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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
 Posted - 16 Sep 2006 : 07:57:09
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http://www.allgambian.net/news-stories_193.html
NEWS
A NADD Govt. Should Prosecute Those Linked to Atrocities Under Jammeh's Rule -UDP Leader Declares
By Yero Jallow
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September 25, 2005
United Democratic Party UDP leader Ousainou Darboe says his party will certainly prevail on NADD government to investigate atrocities committed under President Yahya Jammeh's rule and bring to book all those linked to such crimes against humanity. Mr. Darboe also a leading human rights lawyer says such high profile cases cannot be left uninvestgated, while exposing moves taken by the Jammeh administration to indemnify the killers of "Black Monday" April 10 and 11 students demonstrators, which left about 14 defenceless students murdered in broad day light by trigger happy Jammeh's security personnel. Darboe in an exclusive interview with ALLGAMBIAN'S senior staff writer Yero Jallow alias Dalton also commented about what he called "a serious death threat issued against him" by Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh following his acquittal on a murder charge by the High court. Darboe says he is not taking such threats lightly, as he is given maximum security by his guards. Darboe says in an attempt to protect his life, he had taken it upon himself not to stay late outside. The UDP leader also commented about moves taken by the IEC Chairman to disenfranchise Gambians abroad, the issue of tribalism, the controversy surrounding the naming of the NADD flag bearer and host of other issues. Below is the full text of Dalton's interview with Darboe. Please read on...
AG. WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE VOTER TRANSFER ?
MR. DARBOE: Well, voter transfer is permissible by the law, that is the 1996 election decree but the criteria one have to seize to reside in the constituency which one originally resided and one can transfer to the constituency to which one is now resident. He must have been there for at least six months, prior to the application for transfer. We suspected that there will be some transfer of votes in order to dilute the opposition's strength in the constituencies where the selection are to be held. In early August, the coordinator of NADD wrote to IEC and they undertook to suspense of all transfer, to investigate legalities of transfer.
AG. DO YOU HAVE ANY FEAR OF JAMMEH RIGGING THE ELECTION ?
MR. DARBOE. I do not put anything beyond Jammeh. I belief he will do everything within his power and control to cling onto office. In fact , the fact that elections are approaching, he decided to change the composition of the IEC, may be some indication to interfere with the electoral process.
AG. WHAT IS YOUR STANCE ON THE BORDER CRISIS BETWEEN THE GAMBIA AND SENEGAL ?
MR. DARBOE. "Border crisis" occurred when I m already out in the U.S. It happened that i didn't get any official information as to the cause of it. I didn't get the benefit of reading any statement on the issue either by the Government of the Gambia or Senegal, but if reports i have are anything to go by, the two Governments have sanctioned the border closure. In my view, this is very detrimental to the ordinary citizens in both countries. The situation is the list expected to happen between the Gambia and Senegal, whose only difference is their colonial background. i hope that very soon, these "crisis" will be resolved. The Gambian Government increased the tariffs for the ferry crossing at Yelli-tenda, Bamba-tenda -that is a route for Senegalese transporters use more than the Gambians. For every service one uses, one is expected to pay. Every sovereign authority have the right to determine what charges should be paid by users of the services that they provide but it is also not uncommon for the authority to grant certain privileges and preferential treatment to users of the services they provide, for reasons such as close relationship. We have seen in the past, the Gambian Government exempting nationals of Guinea Conakry from paying residential permits and the same exemption was extended to nationals of Mauritania. In view of the fact that, virtually in the middle of the financial year, i would have postponed any revision of the tariff until 2006 financial year because this is certainly a revenue measure.
AG. CAN YOU TELL THE WHOLE WORLD WHY SELECTING A NADD FLAG BEARER IS STILL HANGING ?
MR. DARBOE. It is a good question. Let's put things into perspective. NADD came into being on the 17Th of January, 2005 when the M.O.U was signed. After the alliance came into being, we set ourselves the task of introducing it to Gambians and of course, we looked at suitable dates. Nonetheless, we launched it in may 2005 and certainly we averted our mind to the need to select a flag bearer when we were confronted with the monumental constitutional problem, that's the issue as to whether our four members at the national assemble were vacant. That's where we are. Immediately after the September by elections, the flag bearer issue will be Addressed.
AG. DO YOU CONTEMPLATE ANY POWER STRUGGLE AMONG THE PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANTS?
MR. DARBOE. Dalton, I don't expect any power struggle at all.
AG. WHAT IS THE NADD INSIDE LIKE SIR ?
