President Museveni Asked To Help Ban Jammeh From Attending Summit

As Director Of Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative Launches Against Gambia

Dear President Museveni:            

I write as the Director of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative. CHRI is an international non-partisan independent NGO headquartered in New Delhi, with offices in London and Ghana. We advocate for greater compliance with the spirit and letter of the Commonwealth’s fundamental political values which are firmly based on principles of equity equality and universal adherence to human rights. www.humanrightsinitiative.org

I write now with deep concern to draw your attention as out going Chair of the Commonwealth to the shocking statements of the President of Gambia made just prior to the recent UN General Assembly meeting in New York in September 2009. The statements have caused deep outrage amongst civil society leaders and human rights groups across the world and particularly in Africa. No doubt they have caused you much anguish as well.

The President of Gambia has unequivocally announced that he will kill human rights defenders and that "nothing will come of it". As I have mentioned in my letter to the Secretary General (attached) such statements clearly repudiate all the foundational principles and values of the Commonwealth.  

The statements and their vehemence indicate quite plainly that there is no commitment to nor value for the rule of law and the head of a state has made it plain that there is no belief in fair trial while giving assurances of impunity in case of any human rights violations.

Widespread concern for the safety and security of human rights defenders in Gambia have no doubt prompted the enclosed resolution of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights on this issue. Our respect for their mandate requires us to confirm and support their anxiety.

I am sure Sir, that as outgoing Chair you will want to leave the Commonwealth much stronger in conviction that ever before and will not want to countenance anything that challenges its fundamental political values, nor agree to welcome at its highest conclaves anyone who has so clearly repudiated them.

I draw your attention in particular a preamble paragraph of the statement of the African Commission’s Resolution On The Deteriorating Human Rights Situation In The Republic Of The Gambia dated 11 October (attached) that states: 

  “Convinced that the alleged statement calls into question the commitment           of the Republic of The Gambia to the fundamental principles and    objectives of the Constitutive Act of the African Union, the African Charter     and other regional and international human rights instruments;”

In view of the universal condemnation and concern at the statements of the President of Gambia, CHRI strongly urges you to seek a clear repudiation of his statement and a strong re-affirmation of his commitment to the values of the Commonwealth and in the absence of this to strongly recommend that no invitation be extended to the President of Gambia to attend the upcoming CHOGM in Trinidad.

In the absence of retraction from the Commonwealth and its member states, the Gambian head of state’s presence will send a clear signal to the international community - and more importantly to the people of the Commonwealth - that its basic principles will not be rigorously defended by the Heads and therefore we strongly urge the actions suggested above.  

As always we stand ready to offer our own assistance and any clarifications you may wish for

Sincerely,

Maja Daruwala

cc  Minister of Foreign Affairs,- Hon. Sam Kutesa

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in-charge of International Affairs- Hon Oryem Henry Okello

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in-charge of Regional Affairs- Hon. Isaac Musumba

Permanent Secretary-Ambassador James Mugume

Director, International Cooperation-Ambassador Rhoda Kaisho  Sinani

Acting Director, Regional Cooperation-Ambassador Ahmed Senyomo