President Jammeh Clarifies Britain's Role

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by Ousman Sillah Addressing the members of the armed and security services of theYaya Jammeh Gambia at the end of a solidarity march on Friday, 10 January, in support of his government in the aftermath of the 30 December 2014 attack, President Yahya Jammeh apologised to the British government for comments he had made against them.He said for the purpose of setting the records straight, the British government has so far not been implicated in the attack on state house by insurgents, adding that although the insurgents have thanked both the British and US governments in the statement they should have read after taking over the government. President Jammeh made this apology after he had already ended his speech and started shaking hands with those who were at the pavilion with him, including the British Ambassador. “To straighten the record, let me mention those countries that support these people and thess people came from we mentioned Britain. The British High Commissioner is here. I invited him to come. I apologise to Britain because as far as the investigations are concerned, up to this stage, there is no evidence of British government involvement for which I apologise to the British High Commissioner,” said President Jammeh. He said there are dissidents but that none of them came from Britain. ”And I also want to make it very clear, I am a true Muslim. Gambians are true Muslims and true Muslims will never hate other human beings. Let me make it very clear that even the United States of America, I am not an enemy of the United States of America, the people of the United States of America, I am not an enemy of the government of the United States of America. We are not enemies of the people of United States of America but we will not be dictated to,” said President Jammeh. He added “We may have problems with their government and their system. That has nothing to do with the common American people. They are good people, so also is Britain. Many British citizens, retired civil servants and I hope Mr. Ambassador may be there is no retired former colonial secretary who lives in the Gambia but he is welcome. Many British citizens who retired feel free at home in the Gambia. For even if we have a problem with their government we have no problem with the British people. You have seen for yourself on the New Year’s Eve what one lady said about the Gambia. She was not paid to say so. So she was saying the truth and the truth will always prevail.” The Gambian President continued: “We don’t hate any citizen because of the attitude of their government and I will repeat, so far that there is no evidence of the British support or involvement in this, despite the fact that in their statement to the nation after taking over…… they praise the British government and the American government for their support.” President Jammeh told the crowd that he believes in the truth. “So far no single Gambian or dissident from Britain come to join them. So, I am very sorry, as you wrong somebody you should apologise. Whatever I say about the West, I always called the British because they colonized us,” he said, adding that they should not feel offended. “We would not mind to say “God Save The Queen”, “Rule Britain Rule” today….”Rule Gambia Rule…that does not mean we have any ambition to rule Britain, but if they wish so, I would be very happy to rule Britain. After all they ruled us, so if I can rule them or Gambia can rule that would be the biggest thing. And Mr. Ambassador, let me make it very clear, only Allah knows, tomorrow you can become our colony, but we will be very nice to you,” concluded President Jammeh. ]]>