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| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Momodou |
Posted - 22 Dec 2022 : 12:27:59
PRESS STATEMENT
STATEMENT ON ALLEGED FOILED COUP PLOT BY SOME SOLDIERS OF THE GAMBIA ARMED FORCES (GAF)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) condemns in the strongest possible terms the reported alleged coup attempt by some soldiers of The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF). Two press releases issued by the Government’s spokesperson on Wednesday 21 December 2022 confirmed the alleged foiled coup attempt and the arrest of some of the personnel implicated in the plot through a ‘swift military operation’ conducted on Tuesday, 20 December 2022. The Statement further confirmed the arrest of four (4) personnel and the pursuit of three (3) others who are at large.
We wish to state that it is illegal under the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia for anyone or group of persons to overthrow or attempt to overthrow through unlawful means a democratically elected Government. Members of the security forces in particular must understand that their main role is to protect lives and property, ensure observance of the law, maintain peace and security, defend the 1997 Constitution, and safeguard the territorial integrity of The Gambia, and certainly not to subvert the will of the people or usurp power unconstitutionally. The way and manner in which a democratically elected Government is to be changed are clearly stipulated in the Constitution.
While we commend the authorities in the way this matter is being handled thus far, we wish to encourage and remind the Government and The Gambia Armed Forces of their duty to observe, respect and protect the fundamental rights of the suspects being arrested in this alleged coup plot as guaranteed under Chapter 4 of the 1997 Constitution, particularly section 24; Articles 7, 9, 10 and 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and Articles 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
While we continue to monitor the arrest and detention of the suspects and the investigations into this matter, the general public and our security personnel are encouraged to desist from conducts and utterances that will undermine peace and security and the existing framework on constitutional governance in The Gambia. In this vein, we encourage the Government to expedite the Security Sector Reform agenda which was commenced as part of the core pillars of The Gambia’s transitional justice framework.
It is only through our collective resolve for rule of law that the ideals of ‘Never Again’ can find much meaning; and individual observance and respect for constitutional procedures and processes that we can have a society anchored on good governance, democratic tenets and values, and due process.
……………………………….
Emmanuel Daniel Joof
Chairperson, NaNational Human Rights Commission, The Gambia |
| 2 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Momodou |
Posted - 23 Dec 2022 : 12:13:13
UDP, NPP, NHRC condemn alleged coup attempt
The Standard: December 23, 2022
https://standard.gm/udp-npp-nhrc-condemn-alleged-coup-attempt/
The opposition United Democratic Party, the ruling National Peoples Party and the National Human Rights Commission have all released statements condemning last Tuesday’s alleged attempted coup.
The UDP statement reads: “The United Democratic Party learns of an attempted coup d’etat in The Gambia with shock and dismay. The UDP strongly condemns without any reservations the attempt to change the government unconstitutionally. The UDP believes in and adheres to the principles of Democracy. Change in government should always be through the ballot of the box. The UDP commends the leadership of the Gambia Armed Forces for acting in a timely fashion to foil the attempted coup d’etat.
The UDP reiterates its total condemnation of any attempt to change the government unconstitutionally.”
The NPP statement reads: “The National People’s Party (NPP) has condemned in the strongest possible term, an attempt by elements of The Gambia Armed Forces to seize power through a military coup.
This condemnable act of attempting to overthrow the democratically elected government of President Adama Barrow was a betrayal of the highest order least expected from any member of the disciplined forces.
Since 2017, the Government of The Gambia has been spiritedly engaged in enriching the country’s nascent democracy accompanied by genuine policies aimed at enhancing national reconciliation, respect for human rights and improving the livelihood of the generality of the population. The democratic governance environment today is a far cry of what used to obtained in The Gambia from 1994 – 2016 when citizens were brutalized with their human rights wcontinually violated characterized by unexplained disappearances, arrest, torture and in some cases, killing of opponents. All these are now a thing of the past instituted by a political leadership that is manifestly tolerant and committed to the development of the country.
Therefore to have a few misguided soldiers with a dogmatic agenda to derail the gains already registered by the government of President Adama Barrow is not only a treacherous act of sabotage but an unacceptable behavior by the architects of this evil plan.
