THE BIG INTERVIEW: EX-NDAM DEPUTY LEADER SPEAKS!!!

….As Ousainou Mbenga Defends Their Mass Resignation

Waa Juwara On The Spotlight Again!!!                      

Freedom Newspaper: Good day, Mr Mbenga. Can you please introduce yourself to our readership?

O Mbenga: My name is Ousainou Mbenga. I was born in Banjul. I grew up in Banjul, Kudang, Nyani Maro, Sami Karantaba and Jangjangbureh (George Town),

A priceless experience I cherish to this date. I attended Armitage Secondary

Grammar School and taught as a pupil teacher first at Serre Kunda Primary School, Sinchu Nyabo Primary School and finally Gungur Primary School.

I sojourned to the USA for further studies in the sciences. I am a Medical Technologist with special training in Human Nutrition and Food.

Politically, I am a revolutionary activist with a passion for African Liberation and freedom. I participated and continue to participate in social and political activities in the Sene – Gambian community in particular and the larger African community in general. I was the Editor- in chief of the esteemed Jalibaa Newsletter for many years before it went out of circulation. It is through these activities that we took part in the founding of the National Democratic Action Movement (NDAM) in 2002. I was humbly honored to be deputy Secretary General of NDAM until recently, when my comrades and I representing the external wing tendered our resignation. 

Freedom Newspaper : What motivated the action of NDAM'S  External Wing to resign from the NDAM party? Is your action justified?   
  
O Mbenga: Our resignation is a consequence of unresolved internal contradictions within NDAM profoundly influenced by the broader external contradictions of Gambian society that no organization can escape if the current backward social conditions remain the same without being challenged. It is not a matter of being justified, really. It is more of a conscious and responsible evaluation of the process we have begun.  This will allow us to restructure the political terrain in our beloved country from a “government of patronage” and reactionary ethnic affiliations, to a society of open minded Gambians who will permanently resist and refuse to be reduced to exist solely on survival instincts and dependency on one individual or a handful of individuals for our livelihood. The process justifies itself. Despite all the constraints, we are still determined in finding like-minded Gambians to continue this process to its logical conclusion.

Freedom Newspaper: In your press release, you stated that it was a difficult move for your External Wing to resign from NDAM. What makes it so difficult to resign from NDAM?  
  
O Mbenga: It was difficult in the sense that we never had time to implement our program and our 12 Point Working platform into the daily activities of the vast majority of Gambians. Since the founding of NDAM, a rapid succession of events infringed upon our ability to build the party from the bottom up. Coupled with these events is the lack of resources to help us surmount the difficulties and pressure these events brought upon the political terrain in the Gambia. Events leading to the 2006 presidential elections completely consumed and diverted our efforts to build a coalition with other parties to relief Gambia of Jammeh’s repressive hegemony. Another issue that made our decision difficult was the distance between the rest of the members and us. Distance impeded upon our ability to communicate effectively (besides telephone calls and e-mails) with the general body to exhaust the democratic process for a possible resolution. Due to circumstances beyond our control, our efforts did not materialize.  In addition, we had high hopes and expectations of consolidating a formidable force of resistance that would bring back on track the run-away-train that the Gambia has become under the AfPRC.    

Freedom Newspaper:  Critics say your resignation was counterproductive, because in their own words " it came rather too late." What's your stake on this?  
  
O Mbenga: Which critics? I hope you are not referring to the same critics who fear organization; whom you will never catch in any picket line protesting against the blatant abrogation of our democratic rights by the AFPRC-APRC regime. Even though some nameless critics profess to belong to organizations, we have never known them to take action against the repressive Jammeh regime. These forces would rather hide and haul insults at those doing the work to bring about change. One of the most important rules we adopted is the practice of developmental criticism and self- criticism. If your criticism is not to help the person being criticized to develop and advance socially and politically, then your criticism is worthless. We do not only talk; we take action whenever and wherever it is called for. Conversation is the cheapest commodity anywhere - everybody has one. We have a response for such “critics” - participate and then criticize so that we all may grow. So, if these are the “critics” you are referring to, we challenge them to join the struggle and if they’d rather not, we won’t pay them any mind. 

Finally, when should we have resigned? This is an organizational matter between comrades. We do not believe in finishing a comrade with one blow.

We did it at our own timing after a thorough evaluation of the facts.  And, how can there be a stake in our resignation? May be the critics have a stake in this. We are not gambling with the future of our beloved Gambia, neither our motherland, Africa. Tell these critics that they are more counterproductive; let them take action rather than engaging in empty talk.     

Freedom Newspaper: How can you convince Gambians that your move is not malicious? Why resigning now, when the damaged has already been caused?  
  
