Betniko Kayaya
5 March 2008
Ndola — WITH a population of 1.7 million and total area of 11,295 square kilometers, Gambia is one of Africa's smallest countries.
Unlike many of its West African neighbours, Gambia has enjoyed long spells of peace and stability since independence from its former colonial master Britain on 18th February, 1965.
Tourism is an important source of the country's foreign exchange earnings as is the money sent by Gambians living abroad. The country is also heavily dependent on peanut exports, fish, cotton and palm kernels. Gambia also stands on the verge of a major economic breakthrough once the unfolding prospects of oil discovery mature into reality.
On a hot afternoon of Sunday, February 17, 2008, President Mwanawasa accompanied by First Lady, Maureen and Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister, Professor Fashion Phiri, arrived in the Gambian capital Banjul to grace the country's 43rd independence anniversary celebrations the following day at the invitation of host President, Yahya Jammeh.
In a true reflection of brotherly love and affection, President Jammeh led a high powered Gambian government delegation to receive President Mwanawasa at Banjul international airport. The welcoming party included Gambian First Lady, Zainab Jammeh, Vice President, Esatou Njie-Saidy, Speaker of the Gambian Parliament, Fatoumata Jahumpa Cessay, Chief Justice, Abdou Karimsavage, defence chiefs, diplomats accredited to the Gambia and other senior Gambian officials.
The Zambian Government delegation comprising, among others, Presidential Affairs minister, Cecil Holmes, Sports Minister, Gabriel Namulambe, his counterpart for Gender, Patricia Mulasikwanda and Zambia's High Commissioner to Nigeria who is also accredited to Gambia and other West African states, Godfrey Musonda, were also on hand to receive Dr Mwanawasa.
Flanked by host President, Yahya Jammeh, Dr Mwanawasa inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by the Gambian defence forces, watched some traditional dances and later shook hands with a long line of dignitaries before being ushered into the Hummer, a long and high bullet proof American made limousine-like presidential car for a 20km drive to Sheraton Hotel where he stayed.
"President Jammeh's invitation of Dr Mwanawasa to grace his country's 43rd independence anniversary celebrations is important as it will further deepen the existing warm relations between Zambia and Gambia. The two countries share a rich history of relations mooted by Zambia's and Gambia's first presidents Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Dauda Kairaba Jawara.respectively. As a matter of fact, a lot of letters from different parts of the world meant for Zambia or Gambia end up being mixed up as the two countries are only separated by letter (Z)ambia and (G)ambia This is how closely related the two countries are," Mr Musonda said.
He said Zambia and Gambia had since signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at helping the West African state streamline its justice system. He added that Zambia's Justice Frederick Chomba, who at one time headed Gambia's justice system was held in high esteem by the people and government of Gambia because of the trail of good works he left on which Gambia's legal system has continued to grow.
"Justice Chomba laid a good foundation for the Gambian legal system culminating in the Memorandum of Understanding we have since signed . This is one area the two countries are closely collaborating and cooperating, said Mr Musonda.
Mr Musonda said on the other hand, Zambia had a lot to learn from Gambia's booming tourism industry which contributed highly to the country's Gross Domestic Product, GDP.
Muhammadou Jallow who is member of parliament for Upper Fulladu constituency in the 53 member Gambian parliament, said it was a source of great honour and pride to Gambia that President Mwanawasa accepted the invitation from his counterpart, Yahya Jammeh, to grace Gambia's 43rd independence anniversary.
"By sacrificing his time and flying such a long way here, President Mwanawasa has shown that he is a true friend of Gambia. Zambia is a model of peace and democracy on the African soil for which we are extremely proud to be associated with as Gambians," said Honourable Jallow, who, at 36 years old, is one of Gambia's youngest legislators.
He added that President Jammeh's vision to develop Gambia could not succeed without the support and collaboration of friendly nations like Zambia who were keen to forge mutually beneficial relations.
"Geographically, Zambia and Gambia may be miles apart, but the visit by President Mwanawasa has shown that the two countries and people are closely linked together in mission and vision," he said.
And on the morning of Monday, February 18, all roads led to the 22nd July Square situated close to State House in the capital Banjul, venue for the climax of Gambia's 43rd independence anniversary celebrations. Scores of Gambians, young and old, women and men, thronged the Square in defiance of the hot temperatures soaring to nearly 40 per cent centigrade.
President Mwanawasa accompanied by First Lady, Maureen arrived at the Square at 12:15 hours Zambia time (10:15 hours Gambian time) in readiness for the start of the celebrations. Dr Mwanawasa strolled onto the saluting dais as the Gambian defence force brass band played the Zambia national anthem before he was led to his seat.
Next to arrive was Cape Verde President, Pedro Verona Pires and delegations from Senegal and Benin.
Host President, Yahya Jammeh, who is also commander-in-chief of the Gambia defence force, inspected the immaculately dressed forces on parade before the march past procession which took several hours and also involved school children, students, representatives of the Church and various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) some of whom carried posters with various messages extolling the people and leadership of the Gambia.