MR. DARBOE. I personally have anomous respect for the members of the executive, their party leaders and of course we have always been talking very frankly for the survival of the alliance because that depends on frankness to each other. The best thing that God has done for the Gambia is by His WILL the coalition together. In my view, no one have sacrificed principles. The committee is in good setup of three sitting members from each party of the coalition and that totaled the committee to fifteen members. Ten out of the fifteen are permanent and the remaining five in the alternate consensus on procedural matter in majority. I am presently out of the country and being replaced in terms of voting by the UDP's temporal seat.
AG. DO YOU , IN A WAY OF GOSSIP HAVE ANY ONE IN MIND WHO WILL BE THE FLAG BEARER?
MR. DARBOE. It is difficult to say. Each of the members will be potential. As far as i am aware, none among the members expressed interest yet in being a flag bearer.
AG. ANYTHING LIKE A NEUTRAL SELECTEE SIR ?
MR. DARBOE. Dalton, the M.O.U said you have to belong to the party. Neutrality is very difficult , abandoning your basic civic and belonging to a party of the opposition but being a member of NADD. For any to be a flag bearer , you must be a member of the political parties, that is a constituent member of NADD. It would be ironical to choose someone outside of the coalition. The flag bearer doesn't necessarily have to be among these fifteen people, someone who is an alternate but he/she is competent and have good chances . That's the one we will choose.
AG. WHAT GAVE BIRTH TO THE RUMOURS THAT YOU OR THE UDP ARE BACKING OUT ONCE A MANDINKA OR UDP CANDIDATE IS NOT CHOSEN TO LEAD THE FLAG ?
MR. DARBOE. Dalton, I cannot say what contributed to the rumours. I am left speculating that it could have been from any of the UDP detractors. One thing is clear, if the UDP decides on anything-no anonymous person will disclose this to the press. I have been speaking to the press on matters affecting the UDP, and truly the UDP got onto this alliance on its own will. If UDP have to withdraw, we will tell the whole world that we are withdrawing. If we do so, it will be for very, very, very genuine reasons. The M.O.U that we signed made provisions for withdrawal of political parties. I do not know this mischievous person doing this good work for the APRC, could be he is a member of the APRC adding confusion.
AG. SO WHAT HAPPENS IF A UDP OR A MANDINKA IS NOT CHOOSEN TO LEAD ?
MR. DARBOE. Dalton, UDP has signed the M.O.U and we are committed to it. The M.O.U stipulates the procedure for selecting the flag bearer. We agreed to that procedure and when that procedure is adopted and implemented, there would be no reason to complain if any expected candidate is not selected as a flag bearer. It is unfortunate that the UDP is linked to my ethnic group and again this is the scheming of some mischievous people within the APRC.
Personally, i enjoy good relationship with non-Mandinkas and i have good support from all other tribes. I have never believe in a trivialised Gambia and our party is not a trivialised party.
AG. BEING A LEGAL GURU, CAN YOU PROMISE GAMBIANS IN THE DIASPORA THAT NADD WILL PUSH IT HARD WITH IEC AND GOV'T TO MAKE SURE THAT WE VOTE THIS COMING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN 2006 ?
MR. DARBOE. Before NADD came into being, the various political parties consulted for franchise to be extended to residents abroad. Our desire to have the franchise of democracy extended got empathy from this NADD alliance, and i must say that representatives of NADD were meeting with the IEC during the tenure of Mr. Roberts, and most of the things we discussed with him.....The Robert commission (if you will permit me to call it) carried out a feasibility study and came up with a conclusion that they can conduct elections in 22 countries and U.S was part of them. The Government being aware of the opposition to its policies by Gambians abroad declined to implement the recommendations, on the grounds that they do not have the funds. We of the NADD appeal to Gambians abroad to give us total support so that when this regime is ousted, we can extend the franchise to Gambians where ever they may be. If Guinea Bissau can do it, i see no reason why Gambians cannot do it.
AG. SO ARE YOU TELLING US THAT WE WILL NOT VOTE IN THE 2006 ?
MR. DARBOE. Dalton, One have to understand that the APRC Government is not committed, and they have to be the recipient and they are unwilling to do that. Unless there is any dramatic change by the Government there is no hope that Gambians in the diaspora will vote in the 2006 presidential elections, but we will keep following up on new registration of voters or to say a complete cleanup of the vote register.
AG. ANY THREATS FROM JAMMEH AND HIS GREEN BOYS GEARED TOWARDS YOU OR ANY NADD FLAG BEARER ASPIRANT ?
