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Momodou
Denmark
11634 Posts |
 Posted - 10 Mar 2006 : 17:09:10
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NADD IS NOT PETTY
Halifa Sallah, the flag bearer of the National Alliance for Democracy and Development, has told journalists that NADD cannot be classified as petty or unserious. Mr. Sallah made this statement at a press conference organised by NADD at its headquarters in Tallinding.
“We engaged in a preventive strategy that we will not be dragged into confrontation. But we will rely on the integrity of NADD to call on all human beings who love justice, who want peace for this country, nationally and internationally to come to the aid of the Gambia. All of you have ultimately seen President Obasanjo coming in to the Gambia. He didn’t come for any other purpose. He didn’t come for a state visit. He came purely to engage in the preventive strategy of ensuring that The Gambia does not move into confrontation. He met NADD for three hours and all the five parties were represented by NADD. The message we gave him must have been a mature message. He heeded the message and decided to continue with his negotiation. .He spoke to the President. The message must have been mature for the President of the Republic to enter into negotiation with the opposition. The following day, for almost five hours, the ruling party and the opposition headed by its vice President, and ultimately the President, appeared. We engaged in dialogue, in exchanges. It must have been mature for a head of state to sit there listening to the opposition and the Government for five hours and ultimately sign a memorandum of understanding before a whole nation, which was then broadcast in all the languages. I do not think NADD could be classified as a group who are unserious. NADD cannot be classified as petty; the respect NADD had is the same respect NADD has today. It is respected nationally and internationally. From the negotiations between the ruling party and NADD, we are sure that those who came to talk to us have left highly inspired that they have left in the Gambia a mature group of people who wished to be an alternative, not for the sake of being an alternative, but to build genuine Democracy and Development in the Country. Many, many times in the process, I came to give advice that if we could not unite to be NADD, it was best to separate and we would go and seek the mandate of the people. Two months before election, then we decide to come together. But the NADD ideal was captivation.
It was accepted by the Gambian people. All of us continued to be there because that is the aspiration of the Gambian people. Nobody was deceived into this. At given stages, certain parties wanted to go it alone.
Deadlines were set. Ultimately all of us accepted the deadlines to consolidate NADD. Every agreement was based on the principle of unanimity, not a dissenting voice. There were disagreements, but decisions were based on unanimity, not even simple majority. This is unique in every respect and it has been my doubt how we will ever achieve unanimity in selecting a flag bearer, but then the dust settled when a committee met, irrespective of their party commitments. They came with unanimous vote. This reflects sincerity. There could not be distrust under such circumstances. Everyone has a right to seek the mandate of the people. Every person has a right to be President if the people will it. No one can claim ownership of that position. They can contest but what is noble is that the NADD objective remains in our view. A new Gambia is in view. A new Africa is building the type of democracy that we collectively created and own. We will be an example to other Countries in Africa. Our mission is clear. Within few days, the executive will meet to look at all aspects of our campaign. We will need campaign strategies and issues. We will need structures and resources. We will elaborate on all these concretely. We are calling on every Gambian to be ready to contribute mental energy, physical energy and as well as resources to our collective enterprise.” Landing Jallow Sonko, an Executive Member of NADD, said “There was an important occasion here which was witnessed by an eminent African in the person of Obasanjo. I was not fortunate to attend that gathering. I was out of town. The point I want to put across is that, at that particular meeting, all the five parties agreed that they will sign under the name of NADD, (PPP, UDP, NRP, NDAM and PDOIS). NADD signed on behalf of all of them. We all agreed that front. I want to confirm that NADD came as a result of the creation of the five parties putting their efforts and resources together. There was no cause for anybody to withdraw. Without NADD, there is no window of opportunity for anybody to oust Yaya Jammeh.”
Amie Sillah, an Executive Member of NADD also made a brilliant expose at the press conference.
Amie said, “NADD is an alternative. It came to bring about gender equality, social inclusion, social justice and a better Gambia. We are calling on our colleagues to come back. It is through coming together that we can make a change. United we stand and divided we fall. Gambia is ‘one boat’ and we don’t want our ‘boat’ to sink. We don’t want our Country to cry. It is the Smiling Coast. As women, as mothers, as wives, we want it to smile forever and that can only happen under NADD.”
