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Banjul mayor says she does not want to be involved in politics during…

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By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh


The Lord Mayor of Banjul, Rohey Malick Lowe, has said she wants to focus on development in Banjul and avoid involving herself in politics during what she referred to as her final term in office as the mayor of Banjul.

A heavyweight in the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), Mayor Lowe said if she is involved in politics before she realizes anything, her time will be up. She noted that she will rather focus on development in the city than involving in politics.

“This is my last term in office, and I don’t want to [be] involve in politics. I want to involve [myself] in development. One way or the other, before you know it, four years gone because this is no longer 5 years. So, I don’t have any time to waste,” she said at her office in Banjul.

Mayor Lowe is in her second term in office as the mayor of Banjul following her re-election two months ago. While the elected office is always inundated with politics, especially from an opposition party to the government, Madam Lowe expressed that she has put politics aside and focused on development, noting politics has ended.

According to her, in her leadership as the mayor of Banjul City Council, they do not discuss politics in the council. She stated that her projects are not viewed using a political lens but viewed from a development perspective.

“Here, under my leadership, we don’t talk about politics. Politics is over since. So, we are not looking at our projects through the lens of politics. I am well aware that politics is over, and now we are looking for development,” she said.

Banjul City Council is one of the richest councils in the country. The seat for the office of the mayor was highly contested between the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) and the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) in the May Mayoral election.

In the past four years, there have been issues of projects between the government and the Mayor of the Banjul City Council, primarily due to their political affiliations. The Lord Mayor, this term, vowed to put politics aside and focus her lens on developments that will be of massive benefit to the people who re-elected her as the Mayor of Banjul City Council.

‘We are almost there’: Sports minister believes stadium is close to meeting CAF standard after preliminary inspection

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By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Honourable Bakary Y. Badjie, has said the Independence Stadium is close to meeting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standard requirements, which will allow the Gambia to play at home in September following preliminary inspections made by CAF’s head of professional football, Muhammad F. Sidat, on Saturday.

On Saturday, July 15, Mr Sidat conducted a preliminary survey of the ongoing work at the stadium and made some recommendations to the ministry to work on enabling the stadium to meet the CAF requirements to host its games.

After having an internal meeting with the CAF field inspector Mr. Sidat, considering the work done and the recommendations by the CAF field inspector, the Minister of Youth and Sports told the press that the field is not far from meeting the requirements.

“It is not far from reaching the requirements. The major things are done. I will not be able to give you the exact percentage, we are almost there,” Badjie said.

He expressed optimism over the country playing at the Independence Stadium in September.

“We are hopeful that we will be able to play here in September. But that is a decision that CAF is the only authority that can make. Our responsibility as authorities is to go by the guide and do what is expected,” he said.

The CAF field inspector, who commended the ministry for the ongoing works, made certain recommendations to the Honourable minister, who in turn filtered down the recommendations to the contractors to work on to meet all the requirements. These observations and recommendations include the media tribune, the tunnel around the dressing room and the outside view of the stadium.

The Honourable Youth and Sports Minister stated that he took note of the observations and recommendations and that the coming weeks will be used to tick those boxes before the final inspection period in August, which will decide if the Gambia will host Congo in Bakau at the Independence Stadium or not.

“Moving forward, we will be using the coming weeks to try to improve in the areas he observed and recommended, alongside completing what has been started. There were some observations that were never part of the job that he had made. But we have taken note of that, and we will work on those as well,” he highlighted.

The Fatu Network understands that the Minister of Youth and Sports has been constantly monitoring and visiting the Independence Stadium’s ongoing work to ensure that the country hosts its home games in the coming months.

The CAF inspection team will come back to the Gambia in August to reassess and do the final inspection to see if the stadium meets the standards. There are hopes that the country will be able to meet the requirements before August.

GDC leader tells gov’t to revisit agreement with Africa50, cites economic implications

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By: Dawda Baldeh

The leader of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Mama Kandeh, has told Gambian Government to revisit their recent Asset Recycling Agreement with Africa50 on the Senegambia Bridge.

Kandeh cited long-term financial implications on the country’s economy if the agreement is not reconsidered.

“We deem it necessary to bring to light the flaws and drawbacks of this agreement which has grave implications on the Gambian economy and the welfare of our citizens.

We are concerned with the long-term financial implications that this arrangement will impose on the Gambian economy,” Kandeh said in a statement.

