President Yahya Jammeh has instructed officials of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) to warn chiefs in the Upper River Region to be wary of consequences of allowing the touring United Democratic Party members to hold rallies in their districts. The spy agents have since been going around threatening chiefs and village heads with firing if they fail to stop members of their communities from welcoming the UDP leader and his team.
Mr. Jammeh’s agents also instructed ferry workers at Basse to stop operations until the opposition leaves the region. Ferry management’s flimsy excuse was that operations have stopped “due to overflow of the river.”
For seven years, the main opposition members have been denied using the Basse ferry moreso hold political rallies in Sandu and Wuli. Opposition members believe the government’s ultimate goal is to deny the UDP delegation tumultuouss welcome in Wulu and Sandou, the the latter being the home of Ebrima Solo Kuruma whose death in custody has caused anger and dismay in the area.
But the party’s anointed presidential candidate refused to budge, insisting that nothing absolutely would prevent them from reaching the people of Sandou and Wuli. Adama Barrow ordered his delegation to cross by smal boats, for they must see eye-to-eye with the unimaginable abandoned and neglected communities in Wulli and Sandou. After riding with canoes, the UDP delegation boarded hired vans and gele gele to get to the two regions.
Residents in Sandou and Wuli have been grappling with poor road network for so many years. Their many cries fall on deaf ears.
UDP delegation has throughut received tumultuous welcome throughout, especially in Basse where the ruling APRC’s so-called Youth Rally in the area became a total failure.
The tour is meant to introduce the UDP’s nominated flag bearer as well as discuss with rural Gambians. The one week tour continues.
Ends
What I see from this headline about the successful UDP tour is not about Jammeh being just mad, but also threatening local leaders that the same fate as befallen the UDP leadership can happen to them, and no one can help them out of the predicament.
Since the root cause of our inability to dislodge Jammeh from power (electoral reform) has been ignored by the opposition parties, it is very difficult to expect a different outcome from previous election.
Jammeh determines the electoral rules, manages the process, and validates the results. Unless the opposition is prepared to challenge him every step of the way, it will be an exercise of self congratulatory optimism.
Thank you Modou #2 , you are absolutely right . Protest for the electoral reform was the best opportunity to change the status quo which could have lead to an election of change. The entire opposition parties and their leadership saw it as udp problem and they refused to take part to make the case for The Gambian people. They need to show the same bravery and courage that solo Sanderg and lawyer Darboe showed if they want to change the regime. Otherwise this election will be another endorsement of the dictator for the fifth term. In fact already , it seem there is faction , Halifa Sallah called for his meeting only two people showed up , NCP and dr Touray . His idea of primary is not going to be tolerated by anyone and it is dumb idea anyone can think of considering our political environment. NCP is as dead as pdois while Dr Touray is still searching for indentity and dancing partner to gain political recognition but she still want to lead even though she has no base . I hope she join forces with udp as soon as possible for her political survival.
Well the government should let people exercise their free will in the electing their leader no matter what.