(JollofNews) – The Government of the Gambia has refused to side with the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in their diplomatic offensive against Qatar.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Bahrain all cut off diplomatic contact with Qatar after officially accusing it of “sponsoring terrorism” last week.
In what appeared to be a coordinated move, foreign office officials alleged Qatar was responsible for supporting the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda “at all levels” in an unprecedented diplomatic spat for the Gulf region.
Qatar has vehemently denied the allegations, suggesting the decision to sever ties was pre-meditated and based on “fabricated claims”.
And as the stand-off deepens with some African countries including Senegal siding with Saudi Arabia and severing ties with Qatar, the Gambia has opted to remain neutral.
The small West African nation with a predominant Sunni Muslim population said it was taken aback by the implication and worrisome nature of the situation and attendant regrettable consequences should restraint not prevail.
“For, at a time when the Middle East and the Gulf region are mired in interminable conflict, in Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Iran, Bahrain, countries in which hydra-headed terrorism continues to inflict a tale of untold misery, death and destruction on the peoples of the area, the Government of the Gambia wishes to call on all sides to the Gulf conflict to show restraint and to privilege dialogue and a negotiating settlement so as to end a crisis whose elongation can only have far-reaching dire consequences for an entire region, more so as it came like a Tsunami at the very advent of the holy month of Ramadan – a month of peace, sacrifice, reflection and especially for forgiveness in Islam,” said Ousainou Darboe, Foreign Affairs minister of the Gambia.
In a media statement, Mr Darboe added: “And, at a time when our noble religion is being trampled upon, with scorn and disdain in some quarters, the Ummah must be seen to be resolutely closing ranks in defense of their brothers of the region who are asking for nothing more than to be allowed to continue to live in peace, harmony and cooperation in Islamic brotherliness”
Mr Darboe called on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the UN, the OIC, the Arab League and all men and women of people goodwill to conjugate efforts to bring about a speedy resolution to the impasse between Qatar and her neighbours so that normalcy could once again reign in the region.
A mature and a laudable foreign policy move. You don’t get involved or take sides in a siblings fight, for ultimately they will make peace and you will end up scorned upon- by both. A very clever move!
Nice move Gambia, them bloody A-rabs.
Neutrality is the right policy here. Thank you Hon Darboe for your impartiality in this manufactured conflict.
Globally, everyone who follow Middle East politics knows that this rift between Saudi Arabia (they are the architects; the others are just falling in line due to the influence of the petro Dollar) and Qatar has got very little, if any, connection to terrorism. Who doesn’t know whose dogs of war these Takfiris are?
To understand what is going on, don’t look beyond devils Netanyahu and Trump and their lackeys in the house of Al Saud.
This rift has everything to do with devil Trump’s recent visit to the house of Al Saud and Israel and believe it or not, it might be a precursor to a brewing military conflict in the region and possibly beyond.
May Allah (swt) save humanity from these criminals in high public offices, expose and defeat their evil intentions.
Wow, Thank you Darboe for the level headed approach after all these years and years of bad manners and more! glad to see someone still carries on on their shoulder.
Good step mr Darboe this is how a leader supposed to do wish the new government successful.
Bax your correct, also the price of oil is too cheap for them, they are happy when it’s $150+ a barrel, check out this video USA sells $12bn worth of fighter jets to “terroist funder” Qatar?? And this is what senegal
And this is what senegal is backing
https://youtu.be/zOEr4hBm_QE
Open door policy most welcome;
Foreign policy guys please anyone know the reason that makes Barrow still don’t visit London??Or London is no longer priority for the Gambia?
London is too preoccupied with the Grenfell towers fires, Brexit, Tory-northern extremist unionist coalition govt and by yardstick a fragile govt led by a disastrously ineffective prime minister. England is too consumed by itself. Little Gambia should keep to itself for now and navigate the world based on neutrality.
Or because Mr Barrow has been working without documents as security guard of argos so this as the cause of the blockade ?? I just don’t understand why Paris and Brazzaville and not London ???
I think a fast one was pulled over the American voters when Donald Trump was presented as the anti-establishment candidate. It is a complete farce. He is a war monger and a very dangerous one. It is clear that somebody’s agenda is another global conflict and they may just have found the fool to start it.
The diplomatic rift in the Gulf must be understood from the context of Trump’s visit to the region and the indication of what is being planned is in his speech.
This is some of what he said. Pay close attention:
“Starving terrorists of their territory, their funding and the false allure of their craven ideology, will be the basis for defeating them. But no discussion of stamping out this threat would be complete without mentioning the government that gives terrorists all three: safe harbor, financial backing and the social standing needed for recruitment. ”
And who is this government? Iran, of course.
Then he continued, as follows, and this is where the threat of war lies:
“If we do not confront this deadly terror, we know what the future will bring: more suffering and despair. But if we act; if we leave this magnificent room unified and determined to do what it takes to destroy the terror that threatens the world, then there is no limit to the great future our citizens will have.”