According to Kandeh, the agreement indicates an unfavorable financial return for the government compared to the potential benefits of the bridge if operated and managed by the government itself.

He said the government is depriving itself of a significant revenue stream that could be utilized for the nation’s development and improvement of essential services by mortgaging the bridge.

Contrary to the government’s justifications for pursuing this deal, the GDC leader said it is important to note that the bridge has the potential to generate substantial revenue if operated and managed by the government.

He mentioned that mortgage decision seems unnecessary and counterproductive to the best interests of the nation.

He said the government has also contradicted its actions in the recent establishment of a Ministry of Digital Economy aimed at modernizing and digitalizing the country’s economic system.

“It is perplexing that while the government claims to prioritize digitalization, it has chosen to relinquish control of critical infrastructure like the Senegambia bridge to a private entity instead of managing it.

Allowing Africa50 to manage the bridge will inevitably create inconveniences for drivers as toll fees can be increased to the detriment of the bridge users,” he said.

The GDC leader added that the government has failed to consider the potential challenges and disruptions that may arise when the bridge is operated by a third-party entity.

Kandeh believes if there would have been asset recycling, Gamtel and Gamcel would have been a good pick since they have been struggling for survival for decades.

Commenting further, Kandeh quoted the Minister of Transport World and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah, saying the Minister confirmed that the two bridges in the Upper River Region, where the government spent huge amounts of money, were neglected by them.

“This shows the lack of seriousness in our public officials to be at speed in their tasks. The two bridges in Basse are so much important to the development of the country.

We urge the government to prioritize the use of CCTV cameras and a digitalized ticketing system which we believe have been less effective.

This will guarantee transparency and accountability in the operation of the bridge and will help reduce corruption and ensure the benefits of the project reach the Gambian people,” Kandeh emphasized.

He called on the government to engage the National Assembly on matters of such at all times. Additionally, the Executive and the Legislature must have a cordial working relationship to asses such an agreement on behalf of the Gambian people.

Kandeh claimed that the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, agreeing to the deal, is a loss to the nation.

“We believe the Minister should have been more acquainted with the economic realities and committed the nation to agreements of great interest,” he noted.

 

“Financial malpractice”: Two BAC staff sent on administrative leave, pending investigations

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By: Dawda Baldeh

The Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) has sent two officials from the Basse Area Council (BAC) on immediate administrative leave pending investigations after being adversely mentioned for engaging in financial malpractice.

In a press release dated 13th July 2023, the LGSC said the two officials, mainly the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Finance Director, will go on administrative leave until investigations are concluded.

It could be recalled in June, three officials from the Basse Area Council were under police custody and they were later granted bail.

[Below are the full details of the press release]

“We would like to inform the general public that earlier today, my office received a letter from the Ministry for Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs.

The letter conveyed the decision of the Local Government Service Commission regarding the ongoing investigation at our council.

Following a resolution passed by the General Council dated the 16th of June 2023/REF:

G/RS/2023/0001. (The general council has resolved to send those adversely mentioned to have engaged in financial malpractices of the council to be sent on administrative leave).”

As a result, the Commission has decided to interdict two council staff members, namely the Chief Executive Officer (Ousman Touray) and Finance Director (Lamin Susso) the LGSC said.

“The two will be placed on administrative leave with immediate effect until the investigation is concluded.

We understand that this development may raise concerns among our community members.

Please be assured that we take these matters seriously and are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability within our council.

We will keep you informed about any further updates regarding the investigation.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.”

Signed

Mohamadou Ceesay

Chairman, Basse Area Council

Gov’t commits to compensate daughter of late Mr. Ndow after ECOWAS court verdict

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By: Dawda Baldeh

Ebrima G. Sankareh, the spokesperson of the Gambia Government has said the government under the leadership of President Adama Barrow is committed to paying compensation to the daughter of the late Saul Ndow after the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s Verdict.

Mr. Sankareh made these comments in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) on the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s ‘Saul Ndow’ Verdict, Disappeared Victim Compensation under President Yahya Jammeh and Expulsion of Gambian Diplomats from the USA yesterday 12 July 2023.

Reacting to questions, the government spokesperson said the ECOWAS Court of Justice verdict has been received in good faith.

“It regrettable that the father (Saul Ndow) who the award was given was a good citizen, a human rights activist, and a well-known Gambian who have to die for no reason by simply speaking his mind against the state,” he said.

