Movement for Democracy & Development praises Amnesty for staging Gambia Global Day of Action

Movement for Democracy and Development Joins Amnesty International’s Global Day of Action and Demands for the Restoration of Genuine Democracy and Justice in The Gambia:

The International Community, Democratic Governments and Human Rights Organizations worldwide are hereby called upon to join Amnesty International Global day of Action for The Gambia and condemn in the strongest terms the (APRC) Government of president Yahya Jammeh on the day of July 22nd 1994 Coup D’etat, the day he among some junior undisciplined, non commissioned officers of the Gambian national army seized the freedom of Gambians by over throwing a democratically elected Government. This is why the regime takes it upon itself annually to celebrate and commemorate this dark historic and terrorist move against democracy and the rule of law.

For the majority of Gambians, who over the years have painfully learnt the bitter experience of this violent and illegal change, celebrating the July, 22nd is not only a waste of their tax revenue but is a cruel reminder of the period of illegal arrests, detentions, torture, unfair trials and a general insecurity of life and property. It is also a reminder of how corruption can be legalized and justified under a Military dictatorship. President Yahya Jammeh and his cohorts have, beyond the comprehension of the average Gambian, acquired properties, built enormous cash deposits and engaged in dubious business dealings.

The record speaks volume for it self; the same gang of arrogant and greedy soldiers headed by Yahya Jammeh who have transformed themselves to civilian politicians supported by some unpatriotic military have over the 15 year period mismanaged and looted the Gambian economy. They continue to violate constitution, strictly control political activities, rig elections to oppress the Gambian people by perverting the rule of law. The legacy of the APRC regime, which in effect is nothing more than a pseudo-democracy and a dictatorship, is geared more towards Human Rights violation and disregard for constitutional order. It is obvious that the Gambian people have finally realized that they have been betrayed by a handful of soldiers and some selfish civilians who were never loyal to the nation but all the time was being guided by selfishness and greed.

The APRC regime from day one of coming to power is very hostile to democracy, the press freedom, good governance, human rights and the rule of law. A testimony of this is the recent arrest of The Gambia press Union (GPU) executive and some journalists.

The act of murder can only be attributed to the gang of APRC terrorists better known as the “green boys”. Therefore, the disappearance and continuous detention incommunicado without being charged or brought before a court of law of the following people make it abundantly clear that President Jammeh ordered the killing of Journalist Deyda Hydara.

From 2006 Still Missing:

(1) Chief Ebrima Manneh, (2) Kanyiba Kanyi (3) Haruna Jammeh (4) Massey Jammeh (5) Jasing Kujabie (6) Cpl. Alfusainey Jammeh (7) Momodou Lamin Nyassi (8) Buba Sanyang (9) Ndongo M’boob (10) Samsideen Jammeh (11) Bakary Gassama (12) Ebou Jarju (13) Momodou Manga, (14) Sergeant Sam Kambi (15) Osseh Abdoulie Corr, (16) Alassan M’boob (17) Babucarr Njie and (18) Kebba Secka.

Today it is abundantly clear that President Yahya Jammeh and cohorts were only hungry for power, were out to destroy the democratic institutions of the country, abuse the rights and freedom of the people, and by so doing deprive the Gambian citizens the rights to freedom and democracy. The objectives of the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) Junta turned civilian (APRC) Government is therefore to cling on to power at all cost, plunder the country’s resources without being challenged by any opposing force within the country.

We are therefore informing the world community, that this is what is being celebrated. All progressive Organizations including all those who stand for democracy, justice and human rights are urged to Join Amnesty International on the Global day of action for Gambia, condemn these shameful celebrations of July, 22nd which is nothing more than a disgrace and a betrayal of democracy and disrespect for the Gambian people.

Finally, we call on President Jammeh’s Government to drop all the charges leveled against the Gambia Press Union (GPU) officials/ 7 journalists and release all political prisoners.