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kajaw
70 Posts |
 Posted - 30 Mar 2006 : 17:12:04
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I was looking for something a little uplifting and then i came across the posting. It is both sad and uplifting at the same time. Sad because of the sad truth of our dilema. Uplifting becasuse many people seem to understand the problem. The problem is the society in general. We have allowed the culture of corruption to fester in our society. It is acceptable to be corrupt. If you are in a position of power in the gambia, you are expected by your family, friends and colegues to be corrupt. If you are not corrupt, you will be castigated as being irresponsible. I remember when i worlked at the Accountant Generals department. People used to compare me with my other colegues and ask me how come i am not as rich as them. Some of whom were payed far less than me. I suspected some of the activities they were involved in but suspecionis not enough. You cannot accues someone on rumors and suspicions. Yet i know someone who was earning less than D500 in 1989-90 who was able to buy land in old jeshwang, build it and got it furnished and owned a car. So my friends told me that if i rely on salaries alone, i will never be somebody. I had had offers of bribes etc but as an individual, i am responsible for my own dignity and would never trade it for money or position. So in answer to your question, yes it is societies fault but only good leadership could change it. When singapore gained independance in 1960. They were pretty much as poor as gambia but the then prime minister Lee set out to change that. It is aleged that he gathered his family together and informed them that whoever expects favors from the government marely because of family connections would be sadly dissapointed. I would not leave this hanging without noting that yes, lee was a dictator and infact, did many bad things but he did one thing right and that is governance. The evidence is there for everyone to see.
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heehyov
4 Posts |
Posted - 30 Mar 2006 : 19:24:12
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INFAMY!
Written by Ebrima Jaw Manneh
Tuesday, 28 March 2006
Last night a number of the coup plotters related how the aborted infamous March 21 coup plot was hatched, how they got involved, the intrigues as well as their motivation.
Tamsir Jasseh
Former director of the Gambia Immigration Department, said his knowledge about the coup was limited, adding that he was “able to get this information at the very last minute. Personally when I looked at the situation, it looked more to me like a plan that was never executed. I was informed about the whole thing by Col Ndure Cham, whom I knew through the service. He had more like a desire than a plan. He wanted to change the government. The change of government that he wanted was more like just change the leadership.”
He added: “He said to me that he wanted to leave everything as it is. The political parties, the people in the opposition and that even the APRC will be allowed to continue as a party. And that the constitution will not be suspended. And that there will be no commission of inquiry and that life will just go on.”
Mr Jasseh continued: “He (Col Ndure Cham) told me that the whole military was behind him. Then I said if the whole military was behind you, then Tamsir Jasseh cannot stop you. He later mentioned about how he can go about stopping communication during the act. And one of the major things he mentioned to me that I have put some significance was when he said to me, if we should do it, we have to cut off the communication. And I said to him no, no! If you do that you are destroying the country. I told him you just have to switch them off, instead of cutting the fibres of the cable, because I know the cables are very expensive and it will take a long time before you can restore the telecommunication services. And then he went about his way.”
According to Mr Jasseh, it was on the very day of their plan that Col Ndure Cham informed him that “we are going to do it. And three hours later he called me and said we are abandoning this thing and that we are not going to get started, because Lang Tombong Tamba has sent the message to Mauritania. So I told him well that is the best thing you can do. You have not even started it. No one is hurt, nothing is destroyed. So maybe that is less of a problem than if you have tried to force your way through. So what are you going to do now? And then he said I don’t know. So he went away”.
He then recalled that while he was in his house with his wife and children, Col Ndure Cham said that “someone has informed him that he was to be arrested and that he was on the run.”
He said: “At that point, I begin to realise the seriousness of the situation. Then I discussed it with my wife. I said this is what has been happening. This guy has told me this. And my wife was very concern and she said I think you better go and speak with the American ambassador as US citizen. When I told him (US ambassador) about this he said go home and if the authorities question you, cooperate with them. Tell them what you know. And I was picked up and brought here and I have told them what I know.”
The Ex-Police Adviser Jasseh then expressed his regret and sorrow and further remembered: “It was between 5:30 and 6:00 evening, when I transported him to Kujubeh, which later on, I found out was actually in Senegal. And I came back. I did it because this is the way out for both of us. When we got there I said no! I am coming to face the consequences and I came back.”
External Support
Tamsir Jasseh recalled that it was about two months ago, when Col Ndure Cham talked to him about the border problem between The Gambia and Senegal. “It got to a point that it affecting both countries economically and so many other ways. And I remember distinctly telling him that the cost of cooking gas has gone up in both countries so much so that business people and restaurants do not even make profit on cooking gas,” he added, and then pointed out: “He said to me I want to send a message to the Senegalese High Commission that the securities services between The Gambia and Senegal should continue working smoothly together and let the politicians sort out their political issues. Because at these borders it is the security personnel that stand there. If the security personnel facilitate movement, there will be smooth cooperation. And he wanted me to go to the Senegalese Ambassador to formally discuss with him. I asked him how he could do that? He said I am not too sure whether that is in line with Gambia government policy but I just want them to know. It took me a while before I was finally able to go there.”
“I went in. I gave my name and all my information. It was about three, four days later when they called me and said you have requested meeting with the ambassador. You can come. And I went in. I greeted the ambassador and before I started he said wait let me call a witness. I told him that Ndure Cham has asked me to come to you personally and explain to you what is happening at the border. That the security services of both countries should work together smoothly. And then the ambassador himself at first expressed surprise why I must be the one to convey such a message...And for now this is what he has asked me to do. And that I would like you to understand that he is seeking a cooperation between the two securities and the politicians can take care of their problems and that the situation in The Gambia has become dangerous in his point of view. This is what he was concerned about. And the ambassador listened at me surprisingly. Then he elaborated on the need for closer relation as you would talk to a Senegalese, for closer collaboration. Just on that general term. And then he said ok, I will contact you,” he explained.
