Our prayers goes to the family and friends of Deyda Hydara who was gun down on the 24December 2004. I was on holiday in the Gambia on that faithful December month. I couldn't believe what i heard on the news. Deyda was a well known personality in the media circles in the Gambia. Whoever killed him, should expect his own punishment. We might escape the law of our lands, but we cannot escape the law of the sustainer of human kind. I pray that, God bless the soul of Deyda and grant him Jannah.
The accusing fingers points to the dictator of Kanilai and his willing Hench men and women. Our message to them is, each blood you spill, your soul shall bear the brunt of the punishment later. You cannot escape the infinite justice of God. The death trap is, as you kill, your soul is wasted forever. You have little hope for salvation. Crimes committed on such abominable proportion demands equal recompense.
Why should people allow themselves to be used by another mortal man? Why should men place themselves at the service of other human being by committing acts which literally destroys ones present and next life?
It is so sad that people are allowing themselves to be bogey men for evil dictators in the capacity of Yahya Jammeh and his ilks.
Down with dictators and murders, down with all those who do the dirty jobs for them.
"There is no obedience to the creation in the disobedience of the creator" prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). All those who abide by unlawful orders in killing fellow Gambians are the lowest of the low. Their lives are not worth living. Be man enough and decline to undertake such commands warranting in taking the life of another human being. What you do today will always live with you.
Rest in peace Hydara
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Sunday, 13 December 2009
Short story Book
The adventure i took a while ago to write short stories has now took off. I am writing slowly since all the stories i intend to cover are true accounts. They are interesting and shall covey serious moral tales. It is difficult to change names, places and events in true tales. But i believe in relaying true account than fiction. People can connect more with reality than made up stories.
Some of the events are difficults to recollect, but some research is done to peice together the major accounts.
Some of the events are difficults to recollect, but some research is done to peice together the major accounts.
Jaliba's interview
I have now completed compiling the Jaliba Kuyateh interview. I will add the piece and the photos in due course.
I hope it helps in increasing readers understanding of Jaliba's brand of Kora Music.
I hope it helps in increasing readers understanding of Jaliba's brand of Kora Music.
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Analysing UDP's leader's U.S interview on GambiaJournal
After opening greetings, lawyer Darboe commences by explaining how he enters politics. Clarifying that subject is curial especially with some opposition members of PDOIS throwing accusation that, other politicians are power hungry and less eloquent. That label interesting fits well with the PDOIS hierarchy rather than the UDP leader.
People approached Ousainou back in 1996 on a return journey from the U.S, a constitution was written and Ousainou was asked to lead the party. Darboe accepted the position at the behest of the brutality and ruthlessness of the junta. After due consultation with close family member, and also after some personal encounter with ordinary Gambians, Darboe took the challenge to lead the biggest opposition party in the Gambia.
Darboe’s firm base is his strong core support of extended and immediate family members. The overwhelming urge to challenge the dictatorship and also to bring back justice to the Gambia. A man born in a family must have their consent before embarking into a career of politics which consumes a good part of one’s family and social life. That decision alone by Darboe entails that, democratic values and credentials are solidly entrench in him at all times. Some will jump at such an opportunity, with or without the consent of the family.
Darboe is a key player in the Gambian legal profession, he use to have a wide cliental. After coming into politics, all major big clients left his chambers and Darboe for the sake sacrificing for the Gambian people, accepted that in good faith.
Now this is also another vital point worth elaborating on. We constantly hear sounds from the camp of PDOIS that, they have sacrificed for the Gambia as if no other person as done any genuine and even more sincere sacrifice. A man who have much to lose by exposing his business empire and one who doesn’t have one in the first place, who is more genuine?
PDOIS members safely employ themselves in the media business (Foroyaa) were all the founding members contribute to the paper. They sell the news paper and generate income from it, yet they play as if they are the poorest of Gambians. This is not to say, some of the international conferences some members attends, earning them cool figures.
Darboe was also honest in acknowledging that, the APRC regime did have a mark on the infrastructural landscape of the Gambia. This is not to say, all those infrastructural visible landmarks are necessary or properly undertaken. Therefore the mere change in some areas of the Gambia infrastructure is not enough determinant as sustainable development.
