Save the Gambia Democracy Project (STGDP) in partnership with GTRS International wishes to provide you with exciting information regarding our latest project-A new, thought provoking, and educational radio program designed by Gambians called Baati Rewmi that will commence broadcasting this Saturday, May 22nd at 6:15-6:30 pm (GMT).
I have attached a flyer as well as four ads in English, Mandinka, Wollof and Pular to give folks a glimpse of what they can expect to tune into so, if you could please help us spread the word by forwarding this information to everyone in your email contact list or when you call friends and family, particularily those living in the Gambia, kindly pass on the information provided in the various materials attached.
If you are a blogger, have your own personal website or have a page on Facebook, it would be of enormous help if you could post the information there as well. We appreciate your effort to spread this information so the program can become a hit!
To listen to the first program that will be broadcast this coming Saturday, please visit us at www.savethegambia.orgThere is an option you can choose-Baati Rewmi Radio Station. Folks this is 100% Gambian made so, we ask for your support to make this program the success we envision it to be. With warm regards,Christine Sukuna on behalf of STGDP
“Baati Rewmi” (VOICE OF THE NATION)
Save the Gambia Democracy project, a US based civic and democratic movement committed to bring about democracy, good governance and the rule of law in the Gambia brings a new independent radio broadcast to the citizens of the Gambia. STGDP believes that a responsible independent media will create an environment in the Gambia within which democracy and all its instruments can be nurtured and STGDP strongly believes that the Diaspora has become an important partner in our quest for the enhanced for a developed Gambia. development of our country, and with that comes the need for the building of a nexus between Gambians in the Diaspora and Gambians at home. This nexus is needed to facilitate dialogue with the government of the day, civic organizations, opposition parties and the entire citizens of the country.
To begin the process of constructive dialogue, STGDP wishes to introduce a direct weekly radio broadcasting program in all local languages to the Gambia. This radio broadcast is not an anti/pro – government radio, or a pro/anti opposition radio but rather a pro - democracy radio, with a belief that this will help bring about the building of the institutions of democracy which ultimately will lead to political stability, economic development and prosperity to the shores of the Gambia . We will be looking forward to working with responsible, independent media in the Diaspora and at home and together we will have a positive impact to our motherland.
Below is the program of events:
Commencement Date: May 22nd, 2010Date & Time: Saturdays 6:15 – 6:30p.m. (GMT)Radio Frequency: 15,225 kilohertz on the SW Frequency Please pass the word to your friends and family in the Gambia and the Diaspora. Together we can educate each other to become informed citizens.www.savethegambia.org
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
How The Britsih SAS enter the Gambia after the 1981 coup
The SAS in Gambia 1981
Three British Commandos Recaptured an Entire Country
Apr 27, 2007 Christopher Eger
When the leader of the Commonwealth nation of the Gambia needed his country back after a coup, the SAS sent three crack commandos who got the job done in 72 hours
The Gambia is the smallest independent country in mainland Africa. It gets its name from the River Gambia that cuts it in half. Independent since 1965 it is almost completely surrounded by its much larger neighbor Senegal which it was friendly with. In 1981 its population was slightly under a million and it did not even feel the need to have an army. The country’s president Sir Dawda Jawara was invited to attend the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles due to the Gambia’s status as a member of the British Commonwealth. On July 31, 1981, 400 Marxist radicals under the name of The Movement for Justice in Africa that had been armed and trained in Libya took advantage of his absence to seize control of the country. In the capital city of Banjul they sized Jawara’s family, the radio station, police armory and airport. President Jawara declared he would return to his country and asked for British help. He was given a British Army force of two men. These two men were not your average soldiers, they were SAS men.
The 22nd Special Air Service Regiment, (better known as the SAS) has been Britain’s premier commando force since the end of world war two. The detachment was made up of then-Major Ian Crooke and a picked sergeant. Crooke had years of experience in Borneo, Ulster, the recapture of the Iranian Embassy in London and other hot spots by the time of the Gambian affair and had risen to third in command of the SAS. He and a sergeant that remains unnamed to this day donned civilian clothes and left for Senegal, Gambia’s neighbor. They brought grenades, a pair of Heckler and Koch MP5 submachine guns and a matching set of Browning Hi Power pistols, all of which fired the same 9mm cartridge in a diplomatic pouch. They arrived the next day and walked over the border and into the lawless Gambian capital dressed in polo shirts and blue jeans. They were met by Mr. Clive Lee, a former commando who had retired in Gambia who had been in touch to see if he could be of assistance. The three men ventured together through the capital to assess the situation.
They found that the airport had been retaken already by elite French-trained paratroopers from Senegal, who President Jawara had also contacted for assistance. The three commandos made contact with the Senegalese forces and outlined a plan to retake the city and defeat the rebels. The SAS team went first - disguised as doctors -to the local hospital where President Jawara’s family was being held and disarmed the rebels there without incident. The commandos then led the assault on the radio station and the government’s police armory with support of the Senegalese the next day. A film crew from the BBC captured the out of place and out of uniform British commandos several times running all over town from engagement to engagement. By August 3rd, the attempted coup was over and the quiet and professional SAS men flew back to Britain just as President Jawara returned to the Gambia from there.
In the aftermath of this stunning event Major Crooke was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. He retired as a Colonel and now lives in South Africa. It was estimated that anywhere from 600-1000 Gambian casualties were suffered in the three days of rebellion and anarchy. In December 1981 seven ringleaders were sentenced to death after trail for their role in the coup. President Jawara was re-elected five times in democratic elections and remained the leader of his country until he was removed in 1994…..by a military coup.
