Gambia: Lamin Gano STOP IT! YOU CAN'T GLORIFY OUSMAN SONKO

'...to sincerely commend you for your decision to desert the government of President Jammeh and to also congratulate you on your successful escape from The Gambia and from Jammeh. This is a major achievement considering that many of our colleagues were not able to do that and thus ended up perishing in the hands of Jammeh.' - Lamin Gano Lt. Col. (rtd) Former Presidential ADC and Army Spokesman welcoming welcoming the removed and run-away Ex-Interior Minister Ousman Sonko.

I remembered when you first came out to speak about Gambia and her issues, and promised to have had dozens of letters for Jammeh, after you'd cheekily asked him to give mantle of APRC leadership to someone else, and you'd volunteer to serve as his bodyguard. People came at you and accused you of being one of the people murdering, maiming Gambians, as you helped cement Yaya and his govt. You denied ever taking part in anything that hurt a Gambian. Many leapt to your defense and attested to your character and career as a decent, 'office' officer who was never close to that barbarity. So cos you've never been mentioned or known to have been associated with such, people hear you out and continue to engage you. We've never seen the said letters yet tho.

But then on one of my posts, someone dragged you around on your time as ARMY PRO, when Daba Marena, Lt Ebou Lowe, Lt Alieu Ceesay,  WO2 Alpha Bah, SSgt Malafi Corr were reported to have been transported from maximum security position Mile 2 to a lower security Janjanbureh when their 'vehicle almost somersaulted'. No mention of escape, none of the armed escorts were held accountable. Until this day, these Gambians aren't seen. Then revelations of these Gambians allegedly murdered gruesomely and dumped in a well. In that engagement with that gentleman, he pulled up FOROYAA bulletins to show that YOU, Gano, was the Army PRO at the time. When you were asked about this people, you claimed not to have had any idea or denied their death. Thus was in 2006. These, are documented. You sir, may not have had a hand in their murder but I can swear by my dead mother's grave that you KNEW WHAT HAPPENED. How you did, I don't know. At the time, Ousman SONKO WAS IGP, I believe. Him and Tumbul Tamba were alleged to have masterminded and supervised their killing. A soldier who witnessed it all, told Gambians. SO GANO DO NOT DISRESPECT GAMBIANS AND FAMILIES OF THESE VICTIMS BY GLORIFYING AND HAILING A MAN WHOSE NAME WAS ASSOCIATED WITH THE MURDER OF SCORES OF GAMBIANS FOR YAYA.

Earlier in 2000 in the ambush and murder of Almamo Manneh in Bond Road, another witness who was an ADC to Jammeh, did come forward to admit that he was tasked with Ousman Sonko and other State Guard Soldiers to leave Kanilai and 'arrest Almano and Landing Sanneh to take them to MPs in Yundum'. That was the order. Ousman and his men murdered him, threw him in the boot of a vehicle, claiming that he resisted arrest. That allegation to this day is lingering over him. You were in the Army. Did you know/hear this or Not? You are NOT Sonko and cannot attest to his character. Respect the Gambia and victims murdered in cold blood.

A veteran journalist, father and outstanding citizen DEYDA HYDARA was murdered by the Gambia govt, and until today, no state or independent investigation launched to give the Gambia and the families, any information on the findings. Again, a military witness/driver involved in that revealed that Ousman Sonko was the one following/monitoring his movements as Deyda ferried his staff from a successful anniversary of his paper that fell on his wedding anniversary. He told them where the vehicle was, where they were headed. Deyda took bullets to his head and torso. He died on the spot. Those charges have Ousman all over it. When would you learn to take this fight serious and not reduce it to foolish and ridiculous blogging? All we ask, is RESPECT.

As recently as in April this year, Solo Sandeng was arrested in broad daylight. Within 48 hours, his life was taken. Until this day, the body isn't given to the family for a fitting, Islamic burial. The state admitted to his killing. Ousman Sonko was the Interior Minister. How dare you exonerate that man, and CONGRATULATE HIM on his escape, rejoicing that he escaped what he'd taken others through? What is wrong with you, Gano? What has happened to your soul? What is your take and stake in this whole fight? I just want to know.