The Gambia’s democracy is flourishing and all hands are needed more than ever before to be on deck to sustain the gains. While NPP most profoundly thank The Gambia Armed Forces for quickly arresting the ring leaders of the attempted coup, it has to be made clear that the good people of The Gambia will continue to defend and nurture their democracy at all cost. This country practices purely competitive democratic governance process. Therefore anyone who wants to be at the helm of power is at liberty to either form his or her own political party or join the existing political parties. The crude attempt to wrestle power from democratically elected governments is no longer fashionable and the perpetrators should know that The Gambian people, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU) and the rest of the international community will stand tall with The Gambia to ensure that democracy prevails in this country.
The NPP therefore calls on all political parties and patriotic Gambians to equally condemn the dastardly and illegal attempt to usurp power.”
The NHRC press release states: “National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) condemns in the strongest possible terms the reported alleged coup attempt by some soldiers of The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF). Two press releases issued by the Government’s spokesperson on Wednesday 21 December 2022 confirmed the alleged foiled coup attempt and the arrest of some of the personnel implicated in the plot through a ‘swift military operation’ conducted on Tuesday, 20 December 2022. The Statement further confirmed the arrest of four (4) personnel and the pursuit of three (3) others who are at large.
We wish to state that it is illegal under the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia for anyone or group of persons to overthrow or attempt to overthrow through unlawful means a democratically elected Government. Members of the security forces in particular must understand that their main role is to protect lives and property, ensure observance of the law, maintain peace and security, defend the 1997 Constitution, and safeguard the territorial integrity of The Gambia, and certainly not to subvert the will of the people or usurp power unconstitutionally. The way and manner in which a democratically elected Government is to be changed are clearly stipulated in the Constitution.
While we commend the authorities in the way this matter is being handled thus far, we wish to encourage and remind the Government and The Gambia Armed Forces of their duty to observe, respect and protect the fundamental rights of the suspects being arrested in this alleged coup plot as guaranteed under Chapter 4 of the 1997 Constitution, particularly section 24; Articles 7, 9, 10 and 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and Articles 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
While we continue to monitor the arrest and detention of the suspects and the investigations into this matter, the general public and our security personnel are encouraged to desist from conducts and utterances that will undermine peace and security and the existing framework on constitutional governance in The Gambia. In this vein, we encourage the Government to expedite the Security Sector Reform agenda which was commenced as part of the core pillars of The Gambia’s transitional justice framework.
It is only through our collective resolve for rule of law that the ideals of ‘Never Again’ can find much meaning; and individual observance and respect for constitutional procedures and processes that we can have a society anchored on good governance, democratic tenets and values, and due process.”
Meanwhile, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD West Africa) also expressed similar concern about the alleged coup plot. “Whilst we recognise that coups are becoming commonplace in West Africa, as more citizens grow disillusioned with the posturing and poor performance of leaders in elected position, the disruption and uncertainty they cause is often detrimental to development,” a statement from the body stated. |
| Momodou |
Posted - 23 Dec 2022 : 09:50:24
4 soldiers arrested in alleged coup plot, 3 on the run
The Standard: December 22, 2022
By Omar Bah
https://standard.gm/4-soldiers-arrested-in-alleged-coup-plot-3-on-the-run/
The government has announced the arrest of four soldiers of the Gambia Armed Forces for allegedly attempting to stage a coup. In a statement yesterday, the Gambia government said: “Based on intelligence reports that some soldiers of the Gambian army were plotting to overthrow the democratically elected Government of President Adama Barrow, the GAF High Command in a swift military operation conducted yesterday (Tuesday), arrested four soldiers linked to this alleged coup plot.”
According to the statement, the apprehended soldiers, Lance Corporal Sanna Fadera from the Gambia Navy as the alleged ringleader of the plot, Couple Mbarra Touray from 1st Infantry Battalion, Yundum Barracks, Couple Ebrahima Sanno from military police who is currently on study leave and Sergeant Gibril Darboe from the Gambia Navy, are currently helping the Military Police with their investigations.