Sources
SAS: The First Secret Wars: The Unknown Years of Combat and Counter-Insurgency Tim Jones I. B. Tauris publishers 2005Read more at Suite101: The SAS in Gambia 1981: Three British Commandos Recaptured an Entire Country http://modern-war.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_sas_in_gambia_1981#ixzz0oK174lnI
Three British Commandos Recaptured an Entire Country
Apr 27, 2007 Christopher Eger
When the leader of the Commonwealth nation of the Gambia needed his country back after a coup, the SAS sent three crack commandos who got the job done in 72 hours
The Gambia is the smallest independent country in mainland Africa. It gets its name from the River Gambia that cuts it in half. Independent since 1965 it is almost completely surrounded by its much larger neighbor Senegal which it was friendly with. In 1981 its population was slightly under a million and it did not even feel the need to have an army. The country’s president Sir Dawda Jawara was invited to attend the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles due to the Gambia’s status as a member of the British Commonwealth. On July 31, 1981, 400 Marxist radicals under the name of The Movement for Justice in Africa that had been armed and trained in Libya took advantage of his absence to seize control of the country. In the capital city of Banjul they sized Jawara’s family, the radio station, police armory and airport. President Jawara declared he would return to his country and asked for British help. He was given a British Army force of two men. These two men were not your average soldiers, they were SAS men.
The 22nd Special Air Service Regiment, (better known as the SAS) has been Britain’s premier commando force since the end of world war two. The detachment was made up of then-Major Ian Crooke and a picked sergeant. Crooke had years of experience in Borneo, Ulster, the recapture of the Iranian Embassy in London and other hot spots by the time of the Gambian affair and had risen to third in command of the SAS. He and a sergeant that remains unnamed to this day donned civilian clothes and left for Senegal, Gambia’s neighbor. They brought grenades, a pair of Heckler and Koch MP5 submachine guns and a matching set of Browning Hi Power pistols, all of which fired the same 9mm cartridge in a diplomatic pouch. They arrived the next day and walked over the border and into the lawless Gambian capital dressed in polo shirts and blue jeans. They were met by Mr. Clive Lee, a former commando who had retired in Gambia who had been in touch to see if he could be of assistance. The three men ventured together through the capital to assess the situation.
They found that the airport had been retaken already by elite French-trained paratroopers from Senegal, who President Jawara had also contacted for assistance. The three commandos made contact with the Senegalese forces and outlined a plan to retake the city and defeat the rebels. The SAS team went first - disguised as doctors -to the local hospital where President Jawara’s family was being held and disarmed the rebels there without incident. The commandos then led the assault on the radio station and the government’s police armory with support of the Senegalese the next day. A film crew from the BBC captured the out of place and out of uniform British commandos several times running all over town from engagement to engagement. By August 3rd, the attempted coup was over and the quiet and professional SAS men flew back to Britain just as President Jawara returned to the Gambia from there.
In the aftermath of this stunning event Major Crooke was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. He retired as a Colonel and now lives in South Africa. It was estimated that anywhere from 600-1000 Gambian casualties were suffered in the three days of rebellion and anarchy. In December 1981 seven ringleaders were sentenced to death after trail for their role in the coup. President Jawara was re-elected five times in democratic elections and remained the leader of his country until he was removed in 1994…..by a military coup.
Sources
SAS: The First Secret Wars: The Unknown Years of Combat and Counter-Insurgency Tim Jones I. B. Tauris publishers 2005Read more at Suite101: The SAS in Gambia 1981: Three British Commandos Recaptured an Entire Country http://modern-war.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_sas_in_gambia_1981#ixzz0oK174lnI
Saturday, 15 May 2010
AFRICAN FOOTBALLER'S DANCE TRIGGER ENTERTAINING FOOTBALL CELEBRATIONS
Roger Miller and his 1990 Cameroon brilliant team. Makanaki and co.
What dance did Miller did? Was it Ndagga? or Was it just a spontaneous routine? Stay tune to find out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ged3GyzDt6M&feature=related
Coca Cola's new advert features Miller's famous goal celebration in 1990. Ian Wright the Arsenal legend mentioned in clip that, Miller's dance change the face of football celebration. He said everybody start copying Miller. African foothold in football. Give it up for Miller. Below is the
England V Cameroon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px2-iz8J-0ASuntou
-- Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
What dance did Miller did? Was it Ndagga? or Was it just a spontaneous routine? Stay tune to find out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ged3GyzDt6M&feature=related
Coca Cola's new advert features Miller's famous goal celebration in 1990. Ian Wright the Arsenal legend mentioned in clip that, Miller's dance change the face of football celebration. He said everybody start copying Miller. African foothold in football. Give it up for Miller. Below is the
England V Cameroon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px2-iz8J-0ASuntou
-- Surah- Ar-Rum 30-22"And among His signs is the creation of heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colours. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge." Qu'ran
Monday, 10 May 2010
WHY COMPLAIN
The warring factional standoff
Symptomatic of small country people
The stiff silence, acknowledging the good of others
Fears borders on the fewer bones to pick
The big brothers are complicit in the spread of negative pulses
Lifting a finger, an ink is impossible, simply
It may incriminate you in later life
For instance, if a man from the small country writes an essay or a book
Should all authors, poets, automatically, publicly, acknowledge the brilliant contribution to learning?
