One man missing at the Commonwealth Summit was Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh. Mr.Jammeh could not show up at the just concluded Commonwealth Summit due to Security related problems befalling the West African county. The loyalty of The Gambia National Army is Jammeh’s utmost concern. He was represented at the said meeting by Vice President Istou Njie Saiy. The VP was delegated once again to represent the President, whose absence was never given publicity by the International Media. No one bothered to find out what most have been responsible for Jammeh’s absence. But the Freedom Newspaper was able to gather some key clues, which we would explain later in this piece.
Jammeh hardly sleeps at night. His biggest worry today is the Army. Making long distance trips is over ruled in the short term. Jammeh hates to stay in The Gambia for a month without flying, but the current ailing security situation do not permit him to embark on such trips. He got two choices at his disposal right now. One, to refrain from making long trips and stay in the country as a domestic prisoner. Two, to take the risk and go about his normal Presidential routine. Mr.Jammeh is aware of the fact that the Army is divided. Mr.Jammeh is also aware of the fact that he had made so many enemies in a span of 13 years. He is also aware of the fact that his days are numbered. That there are people working on his replacement.
Few weeks ago Jammeh was in Sierrea Leone to witness the official inauguration of the new President. While in Free Town, Mr.Jammeh was in constant touch with his few so called loyalist at the State House. General Tamba briefed him about plans put in place to keep the peace during his absence. Tamba also assured him of his return.
It’s imperative to note that each time Jammeh leaves this country, something bloody would take place in his absence. His pet killer Musa Jammeh died few days before his return from Sierra Leone. Musa was Gambia’s leading torturer, as rightly described by the Ghana Based Media Foundation For West Africa. Many Gambians had died in the hands of Musa Jammeh. Many had been rendered handicapped by the late Musa Jammeh. Be it Journalists, Lawyers, Politicians, Human Rights Activists and members of the Security Forces have suffered untold suffering in the hands of Musa Jammeh. His death was welcomed by all and sundry. There was no public sympathy for Musa Jammeh. “It was long over due. His death came rather too late. Musa is a threat to humanity. Musa is an evil.” said a Gambian soldier.
Jammeh missing the Commonwealth meeting, the UN General Assembly Meeting, the ECOWAS Meeting and other important Summits suggest that he had lost grip of The Gambia. This is not the Yahya Jammeh we used to know in July of 1994. Jammeh is slowly, but surely losing grip of the Gambia. He is living in fear and uncertainty. Jammeh is more of a domestic prisoner since he is not free to travel outside the frontiers of The Gambia. His only difference with Baba Jobe and other inmates at the Mile Two is that Jammeh is at liberty to access his wife. Besides, he is not better than these inmates.
It’s better for Jammeh to handover the country to the Vice President because she is currently performing the role of a President. Isatou Deputizes Jammeh in major meetings, which he the President should handle on normal circumstances.
There is nothing wrong for the VP to Deputize the President, but her mandate and responsibilities are clearly spelt out in our constitution. She can only steps in for the President if there are compelling reasons advanced.
For example, if Mr,Jammeh was certified by a doctor to be suffering from infirmity of mind or poor health, which might bared him from discharging his functions as a President, the Speaker or the Vice President can chip in. The Speaker is Jammeh’s immediate successor if he happens to die or sick.
It’s unfair for Jammeh to be paid by Gambian tax payers when he is not discharging his Presidential duties. How long will Jammeh continues to live in paranoia? If he is brave as he always claimed, what is stopping him from attending International Conferences? Is Jammeh really sincere to Gambian voters? Why ridiculing our country in the eyes of the world?
The Vice President is insignificant as far as the Commonwealth Summit is concerned. All countries were represented by their Presidents, but in the case of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh was conspicuously absent. Jammeh will die in absentia. His last days in office has been characterized by an environment of panic, anxiety and a mentally challenged President. Little, did Mr.Jammeh realizes that his time is up. The writings are on the wall for all to see. A rude awakening would greet Jammeh and his gang of terror soon. Change is unstoppable in The Gambia. Change