The GACH Global CEO, Dr. Abubakary Jawara, has accepted Momodou Sabally’s apology and withdrawn the sedition case against the former Campaign Manager of Gambia’s main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP).
In October, business tycoon and philanthropist Dr. Jawara sued the former Secretary General and social media commentator for defamation, all relating to statements allegedly published on his Facebook page and other media platforms.
The suit brought by Dr. Jawara’s lawyers claims damages for defamation, an order of D8 million for special damages, and an order directing Sabally to issue an apology to their client, which should be published in widely circulating newspapers.
However, Mr. Sabally has tendered his sincere apology on Wednesday to Dr. Jawara.
In the apology letter seen by JollofNews, Mr. Sabally, who recently switched allegiance to the ruling National People’s Party, wrote: “And then on the matter between myself and my brother Abubakary Jawara; this contentious issue has been going on for years, culminating in a legal battle in the courts that remains ongoing litigation to date. I had made statements that hurt Dr. Jawara, and he has said that those statements cost him a loss in his business. It is in the nature of social media that statements can be conflated and extrapolated to levels and depths that were never intended by the originator of those statements. And it is undeniable that this has happened in this case.
“It was not my intention to hurt Jawara or his business, and I am sorry that the situation evolved that kind of effect as reported. Several individuals and groups have attempted mediation between Jawara and myself, and those efforts are still ongoing. I do not want this matter to be protracted any further, and it is my resolve to end this conflict that has also hurt friends and families that Jawara and I hold dear in common. The sacred bonds that bind Jawara and me as Sarahulleh and Badibunka prohibit any legal tussle between the two of us. In view of the foregoing, I hereby sincerely apologise to Abubakary Jawara for any inconvenience and loss caused by my writings and utterances about him and his businesses,” Sabally wrote.
Dr. Abubakary Jawara reacts
When contacted for comments, Abubakary Jawara said: “I was really upset with my brother when it happened, but I forgive him now. I appreciate his apology, and I forgive him sincerely from the bottom of my heart. That’s okay; I know he never meant to hurt me. It means a lot that he has apologised so sincerely. I want us to move on. I want to tell my brother that the next time we’re feeling upset with each other, let’s just talk it through.”
He added: “To those who were there for me all along during those troubling times, I want to say thank you very much for your support. It is highly appreciated. I want to let all of you know that I have decided to reconcile with my brother and friend. It was the work of the devil. I also want to take this opportunity to urge all Gambians, irrespective of their political affiliation or beliefs, to be each other’s brothers and sisters’ keepers. We should always defend what is right and avoid making statements that would destroy others, especially our Gambian brothers and sisters, who are doing everything humanly possible to contribute to the development of this country and its people.
Dr. Jawara sends special thanks to his village Gambissara and the whole Sarahule community, Minister Musa Drammeh, the Supreme Islamic Council, Imam Malick Arabic School, the Jawara Kunda family, especially Kisima Jawara and Issa Jawara, and all those who created social media groups to support him during the difficult times and all those who were following him at the court.
“I also thank the Sabally family in Badibbu, who led the negotiation process. I also want to thank former West Coast Deputy Governor Musa Suso and everybody who was concerned about the issue. I have already informed my lawyer to withdraw the case, so as far as I am concerned, the matter is all over. In the first place, I never wanted to take Sabally to court due to the joking relationship between Sarahules and Baddibukas, but because of the circumstances at the time, including my mother’s illness and eventually her death. I am so devastated that someone could make such unfounded allegations against me and my company. I urged all Gambians to pray for their mothers and for all those who have passed away to rest in perfect peace,” Jawara said. Jawara prayed for peace to continue to rain in the country. “I also want to commend President Adama Barrow and his government for initiating a reconciliation process with the opposition and Gambians at large. It is a welcome development, and I urged all those who are involved in the process to exercise patience and see Gambia first,” he said. Jawara also took advantage to congratulate all Gambians on the upcoming independence celebration.
