Gambia: TO OUR HEROES: THIS CHANGE IS TO YOU!

DECEMBER 30, 2014 was a sad sad in our history of the Gambia's struggle against Dictatorship but it ushered in what we had yearned for.

Two Years later, Gambians are able to end the worst of dictatorships. This is to ALL who lost a life and/or limb. The struggle was costly, so we shall safeguard our freedoms to never be taken away.

Continue to Rest in Heaven, for you ALL died honourable deaths - for Nation.
To does incarcerated, keep your heads up. You're forever our patriots!

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WHEN HAS THE DEFINITION OF TERRORISM CHANGED?

Until the dictionary and legal definitions of Terror and Terrorism change, there's never an obvious Terrorist than the Gambian President #Jammeh.

For 20 years, the man who came to power through a violent overthrow of a democratic government, did nothing but oppress, repress and subjugate Gambians by terrorizing them. He's the one person who charges a fee for the oxygen Gambians breathe and controls how/what they think. He chooses who lives in that country and who dies, at the mere suspicion of differences in political beliefs.

So let it be clear! That the events of December 30, did not happen in a vacuum. They were borne out of frustration and the need to defend self and country. The gentlemen who attempted to put an end to 2 decades of decadence, are neither murderous, suicidal nor terrorists. These are peace loving human beings compelled to do what any person in their position would do when pushed against the wall. They represent oppressed, helpless Gambians. They were not motivated by greed, thirst for power or blood. They're not rebels, for everyone knows what rebellion in Africa looks like.

Yaya and his illegitimate regime can try call them anything in wanting to control the narrative but it wouldn't stick. The Gambia and Gambians have, for the past 20 years, been knocking on doors from European Union, British Parliament , ECOWAS, to The US State Department selling the Gambia's case. The world knows how unstable, vindictive and deadly Yaya is. So what they're seeing today is a reaction by helpless countrymen whose only option was to fight back. Simples!

This is why the United States Department of State's invocation of the Negativity Neutrality Act in the cases of Cherno Njie and Papa Faal is not only disappointing but frustrating. In the history of America, countless a times have America and American citizens picked up arms to defend their country and other oppressed nations. The 'Land of the Free, Home of the Brave' in the Star Spangled Banner was not coined and given by Burger King or McDonald's. It was earned. Deserved. And we all know how!

Therefore, for the millions of other nationals who 'run' to this great nation for economic opportunities, they also escape persecution (political, religious, etc) from dictators and tyrants to seek shelter and enjoy the Peace, Liberty and Freedom. Most of these run-aways appreciate this new-found values that they enlist in the US Army to defend this country and fight overseas to free the oppressed and restore freedom and democracy. This isn't new. You need not look far into history to see this. Iraq, Libya, Syria are examples where America and American citizens of foreign descent stand up to export the American democratic values in place of despotic regimes. The Gambia isn't an exception!

So let the gentlemen be! Their consciences couldn't allow them to be neutral in the face of injustice. Contrary to what the state media is selling, they're not terrorists. They're freedom fighters against a rogue regime that kidnapped and possibly killed two of your citizens that you're aware of. A country whose leadership thought this country is racist, satanic and imperialistic. How are you at peace with such a nation?

America has to be consistent and stick to their ideals. You're either with the oppressed majority or the tyrant. While at it, keep an eye on the vindictive president who promised 'to set an example' out of people suspected to have played a part in the recent events. The witch hunt has started in the wake of preposterous wave of arrests of suspects, their families and friends. It's a case of a child paying for the sins of their parents. Guilty by relations/association.

Rest In Peace Our Fallen Bravehearts and we're proud of all involved. Sooner than later, FREEDOM will reign and you ALL shall be forever honored.

Peace To The Planet!

Pata PJ

**first published in Jan, 2015