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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
 Posted - 21 Mar 2012 : 00:55:03
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PICTURE OF SPOKESMAN OF "CASSAMANCE EXECUTIVES" PIERRE GOUDIABY ATEPA ARCHITECT (JULY 22 MONUMENTS, ARCH 22 AND BANJUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) DELIVERING THE PRESS STATEMENT 
SENEWEB TRANSLATED NEWS 20TH MARCH, 2012 WITH INTERESTING ARTICLE;
"The return of peace in Casamance is based on two main themes namely "the continuation and completion of the peace process" and "the implementation of proactive measures for economic, social and cultural response to the concerns of populations Casamance. " It is the belief of Casamance Leaders' Collective.
In an open letter to candidates in the second round of the presidential election on March 25, 2012, executives Casamance make proposals for each of these two ways mentioned for the return of peace in the southern region devastated by 30 years of military conflict. For the collective, the "continuation and completion of the peace process" must be based on the great achievements of the research process of peace, come with basic steps, among others, the "meeting of the three heads of state of the Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Senegal to finalize a strategy for collaboration. "
Added to this, "in an inclusive, meet all the actors: the MFDC in all its internal and external components identified, the forces of Casamance (associations of civil society, NGOs, religious and traditional leaders, leaders of opinion, etc..). These meetings should be wary of being only moments of folklore festivities even less, will take stock of the profound aspirations of each other and agree a common agenda, "says the source. There is also "facilitate the reunion between the MFDC leaders to participate in negotiations and can talk as much as possible with one voice, develop a plan to end the crisis as a basis for negotiation between the Government and the MFDC, involving all representatives of the forces of Casamance, start negotiations on a protocol and an agenda adopted by agreement with the players involved. " Frameworks Casamance emphasize that the conduct of the process could be provided by the Interior Ministry with the participation of Cardinal Theodore Adrien Sarr, the Imam Ratib Ousmane Fansou Bodian and the Sant'Egidio Community, among others, on the approximation protagonists.
And remember that the MFDC already has a negotiating document prepared at the initiative of the late Father Diamacoune Senghor for the preparation of which were involved associations of civil society (youth, women, religious) professional groups, communities local, the technical services of the three administrative regions, the Collective Frames of Casamance, etc.. Opening up land, sea, air and rail The second line of this crisis, "the implementation of a program to develop high-impact economic and social" needs in the short term, urgent measures are grouped under three sets. This is the "opening the region which would, among other things, to restore the territorial continuity, facilitate the movement of people and goods, but also to give the Casamance opportunity to live their sénégalité".
This implies on the earthly plane of road, the "construction of a motorway bypass Gambia (N6), construction of a bridge over the River Gambia", rehabilitation, without delay, the bridge Emile Badiane, the asphalting loops of Boudie / Diassing and Kalounayes, and restoration of trails in areas of production. At sea level, there acquired a sister ship for passengers and a cargo boat to the dock and the completion of Karabane, operation of hovercraft flying daily, the Casamance River dredging to allow boats to heavy duty access to the port of Ziguinchor and power and the more profitable and the establishment of appropriate means of cabotage to use the many rivers and mangrove in Casamance continues the document. Air to open up the collective proposes reducing tariffs, increasing rotations by promoting competition, strengthening the airport parking lot of Ziguinchor for the landing of large aircraft and, pending the relocation of the airport is located in the city and limiting the development to the south of Ziguinchor. As for rails, executives in the region fighting for the realization of the railway Tambacounda / Kolda / Ziguinchor to reinforce the opening. Everything will be reinforced by the "opening media" which requires the "establishment of a television channel with the cultural and environmental Ziguinchor at first."
Affirmative with an investment of 100 billion per year for the latter axis Casamance conflict resolution also requires the development of local resources, with the rehabilitation of industrial units of rice processing of Anambé Vélingara to the Regional Centre Zoological production in Kolda. There is also the rehabilitation of industrial units of processing and preservation of fish products in Ziguinchor, the creation of small units of processing and preserving of fruit in agricultural production areas and the rehabilitation of the tourism industry through a tax amnesty for facilitate restarting the hotel in ruins. There is also rural electrification for the entire natural region of Casamance and in priority areas of agricultural production.