MR. DARBOE. Yes, Dalton. About a year ago, Jammeh said "some members of the opposition may not witness the 2006 presidential elections." I frankly, thought that was his usual ravings and rantings and didn't took it serious then. On the eve of the July 22ND takeover celebration, he went on TV openly to say that my lawyers and supporters should not be jubilant for acquittal of the murder charges because i could be killed and nothing will come out of it, then i took it seriously. This is an occasion i expected the president will tell the nation what policies and plans the Government have on rescuing the Gambia from this terrible economic downturn, how he hope to bring about reconciliation within Gambians, improve the governance situations-but he have in fact revealed to the Gambian people his hidden plans. We issued a press statement that he will be held responsible if i meet my death through any violent means.
AG. ARE YOU OK THEN AND HOW LOYAL ARE YOUR GUARDS ?
MR. DARBOE. My guards are very loyal and i also take extra precaution. I don't stay outside late in the night and goes inside the house early-after Magrib (sunset) prayers.
AG. THE KILLERS OF DEYDA, KORO AND APRIL 10TH AND 11TH STUDENT DEMONSTRATORS ARE WALKING FREE IN DOWNTOWN BANJUL. DON' YOU FEEL ASHAMED AS A LEGAL PRACTITIONER? WHAT WILL NADD GOVERNMENT DO TO ADDRESS THESE CASES?
MR. DARBOE. The enquiry conducted by the Lartey commission found certain security officers culpable and among them- then secretary of state Ousman Badjie, the Government rejected these findings and recommendations of the commission and nullified the most important recommendation by indemnifying the security officers-so that no one can take any actions against them. The only one who succeeded an action against them is Mr. Sabally, a teacher at ST. Augustine High. NADD will seek legal advice from the state law (NADD Government ) as to whether or not in view of the indemnity, whether one can open those files or not. I will certainly look at-at least not from civic aspect but from the criminal aspect, and i am not sure the indemnity covers the criminal aspect of the action. Let me also add this-we have had no opportunity as NADD to discuss what will be the best approach of NADD to the various unresolved crimes that have attracted attention of the world because of the atrocities. I however, personally believe and would urge that a NADD Government should look into all these unresolved crimes that have been perpetuated on innocent citizens. I personally found the NIA agents on the progress of their investigations insulting to the intelligence of Gambians. The report suggested that certain people includes Government might have been responsible for Hydra's murder. The individuals at whom the report points finger are still there-have any of them being invited for questioning ? Certainly if there is any seriousness on the part of the state to discover the murderers, we would have seen positive steps taken in that direction.
AG. THE RECENT HAPPENINGS AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, WAS IT DONE OUT OF UNDERSTANDING OR WHAT IS IT EXACTLY?
MR. DARBOE. Thanks Dalton, i thought that you will ask me that first. What we formed was an alliance of opposition parties and this was brought about by the M.O.U. Of course, it is an alliance because all the five political parties agreed that the existing parties must continue to exist. We were not forming one single political party but then after signing the M.O.U, we debated as to whether or not, we should register the alliance, and a decision was taken. We went to register it, although with caution. Certainly NADD looked at the law, the constitution and the election decree and NADD decided "lets present it for registration ." A the end, the IEC registered it as a political party and not an alliance. Frankly , the document attached were for registration of a political party.
AG. SO HOW DO YOU FIND THE SUPREME COURT VERDICT.
MR. DARBOE. I honestly do not find anything faulty in it.
AG. WHAT ABOUT THE LOST SEATS SIR ?
MR. DARBOE. The chances of all these seats coming back are high. The ordinary voters said whatever Government manipulated, they will be able to change it. Each of them will return with bigger majority.
AG. WILL NADD COUNTER JAMMEH LIKE GOOD WRESTLERS?
MR. DARBOE. This is exactly what we are doing with the electorate , that Jammeh is like any ordinary Gambian, and that he is only privileged to be the president of the Gambia because he has been entrusted with the state.
AG. IS HE REALLY ENTRUSTED?
MR. DARBOE. I mean "entrusted" as in responsibility of running the affairs of the country.
After all, he just have one vote like any of them, that's why he comes out to them and begging them , appealing for their votes. He has no power, in fact it is Gambians who are powerful. They will remove him through the ballot box whenever they want. Whatever image he created is false. He knows he is ordinary and that's why he seeks their votes.
AG. WHAT IS THE IEC LIKE TODAY AND CAN THEY BE TRUSTED WITH BY ELECTIONS IN THE PIPELINE ?