Darbo was also humble in his regret of having some decisions wrong. Among them is boycotting of the 2001 parliamentary elections.
Suspending the political activity of the UDP whilst the negotiation of NADD was going on was also another area of regrets. The effect was the slowing down of the grassroots activism. The symbolism here is that, if Darboe wasn’t interested in a united opposition alliance, why should he freeze all UDP activities just to give NADD a chance? A chance which was destroys by double standards and pettiness. Yet those same figures that destroy that chance have the audacity to face Gambians and blame the UDP for pulling out of a crafty plot to use UDP base whilst working against its leadership.
On the subject of the NADD break up, “the UDP broke away from NADD the political party not NADD the loose alliance of political party.” Darboe
The key problematic issue was the notion elements within NADD having the thought that apart from them, no other politicians have the ability to bring the rule of law back in the Gambia. And also, the futile thinking that, one has to be an orator or key note speaker to be selected as flag bearer proof that there was no sincere aim on the part some opposition figures for true unity in removing Yahya.
“The NADD constitution was bypass and new rules were written to make the selection process even harder. The UDP will join in party alliance but not in a new political party.” This is the situation when one man thinks and convinces himself that, he is the most educated and competent Gambian there is.
Darboe is prepared to concede the UDP leadership. One has to understand that, Ousainou was approach to lead the opposition party, power hungry is not an issue for him. But this is going to be a UDP internal matter. No concession will be made to other opposition parties without proper democratic exercises.
“The decline in votes for UDP is linked to all other political parties. The voter apathy is a serious problem in the Gambia, also in other parts of the world.” Darboe
Darboe maintain that, “the hope is that, the independent electoral commission will be dignified enough to uphold fairness and just election process in the Gambia. But it is hard to be optimistic about the fairness of the Gambian election process.”
The important issues to be gain from Darboe’s radio interview are that, the accusation from the camp of certain opposition politicians that he is power hungry and wish to be president at all cost is nonsense.
Darboe did not invite the leadership on himself but by the people.
Darboe is today willing to hand over leadership to capable members within the UDP. But the UDP will not be deceived by oratory and double standard self-perfectionist, self-righteous politicians who are not members of the UDP.
The UDP will not be allowed to be use as a springboks for any reason, the party command respect both within and outside the Gambia.
The party leader has suffered grossly by his stands, his supporters have suffered more than many, and some of its members are still missing.
No opposition political party can claim to want a decent and peaceful change in the Gambia than the UDP.
This analysis is an independent work by the UDP United Kingdom branch, Ousainou was not consulted before or after the publication of this material. We believe as Gambians, the right to air our views with an independent mind, without fearing anyone. The UDP UK will also not shield the UDP party from criticism by Gambians, although we may respond to queries and issues raised in media and other publications in a polite and tolerant manner.
Ousainou if given the chance will be a Gambian president, not only a UDP members president, therefore, there is no point protecting our opposition leaders from scrutiny and criticism from the wider Gambian community. We don’t have that right to probe people for their motive of criticising our party.
Thank You
UDP U.K Coordinator (Suntou Touray)
For membership in U.K or more information on the UDP activities email me:
suntou@btinternet.com
People approached Ousainou back in 1996 on a return journey from the U.S, a constitution was written and Ousainou was asked to lead the party. Darboe accepted the position at the behest of the brutality and ruthlessness of the junta. After due consultation with close family member, and also after some personal encounter with ordinary Gambians, Darboe took the challenge to lead the biggest opposition party in the Gambia.
Darboe’s firm base is his strong core support of extended and immediate family members. The overwhelming urge to challenge the dictatorship and also to bring back justice to the Gambia. A man born in a family must have their consent before embarking into a career of politics which consumes a good part of one’s family and social life. That decision alone by Darboe entails that, democratic values and credentials are solidly entrench in him at all times. Some will jump at such an opportunity, with or without the consent of the family.
Darboe is a key player in the Gambian legal profession, he use to have a wide cliental. After coming into politics, all major big clients left his chambers and Darboe for the sake sacrificing for the Gambian people, accepted that in good faith.
Now this is also another vital point worth elaborating on. We constantly hear sounds from the camp of PDOIS that, they have sacrificed for the Gambia as if no other person as done any genuine and even more sincere sacrifice. A man who have much to lose by exposing his business empire and one who doesn’t have one in the first place, who is more genuine?