Mr Jasseh noted that it was after about five days later that he received a call from someone in “Senegal, who identified himself as Pap Seck and said my superior gave me your name and number. So I just call to say that I will call you back. Then I told Ndure Cham, instead of the ambassador calling me, it was somebody calling me from Senegal. So I gave Ndure Cham that information and he said Pap Seck might be in the Military Intelligence. Mr Cham gave me the information that Pap Seck would give him money. He requested the money. But I asked him why did he needed the money from anybody? And he said no member of the military will be in the government. It will be a purely civilian government and that if these senior officers are paid money, it will be like some kind of compensation not to request for positions, because the government was just suppose to continue as it is. He said if he has a million dollars. But to me, that was just daydreaming. Who gonna give him a million dollars?”
The Ex-Deputy IGP Jasseh confirmed that he has always expressed that his interest was business throughout their planning. He added: “But he (col Ndure Cham said to me, you are good in law enforcement and the IGP Sonko is a very good soldier, who I will really like to promote and transfer back into the army, because most of the senior people in the army are gone.”
Alieu Jobe
On his account, a 36- year old Alieu Jobe, who was the acting director of Treasury confirmed that Col Ndure was like a “grandfather” to him, who repose ”very high trust” in him.
He recalled that Col Cham had told him, when he was the commander of the National Guard that “he is contemplating overthrowing the government. I told him that this is not a good idea. I kept discouraging him until when he was appointed Chief of Defence Staff when I was not in town. I gave him a congratulatory call and I told him to work hard.”
On his return, Mr Jobe said he was surprised by Col Cham’s solidity to pushing for the same “thing. I still continued discouraging him. I told him that if he was not happy and he is now promoted, that should be the end of things. But he always told me I will go ahead and I always insisted, don’t do it. He has been threatening me at that level in the event he heard this thing; he will make sure that my head is blown up, because he is the head of the armed forces.”
He then added: “Anytime I visited him, I normally go into the house, sit and chat with the wife and he will tell me this is Tamsir or whatever. He said Tamsir was dealing with the key intelligence officer in Senegal. He said Senegal was about to give them somebody in their Intelligence to give them money, but he said he did not have the money. I told him that this was an indication that he could not do it. He said they were about to bring weapons into the country. That was just one discussion he mentioned all that, money, weapons, whatever but he said he believes the weapons cannot come here. So in any case, one thing I know was that it was Tamsir who was between him and this man. What he told me was that Senegal would deploy troops in either Cassamance or somewhere around the Kaolack area and those people would give him support in an event he is about to fail. He also said that Mbye would take care of the 2 Infantry Batallion and those in Cassamance would take care of Kanilai. Whether it is true or it is not true, these are his words.
And in most cases I keep telling him, you should forget about this thing.”
Recalling that Col Cham had asked him to inform Captain Famara Jammeh to be part his complot, Mr Jobe said he had never heeded his request. “I did not subscribed to it and I do not want a close friend of mine to subscribe to it. I’ve never informed him. We continued like that until on Monday at night, when he told me that he is not going to wait anymore. He said he is going ahead with his plan. I was very confused. And the next day early in the morning I called Capt Famara Jammeh and I informed him that I am not very comfortable. It seems something is about to happen and let him watch out. From there I think Capt Jammeh left for his office.”
“Around 5:00, he phoned me indicating that he is confused. I asked him what the confusion is. He said an NCO in Yundum called him to inform him that there is a planned coup. And I told him that I think this was the message I wanted to put across to you. But because of the threat on me, I could not go ahead. I am not very sure. What Col Cham told me was that I watch out who to talk to, because whoever you talk to could be part of it. And since it is a military thing and I am a civilian, I thought the best thing is just to avoid. And not to even talk, because when you talk, it will be used as an exhibit against you. And when you talk, you do not know whether the guy you are talking is even part of it. These were all worries in my brain,” he acknowledged.
According to him, under the circumstance, Capt Jammeh called around 5:00, saying he is confused. “I told him, I am also confused but I said this was the message I was trying to put across at least for you people to be alert. What he told me was what do I do now? He said he had called the commander and I said talk to any commander you have to talk to. And he said the CDS told him that I should have informed him. I told him I am not part of it and if I am not part of it I do not want you to be part of it. Therefore, I do not think I should inform you.”
According to him, the CDS “called me to inform me that he is leaving and he wants me to take care of his family in his absence. He was the very one who told me that the President is aware and that they have dispatched soldiers to arrest most of the officers. I arranged for him to come to Farato. I assigned my uncle to send him money, I think it was about D6,000 to Tanji to take a taxi. And the taxi brought him to Brikama and then he came to Farato.”
He slammed “bad associates” as he regrets, and then warned: “To have a bad associate, who you think is somebody who is part and parcel of you is the worse thing that can happen to a human being. And one has to be very careful about whom you are associated with.”
Alieu Jobe apologised for his inability to leak the coup plot and then said: “If Gambian people think that I should have leaked it under the circumstances and the truama I was going through, well I am very sorry to everybody. And prayed to God that this current undesirable situation ends as quickly as possible. And I wish that there is peace, tranquillity and order in the country.”
Bunja Darboe
Capt Bunja Darboe, military assistant to the Ex-Chief of Defence Staff Col Ndure Cham, confirmed: “I have worked with him (Col Cham) directly. I have access to his office than any other officer. I hold the key to his office, I write for him and hold appointments for him, as well as briefings and his official engagements. That was my task.
Capt Darboe, who joined the Gambia National Gendemerie on 10 June 1991 said: “It was sometime at the beginning of March, when I went to Col Cham’s office that he told me of a particular operation. He told me whether I am interested in the operation. I did not understand what he meant at that time. And then I did not take him seriously. As time goes on, anytime I go into his office he explains to me so many things. And to get me actually involve into this thing. He did not tell me at that time that it was an overthrow of a government. He only told me about an operation.”
