Jammeh Is In Great Danger-Mathew

We Will Smoke Jammeh Out-Warns Mathew Jallow

“We are already seeing signs of fraying and weakening of his regime, as one by one, he is distancing himself from some of his former non-Jola trusted advisers, and replacing them with Jolas. We also recently learnt that he often changes routes when he is traveling in the country, and this they say, is for security reasons. Well, Yahya Jammeh may dodge the bullet for one day, but we will live to fight and hunt him down another day. For as far as he is in the country, he will never be entirely safe, and even if he goes into a hole as Saddam Hussein did, we will smoke him out. It may not be far fetched to think that soon there may be selective elimination of threats to our peaceful existence, and for this, individuals hand-picked and favored by Jammeh to help perpetuate his rotten regime, may be the targets of systematic cleansing of our country of rodents, leaches and slimy worms,” These were the exact words of journalist Mathew K Jallow. He was speaking in an exclusive interview with Editor Pa Nderry M’Bai. Below is the full text of the Interview.

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Freedom Newspaper:  Good day Mathew. It seems that Yahya Jammeh is losing the battle. He is apparently confused, dejected, and rejected by his friends, and foes. This is evident on his popularity ratings. What is the driving force behind this?

Mathew Jallow: You are right about that Pa. Yahya Jammeh is a desperate man who is putting on a brave face, when in reality he is mortified by what could happen to him. I am sure he has seen the gruesome pictures of Nino Viera of Bissau and Samuel Doe of Liberia among many previous African dictators, and he knows that the end for him is not going to be any different. And when all is said and done, he will have only himself to blame for all his unmitigated stupidity and the disgraceful contempt he showed Gambians all these years gone. We are already seeing signs of fraying and weakening of his regime, as one by one, he is distancing himself from some of his former non-Jola trusted advisers, and replacing them with Jolas. We also recently learnt that he often changes routes when he is traveling in the country, and this they say, is for security reasons. Well, Yahya Jammeh may dodge the bullet for one day, but we will live to fight and hunt him down another day. For as far as he is in the country, he will never be entirely safe, and even if he goes into a hole as Saddam Hussein did, we will smoke him out. It may not be far fetched to think that soon there may be selective elimination of threats to our peaceful existence, and for this, individuals hand-picked and favored by Jammeh to help perpetuate his rotten regime, may be the targets of systematic cleansing of our country of rodents, leaches and slimy worms. So, what changing travel routes will do for him is merely give him a lease on life for just another day; but the inevitable end can never be delayed forever. You can take my words to the bank, Pa.

Freedom Newspaper:  I read your recent piece addressed to The Gambian military. What motivated your actions?

Mathew Jallow: Clearly, we lack civil society organizations that are capable of providing leadership by galvanizing Gambians against Jammeh’s regime, and our politicians are by and large only reactive to the burden borne by our media and the challenges faced by our countrymen. Besides, I see quite a lot of political positioning from the distance, but I think for once, we all ought to be concerned and miffed about Gambia’s terrible human rights situation, rather than exploiting the situation in furtherance of our own narrow political objectives. We can see through the inconspicuous posturing, but my desire is for us all to stand together to exorcise Jammeh’s cancerous regime from our body politics. There will be enough opportunity for politicking after Jammeh is gone, but for now, our main preoccupation must be the liberation of our country. And as it is, our military is uniquely positioned to help us rid our country of the Yahya Jammeh nightmare, since they are the ones preventing the civilian population’s from accessing and storming State House to drag Yahya Jammeh out by his ankles and tearing him into shreds. Our people have suffered enough already and they deserve a reprieve from this violence, endemic corruption, tribalism and abuse of power they have to live through on a daily basis. 

Freedom Newspaper: Why do you think that military action is the best resort for Gambia’s case?

Mathew Jallow: As I said in my previous answer, they are the ones standing between us and Jammeh, and effectively preventing us from getting rid of him. And now, we know that the military itself is determined to get rid of him and all we need is to work collaboratively with them towards the final solution of Jammeh’s menace. It looks like the top brass of our military are blind to the seriousness of Yahya Jammeh’s abuse of power and our hopes must now, therefore, turn to the younger and middle level military brass to help us bring to an end, this brutal regime. Jammeh has developed a corrupt habit of bribing select people in the military with our collective money, the few who he believes can help prolong his reign, and once they are bought, they lose the desire and impetus to get rid of him. That is pure selfishness on their part, but they too will answer to the Gambian people once we get rid of Jammeh. But, this is the game Jammeh has played all these years; and he does it purely to placate those in the military with the best opportunity to help us rid our country of him.

Freedom Newspaper: Going by history, Africa’s democracy has been undermined by the military. Lack of political education, leadership, and experience in public administration are often blamed for the shortcomings of the continent’s emerging military rulers. Your views, please?

