The
national reconciliation and peace move Tuesday announced by the President is a
good move to open a new page and allay fears in the country.
This
initiative by the outgoing president should have been announced a long time ago
because that would have earned us enough
time for both parties to properly discuss how to hand over the reins of power
and governance within the stipulated transition period.
However,
it is still not late – as it is said: better late than never – for both parties
to work together to a final preparation.
We
would also like to call on all Gambians and non-Gambians in the country to
abide by the law and respect the constitution of the country.
We
should continue to pray for peace, stability and tranquillity to always
prevail.
Right
now many people are leaving the country and others are going to their
respective villages.
We
should put aside our own selfish interest and look at the interest of the
nation.
Indeed
the internal dialogue proposed is really in place hence it is essential that a
Mediator General has been appointed and assigned to lead the national
reconciliation drive. This will help to facilitate dialogue and lead us through
a smooth transition.
In
reaffirming this reconciliation drive, the President said: “I hereby appoint
the Secretary General as Mediator General for this trying period and mandate
him to:
“Ensure
the public and civil service continue to work proficiently and without fear or
favor in an apolitical manner in the service of the Nation; 2) Meet with all
stakeholders in the country and prepare a meeting so that all parties can be
heard and we resolve any mistrust and issues among ourselves; and 3) Work with
the Minister of Justice and the National Assembly to draft a general amnesty
bill to confirm and ensure that there is no witch-hunt so that we can restore a
climate of confidence and security within constitutional mandate.”
Talking
about national reconciliation, the press should be in the forefront of such
consideration, and all private radio stations should be re-opened. Former GRTS DG Momodou Sabally and Bakary Fatty
should also be pardoned. Access to
information should as well be guaranteed.
Furthermore,
we welcome also the move by ECOWAS to send a mediation mission to The Gambia on
Friday to continue to talk to all the parties in the political divide.
The
delegation expected comprises President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, former
President of Ghana John Mahama and the Chairperson of ECOWAS Ellen Johnson
Sirleaf.
This
will be another opportunity to explore so that we put the matter to rest and
move on with the development of the nation.
“Peaceful
Resolution is the answer .”
The
Point
