Following the publication in The Daily Observer last Monday of a write-up captioned "Senegal Continues to Destabilise The Gambia," which suggested suspicious maneuvers by Gambian dissidents with the backing of Dakar, National Assembly Members recently reechoed similar sentiments over the relationship between the two countries.

Speaking on the motion on the adjournment debate last Thursday, National Assembly Member for Lower Niumi commended the Daily Observer for what he termed as the bold initiative to come out with the information.

According to him, the Diaspora abounds with Gambian dissidents who group themselves in the name of Jakai rebels in The Cassamance province. He described the news as not only threatening but also panicky, noting that it is however informative to the security forces of the country.

"We are so much interconnected that The Gambia cannot do anything bad to Senegal because we have over 20,000 Gambians living in Senegal," he said, adding that this is being perpetrated by a rebel movement backed by those he called cowardly dissidents of the country.

He enjoined caution on how people view Lumos in the villages, saying that the security should not take it for granted that the periodic markets are meant only for the trading in goods because many other transactions also take place there.

"The Gambia is a sovereign state, and it is our civic responsibility to stand by our nation to remain in peace and stability, which is being jealously looked upon by other nations," he said.

The Lower Niumi parliamentarian further expressed the need for the Diaspora to be monitored so as to counteract the machination of dissidents who, after fleeing the country, tend to regroup under the aegis of enemies.

Also speaking earlier, Hon. Abba Sanyang, member for Foni Kansala, called on Gambians not to take the news for granted. "I can tell each and every Gambian that rebels are moving into The Gambia and are collaborating with our own Gambian people," he said.

Hon. Sanyang expressed the belief that Gambians are fond of taking things lightly, saying: "This is affecting our lives, the lives of our own people. Go to the Fonis today and see how many refugees are there.

In his contribution, Hon. Momodou M. Jallow, member for Lower Fulladu, said with what appeared to be a note of sorrow that "No matter what, Gambians in the Diaspora must take note that this is their original home. Whatever achievements, positions they might have out there, they should remember that little Gambia is their home."

He added that rather than tarnishing the image of the country, Gambian dissidents should try to make useful contributions towards the development the country.

The Point