Former Guinea Bissau President, Muhammed Kumba Yala, last Thursday paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh at State House.

Yala who is on a private visit to the country later told newsmen that he still share the same political views with President Jammeh, especially in the defense o Africa's interest and democracy which is dictated by realities existing in each country.

The the aim of his visit was to exchange ideas with the Gambian leader in devicing ways and means to encourage better relations with other African countries. On the current political situation in Bissau, Yalla said Bissau Guineans are ready to give chance to permanent consultation and dialogue in an effort to achieve lasting peace in the former Portuguese colony.

Yala a philosophy teacher and an intellectual of high standing, led a govermnment in Guinea Bissau from 17th February 2000 but was toppled through a military coup three years later. He belongs to the Balanta ethnic group. He rose again from a political ban to contest the November Polls under the Social Renewal Party (PRS) and lost to Malam Becai Sahna in a run -off election. Mr Yala adopted the name Muhammed Yala Embalo after his conversion to Islam.

By Abdou Njie