December 2003:

The Gambian leader, H.E. Dr Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, was among several leaders who attended this year's Commonwealth Heads of State Meeting in Abuja, Nigeria. Shortly after his arrival in the Nigerian capital, President Jammeh held consultative meetings with other Commonwealth leaders notable among them the current AU Chairman, President Chissano of Mozambique and host President Obasanjo of Nigeria. These closed door sessions were deemed to promote mutual understanding and unanimity among member states, especially on the contentious issue of Zimbabwe's suspension from the councils of the Commonwealth.

The Gambian president joined up to forty six Heads of State and Government at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, to witness the official opening of the CHOGM, presided over by the titular Head of organization, Queen Elizabeth II of Britain. The opening ceremony was typically diplomatic but traditional. Cultural troupes representing various Nigerian ethnic groups performed in a spectacular and rare fashion before the large convergence of presidents, prime ministers and monarchs. In their speeches, the outgoing and incoming chairpersons of the Commonwealth dwelt on the challenges facing the organization; whilst Secretary General Don Makcinnon and Queen Elizabeth II spoke on the need to foster greater co-operation among member states, especially in the areas of trade, technology, poverty eradication and HIV/AIDS, amongst others.

Despite the niceties and opulence underlying the inaugural ceremony, the contentious issue of Zimbabwe was to determine subsequent sessions of the Commonwealth councils. Divisions over this issue were so apparent and compelling that a six nation committee was set up to arbitrate on the matter. The decision yet again, was an extension of Zimbabwe's suspension from the various councils of the Commonwealth. This according to anti Zimbabwe delegates, is proper in the context of alleged electoral fraud in the country's past presidential election as well as its current human rights situation.

Commenting on the issue, President Jammeh recalled the 'disappointing role' played by President Mugabe in listing The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Nigeria under 'bad books' of the Commonwealth when he served as the organization's chairman. Dr. Jammeh noted that the Zimbabwean leader did not have the hindsight to anticipate his current situation - where he would need the support and solidarity of fellow African leaders. The Gambian president however discounted his stance as one of vengeance, saying he still believes the suspension of Zimbabwe is not justifiable, looking at the premeditated decision by few members, way before elections were held in that country. This according to the President, speaks of double standards being played by the Commonwealth. Jammeh also spoke critically about the general notion always bandied around major international fora, that human rights violations and democracy forces are more prevalent within African systems of government. He said as a recipe for fair play, justice must be applied to each and every nation without prejudice.

After intensive deliberations and often hot sessions, Commonwealth leaders paved the Millennium Park in Abuja, for a land mark tree planting exercise. At the well preserved park of water ways and flowers, President Jammeh had a lighted hearted chat with British Prime Minister Tony Blair before planting the Gambia's Commonwealth Tree.

The CHOGM 2003 ended though with a division over one major issue, but with pledges for greater co-operation and support, especially for the poorer and weaker members. The fulfillment of these pledges among a catalogue of other challenges, remain the litmus test for the loose imperial organization.