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Paris Under Attack!

Hadram Hydara
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Paris Under Attack!

ESSAY/OPINION

By: Musa Bassadi Jawara

When last Paris was under attack, it was the Nazis under the supreme command of Adolf Hitler. The German army conducted a scorched-earth invasion of Paris, wiping out images and values. The destruction and carnage across Paris were so massive that Adolf Hitler in his bunker asked if Paris was burning. The French were defeated by the Nazis in 1940, and the Germans became an occupying force in France. American military restored freedom and decency to Europe. General Dwight Eisenhower, the Commander of Allied forces, launched the D-day invasion of June 6, 1944. It was the largest amphibious assault in history, the Germans were decisively defeated across the beaches of Normandy which was littered with bloods of American GIs. It’s no hyperbole, Europe was freed with American blood and treasure! Essentially, America restored freedom and decency to Europe.

Again, Paris is under assault, and not by the conventional human army, but by the army of parasites called bedbugs. According to a CNN report, bedbugs sweep Paris, and no one is safe!

This will ignite the debate on immigration and right-wing politicians who are obsessed with the influx of immigrants into their country; they will have a field day with this issue and a salient presidential campaign issue.

Bedbugs are an invisible army hard to fight and conquer. The French army has a lot on its plate. Hahahahaha!

Musa Bassadi Jawara

Ali Bongo’s Wife, Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin, Charged With Money Laundering

Seringe Touray
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Ali Bongo’s Wife, Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin, Charged With Money Laundering

By: Seringe ST Touray

Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin, the spouse of Gabon’s ousted president, Ali Bongo Ondimba, is facing charges of “money laundering” and other offenses, according to the public prosecutor’s announcement on Friday, a month following her husband’s overthrow in a coup.

The investigating judge, Andre Patrick Roponat, revealed on Thursday that Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin has been formally charged. The charges include money laundering, receiving stolen goods, forgery, and fraud, all falling under the purview of articles 116, 117, 312, and 380 of the Penal Code. She has been placed under house arrest as a result.

“Twelve fellow citizens faced arrests and allegations of both criminal and misdemeanor offenses, leading to the detention of some individuals. Madame Sylvia Bongo Ondimba Valentin presented herself before the examining magistrate on September 28, 2023. The charges against her included money laundering, receiving stolen goods, forgery, and fraud. Following these accusations, she was placed under house arrest,” the prosecutor stated.

The former first lady has been confined since her husband’s ousting on August 30. Initially described as being under house arrest in Libreville for her safety, her lawyers, based in France, contend that she and her youngest son are being held arbitrarily.

Despite the initial house arrest, Ali Bongo was later declared “free to move about” with the option of traveling abroad. Their son, Noureddin Bongo Valentin, has already faced charges of corruption and misappropriation of public funds, along with several former cabinet members and two ex-ministers.

Ali Bongo, who had governed the central African nation since 2009, was deposed by military leaders shortly after being declared the winner in a contested presidential election. The opposition and coup leaders labeled the election result as fraudulent, accusing his regime of widespread corruption and poor governance.

The junta has taken a stern approach toward the former first lady and the eldest son, alleging that they forged Ali Bongo’s signature and issued orders on his behalf following his stroke in 2018. Ali Bongo had assumed power in 2009 after the death of his father, Omar, who had ruled for nearly 42 years.

Dead or Missing Migrants in the Mediterranean Three Times Higher This Year, Says UN

Seringe Touray
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Dead or Missing Migrants in the Mediterranean Three Times Higher This Year, Says UN

By: Seringe ST Touray

This summer, the United Nations reported that the number of migrants who perished or went missing while attempting to cross the Mediterranean was three times higher than the corresponding period last year.

Between June and August, a minimum of 990 individuals lost their lives or disappeared along the perilous central Mediterranean route connecting northern Africa to Europe. This starkly contrasts with the 334 fatalities recorded during the same months in 2022, as revealed by the UN agency, UNICEF.

Although specific figures for children’s fatalities during these crossings were not provided, UNICEF highlighted that 11,600 unaccompanied minors were part of the migrants attempting to reach Italy on makeshift vessels from January to September. This represented a 60 percent increase compared to the initial nine months of 2022.

UTG Faraba campus lot one completed, to be available for lectures on Sep.30

Hadram Hydara
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UTG Faraba campus lot one completed, to be available for lectures on Sep.30

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The University of The Gambia (UTG) Faraba Campus phase one, which includes four schools with standard classrooms, auditoriums with air conditioning, and a large library, has been completed for the first time since work started in 2017, and according to the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, the campus will be handed over to UTG management for lectures on September 30.

The schools of Arts and Sciences, Education, Business and Public Administration and the School of Information and Communication are all set and ready to host students for lectures.

The schools of Arts & Sciences and Business and Public Administration have two standard auditoriums with air conditioning systems, cafeteria rooms and well-furnished classrooms with fans as well as ten water dispensers.

“The electricity and water have been fixed in all the completed buildings on the campus. On top of this, water dispensers have been fixed at accessible spots within the different schools for drinking. This allows students and staff to get cold, hot, and room-temperature water anytime.