However, the the former Gaf PRO Darboe recalled: “One day I asked him what he means by this operation. He said look you have been in the army for a long time. You know very well that you are above an average officer but you have not been promoted. Your juniors have been promoted over you. You have been left out. And you should find out why you are left out. And I said you are the one who should tell me exactly what happened, because I do not know. He said that’s what am trying to tell you that you are left out not because you are a sub-standard officer. It is because you are not in the good book of the Commander-in-chief. I said if that is so I am yet to have knowledge about it. I told him that am not somebody who have done anything wrong that I do not deserve such promotion. He said but you can see for yourself. All your juniors have been promoted over you and you are here. You cannot have the privilege that they are enjoying. And you are compelled to compliment them. These were his words that he used to tell me every time, anytime.”
Noting that it was after sometime later that he used to reflect over what Col Cham told him, Capt Darboe confirmed: “I also reflected on it when one of my junior officers who has now been promoted, confronted me and said that why I did not compliment him. It pains me so much on that very day. But I took it in good faith, because I know that one day my turn will come.”
According to him, it was until on Monday that Col Cham reminded him about the particular operation, saying it will “commence tomorrow, at 2:00 a m. I said but how? He said you don’t have to worry, because so many people are involve in this. I have made a lot of contacts. And many officers were involved it. He told me you don’t have to worry. I said I have to know those who are involved.”
“He told me about Capt Wassa Camara, Capt Yahya Darboe, Lt. Famara Jammeh, RSM Bah, Capt Seckan, Fanding Sanyang. All these are officers he spoke to me about. I cannot recollect all their names. He told me that these are officers I’ve already contacted and everything is moving on the ground. And for you, your role is just to make public statement after when the whole thing is successful. That’s what he told me,” he explained.
According to him, Col Cham confirmed to him that the “troops in Farafenni are already informed. It was on Tuesday before he left for the NSC meeting. He told me to call one Cpl Mbye Gaye. I didn’t know that Mbye Gaye was at the headquarters. I was informed about Mbye Gaye’s presence at the headquarters by one W.O.2 Gibba. What he told me was that Mbye was supposed to be posted at the state guard as one of the outrider. He said the OC for supply and transport has informed him so that I can talk to my seniors not to post Mbye at the outrider because he was the only clerk for him at that place. I asked him where is Mbye, he said, Mbye came with me and he is with me downstairs. He said W.O.2 Janha said you call him. So, I called Janha and I informed him that Mbye Gaye has been transferred to State Guard. He said the admin. officer told him that Mbye should report to the headquarters and that he was posted to State Guard. And I asked whether any posting have been issued, he said no. Then I replied you should not have allowed the person to leave his post when the posting order was not issued. Then he said I will tell Gibba to tell him to come back.”
He added: “I went to the C.D.S Office and then I asked him whether he is aware of any posting of Mybe Gaye to State Guard. He asked me where is he. He told me to call Mbye. I went downstairs and send somebody to call Mbye. I went with Mbye to the office. He told Mbye “Suma Mbokahga” (relative) in Wolof. He told Mbye “Dehnyo liffin waagee” (overthrow) in Wolof. And that I presumed it was the president. Then I left the office and went to collect the key, because I have to close his office for him. When I came back he told me I am going to the N.S.C (National Security Council) meeting. So you can brief Mbye. So I hinted Mbye about the overthrow and Mbye told me he was not interested. He told me so many things. So I told him I cannot take any decision about this.You have to wait until the C.D.S come and discussed with him further. He said I cannot wait because am not feeling well. It was after when the C.D.S returned that I talk to him what Mbye have told me. Then he asked for Mbye’s number. So, I have to call Yundum to get Mbye mobile number. So the C.D.S spoke to Mbye in my presence and that I heard him saying that Mbye should meet him at his house in Bakau at 5:00. Soon after he spoke to Mbye he told me I am leaving. Then he left the office and I locked the office and handed over the keys.”
Capt Daboe then disclosed: “I received a call from a private number and then the person told me you better watch out, we’ve been informed that there are some officers who are having a meeting at your residence. I told the person no. But am just informing you to watch out. So when the person rang off, I call the C.D.S. I told him that am hearing something. And it seems as if I am the one masterminding this thing and I am not. And he told me you are just jittery and that everything is under control. I told him this is something that’s moved me because I have just been informed that officers are conducting meeting at my place and that did not really happen. There is no meeting at my place. As a result, it seems somebody is framing. Then he told me you are talking too much.
I asked him how the operation was going to be conducted, he told me your role is just to make a statement after it was successful. He told me I intended to give envelopes to officers who are concerned on the ground. And the envelopes contain some tasks for officers who are concerned on the ground. When they open the envelopes they will know exactly what they are supposed to do. According to him, the operation will be carried out at 11.00 instead of 2:00. He gave me the preamble of what needs to be said. And he told me to make a draft. In the first draft I made, he said, the power be handed over to the interim government in 48 hours. That was the first thing he said. But he later changed it 10 days.”
“Fellow Gambians, The Gambia Armed Forces has taken over the country from the regime of President Yahya A.J.J Jammeh. The Gambia under Yahya Jammeh has witnessed social and economic degradation. The cost of living for average Gambians has reached an alarming proportion.
The Gambia Armed Forces has felt that under the present political dispensation, there cannot be no other alternative but to salvage The Gambia from further degradation.
The high command of The Gambia Armed Forces have decided that the power be handed over to an interim government within 10 days from today. The interim government shall be responsible for running the affairs of the state.”
“The writing is mine. My specific role was to make a statement that was all. On that very Tuesday, he called me to his office and informed me that he would want me to inform Cap. Seckan, Cap. Jah, Lt. M.A Bah where they are supposed to be posted. He told me to inform M.A Bah that he was supposed to be at the Fajara barracks. He also asked me to inform Cap. Jah that he was supposed to be at the headquarters. And then he informed me to tell Cap. Seckan that he is supposed to be at the Fajara barracks. I called them and informed them about the developments. They all acknowledged the message,” Bunja said.
According to Capt Darboe, the coup was something he had never thought of this in his military career, and then said: “It is just that I have work with somebody who bear this idea and I was working with him directly. There was no gap between him and I. We were seeing each other everyday. And in a similar contest, I was like his confidential secretary. So I know a lot about him, and he also knows a lot about me. And because of that he was the one who actually made me to believe that this can be done. So I would just have to apologise to the President.”