Furthermore, "positive discrimination is necessary in connection with the implementation of a decentralization policy better suited to this area which is experiencing a melting pot densified. Over the next 10 years, Casamance needs for reconstruction, heavy investment in all sectors, amounting to at least one hundred (100) billion per year. The funding may be provided jointly by the state, development partners, private sector nationally and internationally with an emphasis on public / private partnership. " Abdoulaye Wade, the former president, presided Dec. 30, 2004 in Ziguinchor peace agreements between the Government of Senegal and the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC). His challenger, the candidate Macky Sall, in his capacity as Prime Minister, chaired the opening ceremony of the negotiations between the government and the MFDC on 1 February 2005 to Foundiougne. (...)
"This is a guarantee of success in terms of roles that both candidates had to play in the issues management of the state on the one hand, and their knowledge on the other hand, from that very sensitive and complex the return of peace, but also the economic situation in the region, "notes the text."
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Edited by - kobo on 21 Mar 2012 01:31:38 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 23 Mar 2012 : 02:57:07
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Macky Sallah On Cassamance crisis recalled;
quote:
"For obvious reasons in the context of finding a definitive solution for peace in Casamance, my first trip will be for this country that is inside of Senegal, Gambia and Guinea Bissau who is a friend and brother."
RELATED BANTABA TOPIC;
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Edited by - kobo on 23 Mar 2012 03:57:03 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2012 : 16:52:50
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SENEWEB TRANSLATED NEWS;
"Forests and rivers, sand and coconut trees. Fish, rice, mango, cashew and marijuana in abundance. South-west of Senegal, the Casamance has everything to make tourists dream and grow the local population. Behind the postcard, that's where Stephanie Mallak, a Casamance born in 1970, lost his right leg after stepping on a landmine. For thirty years, Casamance is the scene of a low-intensity conflict that pits the central government a few hundred fighters of the separatist Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC). As a result, the area vegetated, near Dakar. And the people sitting on a treasure they can operate and tired of broken promises, just waiting for much of the presidential election of March 25.
In 2000, Abdoulaye Wade, the outgoing president, candidate, Sunday, to a third term, was committed to resolving the conflict "in one hundred days". Twelve years later, MmeMallak not count on many people and somehow survives by making the seam. His life changed one day in 1998 on a track of her village near the town of Boutout, a cable's length of the Senegal border with Guinea-Bissau, while she was picking lemons.
"We left our homes and a few weeks before we were refugees Boutout because of the rebels who came to the village ask us to feed, she recalls. But we return to orchards from time to time, only way we , farmers, to survive. Even today, those returning to the village to gather cross rebels. The army does not come, safety is not there. We will not return home, "says the mother a 20 year old daughter.
90,000 VICTIMS
Bacary Diedhiou, president of the Senegalese Association of Mine Victims (ASVM), suffered a similar tragedy in northern Casamance near the Gambia. "Those displaced by the fighting took refuge in cities and have no other livelihood than return to picking mangoes and cashews in their orchard. They are the main victims of mines," said he is on crutches.
Souleymane Diallo, him, fled his village on the eve of a rebel attack. On the edge of a rice field, then aged 11, he stepped on an explosive device placed before the attack and lost his right leg. Treated summarily and sailed, he took over in Ziguinchor, the regional capital, the path to school, to get a degree in computer science and management whereas before his accident, he had to desert the banks of the primary school to help his family in the fields. "But now I can not find work."
The late 1990s was particularly bloody mutilated several hundred people, mowed down by the gear posed by the rebels or the army. "Senegal has signed the treaty against the use of mines, but has not actually applied, including the component victim," laments Bacary Diedhiou, 57, two women and twelve children to feed.
According to a 2006 survey by the French NGO Handicap International, some 90 000 people, displaced, injured or killed were victims of this conflict punctuated by the cease-fire violations by their signatories even before the ink dries.
"In recent years, the regime of President Abdoulaye Wade has mostly sought to sow discord within the MFDC to blows with suitcases of money, causing division and suspicion between the different zone commanders, without winning the battle for peace "says Cisse Nouah, historian Casamance. "Since the beginning of the year, three soldiers were killed by mines", recognizes Sény Diop of Senegal's National Center Mine (CNAMS).
"CASAMANCE IS A SOUP Kandja"
In a country where half the population lives below the poverty line, the disabled are not the priority. Especially for victims of a war whose Dakar loath to acknowledge its existence. "However, the presence of mines is an impediment to economic activity in what was once the breadbasket of Senegal," laments M.Diop. "This is a permanent psychosis for country people," he adds.
"This war has destroyed the economic and social fabric. Tourism, fishing, agriculture, all sectors are affected, and this results in increased unemployment and poverty," noted Jean-Pascal Ehemba, President of the Chamber of Commerce in the region of Ziguinchor and the owner of a hotel situated on the banks of the Casamance River. In the distance, we guess the activity of the plant collection peanuts, single private employer in the area of #8203;#8203;weight.
