News:
January 30, 2020
Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Rt. Hon. Mustapha Cisse Lo on Wednesday led a twelve (12) member delegation to the Gambian Presidency to pay a courtesy call on His Excellency President Adama Barrow.
The visit was primarily to thank him for hosting the last extraordinary meeting of the Community Parliament, and attending the opening ceremony. it was however, an opportunity to brief him on the activities of the Parliament in the Gambia.
Briefing journalists after more than an hour meeting at the Presidency, the Speaker Cisse Lo noted that they reported to the President on issues pertaining in the Parliament.
According to the Speaker, he briefed the President on his meeting with the opposition leader as there is emerging political tension in the country, but pointed out that there is the need for Gambia to have stability.
“President Adama Barrow gave us listening ear and took good note of the issues we brought to his attention; and it is my view that we undertake such visits and discuss with all parties, a country cannot develop without stability”.
He again pointed out that he has had discussions with the opposition leader on the emerging political situation in the Gambia.
Over the weekend there was demonstration by the opposition to call on President Barrow to step down based on a three year agreement despite the constitution giving him a five year mandate. Others also demonstrated calling for the return of Yahya Jammeh.
As to whether discussions with the opposition came up in their discussions, he responded in the affirmative, but was quick to point out that their discussion cannot be shared with the media.
“Again, we ask the leaders to comply with the country’s constitution and rules; we would meet with the party leader of former President Yahya Jammeh, the meeting was divided into two the President met the whole delegation and we both moved into in-camera”.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/ghanamps.com/Banjul