He confirmed that he has not been “malhandled during the period of the interrogation.”
Also see INFANY part two
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heehyov
4 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2006 : 00:19:01
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INFAMY! (Cont’d)
Written by Ebrima Jaw Manneh
Wednesday, 29 March 2006
Captain Wassa Camara
Elaborating on his role, Captain Wassa Camara, OC of the Military Police remembered being called by the Ex-C.D.S, Col Ndure Cham, informing him of his plan to overthrow the government.
Operations
Capt Camara recalled: “He said to me he has support from the Gaf. He said to me that the operation will be a simple operation. The operation that the Military Police has no major role to play. The Military Police will only arrest after the effect of the operation. The operation will be in this form. That the State House battalion, we have support from Capt Famara Jammeh, Lt Ebou Lowe, Second Lt Faring Sanyang, Sergt Manlafi Corr of the State Guard Battalion. Those at the State Guard Batallion will be responsible to take care the seat of the government- the seat of the president. Ebou Lowe will be responsible for Kanilai.”
“Then he said the Guard Batallion, Capt Jallow, WO2 Alfa Bah will be responsible for the checkpoints within their various jurisdictions. Then No.1 Infantry Batallion, the adjutant YMS Darboe will be responsible for the armoury, letting the soldiers to be armed. Make sure that the airport is controlled. That there will be no fly landing or taking off,” he said.
According to him, the fugitive assigned him go to the Abuko Earth Station and “liaise with Mr Ousman Njie. Ousman Njie was never known to me in person. When I go to Ousman Njie I collect three fuses from him. That these fuses will unable or bar internal communications in the country. So I went to that place on Tuesday, before then I went to my Infantry Batallion meet Capt YMS Darboe. He told me that he was also informed about the coup plot. I left that place after talking to. Of course he told me that his car has a problem that he will call his mechanic to come fix it.”
He added: “Meanwhile, while I was in his office, there were soldiers coming in and out. One of them demanded an amount of D50 to buy to something for the unit. Then I pulled out D100 and gave it to Darboe to sort out that problem. Then from there, after discussing with him, I left for my office. When I reached my office and spent about 1hrs 30mins or so, Darboe made a call telling me that his wife was sick and that he has obtained permission from the Commanding Officer Major Ebrima Bah that he would like to go and cook for his wife because his wife was sick. There after, he left. Around 2:00 p m, I went to his place. I asked him about the residence of Edward Singhatey. That is to say after the operation, the military police have a role to play that is to arrest. He only mentioned at particular time Hon Secretary of State Edward Singhatey. So when I went to Darboe’s place to confirm this, Darboe told me that he do not know. So when I was coming, I found but I could not locate his residence. I left that place and came back my unit.”
Capt Camara recalled: “From that time in the evening, Darboe came to my house. After finishing my evening prayers, I met him outside, then we discussed. From there he left. Barely after10 mins or so, I left myself. Later I made a call to confirm where he was. Then from I told join me at the Abuko Earth Station. When I went to Abuko Earth Station, I went to guard and met the guard commander Aljuma Camara. I asked him about Mr Njie, because that is what was on the sketch plan.he told me Njie has closed from work. I said ok. I left and met Darboe outside. I said to him look, Njie is not at work. Probably, Col Ndure Cham was just mixing us, fooling us. Meanwhile, Darboe was telling me that he supposed to go to the airport. I said to him know, wait! Lets confirm this story first whether Njie was informed by the C.D.S. From there I left again. That was just barely 30mins or so.”
“I went to the shop to buy some cigarettes and started smoking. Then started normal charting with him. I left again to the guard post and met Aljuma Camara. I asked him can you take me where the department of GTU at the Abuko Earth Station. he took me right inside and then knocked at the door. The man responded by opening the door. He let me in. When I went inside I asked for Njie, where I can get in touch with Njie. Do you have Njie’s number? He said yes. Can you please call Njie for me? He called Njie. I spoke with Njie and introduced myself as Capt Camara. I told him I have sent by Ebrima Fatty to collect something from you.
He said to me he has nothing for Ebrima Fatty. And he had nothing for me. Then I left. But Shortly before I went in for the second time, I asked Aljuma Camara and others whether they have “Attaya” so that i can drink “first”. he told me they do not have China Green tea. They asked me if I can provide for them. I bought for a big packet of China Green tea and three cups of sugar. After realising that they have nothing for me, I went to relay the message to Darboe outside. I told him Darboe look what this man was telling us was all blunders. It is all bull****. He said nothing to Njie. From there, Darboe told me that look how this man has baffled us. I yes he has fooled us. But thing is you cannot go the airport, because there nothing like Njie was not here and there was fuse. It is better we disperse we disperse. While we were discussing Aljuma came out with a tumbler of China Green tea. We then dispersed.”
He continued: “But while going back to my residence at around Abuko, around the airport gate, I received a phone call from the duty military police personnel that an information reaching them have revealed that the C.D.S Col Cham has planned a coup. And this message was relay to the soldiers at the check point was relay to them by it Col Tamba. So he called my military personnel at the check-point. So I instructed him to call all MP personnel for an essential mission. I rushed to my home, took my bag, put my uniforms inside and I came back. When I was going to Abuko Earth I was in my mufti. So when I came to the office, I changed my uniform in the office. My personnel, roughly about four or five arrived. I briefed them about the situation. I took three of them to the checkpoint to reinforce those four. After reinforcing them, I entered the Gaf Camp gate, where I was arrested by soldiers 1 Infantry Batallion. I was then taken to Mile 2.”
He described the Col Ndure Cham led complot as “misleading” noting that “what had happened had happened. But definitely, this was the way we were misled by the C.D.S, especially myself. I still the president of the Republic as human; we are bound to make mistakes. We can be easily miscarried. I have done a lot of sacrifice for this country. And I believe, I still have that strong support for the APRC government.”