PDOIS members safely employ themselves in the media business (Foroyaa) were all the founding members contribute to the paper. They sell the news paper and generate income from it, yet they play as if they are the poorest of Gambians. This is not to say, some of the international conferences some members attends, earning them cool figures.
Darboe was also honest in acknowledging that, the APRC regime did have a mark on the infrastructural landscape of the Gambia. This is not to say, all those infrastructural visible landmarks are necessary or properly undertaken. Therefore the mere change in some areas of the Gambia infrastructure is not enough determinant as sustainable development.
Darbo was also humble in his regret of having some decisions wrong. Among them is boycotting of the 2001 parliamentary elections.
Suspending the political activity of the UDP whilst the negotiation of NADD was going on was also another area of regrets. The effect was the slowing down of the grassroots activism. The symbolism here is that, if Darboe wasn’t interested in a united opposition alliance, why should he freeze all UDP activities just to give NADD a chance? A chance which was destroys by double standards and pettiness. Yet those same figures that destroy that chance have the audacity to face Gambians and blame the UDP for pulling out of a crafty plot to use UDP base whilst working against its leadership.
On the subject of the NADD break up, “the UDP broke away from NADD the political party not NADD the loose alliance of political party.” Darboe
The key problematic issue was the notion elements within NADD having the thought that apart from them, no other politicians have the ability to bring the rule of law back in the Gambia. And also, the futile thinking that, one has to be an orator or key note speaker to be selected as flag bearer proof that there was no sincere aim on the part some opposition figures for true unity in removing Yahya.
“The NADD constitution was bypass and new rules were written to make the selection process even harder. The UDP will join in party alliance but not in a new political party.” This is the situation when one man thinks and convinces himself that, he is the most educated and competent Gambian there is.
Darboe is prepared to concede the UDP leadership. One has to understand that, Ousainou was approach to lead the opposition party, power hungry is not an issue for him. But this is going to be a UDP internal matter. No concession will be made to other opposition parties without proper democratic exercises.
“The decline in votes for UDP is linked to all other political parties. The voter apathy is a serious problem in the Gambia, also in other parts of the world.” Darboe
Darboe maintain that, “the hope is that, the independent electoral commission will be dignified enough to uphold fairness and just election process in the Gambia. But it is hard to be optimistic about the fairness of the Gambian election process.”
The important issues to be gain from Darboe’s radio interview are that, the accusation from the camp of certain opposition politicians that he is power hungry and wish to be president at all cost is nonsense.
Darboe did not invite the leadership on himself but by the people.
Darboe is today willing to hand over leadership to capable members within the UDP. But the UDP will not be deceived by oratory and double standard self-perfectionist, self-righteous politicians who are not members of the UDP.
The UDP will not be allowed to be use as a springboks for any reason, the party command respect both within and outside the Gambia.
The party leader has suffered grossly by his stands, his supporters have suffered more than many, and some of its members are still missing.
No opposition political party can claim to want a decent and peaceful change in the Gambia than the UDP.
This analysis is an independent work by the UDP United Kingdom branch, Ousainou was not consulted before or after the publication of this material. We believe as Gambians, the right to air our views with an independent mind, without fearing anyone. The UDP UK will also not shield the UDP party from criticism by Gambians, although we may respond to queries and issues raised in media and other publications in a polite and tolerant manner.
Ousainou if given the chance will be a Gambian president, not only a UDP members president, therefore, there is no point protecting our opposition leaders from scrutiny and criticism from the wider Gambian community. We don’t have that right to probe people for their motive of criticising our party.
Thank You
UDP U.K Coordinator (Suntou Touray)
For membership in U.K or more information on the UDP activities email me:
suntou@btinternet.com
Thursday, 3 December 2009
YAHYA'S NIGHT VISITS TO HIS SENIOR STAFF HOMES
Yahya is sacking and re-employing his generals and other staff for few reasons:
To blame the sackings on others. By alluding that, he was informed by X, Y, Z. So the re-appointed General or civil servant will now pick up a serious emnity with rivals or colleagues.