“The teaching and learning resources, including chairs, tables, smart boards and overhead projectors will be in the classes,” Gomez said.

The Higher Education Minister, Mr. Gomez, who previously spent more than ten years at the university and then rose to the position of acting Vice-Chancellor, expressed that the Faraba campus is superior to the currently rented buildings being used by the university.

He emphasized that his ministry’s goal is to provide a favourable educational environment for both students and lecturers, without any intention of engaging in conflict with anyone.

This week, the ministry announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Gambia Transport Service Cooperation, which is expected to ease the burden of transport delays going for lectures in Faraba.

Tomorrow, 30th September, the ministry will hand over the structures to the management of the UTG for usage. Contrary to the information that all schools will be relocated to Faraba, the minister clarified that only four schools will relocate, and the rest will remain where they are for now while they work on phase two of the project.

The university management last week announced that effective lectures will start on Faraba Campus on Monday, October 2.

Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) Officials Attacked in Bansang

Seringe Touray
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Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) Officials Attacked in Bansang

By: Sainabou Gassama

On Tuesday, September 26, 2022, operatives from the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) stationed in the Central River Region (CRR) responded to a tip-off regarding suspected drug-related activity at an old welding workshop in Bansang, CRR, around 20:00 GMT.

Upon arrival, the officers identified themselves and announced their intention to conduct a search. Bakary Baldeh, found in possession of Diazepam tablets, commonly known as Ross, immediately attempted to swallow the controlled drugs. Quick action by the officers prevented him from destroying crucial evidence. During the confrontation, Ousman Camara was also arrested for obstruction as he tried to impede the officers from carrying out their duty.

In the midst of the operation, a hostile crowd surrounded the officers, throwing stones from different directions. Two officers sustained serious injuries in the attack. Bakary Colley, allegedly part of the mob, was hit by a stone intended for one of the operatives. Fortunately, a Public Intervention Unit (PIU) Officer swiftly intervened, preventing further harm.

The injured officers were promptly taken to the hospital by their colleagues for treatment, while Bakary Colley was escorted by his family members. After treatment and discharge, the officers returned to duty, but Bakary Colley was referred to EFSTH in Banjul for further medical attention.

The suspect found with controlled drugs and Ousman Camara, arrested for obstruction, were both taken into custody. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

OPINION: FGM/Female Circumcision Should Remain Criminalized If Inflicted Upon The Girl Child

Hadram Hydara
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OPINION: FGM/Female Circumcision Should Remain Criminalized If Inflicted Upon The Girl Child

OPINION

By: Modou Mboob

Female Circumcision, popularly known as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), has been one of the most contentious topics in The Gambia and it has captured the attention of many concerned individuals, including myself. This article (My Article 3) seeks to provide guidance to whom it concerns.

As a practice that has been recognized by our beloved Prophet Muhammed SAW (PBUH), FGM may be a safe practice only if done properly; and the intention for which it’s done would In Shaa Allah be realized. However, the million-dalasi question here is- should the practice still be applicable in this generation? Don’t forget, Allah gave us the Quran as a guide, and He also provides us with the right mind to think (Afalaa tatafakarrun). In the same vein, Allah through the Quran encourages us to really think and not to follow our parents’ religion blindly (Chapter 5:104 – 5:105).

Today, the world is governed by laws, namely International and Domestics laws. Should good laws be followed? Indeed, especially if the intention is to bring good to society because even in Islam, actions are judged based on intentions (“Inna Mal Ahma’alu bi niyat, wa inna ma kulli imrin ma nawa”). Again, is the law on CONSENT a good one? It’s of course because every human being should be given an option to decide what kind of life they would like to live. That is why we are all blessed with a mind and highly encouraged to think with it. Are we governed by laws that give human beings the right to provide consent? Oh yes, this is guaranteed in both International and Domestic laws.

Therefore, when you circumcise a girl child at a very early age, does she give consent to that? No! What’s the right & legal thing to do here then? If this is beneficial, but at the same time harmful (if not done with caution) act must be practised, and the available domestic and international laws must be used as a guide to allow every girl to give consent before being circumcised.

With Allah’s guidance, I believe FGM in this generation is best suited for those girls/ladies who experience an intense sexual desire and want to find a solution to it. However, you MUST not remove everything (the clitoris)!

Furthermore, with the right mind, we should further go deep to question ourselves: are Islamic Nations practising FGM today? Is The Gambia more Islamic than Islamic States? Given how Gambians love Islam and how far we are ready to go to practice it, should we consider becoming an Islamic State? Bottom line, it’s not right nor legal in Islam to circumcise the girl child in this generation and should remain criminalized.

In conclusion, I would, with all due respect, urge some of the Islamic scholars in The Gambia to tone down on their preaching of the Islamic faith regarding this matter. Islam is simple; Islam is peaceful, and Islam is a way of life.

May Allah grant us wisdom and continue to guide and protect us. Alhamdulilah!

Fa anna ma’al usri yusra!

Best regards,
Modou Mboob,
Concerned Citizen.

Cc: President Adama Barrow & All Media Houses.

