By: Dawda Baldeh

Highlighting the significance of effective communication, comprehension, and connection, Banjul City Council Mayor, Rohey Malick Lowe, has called upon Gambians to prioritize the use of local languages when engaging with the local population, promoting enhanced understanding.

These remarks were delivered at the International Conference Center in Bijilo on August 23rd, 2023, during the official launch of Gambia’s Got Talent. This dynamic platform is dedicated to nurturing and showcasing various talents among young people, including comedy, singing, poetry, and dance.

“In our conversations with fellow citizens, we should employ our native languages such as Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Jola, Manjako, and Sarahule. By doing so, we ensure our messages are readily comprehensible. I was heartened by the gentleman from Senegal speaking in Wolof, our shared language, which is not only a tool but also a source of empowerment. Many of the recipients of our messages lack proficiency in English, and some even struggle with spelling their names. It is imperative to consistently employ our indigenous languages when addressing matters of national importance,” she emphasized.

Rohey Malick Lowe stressed that interactions with locals should not devolve into a contest of English proficiency. She noted that effective expression in English is not a universal skill, pointing out that some individuals hold PhDs yet struggle with articulating themselves in English.

She raised concerns about the misguided notion that fluency in English is a prerequisite, lamenting its detrimental impact on aspiring talents. The Mayor of Banjul also underscored that the country will remain stagnant if the populace does not prioritize their unique talents and native languages.

“When our goal is to unearth the talents within our people, we must convey our messages in the languages they are comfortable with. Our progress is hindered by this oversight, and I assure you, whether you believe it or not, it remains a stark reality. Senegal serves as an example; from their parliament to their homes, they communicate in the language that resonates with their local population,” she added.

She expressed disappointment that in The Gambia, speaking in local languages during gatherings often results in the misconception that individuals lack proficiency in English. Rohey Malick Lowe believes that embracing native languages is a potent instrument for connecting with those who elected her, particularly women at the market and retired individuals.

By: Momodou Jawo

Barely, less than five days after the appointment of Ousman Sowe, former director general of the State Intelligence Service (SIS) as the new Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs, Gambians have reacted to his appointment with many welcoming the move taken by the president.

Many who spoke to our reporter, which included some senior government officials, claimed that Ousman Sowe, is the “right person to transform the Land Ministry given his zero tolerance to maladministration, corruption, nepotism and his desire for reforms and repositioning and restructuring.”

Until his appointment on Friday by the President as the new Land Minister replacing Abba Sanyang, Ousman Sowe, served as the SIS DG for more than six years. He has equally been credited by many for transforming the SIS to be the premiere intelligence service in the country.

Sowe who holds double masters in Diplomacy and Master in International Politics and Security Studies at Bradford University, U.K once served as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Fisheries and Deputy Permanent Secretary Office of the President during the former regime.

“To me, this is the best appointment President Barrow has made since he came into power in 2017. Ousman Sowe is not only experienced, but the guy is intelligent and he is a development oriented leader. Despite the many problems confronting that ministry, I am quite optimistic that he will drastically change and reform that ministry. This is the kind of appointment that we expect the president to make,” Lamin Camara, a senior government official said.

Camara further added: “Appointing the right people at the right place will pay dividends which will translate into productivity. For those that don’t know Much about Ousman Sowe, and his style of leadership should look at the SIS now. I can tell you that SIS is not only one of the most reform institutions within the country’s security services, but also other government institutions and departments since the coming of the current government. Just give him some months at the ministry and many land problems in the country will be arrested,” he posited.

A student of MDI studying International Relations who wishes to speak on the condition of anonymity, said: “Ousman Sowe is one of the most educated and experienced Ministers currently in the Barrow government. He (Ousman Sowe) has sometimes taken us classes at the school and we have seen and know what he can offer. If we really want to develop and move this country, then we need the right people to take the mantle of leadership. At first, I was thinking that he only has experience in security. However, when he took us classes, the entire class was surprised due to his outstanding performance and understanding of the subject.”

“For me, I would have loved for him to continue as the DG of SIS because we have seen the changes he made in that place. Now, you don’t hear people being arrested by the SIS agents. It used to be one of the most fearful institutions during the former regime. But all that has now been in the past thanks to his reform agenda. Again, I am confident that if he is given the support at the Land Ministry, we will see changes in that ministry, Bakary Njie, a native of Serrekunda stated.