To literary empowerment, reading and knowing?
But then, small country mentality dictates that, we keep quiet.
We look around and see, ask. Is he one of us? Do we think on similar lines?
Why complain?
Even religion, which frowns upon excessive praising, encourages
Certain public acknowledgements
In matters of charitable givings
We are told to give in public sometimes, that way, the stingy may be pushed to hand out
The big brothers maintain and ferment the moles in us all
Yet they wish to have it both ways
To cry over intolerance is one thing, however if you are guilty of the crime, then crocodile tears ensues
Getting ahead in time will mean opening up to what is acceptable
The unique cultural, traditional characteristics are means to stand back and view one another as the…
‘OTHER’
Reserved usually for racial stereotyping
How can the big brothers break the parallel course that many are embarking on
Fake smiles and stares
There are eventual reasons for the big brothers to be upstage
And those fears do notch the big brothers into panic modes:
Seeing the worst, hearing the worst, believing in the worst
In essence, a grand lodge of suspicious small country camp fire is lit
Creating creepy loyalties based on feeble imaginations
The bottom of which crumbles like an anthill
It then ends up with the following query:
Why are you complaining?
If you are guilty of the emotion you are complaining of?
What is the point complaining
If your shell is getting harder by the minute
You are engaging in complain-able actions yourself
There are enough demonstration emanating from you that, no one matters
Hence your regard is for you
You might interpret it as a misunderstanding, however keen observers aren't mistaken
The fact is, we are all guilty in maintaining the closed society we found ourselves in
Anyone who wishes to be bold, frank, open and engaging
Seems to be more often than not tagged with reference bordering on
Showmanship and boastfulness—ill comments rain like thunderstorm
--manic phone talks
Dual face back scratching--
What will the big brothers do? Complain or be the change for the small country people.
Symptomatic of small country people
The stiff silence, acknowledging the good of others
Fears borders on the fewer bones to pick
The big brothers are complicit in the spread of negative pulses
Lifting a finger, an ink is impossible, simply
It may incriminate you in later life
For instance, if a man from the small country writes an essay or a book
Should all authors, poets, automatically, publicly, acknowledge the brilliant contribution to learning?
To literary empowerment, reading and knowing?
But then, small country mentality dictates that, we keep quiet.
We look around and see, ask. Is he one of us? Do we think on similar lines?
Why complain?
Even religion, which frowns upon excessive praising, encourages
Certain public acknowledgements
In matters of charitable givings
We are told to give in public sometimes, that way, the stingy may be pushed to hand out
The big brothers maintain and ferment the moles in us all
Yet they wish to have it both ways
To cry over intolerance is one thing, however if you are guilty of the crime, then crocodile tears ensues
Getting ahead in time will mean opening up to what is acceptable
The unique cultural, traditional characteristics are means to stand back and view one another as the…
‘OTHER’
Reserved usually for racial stereotyping
How can the big brothers break the parallel course that many are embarking on
Fake smiles and stares
There are eventual reasons for the big brothers to be upstage
And those fears do notch the big brothers into panic modes:
Seeing the worst, hearing the worst, believing in the worst
In essence, a grand lodge of suspicious small country camp fire is lit
Creating creepy loyalties based on feeble imaginations
The bottom of which crumbles like an anthill
It then ends up with the following query:
Why are you complaining?
If you are guilty of the emotion you are complaining of?
What is the point complaining
If your shell is getting harder by the minute
You are engaging in complain-able actions yourself
There are enough demonstration emanating from you that, no one matters
Hence your regard is for you
You might interpret it as a misunderstanding, however keen observers aren't mistaken
The fact is, we are all guilty in maintaining the closed society we found ourselves in
Anyone who wishes to be bold, frank, open and engaging
Seems to be more often than not tagged with reference bordering on
Showmanship and boastfulness—ill comments rain like thunderstorm
--manic phone talks
Dual face back scratching--
What will the big brothers do? Complain or be the change for the small country people.
Friday, 7 May 2010
The Fula Factor In Gambian Politics
Responding to Bailo query as to my mentioning Hasan Jallow's part in the 1994 coup.
Bailo
It seems that you missed the larger points in my statements. The information I put across is known in some circles, however, I did hasten to say, this doesn't mean Hasan in any way or form took part in the coup or was aware of it.What I express is the fact that, If Mathew can pick and chose who to blame for Gambia's woes, there are also indications that, Fulas he refuse to see in the larger picture are equally to blame for other failures and crimes.
Sir Dawda did indicate in his book that, the Minister who receive him at the airport always debrief him on the state the country is in. Hasan on the other hand did not accompany him to state house let alone told him anything.I am not in anyway retaliating against Mathew. Since your good self have exposed the antiquated political commentator.
I am merely extrapolating situations where people can comment on individual politicians failings without making reference to their ethnicity.In short, the burden of proof lies with Hasan Jallow to clarify what happen the day before the coup. This will help balance the statements in Jawara's book and other quarters. I am sure Hasan is aware of this statements. Remember Hasan was senior officials in PPP and later with AFPRC, his affairs then is of historical importance in our public live matters.
Responding to Mathew Jallow's errors and his statement that, he doesn't know any Fula who has committed crimes or is found wanting in former PPP era.
