Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BANJUL316
2006-05-18 14:44:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Banjul
Cable title:
THE GAMBIA: MEETING WITH PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR ON
how-toVZCZCXRO9622 OO RUEHPA DE RUEHJL #0316 1381444 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 181444Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY BANJUL TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6678 INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RUEHLMC/MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORP
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANJUL 000316
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/18/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KMCA GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: MEETING WITH PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR ON
HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES, MCA
REF: A. BANJUL 297 ET AL
B. BANJUL 212
Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOSEPH STAFFORD, REASON 1.4 (B AND D)
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANJUL 000316
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/18/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KMCA GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: MEETING WITH PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR ON
HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES, MCA
REF: A. BANJUL 297 ET AL
B. BANJUL 212
Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOSEPH STAFFORD, REASON 1.4 (B AND D)
1. (C) Ambassador met May 18 with President Jammeh's senior
advisor, Secretary General Mambury Njie, to stress our
ongoing concern over the negative trend in the GTOG's human
rights record following the aborted coup plot here March 21
(ref a). Ambassador warned that as a result of this negative
trend, coupled with signs of GOTG's slippage on other
criteria used in determining eligibility for the Millenium
Challenge Account (MCA) program, there was the very real
prospect of the The Gambia's MCA eligibility being suspended.
Stating that he expected soon to receive a letter on the
matter from MCC to deliver to Jammeh, Ambassador urged the
GOTG to act promptly to reverse the negative human rights
trend.
2. (C) As examples of steps the GOTG might take, he mentioned
ensuring full respect for the rights of detainees held in
connection with the failed plot, including due process,
promptly releasing those against whom there was no clear
evidence of wrongdoing, bringing to account any officials
responsible for the reported torturing of detainees, and
allowing a private journal, "Independent," to resume
publication.
3. (C) In response, Njie remarked in a resigned tone that he
took note of Ambassador's presentation and that suspension of
The Gambia's MCA eligibility would be "very regrettable."
When Ambassador repeated his urging that the GOTG act
promptly to reverse the negative human rights trend, Njie
nodded in understanding, but declined to comment further.
4. (C) COMMENT: As in previous meetings (c.f.,ref b),Njie
indicated that he was aware of the damage caused the GOTG's
domestic and international standing by its increasingly poor
human rights record in past months, especially following the
failed overthrow attempt. At the same time, his resigned
tone suggested awareness that getting the irascible Jammeh to
authorize prompt GOTG action on our suggested steps to
reverse the negative human rights trend would be no easy
task. END COMMENT.
STAFFORD
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/18/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KMCA GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: MEETING WITH PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR ON
HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES, MCA
REF: A. BANJUL 297 ET AL
B. BANJUL 212
Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOSEPH STAFFORD, REASON 1.4 (B AND D)
1. (C) Ambassador met May 18 with President Jammeh's senior
advisor, Secretary General Mambury Njie, to stress our
ongoing concern over the negative trend in the GTOG's human
rights record following the aborted coup plot here March 21
(ref a). Ambassador warned that as a result of this negative
trend, coupled with signs of GOTG's slippage on other
criteria used in determining eligibility for the Millenium
Challenge Account (MCA) program, there was the very real
prospect of the The Gambia's MCA eligibility being suspended.
Stating that he expected soon to receive a letter on the
matter from MCC to deliver to Jammeh, Ambassador urged the
GOTG to act promptly to reverse the negative human rights
trend.
2. (C) As examples of steps the GOTG might take, he mentioned
ensuring full respect for the rights of detainees held in
connection with the failed plot, including due process,
promptly releasing those against whom there was no clear
evidence of wrongdoing, bringing to account any officials
responsible for the reported torturing of detainees, and
allowing a private journal, "Independent," to resume
publication.
3. (C) In response, Njie remarked in a resigned tone that he
took note of Ambassador's presentation and that suspension of
The Gambia's MCA eligibility would be "very regrettable."
When Ambassador repeated his urging that the GOTG act
promptly to reverse the negative human rights trend, Njie
nodded in understanding, but declined to comment further.
4. (C) COMMENT: As in previous meetings (c.f.,ref b),Njie
indicated that he was aware of the damage caused the GOTG's
domestic and international standing by its increasingly poor
human rights record in past months, especially following the
failed overthrow attempt. At the same time, his resigned
tone suggested awareness that getting the irascible Jammeh to
authorize prompt GOTG action on our suggested steps to
reverse the negative human rights trend would be no easy
task. END COMMENT.
STAFFORD