Capt Camara believed that the plot was a “mistake that has happened. I still feel if he can pardon us. And realise that we are all young officers that fell into this as victims. There was no coordination and I do not know how the man has been able to use us this way. What I know is that he informed me as a person and said to me that he has support from the Gaf headquarters. And I do not have that trust and confidence in anyone and I do not know who to trust to relay the information. I do not know who to trust at the State Guard to pass the information. Probably we may pass the information to a wrong person.
He is our president. He is our president. He can pardon us. I believe if he can pardon us, people of my calibre will not fall as a victim in such situations. We should also realise that the president is working. It is not because I am a victim that is why I am saying this. I have been talking to my soldiers over and over. I have been giving a detail parade over and over. So being a victim today does not mean that I am not a hardworking officer. That I do not do anything that has not brought development to this country. I think I have contributed my quota towards the development of this country. So let the President, His Excellency pardon us.”
He disclosed that since he was taken to the NIA, he was never been “insulted, slapped or tortured in any form by anyone. All that I was asked to do was to talk freely about what have transpired.”
Captain Yahya Darboe
Explaining his knowledge about the March 22 foiled coup d’etat, Captain Yahya Darboe, adjutant at the Yundum Barracks recalled that “it was around 6:45 or 7:00, I was at the Farafenni Barracks working there as the 2IC. When I watched a football match on Saturday, I came back. My CO told me that the C.D.S called and said he will come to the Barracks Monday; first parade (8:00 a:m). He said I should use my vehicle and we go there on Monday 8:00 a m. On Sunday, I reported to work normally. I closed from work and then went home.”
Capt Darboe then said that it was on Tuesday, “Around 9:00 a m or 10: 00 a m, I saw Capt Wassa Camara, who entered my office. I said welcome and he said thank you. He pulled out D800 all in notes and then gave it to me. He said the C.D.S said let me give you this. I said for what? He said don’t mind. The C.D.S said he will talk to you later. I took it and then we start having breakfast together. And the he left. I was there until around 11:00 a m, when my wife called and said she could not cook, because she was sick. So I took permission from my CO, Major Bah and then I left home.”
“I was there till around 2:00 p m or 4:00 p m, when Capt Camara called to say I am going to have lunch with you today. I said OK. You are welcome. I am almost ready. Around 2:30 p m, he came and we had the lunch together. After the lunch, we left one soldier at my backyard. He said lets see. We went in front of my house and he said didn’t C.D.S called you still. I said not yet. I am not yet called,” he added.
According to him, it was after sometimes, when Capt Camara asked him about SoS Edward Singhatey’s residence. “I said of course, he is staying at Cape Point. He said no, you are lost. He said that man is not staying at Cape Point now. I said I don’t know. He said they said he is living at Brusubi, here. I said Brusubi is in Phase 1 and 2. I said I am in Phase 2, but I do not know whether he is in Phase 1. I do not know. He said they said he is staying around here. I said OK, the only place he might stay and I point to my right direction. I said there is a compound there that has electricity 24hrs and you have private guards’ there- Uncle Sam or so. I said somebody said to me the last time he is staying there, but I do not know. May be he is the one staying there. He said OK, I will find out.”
YMS Darboe, as he is fondly called, said both of them returned to drink Attaya (China green tea), before Capt Camara parted with him. He recollected: “I was there up till around 4: p m, when Capt Camara called me and said C.D.S said you meet him at the Brusubi main junction at 5:30 p m. I said did he say that? He said he said it. I said OK, no problem. I think it was around 4:45 p m, when I departed my house and went to where he said I should meet. I was there around 4:55 p m sitting but no body was coming.
Nobody came, and then I decided to buy a scratch card from a nearby shop. Then I loaded by mobile and called Capt Camara, because I do not have the C.D.S number. I told him I am here up till around 5:00 p m and this man is not here still. I said can you tell him that I am still waiting and he said I will call. I do not know whether he called or not. After some 20mins or so, there was nobody coming. I called Capt Camara again. I said please call C.D.S; tell him I am still waiting. He said OK, I will call. Then nobody appeared again. Just around 20mins or 30mins, I called Camara again. I said please, tell him that I am going. He can call me and I will call him back. He said he (Col Cham) said is just around there and he will soon be with you. I said Ok.”
“Immediately that call, a vehicle came. I was even expecting a Gaf vehicle as I was looking around. Then he (Col Cham) came out, after I trying to look somewhere. I saw him and I said sir, I am here. He said ah haa, come. I came and then he said jump in. Then I got in the vehicle and he said where is your home located. I said the other direction, if you lead left towards Brufut,” Darboe narrated.
He then further explained: “We went to the main junction, where you have Gamjuice “tabler” (billboard) that goes to my house straight. He said Ok, no need for you to go to your home. I said you wanted to see me? He said yes. He said don’t you know what is happening today. I said what is happening today. He said we are going to take this country today. I asked, are the NIA informed about this? He said yes. The reason why I asked this is because I have a lot of friends in the NIA. He said yeh, they are aware of this. I said OK.”
Operations
According to Capt Darboe, he then asked about the other barracks and Col Ndure Cham replied negative. “He said no, don’t mind. I will give you your own task. Fajara Barracks, they are tasked from the bridge towards the Kombos, and State Guards will take care from the bridge towards Banjul and the State House itself. He said your own task is to make sure that you reinforce your guard post around Abuko Earth Station, Abuko Transmitter, and the airport tower. Put an ambush party in place and you make sure (he gave very clear order) that any plane, that land from 22:00hrs should be demolished.
He said you are the adjutant I said yes. He said adjutants are in charge of the armoury. He said now, the personnel from the Gaf headquarters will be armed by you. And make sure that you put enough armour at the tower and on the ground to make sure that nobody goes out of armour. Those are the detailed tasks given to me. I said OK sir, no problem. He then shows me a nylon bag full of jujus. He said I am here with a pistol. I am ready. And he said if this thing failed, you know we are all being in ****. I said no problem. He left and I also left for my home.”