You, some time ago, said that you wouldn't want to come talk or 'reveal' state secrets or things you know when working as an officer cos you'd taken an oath of office and allegiance. But you want Sonko to redeem himself and REVEAL, dishonoring the same oaths that stopped you? There is this one word that I hate using, cos it's been unnecessarily overused. Hypocrite. I'm NOT saying you're a hypocrite BUT you're EXHIBITING ALL THE SIGNS the hypocrites during the time of the Prophet displayed. In a second, I'd call you a Munafiq.

Stop! Just stop. Evidently to you, this is a political struggle. That we go to the polls to try effect change, if we fail that's about it for you. YOU recoil and go about your business. That's not it for most Gambians. Lives have been lost, are losing and families devastated. Do NOT reduce our predicament to facebook banter and space filling on a blog.

I'd said it before and I'm saying it again. Whether Ousman resigned or fired isn't an issue here. He is alleged to have participated in several crimes that he needs to be brought to book for. To me, his escape is a loss to the Gambia and the families. He ran because he knew what the men he trained and unleashed on Gambians are capable of. I wanted him ARRESTED AND BUTCHERED, OR MURDERED DURING ARREST IN FRONT OF HIS FAMILY. Or at least, arrested for any possible crimes that had him fled, and serve his time. Now that all that failed, I pray and hope that a Gambia murder him in the his new 'safe haven', another version of justice that could be rendered. BUT until then, save us the foolishness and shallow but blatant disrespect, Gano. Just stop it!

****** The End *****

Pata PJ

GAMBIA: Ex INTERIOR MINISTER OUSMAN SONKO MUST FACE JUSTICE

The United Democratic Party's commitment to free, safer Gambia isn't limited to respect and upholding of our National laws that promised and guaranteed Gambians human and people's rights, but it works to seek and pursue justice even when it seems to be elusive.

The UDP's adamant pursuit to bring to book the regime and people who torment and violate Gambians for Jammeh, disguised in the name of country The UDP's adamant pursuit to bring to book the regime and people who torment and violate Gambians for Jammeh, disguised in the name of country, with international courts and partners is exemplary. I am happy that they're willing and preparing to not let their feet off the pedal, in ensuring that the murderous Ousman Sonko who for over a decade had been in charge of ALL things (security) internal in that country. He was an Inspector General and Interior Minister, both stints marred by unexplained and horrific disappearances, tortures and deaths.

I hope all Gambians understand and accept, that Ousman Sonko did NOT DEFECT or ABSCOND. He only FLED to escape the terrible mischievous barbarity that could have haunted him, after his removal. And to know how calculated he was, he refused to stay in the nearest safe haven (Senegal) cos he knows what could happen to him as both Yaya and those he forced into exile would prey on him.

Sonko is NOT a political refugee escaping any Persecution. Not even prosecution for he wasn't arrested or wanted in the Gambia. WE need to make that position clear to the Swedish Authorities. If we failed to have them deny granting him that status, someone needs to hunt him and put a knife to his throat and rib. Letting him settle amongst decent people and society would be unfair.

Thank you UDP.

Pata PJ

'SWEDISH AUTHORITIES MUST PROSECUTE SONKO' - Says GAMBIA'S UDP

The United Democratic Party (UDP) is following with keen interest, reports that former Gambian Interior Minister Ousman Sonko has fled the country and reportedly seeking asylum in Sweden.

The Diaspora wing of the UDP is working with partners and other Gambian activist groups to authenticate the veracity of reports of Sonko seeking asylum in Sweden.

If these reports are true, then we demand Ousman Sonko be arrested and appropriate steps taken to ensure that he does not escape justice.

Ousman Sonko is a person of special interest to the UDP and many other victims of The Gambia Government. He has been implicated in various cases of state sanctioned torture, rape, kidnappings, unexplained disappearances as well as systematic killings of political opponents and perceived enemies of the government he served for more than two decades both as a senior security operative and a cabinet minister.

Sweden will send a wrong signal to the civilized world by granting asylum to a suspected human rights abuser and a serial killer whose hands are soaked in the blood of innocent people.

