STATEMENT BY KEBBA MASANEH CEESAY SECRETARY GENERAL - GAMBIA LABOUR CONGRESS
Brother/Madam
Chair
Brother
Settar Aslan, GENERAL coordinator and Leader of Ozman is Trade Union
Members
of the oz orman is sendikasi Union of the Republic of Turkey Distinguished
Guests
Brothers,
Sisters and dear delegates
First
of all
I bring greetings to the people of Turkey and to President Tayip Erdogan from the H E President Adama Barrow,
President of the Third Republic of The Gambia and the entire working class
movements of the Gambia which has just
celebrated the inauguration of
a new Government of the Third Republic
of The Gambia. I thank the organizers for inviting our organization to this
important event. Gambia and Turkey have had long standing relationship and our
two Governments had several cooperation I various fields especially IN MILITARY
AREA. As I speak to you 7 Gambia Military personnel are undergoing military
training at the Turkish military Academy.
As
we discuss amongst others the event of 15th July attempted Coup in Turkey, I
want to say that from the Gambia experience Coup d Etate is the most abhorrent seizure of
people’s rights and freedom. Hence we condemn it in its entirety. We have had
bitter experience from the Ex Gambian Leader who came in to the reins of power
through a Military Coup 22 years ago. We suffered under all forms of repression
and intimidation under this regime with no social justice for the working class
and their families.
Distinguished
Brothers and Sisters, on the 15th July 2016 the people of the Republic of
Turkey were confronted by an attempt to over throw by force the democratically
elected Government through military means perpetuated by FETO and aided by
imperialists agents. This attempted coup brought about destruction and loss of
lives. Moreover it brought about social unrest, in security and political
menace inherent to failed coups.
Let
me take this opportunity to pay homage to the people who gave up their lives
for the purpose of democracy and freedom.
It
is the irreparable consequences of military take over that galvanized the
resolved of the people and progressive forces under the dynamic leadership of
President Tayip Erdogan stood up to repel the attempted coup. Such dynamism is
reminiscence of the heroism known of the great leaders of Turkey in the past
centuries. We call on all and sundry to rise against all sponsored
organizations that create structures in disguise to destabilized countries and
to promote terror the world over.
Let
us all encourage all progressive
forces not only to fight against and
denounce all military coups but that the
perpetrators should face severe consequences for their actions. Coups have had
negative effect politically, socially and end up corrupting as well as creating
economic mess for the working class families. We in the civil societies abhor
the interference of external forces in the internal affairs of our countries
and vehemently condemn all forms incitation that will lead to the disability of
our countries.
We
in the Gambia and from me personally, congratulate President Tayip Erdogan and
the heroic courage of the people’s Republic of Turkey for standing and
scarifying their lives against the agents of colonialism and imperialism and
they can count on our continuous support.
Before
closing let me also specially congratulate the working class movements of
Turkey in particular for their nationalist and dynamic efforts in sensitizing
and orientating the International through International Symposia about the
failed Coup and the ill motive of it perpetrators and sponsors ,against the People’s Republic
of Turkey. I was in Istanbul under the invitation of Mermu Sen in October 2016
during which we discussed amongst others this very important issue. Here I have
the pleasure again under the invitation of the Oz Ozman Trade Union of Turkey
to discuss the same issue.
We
are proud to be associated with this programme and my Organization has a lot in common with the
Agriculture and Foresters Trade Union, because the majority of our affiliates
are in the Agricultural Sector. It is no secret that agricultural development
and food security has been a concern to many Countries and Gambia is no
exception. You might be interest to know that The Gambia has an Agricultural based economic with over 60% of
its population are peasant farmers and a
large number of Women are engaged in Horticulture.
Friends,
Brothers and Sisters I take t this opportunity to appeal to our Turkish
Brothers and Sisters as well as those organization present here for any
Technical and Material assistance focusing on enhancing the capabilities in
efficient techniques in Horticulture, livestock, farm management as well as
fisheries and mechanization of our
Agricultural activities thus ameliorating
our national economy as well better the living standards of the working
families engaged in Agriculture.
Finally
we reiterate our confidence in the Leadership of President Tayip Erdogan we
admire his determination to protect the People of the Republic of Turkey from
all forms of suppression and external interference from external forces and
their proxy and hope that Turkey will build better and stronger ties with our
new Government led by HE Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of the Gambia.
Long
Live Working Class Solidarity
Long
live Turkey-Gambia Friendship
God
Bless Turkey and the Republic of The Gambia
Thank
you