Mathew Jallow: I agree entirely Pa, and Africa’s political leaderships are to blame. Imagine that in the 1960s, all the black Africa countries were as poor as India, China, Taiwan and most countries in South East Asia, but today, sky-scrapers are rising in places where crops grew and birds fed. Industrial parks and stock markets are replacing crude subsistence manufacture of low tech tools and equipments. For those countries, the sky is truly the limit as new and plush apartments are rising where low cost tenements once stood as a scourge to the eyes. The rest of the poor countries around the world have taken off on the road to development while Africa still languishes in abject poverty, and still descending into greater deprivation and unparalleled poverty, and getting worst each day that passes. In fact back then we used to hear about famines in India, China and South East Asian countries, but look at those countries now. As you know, here in the U.S, it would appear like everything we buy is made in Asia. America’s most successful corporations are flying to the other side of the globe to invest, create jobs and create the unparallel boom taking place in those countries. No one wants to invest in Africa; instead, African dictators attract a lot of con-artists, criminals, Arab profiteers and mafia type unsavory characters from Europe and the U.S, who go there to present themselves as investor; which of course they are not. Sometimes, I really believe that God has put a coursed on Africa, otherwise how could anyone explain the tragedy of our poverty and endemic political failures. Pa, not long ago, I read a prediction made by a social scientist who said that while the rest of the developing world will record explosive development gains in their countries, Africa will be on the other hand will get poorer and persistently mired in political upheavals, civil strives and wars. I believe it, given the path to nowhere we are still hell bent on marching towards. And matters become even ridiculously unbelievable if we consider that Africa is the richest continent in the world term of natural resources. It is very hard, if not impossible, to rationalize this African paradox of abject poverty in the midst of so much wealth. If America had half the wealth of Africa, there is no telling what they could have done with it.

Freedom Newspaper: Assuming that the army decides to topple Jammeh’s Government, what kind of transitional Government do you want to see put in place?

Mathew Jallow: In his response last week, the military man said it all; no more military at the State House. If they help us overthrow Jammeh, they must return to barracks because we will never again accept another military run government; not for a day. That is why I suggested that the very able Dr. Isatou Touray be installed transitional head of government. As you know, I also included myself working with her to make the changes Gambia needs. Together, we will structure a truly democratic government for our country, but I am in no way berating or underrating the education and capabilities of other politicians, but Dr. Touray and my self are the only ones in the picture who combine academic qualifications, management experience, and history working all around our country, sleeping in far away villages and living the poor life, for nearly a decade and half. We are both passionate about issues of justice and fairness, not for political motivation, but for reasons of social justice and equity. If we have the opportunity our transitional government responsibility will work to prepare the groundwork for the first ever free and fair elections in The Gambia, Constitutional review under the able chair of Hassan Jallow, government and bureaucratic reorganization and to institute other things needed to ensure that we nurture a truly democratic system for our country. By the end of the transitional period, we will see remarkable changes in our country, and Gambia will once again journey towards real democracy. Ideally we should conduct National Assembly elected within two years, to be followed soon after by presidential elections. After a new government is sworn in at the end of the transition, reforms that began under the transitional period must continue until we establish a political culture we can all be proud of. Otherwise, I am quite prepared to start a new political party with Dr. Isatou Touray, if she desires, and our combined experience and name recognition throughout our country, will give us a truly great edge and an opportunity in the political realm.

Freedom Newspaper:  If invited, will you serve the junta?

Mathew Jallow: I will never serve under any junta, no matter what and who is leading.

Freedom Newspaper:  How do you want Jammeh to be treated after the end of his rule?

Mathew Jallow: When Jammeh is captured alive after he is deposed, we ought to hand him over to the ECOWAS or Hague Courts, whichever has jurisdiction, but before he is transported, we will put him on public display in a cage and take him on his last meet the farmers tour. But if he tries to resist apprehension, his demise will make the news all around the world, because mercy will not exercised in subduing him. A fate worst than Nino or Doe will await him if he does not cooperate with arresting officers. But we prefer to spare his life so he will rot in prison for the rest of his life instead.

Freedom Newspaper: Don’t you think killing him is a waste?

Mathew Jallow: Yes, it will be a waste of one more life. We will, however, need to interview and interrogate him extensively so we can learn something about why he did what he did. In the end it will empower us with knowledge about why political dictators in Africa do what they do.

Freedom Newspaper: One time we spoke, you told me you were a politician who practice journalism? Can you explain?

Mathew Jallow: To be frank, I see myself more as a politician who is using the medium of journalism to bare the injustices in society, while I also get my message out to the consuming public. Perhaps the best way to describe me is a social activist; one similar to what Barack Obama did as community organizer in Chicago. It just happens that I had an early passion for writing and since I started writing for newspapers beginning with The Student Voice in Yundum College, I have not stopped. Even at that time, my specialty was social issues; corruption, justice and fairness. Over the years, I developed good writing skills, but it is the sense of fairness and justice that drives my passion. In fact, there was a time during Jawara’s rule when I was seriously considering running for the Niamina West Niamina Assembly seat, which I think I would have won easily. As a matter of fact, I might not have had opposition to my candidacy, because I believe no one would have had the confidence to challenge a family and socially connected juggernaut.