Rejoinder to the news item published on 27th September 2023 by The Fatu Network captioned SEMLEX country rep. accuses ASP Baldeh of conspiring to sell The Gambia’s ID database to Ghanaian cybersecurity firm

Hadram Hydara
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Rejoinder to the news item published on 27th September 2023 by The Fatu Network captioned SEMLEX country rep. accuses ASP Baldeh of conspiring to sell The Gambia’s ID database to Ghanaian cybersecurity firm

Ramsys InfoTech Solutions has reacted to The Fatu Network story titled “SEMLEX country rep. accuses ASP Baldeh of conspiring to sell The Gambia’s ID database to Ghanaian cyber security firm”, where it was alleged by Momodou Sowe, a SEMLEX country representative, that one ASP Sana K Baldeh, an IT officer at SEMLEX, tried to sell The Gambia’s national identity database to Ramsys InfoTech Solutions.

In a bid to debunk the allegations and clarify its name, Ramsys InfoTech Solutions has sent The Fatu Network a rejoinder and it reads, verbatim:

“The attention of Management of RAMSYS INFOTECH SOLUTIONS has been drawn to a misleading news report published on the 27th of September on the FATU NETWORK ONLINE NEWS PORTAL FATU NETWORK WEBSITE AND ITS SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS captioned “SEMLEX Country Rep. Accuses ASP Baldeh of Conspiring to Sell the Gambia’s ID Database to Ghanaian Cyber Security Firm. This news item is blatantly false, malicious and preposterous. Unfortunately, the story was published without the benefit of hearing our side as expected. The allegations reportedly made against our company, the honorable minister and a serving police office are very serious as a subject of national interest. As a reputable company that operates within the confines of the law, we deem it necessary to debunk the falsehood, reportedly made by the representative of Semlex for reasons best known to him. It is unfortunate such allegations were published without hearing our side to ensure the public have a balanced view.  We wish to state the allegations made by the Semlex representative are completely untrue and baseless. For the record, and in the interest of setting the record straight, the facts are as follows.

“Ramsys or any of its representatives has never been involved in any conspiracy to buy the Gambia’s national identification database and there has never been such meeting with anyone in the Gambia. Furthermore, Ramsys has no interest whatsoever in the said database and is not in that line of business. The allegations are fanciful and untruthful.

  1. “Ramsys or its representative has never dealt with the Minister mentioned or nor has the company had a meeting with him or any of his associates either in the Gambia or anywhere else for that matter.
  2. “Ramsys has never invited the minister in question to Ghana and for that matter have never had Ramsys any meeting with the said minister on any project in Ghana or anywhere ever before. It must be put on record that Ramsys Infotech Solutions does not do any business in national identification domain and has no interest in the said project.
  3. “ASP Baldeh never introduced our firm to the minister as a focal person as alleged. This is strange since no discussions happened between the CEO of Ramsys and the said ASP.
  4. “It must be stated that, Ramsys since 2011, has been working for several institutions in the Gambia, both in the public and the private sector. Ramsys infotech since established has worked across a number of institutions in Ghana and others within the continent of Africa with high moral standard in all our dealings.
  5. “Ramsys CEO while in the Gambia never called ASP BALDEH for advice on accessing the server backup system, and no attempt was made to hack into the Semlex server. We are a cyber security consulting firm offering services that protect the IT systems of both the public and private sector. From inception to date we have never been acccused of or have a record of illegally breaking into any systems in our 13+ years of operating across the continent prior to false allegation of Semlex.
  6. “The accuser did not even read the letter well and they never understood the content of the letter sent to ASP Baldeh, requesting for a 2 hours cyber security awareness training which letter with the same content was sent to almost all the ministries and parastatals with the same request to train their staff on gratis. Its is therefore inaccurate for the accuser to use the duration the firm CEO was supposed to be in the Gambia as the duration for the training for the POLICE/ SEMLEX.
  7. “It is strange that the content of so-called intercepted letter was not published, and the journalist could not simply published the said letter alongside his report on the allegations as evidence to their publication.
  8. “No discussion was carried out by ASP on any contract neither was the said ASP promised any money by Ramsys. The claim that ASP promised 15% of revenue generated from their donors and partners as alluded by the accuser totally false. This is ridiculous.
  9. “The Company is willing to cooperate with any law enforcement institutions if any accuser can provide evidence of all the claims made in the news portal. Until then, I entreat all well-meaning Gambians and stakeholders on these issues to treat the story with contempt it deserves.
  10. “In the said publication, Fatu Network admits that it could not reach Ramsys InfoTech Solutions for comments, and yet the publisher saw it wise to publish the name of the company whose reps were not given a proper opportunity to respond to the veracity or otherwise of the claims before publishing it. This is very unfortunate to say the least.
  11. “Ramsys InfoTech Solutions is a specialized Information Technology Solution Provider, providing Consulting Services in Systems Integration, Systems High availability, Disaster Recovery Strategies, Cyber Security Consulting, and IT/Management Certification training and does not work on national identification systems.
  12. “It is my considered opinion that we cannot run a society where people are allowed to make irresponsible and reckless statements for whatever reason that inspires them just to destroy the reputation of others and their firms.

