Following the online circulation of the leaked memorandum of understanding between the National Peoples Party and opposition APRC on the forming of a grand alliance in the forthcoming December presidential elections, and subsequent rebuttals from NPP propagandists that contents of the purported MOU is fake, an official speaking on conditions of anonymity to Alkamba Times, has confirmed that the leaked document is authentic.
NPP officials have confirmed the coalition but failed short of disclosing the details of the MOU with APRC, which many suspect includes concessions that grant immense power to the party of the former president currently in exile in Equatorial Guinea.
The reported MOU announcement by both NPP and APRC was met with total rejection across many sections of Gambian society with opposition political party leaders, civil society groups and victims unanimously condemning the move in unequivocal terms.
The circumstance of the leaked document has prompted The Alkamba times to launch an investigation talking to several legal and political stakeholders, and those within the corridor of power to ascertain the authenticity of the Memorandum of understanding, and many of these sources who prefer to be unnamed have confirmed that contents of the leaked ‘MOU is authentic.’
‘Kindly take a careful look at the wording of the MOU. Any legal person will clearly understand the legal terms used. It’s a well crafted legal document’, One of our sources at the country’s ministry of Justice told Alkamba Times.
Speaking on conditions of anonymity, the official alleged that the document was infact drafted with the support of some senior staff at the justice ministry.
The MOU states “The Alliance upon securing victory shall arrange for amnesty to be accorded to all those associated with human rights violations during the period of 22nd July 1994 to 19 January 2017. All findings and recommendations passed by the TRRC shall not be implemented, instead, the newly elected government will embark upon a credible period of national reconciliation.’
The leaked coalition agreement also states, ‘The Director of Public Prosecution shall file a nolle prosequi in the case of the NIA 9.’
The NPP deputy Spokesperson, Seedy Njie has denied the content of the leak document.
‘The National People’s Party (NPP), wishes to inform the public, the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) trending on Social Media and purported to be signed by the recently formed NPP/APRC Alliance, does not in anyway, shape or form represent either in part or whole, any agreement between the NPP and the APRC. In sum, the purported MOU in circulation, is a manufactured, malicious piece of junk calculated by detractors to undermine the NPP/APRC Alliance and potentially, to create confusion and suspicion in the minds of Gambians.’ The NPP said in a statement.
