The Gambia government has never been transparent about the circumstances surrounding the illness and eventual death of the former VP Alieu Badara Joof, making many suspicious of the conditions leading to his death.

WHY ARE PIU OFFICERS STATIONED AT BANJULIDING CEMETARY?

We are aware of the paramilitary (PIU) at the Banjuliding Cemetary, with a tent erected on site for their shelter to guard the former Vice President’s Grave.

Why would the government guard the grave of the former VP?

Where did the instructions come from to warrant the PIU to guard the grave?

Did the Family of the VP raise any concern about the safety of their parent lying in the cemetery?

What’s the threat posed to the body of the former VP, and what’s the Government protecting by sending PIU officers to be stationed at the Cemetary?

What’s led to this state of paranoia?

We understand many people within the Cabinet, government and institutions took offence to the speech delivered by the former VP during the Cabinet and government retreat. I doubt that should warrant the presence of PIU personnel on guard at the Cemetary to guard the grave of the former VP.

The government needs to enlighten the public, as the absence of information is causing a vacuum leading people to believe in the conspiracy that there’s foul play in causing the death of the former VP!

Contacts from the PIU informed us that even Ebrima Sankareh got sent away when he visited one afternoon with a marabout to pray for the former VP, considering that Mr Sankareh is related to the former VP and also the government spokesperson.

The lack of transparency from the onset surrounding the handling of the illness of the former VP, starting with the government’s failure to announce the severity of his condition and medical evacuation to India, fueled rumours of foul play. Because his signs and symptoms weren’t consistent with his existing decade-long medical conditions, the People around him suspected foul play, leading to his evacuation to India.

It was only after the passing away of the VP the government made a statement on the long absence of the VP. They presented a false report that he passed away after a brief illness which is contrary to the fact that he was hospitalised for over six weeks, starting from being admitted at a private clinic in the Gambia for a short period before conditions got worse, leading to the decision to evacuate him to India, where he stayed for over two weeks.

The rumours along the corridor at the Statehouse started discussing the line of succession to the presidency, to the existence of naming Sidi Njie as the favourite person to replace the VP, even before he passed away, raising national security concerns. It might have led to some current suspension in appointing the replacement to the vacant VP position.

Please tune In OPEN GAMBIA PLATFORM for the follow-up publication on the new details on the appointment of the New VP!

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Article contributed by SULAYMAN BEN SUWAREH