“In light of the above, Ramsys Infotech Solutions urges FATU NETWORK as a matter of urgency publish this rejoinder in response to their Online Publication of 27TH SEPTEMBER  2023.

Thank you.

Emmanuel Arthur

CEO, RAMSYS INFOTECH SOLUTIONS LIMITED”.

 

Editor’s Note: The Fatu Network tried and could not reach Ramsys InfoTech Solutions for comments as indicated in the original story titled “SEMLEX country rep. accuses ASP Baldeh of conspiring to sell The Gambia’s ID database to Ghanaian cyber security firm”, however, The Fatu Network wishes to make it clear that Ramsys InfoTech Solutions’ clarification is noted and welcomed.

KMC and NEA Unite for Robust Environmental Protection Policies and Regulations

Seringe Touray
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KMC and NEA Unite for Robust Environmental Protection Policies and Regulations

By: Alagie Cherno Suwareh

The recent signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and the National Environmental Agency (NEA) signifies a collaborative effort to implement various environmental policies and regulations.

Lamin Dibba, the Councilor for Old Bakau Ward and Chairman for KMC Environment Select Committee, emphasized the importance of protecting the environment for its sustainability and the well-being of all. “If you look at the ranking of African countries, Gambia is the seventh (7th) dirtiest country in Africa. This is alarming. We have seen an increase in Malaria cases over the years due to bad environmental practices,” he stated.

Dibba welcomed the partnership between KMC and NEA, expressing optimism that the collaboration will facilitate their work and enhance law enforcement. He urged councilors to diligently work towards achieving the goals outlined in the MoU, aimed at addressing growing concerns about environmental health issues.

The MoU is expected to strengthen the existing relationship between KMC and NEA, as both institutions share similar responsibilities in protecting and preserving the environment. Malick Bah, the Director of Technical Services at NEA, commended the longstanding relationship between the two entities. “NEA was established by section 9 of the National Environmental Management Act as the principal body responsible for the coordination of environmental management in the country, including the regulation of environmental protection. The agency is not involved in the direct implementation of environmental policies but ensures their coordination and regulation,” he clarified.

Paa Sait Ceesay, the Chief Executive Officer of KMC, viewed the signing of the MoU as a significant milestone in reinforcing the council’s commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment. “Environmental protection is a national issue, and everyone should contribute to safeguarding our environment and natural resources,” he argued.

Lamin Camara, the Manager for Anti-littering at KMC, also appreciated the agreement, considering it a positive step towards addressing environmental health concerns. “The council didn’t have clear-cut laws to reprimand or pursue any environmental violations. Now that we have the opportunity from NEA, I must thank them for taking the bold step in working with the council. This is a welcoming move in our dispensation. We clean, and others make it dirty, but we didn’t have the cooperation of the public. Having this MoU has scaled up our work to another level,” he explained.

Overall, the partnership between KMC and NEA is expected to facilitate the implementation and monitoring of environmental resilience initiatives, contributing to sustainable development and the preservation of the environment.

Gambia’s First Division Team, Steve Biko, Signs Contract with German Sports Equipment Company, Saller

Seringe Touray
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Gambia’s First Division Team, Steve Biko, Signs Contract with German Sports Equipment Company, Saller

By: Alagie Cherno Suwareh

Steve Biko football club, Gambia’s first division team known as the giant killers, has recently inked a four-year deal with the German sports equipment company, Saller.

The partnership, unveiled on Wednesday via the club’s social media, entails Saller providing jerseys and other football equipment to the Bakau-based club.

Expressing delight, the club’s president, Mr. Sulayman B.F. Drammeh, highlighted the relief this collaboration brings in alleviating the financial strain of funding an entire season, including the substantial cost of kits.

Bakary Wara Jammeh, the current captain, shared the players’ excitement, noting the significance of signing with a brand that sponsors the national team.

As a one-time Gambian League Champions and FA Cup winner, Steve Biko aims to leverage Saller’s influence in East Europe and West Africa to enhance their performance over the next four years.

The partnership is seen as crucial for recovering from the previous year’s 7th position finish in The Gambia 1st Division League Football.

United States of America in a state of dystopia!

Hadram Hydara
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United States of America in a state of dystopia!

OPINION

By: Musa Bassadi Jawara

United States’ government shut down on Sunday, after Saturday, September 30, the deadline for funding expiration. The Republicans who are in the majority of the House of Representatives, albeit a paltry dominance, are hijacked by the ultraconservative and MAGA wing of the party led by former President Trump. For a budgetary breakthrough to occur in 72 hours, huge spending cuts must take place that’ll obliterate the achievements and programs of Bidenomics. The Democrats in Congress and the White House will not acquiesce to GOP budgetary cuts, which makes this weekend’s government shutdown, very likely.

Never before in recent memory has American democracy appeared to be so shaky. The Trump phenomenon has captured a large size of the American psyche and presented a myriad of challenges to the cohesion and stability of ambient society since the end of the Civil War. Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement is a coated racist term, Make America White Again according to Minister Louis Farrakhan of Nation of Islam.