And here comes the ominous bit:
“The birthplace of civilisation is waiting to begin a new renaissance. Just imagine what tomorrow could bring: Glorious wonders of science, art, medicine and commerce to inspire humankind. Great cities built on the ruins of shattered towns. New jobs and industries that will lift up millions of people.” (He forgot to mention the millions that will perish with the shattered towns and the possible environmental damage, due to modern thermonuclear weapons). This man and the team he assembled, including “Mad dog” General James Mattis, are dangerous and we better prepare for the worse.
Has anyone noticed the beaming Netanyahu at their joint press conference? You almost sense that he has got his life’s desire to wage war on Iran, for which he requires Washington’s support.
Qatar is refusing to go along with the first stage of the plan, being the complete isolation of Iran, and hence the swift action of the Saudi led camp to snuff the life out of it. It’s got nothing to do with terrorism.
Spot on Bax, Israel and Saudi, were once enemies but now they are joining forces to try and take out I-ran, but I-ran I believe can handle themselves, also Russia has got I-ran under its wings. Nuclear bunkers are now selling like hot cakes, New Zealand, suppose to be the safest country from nuclear fallout, when it all kicks off
Thanks for this most enlightening post. God bless you!
Thanks, great article.
Kinteh Kemo: I follow your comments everyday and you are without doubt a person to be listened too; The UK is one of the most regulated nations in the world when it come to Health and Safety, Approval, Scrutiny and Regulation and Compliance, this being the order of the day/ There are in my opinion many sides to the Grenfell Tower tragedy for which the inferno has first and foremost shocked the entire United Kingdom into disbelief.
The first being the tendering process for Government/ Local Authority contracts. As a rule the cheapest option is usually taken because it is thought the priority is to save public money to gain a cost effective solution. The tendency for those who win these valuable contracts is towards cost cutting in order to achieve profit for their shareholders. But even if the tender won was too cheap, there is still the requirement for the contractor to adhere to Compliance with all regulations. The public inquiry will be looking closely at any failure in the recognised protocol and procedures.
The second is the housing shortage and why so many of the poorest and underprivileged are forced to seek this form of high rise accommodation. The Majority of occupants of Grenfell Tower were of different ethnic groups/Immigrants and asylum seekers.
The third is the disparity between Asylum seekers and those who are illegal. Asylum seekers have many rights whilst the illegal immigrants have almost none. The local authority have a duty of care to Asylum seekers. Illegals are prone to exploitation and a daily struggle for survival. Left with no means they circumvent the Law to gain small and sometimes unregulated incomes which if found out means fraud in the eyes of the Law and deportation.
No doubt some residents at Grenfell Tower do not fall into either category and will have achieved status and papers and also citizenship or be simply British who are of low incomes and unaffordability.
The Fourth is the long term effects of Government austerity policies which have been carried by the poorest in British society.
The Fifth being the Tory government’s remorseless attack on the welfare benefits system and the the withdrawal of housing benefit to the youngest and the high cost of debt for students.
If you take all these factors onboard you begin to understand why the General Election result was not what the Tory’s and Mrs May had predicted.
The British government have been left behind in a” detached bubble of isolation” whilst through social media and shared views and opinions the citizen of all ages and backgrounds have advanced ahead of the curve.
I myself have written to government on countless occasions highlighting some of these issues; The government replied on all occasions except for my commentary with proof on the state of British illegal immigrants.Over the years I have stayed with friends in high rise accommodation in Salford, Glasgow, and London. The experience was not good at all. Lifts not working, stairwells dirty and unkempt fire doors left open or non performing and children forced to play in unprotected environments. There is no doubt that these facilities have undergone make overs since they were built in the 1960’s and 70’s’ There is also no doubt that they have provided affordable accommodation to those in greatest need. I have every confidence that Government and Local authority will now change many things. But this tragedy was preventable…. and for that the poor will hold the rich and the landlords to account.
May I express deepest sympathy to all affected and pray to God the merciful to heal and carry these people to a better place. It is too much/
Mike Scales. I very much follow your explanation and agree mainly. I also underscore the tough regulatory framework in place in the UK , so as in other parts of western Europe. But question is the reactions of the entire London firefighter contingency system to the Grenfel tower fire. At about 03.00 am in the morning the fire started and it appears the firefighters and the whole pre-planned course of action got shattered- forgotten. The coordination was lurching towards zero. The local reaction was sickeningly slow. The police, security service and the emergency rescue services resembled a third world country. To add logs to a blazing fire, the govt reaction was the dismal of all. The first tangible reaction from PM came Friday pledging 5m pounds- almost 3 days after the fire. Even then, on the ground the victims are sleeping on streets or makeshift centres- in an area among the wealthiest in the UK. It forces one to conclude that the UK is foremostly focus on or even obsessed with European invasion and lonely Wolf attacks to the laughing point of neglecting the basic inherent threats posed by fires, environmental catastrophes and the likes. It is a sorry state and the weak of the society carry the burden.
