A strong and vital message has been sent to those in our sub region whom might view Gambia as a possible haven when it comes to escaping justice. The arrest of Rear Admiral Jose Americo Bubu Na Tchuto, leader of the alleged foiled coup on the 6th of August 2008 in Guinea Bissau, will make it perfectly clear that those who seek to evade the law will find no respite here.

It also sends a clear message about The Gambia’s new attitude to illegal seizures of power. While it is only 14 years since The Gambia’s own coup d’état, the country has shown by this arrest that it will not  countenance seizure of power. We expressed in these pages our disgust at the recent coups in various West African states and called on the government to add its voice to that of the international community and openly condemn them. The actions taken by the security forces in this case speak louder than any words can express.

It also sends a clear message about The Gambia’s new attitude to illegal seizures of power. While it is only 14 years since The Gambia’s own coup d’état, the country has shown by this arrest that it will not  countenance seizure of power. We expressed in these pages our disgust at the recent coups in various West African states and called on the government to add its voice to that of the international community and openly condemn them. The actions taken by the security forces in this case speak louder than any words can express.

What we must hope is that our neighbours can once again taste democracy in the coming months and years and enjoy the stability it brings.

What we must hope is that our neighbours can once again taste democracy in the coming months and years and enjoy the stability it brings.

This man and his accomplice must now be repatriated to their native land to face justice.

Our task in The Gambia is to hone and perfect our democracy because there are still creases which need to be ironed out. We need a greater sense of belonging among the people of The Gambia within the political process and this can be fostered through more transparent government and a free press unhindered by draconian media laws. We in The Gambia are a young democracy but we are learning and developing fast. We must maintain this momentum and never stall on our path.