The UDP has already filed petitions with International Criminal Court and the Regional Community Court of West Africa alleging repeated and aggravated rape, systematic torture and abuse of its supporters by The Gambian government.

We have also submitted to the European Union and other governments and international bodies, a long list of names of individuals including but not limited to cabinet ministers, senior government officials, security personnel and business people and businesses that are aiding and abetting the killing and torture of innocent Gambians as well as the plunder of the country’s resources for sanctions and travel ban. Ousman Sonko’s name is naturally on top of that list.

We urge Sweden to particularly take due diligence and liaise with the Headquarters of the European Union about UDP’s petition and the role Ousman Sonko especially played in perpetuating more than two decades of merciless tyranny in The Gambia.
Just for the records:

In January 2000, Ousman Sonko who was a Captain then in President Yahya Jammeh’s elite forces (the Presidential Guards), presided over the killing of two of his colleagues, Lt Almamo Manneh and Corporal Dumbuya on allegation that they were involved in coup plot against the government.

Sonko was immediately rewarded by the President and appointed him Commander of his elite forces.

In April of that same year, soldiers under Sonko’s command took part in the massacre of student demonstrators. The students came out in the streets to demand justice for a colleague who was tortured and brutally murdered by Fire Service Officers and a young school girl who was raped by security officers at a sporting event.

The peaceful student demonstration turned violent when elite forces from the President’s personal body guards arrived at the scene and started spraying live bullets on innocent students killing 14 and wounding several others in the process.

Sonko remained the head of the Presidential Guards until 2005, supervising political repression perpetrated by forces under his command against members of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP). He also personally commanded a militia attached to the presidency whose only job was and still is to kill, torture and disappear political opponents of President Yahya Jammeh and his ruling APRC party. This militia, commonly known as “The Junglars,” is particularly deadly and lethal.

Lawyers, journalists and conscientious citizens are all part of their radar for elimination. In December 2003, Ousman Sonko allegedly coordinated the attempted elimination of Gambia’s senior lawyer, Mr. Ousman Sillah who was shot several times while driving home from a social event. Almost a year later, “The Junglars” hit again this time killing respected Gambian journalist Deyda Hydra who was shot in a drive-by shooting.

Although the Gambia government denied any involvement in the killing of Hydra, a former member of “The Junglars” now based in Germany who said he personally drove the journalist’s killers in a State House vehicle, narrated how Ousman Sonko coordinated the whole operation.

In the same period, newspapers, radio stations and private homes of journalists were firebombed in a deliberate attempt to suppress dissent and freedom of expression and of the media.

Shortly afterwards in 2005, Ousman Sonko was moved to the police as the Inspector General. His tenure as the police chief was a painful memory for the members of the force. The police force was purged of its senior and experienced members on allegation of disloyalty.

Sonko was given a free hand to run the police recruiting school dropouts and members of the Southern Senegalese MFDC rebels from Cassamance who President Yahya Jammeh use as tool of brutality against The Gambian people.

But it was Ousman Sonko’s elevation to position of Minister of Interior in 2006 that actually brought out his vile character. By this time, Sonko was already a trusted member of President Yahya Jammeh’s inner circle of dreaded killers, torturers and corrupt officials looting and plundering Gambia’s merger resources.

Political opponents and perceived enemies even within the armed forces were setup and implicated in pointless coups. Many political enemies and innocent hardworking members of the security forces lost their lives or forced to flee the country as a result.

As Minister of Interior, Ousman Sonko particularly presided over the slaughter of 54 innocent Ghanaians and other West African nationals in 2006.

These were young, innocent migrants on their way to Europe illegally when they were dumped at the Gambian border villages by people smugglers. The security forces intercepted and accused them of being mercenaries. They were killed in the most gruesome manner using machetes, hammers and pistols.

Just six months ago, in April 2016, a group of UDP youth supporters were rounded by the police for peacefully demanding electoral reform ahead of Gambia’s general elections scheduled to take place in December 2016.

Led by UDP youth leader Mr Ebrima Solo Sandeng, the group of youths including women, was immediately transferred to the torture chambers at the notorious National Intelligence Agency (NIA) where they were brutally tortured. The women among them were seriously violated. Solo Sandeng was wilfully murdered by his torturers again under Ousman Sonko’s watch.

