Military interventions in West Africa is a shame

I condemn any violent means of changing any government whether it is in the gambia or somewhere else.

Gambia's stability is too important within the sub region for it to be shaken or threatened. Our tranquility or peaceful coexistence should not be jeopardised AT ALL!

When I think of the stigma of military interventions in West Africa it makes me shiver in shame!  We may not know it but African nations particularly those in West Africa are a laughing stock as far as military interference in politics is comcerned! No one, I mean no one should wish the Gambia any turbulence. I don't think soldiers are the best alternative where democracy is being germinated. Therefore military take overs would only leave so much to be desired  but not remedy any situation.

We must collectively speak with one voice and CONDEMN in the strongest terms any form of changing a government through the barrel of the gun or other violent means. I for one do NOT believe in violent ways of changing any sitting government be it in the Gambia or any other country within West Africa.

What we as a sub region should think of now, is how to create  a sub regional force that will counter insurgencies, the spread of terrorism, contain cross border crimes, curb the illicit flow of small arms within the sub region and above all a total eradication of any violent means of changing a government. In fact the ongoing meeting of heads of sub regional military chiefs in Guinea Bissau was supposed to be the best opportunity for our part of the world  to be free from military interventions. The enemies facing us as a sub region are two:

1 - Terrorist sleeper cells. 

2 - Mercenary sleeper cells.

Let's fight these two together and stop fighting each other within our  nations.

In fact any person or group of people who think that military interventions are to be entertained must think twice.

Wisdom dictates that experience is the best teacher isn't it?  What experience has taught about military governments is definitely BITTER.

Elections and party politics are the best available options but definitely not military interventions.

What Gambia needs at this moment is the creation of a National Consultative Committee that will organize a "vibrant" national dialogue so that all stake holders will use preventive diplomacy to avoid any form of conflict!

Gambians must be extremely careful of entertaining the idea of violent means of changing a government. With such military interventions we have far more to lose than gain.

Investment and other opportunities will be frozen for months if not years where a military intervention takes place.

We cannot afford turmoil in this small nation especially during the post covid era.

We must collectively shun and condemn military interventions. They are dangerous and can degenerate to cause a lot of harm.

Ivory Coast is one country that has without doubt regretted such violent means of changing a government.

Today they are healing their wounds with regrets.

Gambians!  Let's be careful of wishing ourselves the woes and misery that go with war and turmoil.

I do not support any form of violent means of changing a government. I pray that Allah saves The Gambia from the horrors of war or military interventions .