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Momodou
Denmark
11821 Posts |
 Posted - 28 Aug 2006 : 23:24:45
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PANIC IN KAFUTA
As Fighting Intensifies in Cassamance
By Abdoulie G. Dibba
Information reaching Foroyaa has it that fighting on the Gambia/Senegal boarder has intensified and as a result, people are fleeing the war-torn region into the Gambia. On Wednseday, Foroyaa dispatched a reporter to Kafuta village in the Western Division to find out the developments. When this reporter arrived at Kafuta, he approached the Alkalo of the village, Kata Bojang. According to the Alkalo, the fight within the border area is a cause for great concern as the people of Kafuta are weary of the gunshots that echo in their houses during the night. He told this reporter that the sound of gunshots could be heard every day. Regarding the number of refugees in his village due to the fighting, the Alkalo said that he connot ascertain the figure, because the people who are lodging the refugees have not informed him. He was quick to say that there are refugees in his village and referred this reporter to the compound where the refugees were lodged.
When our reporter arrived at the said compound, he asked for the compound owner and was told that he was out. The son of the yard owner who is in his early 60s, confirmed that there were some refugees in their compound but was quick to add that they are relatives who settled in Cassamance a long time ago and have returned due to the fighting in that area. Talking to a refugee in Kafuta, an old man in his late 70s told our reporter that they received warning from the rebels to abandon their homes. The old man said that the number of people who fled from their village is well over 500. Asked whether he knows where they are presently, the old man answered in the negative but added that most of them are in Kafuta, Sohm, Faraba and Bulock. As the old man was speaking, tears were rolling down his cheeks. Nursing mothers, children and old women are involved.
Residents of Kafuta told this reporter that they are in a serious state of fear. A group of women told this reporter that they have to abandon their rice fields because of the war. They called on the authorities to help address the situation to ensure tranquility in the area.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue N0.70/2006, 28-29 August, 2006
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 28 Aug 2006 : 23:42:30
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It looks like every one is trying to cover his tracks. The alkalo does not the number of refugees, the son on the yard owner indicates those staying with them are Gambians who moved to Cassamance years ago. The alkalo should take it upon himself to know the numbers in his village and liase with the competent authorities. Kafuta i believe is near a police and immigration post.
I could sense some stress in those being interviewed by the reporter. Well it just comfirms that peace is very necessary for survival. My hope is that Cassamance will once again enjoy peace. Leaving ones home and being displaced is not a palatable venture. Unfortunately, its the innocent women and children who are caught up in the fiasco. LET PEACE AND FREEDOM RING FROM JAMES ISLAND IN THE WEST TO ZANZIBAR IN THE EAST, AND FROM CAPETOWN TO CASSABLANCA. LET FREEDOM RING FROM THE TIPS OF KIBO AND KILIMANJARO, TO THE SAHARA AND NAMIB DESERT. LET FREEDOM RING IN AFRICA. LET THERE BE PEACE EVERYWHERE. LET THERE BE HAPPINESS AND HOPE FOR THE CONTINENT.( I hope brother martin, understands) |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 29 Aug 2006 : 18:02:59
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Thanks Kons. I like your allusion to Dr. King's speech. The influx of refugees from Cassamance to the Gambia needs to be addressed in the open.The appropriate authorities must be notified.
Furthermore , the Gambian and Senegalese authorities need to cooperate to end this simmering war in Cassamance. The Gambia must not be seen as a heaven for Cassamance rebels .Any Cassamance citizens fleeing to the Gambia must be taken in only on humanitarian grounds with the appropriate authorities involved. We know what happens when a neighbor's house is burning. |
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