Sonikara Association adds voice to political impasse

By Omar Bah The Gambia Sonikara Namasanou Association has added its voice to the ongoing political standoff in the country. Speaking recently on behalf of the Sonikara Namasanou, the secretary general Yankuba Sissoho said his association being the sole body representing Sarahule cultural heritage in the country deem it fitting to speak, advising both Jammeh and Barrow to seek peaceful means to end the impasse. He said the political situation in the Gambia is on the verge of threatening the peace and tranquillity of the country. “Our organization is very concern and we want our worries to be known by the out-going president. We want to tell him to ensure that he listens to the different negotiators and as well facilitate dialogue with the coalition in a move towards settling the impasse amicably. Let him understand that an eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind and that all war is a symptom of man’s failure as a thinking animal,” he said. He continued: “What is happening right now should be everyone’s business given the fact that we are all facing the difficulties together. You will agree with me that the situation is terrifying in the sense that Gambians and non-Gambians alike are fleeing the country in their large numbers. “Believe me, I wish I could tell you how lonely I am after my neighbors and families all left to places where they think their lives will be safe. We are worried because as we speak almost all businesses are on hold, which in turn is causing increases on prices of commodities. We want our government not to underrate the current trying times. President Jammeh should remember his promise that he will never comprise the peace in the country.” He added: “We also want to say that military action is not a solution to settle our problems. In that case we will recommend a peaceful resolution. Jammeh has done his best after 22 years and we thank him for that; let him understand the fact that Gambians have chosen another leader, who is Adama Barrow, he should also understand the fact that being a president is not a right but a mandate given to you by the Gambian people”. He said given the fact that both President Jammeh and President-Elect Adama Barrow are preaching, there is still hope for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.]]>