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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
 Posted - 25 Jul 2007 : 22:27:44
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Coutesy of Foroyaa..
INTERVIEW WITH EX-PRESIDENT JAWARA
We publish below a BBC Focus on Africa interview with Ex-President Jawara, who was overthrown by President Jammeh in a coup d’etat in 1994. The interviewer was, Umaru Fofana, and it was broadcast on 18 July.
BBC: Thank you very much for agreeing to talk to me. Thirteen years ago you were ousted. Thirteen years on, what’s your reflection on that day?
Jawara: That’s an event I’m sure has been very common. Since 1960 there have been coups, after coups, and various countries started- Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone. And here too it happened. It’s just one of those things.
BBC: And have you come to terms with it.
Jawara: Definitely, Oh yes! I came to terms with it as it happened. I took it in my stride.
BBC: You are back home which is rather a very rare happening in our continent for ousted leaders to be allowed to return home under the regime that ousted them. How does that make you feel?
Jawara: It makes me feel proud of The Gambia. This is typical of The Gambia. You know the coup has taken place as it has happened in many other parts of the world, particularly in our sub region here. And that does not mean that the relationship should be bad between people. There has to be reconciliation as time goes on. And in this case there has been reconciliation after a while. The atmosphere was created which enabled me to come home in dignity and respect and to live harmoniously among my community.
BBC: Are you in regular contact or regular terms with President Yahya Jammeh who incidentally overthrew you?
Jawara: Yes, we are in very good terms, yes we are. That’s how I was able to come home and settle here peacefully and live as a free citizen, living among my family and the people of The Gambia.
BBC: Does he come to visit you; do you go to visit him? Does he call you always on the phone?
Jawara: (laughing) There is no need to go into minute details. The relationship is good. I think that is sufficient.
BBC: Thirteen years on how far do you think the country had come? How far have things moved to make life better for the ordinary Gambian?
Jawara: Well, I’m not an expert to make such an assessment. I think that is a function of people like you (laughs), the reporters, the journalists and so on, particularly representing the BBC. I think that function is really for you and your reporters to assess. You’ve been here. I’m sure you’ve been able to form an opinion on the state of affairs and report it and I can assure you that if I know when you are going to report this on the BBC I’ll be one of your ardent listeners.
BBC: Sir Dawda Jawara, thank you very much for your time.
Jawara: Thank you very much. It has been a pleasure to meet you and to receive you here in The Gambia.
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Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2007 : 22:36:01
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This is the question that puzzles me ....
BBC: Thirteen years on how far do you think the country had come? How far have things moved to make life better for the ordinary Gambian?
Jawara: Well, I’m not an expert to make such an assessment. I think that is a function of people like you (laughs), the reporters, the journalists and so on, particularly representing the BBC. I think that function is really for you and your reporters to assess. You’ve been here. I’m sure you’ve been able to form an opinion on the state of affairs and report it and I can assure you that if I know when you are going to report this on the BBC I’ll be one of your ardent listeners.
The Ex. President cannot even assess the visible state of affairs of his people? He dear not comment even on the positives that he sees much more the negatives?
No wonder he sat in the State House for 30 years without knowing what condition his people and country were in. This is the worst possible dishonesty and cowardice I have ever read in the history of an ex. leader. OH Gambia... how in the world could such a person become a leader of a nation? No wonder Jammeh does what he is doing since this was the kind of standard and expectations set for him. Cheeh Fitnah.. the lord save our nation....
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Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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bread man
300 Posts |
Posted - 25 Jul 2007 : 22:39:04
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| Nice interview with a lot of niceties and diplomatic answers by Paabi, however he could dwelled a little bit on the things he should have done instead of hiding behind not being an expert in assessing Gambia´s situation. |
It is the mark of intelligence to entertain an idea without accepting it. |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 00:00:19
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You have to understand that as part of his TOR in coming home, he had to agree to some conditions. It looks like one of the clauses is: See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil.
He is between the devil and deep blue sea. If he said that things were very fine for the last 13 years, then he will effectively seal the end of his party(PPP) and will also raise more moral issues like human rights etc which are yet to be finalized. If on the other hand he said the country has gone backwards, then he would have over stayed his invitation. Either way, the man is in soup.