Then Capt Darboe further elaborated: “When I arrived to my home, I informed my wife that these people are up to a coup, which I am not really interested in. I said I don’t know who I should contact now; because he said even the NIA are even parts of this coup. She said why not call Capt Jammeh, then State Guard Commander. I decided let me call him. By the time I put on my phone to called Jammeh to inform him, Jammeh said he has low battery. He said call me in the next 20mins on my wives line. But I forget to ask for Jammeh’s wife mobile number. After some 20mins, I called him back again and he said I told you to call me on wife’s number. I told you my battery is dead. I said what is your wife’s mobile number? He gave his wife’s mobile number and I said OK. Around 8:00 p m, we expect we were watching news and we expect the H.E to come and respect the guard of honour. But when that was not read on the news, I said let me go and then physically meet this man on the ground, because this telephone communication is not the solution. He said OK you can go.”
According to him, it was during that interim that his arrived with his repaired vehicle, adding that he then “dropped that guy at Bundung, where he stays. Then I came through Abuko. By the time I was reaching Abuko, I called Jammeh’s wife mobile number again to check whether Jammeh was in or not. She said he came but has gone back to work. I said where? She said he has gone back to Banjul. I said OK. Then I do not know what to do next. I entered the barracks like that. Jammeh was no more there whom I wanted to inform. And I went straight to Capt Camara to see what was going there.
When I came, we watched the Esmeralda film together. Then I said I am going out Charlie. He said OK, wait what have you discussed with the C.D.S? I said what you discussed with him, because you are the one coming to my office since in the morning telling me the Chief has to call you, Chief has to call you.” “He said yes but what do I expect. But I said yes, we will not succeed in this thing. It is better we forget about this thing. He said no, who told you? I said no, it is better we forget about this thing. he said ah, OK I am going around to see. I said me, I am going home. He said he too was going out. Then I went through the back route and he took the straight route. I wanted to go to my boys around Fajikunda,” he pointed out.
He n elucidated: “When I went around the fuel depot at Tabokoto, I said no. If I should go to that place and this thing is cooking, and anybody sees me around, they will say definitely you part of this coup. As I was coming, I met him at the abuko Earth Station and I stopped again. I said Charlie (Capt Camara) what are you doing here? He said no, I just came to drink Attaya with these boys. We stood there for sometime, bought Attaya, give it to the boys and he came out. When we came out, I was there standing and he said lets go and drink Attaya. I said no, I do not want people to see me around this vicinity. I said as far as this is part of the area you mentioned in this coup, I do want people to see around this vicinity. Because if I am found within this AOR (Area Of Responsibility), I can be called and questioned why you where at the AOR. If you think you are part of this coup. I said let me go. He said to in fact, I am trying to confirm somebody, whose name was given to me by the C.D.S...He is the one who suppose to put off the switches of the telephone lines. Then he pulled out a small map in his pocket and then shows it to me.
He said you see these are three areas that should be switched off by 00:00 a m. I said Charlies don’t be involved in this thing. I said what about if you get into this thing and this man switched off a wrong switch for? Do you know you are a layman like me? I said don’t be involve into this thing. He said no, I want to confirm whether the switch is working or not. I said if you enter here, and you want to apply anything there, it will create alarm. And if anybody finds you there, it will be very easy for to be now implicated. I said don’t be involve. Don’t even go to ask about this man. He said me, I will go. And when the guard commander came with the Attaya, he said ah, Attaya is here. I said no, I go and meet your man to give you Attaya, because I don’t want to be seen in this vicinity. Then he left, and took the tumbler from Aljuma Camara and drank it. He said back to me and said I am going to confirm this thing. I said OK, I am going home.”
The Yundum Barracks Adjutant Darboe further said that he left the Abuko Earth Station for his home. He then recalled: “From the Brikama highway towards the Brusubi junction, I found the MPs standing there. When I came, they halted me and searched my vehicle. They told me sir; do you know what is happening? I said what is that? They said there is a coup. So the C.O.S and the present C.D.S said if you see the former C.D.S, Col Ndure Cham, you should arrest him. I said I just heard this right now. I am going home. I went home.”
he confirmed that it was until around 00:30 a m towards 01:00 a m, when a group of soldiers came to his house. “I heard a knock on my door. And as I was coming out, I saw soldiers jumping all over my compound. I came out and found it was Staff Sergt Ceesay, who said you are under arrest. I said sir under arrest? OK wait. I wanted to get in but he said no. You cannot get in. I said but I am in the ***** (pants). Allow me to dress up. He said if I leave you will you be running away. I said just follow me to my parlour, no problem. Then I came with him to my bedroom. I dressed up civil. But he said no sir, dress up in military gears. I dressed up in this order and they took me away.
So I said why not let me inform my family for them to know about my fate, because I do not know what was going to happen. He said no. We went up to about 400m and he said I am going to brief you now. You are going to Mile 2 straight. We are working under instruction that you should report at Mile 2. I said Mile 2? He said yes. I said OK no problem.”
According to him, he was only asked to give his “honest opinion on what has happened and what I know about the plotted coup. Then I give out my own version of what I know about it completely without duress or harassment or whatever.”
Expressing his shock and regret for been associated with the plot, Capt Darboe said: “I have done enough effort. But like somebody in problem, may be somebody will not understand. I tried to make sure this information is leaked out, but there was no way. I think I have got enough with this government. Just 11 years of service, I got almost my compound, a private car. I got almost everything I need. I have got enough training. I am in the best officers of Gaf. So all of a sudden my career ends up like this, it is going to be a sock for me, because I need to give out to the state. I believe in myself too much definitely. If I know anything, and you said I know something about this, definitely nobody will forgive him. But as I tell you, a layman will not understand the approach I have made to make sure this thing comes out.”
“I am deeply sorry to everybody, the discomfort, the alarming situation, the harassment, the sleepless night for everybody, sleeping under stress because of this move. And I really regret that definitely. Even my own family,” he apologised, adding that his 80 years old father collapsed during the process of his arrest. He then expressed his fear: “And he can die anytime because of the stress.”
