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Gambia: missionaries report growing tensions ahead of elections


Jinack Island, The Gambia

Jinack Island, The Gambia

Missionaries in The Gambia in west Africa say a climate of intimidation and lack of obvious alternatives all but ensure the return of President Yahya Jammeh in the November elections.

A new wave of arrests and indictments took place recently. Last week, several members of civil society and opposition leaders were indicted for an alleged coup attempt in May. The allegations affect among others, the former president of the National Union of Printing, Ndeye Tapha Sosseh, the former Communications Minister, Amadou, Scattered Janneh.

In a joint appeal to the International Federation of Journalists and the Federation of African journalists they have argue that "reporters, representatives of civil society and anyone who tries to denounce human rights violations by the government of The Gambia is in a dangerous situation."

All the indictments concern Jammeh, as his father has owned this corner of Africa since July 22, 1994, when he took power through a military coup. Last week, the president celebrated the 17th anniversary of his takeover of power and made sure that "neither God nor the November elections" will take away the power.

Father Benedict Mbah, a missionary of the Society of St Paul said: "The armed forces and police continue to be one of the biggest employers and their massive presence in villages discourages any criticism of the government."

Although there is huge unemployment, Fr Mbah said he did not think it was likely that people in The Gambia would rise up in the way north African countries have, because of the repression and the peaceful nature of the Gambian people.

The Gambia is a narrow strip surrounded by Senegal to the north and south, with a population of about 1.4 million inhabitants. One of the poorest countries in the world, The Gambia is mainly dependent on the export of peanuts and some tourism. Fluctuations in world prices have made foreign aid crucial. President Jammeh has repeated often that he wants to focus on the search for oil deposits.

The Missionary News Service comments that "the actual hope for a better future lies, if anything, in the relations between 98% Muslim majority with the Christian minority." "Christmas and Easter - said Father Mbah - are national holidays."

Source: MISNA

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