We
have got to know, according to reports, that there is another high-powered
delegation of the 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 presidents of Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia will
visit Banjul on Wednesday 11 January 2017 to continue talks with the sitting
president on the impasse.
This
move, which will include Ghana’s former President John Mahama, along with
representatives of the United Nations and African Union, is out to find a
solution to the political problem hitting hard on the nation.
We
are, therefore, praying that this second attempt yields fruit and pulls 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, many of which 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 us save our
nation of that horrible and infamous history by coming to terms peacefully, and
accepting the will of God. Not by
violent means.
Many
people and organisations have called for a peaceful solution to the problem,
which is actually the right path to follow.
For
example, the Senegal-Gambia-Guinea Bissau Women’s Forum recently called on all
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 us pursue it and see it to the
end.
This
is another opportunity at hand – the Muhammadu 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 billboards.”
William
Arthur Ward