-Mathew
I have said my quota, however if you are saying No Fula ever held power in the Gambia whose actions impact negatively on Gambians, then you need more research before embarking on sensitive journeys. What about former Attorney general Hasan Jallow, Foriegn Minister Omar Sey, health, Finance Minister MC Cham, Health Minister MC Jallow, Youths and sports Minister Buba Baldeh, Keba Leigh, Yahya Baldeh, Momodou Musa Njie ( A Fulbe Gawlo), Husain Njie , Commissioner Omar Khan whose actions allow more than five men to die in Darsilame village in 1992 when he sent the then disbanded gendarmerie to fight off the land owners unlawfully seized by the Sarahuleh inhabitants to be use as cemetery.
The thugist Basse stationed Gendarmeries beat the hell out old men, some with health conditions without due process. Khan step his foot over the case, when it eventually reach the high court, the cemetery was nearly full.Mathew, we can narrate to you endless such stories, however is there any benefit in doing that and many others? Should the people of Darsilame in Sandou took the crimes of Omar Khan to be a Fula problem?
Mathew, in your honest opinion, are you saying those people named above weren't powerful to influence decisions in favour of people they are allied with? Or are they not Fula enough? Do you know, the 1994 coup happen when Hasan Jallow deputised for Saihou Sabally in receiving former President Jawara from his U.K trip? Hasana Jallow instead of accompanying President Jawara to his state house residence, and debrief him on the state of the country, instead went straight to his house without telling Jawara anything. Saihou Sabally was attending to his brother's funeral at the time. This is why, Jawara was clueless about the coup until he was told the soldier are at Denton Bridge.
I am not saying Hasan Jallow knew about the plan coup, however his departure from protocol was unprecedented. Mathew, you generalise in the ways you put your message across. You mentioned about a certain Mandingo who told, the Gambia belongs to them. Why should you take such irrelevant statement to the general instead of the specific? Your blindness to seeing Fulas in the Gambian discourse says a lot about your agenda.
It will be rather unfortunate for you to alienate keen readers of your materials on flaw propaganda adventures. By all means, continue writing, however remember, we are reading attentively and with our eyes wide open. I thank you for the good things you have highlighted, but am equally appalled by your lack of judgement in matters of ethnicity in Gambian politics.
In the United States, families such the Bush, the Kennedys, in India the Ghandi's, in Pakistan the Bhuttos, in Italy the Balasconis, in England the aristocrats, in Russia the Oligas and many other countries has individuals families whose share of the public cake always far out weigh the rest of the masses. They go to the best universities, get the best jobs, and share power amongst themselves. The historical importance of, "no taxation without representation", the magna carta, the law of the forest and many other unprecedented efforts by the under privilege to level the playing field is continuing. And if you should speak against individuals you feel are usurping or have usurp our national cake unjustly, by all means do so. Do so with reference to their names and the crimes you think they commit.
However, making reference to their tribes will make your message lost in transition.We discuss to find solutions to a common problem, however if your agenda is not to be fair, the discussion becomes futile. Ajaramah Suntou
Bailo
It seems that you missed the larger points in my statements. The information I put across is known in some circles, however, I did hasten to say, this doesn't mean Hasan in any way or form took part in the coup or was aware of it.What I express is the fact that, If Mathew can pick and chose who to blame for Gambia's woes, there are also indications that, Fulas he refuse to see in the larger picture are equally to blame for other failures and crimes.
Sir Dawda did indicate in his book that, the Minister who receive him at the airport always debrief him on the state the country is in. Hasan on the other hand did not accompany him to state house let alone told him anything.I am not in anyway retaliating against Mathew. Since your good self have exposed the antiquated political commentator.
I am merely extrapolating situations where people can comment on individual politicians failings without making reference to their ethnicity.In short, the burden of proof lies with Hasan Jallow to clarify what happen the day before the coup. This will help balance the statements in Jawara's book and other quarters. I am sure Hasan is aware of this statements. Remember Hasan was senior officials in PPP and later with AFPRC, his affairs then is of historical importance in our public live matters.
Responding to Mathew Jallow's errors and his statement that, he doesn't know any Fula who has committed crimes or is found wanting in former PPP era.
-Mathew
I have said my quota, however if you are saying No Fula ever held power in the Gambia whose actions impact negatively on Gambians, then you need more research before embarking on sensitive journeys. What about former Attorney general Hasan Jallow, Foriegn Minister Omar Sey, health, Finance Minister MC Cham, Health Minister MC Jallow, Youths and sports Minister Buba Baldeh, Keba Leigh, Yahya Baldeh, Momodou Musa Njie ( A Fulbe Gawlo), Husain Njie , Commissioner Omar Khan whose actions allow more than five men to die in Darsilame village in 1992 when he sent the then disbanded gendarmerie to fight off the land owners unlawfully seized by the Sarahuleh inhabitants to be use as cemetery.
The thugist Basse stationed Gendarmeries beat the hell out old men, some with health conditions without due process. Khan step his foot over the case, when it eventually reach the high court, the cemetery was nearly full.Mathew, we can narrate to you endless such stories, however is there any benefit in doing that and many others? Should the people of Darsilame in Sandou took the crimes of Omar Khan to be a Fula problem?
Mathew, in your honest opinion, are you saying those people named above weren't powerful to influence decisions in favour of people they are allied with? Or are they not Fula enough? Do you know, the 1994 coup happen when Hasan Jallow deputised for Saihou Sabally in receiving former President Jawara from his U.K trip? Hasana Jallow instead of accompanying President Jawara to his state house residence, and debrief him on the state of the country, instead went straight to his house without telling Jawara anything. Saihou Sabally was attending to his brother's funeral at the time. This is why, Jawara was clueless about the coup until he was told the soldier are at Denton Bridge.
