By Sulayman Waan
Mai Ahmed Fatty, leader and secretary general of Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) has promised to give legal support to the 22 families of Brusubi Tranquil who face eviction from the Sheriff Division following their two decades land dispute with a German national, Bernd George Diedrich, who claimed to own the land.
Speaking to journalists in Tranquil, Brusubi area, MaI Fatty said he got involved in the process to guide the families and help facilitate a solution.
“I will support and encourage the 22 families of Tranquil who are involved in the land dispute to possess their rights in a legitimate and legal context,” he promised them. He added that he will also help the evictees to have a constructive discussion with stakeholders in order to revitalize a negotiation process that will yield dividends in addressing the dispute.
He said he doesn’t think the community wants or looks for confrontation. “They are looking for practical attention towards their plight and anyhow this can be achieved is what they would like to see. That’s why they engage the media.”
The former Minister of Interior and Presidential Advisor said he will also give the residents a sense of hope that there are people who are working tirelessly in maintaining sanity, peace, and unity among people as well help communities to achieve their rights precisely and serenely.
He went to explain that “This is not calling for a conflict. It is not calling for a demonstration against authorities. They are simply saying they have been battling with the situation for more than two decades. ‘We are not giving up until we are heard’. And I think they have the right to be heard and right to have a solution to this dispute.” And also, he said the right to end their suffering.
In 2012 the residents were evicted from the multimillion dalasis homes and Bernd George Diedrich took over the homes but following a one year and six months of investigation the Department of Physical Planning asked them to return to their homes.
But in 2017 the Sheriff Division of the Court ordered their eviction again.