O Mbenga: What a preposterous question! You just said that our “critics say your resignation was counterproductive – it came rather too late”. So how can our resignation be “malicious”? Malicious to whom? Obviously not to Waa Juwara and most definitely not to the Gambian masses. Can you point out what damage was done? We, now more than ever, strongly believe in the principles of liberating ourselves from any form of oppression. Yes, there is a setback, which to us is nothing but a setup for a comeback. Lastly, why should we attempt to “convince Gambians that our move is not malicious”? Most sensible and open minded Gambians would make no association of our resignation with being malicious. May be the small leftover are the “critics” you are referring to. We do not want to exclude any genuine Gambian from this battle for ideas; all we ask is for people to weigh all the facts and history then make up their own minds. 

Freedom Newspaper: Where was NDAM'S External Wing, when Waa Juwara was campaigning for the Niamina Dankunku APRC MP candidate Essa Saidykhan? What have you done to remedy the situation?  
  
O Mbenga: We were still around and intend to be for very long time. Firstly, we were not informed of this activity and we found out, were vigorous in our opposition to it, which was communicated to Waa Juwara. What you need to take into consideration is that Waa did not engage in that activity in the name of NDAM. We saw it as a fundamental contradiction to our party policy. Why don’t you ask Waa why he campaigned for Essa Saidy Khan in his home base, Niamina Dankunku? 

The reasons we got from him were not to our satisfaction, which made us conclude that whatever he did, he did out of anger and frustration following the opportunist tendencies of the ill-fated coalition, NADD. This still does not justify his actions. This whole matter is shrouded in the typical convoluted “opposition politics” of turf – control. From our side, efforts to remedy the situation were hampered by circumstances beyond our human control to have put it through our “rules of party discipline” effectively. Time and distance did not allow us to, effectively, put the structures in place to handle such actions from party members. We have gone beyond that episode of our relation with NDAM, now we are moving forward.

 
Freedom Newspaper: Who owns NDAM?  
  
O Mbenga: The people! The masses should own every organization they belong to. I will never be a member of an organization where one-up-man-ship is the driving force behind the organization. Without the people, no history is made. 

Freedom Newspaper: If NDAM belongs to the people as claimed, then why should Waa Juwara be allowed to take unilateral decisions without consulting with your External Wing? Do you mean to tell us that Waa's decision is final?  
 

O Mbenga: The external wing as the name implies, was a component of the national structure. The national executive of the movement is its highest decision making organ to which all other decision making bodies are suppose to hold a subordinate position. However, all decisions coming out of such organs are suppose to be collective as a matter of democratic principle.  Waa was not “allowed to make unilateral decisions”. It is not as if these decisions went unchallenged. Every decision that violated our party program and “rules of party discipline” were brought to scrutiny. To us, the only final decisions are the ones that the membership took part in or the leadership was instructed to make that decision on behalf of the party. The structures we had in place were not effectively operational due to the same reasons I alluded to earlier. We have learned some important lessons in this process.   

 Freedom Newspaper: But Waa Juwara served the Brikama Area Council's interim Committee, without consulting your External Wing. Is NADM a one man show or a grass-root party? Your response please?  
  
O Mbenga: Some of the questions are becoming redundant as you can see. I think I answered part of this question earlier. Look, I am not here to defend Waa’s errors. We are defending the process which had it been in place, would have prevented these errors. Concerning the Brikama Area Council interim committee, there is nothing wrong with any Brikama resident to serve as a committee member. The area council’s function is to address and redress the local issues regarding sanitation, local infrastructure and other important matters for the residents of Brikama. The AFPRC-APRC regime should not determine the functions of the committee; the residents should run the show.

We consider the area councils as grass root organizations when administered by honest forces. Those who know the history of the area councils in the Gambia will agree that they represent the hub of the most unscrupulous practices of corruption. Our only criticism of his participation was that he did not consult with us. If there were consultations, I am sure, as an organization, we would have reached a different conclusion. Some people would like to stretch this issue to its breaking point with no analysis. We want to engage in discussions that are more meaningful.  

Freedom Newspaper: What Executive powers does NDAM External wing have?  
  
O Mbenga:  All powers vested by the constitution that translates into the power of the people – the membership. One of the powers vested on the external wing was to be part of the decision making body of the organization, tailored to promote and protect that body’s interest in the “Diaspora”.

 Freedom Newspaper: Has Juwara violated  NDAM'S constitution to warrant such a mass resignation?  
  
O Mbenga: Again, our resignation was as a consequence of unresolved internal contradictions. Had these contradictions been resolved, we would not have resigned.

Freedom Newspaper: What did the NDAM constitution says if a party leader violates certain provisions of your constitution? What action should be taken if an adverse evidence of misconduct is established against the party leader or any Executive member?  