I am not saying Hasan Jallow knew about the plan coup, however his departure from protocol was unprecedented. Mathew, you generalise in the ways you put your message across. You mentioned about a certain Mandingo who told, the Gambia belongs to them. Why should you take such irrelevant statement to the general instead of the specific? Your blindness to seeing Fulas in the Gambian discourse says a lot about your agenda.
It will be rather unfortunate for you to alienate keen readers of your materials on flaw propaganda adventures. By all means, continue writing, however remember, we are reading attentively and with our eyes wide open. I thank you for the good things you have highlighted, but am equally appalled by your lack of judgement in matters of ethnicity in Gambian politics.
In the United States, families such the Bush, the Kennedys, in India the Ghandi's, in Pakistan the Bhuttos, in Italy the Balasconis, in England the aristocrats, in Russia the Oligas and many other countries has individuals families whose share of the public cake always far out weigh the rest of the masses. They go to the best universities, get the best jobs, and share power amongst themselves. The historical importance of, "no taxation without representation", the magna carta, the law of the forest and many other unprecedented efforts by the under privilege to level the playing field is continuing. And if you should speak against individuals you feel are usurping or have usurp our national cake unjustly, by all means do so. Do so with reference to their names and the crimes you think they commit.
However, making reference to their tribes will make your message lost in transition.We discuss to find solutions to a common problem, however if your agenda is not to be fair, the discussion becomes futile. Ajaramah Suntou
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Mathew Jallow adamant on Divisive Strategy
Mathew
Your inability to comprehend the human duplicity is what is causing you be tormented with non-existence issues. Mathew remember, people know you off the pages of TheGambia echo and some of your open and blatant tribalism since as a teacher in Basse. Hence your continuous sickness with tribal writings is nothing new. And by the way, having Mandinka friends is not in any way an indication of one's lack of prejudice. So you can only fool people who lack deeper understanding of such issues.
Address individuals whom you may have concluded were tribalist, that way, you will address issues in there rights context. Why haven't you ever labour to show us Fula tribalist? Are you saying there isn't one in the Gambia?
Mathew, what I am defending and shall continue to defend is the foolish fears you created in your sub-consciousness against the Mandinkas. Yes you do write about Wollof Banjulains, but then again is just the Banjul Wollofs that are guilty of public space tribalism?
Since you have an encyclopedic knowledge of every single Mandinka/Banjul Wollof tribalist, why can't you address those people as individuals instead of generalising a phenomenon Mathew himself is full of?
Just because you fail to highlight Fulas who equally played a key role in the independent struggle to the 30 year PPP rule and the current 16 years APRC rule doesn't mean Fulas aren't equally to blame for the mess the Gambia is in.Mathew, did you remember telling a certain former teacher in St georges' that, "taro, taro Lumba bata mayo" the meaning here is whatever you do, you cannot be a Fula.
You made this statement when the mandinka guy propose to Marry a certain Fula girl. Mathew, I am not defending any tribalist, however, when you labour to generalise, I have no option but to challenge you. Generalisations has led to the second world war and many others wars in Africa.
A scholar of your calibre should do more in addressing the issues at hand, remaining with people whom you think are tribalist and then conclude with them. You will not convince any sound minded Fula about the worthiness of your crusade. Seriously, your bringing Kukois Coup etc only expose your deep seated animosity against the Mandingos. Just because Jawara was Mandingo doesn't at all means he benefited them collectively. And your crimes of generalisation will cause offense not just to Suntou, but to thousands of Mandingos who gain nothing because Jawara was the President.
Finally, Mathew, I careless if you direct your venom's at the people you felt wrong Gambians. Many readers know you are stubborn with your stance, however you will find equal match in some of us. We will not sit by and allow your errors to fill the pages of the Gambia Echo. Your statements on Saihou Mballow is for him to comment on. However, The UDP has open its doors to good men like Mballow, he help the party and been help by the party, moreover as far we know, he is still involve in the party in many others ways. I guess your appealing to Fula pride will cause many more offense to the Fula community. Write, criticise the UDP, or Ousainou, but do so within the realms of Gambian politics. If you believe, you can tribally analyse Gambian politics, then do so honestly. equally include the NRP into your analysis as well, hence any generalisation will be ignored.
"For some reason, Suntou has convinced himself that when I write about tribalism relating to the Mandinkas experience, it is fear. Fear of what, might I ask? Are you kidding me? I am an equal opportunity critic of both the Wollofs and the Mandinkas experiences in our country, especially during those dark Jawara years when the Mandinkas wanted it all, and some orchestrated elaborate schemes to exclude everyone else from our nation’s meager resources. And, you wander why, first, Kukoi Samba Sanyang burst onto the scene, and when that failed, Yahya Jammeh came along. Things don’t happen in a vacuum. True the Wollofs were notorious for treating the Mandinkas as second class citizens; Mandinkas too were later notorious for treating everyone else as foreigners in their country. When I was in college, I had no concept of tribalism, and my best friends were Mandinkas for the most part; Sarjo Sonko from Essau, late Lamin Jobarteh from Kaur Janneh Kunda, and Musa Trawalley from Georgetown. Musa and I were so close, I spend Xmas and Easter holidays with his family in Bakau, and we were always posted to the same schools when we were teaching. Everyone understood how so bound together by friendship we were. By the mid-80s, I was no longer naïve, for I had became aware of the tribally motivated rivalries in the country. And I lost count of how many times I heard Mandinkas saying; Gambia mandinkol la banko leti; and ridiculous and irritating as that sounds, some hold on to that stupid way of thinking" Mathew
The above statement is a clear testimony of your generalisation. Any Mandinka who told you what you said is an individual person, deal with that person individually. If you think your brushing everyone with one brush is correct, then you need help. The rivalries you experience has been experience by Mandingos too, so really you are crying about a natural human problem.
