Gambians  Praying For The Demise Of President Jammeh, Following The Imprisonment Of Journalists!!

By Ebrima Sanyang, Banjul

While the six Gambian journalists, have started  serving their two years imprisonment, there is public outcry across the country. Gambians from various walks of life denounced the government’s move. They accused President Jammeh of abusing his office by jailing these innocent journalists.  Modou Camara, a petty trader believe that the military should intervene by overthrowing the Government of the day. “ I think the military should come to our aid. What is happening in this country is unacceptable. I think it is only coup that can save us from Jammeh’s tyranny. How can they jail these hardworking journalists? I am appealing to General Tamba, and his men to help remove President Jammeh from power,” he said.  Camara, who was unwilling to give me his real name for fear of arrest said “ President Jammeh is unpopular, and is trying to impose himself on Gambians. We are praying for his demise. He has spoiled this country to a point that no one wants to live here.”

Jallow, a resident of Serre Kunda said President Jammeh should be arrested, and locked up at Mile Two. “ My son is in the army. I always advise him to disobey any unlawful order. He told me that the President is planning to kill certain political leaders. He was asked to go and survey a politician's residence but he refused, which led to his demotion,” he said.

Bakary Barry, a father  of two kids said he has great respect for Sam Sarr, and Pap Saine. “ I think these people are victims of state abuse. I am praying for their safe release. I am also praying for the end of the APRC,” he said.

At the Banjul market, I caught up with this trader. “ I used to be supporter of the President, but today I disliked him. He is not fit to rule this country. My own son was jailed  during the March coup.He is employing force to rule, which will backfire on him one day. I sympathize with the journalists. No one here dares speak against the Government. We are living in a state of fear,” he said.

A soldier name withheld said “ We all hate the President. It is just a matter of time for him to go. He has changed his guards, but this will not save him. Even the CDS is mad with him. We are just pretending, but there is no loyalty in the army. He propagates tribalism in the army, which is very bad.”

At the Daily Observer a  staffer name withheld said “ The President is scared of the Internet. He always want us to publish bogus letters to project his image. We have been forced to write letters to the editor just to promote the President. The Freedom Newspaper is his biggest headache. He has blocked the paper in The Gambia. He always complained about the paper. This paper (Observer) belongs to him, and not Amadou Samba. Our boss Pa Malick kept telling us to be loyal to the Government,” said the observer insider.

M Bojang said he wants the army to topple the Government. “ I think the CDS should organize a coup. We want change in this country. We want the journalists release without delay. Our last hope is the army,” he said.

A senior army officer said “ President Jammeh wants to jail, and kill all progressive Gambians before his demise. The CDS himself risked being arrested by the President. There is something cooking. I am calling on the media to remain strong.”