O Mbenga: Unfortunately, as of the time we resigned, we had not been to congress for a draft of a constitution to have been ratified. Nevertheless, it still functioned as such.  The constitution upholds the dictum that “no member is above the law”, therefore, every member is subject to disciplinary action upon violating party policy. As I mentioned earlier, given the circumstances, a resolution of these contradictions proved too cumbersome for the external wing to conduct with comrade Waa and the party membership. Some may agree that given the distance, the resource constraint and the near “martial law” in the Gambia against the opponents of the regime, can play a daunting role against our efforts for a resolution. This is one of the paralyzing drawbacks to our movements in Africa, where the “bayonet constitutions” hold an entire population hostage to the whims of one individual. This episode has taught us an important lesson.  

Freedom Newspaper: In the case of Waa Juwara, how can you convince us that he violated NDAM'S constitution to warrant such a mass resignation?  
  
OMbenga: Do I need to really convince you? Most of you already convinced yourselves that he violated the “constitution” even before this interview. Based on your editorials and other articles published on your website and others, many of your readers have jumped to conclusion long time ago. So, there is no need to convince anyone about any violations.   

Freedom Newspaper: Was your resignation put before NDAM's Executive back home in The Gambia, for debate? If no, why not?  
  
O Mbenga: We followed the proper procedure by submitting our resignation to the Secretary General, the leader of the party, who from that point on should make it known to the other executive members and the general body at large. We are the ones resigning; any further discussions should be with the members of NDAM. It is not our responsibility to call for a debate about our resignation. 

Freedom Newspaper: By resigning from NDAM, what are you signaling to Gambians? Are you telling us that NDAM belongs to Waa Juwara? Why can't you take other actions other than resignation?  
  
 O Mbenga: This is another redundant question. First, we are not signaling anything to Gambians but our resignation. This is how human beings function; you make an effort to organize with the hope that things will work but you experience some setbacks. So, you get up, dust yourself up and set yourself up for a comeback. Secondly, we are not telling you any such thing as “NDAM belongs to Waa”. Besides, he never told anybody that NDAM belongs to him. Our resignation was a thought out action; it was the appropriate action to take as far as we are concern. 

Freedom Newspaper: If I may ask: Does the NDAM constitution empower your Executive to expel any Executive member found wanting? If yes, why don't you set up an enquiry into investigate your grievances against Waa Juwara?  
  
O Mbenga: As I said before, the constitution holds no member above the law. Every member is subject to disciplinary action as stated. There is nothing more to investigate. Furthermore, we hold no grievances against Waa or any NDAM member; they are still our brothers and sisters.  

Freedom Newspaper: Based on the feedbacks, we are receiving; your resignation came as a surprise to NDAM supporters in The Gambia. How can you take such an action without involving party militants on the ground? Are these supporters insignificant to the wellbeing of NDAM? 
  
O Mbenga: Of course, our resignation came as a surprise to many people – members, supporters and well-wishers. This is expected. We chose to do it when we deemed the time right, after going through the channels at our disposal to resolve the matter internally.  We also went through the right channel to tender our resignation. To us, there are no insignificant human beings. Especially those we consider as comrades. They may be insignificant to others but not to us. 

 Freedom Newspaper: You ended your press release by saying that “We assured Waa Juwara that, we don't make disposable friends; that there is no love lost but the resistance must continue. We hope our paths will cross again in the struggle to liberate Africa, the only logical conclusion to our freedom." What were you trying to achieve by making such a statement?  
  

O Mbenga: We think we have already achieved it: POLITICAL MATURITY! What some people were expecting is for us to go on a rampage of insults and mud slinging against NDAM and Waa in particular. We will never stoop that low just to satisfy the mean spirited nature of those who only criticize but do absolutely nothing. Some people take pleasure in “killing organizations” and individuals who at least dare to resist oppression to bring about fundamental change. Fallible Waa Juwara is such an individual who dared to resist oppression to bring about fundamental change. This statement goes for all the genuine friends we have made and the ones we are yet to make. We will not rest until our path crosses with those of any great sons and daughters of Africa.  Finally, it used to be that, whenever we disagree, reason escapes us and we resort to killing each other at the benefit of our enemies. Only political maturity can end this senseless horizontal violence and unite us against the enemies of Africa.

Freedom Newspaper: What was Waa Juwara's reaction to your move? Did he welcome your resignation? 

O Mbenga: Of course, he was disappointed as we were but we explained our position, which he understood and respected. He admitted that a breakdown in communication was a reason.  

Freedom Newspaper: But Waa Juwara said he has not joined the APRC. That, he was merely implementing what the Common Wealth recommended to them to network with the ruling party. What do you make out of this? 
  
