The leadership of the Committee for the Restoration of Democracy in the Gambia (CORDEG) has been accused of deviating from the Raleigh Accord as well as antagonising the opposition.
Mr. Alkali Conteh, whose Gambia Democratic Action Group (GDAG) pulled out of CORDEG, said the Committee did not only deviate from the Raleigh Accord but also expanded its mandate, flout the term limit and ended up antagonizing the opposition political parties on the ground.
Mr. Conteh used a panel discussion on Kairo Radio to advance the reasons why GDAG threw in its towel from CORDEG last week. He cited many reasons, including abuse of office, lack of respect or ethics within CORDEG all contributed to GDAG’s withdrawal.
GDAG Chairman said CORDEG’s relations with opposition parties is clearly stipulated in the Raleigh Accord. He said the Accord mandated the “Steering Committee to identify and work with groups, organizations and institutions that are engaged in the struggle to promote democracy, good governance and the rule of law. The Committee shall serve as a link between the opposition movement in the diaspora, political parties, civil societies and the media on the ground to promote the agenda for change.”
Mr. Conteh said CORDEG’s supportive role has been spelt out in the Accord. Conteh added that the Raleigh Accord does not define CORDEG as “an umbrella or parent organisation that is going to meet down on other organisations and give instructions and direct them what to do and what not to do.”
Conteh said the attitudes and statements inside CORDEG have both indcated marginzation of the opposition parties. “We have completely marginalized the political parties. When Mai Fatty [leader of opppsition Gambia Moral Congress] withdrew from CORDEG. We agreed to discuss with him and bring him back. The whole idea is about coalition building,” he said, adding that the withdrawal of both GMC and National Reconciliation Party must not.”
He said efforts to engage with Mai Fatty proved futile simply because “CORDEG Secretary General Abdoulie Jobe who was delegated to negotiate with Mai said “to hell with these politicaians and political parties. I am sick and tired of them. That is not the right attidude, especially from a person who was set up for negotiation. Mai’s letter was leaked to the press, purposely to throw sand in the works – to make it impossible. That was the firt CORDEG leak.”
Conteh explained that GDAG “recognises the fact that the regime in banjul has emasculated the free press, bar association, labour and student unions.” As such, he said, the opposition parties are the only formidable entities that have got some spine to fight a dictatorship.
Ends
Mr. Conteh: Never explain , because your friends do not need it, and your enemies will not believe you.
That Banka Manneh is a lousy idiot who has no respect for dissent. From what I can able to glean from the discussion, he only called others ‘the trouble’ because those people made a principle stand not to allow abuse and manipulation. Banka is a lousy empty barrel.
Good debate Alkali and Tunkara. All my respect to Jainaba Bah and I felt her pain when she was forced to dwell on her private life to exonerate her conscience. That was really moving but painful to listen to. I feel like that was my sister letting it all out.
Thanks
But withdrawing is not the solution there were no indications that you have ever pushed for the deviations highlighted to be revisited, but what came of you was to pull out from the committee. It’s not the solution if we want to solve our general problem this is not the way to solve it. Let us forget about sentiments, and we behave as one people with one goal. Thanks
MM Danso, what will u do if you were in Alkali’s position. We definitely need your explanation. You’re a man to be trusted,
Thumbs up Alkali and team. I cried when I heard Jainaba’s painful explanation. Lord help us with sincere and trusted leaders. Not those who alienate us. Dr. admit failure and resign.
Demba Baldeh keeps saying this is a petty issue. His line of questioning and comments tells me he came to defend CORDEG,
Demba baldeh was really against the members GDAG decision to withdrew from this useless and sham cordeg,they have big mouth they cannot even open a bank account.And these are the big mouth interlectuals who instigated gambians to disrespect our opposition leaders,using this useless online medias to ridicule people who love gambia more than them.If you listen to Mr saine and you listen to members of GDAG and Mrs jainaba jallow, you should know that these cordeg executives are not serious,they just delaying gambian in our quest to free the motherland.We have all heard the way forward and the objectives of cordeg in the open,they are mandated to help cordinate the opposition unity as diaporan gambia umbrella organization,but what they are doing is contrary.How can you register an important organization like cordeg without having constitution.This is a shame they should resign!GDAG has a strong reason base on principle to resign,and if anybody think thats is petty,let me tell you what is petty is what Mr saine said about these guys,that is baseless,petty and unfortunate.No one can manipulate gambians with your backward agendas.Cordeg will not represent gambians because they are not serious.Lastly NRMG SHOULD BE VERY CAREFUL IN DEALING WITH SUCH FAIL ENTITY BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT SERIOUS ABOUT THE LIBERATION OF THE MOTHERLAND YET.mi opinoins!
Let’s root out dictators from our rank and get liberated,
Deviation from ones mandate is sinful. It looks like Dr Saine was breeding dictatorship. I agree with Alimatou Sarr that he needs to resign or step down after one yr in accordance with CORDEG’s own term limit stipulation. Jainaba Bah should be made the next chairperson. Abdoulaye Jobe has no role to play in the struggle for he is a waako who is in the habit of insulting opposition leaders in The Gambia and antagonising them too. Banka Manneh will do himself good if he simply shut up.
Demba Baldeh have no journalistic skills. Instead of allowing people to talk, he is fond of trying very hard to force his views on his interviewees.
Thanks
Burr Saine beh chi Saloum aka Dr Abdoulaye Saine, are you listening? People are talking.
Thanks
thanks manju touray……
Deviation from Raleigh accord STARTED FROM ORIGINAL LISTS PRESENTED AS “STEERING COMMITTEE” BEFORE UNDERMINING IT WITH “GUC” & “CORDEG”!!!