Ya Fatou Sonko, another Executive Member remarked, “they have to come and join NADD. I am referring to the women in the NRP, UDP and APRC. NADD is the only party that can do something for the women.”
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 18/2006, 9-12 March 2006
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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blackerberry2004
69 Posts |
Posted - 10 Mar 2006 : 20:49:26
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| Yes, It is time for Darboe and Co. to come back to NADD otherwise Jammeh will be president for life. After this election, people will show apathy. Yes, as I have been saying and confirmed here by the NADD executives, Darboe has absolutely no reason to resign. |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 10 Mar 2006 : 21:26:02
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Did you guys watch a television series in the UK called President for Life which was based on the life of a deposed African military dictator presumably set in Nigeria. One of the characters Solomon who was the ADC to the deposed president, gave one of his skills on a resume as being able to drive and fire an armored tank on a group of unarmed student demonstrators with no difficulty. Come 2006, we will have another Bukassa. PRESIDENT FOR LIFE.
It is not late for the opposition. SWALLOW YOUR PRIDES BECAUSE GAMBIA IS LARGER THAN ANYONE THEM. |
“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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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2006 : 01:11:35
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Thank you all,
Even if Jelanka wins,he will only be happy when he restures democracy and Human rights back.When he came,He came with the slogan "Power to the people"I doubt where that slogan goes?The NIA or Green boys? |
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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2006 : 01:54:58
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Today the greatest threat to Junkung is ACCOUNTABILITY, PROBITY AND TRANSPARENCY THE SLOGAN OF THE AFPRC.
Today these words are taboos. Power corrupts but absolute power corrupts absolutely. |
“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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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2006 : 21:33:35
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Have you forgotten the slogan,
"Power to the people..... the durumos had taken all our national state coffers.
Now it will be accountability,transparency, probity and good governance..... does he mean that anyone against his undemocratic and dictatorial leadership will be brutalised by the notorious GREEN BOYS or the dark glassed toturing happy NIAs...thats the accountability... and the transparency is if you don't supporthis government as a civil servant,you get fired even if you are the best servant of the Nation....good governance is burrying people ten feet deep.
I hope a NADD led government will not be like that.I wish the Gambian people will have a change of heart and think of their own situation and make a change for the better.If NADD also fails them, it will be only for five years and they too can be thrown out for another government.If we continue like that governments will eventually realise that power really belongs to the people.But the IDEA OF MANSA,BUR,LAAMU ect is a big problem.It has blinded the people to know the real power belongs to them.
peace
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Edited by - Janyanfara on 17 Mar 2006 21:39:09 |
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Biraago
Gambia
173 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2006 : 23:12:13
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Janyanfara, You kill people with laughter. Your points are won´derfully coiled.
I'll just tell you to be more vigilant because it seems that one dragon has swallowed most of the durumo and all the new ones are struggling to get a part of the bouty.
It seems that our friends from Jamfa-Kunda also are fighting their way to be considered for the rest of the maanoo meng keremuta because for the moment that is all left.
I think together with NADD, we'll have to go back to farooto and grow new rice for the future.
Our new durumoo said: Ali maa long koo n'toolu nyaamenta, adung n'tool le siyaata opposition patiwool bee ti. |
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Janyanfara
Tanzania
1350 Posts |
Posted - 17 Mar 2006 : 23:30:59
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Waau,
"FOR E MALUNG MANDINKOO MANG SOTO" Even "SAMAA" You mandinkas called THE RAINING SEASON, is from Arabic "WA MA FI SAMAWATI WA MA FI L ARDIE"
Jelanka who in 1995 february said at a meeting in Farrafenni that HIS ANCESTORS are from Illiasa..MAMA TAMBA family now says there is no mandinka.