W.O.2 Alfa Bah
WO2 Alfa Bah, RSM of the Gambia National Guard (GNG) batallion, disclosed that two months two months ago, he was introduced to the planned coup by Ex-C.D.S, Col Ndure Cham, when he visited Fajara Barracks during the repairing the barrack’s fence. He also recalled: “After a while, he called and said bring some nails, because he was the one holding the hammer. He whispered to me and said Alfa we are on something, when it is ready, you will be informed. I asked him what that is. He said we are planning a coup d’etat. There and then he left the barracks.”
According to RSM Bah, he informed his CO, Capt Mendy, who greeted the pronouncement with laughter, saying, “This man is crazy. He is used to saying these things.”
He then added: “From that day, about two months back, I did not have any connection with him with him until the last two weeks, when we had this closing ceremony at the camp with those US soldiers who came to have training. He was there. When I prepared the quarter-guard, he came and took the quarter-guard from me and went to the school. When he was leaving the school, I was standing at the quarter-guard flag waiting for his going-out so as to give the last salute. He just called me and told me that I want to see you in the evening if you have time, while he was boarding a vehicle with Capt Bunja. When he left, the CO was standing at that time. I went down to the CO Office. I told the CO again Capt. Mendy, I think this man is just following the same issue. He is telling me to see him.”
Operations
Confirming that it was in the evening he visited the house Col Cham, RSM Bah said: “When I reached there around 4:30 p m, he was up. He took me around the back yard under a small mango tree. He started teasing me: This is what the Field Force used to do. When they are talking something serious, they go under a tree so as the tree would witness that. At that juncture, he started explaining to me thoroughly- his objectives and his plans and his aims. He told me that for his part, something is done. That the Senegalese are there to give all interventions. Later, he started telling me the tasks he has designated. He said to the State Guard, Capt Famara Jammeh is there for me. I have already spoken to him with second Lt Sanyang and Staff Sergt Manlafi Corr. They are there and they are well informed. And that they are going to do check point at Denton Bridge. They are going to be there and give a tight security. And for Farafenni, he said the CO Bayo and the then Camp Commander, Capt Darboe are there to give access to the Senegalese troops to come and pass, go through Kanilai to cuddle Kanilai. And for Kanilai, Lt Lowe is there for him. We have already spoken to him. When they come he gonna give them chance to do their own work.”
“So for Yundum, he did not specify, who he have there. He did not tell me that, because he was just rushing things so as it would take time. He said for Yundum, they gonna take the airport and make some checkpoints, and the Earth Station. He said some people are tasked for that. So he said for Fajara Barracks, he will send some officers: One Lt M.A Bah. He will come and join us there. He told me to liaise with that guy. That was what he said. And our task there was to take over GRTS and Africell to switch off for three hours. When he finished I left,” RSM Bah expounded.
Recalling that after his return to the barracks, RSM pointed out that he “spoke to the Batallion Commander Capt Mendy, concerning my discussion with the C.D.S. He said always this guy is always playing with this. Anybody he sees, he will tell you about this. So later, I informed Capt Jallow about the issue. And Capt Jallow’s response was don’t live on this thing.”
He continued: “It was on the 20th at that morning when he just called me and said he is in office and everything is in place. So Tuesday morning, he called me and said I am sending a driver for you to photocopy a document for me. When the driver came, he gave me those papers. And it was sketch plan of GRTS, where we supposed to switch off and the Africell. So I photocopied two each and gave it to the driver to take it for him. So when he was closing, he called me and said OK, the timing is changed from 2:00 a m to 11: p m. So be informed.”
“Later in the evening, Capt Bunja called me around 6:00 p m, while all of us are at the camp. He called and said I want to see you. I said as for now I am busy. he said OK. If you are less busy at around 8:00 p m, we can see. So that 8:00 p m, there was no time for us to see. For me, I was not even available, so I left for house, after dropping Capt Jallow at Jakaranda. So I went down home. And around 11:00 p m, 11:30 p m, the adjutant called me. He said the Chief of Staff was at the barracks to brief them on an event, which wanted to occur. So all of you are on 100 per cent standby. So I came down to the camp, and I was picked by the 2IC, Capt L.F.K Jammeh. I braced up and join them,” he explained.
RSM Bah then noted that he was picked up and to the State Central Prison at Mile 2, the day after the foiled coup, and then described his interrogation: “The process of the interrogation, the way I see it is like the panel was equipped with information. I will tell the general public that this thing has come to our way and here to accept it. Because it is like if your commander tells you and elaborated my whole Gaf is behind you, it is like we are under command. We take command. And for me my immediate boss was the CO and I felt whatever I here, I should go to him and tell him. And telling him, he did not make it something important.”
He opined that the aborted coup was an “unfortunate circumstance. I beg for his mercy as he is the head of state for this country. And let him not look at me as singular, let him look at my family behind and my two children.”
Captain Famara Jammeh
Captain Famara Jammeh, Second in Command State Guard, said: “On Tuesday, between 3:00 p m and 4: 00 p m, Alieu Jobe called me and asked me to go to his office. When I went there, he told me he has a dream and that dream is His Excellency the President called him I his office. And he went there but he was protocol by the first lady to meet the head of state. Then the head of state stood up and shake his hand. From there, the head of State asked him to sit down, where the head of state stood up or were he was sitting. Then he told the head of state no sir, this is your seat. But a friend, he called name that is an Oustass just jumped and sit where the head of state was sitting. I told him I think the best thing you can do is to go to somebody, who can interpret dream for you so that you can take out the necessary charities of the dream. So that is where our conversation stopped. So I left that office because then it was almost closing time.”
“I came to my office. But before I leave the office, O2 called me, informing me that there are some officers, who want to overthrow the government. Then I called my boss, Capt Njie. I tell him sir where are you. he told me that I am at the Denton Bridge. I told him sir, come back. I have a message for you. He told me what message. I told him sir it is confidential, come I have a message for you. He told me OK, he is coming. He rang off the phone. Thirty minutes later, he called me back. He told me tell me the message. I told him sir this message is confidential. I want you to come and we discuss it. He said just tell me. That is the time I told him about this coup d’etat. He told in fact I am working on that information, I have also heard about it. But anything that comes out of it, I will let you know. I told him OK sir. He said if there is any standby I will call you and there be a standby. That is the time I left. But before I leave, I informed Second Lt Faring Sanyang about what is happening,” he said.