“Meanwhile, the army is in pursuit of three accomplices; Corporal Njie B from the State Guards Battalion; Warrant Officer Class 2 Jadama from The Gambia Navy and one Badjie also from The Gambia Navy. The first names of Jadama and Badjie are yet to be established. Investigations into this matter are continuing and members of the public would be accordingly informed of any developments as the situation unfolds. Citizens, residents and members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps are urged to carry on with their normal activities as the situation is under total control and there is no need to panic,” the government statement added.
Reactions
Reacting to the foiled coup plot, political and human rights activist, Pa Samba Jow, said: “Those celebrating an attempted coup in The Gambia must be losing their minds. The last thing that our country needs is a return to military rule and dictatorship. Barrow is no saint and has betrayed the aspirations of the people, but we will never be able to achieve The Gambia we all aspire for with a military dictatorship. Isn’t it ironic that within a few days of Jammeh boldly claiming that he will be back to rule the country, that a coup attempt is announced? Lest we forget, Jammeh’s rule was one of murder, torture, rape, and other untold atrocities.”
Commenting on the former president’s continued influence in the country’s political discussed, Jow said Jammeh should be arrested and extradited to face justice. “As long as Jammeh continues to freely interfere in our political affairs, he will continue to undermine the stability of our country. Yes, we must pressure Equatorial Guinea to extradite him for trial. Barrow’s political greed is the reason for all this mess. Jammeh’s relevance is due to Barrow’s political naďveté and opportunism. The government cannot continue to accord a criminal like Jammeh the liberty to continue to undermine the stability of our country,” he added. Jammeh, he added, is an instigator of instability, and therefore must be treated as enemy of the country and people.
“He must not be treated as a decent former head of State. President Barrow must wake up from his slumber and lead. This must redirect him to give the people what was promised; a new constitution, justice for the victims, a fight against corruption, and unfettered democracy,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Civil Society has issued a statement condemning the attempted coup.
The statement reads: “It is with deep concern and dismay that we received the news alleging an attempted Coup d’état by some members of the Gambian Armed Forces. The Gambian Civil Society unequivocally condemns this move by our people in uniform and further renounce any form of unconstitutional change of Government. We urge the Gambia Government to uphold and abide by the rule of law and transparency in handling the situation. Citizens demand to be fully informed and on time on the state of affairs.
We wish to categorically state our total repudiation of a military coup which is utterly unjustified, unnecessary, and condemnable. As a country that has suffered 22 years of brutality from a regime that came through the barrel of the gun, claiming to be soldiers with a difference, all Gambians must be alert and stand against any attempt to take us back to being under military rule in this country. Furthermore, a look around the sub-region clearly indicates that military rule once started becomes a never-ending cycle of political disruptions in which the blatant violations of human rights and plunder of public wealth become the order of the day. Military rule is a huge setback on the ability of a society to govern itself hence it must be avoided by all means. We must be resolved as a people ‘NEVER AGAIN’ should we allow ourselves to return to tyrannical leadership.
As civil society, we strongly hold that the governance of the country should only be along the lines of constitutionalism within a democratic dispensation. No amount of disagreement with a sitting government nor the shortcomings of a democratically elected government should warrant any citizen, more so soldiers decide to pick up arms to change the will of the people. The miliary is not a governance body hence it is not their business to intrude into the governance processes and structures of the republic.
To our men and women in the security services, we salute you for your sacrifice and invaluable service to our dear Motherland and urge you to resist all temptations of unconstitutional change of government. We trust that those amongst you with ill motives will be speedily weeded out to protect the integrity of the majority of patriotic service women and men. Hence our call for Security Sector Reform, rings louder today than ever.
In conclusion, we wish to remind His Excellency, President Adama Barrow that he bears primary duty to ensure that democracy, good governance, respect for human rights and the adherence to the rule of law prevail in the country. In this regard we also remind the men and women of the Gambia Armed Forces of their obligation to uphold and defend the Constitution of the Gambia and refrain from any acts contrary to it. Meantime, we ask all citizens to be alert and stand in defense of democracy and the Constitution.” |
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