By Landing Colley
APRC party officials and supporters have been advised to denounce ex-leader Yahya Jammeh if they want the nation to take them serious.
The Victims Center chairman advice comes after APRC’s leader Fabakary Tombong Jatta told Star FM Radio that ‘the return of Yahya Jammeh depends on his decision.’ Mr Jatta’s remarks however sparked debate among Gambians on social media.
“Fabakary Tombong Jatta talks whatever he feels like saying that such statement should not be taken seriously. Beside if APRC want to be taken seriously as political party they have to divorce Yahya Jammeh and go on their separate ways,” Sheriff Kijera told APRC members.
“It is a free country and a free speech so one can say whatever they feel likes but Jammeh is not mad to come back to The Gambia after knowing what is awaiting him. As far as accountability mechanism is concern. It is quite a long time APRC has not been on the spotlight as a result they will go to any media house and talk whatever they feel like just to be on the spotlight,” he added.
“We all know that APRC has lost its time, support and respect from Gambians after hearing various testimonies on TRRC.”
He said making such pronouncement to engage Yahya Jammeh’s sympathizer back to the political arena activities will soon make APRC a non-functional political party. He reiterated that “if they want to be taken seriously, they should divorce Yahya Jammeh.”
“Yahya Jammeh is fugitive and unwanted man in this country so if anybody wants to associate with Jammeh such person will end up losing respect, credibility after seeing series of crime he has committed,” he issued warning.
However, he said the everlasting position of the Victims Center is to bring Yahya Jammeh to justice citing that a lot of people disappeared likewise tortured and also women were raped.
According to him, Jammeh been in exile doesn’t make any different as they await the recommendation of TRRC which must be implemented by the State.
He noted and said according to the law some of these crimes are international crimes so whether Gambia government is ready to pursuit the case or not there are international instrumental and mechanism in place to make sure that Jammeh face justice.
“APRC is quite provocative to the victims and they have no empathy with regard to the plight of the victims. I don’t see in anyway victims can reconcile with Jammeh. Because he has to face the court of law to set precedent so that such act will never happened in our country again.”