In the U.S that you live in, some people experience one form or other unpalatable prejudices. But if those people start brushing every single white person with racist tag, they will be committing serious errors. Similar thing can be said of our country, we will have some Mandingos, Fulas, Wollofs, Jola, Sarahulehs who will be prejudice base on unnecessary reasons. However, should that worry us if there is fundamental cases of the rule of law and due process? No.
There are racist in America still, but why aren't blacks saying we shouldn't live here? Because, the law protects every single person, even criminals are threated according to law. If the Gambia have such laws, I careless about Mathew Jallow's tribalism or anybody else.
I live next door to racist BNP supporters, it doesn't bother me the least. Mathew, you cannot cure the tribalism in Fulas, so why worry about others? Let us call for good governance and democratic norms.
Responding to Saihou Mballow interventions:
Saihou
Thanks for your wise words. However, I felt Mathew's drunkenness with Mandingos cannot be left alone. This is a dangerous strategy that should be tackled. If he name Burama, Dodou or Junkun as tribalist, then it is up to those people to respond to him. But when he sticks his poisonous knife in the heart of every single Mandingo, we will take him on.Why is the Gambiaecho a melting pot of anti-Mandingo vibes? Why?
Did you ever read Mathew saying anything about Fulas? And why is that? Are Fulas so pure they are above the crimes he is labelling against Mandingoes and Banjul Wollofs.How many up country Wollofs are tribalist, How many Sahahulehs are tribalist and etc? If he thinks he is good enough to attack us, let him do the same for every single tribe of the Gambia. We show in Rwanda how small talks like Mathew’s led to full scale barbaric wars. If he continues attacking Mandingos, God-willing I shall respond to him.
This is the same nonsense some former army officers are doing. Actions of Wollof officers are criticise as bad, complicit etc, the same action by a Mandingo officer, pinn, there tribalist watch eyes are wide open. This is utter nonsense.Let Mathew criticise Ousainou morning, evening and night, let him criticise the UDP, we have no problem with that.
Really, his criticisms are welcome, however should he try to cross the boundary and bring in his reverse psychology problems, we will respond to him. Notwithstanding his generalisations, I consider him a good advocate of democracy, however, if he thinks a Fula should be the next president, he should sell that to Gambians in a positive light. I deal with Mathew privately, however, this is a public live subject, our difference of opinion is on matters of principles only. Suntou
Your inability to comprehend the human duplicity is what is causing you be tormented with non-existence issues. Mathew remember, people know you off the pages of TheGambia echo and some of your open and blatant tribalism since as a teacher in Basse. Hence your continuous sickness with tribal writings is nothing new. And by the way, having Mandinka friends is not in any way an indication of one's lack of prejudice. So you can only fool people who lack deeper understanding of such issues.
Address individuals whom you may have concluded were tribalist, that way, you will address issues in there rights context. Why haven't you ever labour to show us Fula tribalist? Are you saying there isn't one in the Gambia?
Mathew, what I am defending and shall continue to defend is the foolish fears you created in your sub-consciousness against the Mandinkas. Yes you do write about Wollof Banjulains, but then again is just the Banjul Wollofs that are guilty of public space tribalism?
Since you have an encyclopedic knowledge of every single Mandinka/Banjul Wollof tribalist, why can't you address those people as individuals instead of generalising a phenomenon Mathew himself is full of?
Just because you fail to highlight Fulas who equally played a key role in the independent struggle to the 30 year PPP rule and the current 16 years APRC rule doesn't mean Fulas aren't equally to blame for the mess the Gambia is in.Mathew, did you remember telling a certain former teacher in St georges' that, "taro, taro Lumba bata mayo" the meaning here is whatever you do, you cannot be a Fula.
You made this statement when the mandinka guy propose to Marry a certain Fula girl. Mathew, I am not defending any tribalist, however, when you labour to generalise, I have no option but to challenge you. Generalisations has led to the second world war and many others wars in Africa.
A scholar of your calibre should do more in addressing the issues at hand, remaining with people whom you think are tribalist and then conclude with them. You will not convince any sound minded Fula about the worthiness of your crusade. Seriously, your bringing Kukois Coup etc only expose your deep seated animosity against the Mandingos. Just because Jawara was Mandingo doesn't at all means he benefited them collectively. And your crimes of generalisation will cause offense not just to Suntou, but to thousands of Mandingos who gain nothing because Jawara was the President.
Finally, Mathew, I careless if you direct your venom's at the people you felt wrong Gambians. Many readers know you are stubborn with your stance, however you will find equal match in some of us. We will not sit by and allow your errors to fill the pages of the Gambia Echo. Your statements on Saihou Mballow is for him to comment on. However, The UDP has open its doors to good men like Mballow, he help the party and been help by the party, moreover as far we know, he is still involve in the party in many others ways. I guess your appealing to Fula pride will cause many more offense to the Fula community. Write, criticise the UDP, or Ousainou, but do so within the realms of Gambian politics. If you believe, you can tribally analyse Gambian politics, then do so honestly. equally include the NRP into your analysis as well, hence any generalisation will be ignored.
