By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Supporters of the exiled former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh are marking the anniversary of his notorious July 22 military coup, which ushered in 22 years of dictatorial rule. Human rights advocates argue that celebrating the day is equivalent to condoning the severe human rights violations that occurred in the Gambia from July 22, 1994, until January 19, 2017.
They say that July 22 marked the onset of a grim period in the nation’s history during the tenure of ex-President Yahya Jammeh, who governed with an iron fist for over two decades. The date also signified the start of numerous human rights abuses, such as torture, murder, mutilation, and detention without trial, among other violations.
Abdou Karim Jammeh, an advocate for the rights and justice of victims of the April 2000 student demonstration, stated that no sane Gambian would celebrate July 22. “This date represents the tragic killings and injuries of Gambian students.” He hinted that most of the students who former President Yahya Jammeh victimized have not yet received justice or closure. Celebrating this day would be an insult to them.
“I’m with the belief that celebrating July 22 is exactly celebrating dictatorship in the country because this date gives birth to the dictatorship in our motherland. Moreover, the day gives birth to victimization, torture, disappearances without a trace, and the killing of innocent people, like students, politicians, and anyone who is not in support of the ideas of the architect of the July 22, Yahya Jammeh,” AKJ told TAT in an exclusive interview.
Demba Ali Jawo, a Veteran Journalists, former information minister, and human rights advocate in the country, also observed that Gambians could not fail to remember but must not celebrate the day as it marks the beginning of the unconstitutional takeover of the Government through the barrel of the gun.
He added that it would be necessary for the Government to state this date to condemn the many atrocities that occurred in the country during the era of the dictatorship.
“July 22 is no doubt a significant day in the history of this country because it ushered in a 22-year dictatorship. Therefore, we cannot afford to disregard it as a non-event,” former Minister of Information, DA Jawo, observed.
He added: “However, I don’t think there is any need for the Gambia as a nation to celebrate the day because it was a day when there was an unconstitutional change of regime, which should not be encouraged. Therefore, the official celebration of such a day is tantamount to an endorsement of illegality in the country.”
DA Jawo continues to state that it would have been better if the Barrow government had used the day to issue a statement reinforcing its commitment to democracy and the rule of law rather than ignoring it as if it had never happened.
Muhammed MS Bah, President of the Gambia Press Union, also disapproves of celebrating the day in any form as it reminds Gambians of the many human rights violations that occurred in the country during former President Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year dark rule.
The GPU president said the Jammeh era was marred by severe human rights violations, suppression of the press, and autocratic governance that derailed the country.
“Journalists were targeted, with many being killed, forced into exile, or subjected to immense hardship that has had lasting impacts on their lives and careers. The Gambian people faced arbitrary arrests, abuses, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law. These dark times left indelible scars on the nation’s collective memory,” GPU President Muhammed Ms Bah observed.
He added: “Given this context, the question of whether July 22 should be celebrated is complex because celebrating this day would imply commemorating a coup that disrupted a legitimate government and ushered in an era of autocratic rule and widespread human rights abuses. Therefore, I firmly believe that this day should not be celebrated. Instead, it should be a day of reflection.”
“By reflecting on this day, we can ensure that the past mistakes are not repeated and that the sacrifices made by many in the pursuit of justice and freedom are never forgotten,” Muhammed MS Bah submitted.