"Jammeh cures HIV/AIDS, asthma, diabetes, hypertension and many other diseases, Jammeh the Saviour," read some of the messages on the posters, carried by some marchers said to be among the many beneficiaries of President Jammeh's herbal remedies and therapies.
"President Jammeh is everything to us. He is a leader, provider and healer. State House is open to Gambians from all walks of life seeking healing from many ailments including the deadly HIV/AIDS which our President is able to cure, said 38 year old Demba Joof, a tour guide based in Gambia's second town of Serekunda.
Adds Demba: "Before President Jammeh came to power in 1994, Gambia had only eight high schools, two major hospitals, the country had no national radio and television station and had no university. During the first five months in power, he built more than five major hospitals, more than 50 high schools, constructed new roads and now we have a university."
In his address to the nation at the Square after the march past, President Jammeh, clad in his trademark white 'Kaftan' (traditional robe-like attire), said the government and people of Gambia felt immensely honoured that on their 43rd independence anniversary celebrations, they could have the privilege of hosting President Mwanawasa and his Cape Verde counterpart, Pedro Verona Pires.
"Welcome to all of you. Your presence in our midst on such a joyous day, dear excellencies, is indeed very highly appreciated," said President Jammeh.
He added that his government was firmly on track to creating a new Gambia where all the hallmarks and principles of justice, equality and honest governance will permeate every section of society.
President Jammeh who is in his third five year term in power after re-election in 2006, said all well meaning Gambians and non Gambians familiar with events in the Gambia attest to the fact that there had been unprecedented development in the country during the past 14 years that his government had been at the helm of national affairs.
He cited investments in infrastructural developments and the huge expansion of social services countrywide, particularly in the areas of education, health and agriculture, as some of the landmark achievements his government had scored during the 14 years in office.
"The opportunities created especially for youths, girls, and women are too conspicuous to refute and stand testimony to my administration's genuine determination to transform this country into an economic and social super power in which all Gambians and non Gambians alike would live with pride, dignity, peace and social justice," he said.
Gambians interviewed said they were reaping the fruits of independence because of the good economic programmes President Jammeh's government has put in place to develop the country.
Amie Darboe, a 27-year-old volunteer with the Gambia Red Cross Society, said the country had a youthful government which had placed high premium on the needs and development of young people.
Lamin Njie, a civil servant in Gambia's department of state for higher education, said Gambians needed to unite and work hard in consolidating the economic gains the country had achieved so far.
Later in the evening, at a State Banquet at Kairaba Beach Hotel on the shores of the Atlantic ocean, President Mwanawasa was conferred with the Insignia of Grand Commander of the Republic of Gambia by his Gambian counterpart Yahya Jammeh.
The honour, which is the highest order of merit in the Gambia exclusively awarded to Heads of State, was conferred on President Mwanawasa in recognition of his contribution to peace and understanding among the people of Africa and his personal commitment to further strengthen the relations that exist between Zambia and Gambia.
President Jammeh in conferring the honour, noted that President Mwanawasa played a pivotal role in the re-introduction of multi-party politics in Zambia in the early 90s culminating in his election as Member of Parliament for Chifubu constituency in Ndola and subsequently appointed Republican vice-president under second Republican president, Dr Frederick Chiluba.
The Gambian leader said President Mwanawasa displayed tremendous power in the application of the law during the struggle for the restoration of plural democracy in Zambia.
Dr Mwanawasa also provided encouragement and confidence to the Zambian people in the struggle for plural politics who, as a result, referred to him as 'Mr Injunction' or 'Arrest Them,' because of the many legal battles he fought in dismantling the one party state structures.
President Jammeh also noted that Dr Mwanawasa was tenaciously championing the fight against corruption and had demonstrated a strong commitment to the promotion of gender equality by appointing more women to positions of influence.
"In recognition of his contribution to peace and understanding among Africans and his personal commitment to further strengthen the excellent cordial relations that exist between the Republic of the Gambia and the Republic of Zambia, the Insignia of Grand Commander of the Republic of Gambia, is hereby conferred on President Mwanawasa, said President Jammeh against a backdrop of applause from the audience in the Banquet hall.
And speaking to journalists at Banjul International Airport shortly before departure for home the following day, President Mwanawasa said there was need for Zambia and Gambia to deepen their cooperation in trade, culture and other sectors in advancing the economies of the two countries.
Dr Mwanawasa said it was for this reason that the two countries were currently negotiating the establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission, JPC, to serve as a platform for boosting cooperation between the two countries.
On Gambia's 43rd independence anniversary celebrations where he was guest of honour, Dr Mwanawasa called on the people of Gambia to use the occasion to take stock of the achievements and challenges they have met during the past 43 years of self rule and build on these in charting the future of the nation.
Dr Mwanawasa urged the Gambian people to invest in peace and development in consolidating the economic gains scored so far adding that African countries faced a monumental challenge of poverty and could not afford the luxury of quarrelling and bickering at the expense of development.
As President Mwanawasa got on the plane for a seven hour flight back home, it was clear that his visit to Gambia had brought the two countries and people closer.- ZANIS Feature Service
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