In this election, most candidates have made the trip in Casamance, a pool of 1.5 million inhabitants in a country which counts 12.8 million, a region intimately mixed in terms of ethnic and religious. "The Casamance is a soup Kandja, as a Macedonian, mixing a whole bunch of ingredients and it's good," laughs Sambou Gustave, French teacher in a school in Ziguinchor. All candidates have therefore promised peace and end the conflict, either by force, handing out bags of rice to neighborhood leaders or promising development of a region that feels forgotten by the capital Dakar Senegal, a distance of 400km by road across the Gambia, a country which almost cuts Senegal in two.
At the border, Senegalese truck drivers waiting for days one spot on the ferry across the Gambia River to continue their way south of their country. "The war and poor infrastructure penalize us," complained Jean-Pascal Ehemba. "But it's also up to us, people of Casamance, to fight peacefully to get out without waiting for it to come to Dakar. God help us," he concludes." |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2012 : 00:04:31
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FOROYAA BURNING ISSUES NEWS;
"By Publisher on 26-03-12
As Senegal went to the second round of voting to elect a president on Sunday, 25 March 2012 following the first round held a month earlier, the two contending camps in the run-off, namely the Fal 2012 coalition supporting the incumbent President Abdoulaye Wade and the coalition Benno Bokk Yakarr behind former Prime Minister and National Assembly Speaker Mr. Macky Sall are both sounding upbeat about victory. In this exclusive interview with Foroyaa’s Ousman Sillah, at his private residence in one of the suburbs in Dakar on election eve, Presidential candidate Macky Sall of Benno Bokk Yakarr expounded on his programme and how they would address issues such as governance, employment, economic development, Casamance and international relations when elected.
Q: As you await the second round of voting in the presidential election in your country, how confident are you and the Benno Bokk Yakarr would receive the mandate of the Senegalese voters? Are you confident that the support of the other twelve candidates will make a difference to enable you to win election?
Macky Sall: Well, thank you very much. After thanking Allah and his prophet, I want to say that we are very confident that the Senegalese voters will give us the mandate and with a huge majority, because we have read from the results of the first round that the Senegalese want change, as 65% of the voters have said so. We are also fortunate that all the other twelve opposition presidential candidates in the first round together with myself as the thirteenth have come together to embark on a campaign to support my candidature for the purpose of bringing about political change in the country. With this and the blessing of Allah, I must have confidence of winning the election.
Q: We have heard the declaration you made at your last meeting that you would be implementing a realistic programme, what is this programme about and what will be your first priority if elected into office?
Macky Sall: Yes, the programme I have in place is called ‘Yonnu Yokute’ (development path) which I presented at the first round of the presidential election and which has now been expanded to incorporate the ‘Assises Nationales’ (national consultation), with M23 (June 23 Movement) and all the other social forces for change. The programme adopts the conclusions of this national consultation which entails core things as its base. The basic objectives of the ‘Yonnu Yokute’ programme are: to remove the differences among the Senegalese population by reducing the gap between the rich and the poor, as the gap is extremely wide in Senegal where you have those people who are extremely rich and those who are extremely poor. We believe that this gap should be reduced to bring about social equity. Let’s take for example the health sector in Senegal where those who are gainfully employed number only about 300, 000 in a population of 13 million whilst the rest are struggling, a universal health care programme has to be put in place to ensure access to health care or treatment for all Senegalese including those who are even unemployed. This health care system obtains in other countries and it is called universal health care coverage. I have evaluated this and its costs about 90 milliard (billion) CFA or 130 million Euros and it can be instituted in the first year. In the second year, we can organize the pharmacists, drivers and other social categories to form economic cooperative groups (mutuelles). These will be part of our social programme. The students from extremely poor families will be provided with a scholarship amounting to 100,000 CFA annually, which is a modest but an important intervention for children from such families. We will also increase 20, 000 CFA on the earnings of pensioners every two months. However, the most important thing is to reduce the prices of basic food commodities such as rice, cooking oil, sugar, etc which are very exorbitant in Senegal.
The other equally important aspect of our programme is to guarantee the base for development. When you talk about the economy and development in a country there shouldn’t be marked disparities within and among the regions constituting it. For example, having schools, hospitals and other social amenities in some regions and whilst there are none of these facilities in the others. Therefore, we will ensure that boreholes, water, electricity, roads, etc. are made accessible to the larger population.
