatorial Guinea must   squirm with discomfort that their own country which has increasingly seen economic and civil spaces closed by an authoritarian regime is   playing host to someone whose atrocities preclude him from returning to his home country for now.

    This whole jamboree for   which the only   good thing seems the breath of fresh air that has berthed in the Gambia without bloodshed is a sad commentary on democracy, democratic institutions and the rule of law in countries whose bloody   history should naturally engender a strong predisposition to the rule of law, but   alas, the opposite is the case.

    Recently, a gaggle of ruthless dictators masquerading under various   democratic contraptions has emerged to add to the ruthless cackle that is aging in spite of the so much bloodshed. Countries that were hitherto walking slowly but steadily towards democracy have found themselves returned to the brink by misguided autocrats masquerading as patriots and  saviors, mouthing democratic deliverance and delivery while adopting views and endorsing actions more suited to the dark days of the dark ages. A reflection on the sad fates of countries like Zimbabwe, Eritrea, DR Congo, Burundi and even Equatorial Guinea tell the difficult story of a people who slumbered at history‘s most crucial hour. This history, however, would someday summon to account those who seemingly   slipped sleeping pills into a people‘s collective brew at a crucial hour.

    Jammeh   might have escaped justice for now and just maybe; he was even surprised by the ceremony under which he went into exile and the few crocodile tears leaked by his sycophantic   supporters. But he must read the weighty books of history and be properly informed and guided   lest he becomes too comfortable in his exilic cocoon and thus presume that the scars of his atrocities against the Gambian people will disappear and his many abuses forgotten and forgiven. Someday and just someday, the very long arms of the law and justice will reach for his public jugular and squeeze it until nothing is left.

     

    • Kenechukwu Obiezu,

    Abuja.

  • Buhari, Jammeh and The Gambia

    Buhari, Jammeh and The Gambia

    THE shuttle diplomacy embarked upon by President Muhammadu Buhari and a few other ECOWAS presidents and ex-presidents to persuade Yahya Jammeh to vacate office after losing the December presidential election in The Gambia was, on the surface, remarkable for its failure. But deep down, it was an unqualified success, one of the very few successes the Nigerian president can lay claim to. Despite his obvious lack of moral qualification to join other presidents in putting pressure on Mr Jammeh, having himself proved serially incapable of conceding defeat in any election, President Buhari must be commended for brushing aside his personal misgivings and immersing himself in the venture to force Mr Jammeh out.

    Mr Jammeh had on December 2 unexpectedly lost the election to an opposition coalition headed by Adama Barrow. At first, the longtime president conceded defeat, but soon after reneged on the concession, vowing to hold another credible election or present his petition before the Supreme Court that was perennially unable to form a quorum. Twice President Buhari led a delegation to persuade Mr Jammeh to relinquish office. Twice the beleaguered president, who had ruled for about 22 years, refused to yield. When the deadline loomed and Mr Jammeh seemed poised for a deadly showdown, President Buhari on his last visit to Banjul, the capital, cleverly and deftly extracted both Mr Barrow, whose life seemed in danger, and the Chief Justice of The Gambia.

    The game plan was adroitly executed. Mr Barrow was taken to Senegal, together with the Chief Justice who swore him in at The Gambian embassy in Senegal on the day Mr Jammeh’s tenure expired on January 19. It was a good move worthy of commendation. But the question remains: would ECOWAS have been able to engage that kind of gunboat diplomacy had the victim been any of the bigger West African countries? More, given his own uninspiring human rights record and disdain for the constitution, has President Buhari learnt any lessons about power, particularly its ephemeralness? Did President Buhari himself not defy an ECOWAS ruling on the Sambo Dasuki case (October 2016) and hissed at the ongoing Nnamdi Kanu case expected to be determined in February 2017?