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| PHOTO: Members of Pro Gambia Association (Photo Credit Nelson Manneh) |
By Ousman A. Marong
The president of Pro-Gambia Association, Momodou Bah has called on President
Adama Barrow to do everything possible to ensure the prevalence of peace and
stability in the country.
He reminded the Gambian leader that the security of the citizens is in his hands.
Bah was speaking at a recent press conference at Sinchu Baliya in connection with the 3 years coalition agreement which has dominated the country’s political burning issues of the day.
President Barrow who defeated former President Yahya Jammeh in the December 1, 2016 presidential election as an independent candidate had agreed to serve as transitional president for 3 years to consolidate democracy and create a level playing field for parties to contest elections.
It could be recalled that the agreement was reached following the formation of Coalition 2016 comprising seven political parties and an independent, Dr. Isatou Touray who is the current Vice President.
“We don’t know and we cannot say he will be here for three years or five years. That is not our problem. Our problem or concerned is let him do what is in the best interest of the country. This is what we were asking for, and we will continue the work we are doing and we will engage the political parties and civil society involved in promoting peace in the country,” he stated.
He reminded the president to do his level best to make sure that peace and stability are maintained in this country.
He said the security of each person in the country is in the hands of the president, urging him to ensure that both Gambians and non-Gambians are safe.
Bah said it is common knowledge that something is brewing, which he likened to the situation in the 2016 election when everybody was afraid that there is going to be chaos in the country.
He added that his association stood their ground to make sure that they participated in making sure the election was peaceful, free and fairs.
He further said they were able to observe the elections and went everywhere to make sure that they preach peace, stating which was why they gained the recognition of the Independent Electoral Commission.
He continued: “We have seen demonstrations and violent conduct between the citizenry. We are not saying that the government is wrong or right or some sections of the citizens is right or wrong, but we are calling for a form of negotiation. This is why we urge people to come together as President Adama Barrow and Coalition 2016 stakeholders promised a 3-year and that was what people voted for.
He recalled that President Barrow reiterated the 3-year transition term at the end of which he will step down as widely published in the media.
He intimated that when they see any sign that indicates or make them believe that the president is not going to step down after 3 years then there is a problem, adding that is a refusal to honor a promise that he should honor.
“We are not an association or a group that would force him to honor his promise, but can work with him to do what is in the best interest of the country,” said Pro-Gambia Association’s president.
He observed that there are other groups that are not happy with the situation and ready to take to the streets to express their grievances.
Shedding light on his association’s major concern, Bah said there are other people who are ill-intentioned and waiting for the situations to create chaos which they are resolute to prevent, citing situations in Libya, Sudan and other countries.
He showed their interest and preparedness to engage political leaders, security forces, civil society, religious leaders in order to maintain peace and stability in the country, recalling the significant role they played during the political impasse that marred the 2016 presidential election.
He explained that Pro-Gambia Association is not a pro-opposition or pro-government but Pro-Gambia that sponsored their own members.
He reminded the Gambian leader that the security of the citizens is in his hands.
Bah was speaking at a recent press conference at Sinchu Baliya in connection with the 3 years coalition agreement which has dominated the country’s political burning issues of the day.
President Barrow who defeated former President Yahya Jammeh in the December 1, 2016 presidential election as an independent candidate had agreed to serve as transitional president for 3 years to consolidate democracy and create a level playing field for parties to contest elections.
It could be recalled that the agreement was reached following the formation of Coalition 2016 comprising seven political parties and an independent, Dr. Isatou Touray who is the current Vice President.
“We don’t know and we cannot say he will be here for three years or five years. That is not our problem. Our problem or concerned is let him do what is in the best interest of the country. This is what we were asking for, and we will continue the work we are doing and we will engage the political parties and civil society involved in promoting peace in the country,” he stated.
He reminded the president to do his level best to make sure that peace and stability are maintained in this country.
He said the security of each person in the country is in the hands of the president, urging him to ensure that both Gambians and non-Gambians are safe.
Bah said it is common knowledge that something is brewing, which he likened to the situation in the 2016 election when everybody was afraid that there is going to be chaos in the country.
He added that his association stood their ground to make sure that they participated in making sure the election was peaceful, free and fairs.
He further said they were able to observe the elections and went everywhere to make sure that they preach peace, stating which was why they gained the recognition of the Independent Electoral Commission.
He continued: “We have seen demonstrations and violent conduct between the citizenry. We are not saying that the government is wrong or right or some sections of the citizens is right or wrong, but we are calling for a form of negotiation. This is why we urge people to come together as President Adama Barrow and Coalition 2016 stakeholders promised a 3-year and that was what people voted for.
He recalled that President Barrow reiterated the 3-year transition term at the end of which he will step down as widely published in the media.
He intimated that when they see any sign that indicates or make them believe that the president is not going to step down after 3 years then there is a problem, adding that is a refusal to honor a promise that he should honor.
“We are not an association or a group that would force him to honor his promise, but can work with him to do what is in the best interest of the country,” said Pro-Gambia Association’s president.
He observed that there are other groups that are not happy with the situation and ready to take to the streets to express their grievances.
Shedding light on his association’s major concern, Bah said there are other people who are ill-intentioned and waiting for the situations to create chaos which they are resolute to prevent, citing situations in Libya, Sudan and other countries.
He showed their interest and preparedness to engage political leaders, security forces, civil society, religious leaders in order to maintain peace and stability in the country, recalling the significant role they played during the political impasse that marred the 2016 presidential election.
He explained that Pro-Gambia Association is not a pro-opposition or pro-government but Pro-Gambia that sponsored their own members.
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