The third aspect is about employment. We need to develop the economy to provide employment for the people. When we talk about underdevelopment, it means a country where everything consumed by its people is not locally produced; even a sewing needle is imported from abroad. Even if you look at what we eat on the table about 78% of it comes from the outside. The programme seeks to develop and transform our agriculture to guarantee food self sufficiency in the cereals such as rice, millet, maize, melon, etc. We envisage great strides in this area to strengthen agriculture in the rural area, animal husbandry for the production of meat and dairy products, the tourism sector and many other areas of economic activity.
Fourthly, the programme seeks to strengthen democracy which is very important as there cannot be any development in the absence of democracy. We want Senegal to operate a democracy and promote good governance. This democracy will elaborate how one assumes and leaves office, it will clearly stipulate the mandate and eliminate self perpetuating rule and put in place a term limit for the presidency. This is why I have declared that when elected into office as the next president of Senegal I will reduce the seven years mandate to five. We will write a new constitution. One has to show leadership by example and this is the reason why I have offered to serve 5years instead of the seven years required by this current constitution. We will develop a new constitution with guarantees that make it impossible for any future president to be mad enough to attempt to tamper with it in order to perpetuate himself/herself in office. One would not dare to extend one’s mandate beyond the constitutional requirement in a country like France or the USA . Although this is a process, but Africa should strive to reach this stage.
The fifth priority of our programme elaborates on peace, security and integration. Senegal has a serious and difficult problem in its Casamance region. For thirty years we have been fighting there and I intend to appeal to the Gambia and its President Yahya Jammeh and to Guinea Bissau if we assume office for them to help in the process of finding solutions that will bring about lasting peace in this part of Senegal. If there is no peace none of the economies of these countries will function normally. Hence every one of us has an interest and stake in ensuring peace in Casamance. We will do everything possible with goodwill to ensure that peace returns. This is why I have decided that my first official visit outside after assuming office would be The Gambia and Guinea Bissau. These countries are our immediate neighbours and we share everything in common, blood ties culture, languages, history and everything. Hence peace and cooperation should exist between and among us.
In a nutshell, this is basically the programme we are presenting to the Senegalese voters for them vote for and which we envisage to implement if elected into office.
Q: What role do you think the Gambia can play in the Casamance situation?
Macky Sall: Gambia can play a very big role in it as it happens that it shares a border with Casamance. If you look at North Casamance and Southern Gambia, they are almost the same; the border straddles the Sindian zone. As a matter of fact, with the influence that President Jammeh has he can help us talk with our brethren in the rebel camp to accept a ceasefire. In essence, we ought to know that positive things are possible in a climate of peace. We need to sit together and discuss about solutions on how to bring about peace and to redeploy and integrate them into normal life after foregoing the fighting. In all the countries that had experienced war, the final option is always a negotiated solution and for a new page to be opened for development to take place. Casamance needs development and everybody needs it.
Q: Still on Casamance, are you also considering the possibility of exploring a political arrangement such as the one in Nigeria, the federal system of governance? Considering that Nigeria has such a huge and diverse population groupings and in the quest to preserve its territorial integrity and promote national unity it has opted for this federal system. Will your government consider this form of arrangement for the country?
Macky Sall: Well, you see every country has its own history. You cannot just copy a model that exists elsewhere and apply it to your own situation. Nigeria has its own peculiarities, as it is constituted by different states with a population of more than 100 million and with integration problems such as north/south or Muslim/Christian complications. Our country is not like that. Although, Casamance has its own peculiarities so too is Futa, Kedougou, etc. Normally, we have to sit together to look at the real problems and agree on common solutions. We cannot say anything now but Casamance needs to be developed with tangible investments that will revitalize economic activity and productivity.
The Gambia can even help in this direction with regards to having a bridge at Farafenni (Trans-Gambia). This serves the interest of both The Gambia and Senegal.
Q: What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages to the two countries of having the Trans-Gambia crossing bridged?
Macky Sall: The advantage is that those who have been paying to cross the ferry will still continue to pay to cross the bridge. The long delays of having to wait for five or six hours to cross with the ferry is not good for economic operators and activities and having the bridge in place will make this history. I believe that when I discuss with my Gambian brothers we will be able to find solutions. All this depends on trust and confidence. If the accords are based on sincerity, trust and confidence we will be able to put in place something that serves the interests of our two countries and peoples.
Q: Finally, what role do you see for Senegal in ECOWAS, AU and the United Nations if you are elected?