UDP leadership who also came out demanding the release of Solo and the youths dead or alive were also arrested and manhandled. Subsequent peaceful protests by UDP supporters demanding the release of their members were brutally suppressed by security forces receiving instructions from Sonko. Many of the innocent protesters were arrested and severely tortured and kept under inhumane conditions.

Ousman Sonko especially coordinated with prison authorities to toughen prison and detention conditions for members of the UDP in total violation of every decent instrument meant to protect the rights of detainees.

UDP detainees were routinely denied medical treatment, home cooked food, right to read the Quran and attend congregational prayers during the Muslim Holy month of Ramadan. One of the detainees, Solo Krummah who was earlier hit on the head by his torturers died in hospital after repeatedly denying him medical attention. Requests by his family to have access to him on his dying bed were flatly rejected by prison authorities.

One of the key allies of President Yahya Jammeh, Ousman Sonko allegedly planned, masterminded and executed orders from the President to commit horrendous crimes against innocent Gambians with glee. He was unapologetic and unrepentant up to the time he was sacked from his job.

It is our position that those who wilfully committed such alleged crimes against humanity should be prosecuted rather than be granted political asylum. That would serve as a deterrent to others. Anything else would definitely be a disservice to the battered people of the Gambia who continue to endure the bridle use and misuse of state power through their blood and tears.

The End.

UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY, Gambia.

GAMBIA: OUSMAN SONKO? OUH, I'M SAD.

So many of Gambia's ministers and top Government officials had been fired, reassigned, charged/prosecuted, Jailed, Freed and reappointed, but most if not all, stayed in that country. Why would one of Gambia's longest serving ministers at an important, sensitive position as Interior, flee the country even before he was handed his marching orders?

Ousman Sonko and many like him in that country, are as powerful as Yaya Jammeh makes them. The same way Jammeh is as powerful and brave as the state Institutions that protect him. So it's apparent that NONE of these people acting tough and patriotic, to an extent of 'Killing in the name of the Gambia', and swearing to 'Die for the Gambia' would ever stand when push comes to shove. 

There's a reason Ousman Sonko scaled the borders and flew as far away from Jammeh and his reaches as he could. He had been there from the inception of Yaya's treacherous and murderous schemes to firm his grip on power. He allegedly masterminded, participated, recorded the horrors of victims as their eyes rolled in the back of their heads, their souls leaving their bodies, amidst loud screams and cries in the hands of state-paid murderers. All while him and his boss Yaya, rejoiced and derived pleasure from that. Absolute Socio/Psychopaths.

Sonko would run because he knows the calls he made to his dogs when folks in his position needed a 'visit'. He is aware of the dark walls in Mile Two and the NIA. He knows the drug fiends, bloodthirsty criminals that they let loose on chained Gambians at Yaya's call. And I bet those dogs are licking their fingers, wishing they had caught him.

So I'm registering my sadness and disappointment, at his escape. I'm hurting that Sonko wasn't arrested and murdered by the hands he fed. Or at least be made a shooting target at his home for 'resisting arrest'. I wanted some sort of mystery to have clouded his death. BUT, uh!! Anyway, I'm still in for 'Justice for All'. That's the justice he earned in my books.

Well, Now that he's landed and seeking asylum in Sweden, all is not lost. Maybe not the killing but he'd see hell at the hands of his victims, their relatives and Gambians who are dedicated and committed to seeking and finding justice for Gambians. I trust our activists in Europe,  Demba N. Njie MamaLinguere Sarr Kebba Samuel Nyanchor Sanneh Baboucarr Sohna among others, to trail and get his asshole burning.

And to the rest of the losers and unintelligent folks running after Yaya, intimidating and killing Gambians for Yaya Jammeh in the name of patriotism, the tell tale signs are here. YOU ALL know how you'll end.

****** The End ******

Pata PJ

September 22, 2016

GAMBIA: OUSMAN SONKO MUST BE ON 'DISAPPEARANCES WITHOUT TRACE' LIST. I PRAY.

