In
every situation, there could be a positive outcome. May Allah bring that
positive outcome to resolve our political nightmare very soon?
On
the 2nd of December 2016, shortly after IEC chairman announced the election
result, I was overwhelmed with emotion and close to tears, especially when I
heard that His Excellency President of Republic of The Gambia Sheikh Professor
Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh had conceded defeat and accepted the result.
I
never thought Gambians are capable of such a miraculous decision. However, it
does not surprise me because I always believed and had a lot of confidence in
President Jammeh when he reiterated he is a God-fearing Muslim, and he will
accept God’s will and the will of the Gambian people.
At
that moment, President Jammeh earned universal respect not only of Gambians,
but the international community, as well as from his political opponents.
Not
only me, but even some major media outlets such as BBC and FRANCE 24 admitted
that; because some foreign powers never believed that Gambia could conduct such
a peaceful free and fair election, and democratically changing their government
without bloodshed or fear from the ruling elite.
This
unprecedented move sparked a week-long celebration with euphoria, which we
never witnessed in The Gambia before. People like me do not celebrate that
Jammeh lost the election and he is leaving the office. However, we celebrate
maturity which Gambians showed to the international community; that we are
intelligent and politically capable to implement our democratic process in line
with international standards.
Additionally,
the decency which President Jammeh demonstrated by appearing on national
television, and called to congratulate the president-elect, Mr Adama Barrow,
was fantastic.
Such
landmark events indicated that The Gambia is unique in Africa, and it raises
our expectation that there will be no hindrance to a peaceful transition to a
new government.
It
is also an opportunity for other countries to use The Gambia as a role model,
and an example in Africa.
As
a Muslim, I feel guilty without taking action to express the way I felt. I am,
therefore, personally appealing to President Yahya AJJ Jammeh and his entire
government to maintain his previous position, by ensuring a peaceful transition
to president-elect Adama Barrow.
Sir
(Jammeh), I know you love The Gambia and you have a good heart for this
country; it’s almost impossible to list the many great things which you have
done for this country.
In
my previous article, which was published in the Daily Observer, I have
highlighted the number of development projects which you have undertaken since
1994.
In
addition, you are a role model to many young people around the world. I remember
when I was in Sydney Australia last year. I met a man from Sudan, who asked me
where I’m from? When I told him I came from The Gambia. He embraced me and
said, “How is your president Yahya Jammeh? A true pan- Africanist; I really
like him.”
Many
Gambians are familiar with such remarks from people in the Diaspora. The legacy
of great leaders like you will last for many centuries to come. You served The
Gambia for almost 23 years.
Our
holy Prophet Muhammad (PBH) served his Ummah for almost 23 years. There are
many great examples like this in the past. You can rest assure that the
development foundations which you have planted in this country will never be
uprooted.
Long
live the Republic of The Gambia; let’s maintain the peace and stability. One Gambia
One People!