To say he took the coup in his stride is to hide his feelings. Deep down in him, i am sure his blood pressure had risen anytime the Army Band beat the tunes of D.K. SABARI, Foday Kaaba and Mama Tamba; which for 30 years, he had learnt to walk majestically down the red carpet. |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 01:07:32
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Kondorong,
By him not making mention of a word about what is before the whole wide world, that is itself a huge volume of tacid (unspoken) knowledge. The old man keeping a tight lip over what is best known to all, is a subject of proper reflection. You have it right by pointing to his TOR. There is no doubt some conditions would have been spelt out. The last thing anyone will hear Jawara utter is to openly speak his mind during an interview for public consumption. Speech and communication experts will surely pick the grain from the chaff. Communication is a complex process. |
Karamba |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 01:17:04
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| You are right Karamba. I think he should stop giving interviews because he cannot sincerely speak his mind and leaves more questions than answers. |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 01:32:30
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quote:
[i]Originally posted by kondorong
You have to understand that as part of his TOR in coming home, he had to agree to some conditions. It looks like one of the clauses is: See no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil.
Kon, this is pathetic to say the least. So he dear not speak the truth, even when calling himself a true believer and a man who represented an entire nation for so long.
No body is saying he should say negative things about Yahya and his isolated few, but at the very least talk on neutrality and and try to unite the people. Encourage the young and the vulnerable to dedicate themselves to life. Call on all Gambians to forgive and forget come together and work for a better Gambia. Is there anything negative or implicative on these statements?
Come on there is just so low you can go before you depart this world. This man forever will be accountable to his leadership of the Gambian people. He has an obligation to be true to himself and to thousands who still see him as a demi God. Where is that trust that still lingers in some of our parents.
Two things, He either should speak the truth or disappear forever in the public arena especially in politics. Remember also this is the man many of us and our young school children are still taught about. It is barely 13 years since he left office. Where is his historic significants to our nation?
Tell me Kon as a respectable history student how would you present the history of Sir Dawda to future generations without this urgly betrayal of the people? Wow am just astonished. |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 01:46:04
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Well Baldeh you summed it all. As my second postinmg indicated, he should just stop giving interviews if he cannot speak his mind.
As to how history will judge him, i think that is being written every day and history will deliver judgement when he ceases to exist. For now, he is still part of the present. Jawara's legacy will be controversial one depending on which side one's bread is buttered.(lol) |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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dbaldeh
USA
934 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 09:34:15
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quote:
Originally posted by kondorong
Well Baldeh you summed it all. As my second postinmg indicated, he should just stop giving interviews if he cannot speak his mind.
As to how history will judge him, i think that is being written every day and history will deliver judgement when he ceases to exist. For now, he is still part of the present. Jawara's legacy will be controversial one depending on which side one's bread is buttered.(lol)
Kon, we definitely agree on this man. Some people die spiritually and socially before their physical mortality is even announce. What sir Dawda have to go through are his own seeds that he shawed when he failed his God given mandate to lead with honesty and integrity. This is the only man I talk about and become really angry and unforgiven. |
Baldeh,
"Be the change you want to see in the world" Ghandi
Visit http://www.gainako.com for your daily news and politics |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 17:24:31
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BBC: Thirteen years on how far do you think the country had come? How far have things moved to make life better for the ordinary Gambian?
Jawara: Well, I’m not an expert to make such an assessment. I think that is a function of people like you (laughs), the reporters, the journalists and so on, particularly representing the BBC. I think that function is really for you and your reporters to assess. You’ve been here. I’m sure you’ve been able to form an opinion on the state of affairs[/b] and report it and [b]I can assure you that if I know when you are going to report this on the BBC I’ll be one of your ardent listeners.
Fellow countrymen/women,
Those of you who were not happy with Pa's response should try and re-read it word by word.Old Pa had ofcause answered the journalist very well.These are interlectual answers not simple statement answers.Imagine what would have happened if He had just shouted "oh its terrible people die being turtured,people disappear while in custody,I want a daily march for people to protest against the dictatorship ect ect.Would He have not been seven feet deep by now?