Biography

Expertise and Skills:

National Peace Affairs, Problem Solving, Analysis, Threat Assessment, Institutional reforms & strengthening, Resources Mobilisation, Regional security/International Relations Affairs, Foreign Policy, Diplomacy, Regional Security/Peace Architectures, National Security Policy/Management, Regional /International Organization, Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Negotiations, Mediation, Representation, Natural Resources & Human Resources Management.

Permanent Secretary Positions Served: Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Fisheries, Deputy Permanent Secretary Office of the President

Academic Qualifications

• Masters in Diplomacy (Distinction), Sept 2013- June 6th 2014 (University of Malta)
• MA, International Politics and Security Studies (Bradford University, U.K 2001)
• BA, Development Studies and English (St. Mary’s University, Canada,1999)
• Conflict Prevention, Management & Resolution. (UK, 2001)

Academic and Conference Papers Written and Dissertations (Masters Theses)

• An Analysis of Conflict Prevention in Africa – The African Union’s Peace and Security Architecture (2014)
• The Challenges to Mediating in Africa’s Complex Conflicts – The cases of OAU, Mozambique and the Gambia (Cassamance Conflict) – M.A. Dissertation 2001

By: Dawda Baldeh

While many have praised President Adama Barrow for instituting a ban on all government travel expenditures for the remainder of the fiscal year, the controversial figure Momodou MC Cham Junior, who holds a nomination as a Councilor for Kanifing Municipality, asserts that the travel restriction imposed by the President does not align with the government’s intentions. He contends that the government has fully utilized the substantial budget set aside for travel expenses.

“It is not out of a desire to save money. It is because they have exhausted all of the hundreds of millions they allocated for the useless travel they are notorious for. What a terrible government,” he expresses.

Cham characterizes the travel ban as a diversion from the ongoing National Discourse concerning the recent distribution of SUV vehicles to Members of Parliament last week.

He argues that merely prohibiting officials from traveling is not a sustainable or effective “quick fix” for addressing the underlying issue of fiscal irresponsibility.

The nominated councilor asserts that President Barrow shouldn’t receive accolades for curtailing travel among public officials, as he views this as a response to the misuse of Per Diems within the political landscape of travel allowances.

Cham urges President Barrow to abandon a reactive leadership approach and instead adopt a proactive stance.

He contends that the President should appoint qualified individuals to key positions in order to alleviate the country’s worsening economic crisis, which has intensified since his assumption of power.

Cham acknowledges that government officials may require travel, but emphasizes that it should be conducted with minimal burden on public funds.

Touching on various subjects, Cham points out that the standard global Per Diem rate of $200 per day already exceeds the monthly salaries of most individuals in The Gambia.

He accuses the Barrow-led government of concentrating on Per Diem management and corruption scandals to the detriment of other priorities.

He underscores that Public Officers and Servants must avoid unnecessary and extended travel durations that come at the taxpayers’ expense and yield no tangible benefits.

The politician also highlights The Gambia’s unfavorable ranking as the 174th poorest nation out of 191 countries, as per the United Nations Human Development Index.

Cham further delves into allegations of mismanagement of public funds, citing increases in National Assembly allowances, government travel expenses, and spending across several ministries.

“After increasing salaries last year for the President, Civil servants, and National Assembly members, buying  D3.5 million vehicles for the National Assembly members, it is drying in the coffers, only for the government to introduce some fiscal and austerity measures to mitigate the negative effects on the economy, and by extension on the delivery of public services to our citizens,” he asserts.

By: Sainabou Gassama

In a press release dated August 22, 2023, His Excellency President Adama Barrow announced his intention to preside over the commemoration of the bicentenary anniversary of Janjanbureh, formerly known as Georgetown and the Administrative Headquarters of the Central River Region. The event is scheduled to take place from November 23rd to 26th, 2023.

As stated in the press release, the commemorative activities will be led by Hon. Hamat N.K Bah, the Minister of Tourism and Culture, under the theme “Celebrating Homecoming And Our Heritage.”

The primary objectives of this event are to revive and showcase cultural heritage, establish a robust rural tourism program, foster social unity within Gambia, and honor the 200-year historical journey of Janjanbureh. This journey has seen the convergence of diverse civilizations, including African, Islamic, Arabic, English, Portuguese, and Christian influences.

Esteemed attendees will include Cabinet Ministers, members of the Diplomatic & Consular Corps, and various local and international dignitaries, all gathering to commemorate this significant milestone in Gambian history.

The National Organizing Committee overseeing Janjanbureh’s 200th anniversary celebration encourages active participation from the community, spanning cultures, traditions, histories, nature, and academia. Regular updates will be provided to the public as the event draws near.