Yahya is planting suspicion and animosity in work places and the military infractstructure to get his way. By making senior military men/women suspect each other, he is the only winner.
Yahya can now explain to Drammeh that, his sacking was as a result of Mr X saying so and so. Drammeh will then watch such a person with every bone in his body.
The Jolas are as disadvantage as all others. When you listen to the querries from Jolas, there you will see how Yahya is treating them. Many who were supporting Yahya for flimsy allegiance has now packed up long ago, Yahya never wish any Gambian to have a name, fame or wealth beyond him. The cancer and hatred he harbours will destroy all who feel that, we the critic are useless time wasters. As soon as they start to acquire some few bones, Yahya will turn against them as he does with those before them, be it Jola or Fula. There are reliable information pointing Yahya making night visits to residence of his Ministers, just to see what sort place such people have. How sad can he get?
To blame the sackings on others. By alluding that, he was informed by X, Y, Z. So the re-appointed General or civil servant will now pick up a serious emnity with rivals or colleagues.
Yahya is planting suspicion and animosity in work places and the military infractstructure to get his way. By making senior military men/women suspect each other, he is the only winner.
Yahya can now explain to Drammeh that, his sacking was as a result of Mr X saying so and so. Drammeh will then watch such a person with every bone in his body.
The Jolas are as disadvantage as all others. When you listen to the querries from Jolas, there you will see how Yahya is treating them. Many who were supporting Yahya for flimsy allegiance has now packed up long ago, Yahya never wish any Gambian to have a name, fame or wealth beyond him. The cancer and hatred he harbours will destroy all who feel that, we the critic are useless time wasters. As soon as they start to acquire some few bones, Yahya will turn against them as he does with those before them, be it Jola or Fula. There are reliable information pointing Yahya making night visits to residence of his Ministers, just to see what sort place such people have. How sad can he get?
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
THE CONTENDERS' (A PRELUDE)
What do the future kings see?
As in Vadasco’s portrait to the Spanish king
Is this life the end of it all?
God is never dead
Man’s inhumanity and vanity
Is man’s attempt to divert attentions
To the void
Of the blank pages reflecting greed
Cruelty, power and control
Seeking fame and fantasy
Devouring the weak
Inflicting carnival of death
Picnic of fears
It is there then
Man plunge into illuminating the uncertain
Craving superstition and darkness
Atheism and boundless dive into the abyss
Of yes, yes to this world
Speaking flawless
Acting saintly
Alas, the creams fake the vision
Of course, they all intend to be the real contenders
Or shall we say farce pretenders
The Gambia shall watch and make sense of
Hats in our ring!!!!!
It shall all come to pass
In our own grand pendulum’s self-promotion
The truth is not hidden any longer
As in Vadasco’s portrait to the Spanish king
Is this life the end of it all?
God is never dead
Man’s inhumanity and vanity
Is man’s attempt to divert attentions
To the void
Of the blank pages reflecting greed
Cruelty, power and control
Seeking fame and fantasy
Devouring the weak
Inflicting carnival of death
Picnic of fears
It is there then
Man plunge into illuminating the uncertain
Craving superstition and darkness
Atheism and boundless dive into the abyss
Of yes, yes to this world
Speaking flawless
Acting saintly
Alas, the creams fake the vision
Of course, they all intend to be the real contenders
Or shall we say farce pretenders
The Gambia shall watch and make sense of
Hats in our ring!!!!!
It shall all come to pass
In our own grand pendulum’s self-promotion
The truth is not hidden any longer
Monday, 30 November 2009
The Ultimate Sacrifice: Man or Animal
Following on from the footsteps of the father of monotheism, the Prophet Ibrahim (May God be please with him), sacrificing for the sake of God became an Islamic duty. The well narrated incident when God command Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, testing the words of the Prophet to actual deeds. The attempt of Ibrahim to do what his lord commanded, determine to proof his obedience to the only God, the unique.
Ibrahim’s symbolism prevent mankind from adopting the ultimate of sacrifices: the sacrificing of man instead of lower being animals. Man is the highest of all God’s creation, under whose care other living beings are left charge of. Although, believers are commanded to have animals as food (of which are the ones permissible to us), man can domesticate any animal it has access to.