Macky Sall: Senegal , although a wide territory, is not a small country in terms of economic power. However, it was blessed with having built a very strong diplomacy in international relations. It is a country that is endowed with great minds who are intelligent and prudent. Senegalese are serving in many international organisations ranging from the ECOWAS, AU, UN and many others. This is due to the competence of its nationals and was there at the time of Senghore, Diouf and Wade. I believe this role should be reassumed and should start from developing good relations with our neighbours such as Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Cape Verde and then transcend to the other countries like Cote D’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, Nigeria etc. Our role in Africa in the area of regional integration should be stepped up. We are interested in the issues such as the United States of Africa and would want to know how far efforts have gone towards this direction. We would want to promote the issue of economic integration of Africa as the priority. As Africans, we would want the continent to have one voice on matters that are of interest to the African people.
As for the United Nations there is need for it to be reformed. The present structure of the UN came about after the Second World War as a result of the dictates of the victors but the world has changed now and the nature of the organization should reflect this new reality. After 60 years of its existence, the organization should review the way it operates particularly the Security Council. In this regard, Senegal will continue to play its role in these organizations.
Q: Thank you very much for the interview.
Macky Sall: Thank you.
NOTE: At the time of going to press, it was reported the President Abdoulaye Wade had conceded defeat to his political opponent, Macky Sall. Wade is said to have called Macky on the phone to congratulate ." |
Edited by - kobo on 27 Mar 2012 00:40:35 |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 05 Apr 2012 : 03:44:07
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SENEWEB TRANSLATED NEWS;
"The new president of Senegal in Dakar Tuesday expressed its willingness to involve the Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, two neighboring country of Senegal, in the search for lasting peace in its southern part, told a journalist from Xinhua official source.
"Better yet, my desire is to involve the Sister Republics of The Gambia and Guinea Bissau," he said in his Message to the Nation on the eve of the celebration of Independence Day in Senegal. The Casamance, composed of the regions of Ziguinchor, Kolda and Sédhiou, 1982 has been shaken by armed violence, often attributed to the fighters of the movement of the Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) claiming the independence of this southern part of Senegal. "The return permanent peace in the region of Casamance is natural for me, one of the first national priorities. Of course, I approach this painful issue with caution and lucidity, in a spirit of listening and openness, "Has he argued. He said "peace has returned, the green Casamance, with its rich natural and human potential, all offer opportunities for public and private investment for the prosperity of our people". "For me, the opportunity to extend a brotherly hand to leaders and combatants of the MFDC. All good wishes and all the national powers will be mobilized for the peaceful settlement of this conflict that has lasted too long, "said the head of the Senegalese ." |
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toubab1020
12238 Posts |
Posted - 05 Apr 2012 : 10:15:31
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Personally I think that the new man has his head screwed on right he is taking the opportunity of not being dictatorial instead being open and consider the involvement of neighboring countries to the Cassamance region who have the need to see a final settlement and resolution to the Cassamance problem that has been rumbling on for years and years,often restricting trade and causing many travel problems involving the safety of travelers.
"The new president of Senegal in Dakar Tuesday expressed its willingness to involve the Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, two neighboring country of Senegal, in the search for lasting peace in its southern part, told a journalist from Xinhua official source.
"Better yet, my desire is to involve the Sister Republics of The Gambia and Guinea Bissau," |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 05 Apr 2012 : 15:38:04
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THE POINT NEWS;
DAILY OBSERVER NEWS;
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 05 Apr 2012 : 19:54:48
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| Many have fears that jammeh is working with rebels in Cassamance. Any serious talks about Cassamance will need to deal with the Jammeh obstacle. |
Karamba |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 16 Apr 2012 : 19:22:58
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DAILY OBSERVER NEWS;
"Monday, April 16, 2012
The decades-long civil unrest that has plagued the southern Senegalese region of Casamance since 1982 topped the agenda of the discussions of a day's working visit to the Gambia Sunday by the new Senegalese President Macky Sall, who was making his maiden overseas trip as head of state.
Sall, who arrived to a tumultuous welcome, arrived The Gambia a little over 1500 hours in what was seen as a fulfillment of his earlier promise to make his maiden overseas trip to The Gambia, and especially in engaging it to help in resolving the upheaval in the southern part of his country.
At a news conference at the Coco Ocean Resort & Spa shortly after a three-hour closed-door discussion, President Sall hastened to stress that the Casamance crisis has been on for more than three decades, while underscoring the importance of dialogue in solving the impasse. To this end, he enjoined his Gambian counterpart, President Jammeh to help in finding a solution to the crisis, saying that the peace in that region is in the interest of the two nations.