"For some reason, Suntou has convinced himself that when I write about tribalism relating to the Mandinkas experience, it is fear. Fear of what, might I ask? Are you kidding me? I am an equal opportunity critic of both the Wollofs and the Mandinkas experiences in our country, especially during those dark Jawara years when the Mandinkas wanted it all, and some orchestrated elaborate schemes to exclude everyone else from our nation’s meager resources. And, you wander why, first, Kukoi Samba Sanyang burst onto the scene, and when that failed, Yahya Jammeh came along. Things don’t happen in a vacuum. True the Wollofs were notorious for treating the Mandinkas as second class citizens; Mandinkas too were later notorious for treating everyone else as foreigners in their country. When I was in college, I had no concept of tribalism, and my best friends were Mandinkas for the most part; Sarjo Sonko from Essau, late Lamin Jobarteh from Kaur Janneh Kunda, and Musa Trawalley from Georgetown. Musa and I were so close, I spend Xmas and Easter holidays with his family in Bakau, and we were always posted to the same schools when we were teaching. Everyone understood how so bound together by friendship we were. By the mid-80s, I was no longer naïve, for I had became aware of the tribally motivated rivalries in the country. And I lost count of how many times I heard Mandinkas saying; Gambia mandinkol la banko leti; and ridiculous and irritating as that sounds, some hold on to that stupid way of thinking" Mathew
The above statement is a clear testimony of your generalisation. Any Mandinka who told you what you said is an individual person, deal with that person individually. If you think your brushing everyone with one brush is correct, then you need help. The rivalries you experience has been experience by Mandingos too, so really you are crying about a natural human problem.
In the U.S that you live in, some people experience one form or other unpalatable prejudices. But if those people start brushing every single white person with racist tag, they will be committing serious errors. Similar thing can be said of our country, we will have some Mandingos, Fulas, Wollofs, Jola, Sarahulehs who will be prejudice base on unnecessary reasons. However, should that worry us if there is fundamental cases of the rule of law and due process? No.
There are racist in America still, but why aren't blacks saying we shouldn't live here? Because, the law protects every single person, even criminals are threated according to law. If the Gambia have such laws, I careless about Mathew Jallow's tribalism or anybody else.
I live next door to racist BNP supporters, it doesn't bother me the least. Mathew, you cannot cure the tribalism in Fulas, so why worry about others? Let us call for good governance and democratic norms.
Responding to Saihou Mballow interventions:
Saihou
Thanks for your wise words. However, I felt Mathew's drunkenness with Mandingos cannot be left alone. This is a dangerous strategy that should be tackled. If he name Burama, Dodou or Junkun as tribalist, then it is up to those people to respond to him. But when he sticks his poisonous knife in the heart of every single Mandingo, we will take him on.Why is the Gambiaecho a melting pot of anti-Mandingo vibes? Why?
Did you ever read Mathew saying anything about Fulas? And why is that? Are Fulas so pure they are above the crimes he is labelling against Mandingoes and Banjul Wollofs.How many up country Wollofs are tribalist, How many Sahahulehs are tribalist and etc? If he thinks he is good enough to attack us, let him do the same for every single tribe of the Gambia. We show in Rwanda how small talks like Mathew’s led to full scale barbaric wars. If he continues attacking Mandingos, God-willing I shall respond to him.
This is the same nonsense some former army officers are doing. Actions of Wollof officers are criticise as bad, complicit etc, the same action by a Mandingo officer, pinn, there tribalist watch eyes are wide open. This is utter nonsense.Let Mathew criticise Ousainou morning, evening and night, let him criticise the UDP, we have no problem with that.
Really, his criticisms are welcome, however should he try to cross the boundary and bring in his reverse psychology problems, we will respond to him. Notwithstanding his generalisations, I consider him a good advocate of democracy, however, if he thinks a Fula should be the next president, he should sell that to Gambians in a positive light. I deal with Mathew privately, however, this is a public live subject, our difference of opinion is on matters of principles only. Suntou
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
MATHEW JALLOW'S CONSTANT TRIBAL DISCOURSE
http://www.thegambiaecho.com/Homepage/tabid/36/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/1916/Default.aspx
The link above has some of his narratives.
Below is my response:
Brilliant notes Masoud. Perhaps you should do a rejoinder to editor Mathew for the benefits of non-Gambia L members.
As I said before, if Mathew can once and for all deal with his constant tribalo-politico fixation, all his messages will be fine. I believe, he is a great person, however, he has build up an aparent non-existent fear of Mandingos unnecessarily. Should he be able to discuss Gambian politics without the endless Mandingo this, UDP should be inclusive and so on, he can add to the current debate a vital contribution.
UDP has lots of Fulas -Yahya Jallow--- May be Yahya is not Fula enough for Mathew, Femi Peters, May be he is too Aku, Ebou Manneh A Balanta, Nyassi our youth President working with the grassroots etc. And the efforts ongoing including lots of youths in the decision making process will involve all sections of the Gambia. Mathew should do a bit of research on UDP before always lamenting on why they should include Fulas.
Remember Hamat can turn on more voters than some of the guys he mention. Who is more Fula than Hamat and his team? We will even put Mathew in our executive should he wish to join the new efforts. The UDP is open to all Gambians, however no one can force anybody to join politics.
Mathew should know, the bigger problems is far larger than, tribe A or B.