MR. DARBOE. In a true democracy, I won't have any problems with a president appointing entire members of the IEC. The upcoming by elections will provide us an indication of how independent the IEC is under the Chairmanship of Mr. Njie. However, i am very well aware that Mr. Mboob is very well connected to the APRC, in fact very recently he was a member of the cabinet. Last year, in meet the people tour, he was all over the country telling people "he have never seen a president like "Jammeh" and was urging Gambians to vote for Jammeh and the APRC. I question his independence and believe he is still in the APRC and support the political platform, and as such cannot believe he will be fair minded in an election contested by his party-the APRC and the opposition.
AG. NOW TELL ME, HOW YOU SEE NADD ?
MR. DARBOE. The parties that constitute NADD are solidly united in their purpose and vision.
AG. FUNNY JOKES? HOW IS OPERATION NO COMPROMISE WORKING FOR GAMBIANS ?
MR. DARBOE. (Smile). Operation no compromise have been compromised. The day he announced it, he said there will be no sacred cows and he will go all the way at the root of corruption and do something about it. One of the ways he thought he should do with the corruption is by setting the Paul commission, that commission according to its reports found several public officers could not account for their wealth. Among them , two cabinet ministers- Yankuba Touray and Sheik Tejan Hydara. Both of them were ordered to pay the money. Instead of following up the matter, he appointed Yankuba as agriculture secretary- a very important department of state, and Hydara as high commissioner to Senegal. These re appointments in my view , send signals to Gambians that it could be rewarding if one is involved in acts that are corrupting the nation. If operation no compromise means anything, these people are certainly not the examples.
AG. WHAT WILL A NADD GOVERNMENT DO FOR US?
MR.DARBOE. We are yet to come out with a program of rectification and manifesto, but one would expect a NADD Government to lay a solid foundation for Gambia's economic take off, to create a good democratic state where all political parties will have equal opportunities to put forward their views, apolitical public and security service, accountable and transparent.
AG. YOUR CRITICS WONDER WHY YOU ARE HERE STILL WHEN YOUR MATES ARE FACING BY ELECTIONS SOON ?
MR. DARBOE. Dalton, my vacation was till end of September, but i have to cut my visit short and will be home soon. I intend to attend the nomination of Halifa on Monday the 12Th.
AG. HOW CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PRESENT POLITICAL SITUATION IN THE GAMBIA ?
MR. DARBOE. People are going up for the 2006 presidential election with determination to see that they unseat the present regime and with a greater determination that their votes will have effect.
AG. LAST ELECTION, YOU WERE HEARD CONGRATULATING JAMMEH AND SOON AFTERWORDS JOINED OTHERS IN THE IRREGULARITIES-WAS IT OUT OF FEAR OR JUST FOR RECONCILIATION?
MR. DARBOE. Dalton, this concession was not done out of fear and it is not unusual for an opponent to concede defeat and i certainly conceded on the strength of the votes counted. The votes counted reflected the votes casted for me. Subsequent to that and several days after the period, prescribes the election petition elapsed, information started filtering in as to some of the malpractices that has taken place prior to the polling such as registering voters in military barracks outside the prescription of registering voters and other govt facilities like RVH, and the sanitarium. The UDP had a confrontation with IEC and they admitted , then it leaves one wondering in how many places did this malpractice that took place. We discovered that there were transfer of votes from strong APRC constituencies to strong UDP -incidentally upper Saloum was also affected. These were the reasons why we boycotted the National Assembly elections. It is rather strange that up to the time that Mr. Robert was dismissed as chairman, the IEC was talking about sanitising or cleaning the national register. What is the adulteration that need to be cleaned up? You find it interesting when UDP boycotted, the polling in S/K central showed that Hon. Halifa Sallah the elected candidate and Buba Senghore of the APRC pulled between them less than what i pulled as defeated candidate. Where are the voters that voted for Jammeh at the presidential election then?
AG. WHAT IS YOUR LAST MESSAGE TO GAMBIANS IN THE DIASPORA?
MR. DARBOE. Gambians should get fully involved and engaged in the affairs of the Gambia. They may not have a vote but they have the ability and capacity to bring us votes. They can do this in various ways-each have friends and family members home who have a vote. Talk to them in the need to vote the coalition. also give us ideas, we didn't claim to have answers to all the problems or strategies , so please share your ideas and views. Most important is to continue on supporting us materially and financially. We are honestly appreciative and grateful to the efforts of the diasporians.
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