"I know that this is something that cannot be solved only through military ways and I know that over the years war did not bring any solution," Sall said, and added: "We need peace in Casamance to have peace in The Gambia and the Senegambia region. Without peace there is no development – so the priority is to bring peace so that we can bring about development . I know that for peace to come to Casamance you [President Jammeh] is the key and this is why I told you during our discussion that even though I am your elder, you have been in this position as president for many years. So you can help me."
President Sall, while noting that he has trust in the Gambian leader in finding a lasting solution to the crisis, assured him of Dakar's commitment to make peace and friendship with Banjul.
"I have told you that by God willing we are going to tie the bond to make peace between the two nations because we were both elected democratically and I assure you that we will not allow anything that will distabilise The Gambia," he stated.
Historical ties
The Senegalese president said he is grateful to God for enabling him fulfill his wish of making his first official overseas trip to The Gambia as promised during the race to the presidency.
"Why made this visit to The Gambia is because in historical point of view, The Gambia and Senegal are the same people. During the tete-a-tete, you [President Jammeh] pointed out to me that there is no language spoken in The Gambia that is not spoken in Senegal; and I added that there is no ethnic group in Senegal that is not in The Gambia. We are united by a common destiny, we have no other obligation but to be together and stand together in friendship and cordiality," he underscored.
Trans-Gambia Bridge
President Macky Sall also told the news conference that their discussion also touched on the bridge over River Gambia at Bambatenda-Yellitenda crossing point. Sall said his country has the problem of connecting the northern part to the southern part, saying "we need the continuity of the country which goes through The Gambia because it is a straight line."
"We have other possibilities to go through Tamba Kunda but it is not a straight way," he stated.
The Senegalese president, while noting that they are all Pan-Africans, eulogized the Gambian leader's commitment to the construction of African unity.
"Today more than ever before we have reciprocal trust in our relationship," he concluded.
Also addressing the news conference, President Yahya Jammeh who gave a detailed background about his country's efforts to bring lasting peace to Casamance before a change of government in 2000 that hindered the process, assured Sall of his commitment to bring an end to the crisis.
"I want to assure you since you are the first president of Senegal to make The Gambia his first official visit, I will stand with you all the way to make sure that the problem of Casamance becomes history," he stated.
The Gambian leader opined that the problem of Casamance would have been history by now if Abdou Diouf had won the elections in 2000 given the agreement at the time, but noted with dismay that the agreement was never respected by then Wade-led new government, which asked The Gambia to distance itself from the crisis.
"At that time we had agreed and have a comprehensive agreement with the MFDC - they wanted to transform MFDC into a political party and the others will be reintegrated into the Senegalese armed forces; and we went further to involve the European Union - they were supposed to finance the demining of Casamance, the training of the combatants into useful people and to see how some of them can be reintegrated into the Senegalese armed forces. All these were signed and it was endorsed by the United Nations and the European Union and the commission was inaugurated in Ziguinchor before the election. In fact a Gambian was appointed to be the chairman of the commission but unfortunately after President Wade won the elections, he said that it is an internal matter and Gambia has no role in it," the Gambian leader asserted.
He however assured President Sall of his assistance to bring peace in that region, while appealing to him to select a honest and trustworthy committee that can work with him to bring the crisis to an end.
While assuring that The Gambia will not play host to any anti-Senegalese dissident, President Jammeh also stressed that Senegal must not also be a host to Gambian dissidents that are against his government.
Shifting his comment to the bilateral ties that bind the two countries, the Gambian leader hailed his Senegalese counterpart for making history in view of the fact that he is the first Senegalese president to make his first overseas visit to The Gambia.
His words: "This has never happened in the history of the two countries and this symbolizes the importance you have attached to the bilateral relations between the two countries. This is the sort of relationship that we have always yearned for between the two. The Gambia's interest is to make sure that there is an excellent relationship between the two [Gambia and Senegal] because we are one people divided by colonialism and this is why 16 years ago I stated that The Gambia and Senegal can become a model for African integration but unfortunately, our wish was not reciprocated. But now that you are at the helm of affairs, every Gambian hopes that we will turn a new page of excellent relationship where the two citizens will feel at home in either country."
Bridge
Also commenting on the River Gambia bridge, President Jammeh said: "With regards to the bridge, we have the money - if we had wanted we would have started the tenders about three months ago but we didn't do it for obvious reasons."
