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Freedom Newspaper (Raleigh, North Carolina)

Gambia: Is Waa Juwara a "Self Imposed Political Slave"?

11 November 2007

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opinion

Lamin Waa Juwara's recent move to accept an invitation to work with the Jammeh Government was greeted with mixed reaction across the country. Many believe that it was a political suicide on the side of Mr. Juwara to work with the Ruling APRC, while on the other hand, some argued that Juwara's decision must be respected since the country's opposition had failed its people. Mr.Juwara has been known to be a fierce critic of President Jammeh over the years. His sudden change of heart towards the Jammeh leadership, of course would attract public concern. People have good reasons to speak their mind on issues of such nature. Juwara too reserves the God given right to exercise his freedom of association. Yes, it could be a wrong decision in the eyes of others, but factors leading to Juwara's move must be thoroughly scrutinized before passing our own judgments.

Knowing Juwara's firm opposition against the dictatorship, many were dump founded upon learning that the NDAM strongman had indeed joined the APRC, following months of speculations. What was perceived to be a rumor had turned out to be true. Juwara had earlier argued in an interview with the Freedom Newspaper that his decision to team up with the Ruling APRC was based on National interest. "Generally, the overwhelming majority of the people of all political persuasions have welcomed the move. The President 's offer and our acceptance, most of them think is the beginning of a healing process and maturity in our political dispensation. It's not common in The Gambia, but it's very common in Senegal." Juwara posited."

In a true democratic setup, it's not bad for the Ruling Government to engage the opposition in their decision making process. The opposition is an important partner as far as nation building is concerned. To set aside our individual political affiliations, we should not lost sight of the fact that The Gambia is ours and it's incumbent upon every patriotic citizen to contribute its quota towards nation building. We can only participate in such political ventures, provided that there is guaranteed political freedoms. In the absence of political freedom, peace and stability cannot be assured.

Mr.Juwara's citation of Senegal, as an example of a broad base Government, it's imperative to observe that the Gambia under Yahya Jammeh, the opposition is being perceived as enemies of the state. Only desperate people accept to work with the Jammeh Government, because workers rights and liberties are not respected. Many worked with this Government for different reasons.

First and foremost, due to economic hardship, folks like Juwara had to compromise all their principles to survive. We refused to buy the argument that Juwara joined the APRC out of fear. Juwara is an "economic political defector" and nothing else. He lacked faith in himself, God and the people of The Gambia. Juwara believe that political change is impossible, in short term and as such he had decided to join the APRC Vanwagon. He also believe that the Gambian electorates are not yet ready for a change and why should he "waste his precious time for a lost battle." Juwara is one of those naïve politicians, who believe that Jammeh is irreplaceable. That's a wishful thinking.

For thirteen years, Juwara has not been signing a pay Check. He relied on family remittances and friends from abroad. It's not guaranteed that these people would be sending him money on a monthly basis. Juwara does not have access to electricity and decent water at his Brikama house. He depends on well water and candles to move on with his life over the years. Under such financial situations, Juwara had three choices: To beg for a living, family and friends support. Though, this is no enough justification for Juwara to stoop too low to sell his integrity.

Secondly, it's important to note that out of the lot, very few people are honest politically. There would be many Juwaras in days to come. Some of these folks wagging anti Jammeh slogans are not real at all. All they wanted is recognition. Some are supporting the President under the cover of disguise. They joined the fray pretending to be anti Jammeh and yet they are APRC supporters in disguise. Most of these folk's primary occupation is to secure Government jobs, good cars and housing. Each time Jammeh sacked such people, they turned around and accuse him of all sorts of crimes. They helped Jammeh to achieve what he achieved today. No one should take such economic destitutes seriously.

Thirdly, out of fear and economic uncertainty, some are joining the APRC. Some of these defectors are not loyal to the system. All they cared for is to lineup their pockets with few dalasis. Period. Some could not withstand the job challenges overseas and had decided to return home. These so called intellectuals found it difficult to get skilled jobs in Corporate America and elsewhere abroad. They resort to lying in their resumes or CVS, in a bid to secure employment with the Government back home in The Gambia.

Regrettably, about 80 percent of these folks, calling themselves as Graduates, had never attended college education. The Government never bothered to conduct background checks on these job seekers claims, in a bid to authenticate the veracity of their stories. We can bet that most of these new Jammeh hires will not submit to background checks. They rather quit than to be humiliated.

Coming back to the case of Waa Juwara, it's imperative to note that Juwara is a spent force. Coupled with his old age, Juwara's chances of making it in life, as a politician is a forgotten conclusion. Nationally, many despised him based on his force approach towards political matters. Over the years, Juwara had proven to be an "unstable" politician who jumped from one political camp to the other. His betrayal of the opposition UDP is a classical example.

His association with the National Congress Party (NCP) led by Sheriff Dibba never also lasted. Out of frustration and lack of principles, Juwara abandoned the NCP and joined the PPP Government. He served as Divisional Commissioner, in almost all the five Divisions across The Gambia. Soon, he acquired Divisional Authority, Juwara started to exhibit his hostile insubordination against the PPP leadership. He abuses his office by way of taking advantage against certain Local Government leaders and some marginalized inhabitants.

After he was kicked out from the PPP, Juwara tried to make a second comeback by applying to join the Ruling PPP, under the ticket of an Independent Member of Parliament for Niamina. His application was rejected by the PPP. Juwara was devastated by the PPP decision to reject his application.

As President Jammeh often said to his perceived enemies" If you want to catch a fool, give him a rope to hang himself." Juwara too has been given a rope to hang himself by accepting to work with a Government, which violated his rights over the years. Juwara had suffered torture, death threats, abductions and persecution from the Jammeh leadership.

In some jurisdictions, Juwara might be classified as a self imposed "Political Slave." He minces all what he stood for over the years. He is exposing himself to "Civilized slavery" by going against his conscience and principles. Juwara might end up in disgrace. In the eyes of President Jammeh, Juwara is nothing but a common criminal, who was wagging a fake struggle against his leadership. Juwara is one of the cheapest politicians we have ever seen in Africa.

It was embarrassing to learn that Juwara never informed his Party's External Wing about his recent move to work with the Ruling APRC. His move raises doubt as to whether the NDAM leadership are united. How can Juwara treat his Deputy Leader Ousainou Mbenga, Sister YaSoffie Ceesay and others with contempt? He got the audacity to openly confirm that non of these people were informed about his decision to team up with the APRC.

Thanks to these folks, Juwara can run around town today to say that he is the leader of NDAM. His party's budget and up keeping came from America. How can Juwara disrespect the people who contributed to NDAM'S glory today? Is Juwara really sincere? A man of conscience and sound mind would have brought the matter on the table before giving his words to Jammeh. But Juwara say to hell with my External Wing? He behaves as if NDAM is his personal property. Juwara lives in betrayal and would surely die in disgrace. Juwara's finest legacy has been compromised for good. He can best be remembered in the dustbin of history. Gambians are beginning to know the true colors of Waa Juwara. Juwara is a fake!! The man he calls evil yesterday, is today taking care of his needs. What a shame!!

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