He then recounted his encounter with Col Ndure Cham: “Immediately after I leave some minutes, the C.D.S called me. He told me that Captain Jammeh if I look at you, I see myself. If I look at myself, I see you in me. I told him what do you mean sir? He said we are going to strike today. We are going to overthrow the head of state today by 00:00 a m. And I want you to take care of the bridge and the State House for me. I told him sir, how is that possible? Just you want to strike today, today, today. You are just informing me and you want me to take care of the bridge and the State House today. He told me anyway, didn’t Alieu Jobe inform you? He should have informed you. I said no sir he did not inform me. He said anyway, it is 12:00 a m. I told him OK sir, I will call you back. And then I rang off the phone. Then I never called back.”
According to him, he received a call from Captain YMS Darboe, when he was driving around Tallinding. He said he told Capt Darboe that his mobile battery was running down and then informed him that he was expecting a call from his CO (Captain Njie). “I gave him the number of my wife. I told him may be I will be at home and you can call me on my wife’s number. I gave him that number. When I was about to reach Lamin, my boss called me. He said is Capt Njie. He said the information is confirmed, you people can come back. We are going standby, I told him OK sir. But is very close to my house. That is Yundum and Lameng. I decided to go home, have my lunch, prepare myself and then come back. And when I came, I told sir these people said they are going to strike by 00:00 a m. He told me no it is 02:00 a m but we have already started the operation. Then on 22, between 05:00 p m and 06:00 p m, my CO called me in his office and told me that your name has been mentioned as been part of the plotters. You can go to the NIA Office to clarify yourself. That was the time I was picked, and taken to Mile 2.”
“The following day, on Wednesday, I came here to write my statement. There was no threatening word or torture that is meted on me,” he explained.
Affirmed the enormity of his loyalty to President Jammeh, Capt Jammeh said: “What I will tell the President is that I was a loyal officer and I still remain to be loyal. I will never be disloyal to him.”
He then added: “If this was what I have known before, it would have reached today. If the C.D.S had not called me, I would have been dumb-founded when I am called here. Because I would not know anything. I want to assure my superior officers and the head of state is that I am a loyal person and I am still loyal. I have never involved and will never involve in any criminal or anything that will see the down fall of his government.”
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2006 : 00:24:08
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This alledged coup plot is terribly unfortunate either way. It is hard to say right now if the allegations are true or trumped up. However , one thing is clear ; the parading of the accused on national Tv and compelling them to confess is a legal tragedy , and it is damaging to the principle of due process of law.Did any of the accused have independent counsel since their arrest ,detention , interrogation, possible torture, and confession ?
I will take the confession of an accused seriously if he /she did so in a court of law.But i cannot take such confessions seriously on a national tv by an accused under extreme duress.
This is a travesty of justice. What has happened to the legal system in the Gambia? Is the government above the law?
I have read Sankofa saying that the accused are "guilty until proven guilty", and i worry if this is the Gambia government's policy towards accused people. Remember , the burden of proof is on the accuser (the government)and to force a confession out of these military and civilian arrestees instead of building a criminal case against them in a court of law is troublesome but cowardly also.
I hope that our government realize that the accused persons are innocent until they are proven guilty in a competent court of law.I hope our government brings the accused persons speedily in a courtroom. Anything less than that will only tempt all civilized people to believe that this is another fiasco. That justice is dead in the Gambia. That this alledged coup plot is "cooked up" just to eliminate targeted but innocent Gambians during this run up to the presidential elections in October.
Thanks. |
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heehyov
4 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2006 : 00:49:48
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since my first two postings to this site are excerpts, i am hereby expressing my opinion to what i am summarising as manipulation. What has happened to these used to be Patriotic servants is that they were in big belief and eagerness to seeing a spell in which they could make a name for themselves like its been with the President's case. My own disgust is how can these people connife with the Senegalese who we have ever seen as people who look down on us and never allow us to be a colourful nation which infact The Gambia has been to the admiration of the whole world. Here were the Senegalese ready to come in and defend what is to ruin our peaceful country, is it because our President corresponds with Cassamance in a friendly manner. If even that is how comeafter he had united Manneh and Viera(Guinea Bissau), Manneh was brutally murdered and he was a Gambian but our President left it as a Bisssau issue to deal with. Now why are the Senegalese grudging about Jammeh's cordiality. Infact let them face him and tell him about it rather than been such hypocrites.As for the soldiers now arrested whose minds were masterminded by that Ndure Cham whom judged by his immediate absconding did know that he has not either known or done much to gain control over the country but because he believed he had got some high rank oficials who would back him,
i am of the believe that our President will forgive those who come plainly to narrate as it was cos everyone is vulnerable to such misleadings. I still beleve that the President has got almost the entire army on his side which is the result of these failed coup attempts. The army are his mates and he is the commander in chief who loves them and cares for them too.
Please Mr. President just have mercy and by the help of God, all the righteous are protected and the evil perish.
Long live the Peace and Tranquility in The Gambia |
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taalibeh
Gambia
336 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2006 : 01:04:01
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| This is my view point. There is no head or tail with regards to this matter. A witness says he learnt about the coup a couple of hours before and then started narrating events relating to the coup weeks before the aledged coup day. INCONSISTENT!!! This is an interesting development. Let us all sit and watch how the government is going to conclude this issue. They have started it they must have an end plan. "SETANA DAHA CHE NDAGEH" |
Taalibeh |
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kayjatta
2978 Posts |
Posted - 31 Mar 2006 : 21:11:29
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Heehyov , what made you believe that a crme has been committed ? Do you think a confession under duress of torture is enough to build a crminal case ? Does parading these accused persons on tv. without legal representation serves justice ?
Thanks. |
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