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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth Secretary-General Urges a Speedy Return to Democracy in The Gambia

4 February 1995

Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku warned today that continued military rule  in The Gambia would lead only to further economic decline and upheaval.  Any delay in the holding of elections would also undermine the country's national interest and he urged its leaders to make use of Commonwealth assistance to speed up the transition.  Chief Anyaoku was commenting on the announcement from the country's military regime that they would accept a two-year transition to a democratically elected civilian government.

Chief Anyaoku said in a statement: "There is persisting concern in the Commonwealth and beyond that the continuation of the present situation in The Gambia can lead only to further economic decline and greater dangers to its stability and cohesion.  It is already clear that the present situation is having serious adverse effects not only on the national economy but also on the traditional peace and unity of the Gambian people.

"The decision of the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) to return the country to democratic rule in two years from 22 July 1994, the date of the military takeover, following the recommendation of the National Consultative Committee will neither safeguard The Gambia's best national interest nor reassure the Commonwealth and the wider international community.

"I said in October last year when The Gambia's military rulers announced a four-year timetable to return their country to democratic rule by December 1998 that their proposal was palpably unacceptable to the Commonwealth. I pointed out that the longer the delay in restoring democracy the greater the prospect of further division within the country and the collapse of The Gambia's administrative structures. I therefore hope that the AFPRC will even now avail itself of the willingness of the Commonwealth to assist in a speedy restoration of democracy in The Gambia."


Note To Editors:

On 22 July 1994 The Gambia's President, Sir Dawda Jawara, was toppled in a military coup led by Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh.  Three months later Lieutenant Yahya told a rally in Banjul that he planned to restore democracy at the end of 1998.  The Commonwealth Secretary-General said that as one of West Africa's most enduring democracies there was no reason why any deficiencies in The Gambia's administrative structures could not be rectified to allow free and fair elections within three to six months.  The ruling military council appointed a National Consultative Committee to consider the issue and make its recommendation.

 

95/2 4 February 1995

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