I sometimes think he creates jokes he borrowed from his then chief Sir dawda., who used to say about Assan musa "Somebody who doesn't even have a chicken house in his own home village cannot lead a nation.And about Sheriff.." You tell an Elder push a bit so that I sit but not totally get up"
We just hope NADD will not also turn against us when we entrust them our hopes bu voting them into power.As 4 the break away faction,well I hope they will realise this was the very NADD they were saying will lead the nation out of the dictators grip.so if they break away,well what else can they tell me and I belief?Unless am so stupid and deaf. |
Edited by - Janyanfara on 17 Mar 2006 23:34:39 |
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Biraago
Gambia
173 Posts |
Posted - 18 Mar 2006 : 01:42:04
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We are lucky that we ourselves are NADD and not any one else.
But hink if Halifa was to be like the Jilankas and Jamfaa kunda koo then we have a good method of deeling with him.
You knoe Jilanka teesed him about his "afro". We shall just tie his afro in some tree untill he appologise to us.
But unfortunately, he is an honourable man who would rather die than betraying us. This I can swear on.
But just be ready with a big comb, should in case. Laugh!!! |
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Bronx
USA
159 Posts |
Posted - 18 Mar 2006 : 06:40:22
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Come on folks. Lets get serious here. The way things stand today, there is no way NADD is going to win in October. We need to think of ways to reconcile the opposition and stop the unneccessary castigation ala Biragoo. Calling some one "Janfa" for leaving an association is the antithese of building a democracy. If you believe in individual liberty, you will defend peoples right to associate and disassociate even when you don't agree with their decision.
If you guys believe NADD can pull this off, why are so hung up on the withdrawal of UDP/NRP? The truth of the matter is, defeating Yaya ain't happening with a splintered opposition. The faster we stop bad mouthing other opposition figures and start working on an alliance the better for us. |
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Biraago
Gambia
173 Posts |
Posted - 18 Mar 2006 : 13:24:46
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In the 1950s and 60s, the progressives Pan - African movement realised the the people who were hampering their progress most were not the colonial masters but their stooges within the movement and who were they, Senghore, Houphet Boigny among others.
Who are those that betrayed and staged a coup against Nkrumah? Fellow Ghanians.
Who killed Sankara? is childhood friend.
Who betrayed Cabral? Fellow Guinea Bissau comrades.
And the list goes on. So fellow Gambians, when shall we learn from our recent history and stop being naďve, to put it mildly and to be hypocrites.
Who betrayed the Vietnamese in their struggle for liberation? Fellow vietnamese sided with USA, What happened in Korea and China, Chile, Nicaragua, El Salvador? Please, it is a democratic right for anyone to join the banwagon of traitors to he Gambian struggle for liberation as it is our unforsaken right to defend justice and expose the traitors.
When you agree with a companion to salvage a sinking ship and then withdraw your cooperation because you were not made the captain at the critical momemt what shall we say to you?
And to put it another way. You think that you are the rightful captain of a sinking ship and you jump ship before the passengers, what shall the passengers say. What does the Law say about your conduct? In international law, in are prosecuted and sent to jail.
We must stop the hypocrysy. Those who are willing to forge honest alliances with fellow Gambians and relegate their personal intrest to a secondary position shall never give a dictator the chance of winning.
Moreover, it is not the NADD or UDP/NRP elit that are going to rescue Gambians but Gambians themselves.
The Banjulians voted for an independent candidate when the UDP boycotted the Mayorial elections in 2002.
Waa Juwara was rejected by the PPP and was accepted by the people of Niamina.
We can't just say everyone calling themselves opposition are for the people's intrest. You remember Angola with Sazimbi, South Africa with Botelezi, the Contras of Nicaragua, Mozambque and other countries.
The degrees of intrest and ideological orientation may be different but the actions are the same. A betrayal of the people's cause can only be called such.
We must arrest the idea of this person speak the same language like me or he seems to be a nice man or he says very good things or he is a good friend of my friend or any other excuses.
What people supporting NADD are following is a minimum program of cooperation to change a country as a first stage of transformation and not a particular party, intrest group or individual.
My friend, please make a check up list and go through it before attacking anyone.
You have the right to help the cuse of reaction as we have the right to supoport progress. No one can rescue us but our selves. |
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Bronx
USA
159 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2006 : 17:50:13
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Biragoo wrote:
"My friend, please make a check up list and go through it before attacking anyone."