It's surprising that Yaya Jammeh would remove one of his longest serving ministers at a time that the country's political stability is fluid.

Monitored today on state broadcasting National Radio and Television Services, Sonko is said to be removed effective September 17, 2016

Ousman Sonko had not only been Yaya's longest interior minister, he'd been a loyal, brutal henchman who had been named in:

*the murder of Almamo Manneh in 2000;

*killing of Deyda Hydara;

*attempted assassination on lawyer Ousman Sillah;

*the 2006 slaughtering of 40 West African Migrants caught in Gambian waters;

*2006 accused coupists Daba Marena, Ebou Lowe, Alieu Ceesay, Alfa Bah;

*2012 illegal execution of the mile II 9 prisoners;

*a hand in the coordination, overseeing, execution of Solo Sandeng's torture to death, and the gruesome torture of Fatoumatta Jawara, Nogoi Njie and Fatou Camara.

I hope he gets arrested, disappeared and fed to the crocodiles, if they're hungry.

And I'm waiting for someone to tell me 'He's a victim'.

****** end *****

Pata PJ

September

GAMBIA: EID AL ADHA. EID KAREEM.

My Political Idol in the Gambia has been Ousainou DARBOE. There's NOT a more democrat and decent human to grace our political scene. I have Hon. Kemeseng Jammeh, Femi Peters as role models whose DNAs I'd wish I have a piece of. These gentlemen are selfless patriots of the highest pedigree.

Muslims today honor the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his soon as an act of submission to God. The Eid celebration is a great tradition in the Muslim world, Gambia especially. But we cannot let its essence - honor of sacrifice, not for self - escape us.

While most Gambians are with their families, even if not enough to celebrate, there are families whose loved ones were/are murdered, disappeared, incarcerated or exiled by their Government and President not because they are criminals but for their resistance and opposition to tyranny and injustice. LET'S REMEMBER THEM.

Unlike some African countries (Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Namibia) where Independence struggle was costly in sweat and blood, the Gambia in comparison, earned their Independence on a silver platter. My little reading of the country's history did not tell me a Gambian murdered for his/her struggle for Independence from British rule. Or in an attempt to change the First Republic. For an Independent nation, supposedly Democratic with multiple political parties, the last two decades have been worse than the British and PPP rule combined.

Yaya Jammeh and his A(F)PRC regime are a violent, criminal entity determined to silence any dissent to the extent of killing them. The latest have been the broad day murder of Solo Sandeng and Krumang, the torture and humiliation of women (Fatoumatta Jawara, Nogoi Njie, Fatou Camara, Sukai Dahaba) and the persecution and imprisonment of Lawyer Darboe, Kemeseng Jammeh, Femi Peters, Lamin Dibba et al. Therefore, my respect for the figures risking it all to see that meaningful change (second Independence) from oppression and servitude, is up there at neck level with those who earned us our freedom in 1965, if not more. To deny them that honor or Not acknowledge them would be disingenuous.

Let's fight for country and the freedom of all political prisoners, prisoners of conscience, But most importantly those whose lives were cut short in this cause. Theirs WERE/ARE a sacrifice. Those taken away from their families and denied the right to worship and proper healthcare, are our heroes. I pray and hope that all efforts are lumped into anything and everything, that would abort and dissipate the yoke of oppression, repression, servitude and murder in December. The Gambia is on a lifeline and it's everyone's responsibility to rescue her. In that rescue mission, any Gambian seen to derail that in any way must receive our collective counsel and condemnation. Change at all cost in December must be our mission.

Eid Kareem to YOU and the World.

***** The End*****

Pata PJ
September 12, 2016

GAMBIA: INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE DR. TOURAY SHOULD 'ADJUST' STRATEGY

It is no secret that our (political) salvation lies in our ability to present a single candidate against the incumbent. Who and How best that is done, I'd trust the opposition parties map that out. Party-led, Independent, Other.

We've seen new rays of hope with the emergence of an Independent Candidate in Dr Touray, gathering moss both in Gambia and in the diaspora. So is the injection of Youth and heart in UDP's Adama Barrow and Mama Kandeh, and the first-time candidate but veteran politician in PDOIS's Halifa Sallah heightening excitement in their respective parties. And the rest of the parties, respectfully acknowledged.