When that happens what can we do?Only write or would we all go back home then to oust Jammeh finally?Would He then be a hero for speaking out against the one who has power to turture,kill or luck you up for years without trial and no one can do anything about it?
My friends a toad does not jump out at daylight for nothing and when you see a hen following water carriers, it has missed the way to the dump where it can find a lot of coose, millet rice ect ect.The Old Pa is known forthis kind of interlectual languages since when he was President. For records,just try and read "The Banjul Decleration 1970".Sir was never a boaster and this is a fact.So lets give the devil its due.
God bless The Gambia and her people
Janyanfara.x |
Edited by - Janyanfara on 26 Jul 2007 17:29:29 |
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Karamba
United Kingdom
3820 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 17:32:05
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Janyanfara,
That is my perception when I considered that his response was full of (unspoken) knowledge. In a sense, he said it all. Finally, he added, if the BBC reporter saw anything worth reporting he (Jawara) will be the first to tune to the report when aired. Comnunication, is certainly a critical process. To an extent, not responding is considered a response by some regards. |
Karamba |
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Santanfara
3460 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 19:13:40
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| karamba , the state of the former president is a sad situation. he is living on a conditional order. leave politics out and you are ok .i feel sorry for him .a career politicians who cannot even speak his mind is a living dead soul .janyanfara ,i can see the angle you are coming from ,i guess we need him to be a bit bold , a bit clear ,but as you said if he is to speak his mind ,he may be made into plazas . |
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
www.suntoumana.blogspot.com |
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Sanusi
70 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 19:18:01
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Sir Dawda's interview does expose a lot about his current state of mind. How can someone be proud of coming back to the Gambia when his staunch allies are still unable to do so for fear of persecution.
If Sir Dawda is in regular contact with President Jammeh, what has he done in making sure the APRC upholds human rights and democracy. |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 19:48:04
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| Lets all pray that we do not wake up on the wrong side of history. |
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” |
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MADIBA
United Kingdom
1275 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 21:24:44
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Guys dnt be too harsh wit the oldman. He has erred many times in the past (hasty senegambia confederation,support of polisario front etc) so he's being cautious least he SUKURRS DOMODA-GI. On a more serious note i think he did fairly well by asking the journalist to assess the situation and he booked a place amongst the would-be listeners."I think that is a function of people like you (laughs), the reporters, the journalists and so on, particularly representing the BBC. I think that function is really for you and your reporters to assess. You’ve been here. I’m sure you’ve been able to form an opinion on the state of affairs and report it and I can assure you that if I know when you are going to report this on the BBC I’ll be one of your ardent listeners"
He could have definitely asked Jammeh to allow his former allies to come home in dignity IF THEY ARE WILLING TO. Since his rapport with his 'tombeur'(ouster) as the French would have put it is cool. The Pa is a toothless Bulldog even in exile he wasn't vibrant enough. Lets forgive him. Lets allow him to enjoy his retirement in peace without further embarassment.
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madiss |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 26 Jul 2007 : 23:54:37
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Hey I am not an arch Jawaraite but to be honest the man is great.Not to go into details Gambians of yesterday who are living witnesses of today can vouch my statement.
I asked people not to blame Jammeh and many then were angry with me some even accusing me of being a state agent.My fellow countrymen/women, anything Jammeh does today,people jubulate and praise him for it regardlessGambia today has only one person in it the whole country YAHYA ABDUL AZIS JEMUS JUNKUNG JAMMEH Imagine the whole Gambia no one is bold to speak least you know where you will go to.Yet people want Jawara to be bold.Do you people want the old man's head in a plastic bag?Come-on don't start.
Gambia today,once your brother or sister does not disappear, you are fine.No one seems to care.Jammeh is one and all the things we talk about day and night are done by people who are Gambians.Lets wait until the day comes when the witches will start naming each other.Whether am alife then to witness it or not,that day will be a very sad day for our country.Many tears will be shed on that day.Those with long life will remember my words. |
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