Another factor worth considering is the confusing advice for residents to stay indoors. Many could have left the building and lived to tell the story before the fire got worse, but they were advised to stay put and wait for the fire rescue team, and by the time they got there, it was impossible to do much.
The workers who renovated the building, for whatever reason, placed the gas pipes along the fire exit stairs, thus making it impossible to use.
Apparently, more than half of the Tory councillors of the Bourough are landlords. Serious conflict of interest that needs to be looked at nationwide, but whatever the outcome, I am certain things will never be the same again.
This may be the straw that broke the camel’s back and I hope it is, because common people have been taken for a ride for far too long.
Yes my friend indeed; My understanding is the fire started around 1-30 am when most would be asleep. The firefighters arrived promptly but struggled to get past the 12th floor. Within 30 minutes the blaze travelled fast up the building at incredible speed. I think to say the firemen were in some way incompetent is very unfair/ This was a 24 story building. The design of such buildings {there are 4,000 in the UK} work on the premise of containment of any fire breakout. This was a very unusual catastrophe and the Public Inquiry will want to find what caused the breakdown of the containment. One theory is that the cladding recently applied under a 10 million pound refurbishment was in someway flammable, and offset from the structure, which may have fanned an up draft.
There will be many repercussions and lessons to be learned and residents of similar high rise structures will quite rightly need to be reassured. I agree that the response to this catastrophe by government and the local authority was tardy. I think such a sorry test of resources was only mitigated by the strong and resilient community who responded with compassion and ingenuity and great speed. This disaster was never anticipated by anyone with expertise. I have some sympathy with government and all services. 30 minutes to full flame and at such a height was thought to be inconceivable. The firemen saved many lives but I do not think when confronted with this scenario/ the outcome could have been different. They did what they could at great personal risk. I am certain the whole world will want to know every detail as there are many thousands of these structures in all parts of the world.
The Shock and Horror and the loss of life will never be forgotten. Sadly many came to Britain because of its attraction for new lives and prosperity. One shining light burns bright amongst this tragedy. That is the human spirit that is selfless and capable of rising to life’s worst challenges. The people did not fail.
I don’t understand your sympathy for May govt! Disastrously incompetent…to say it lightly. In Any other modern country the govt will have no option but resign!
As you mentioned earlier, to which I would agree>>The government’s pre=occupation with serious and challenging matters, such as Terrorism/Brexit and The General Election and forming a government, are significant matters of State.
The local authority obligations of Health and Safety which the Fire Service are involved, could never have anticipated a block building subject to strict regulations, to fail. These buildings are commonplace. The Fire Officers have said that Fires in such buildings, which are known to occur, have previously coped well enough in the containment of Fire related incidents. The Government have just announced recognition that the initial response by government and local authorities was woefully inadequate. My sympathy for government, goes as far as this disaster was unprecedented in the 50 years that these buildings were conceived. Certainly the Police and Ambulance service have responded remarkably well to Terrorist related issues with frequent and tested methods of response and prevention. There was a similar but much smaller event in London in 2009, which was fully investigated with recommendations. There by enlarge that building was damaged by fire, but never in danger of being destroyed. Some may say Government should have contingency for all disasters, which of course they should and do. In this case the first responders being the Fire Service and the Ambulance Service responded quickly and efficiently and our Hospitals were also outstanding. Something unforeseen has occurred and the necessary interrogation of all issues will cut no corners. I agree with Bax ” things will never be the same”
All Hats off To Foreign Minister Ousainou Darbo On A Balanced Diplomatic Approach To An Important Foreign Affairs or International Crisis:
I Add my Applause for the Balanced Diplomatic Approach Undertaken by the rarely heard from Foreign Minister, Ousainou Darbo on the GCC Countries and Qatar Diplomatic And Extended Family Disagreement. The Gambia has a lot on its Plate and does not need to antagonize any Country, if it can do so without antagonizing others. However, like everything else in Politics and Diplomacy, there are Opportunity Costs for All Decisions Taken or Not Taken. All Political and Diplomatic Decisions Should be based on National Interest. Ofcoure, there are times when it Should be based on Humanitarian Ground, but as a Matter of Necessity and for Economic and National Security Reasons, a Nation States’ Foreign Policy Should be informed by its Short and Long Term Interest.
Thank you Mr. Foreign Minister, Darbo.
Sidi; You’re quite the philosopher. Maybe writing a book would ease your ambitions.
” The Thoughts of Chairman Bojang”
The preface could be written by Mrs Natty Dread, perhaps?
Mike Scales, I got the message. Smiles….and best wishes from my “Thoughts”, friend. May God bless Sister Natty and hopefully, turn her Insults to Words of Communication and Comfort. May all of us Continue to be afflicted with a generous gift of the same.
The official position of the Gambian government in the conflict between Qatar and Saudi Arabia is different from that of Senegal. This shows that the Gambia is a sovereign state that defines its foreign affairs policy