Trump is commanding over 50% of the American population; in a land that fought the Civil War in 1861 and saw the emergence of Dixiecrats in the 1948 Democratic National Convention in Alabama. Given this backdrop in the history of the United States, the Trump phenomenon is alive and poses a significant danger to American Democracy and threatens its stability.

Every poll shows a dead heat in a likely rematch between President Biden and Donald Trump in next year’s presidential elections. Trump is a twice-impeached president and faces four indictments in State and Federal Courts with possible jail time. His business empire was linked to fraudulent and dubious practices that spanned over a decade. He assembled a mob that attacked the US Congress on January 6, 2021, in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential elections which he lost by a large margin. This was the United States Congress the Global Citadel of democracy. This is the same Donald Trump who promised to suspend the US Constitution and shut down the US Justice Department and the FBI if he returns to the Oval Office for the second term. He promised to do even crazier things to the US government institutions. What happens beyond US borders is palpable and scary when he regains power again in the most powerful nation on earth.

Donald Trump winning the Republican nomination as the 2024 presidential candidate is all but assured. Let this be clear, despite all his peccadilloes outlined above, the former president stands a very good chance of defeating the octogenarian President Biden in November 2024.

Biden’s age is a problem and America is not ready for a female president of color. Trump is a demagogue and a master of nasty racial politics. He knows what sells with his base and the MAGA support group. Trump’s narrative in every stump speech will focus not on policy but on Biden’s age and the distinct possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the 47th president of the United States when Biden’s incapacitated or dies in office. This will be an election never before seen in American electoral history.

The weirdest of all in this unfolding political drama: Trump is convicted in one or all of these indictments and sent to prisons. As a convicted felon serving jail time, how he continues his campaign from a jail cell in a Federal Penitentiary, will be a remarkable aberration. I pray to live to witness it!

SEMLEX country rep. accuses ASP Baldeh of conspiring to sell The Gambia’s ID database to Ghanaian cyber security firm

Hadram Hydara
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SEMLEX country rep. accuses ASP Baldeh of conspiring to sell The Gambia’s ID database to Ghanaian cyber security firm

By: Alieu Jallow

A former Gambian international referee, Momodou Sowe, who is also SEMLEX’s country representative, has made serious allegations against Assistant Superintendent of Police Sanna K Baldeh, an IT officer working on the Semlex project in Gambia. He claimed that Baldeh was conspiring to sell Gambia’s national identification database to a Ghanaian cyber security firm, Ramsys InfoTech Solutions, based in Accra.

Sowe stated that the Ghanaian firm recently visited Gambia and met with the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Hon. Ousman A. Bah. The firm funded Bah’s trip to Ghana to familiarize himself with their management and explore possible collaborations.

According to Sowe, ASP Baldeh was introduced to the firm through the minister as a focal person and has since been communicating with them. Baldeh proposed a training program, but when the firm privately called him for advice on accessing the server backup system, their attempts failed. Sowe claimed that after several unsuccessful attempts to hack into the Semlex server, the company decided to offer a free training program on cybercrime and transnational crimes.

The training program was scheduled to take place from 8th to 22nd September 2023 at the SEMLEX head office in Kanifing, in a hall close to the backup server. In a letter he claimed to have intercepted through his insiders addressed to ASP Baldeh, the objective of the training was to equip participants with emerging cybercrimes.

“This programme is designed to equip participants with emerging trends of cybercrime, the domain of cyber security, and the impacts of cyber security threats on institutions and national security at large. The course will examine the nexus between cyber criminality and other transnational crimes as well as countermeasures to mitigate cyber threats.

“The program will equip participants with tools and techniques to protect and secure cyber systems/infrastructures. Participants shall also be introduced to cyber governance mechanisms and best practices,” the letter reads.

Sowe asserted that the company was going to offer ASP Baldeh 15% of the revenue generated from their donors and partners.

The company will give him 15% if he helps them secure the contract. All training of staff is handled by SEMLEX which Baldeh is quite aware of which is periodically fixed,” he alleged.

He claimed that ASP Baldeh was part of the Gambian delegation to Brussels as part of the training sessions provided for in the BOT (Built, Operate, Transfer) contract with the Gambia, a claim we fact-checked to be true.

Two attempts were made to contact ASP Baldeh and the acting Police PRO. ASP Baldeh directed us to the PRO but later sent two contradictory messages. “You [are] speaking to the wrong person. [I] am not working with Immigration,” he wrote, and in his second message “[I] am at the hospital, you [are] calling the wrong number”.

Initially, the acting Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Modou Musa Sisawo, stated that he was not aware of any security firm proposing to train the Police. He requested a copy of the proposal addressed to ASP for further investigation with the high command.

After following up with ASP Modou Musa Sisawo, he informed us that the letter sent to ASP Sanna K Baldeh was not formal and did not pass through the Inspector of General Police. He also confirmed that ASP and the cyber security team could not hold the the training as planned .

The Fatu Network could not reach Ramsys InfoTech Solutions for comments.

