We have got
to know that the UN Special Representative for West Africa, Mohamed Ibn
Chambas, is expected to visit The Gambia today, Wednesday through Thursday, for
special talks with our President on very pertinent issues, including recent
happenings in the country.
According to reports by local newspapers, Ibn Chambas said: “I am planning to visit Banjul on 14-15 January and meet with President Jammeh. I will reiterate our firm condemnation of any attempt to seize power by unconstitutional means, and encourage the Gambian authorities to work with the support of international partners, to ensure the credibility of judicial procedures and the respect of human rights.”
A visit by the UN Special Representative to The Gambia at this point in time would represent some good omen from the world body, as it is the embodiment of nations and should be seen to be genuinely playing the role of an umbrella body, showing concern for all and sundry.
This initiative by the UN Special Representative for West Africa to visit The Gambia, indeed, demonstrates showing concern for its members when they are aggrieved.
Its expressions of firm condemnation of any attempt to seize power by unconstitutional means also shows how high the UN respects and upholds democratic values and the rule of law.
The UN, as a body which bears the brunt of solving problems and maintaining peace and stability around the world, would certainly want to see the reign of peace and security anywhere anytime across the globe.
Dr Ibn Chambas, the Special Representative of the Secretary General and Head of the UN Officefor West Africa(UNOWA), is as well quoted to have said West Africa’s political landscape remains delicate as nations across the regioncontinueto grapple with insecurity, terrorist threats and tensions ahead of a busy election cycle.
Hence a visit to The Gambia by Dr Ibn Chambas is also a demonstration of UN’s solidarity with the Government and people of The Gambia.
All said and done, the cumulative result of the statements and actions of solidarity with the Government and people of The Gambia is a message to those that want to assume power by force of arms and other violent means, that such takeovers are no more fashionable and are, therefore, intolerable.
“You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”
Walter Hagen
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