The Abrahmic tradition which is a manifestation of obeying God and tasking oneself to dutifully undertake what a true believer will always do. The prophet Muhammad continued on the Abrahmic tradition of sacrificing for the sake of Allah.
Christians unlike Muslims don’t observe any sacrifice deeming it unnecessary as they are exempted from doing any such act. The Christian reasoning of not doing animal sacrifice which can be eaten is the incidence of much higher spiritual journey.
The Christian God, the begotten son of God, Jesus Christ was sacrificed on the cross. Since Jesus is a perfect man and also of God’s stock, his death on the cross replaces any form of lower being sacrifices. Paul preaches that, Christians are exempted from male circumcision and practising animal sacrifice because Jesus’ death, his blood spilled suffices all future sacrifice for mankind. The only qualifying grounds to benefit from Jesus’ death and his blood is to believe in him as your personal saviour and lord. In short as co-equal with God.
Muslims on the other hand, carry on the sacrifice of edible animals which the Sunnah recommends for us. The act of sacrifice which some modernist Muslims avoid or down play indicates the lack of deeper understanding of the reason why the act is undertaken.
The virtues attached to observing Eidul Adha is of high merit and religiously fundamental. In Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196 God states “if any one wishes to continue the umrah on to the Hajj, he must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, he should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return, making ten days in all.” The sacrifice of animal (hadi) comes after the fifth pillar of Islam is done with. So sacrificing for sake of Allah is not a light matter in Islam as some of us now think.
Allah further states that we should “eat of them and feed the poor and the beggar...” quran (22:36). The verse further bring to sharp focus the importance of understanding that, God does not have any need of the blood or the meat of the animals, but the piety of the worshippers that what he is interested in. This also dismisses the voodoo practise slaughtering animals for idols. The idols are said to be interested in the blood of the carcass.
The event of sacrifice (eidul-Adha) Tobaski in Senegambia is a day of thanks giving, remembrance, forgiving, friends and family reunion and a day of happiness. Therefore attending the eid prayer is a highly recommended act of Sunnah. Any Muslim who willfully abstains from it, should look into him/herself for scrutiny. Also if one attend eid congregational prayer; it becomes obligatory to listen to sermon after the two units of prayers.
The animal can be sacrifice on the day of eid after the prayers not before and also three days after the eid. Eid is a day of remembering the greatness of God. He gave us mankind the ability and the right to eat of lawful animals; therefore he should be thank for giving us that privilege. We shouldn’t engage in acts of disobedience on the day of eid like it is in some places.
Man or Animal:
Since man is the higher being in the animal kingdom. The Christians rely on the death of the sinless man, whilst in primitive cultures human sacrifice is utilise for very important rituals. Although the distinction between the Christian abstinence from animal sacrifice was a one-off bloodletting of the Son of God, which fulfill the rites to all Christians in all generation. In comparison, that singular event doesn’t eliminate the similitude with ancient human sacrifices.
God on the other hand, don’t accept the life of man to be a sacrificial ornament, we as Muslims don’t condone that. Sacrificing one’s life for the good of others can be in other avenues, i.e. defending ones country, family, own life etc but not as similar with taking the lamb to the slaughter. This is why suicide is grossly forbidden in Islam.
Animal sacrifice has much more benefit and reward. The meat is eaten, we have less ties with animals than human and the atmosphere will be jolly not sad.
Also we as Muslims don’t believe that, God sacrifice his own Son for the sin of others to come. Sin even lay people like myself can tell is ever increasing, therefore God sacrificing his only Son for us make little sense.
The virtues of eidul Adha is also enhancing an Islamic identity and also acting as a corner stone of Muslim unity. A departure from pagan festivals during the early days of the Islamic religion. Increase brotherhood among Muslims by sharing the meat; greet each other and gaining reward. A further test as to whether men of religion will use their wealth in acts of worship. Spending on the family, friends, the poor, the love of material versus the love of God.
May God accept our efforts and forgive us the sins committed. Amen.
Happy Eidul Adha in advance.
Wasalam.
Ibrahim’s symbolism prevent mankind from adopting the ultimate of sacrifices: the sacrificing of man instead of lower being animals. Man is the highest of all God’s creation, under whose care other living beings are left charge of. Although, believers are commanded to have animals as food (of which are the ones permissible to us), man can domesticate any animal it has access to.
