Mr
President,
It
is not an exaggeration to say that nowadays, Gambians are not going about their
business in peace and tranquility nor are they sleeping peacefully at night all
because of the fear of insecurity.
The
country is awash with reports that a sizeable number of Yahya Jammeh’s death
squad, the notorious Jungullers have absconded to some neighboring countries.
There are also reports that several soldiers that have deserted the army are
having arms and ammunition and have taken refuge in countries close to our
borders.
It
is reported that these Jammeh agents, loyalists and sympathisers are planning
to regroup to destabilise The Gambia.
Given
Yaya Jammeh’s unbridled ambition and his demonstrated insanity and brutality,
these reports should not be taken lightly and government should move to
re-assure the population that it is capable of defending the country from any
attack by Yahya Jammeh and his cohorts.
Although
national security and intelligence cannot be discussed in the open, it is
imperative for the government to confirm or deny the allegations of Jungullers
and soldiers re-grouping in neighboring countries. This, at least, will show
that our security apparatus are abreast with developments and that the
population is given credible information that will allay the fears of the
people and re-assure investors that the New Gambia is stable, open for business
and capable of repelling any act of aggression or destabilisation.
In
addition to this, government should upgrade our intelligence gathering
capabilities with modern technology and engage sister countries in the
sub-region on intelligence sharing. This
is the only way we can track and neutralise the roaming forces of Yahya Jammeh
before they can take advantage of the porous borders in the sub-region. Our security personnel should be given
facilities like transport, mobile, and other equipment and incentives a well as
more training.
The
government should also embark on an offensive diplomatic campaign to engage the
countries where these renegade soldiers have found sanctuary. The President
should be more assertive and establish strong relationships with his
counterparts to ensure that no neighboring country will harbour elements that
are hostile to The Gambia.
We
have noted the strategic upgrading of all military installations into
battalions, but we suggest that this should be complemented by training and the
provision of equipment. Only a well-trained and adequately equipped army can
defend us and the territorial integrity of our country.
Security
should be paramount and in this regard, government should monitor Yahya
Jammeh’s enablers who are still in the country and may be travelling in and out
as courier.
On
another note, please be informed that an information campaign is making the
rounds that Yahya Jammeh was expected to return for the Koriteh prayers but
will now make it for Tobaski. This shows
that apart from the security threat, there is also an active misinformation
campaign and if left unchecked, it will create doubt and confusion in the
country.
The
security of The Gambia and Gambians must
therefore be handled swiftly and decisively. In the meantime, please strengthen
our military pact with ECOWAS and consolidate further our relationship with
Senegal.
Have
a good day Mr President.