Communique
Meanwhile, the Foreign Affairs ministers of the two countries, Dr Mamadou Tangara and Alioune Badara Cisse respectively earlier read the Joint Communique that was produced at the end of the day's working visit.
In a three-page communique, President Jammeh described Sall's visit as a clear testimony and manifestation of the common historical and cultural values, as well as a reflection of the exemplary and cordial ties between the two nations and their peoples.
President Sall, according to the communique, also pointed out that his first working visit which he undertook since accession to power manifests the high priority that he attaches to the promotion of the fraternal and friendly relations within the Senegambia family.
"In discussing common issues of concern in the sub-region especially on the developments in Mali and Guinea Bissau, and also on the African continent, the two heads of state stressed their conviction that there can be no internal stability without regional peace, and therefore undertook to fight all forms of threat to peace, security, and progress in the sub-region and the African continent," it concluded.
Author: Hatab Fadera" |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 16 Apr 2012 : 20:00:58
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| Jammeh is master of deception. How many times we heard this type of empty talk ? |
Karamba |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2012 : 02:27:39
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Karamba You seem to under-rate Jammeh on his statements to settle the Cassamance crises. You knew that Jammeh is fighting for the titles and legacy of "Best African President" to satisfy his ego and I think he has no choice to change strategy because crises has serious socio-economic and political repercussions within our borders? You should appreciate that Jammeh is key player and can broker a successful cease fire and pace deal 
Refer The Point News and pick the points from Jammeh's statements on initiatives with former Senegal President Abdou Joof and boosting ready to fix it with cooperation from Senegalese counterpart? ONLY MESSY PART OF DEAL TRYING TO USE CASSSAMANCE CRISES AS A BARGAINING CHIP AND BLACKMAIL; FOR SUSPICION ON JAMMEH FOR THE GAMBIAN DISSIDENTS WHILST HARBOURING SALIFU SADIOU
FOROYAA NEWS;
JOLLOF NEWS;
THE POINT NEWS;
"Monday, April 16, 2012
President Yahya Jammeh has assured his Senegalese counterpart, President Macky Sall, of his fullest support in tackling the crisis in Casamance, stressing that The Gambia and Senegal are one people divided by colonialism.
“I will stand with you all the way, to make sure that the problem in Casamance becomes history,” Jammeh told Sall, who was in Banjul for a one-day visit on Sunday.
Sall, who made Banjul his first port of call as President of Senegal, was met at Banjul international airport by President Jammeh, with whom he had a tete-a-tete discussion at the Coco Ocean hotel.
Speaking shortly after the signing of a joint communiqué, President Jammeh said Gambia’s interest is to make sure that there is an excellent relationship between The Gambia and Senegal because, as he put it, “we are one people divided by colonialism”.
“We are brothers, and I don’t want any diplomacy between me and you. Tell me the truth, and I will tell you the truth, so that we can understand each other and trust each other,” Jammeh told Macky Sall.
“I’m ready to work with you and share my experience with you at anytime, but I would also knock at your door when I need advice, because nobody is an expert,” he said.
According to the Gambian leader, the problem of Casamance would have been history by now if Abdou Diouf had won in 2000, because at that time they had agreed a comprehensive agreement with the MFDC, and they wanted to transform it into a political party and the others will be re-integrated into the Senegalese army.
At that time, he said, the MFDC only settled for only one request which was acceptable to Abdou Diouf, and even went further to involve the European Union, which was supposed to finance the de-mining of Casamance, and the training of the combatants.
Noting that former President Wade had accused him of supporting the MFDC rebels, Jammeh said former President Wade in August last year wanted him to mediate in tackling the conflict in Cassamance.
“I made it very clear to him that he has to reciprocate by also expelling all Gambian dissidents including former Chief of Defence Staff, the alleged mastermind of the 2006 coup in The Gambia from Senegal, but Wade told me that he is a democrat and human rights advocate and would not extradite any dissident to The Gambia,” he added.
Macky Sall commended President Jammeh for his visionary leadership and foresight, assuring him of his readiness to bringing about a lasting solution to the conflict in Casamance.
According to the communiqué, during their discussions, the two leaders reviewed the political and economic situation in The Gambia and Senegal, the developments in the African continent, as well as issues of common concern.
In discussing issues of common concern in the sub region, especially developments in Mali and Guinea Bissau, and the wider African continent, the two heads of state stressed their conviction that there can be no internal stability without regional peace and, therefore, undertook to cooperate in the fight against all forms of threat to peace, security, and progress in the sub-region.
Read more on Macky Sall’s visit to Banjul in our subsequent issues.