The Abrahmic tradition which is a manifestation of obeying God and tasking oneself to dutifully undertake what a true believer will always do. The prophet Muhammad continued on the Abrahmic tradition of sacrificing for the sake of Allah.
Christians unlike Muslims don’t observe any sacrifice deeming it unnecessary as they are exempted from doing any such act. The Christian reasoning of not doing animal sacrifice which can be eaten is the incidence of much higher spiritual journey.
The Christian God, the begotten son of God, Jesus Christ was sacrificed on the cross. Since Jesus is a perfect man and also of God’s stock, his death on the cross replaces any form of lower being sacrifices. Paul preaches that, Christians are exempted from male circumcision and practising animal sacrifice because Jesus’ death, his blood spilled suffices all future sacrifice for mankind. The only qualifying grounds to benefit from Jesus’ death and his blood is to believe in him as your personal saviour and lord. In short as co-equal with God.
Muslims on the other hand, carry on the sacrifice of edible animals which the Sunnah recommends for us. The act of sacrifice which some modernist Muslims avoid or down play indicates the lack of deeper understanding of the reason why the act is undertaken.
The virtues attached to observing Eidul Adha is of high merit and religiously fundamental. In Surah Al-Baqarah 2:196 God states “if any one wishes to continue the umrah on to the Hajj, he must make an offering, such as he can afford, but if he cannot afford it, he should fast three days during the Hajj and seven days on his return, making ten days in all.” The sacrifice of animal (hadi) comes after the fifth pillar of Islam is done with. So sacrificing for sake of Allah is not a light matter in Islam as some of us now think.
Allah further states that we should “eat of them and feed the poor and the beggar...” quran (22:36). The verse further bring to sharp focus the importance of understanding that, God does not have any need of the blood or the meat of the animals, but the piety of the worshippers that what he is interested in. This also dismisses the voodoo practise slaughtering animals for idols. The idols are said to be interested in the blood of the carcass.
The event of sacrifice (eidul-Adha) Tobaski in Senegambia is a day of thanks giving, remembrance, forgiving, friends and family reunion and a day of happiness. Therefore attending the eid prayer is a highly recommended act of Sunnah. Any Muslim who willfully abstains from it, should look into him/herself for scrutiny. Also if one attend eid congregational prayer; it becomes obligatory to listen to sermon after the two units of prayers.
The animal can be sacrifice on the day of eid after the prayers not before and also three days after the eid. Eid is a day of remembering the greatness of God. He gave us mankind the ability and the right to eat of lawful animals; therefore he should be thank for giving us that privilege. We shouldn’t engage in acts of disobedience on the day of eid like it is in some places.
Man or Animal:
Since man is the higher being in the animal kingdom. The Christians rely on the death of the sinless man, whilst in primitive cultures human sacrifice is utilise for very important rituals. Although the distinction between the Christian abstinence from animal sacrifice was a one-off bloodletting of the Son of God, which fulfill the rites to all Christians in all generation. In comparison, that singular event doesn’t eliminate the similitude with ancient human sacrifices.
God on the other hand, don’t accept the life of man to be a sacrificial ornament, we as Muslims don’t condone that. Sacrificing one’s life for the good of others can be in other avenues, i.e. defending ones country, family, own life etc but not as similar with taking the lamb to the slaughter. This is why suicide is grossly forbidden in Islam.
Animal sacrifice has much more benefit and reward. The meat is eaten, we have less ties with animals than human and the atmosphere will be jolly not sad.
Also we as Muslims don’t believe that, God sacrifice his own Son for the sin of others to come. Sin even lay people like myself can tell is ever increasing, therefore God sacrificing his only Son for us make little sense.
The virtues of eidul Adha is also enhancing an Islamic identity and also acting as a corner stone of Muslim unity. A departure from pagan festivals during the early days of the Islamic religion. Increase brotherhood among Muslims by sharing the meat; greet each other and gaining reward. A further test as to whether men of religion will use their wealth in acts of worship. Spending on the family, friends, the poor, the love of material versus the love of God.
May God accept our efforts and forgive us the sins committed. Amen.
Happy Eidul Adha in advance.
Wasalam.
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