BST Galaxy FC set to partner with renowned English football academy

Hadram Hydara
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BST Galaxy FC set to partner with renowned English football academy

The BST Galaxy Football Club, owned and financed by the Gambian international Baboucarr Steve Trawally, in its quest to revolutionize Gambian football by developing players and enhancing the capabilities of its technical team, is set to collaborate and partnered with the esteemed Pass Grin Football Academy in Nottingham, England.

Omar Jarju, the vice president of the club, is currently in England trying to connect BST to this prestigious football academy which has a strong reputation for shaping talents.

The partnership, which is set to expose players and coaches to new opportunities, will be the first of its kind for the club.

Speaking to TFN, Omar Jarju said it has always been the goal of the team to stretch its arms and create partnerships.

“As a cultured club based on developing talents for the market, BST has always stretched its arms to meet and create partnerships with credible and prestigious football bodies. Pass Move Grin Football Academy has over the years developed talents across England, and then they have had good working relationships with Chelsea, Leicester, and other top clubs in England.

“For this being the case, every club will want to associate with them. That’s why when the opportunity came, I didn’t hesitate to connect with them. So, I think there will be a win-win situation, especially for BST, and then partnering with great academies like this will not only help players to get exposure, but then this has to do with technical developments for coaches and the technical staff. “

Jarjue, however, said there is no concrete agreement yet but is hopeful that the deal will be sealed soon.

He further told The Fatu Network BST Football Club, now a top divisional football team in The Gambia, has a three-year project plan that is set to change the narrative of Gambian football.

“The impact will be, of course, to change the narrative of the Gambian football because when we came in newly, that’s what we promised our people, that’s what we promised the Gambians that BST was here to change the face of Gambian football and when partnerships like this comes to effect, lots of things will definitely go positive, and we hope that players will definitely benefit directly by visiting this academy or traveling through this academy,” he told TFN.

BST Galaxy Football Club is one of the fastest-growing football clubs in the country. It is owned and financed by Gambian Footballer, Baboucarr Steve Trawally. The team finished 2nd in the second division last season and secured a promotion to the pinnacle of Gambian football.

Nigeria Unions Call for Indefinite Strike Over Rising Living Costs

Seringe Touray
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Nigeria Unions Call for Indefinite Strike Over Rising Living Costs

By: Zackline Colley

As reported by Nkechi Ogbonna of the BBC, Nigeria’s two largest labor unions have declared an indefinite strike set to commence next Tuesday, in protest of the government’s response to the rising cost of living.

The National Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have accused the government of failing to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians, which has been exacerbated by the recent removal of fuel subsidies.

“It will be a complete shutdown until the government addresses the demands of Nigerian workers and, indeed, the Nigerian masses,” the union leaders stated jointly.

They have called upon all workers to halt their activities starting from October 3rd and have announced plans to organize street protests.

In recent months, food and commodity prices have surged due to the rising cost of fuel, which has in turn increased production and transportation costs.

Additionally, Nigeria’s currency, the naira, has significantly depreciated against the US dollar, exchanging at an average rate of 780 naira to $1. This depreciation has further driven up the cost of imports.

The government has appealed to union leaders to suspend the strike and allow room for negotiations, citing the potential harm the strike action could inflict on the economy.

President Bola Tinubu argued that ending the fuel subsidy was essential, as it was economically unsustainable to artificially keep petrol prices low.

Nelson Mandela’s Granddaughter Has Died of Cancer at the Age of 43

Seringe Touray
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Nelson Mandela’s Granddaughter Has Died of Cancer at the Age of 43

A family spokesperson disclosed in a statement on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, that Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of Nelson Mandela, has passed away at the age of 43, surrounded by her friends and family.

Zoleka Mandela’s death was announced in a statement shared on her official Instagram account on the evening of Monday, September 25, 2023.

According to CNN, Zoleka had documented her battle with cancer on her Instagram account before her passing. On August 23, 2023, she wrote: “What do I tell my children? How do I tell them that this time around, I may not get to live my life as a survivor? How do I tell them everything will be okay when it’s not? I’m dying,” she proclaimed.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation also issued a statement on Tuesday, extending its heartfelt condolences to the Mandela family on the passing of Zoleka Mandela, tragically the night before. “We mourn the loss of a beloved grandchild of Mum Winnie and Madiba and a friend of the Foundation,” the statement added.

However, the foundation described her as “a tireless activist for healthcare and justice.” “Her work in raising awareness about cancer prevention and her unwavering commitment to breaking down the stigma surrounding the disease will continue to inspire us all,” it said.

Zoleka’s activism also includes road safety campaigns after her 13-year-old daughter, Zenani, was killed in a car crash in 2020.

GDC Leader Kandeh Says Police Officers Need to be Fully Armed

Seringe Touray
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GDC Leader Kandeh Says Police Officers Need to be Fully Armed

By: Dawda Baldeh

Mamma Kandeh, the leader of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has made a fervent plea to the government and the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to equip police officers with full armament.

Kandeh voiced his unease regarding reports of police and paramilitary personnel patrolling with rubber bullet guns and called for an official clarification on this matter. He acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue but argued that it must be addressed.