Freedom Newspaper: In your article last week you said you and Dr. Touray are better prepared in education and experience. What did you mean by that?

Mathew Jallow: Well Pa, look at it this way. Mrs. Isatou Touray and myself have a combined twenty five years working in every nook and crook in Gambia, from Kantora and Sandu districts in the east end of our country to Central Kombo and Niumi districts on the west end. We have slept in every kind of environment, eaten the poor diets of the villagers, celebrated with them and the shared the bad things that happen in their communities; the list goes on. We have a history with the rural population and they know both Dr. Touray and my self were there to help make a difference in their lives. Who can beat that? Apart from that both Dr. Touray and my self have founded organizations whose objectives were to help the poor in our country. She founded a women’s empowerment organization and the anti-genital genital mutilation for girls which is making great success in the country. I founded TANGO, an umbrella organization for nongovernmental charities in the country; and I had the idea when I visited Kiang Kaiaf and told the village gathering to do something. They responded that Christian Children’s Fund asked them to do the same thing in another way. By the time I got to Banjul the idea of TANGO, had formed in my mind, because there was a need for organizations to not duplicate each others work. The rest is history. The other organization I founded was Development Action through Self Help (DASH), of which Lady Njeme Jawara was our President, Fatoumata Tambajang, The Chairman of the Board, and included Honorable Fatou Ceesay, (late Koro Ceesay’s mother) Board Member; Fatou A K Njie, Board Member, Latif Sanyang, Board Member, Cherno Jallow (O.J’s brother) Board Member, and my best Modou Ceesay from George Town, now in Saudi Arabia. We donated to the RVH, started a skills center for school dropouts in Fagikunda and a bakery for u8nschooled young men. In fact we had a program where we sent mid level career personnel to Switzerland for six months course and Maimuna Bah was the first to be selected to attend. So we both do have a history of doing something substantive, not just educating the next voters, but empowering the next generation.

Freedom Newspaper: Will life be normal in The Gambia after the end of Jammeh’s rule? 

Mathew Jallow: Certainly, life can return to normal after Jammeh, but it will be process and we must ensure that things are under control. We must not permit or tolerate people’s pent-up rage to be manifested in any manner that will endanger property and public safety. If you look at countries like Ghana and others that lived under dictatorships, there is a lot we can learn from them without repeating the mistakes of others where things descended into chaos.  

Freedom Newspaper:  What message do you have for Gambian intellectuals overseas?  

Mathew Jallow: We have a habit in The Gambia, of labeling every holder of a degree as an intellectual and we also have a habit of worshiping the ground they stand on; and I hate that. Pa not every educated person is an intellectual. I hate it when people refer to me as an intellectual, because while I am very educated, that does not make an intellectual. One time a Harvard University Professor, visited The Daily Observer to discuss a book about corruption in Africa he had written, and Mr. Best invited me to join him in discussing with the professor. He also invited Sheriff Bojang to come in, listen and cover our discussion for a story in the Observer. When our 30-45 minutes discussion ended, I left the office first, followed soon later by Sheriff, and when Mr. Bojang came out, he told me the Harvard professor, John Klingaard, had told Mr. Best that Mathew was an academic. I must have impressed, but it never fazed me one minute. I preferred and valued the recognition I got that year from The Daily Observer, as “The Voice of the Voiceless,” not empty labels about intellectualism. Anyway, my message to the educated is simple; wake up from the slumber and let us do something, as our countrymen are relying on us to free them from the horror, this oppression; but if we succumb to our fears, not only will they not have the leadership they deserve, but they will be more afraid of Yahya Jammeh and his thugs. If the educated class wakes up one day and say; Jammeh we can’t take it no more, I bet you that can trigger a serious political crisis that Jammeh cannot survive. Sometimes, it is worthy for people to sacrifice for the greater good. Pa, I have many lost jobs trying to correct what I saw as injustices at my places of work, and each time, I have suffered, but I would eventually rise up and start over again. I was expelled from Yundum College for my role in the riot there so many years ago, I got beat up, thrown out and fired from Wadner Beach Hotel for organizing a sit down strike at the height of the tourist season; I got fired from Action Aid along with my best friend Sarjo Jallow for another strike; and my latest in-your-face with management was at The Daily Observer under Kenneth Best. Mr. Best did not like me; he just tolerated my guts, only because I was good for his business. In any case, I sacrificed so others can enjoy some of the same privileges I enjoyed too. That is what our educated class must do. They must learn to put the long term interest of our country ahead of their short term gains; which many of them will end up losing anyway after we get rid of Yahya Jammeh.

