We
have got to know, according to reports, that there is another set of high
powered delegation called Mediation Support Team intending to visit The Gambia
to talk with the sitting president on the current political standoff lingering
in the country.
It
has been reported that the foreign affairs minister of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, representing his leader President Buhari, and Ghana’s outgoing
President John Mahama, who is co-member of the mediation team set up by ECOWAS,
will be visiting Banjul to continue talks with the sitting president on the
impasse.
This
move will be followed by the Nigerian president to find a solution to the
political problem hitting hard on the nation.
There
are also reported talks on the matter going on through Guinea Conakry involving
President Conde and some state officials.
These
are good moves, which should yield fruit and pull out our nation from going
down the lane of violent conflict.
There
has been so much trouble in the world, such as internal strife and external
aggressions, that have ended up destroying the growth, development, social
fabric and human lives of nations.
We
should not opt to go down that lane before we come to terms. Let’s save our
nation of that horrible and infamous history by coming to terms peacefully and
accepting the will of God. Not by
violent means.
For
example, the Senegal-Gambia-Guinea Bissau Women’s Forum has called on parties
to resolve the current political crisis by non-violent means.
“The
Senegal-Gambia-Guinea Bissau Women’s Forum is urging all parties to exercise
full restraint and give priority to dialogue and non-violence to resolve this
crisis,” they said.
The
women have said all should be mindful of the observance of the law, the
Constitution of The Gambia and all treaties, protocols and conventions signed
by The Gambia, in respect of the sacred nature of the power and will of the
people.
It
is interesting to note what the women are calling for. They said: “We welcome
all the initiatives and efforts by ECOWAS, the AU and UN towards a peaceful
resolution and solemnly call on outgoing President Jammeh, as Pan Africanist,
to listen to his people and give priority to discussion, dialogue and
consultation as genuine African values constantly observed by our forefathers
when faced with similar choices.”
A
peaceful negotiation is the best option. Let’s pursue it and see it to the end.
There is another opportunity at hand – the Alpha Conde and the Muhammed Buhari
Mediation Support Team efforts could bring a solution to this impasse.
Someone
has said many an opportunity is lost because a man is out looking for four-leaf
clovers.
“Opportunity
is often difficult to recognize; we usually expect it to beckon us with beepers
and billboardsl .”
William
Arthur Ward