Author: Lamin B. Darboe" |
Edited by - kobo on 17 Apr 2012 17:24:28 |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2012 : 18:19:51
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| Kobo, Jammeh is implicated by his very utterance. It appears he holds the master card to strike a lasting deal. Yes, he is major player if not THE player. What does not make sense though is is wicked twist of rendering Gambians in Senegal as token of bargain. That one is no go area. Macky in his best outfit of mind will not get near that. Jammeh just too wicked. |
Karamba |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2012 : 20:23:59
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According to reported news these are very revealing and baffling statements to "blackmail" or trying to gain the upper hand to start serious business with Senegal or what?
Jammeh must be carefuly watched for believing he should also pay-back to Senegal on the dissidents by even arming the rebels, etc? Something suspicious on Jammeh's tactics came out from these statements quoted below
quote:
"Mr Jammeh added that all Gambians including former army chief, Colonel Ndure Cham, who are wanted for allegedly plotting to overthrow his regime, are in Senegal where they meet regularly and make resolutions against the Gambia.
Worried about the activities of these dissidents, Mr Jammeh said his government made a request to former President Abdoulaye Wade to expel them from his country. However, he said the request was flatly rejected by his Senegalese counterpart on the grounds that he is a democrat and defender of human rights.
“I made it very clear to Wade that he has to reciprocate as well when he gave me the authority five months ago to solve the Casamance issue,” Mr Jammeh said.
“I told Wade that he cannot tell me to put off the fire in his house when those who want to set my house on fire and escaped are with him. I made it very clear and that is also the reality between the two countries that created the problems.”
“We gave Wade the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the Gambian dissidents in Senegal but he said he is a democrat and a defender of human rights and cannot extradite them to the Gambia.”
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Edited by - kobo on 17 Apr 2012 20:37:31 |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 17 Apr 2012 : 21:10:13
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Kobo, Jammeh is real killer:
“We gave Wade the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the Gambian dissidents in Senegal but he said he is a democrat and a defender of human rights and cannot extradite them to the Gambia.”
What a wicked intention Mr Jammeh. So want to kill more Gambians?
By extension, Jammeh is behind the fire power in Cassamance. |
Karamba |
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kobo
United Kingdom
7765 Posts |
Posted - 19 Apr 2012 : 15:04:57
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Karamba. It was Jammeh who gave Salifou Sadiou and rebels everything during Abdou Joof's tenure before President Wade. Salifou Sadiou's accommodation and hotel bills were covered from state funds. It is open secret that Salifou Sadiou is his General and rebels integrated to our national army for his personal security and as the one who is attached to them being a tribal chief and main sponsor/patron of its elites. So its baffling for Jammeh trying to gain upper hand in peace process
DAILY OBSERVER NEWS;
"Thursday, April 19, 2012
The Movement of Democratic Forces of the Casamance (MFDC) has welcomed the move by new Senegalese President, Macky Sall to involve The Gambia in a bid to find a lasting solution to the 30-year conflict.
It is the conviction of the MFDC that both sides of the conflict should endeavour to negotiate and reach a common understanding that would bring an end to the hostilities which began in 1982 when separatists in Senegal’s southern province demanded independence from the rest of the country.
“I commend President Macky Sall for his decision to involve his Gambian counterpart, Yahya Jammeh in negotiations to bring the hostilities to an end. The implications of the Casamance crisis go beyond the Senegalese border. Neighbouring countries have a crucial role to play to build up reconciliation between the belligerents” Pape Goudiaby, a member of the MFDC contact group told APA in a telephone interview.
“The MFDC is expecting concrete actions from the new authorities in Dakar to put the negotiations back on track and convince belligerents to lay down their arms” he added.
The Senegalese head of state made his first official trip abroad to The Gambia on Sunday and spent a few hours meeting President Jammeh. This was in fulfillment of an election pledge he made ahead of Senegal’s presidential run-off. Meanwhile, Atika, the MFDC hardliners have not reacted to Sall’s official visit to neighbouring Gambia and the resolutions that emanated from the meeting.
Author: Daily Observer
Source: APA" |
Edited by - kobo on 19 Apr 2012 15:08:26 |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 19 Apr 2012 : 18:56:54
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| Biggest worry for everyone Kobo, is that Chairman Jammeh of the weapons is now confirming that he is responsible for the fire power in Cassamance jungle. He will only put the fire off when president of Senegal agrees to hand over Gambians challeging him. This is worrying. then Jammeh is a rebel leader sitting as president of Gambia. |
Karamba |
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