Freedom Newspaper: What is your view about the jailing of the GPU six?

Mathew Jallow: The jailing of the six GPU defendants is not only sickening; it is deplorable and a disgrace to our country’s international image. I was in that place and I know the terrible conditions prisoners are subjected to live in. After I was released from Mile 2, I wrote a commentary in The Point Newspaper entitled; To Hell and Back; and the response to that article was phenomenal at that time. I think Jawara government formed a Commission to checkout Mile 2, and if I remember well, I think Fatoumata Tambajang was a member of that Commission. Mile 2 Prison must be demolished after Yahya Jammeh and a technology center built in its place.

Freedom Newspaper: One the convicts Sarata Jabi was jailed alongside with her baby. What do you make out of this? What are the implications of jailing an innocent baby?

Mathew Jallow: First of all, I hate labeling them convicts, because none of them committed any crime. All of are particularly concerned about Sarata and her baby, of course, because the baby is so vulnerable to the infestations, the poor air circulation due to the overcrowding and the infections that are endemic in overcrowded places as it Mile 2. For a child at that age, the place is really a death sentence as he/she can easily catch any disease that could be fatal, because the baby lacks the immunity of the adult population there. It is cruel to incarcerate a baby and anything that happens to him/her Jammeh will shoulder the blame.

Freedom Newspaper:  How do you want the press to be treated after the demise of President Jammeh?

Mathew Jallow: The press is the Fourth Estate in any country; meaning it must have the power and the independence that a National Assembly, the Judiciary and the Executive enjoy in any democratic state. It must be untouchable in terms of covering and reporting the news. The only thing the press cannot do is report libelous information about individuals, institutions, and the like, but if they do, it is not the business of government to do a thing. It is for party or parties who are offended to sue a newspaper in a court of law.

Freedom Newspaper:  Why is President Jammeh afraid of his opponents overseas? Do you have any idea?

Mathew Jallow: Jammeh got away with so much shit in the past when we were all kind of looking the other way; not any longer. Today, he is afraid because anyone can justifiably take his life for murdering so many innocent people. He scared for his life most of all, as he should be. Who wouldn’t be? Do you remember the gory pictures of Nino Viera? Isn’t that worth being afraid? You bet it is. So Jammeh is right to shit his nasty, smelly black ass in his pants for fear of what is coming to him.

Freedom Newspaper:  The UN General Assembly Meeting is right at the corner. Do you think Jammeh will show up this year?

Mathew Jallow: It will be a miracle to see Jammeh in the U.S. He will feel so inferior alongside all these well educated, very knowledgeable Heads of Sates from around the world. If he comes here, he will see how inhospitable America is this time around as the whole now knows about the murders, executions, tortures and constant arrest and incarceration of innocent fellow citizens. Gambians, Amnesty International, Committee to Protect Journalists and many other civil society organizations will be waiting for him here. We will travel from all across the U.S. to confront him at the U.N.

Freedom Newspaper:  Do you wish Jammeh to fail?

Mathew Jallow: Jammeh has already failed. Where has he spent one billion six hundred million dalasis in loans we got from IMF, World Bank and government from around the world. He is already a total failure and you can expect nothing more from a high school educated who happens to be a so-called president.

Freedom Newspaper:  What good thing can you tell me about Yahya Jammeh?

Mathew Jallow: Absolutely nothing. I hate that bastard. (And please people don’t write complaining that I called Yahya a bastard, because if you do, you will just irritate me and make me call worst names than that. Thank you)

Freedom Newspaper:  What is your honest view about the recently disputed Wanted List?  Will you call such a list a “scam”?

Mathew Jallow: As far as I am concerned it is not a scam, but everyone has a right to feel and believe differently. In my view it is authentic, but that is not important any longer. That is water under the bridge, if you know what I mean.

Freedom Newspaper:  Don’t you think all Gambians deserved asylum-given the fact that fear rules that country?

Mathew Jallow: The Gambia is one giant hell hole, and anyone who escapes this Jammeh gulag, deserves the protection of foreign governments.

Freedom News:  Any last words?

Mathew Jallow: Let us keep up the pressure. Jammeh is buckling under the weight of our collective assault on his regime. Last week he tried to divert our attention by restarting his foolish fake medicinal spectacle, but we saw right through him, and we all did the right thing and ignored his diversion. Let us focus on what will hurt his credibility; his tribalism, corruption, his assault on freedom and liberty, his murders, executions, tortures of innocent citizens, his sickening ethnocentrism, his demolition of our bureaucracy and civil service structure, his greed, his web of businesses and abuse of citizens and the list goes on and on.

Freedom Newspaper: Thanks Mathew for granting us this interview.

Mathew Jallow: Thank you.