Prior to the commencement of the TRRC, Hon. O.J Jallow has been advocating for reparations and reconciliation as a better approach than seeking to punish perpetrators of past crimes. He has always been an advocate for reconciliation and still holds that position strongly. O.J himself was a victim of numerous violations of his rights and… Continue reading Justice or Reconciliation; will one suffice without the other?
Author: mankajang
Is the Coalition 2016 Co-Chair Trying to Save Face
Coalition 2016 Leaders With The Gambia’s first-past-the-post system of voting, the only assurance in ousting an entrenched incumbent was to pool the opposition votes into one unit rather than having them fragmented between various parties. This was successfully done thanks to the efforts of various stakeholders with the leadership of the co-chair Mrs. Fatoumatta Jallow… Continue reading Is the Coalition 2016 Co-Chair Trying to Save Face
Raising the Moral Question
Since three of the United Democratic Party (UDP) principals have been fired from their executive positions, they have appeared on various media platforms granting interviews from their varied terms as cabinet ministers in various portfolios including the Vice Presidency. What we have heard so far relates to their personal relations with the President surrounding several… Continue reading Raising the Moral Question
Is Hon. Darboe Tribalist?
President Barrow with the people of the Foni On his recent comment about the appointment of former APRC officials to prominent positions and the rationale behind it, one could argue or agree that phrasing his statement may have put his meaning across a little better, but going as far as labelling him a tribalist is… Continue reading Is Hon. Darboe Tribalist?
Sins of the Father
Late Lt. Basirou Barrow An A student; a brilliant mind, a childhood deprived of a father’s love made more complicated by the uncertainties of the events surrounding the death of her father; a father she never knew. Supported by a determined, dedicated and brave mother and step mother who both raised her and a close… Continue reading Sins of the Father
Emotion Over Reason
The most unfortunate argument we hear being made with regards to the military takeover of government on July 22, 1994 is that former President Jawara overstayed in power and hence creating the enabling environment for the military to step in to end his self-perpetuation and the corruption that pervaded the civil service. Since when is… Continue reading Emotion Over Reason
Do Not Speak Ill of the Dead
“We should offer condolences mutually.” - Kurugan Fuga (Charter of Manding) Article 10 (circa 1236) Even in present day Gambia; rural Gambia that is, this holds true. A whole village and nearby villages go into mourning, suspending or rescheduling any festive event for a period of time to help the grieving families mourn. Death is… Continue reading Do Not Speak Ill of the Dead
Private Mafugi Sonko – Embodiment of a Gambian
He valued his dignity; learnt a trade and relied on his skills to provide for his family. His discipline and respect for authority was the reason why when he was called on to carry out a task, even though he was scheduled to be off and resting he obliged without question, without reluctance and without… Continue reading Private Mafugi Sonko – Embodiment of a Gambian
Culture or Naiveté?
In the midst of our frustrations with the revelations being made at the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), it is easy and quite common to hear that we are a naïve people for letting our elected officials act with so much impunity. To a large extent, naiveté could be an easy conclusion to come… Continue reading Culture or Naiveté?
Are the Perpetrators Sorry?
When Captain Bah of The Gambia National Army appeared before the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), he shed tears throughout his testimony and expressed sorrow for his conduct in torturing and humiliating elders simply because they were officials of the former government and because he was ordered to do so. We reacted with “those… Continue reading Are the Perpetrators Sorry?
Mankajang 