What attack? You are just been caution to tame down your rhetoric for the sake of reconcialliation. It is delusional for anyone (NADD or UDP/NRP supporter) to think that either party stand a chance of winning against Jammeh with the atmosphere existing today.
You can try to impress folks all you want with that rehearsing of history (as if we've never read about them), but that doesn't negate the fact that neither camp without significant compromise stood a chance come October 2006.
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Biraago
Gambia
173 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2006 : 18:14:35
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Mr Bronx,
While we all want a unification of the opposition forces, should there not be a poni of reference for that unification?
In 2001, many Gambians got angry with the PDOIS because they insisted that a coalition of the opposition is a welcomed idea but it must be based on a minimum program of action as is done in a democratic setting. What happened then? Some people thought that is was not a neccessity, all that was important was to just unite abd fight Jammeh. Where have we landed now?
This time around, there is a commonly agreed platform and I would think that all of us who supoort the idea of a unified Gambian population agains tirany have the right and duty to apply checks and balance mechanism even within ourselves, or do we just have to be blind of possible derailment of our common cause by some just because we sometimes speak the same language?
While I support your idea of appealing to each other for a unity, I would humbly ask my dear compatriot, for what purpose?
Secondly, what have you or others said when this staement came this week? see below. I adhere humbly to you appeal but please make some input here.
Mr. Darboe further indicated that some Executive members see NADD as a source of creating wealth for themselves while others see it as a party that is not to rescue the Gambian people from President Jammeh and his bad governance and put in place a sound democratic government based on the consent of the people.
According to Mr. Darboe, those people who are looking at NADD from the latter perspective are the people who justify their pull out. He said people who are only in for their personal gains are the people who do not justify their pull out.
Darboe further stated that, UDP only accepted to be equally represented with the rest of political parities that form NADD, because of UDP's intention to change the bad system of Government imposed on the people by the APRC regime; that otherwise, the UDP would never accept such conditions.
The UDP/NRP leader further said that everybody in The Gambia can bear witness with him that UDP is stronger than PDOIS. But that because of unity, that was why UDP accepted to join NADD. He said if anybody thinks that UDP is foolish that is why they accepted to join NADD or because UDP is only interested in leadership, the person is fooling himself/herself. According to Darboe those people who know the strength of political parties in the Gambia know that no opposition party can challenge UDP. He further said if UDP was only interested in leadership, they would have told the people the first day that UDP was going to lead. If anybody wanted to come or stay it would be left to them. |
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Bronx
USA
159 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2006 : 18:35:40
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Birago,
I didn't read that statement. And if Darbo made that statement, I will have to say that he is wrong to ascribe motives to his erstwhile collegeaus. Having said that, I will be glad if you could put a link to where you find that statement. I believe in the notion of trust but verify. You clearly have a dog in this fight and I am not taking your word for it. |
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Biraago
Gambia
173 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2006 : 21:20:18
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http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?A2=ind0603c&L=gambia-l&H=1&O=D&F=P&S=&P=2500
This is from the Gambia - L
You could understand stand why some of us cannot be quiet in face of such statements.
We cannot give an easy ride or carte blanche to anyone who want to lead us. Be it from NADD, UDP/NRP or any other group or person.
I am totally with you that we should leave room for reconciliation because this is our culture but it must be based on the truth which sometimes is very difficult to retract because some of us are so dubious that hey will never tell you what they think deep in their hearts. I don't think you, yourself would like to entertain such behaviour.
Thanks for the fruitful correspondence. |
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Bronx
USA
159 Posts |
Posted - 20 Mar 2006 : 17:23:08
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I read the report and by the way this is the first time I saw it. If what the reporter wrote is in fact what Darbo said at the meeting, he is wrong to say that. One thing you've got to understand though is the nature of reporting and the language or dialect spoken at these meetings. These politicians speak in local dialects and this is not a knock on the reporters, but transcribing these thunderous meetings into english is not an easy task. People could be quoted out of context.
Going back to what I said and judging by what I read in that foroyaa article, I think Darbo is wrong in what he said about some people trying to get rich through NADD. That is uncalled for and it is not healthy in a public discourse. |
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