We
are still hoping to see a peaceful resolution of the political impasse and its
tension looming in the country.
All
have, therefore, called for peace and cooperation between the two parties in
the standoff.
But
the clock is also ticking as we get to January 19, when the president-elect is
expected to be inaugurated.
We
have continued to lend our voice to the call for a peaceful resolution of the
crisis, so that our nation does not get itself entangled in a situation wherein
two people will be clamouring for the seat of power, when one president has
been elected.
This
will create serious confusion and conflict in the country.
Therefore,
cooperation between the sitting president and his government and the incoming
president and his party should prevail, as they should really take all
necessary steps to cooperate and show understanding to each other to resolve
the matter.
This
can be done by removing all fears and suspicion between each other, to save the
nation from entering the realm of violence in resolving the impasse.
On
or after the 19th of January, The Gambia will definitely have one leader to
lead this country, but we do not want that to be arrived at through violent
means.
The
Gambia is a developing country with comparatively very small population. So we
would not want our infrastructural development destroyed and human lives
perished before we can arrive at any peaceful resolution of the matter.
We
are today a nation in fear and uncertainty of what the future holds in store
for us, especially as we approach January 19.
Already,
businesses are winding down and people are moving apparently to safe abodes, in
fear of the unknown.
This
climate of uncertainty is serving as a direct attack on the national economy,
and further exacerbating the economic hardship in the country, and as we
approach January 19 this condition continues to get worse.
We
should, therefore, do all it takes to save our nation from plunging into
violent conflict even as our country is today in the spotlight for all the
wrong reasons: political dispute, disagreement over election results, refusal
to step down from power after a democratic poll result, and fear of war as
people run away from the city to the suburbs and neighbouring countries.
A
peaceful resolution is, therefore, needed to keep our nation intact and on the
path of progress, as we enter a new phase of our development trajectory.
“War
is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong; and multiplies,
instead of indemnifying losses.”
Thomas
Jefferson