I have no issues with any of these Candidates selling themselves and agenda to Gambians. However, central to not only their messages but projections too, MUST BE having all these parties TOGETHER. 

My observation of the Independent Candidate Touray's moves is that she is aware that her success is 100% dependent on the support and backing of the registered, established opposition parties, and that is why her calls have been urging them to 'come JOIN' her. It's encouraging she'd met these parties as she rolls out her initial phase.

I'd ADVICE tho, that she shifts or at least adjusts strategy, to sell and present a more promising, accommodating and realistic position which is to 90% pursue UNIFICATION and 10% selling self and programs. The wisdom in that is an absolute focus on her and her programs would defeat the essence of what she's come to do (achieve consensus that these parties haven't been able to in 2 decades) and continues, worsens impasse caused by the party interest.

FACT is Dr Touray's biggest appeal is her NON PARTY AFFILIATION (Independence) but her manifesto and how she intends to lead the next Republic isn't much different from the rest of the parties (especially PDOIS' Agenda 2016 and UDP's 2016 Election proposal). Therefore, the programs are not what's going to make or break the deal for the Parties she seeks to rally behind her. Assuring them that she's not wanting them to leave their parties isn't enough. She needs to show and prove to them that she wants them to 'COME TOGETHER' and Not come 'JOIN ME' by sitting them around the table for all to find a common position from their respective proposals. And if they're to make that compromise, my understanding is her programs  (most) would take a backseat to COALITION'S and the MoU that comes out of any agreements.

Good thing is ALL understand the need for a Unity Candidate. So I'd like to think a couple of weeks consultation and dialogue should be enough to agree in Principle, and trashing out the details wouldn't be as hard. My faith in these leaders is unwavering. I trust them to get it right this year.

******* The End ********

Pata PJ

Sept 10, 2016

Gambia: OPPOSITION COALITION TALKS HAVE NOT FAILED.

Reports that some members of the opposition parties walked out or withdrew from the Inter Party Talks because their positions were defeated Did NOT mean their parties have pulled out of the Grand Coalition/Alliance negotiations. The UDP, PDOIS, PPP, NRP, NCP, GPDP, GMC, GDC and Dr Isatou Touray, are still expected to consult and start this Unity Candidate initiative.

 I think we need to understand that the said 'talks' were the Youth/Junior members of the parties that initiated a bottom-up approach. In As much as they represented their parties, the outcome wasn't to be binding. That was spelt out clearly from the onset. They were to take their outcome and recommendations to the various party executives for consideration. The inter party committee was NOT a final 'official' coalition talks. And PDOIS were NEVER part of it. Never sent a rep at these meetings. As far as the official Coalition talks are concerned, let's stay optimistic and encourage the senior executives or party reps to, in earnest, sit around the table to come up with a favorable, winnable outcome. However that is.

They, WE will get it right this time.

   ******   The End ******

Pata PJ
September 8, 2016

GAMBIA HAS FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANT

ITS HISTORIC. AND EVERYTHING RIGHT, The DR. SAID.

Sometimes the desperate and the despondent get sheepy and succumb to their fears. That defeatist attitude and mindset is recipe for failure.

The Gambia and Gambians have had enough of the brute and authoritarianism that befall them. A cancer they'd never lobbied or bought. It beat us down and sulked us as a Nation. Our two decades of Oppression had been punctuated with coercion, terror, disappearances, murder and disrespect by Yaya and his regime. The last couple of years had been defiance and rebuilding of national confidence, that WE as a people can push and fight back. We remembered Fass Nyaka Choi and the emergence of an indomitable iron lady Fatoumatta Tambajang. That was until the unfortunate events of April 2016. Knowing Gambians, we never were faced with what we have before us but we have the capacity, tenacity to get back up and move forward.

WE needed September 1st and 2nd. The UDP unveiling their Candidate who in his maiden speech showed willingness to reach out to sister parties to come together, was welcoming. And I was very hopeful and happy that he was at the event gracing an HISTORIC event in the Nation's history. Today, Dr Touray had oozed that minty, shiny ray of hope AGAIN as an Independent Aspirant.