O Mbenga:  I cannot speak for Waa on this matter of whether he joined AFPRC - APRC; he is the best person to answer this question. Yes, there were recommendations made by the “commonwealth” which they are very good at, yet shamefully fall short of implementing. The “commonwealth” is known best to protect the common interest of the “ruling regimes”. If Waa is fighting for the implementation of the recommendations, then more power to him. However, we should have discussed this matter to assure that our collective interest is served and not hijacked by the regime. We just don’t want to depend on the “commonwealth” for our freedom to solve our problems. All major sacrifices must come from the Gambian people. 

Freedom Newspaper: Has Juwara betrayed you? 
  
O Mbenga: I think this is an improper usage of the word. No, we do not feel betrayed. As I said before, Waa is still our brother; we will not allow anyone to sow seeds of enmity between us. 

 
Freedom Newspaper: During an interview with the Freedom Newspaper, Waa Juwara said he has been living for 14 years, without any employment. He says many of the people claiming to be his supporters overseas never sent him a dime. What's your External Wing doing to support him economically to run the show for you, while you are away? Don't you think he needs a job to feed his family? 
  
O Mbenga: In my view, this is the best question you have asked. He is right, his sacrifices almost cost him his life in 1996 following the monstrous treatment he suffered at the hands of the brutish National Intelligence Agency (NIA). Can you imagine, 14 damn years of unemployment and a family to care for? If we do not have anything nice to say to him, despite his errors, you should leave him alone. The fact of the matter is that most human beings have short memories. You may have taken Waa’s assertion out of context in connection with us. With all due respect, to those who will read this interview, what the external wing did to support Waa is nobody’s business. What happened between us and Waa will remain between us. We are not in the business of drumming our chest for what is expected of us. But I know one thing, if all the spectators and all our “critics” showed a little sincerity, this misery in our beloved country would have never lasted for 14 years and there wouldn’t be political victims like Waa Juwara.   

 Freedom Newspaper: Why don't you create a budget for him, since he does not have a job? Don't you think his lack employment might tempt him to accept any offers given to him by the Government. Just put yourself on Juwara's position. What would happen, if someone lives in an apartment or house for one year in the US without paying? Don't you think the person would be evicted?  
 

O Mbenga: Pa, why don’t you swallow your own bait. We had always put ourselves in Waa Juwara’s position and that is why we will never “disown” him as you titled the publication of our resignation on your website: “NDAM’S external wing Disowned Waa Juwara”. Besides, Waa was not” running the show for us”; NDAM was founded to represent the interest of all Gambians and if the truth be told, Waa has a history of representing that interest. We know a good advice when we hear one; we will take this one with a grain of salt.

Time will tell whether Waa, after all he had endured will succumb to crumbs and little offers from the regime.

 
Freedom Newspaper: Who is to be blame for NDAM'S leadership mess? 
  
O Mbenga:  We will leave the blaming game to the “Blamers”. We are doing-the-do and moving forward. This reminds me of what the great Marcus Garvey wrote about - “How to kill an organization without really trying”. He listed 8 points that an individual can effortlessly do to undermine the genuine efforts of others. For the sake of space, we will list points 5 and 8 respectively. “Do nothing more than necessary. If other members work willingly and unselfishly, howl that your organization is run by a clique”. Point 8 states “when everything else fails, BLAME the president”. We do not engage in blaming games, we sort after solutions and help individuals grow into political maturity.

 Freedom Newspaper: Now that you have resigned from NDAM, what does the future holds for your group? Are you going form another political party in The Gambia?  
  
O Mbenga:  We foresee a proud – future Gambia and Africa for that matter. As far as we are concerned, nothing has changed for the better under the watch of the AFPRC. We believe that the best part of our work is ahead of us. There must be a comeback but this time around, there must be a revolutionary leap forward to change our wretched conditions of living. First, we need to regroup; we are not following the path, we are creating our own path. You will hear about it.

Freedom Newspaper: Any last words? 
  
O Mbenga: First, we want to thank you for your interest in hearing our position in brief.

We will publish a detailed analysis of our position regarding the political situation in the Gambia to share with your readers and that of other Gambian online publications that are interested. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all Gambians and Africans in general who still encourage us to mount up our resistance against oppression and tyranny. Let us all get involved. Let us create an alternative to the political madness that is suffocating Africa. I leave you with this wise saying: “there are two kinds of people; those who will pave the way and those who will walk the way that’s been already paved”. I am highly confident that we can do both.

‘TIL VICTORY ALWAYS!!!

Freedom Newspaper: Thanks Mr. Mbenga for granting us this interview.  
  
O Mbenga: It is my pleasure Freedom Newspaper. Thank you and revolutionary LOVE!