This reminds of me of reading about Charles Taylor's rampant killing of Mandingos in Nimba County and many other areas. His reason was because when he commences his rebellion, Mandingos refuse to join him. His divisive strategy was rejected, Charles Taylor then resort to targeting the Mandingos of Liberia. It was not until the community show that, without collective intervention, Taylor was committing ethnic cleansesen did Alhagie Kroma form his resistance movement countering Taylor back to Monrovia, forcing him to enter peace talks.
http://limany.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77%3Athe-mandingo-factor-in-the-liberian-civil-war&catid=48%
3Acolumn&Itemid=56http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/liberia-1989.htm
A Similar thing occurred in Ivory Coast. When Alasana Watara was denied the right to become President, the open targeting of Mandingos forced the army to split the country into two.
The link above has some of his narratives.
Below is my response:
Brilliant notes Masoud. Perhaps you should do a rejoinder to editor Mathew for the benefits of non-Gambia L members.
As I said before, if Mathew can once and for all deal with his constant tribalo-politico fixation, all his messages will be fine. I believe, he is a great person, however, he has build up an aparent non-existent fear of Mandingos unnecessarily. Should he be able to discuss Gambian politics without the endless Mandingo this, UDP should be inclusive and so on, he can add to the current debate a vital contribution.
UDP has lots of Fulas -Yahya Jallow--- May be Yahya is not Fula enough for Mathew, Femi Peters, May be he is too Aku, Ebou Manneh A Balanta, Nyassi our youth President working with the grassroots etc. And the efforts ongoing including lots of youths in the decision making process will involve all sections of the Gambia. Mathew should do a bit of research on UDP before always lamenting on why they should include Fulas.
Remember Hamat can turn on more voters than some of the guys he mention. Who is more Fula than Hamat and his team? We will even put Mathew in our executive should he wish to join the new efforts. The UDP is open to all Gambians, however no one can force anybody to join politics.
Mathew should know, the bigger problems is far larger than, tribe A or B.
This reminds of me of reading about Charles Taylor's rampant killing of Mandingos in Nimba County and many other areas. His reason was because when he commences his rebellion, Mandingos refuse to join him. His divisive strategy was rejected, Charles Taylor then resort to targeting the Mandingos of Liberia. It was not until the community show that, without collective intervention, Taylor was committing ethnic cleansesen did Alhagie Kroma form his resistance movement countering Taylor back to Monrovia, forcing him to enter peace talks.
http://limany.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77%3Athe-mandingo-factor-in-the-liberian-civil-war&catid=48%
3Acolumn&Itemid=56http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/liberia-1989.htm
A Similar thing occurred in Ivory Coast. When Alasana Watara was denied the right to become President, the open targeting of Mandingos forced the army to split the country into two.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/war/ivory-coast.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ivorian_Civil_War
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/country_profiles/1043014.stm
So the records are there for Mathew to look into should he so wish. Hardly did Mandingos go on open hostility in any region of Africa. The slender population advantage should never cause endless writers to commit cataclysmic errors in probing fears of a peaceful people. And i know similar narratives can be said of many Gambian tribes.
Yes there are words/statements within each tribal groups which does not anchor well with other tribes, however at the bottom of all those statement, there is no ill intentions. If Mathew take a serious look at the assimilation and inter-absorption of people, his fears will quinch themselves. How did we have abundant Tourays, Ceesay, Jannehs and so as hardcore Fanafana Wollofs? How did we have countless Camara as Manjakos or even Jolas proud of their heritage.Hence some of the people Mathew might be counting as Fulas are in fact culturally Wollofs. Which sides should they take?
In fact, it is us so call secular educated folks that ferment subliminal tribalism, not the struggling ordinary people. In they consider such politics, Yahya should never cross a 4% vote margin.
Our faiths taught us to reject factionalism/tribalism, and the leadership of UDP has demonstrated that. Darboe's leadership doesn't mean Mandinkas own the UDP. I doubt if the the man who started the famous drinking parlour in Basse teacher John from Sambang should be branded a tribalist for naming his beer/palm wine den as Sambang.
We can't eliminate the signatures we are born into. No amount of progressive thoughts can take us away from being born into Tribes and cultures which varies to a degree.
Should we fear Essa Bokar Sey for calling himself Masena Toro? Should we fear brothers with open Fulbe Names, Galleh (compound) Gainako (herdsman) Bailo (blacksmith) etc? I believe, the urgency is tackling a manic totalitarian, we shouldn't try to justify or appeal to tribal sentiments. This is not to say, we shouldn't celebrate or conduct our private affairs in Fulbe culture, Manden culture or Wollof/Serere traditions. This is not to say, those who enjoy Jola music or Wollof dance are tribalist, that is what tinge their emotions.
Diversity is a phenomenon no one can eradicate. Yes some will say language is just a medium of communication, however, the reality is that, it is much more than that. If it is simply a medium to communicate, then the adoption of cultures within tribes too shouldn't make sense. But we know this is impossible. Those who have adopted Wollof language, by virtue pick up Wollof culture and verse vice for other language groups.
And another serious area for Mathew to contemplate is that, Folks like me with peculiar Mandingo name were in fact from very mixed background. And this can be said of many people I know right here in this forum. Mathew is under estimating the complex structures we have in the Gambia. To his credit, yes there are those who are very passionate about who they are, Mathew is no exception here. He is a proud Fula, but many don't have any problem with that.
I hope Mathew can write without threading the tribal line always. I for one enjoy reading him, but the dots of inherent fears embedded in him is a disturbing recurrence.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)