“In previous generations, it wasn’t deemed necessary to arm the police, given the prevailing discipline in the country. However, in the present era, it’s imperative for the police to be fully equipped,” he emphasized.

Kandeh also raised pertinent questions about whether the police are cognizant of the number of Gambians who have fallen victim to armed robberies and how many armed robbers have operated within the country since 2017.

Highlighting recent security threats within the country, Kandeh bolstered his argument that the office of the IGP should prioritize the security and safety of all citizens.

The opposition leader further proposed that if the reason for not arming the police hinges on a lack of trust and confidence, it might be more prudent not to recruit them at all. He implored the government to have faith in the security forces and equip them adequately for the protection and well-being of all citizens.

Kandeh underscored the paramount importance of security and discipline within the nation, stressing that without these elements, tragic incidents such as homicides would persist. He also called upon the government to ensure that justice is served in the shooting incident that tragically claimed the lives of two paramilitary officers on September 12, 2023.

Tribute to the late Nogoi Njie

Hadram Hydara
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Tribute to the late Nogoi Njie

By: Musa Bassadi Jawara

From the onset, let me mention that the late Nogoi Njie and I were not acquainted, and I never remember meeting her, even though we’re neighbors; Mandinaring and Lamin Kerewan.

From all accounts, she was a trailblazer, a freedom fighter and a patriot. She forayed her way into Westfield, April 14, 2016, along with the late Solo Sandeng and others in martyrdom to end autocratic rule in The Gambia. She was arrested, tortured and endured unfathomable hardships under Yahya Jammeh’s clandestine security network. The pain inflicted on the sister was barbaric and heinous. She suffered until the day of her passing, and we must never forget that!

If it weren’t for the personal sacrifices of the late Nogoi Njie, Mr Adama Barrow would not have been President and, if it weren’t for the personal sacrifices of the late Nogoi Njie, Mr Fabakary Tombong Jatta and Seedy Njie would not have been speaker and deputy speaker respectively of the National Assembly in our new dispensation! Nogoi organized the show for all to join the dance, but she was forgotten in the end (Mandinka Proverb). Bless her soul!

One is tempted to inject politics into this sad occasion, the passing of this illustrious and towering figure of our nation, Nogoi, but history will judge Nogoi Njie kindly and we pray Allah (SWAT) open the gates of heaven for her! Amen ?.

OPINION: Can A National Tragedy Reconcile A Divided Country?

Hadram Hydara
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0
OPINION: Can A National Tragedy Reconcile A Divided Country?

OPINION

By Nfansu Camara

Sandu Kuwonku.

The jet flights to freedom and peace could never have left the earth since the cowardly assassination of President Muhammad Ghaddafi in Libya. In 2011, the frivolous Western people conspired and orchestrated to hatch a rotten liquidating enterprise against Muhammad Ghaddafi who had been championing the crusade of wielding all African countries together as preached by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1963 in Ethiopia.

In 1999, the African heads of state and government congregated in Libya and made the declaration of renaming the organization of African Unity to the African Union. The Western people realized that the crusade which was spearheaded by Muhammad Ghaddafi could rejuvenate the immediacy agenda that was founded by  Dr. Kwame that Africa should be united and that is where the fulcrum of our development resides.

Muhammad Ghaddafi was seen by the West as the replica of the then pioneering leaders of Africa who fought bitterly for the total political liberation of Africa, they hatched a very rotten and draconian project to assassinate him purposely to disrupt the chances of the United States of Africa.

Unfortunately, the desire of Muhammad Ghaddafi has never been achieved when the West, particularly the United States of America, hatched a plan to persuade the indigenous citizens of Libya to rebel against his administration injecting them with the venom of unfounded speculations.

In a detailed fashion, the political uprising started with an unending protests agitating against President Muhammad Ghaddafi’s administration after having been poisonously orchestrated by the West painting him as a tinpot dictator who overstayed at the helm of the political ladder. As a result, they have succeeded in neutralizing one of the indefatigable sons produced by this fertile continent Muhammad Ghaddafi at the behest of Western agitators. Libya has never been the same again since the massive betrayal championed and executed by his own people.

Just last week, the country which is endowed with natural resources punctuated with magnificent edifices underwent through deadly flood which claimed thousands of lives and a lot of infrastructural damage. It is an unprecedented natural disaster in the history of Libya. Could it be an antidote to reconcile the political destabilization that has been ongoing since the death of Muhammad Ghaddafi? Should they put aside their differences and work towards charting out a map to reshape the dilapidated country which was crippled by civil car?.

Moreover, the flood which claimed a lot of lives and infrastructural damage should send a clarion call to all citizens of Libya that the time has come to correct the ills of the past and rebuild a country that at one time, attained and realized great economic growth but such growth has been stunted because of civil war. Libya has been bleeding for too long now and the time has emerged to provide an antidote to that wounded country. Peace is more precious than diamond or a gold. Civilization and violence are antithetical concepts which should not fused.

History will not judge me justly if I fail to call the attention of the African Union which was described by many political commentators as a toothless bulldog to come to their rescue and liberate Libya. As he (Muhammad Ghaddafi rests gently in his grave), will not forgive the African Union for failing to restore political sanity in his country after his departure. Africa Union did not continue to disappoint him as he died for his people when they were oblivious to his crusade. Restore political hygiene in Libya!!!

