Challenges Diaspora Gambians to a Face to Face Discussion

GON:  Briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Manneh: I am Banka Manneh.  I live in Atlanta, Georgia.  I am currently the Chairman of Save The Gambia Democracy Project. (STGDP)

GON: Mr. Manneh, Gainako congratulates you and your current executive. We are reaching out to many, and thought it imperative to start the ball rolling now. Can you guess what it is? 

Manneh: Before I answer that question, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of STGDP, to condemn in the strongest terms the illegal arrest of journalists that just took place few days ago and continues till this day in the Gambia.  I think this is all the more reason why we should forever remain vigilant in protecting the civil rights of our people.  We demand their immediate release.  Now to your question - I am delighted with your paper for giving me the opportunity, a clear indication the beauty of living in a free society where the media plays a vital role in our dealings as civil people.

GON: We understand it is a new executive. Was the selection process
transparent enough for Gambians and friends to rely on? Give us an
account of the current status of STGDP?
 
Manneh: I will not say it is completely a new executive, but elections were held and a new team was put in place. STGDP is an advocacy group for democracy, and it is important for us to practice what we preach, and yes the elections were very transparent.

GON: What projects do you have in place? What is the urgency about people getting together at the same table?

Manneh: This is indeed a great question, the project we have in place is the continuation of finding ways that we can contribute in our search to bring good governance, democracy and rule of law to the shores of the Gambia. The urgency is to bring a stop to the arrest of journalists in the Gambia; the urgency is to make sure that the Koro Ceesays and Deyda hydaras will never happen in the Gambia again. The question then becomes, if it is not now, then when?  If not us, then who?

GON: In the past, readers complained that online interviews are all about blasting Yaya Jammeh. Do you think this is the case?  

 
Manneh: Well, without a doubt Jammeh is indeed a contributor to people's reaction to him and his behavior that are sometimes out of the norm.

GON: If you are comfortable getting touched on the old wounds, I would like to ask about STGDP's lapse at a time which brought about complete silence. Was there any problems? STGDP was much criticized and there were so many allegations and counter allegations. Can you please tell our readers what exactly happened?
 
Manneh: STGDP came about to pursue a mission, and a strategy was put in place that we believed will bring about change and the building blocks of democracy. We invested time, energy and finances to see it through. Unfortunately, the very partners we were working with ultimately could not agree which led to the disintegration of the alliance. STGDP was an umbilical cord tied to the viability of the coalition, and their breakup affected the very cohesiveness within the group and some of our people left which, without a doubt created the allegations and counter allegations. This was nothing more than pure politics at work, and we were fully aware that any kind of a breakup would without a doubt affect us as well. Remember STGDP was primarily formed by activists supporting different parties, and were brought together by our commitment to effect change. Clearly, the breakup shook the very root of the organization. But, that was yesterday, and we are looking at a new day with new plans and together we will get to the promise land.

GON: Just one quick question before I forget: Do you think STGDP can bring all Gambians together, knowing full well the divorce it went through with sister organizations?

Manneh: It is very important to understand the history of the July Fourth reunion, and what it is to the organizers. People come to July fourth for different reasons, and the majority really comes to Atlanta to have a good time, and that is what the organizers are catering for. Now, it does give opportunities to organizations that are interested in the field of politics, or to use your characterization interested in the democratic process, to exploit it to their advantage. But, do not expect the organizers to abandon their program to just suite what you consider to be more important. It is like going to the Grammys and telling them to talk about democracy because that is what is important, you will be definitely laughed at.

GON: We understand you have invited Gambians and their friends to Atlanta for table-talk, and have also reached out to other organizations and politicians as well? Tell us what is the sole purpose of this meeting and how is the organization coming through?
Manneh: The sole reason for the meeting in Atlanta is to allow all voices to be heard and together bring about consensus and the beginning to work together with one voice as voices of the Diaspora, irrespective of our partisan or ideological differences. The organization is going well and we look forward to a great attendance.

GON: Let us not get too excited for now. Do you think Halifa, Darboe, Juwara, Gomez, Fatty, Bah, OJ and all others will come to grace this occasion in Atlanta?

Manneh: This meeting is not meant for these politicians to come, this is for the Diaspora as a constituency to meet and find a way that we can work together and to develop a solid plan to effect democratic dispensation in our country.

GON: Seriously Mr. Manneh? I mean no kidding we will all sit face-to-face, right?

Manneh: Any Gambian who is interested in fighting for democracy in our homeland, and really sick and tired of these cyber fights should come to Atlanta face-to-face to start a process that all of us can take ownership of.

GON: Mr. Manneh, politicians and heads of organizations must befriend the media, not because the media is important in every sense, but just so they can have your message out to the people. Is your organization considering a media outlet like a website, or a media liaison?

Manneh: We already have a web site which is being updated right now to reflect our current activities, and again STGDP has always seen the online newspapers in particular as our partners in all we do. I can say without a doubt that everything we accomplished in the past could not have been possible without you guys.

GON: We thank you for your interview with GON and look forward to partnering with you in bringing about the needed change in the Gambia.  We wish you all the best. Any message to Gambians and their friends?

Manneh:  STGDP will continue to seek partners in our effort in fighting tyranny, and fully understands that we can only be successful if we create the environment of working with all freedom minded people.  In light of that fact, we urge everyone to attend the upcoming Unity Summit on Saturday July 4th, 2009 at 2:30PM.  The venue address is:
Hampton Inn & Suites I-285 Camp Creek
3450 Creek Pointe Drive, East Point, Georgia, USA 30344
Venue Telephone number is: 404-344-4474
For more information, folks can call: 404-824-0219/678-457-8777.
Thank you GON for the interview.  Keep up the wonderful job you are doing.  Take care.

GON:  You are welcome and be rest assured that Gainako staffers will be on the ground covering every step of the summit…