The FIRST WOMAN!! EVER to declare interest to contest not just the presidency but challenge DICTATORSHIP, for the Gambia! DR ISATOU TOURAY has recorded a remarkable history by running as Independent Presidential Candidate. Nobody in that country would doubt or question her ability, capability, capacity and tenacity. She's ticked the boxes for all of us. I was impressed by the organization of the convention, awed by the resounding, needing words and confidence she delivered. EVERY RIGHT THING WAS SAID! Beside the call for all to come together and pursue the change agenda and acknowledging and reminding us of the great sacrifices and martyrdom of the two Solos (Sandeng and Kurumang) and those in detention, SHE wants awaken our senses to the realization that power always resides in the people. THAT GAMBIANS CAN BOOT YAYA OFF THE PRESIDENCY. Despite our old, tiring lines that 'Dictators are never defeated at elections', Isatou and many in that country believe that should we harness or resolve, resources and use our voter's cards, we can effect change. As little a hope that I have in elections, I agree with her that should all those not happy/satisfied with Yaya and the regime vote against him, we're defeating him. To steer this ship to coast, en route to democracy, I hope and pray that Gambians bask in this rare, exciting moment and take the opportunity.

The jackpot was prepped and delivered by the women. The ordinary Gambians who refused to succumb to the terror and might of the dictatorship and the machinery, to go out and support the change agenda. Starting with our Mother/Aunty Aja Tambajang, Aji Yam Seck, AND the best, loyal lieutenant AMIE Bojang-Sisoho. This lady incubated and delivered the stage ready-made for her partner. The confidence, steadiness and selling was impeccable.

Change is close. And in addition to Dr Touray being capable, I've always maintained that she could sell herself and mission better than anybody else in his camp. She understands the terrain, and would negotiate and reach a deal with her colleagues that Gambians want. However form that takes. WE CAN DO IT! AND THEY CAN DELIVER. Now let's support the change agenda, especially those from afar, and support the players on the ground. They matter the most.

Congratulations, Dr TOURAY! This history is a First.

Pata PJ.

September 2, 2016

GAMBIA: UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY NAMES CANDIDATE FOR 2016

Going into 2016 Presidential Elections, the United Democratic Party (UDP) started on a GOOD FOOTING.

Our political ball court is prepped up, with a lot of players in different uniforms. The success or failure of the tournament isn't dependent on the spectators as is the players (candidates) and tournament organizers (Parties).

The UNITED DEMOCRATIC PARTY, Biggest opposition Party per the previous election numbers, today unveiled Mr Adama Barrow as their flagbearer. The first ever since its formation, after veteran lawyer Hon. Ousainou Darboe's constitutional barring. Earlier PDOIS presented Hon. Halifa Sallah, NCP did Dr LB Bojang and the GDC brought us Hon Mama Kandeh. We're expecting the first female aspirant in gender activist Dr. Isatou Touray to announce her interest as an unaffiliated Independent Candidate. No doubt, this coming weeks are going to be interesting.

What did impress me and give me hope, in Mr Barrow's presentation was his Youth, but most importantly, his declared willingness and commitment in pursuing and engaging sister parties, to coalesce and present a formidable candidate against the incumbent, pursuant to the outlined outcome of their March Convention. 'In the coming days, my fellow Gambians I will be stretching my hands to other parties to come together to form a single front to once and for all take this soulless dictator out', he promised in his Acceptance Speech. I think this is a positive that almost ALL Gambians yearning for change have been wanting.

We're presented an opportunity (rare?) to do a miracle that eluded us for four election cycles. Would the parties have a consensus within themselves to select a candidate (however that comes about) it would they agreeable look for an unaffiliated Independent to lead us into the December 1st polls.

Strategy with patience would be crucial. We never fail to shake the foundations of our efforts, especially from a far. ALL must go in to the alliance/coalition efforts in good faith with one thing I mind: SINGLE Candidate against the APRC Government. It's doable.

Congratulations, Mr Barrow. It's commendable, admirable to shoulder this monumental task at the time the party is facing its biggest challenge.

Pata PJ

September 1, 2016