MBJF provides tuition fees, uniforms for 100 rural pupil

Hadram Hydara
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MBJF provides tuition fees, uniforms for 100 rural pupil

PRESS RELEASE:

September 25, 2023, the school year begins in The Gambia and all across the globe. Let’s pause for a moment and give thanks to our maker and support our children. Education is essential and it’s the key to opening doors of opportunities for underprivileged children in hamlets and villages. 

My foundation, Musa Bassad Jawara Foundation (MBJF) is providing tuition fees, uniforms and shoes for one hundred (100) rural pupils this year. Over the years, through the Abundance Fund, we built boreholes on school grounds; and provided bicycles for school kids to ride to schools in the rural areas.

Am sanguine that our intervention in helping underprivileged children to get the help they need will be successful.

Yes, children are the sentimentality of global politics, and therefore, they must command the attention of policymakers all over the world particularly, the children of impoverished nations. These are our children! These are our children! These are our children!

Musa Bassadi Jawara

Wild Hippo Attacks on Cattle in Janjanbureh Raise Concerns for Local Livelihoods

Seringe Touray
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Wild Hippo Attacks on Cattle in Janjanbureh Raise Concerns for Local Livelihoods

By: Dawda Baldeh

The island of Janjanbureh, nestled in the Central River Region, recently experienced a terrifying incident as wild hippos attacked a cattle herd, resulting in the loss of several cows and severe injuries to dozens of calves. The affected livestock belonged to Mama Koiyo Kandeh, a resident of Janjanbureh.

Janjanbureh is not only known for its picturesque landscapes but also carries historical significance as a key location in the dark chapter of the slave trade, attracting tourists seeking to delve into the past. However, the tranquillity of the island is periodically disrupted by wildlife conflicts, particularly involving wild hippos.

Over the years, cattle herders on the island have reported multiple encounters with aggressive hippos. Kandeh, who recently suffered the loss of some of his cattle, voiced his concerns about the escalating frequency of such incidents. Prior to attacking his herd, the hippos had already claimed the life of a cow from a different herd.

Kandeh’s previous encounter with a hippo attack two years ago led him to report the matter to Mr. Jobarteh, an official from the Department of Wildlife, who promptly visited the site, documented the incident, and assessed the damage. Kandeh emphasized that Janjanbureh is home to a considerable hippo population that often roams the island at night, targeting domestic animals, particularly cows. “The extent of damage caused by these hippos is substantial,” Kandeh lamented.

Kandeh fervently called for decisive action to prevent further hippo attacks, citing the significant economic and emotional toll they take on the local community. He also drew attention to the peril posed by other island inhabitants, such as snakes, which further compound the risks faced by herders who need to tend to their cattle during the night.

In an impassioned appeal to the government, Kandeh underscored the crucial role cattle play in the livelihoods of the island’s residents, urging immediate assistance to address the pressing issue of hippo attacks. “Regrettably, the injured calves face an uncertain fate, as their wounds are severe and potentially life-threatening,” he concluded, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to protect both the island’s precious cattle and the wellbeing of its residents.

BAC Chairman says his sedition case ‘is all politics and witch-hunting’ 

Hadram Hydara
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0
BAC Chairman says his sedition case ‘is all politics and witch-hunting’ 

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The Chairman of the Brikama Area Council (BAC), Yankuba Darboe, who is facing a sedition trial against the Judiciary, has said the lawsuit against him was politically inspired.

Mr. Darboe is accused of making derogatory statements against the President of the Gambia, Adama Barrow, and the Gambian Judiciary.

Darboe, who maintained that he has no case to answer, said there is no major reason behind his trial than the “witch-hunting” the government is doing against him as a political opponent.

“Our stand on this case is that this is all politics and witch-hunting. There is nothing behind this case except witch-hunting and fights the government place on my head,” Chairman told journalists after yesterday’s court hearing in Banjul, in which Magistrate ML Thomasi granted a stay of execution from the motion submitted by Darboe’s lawyer.

Backing his claim that the government brought the sedition case against him as a political ploy, Darboe said that the killing of the two policemen on September 14 by an unidentified shooter was even linked to him by the government spokesman, all in their efforts to stop him.

“You have all seen when the two paramilitary officers died, what they said first was that Yankuba Darboe paid the killer, he is working under him, he came with him to Banjul; all these are fights against me. There is nothing there than lies and that is what is behind this case,” he explained.

In the previous court hearing of the case before yesterday’s ruling, Yankuba Darboe’s lawyer, LS Camara, filed a “no case to answer” and a motion for the magistrate to stay off the case for what Yankuba and his lawyer believed was a legal factual error in his ruling.

While the motion is at the High Court pending decision, Magistrate Thomas consented to a stay of execution for the motion filed by Chairman Darboe, but he declined to recuse himself from the case.
Magistrate Thomasi then indefinitely adjourned the proceedings until a decision was made at the High Court over Yankuba’s second appeal for the magistrate to recuse himself from the case.

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