Accordingly, Mr. Sankareh added that since 2017, President Barrow’s government has inherited several criminal liabilities attributed to the former dictatorship under President Jammeh.

“Mechanisms and modalities are underway, and the daughter of the late Saul Ndow will certainly get her compensation as prescribed by the court,” he added.

According to Mr. Sankareh, this is not the first time the government under the leadership of President Barrow is complying with the court ruling.

He cited the case of late veteran journalist Deyda Hydara and Ebrima Manneh, who were killed during the era of exiled President Yahya Jammeh, as examples.

Responding to questions on why the Gambia government decided to accept paying damages, Mr. Sankareh said: “This is a continuation of administration, governance, and politics that the Gambian people fought against in 2017 to remove the country under dictatorship and elected President Barrow to replace exiled President Yahya Jammeh.

He described the government under the leadership of President Barrow as democrats. We should celebrate the verdict of the court.

Mr. Sankareh also shed light on the issue of three Gambian diplomats who are asked to pack their belongings to leave the United States of America.

“This is regrettable and unfortunate that three of our diplomats are asked to leave the US,” he said.

Quran burning: The Gambia, others vote to approve a UNHRC resolution on religious hatred and bigotry 

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Following the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden that led to protests across the Muslim world, The Gambia and many other members of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Wednesday July 12th voted in favour of a UNHRC resolution on religious hatred and bigotry.

The resolution seeks to urge countries to take steps to “prevent and prosecute acts and advocacy of religious hatred that constitute incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence”.

Last month, outside a mosque in Stockholm, a man said to be an Iraqi immigrant desecrated the holy Quran on Eid al-Adha, an important holiday in the Muslim calendar. The action prompted an urgent debate at the UNHRC, the world’s top rights body on Tuesday.

According to Aljazeera, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the act of burning the Quran is an “incitement to religious hatred, discrimination and attempts to provoke violence.”

Many other world leaders have expressed similar dissatisfactions over the incidents and the seeming silence of some world powers in condemning the action.

“Stop abusing freedom of expression. Silence means complicity,”” said Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk told the UNHRC that inflammatory acts against Muslims, as well as other religions or minorities, are “offensive, irresponsible and wrong”.

Sweden has condemned the Quran burning but maintains the country has a constitutionally-protected right to freedom of assembly, expression and demonstration.

On Tuesday, France’s ambassador Jerome Bonnafont noted that human rights “protect people – not religions, doctrines, beliefs or their symbols … It is neither for the United Nations nor for states to define what is sacred”.

United States and the European Union voted against the resolution, saying it conflicts with their positions on human rights and freedom of expression.

Though UNHRC resolutions are not legally binding but are seen as strong political commitments by states.

The following are the nations that voted for the resolution: Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, India, Ivory Coast, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Ukraine, UAE, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Those that voted against the resolution are: Belgium, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Romania, United Kingdom, and the United States.

However, Benin, Chile, Georgia, Honduras, Mexico, Nepal, and Paraguay abstained from voting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Barrow assures Gambia’s preparedness to host OIC Summit

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President Adama Barrow has assured that The Gambia is prepared to host 2023 OIC Summit in December.

He made the preparedness assurance at State house on Tuesday July 12th while engaging OIC Assessment Team which is currently in the country to assess the level of preparedness of The Gambia to host the 2023 Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

“All indications are that The Gambia is ready to host the Summit and will prove that though a small country, it can host successful meetings,” President Barrow assured the visiting assessment team.

The President envisaged that hosting the summit would be historic and a legacy for his government while registering his government’s commitment to hosting the event.

The high-level visiting OIC assessment team is being led by Assistant Secretary General of Political Affairs, Amb. Yousef Al-Dobeay.

According to Amb. Al-Dobeay, he has been visiting The Gambia for the past four years, noting that the country has recorded progress in preparation to the event. He informed President Barrow that the OIC is keen on The Gambia hosting the meeting while emphasizing the desire of the current chairperson King Salman to transfer the OIC chairpersonship to The Gambia.

The OIC assessment team is expected to tour the ongoing OIC projects, assess progress made and hold discussions with technical teams.

Delayed but not to be denied: Minister Badjie assures youths of resolve to complete work at Janjangbureh football field

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By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Following more than a two-year delay after the contractor, Hatib N. Darboe of Top Spot Properties, failed to finish work at the Janjabureh football field, to the dissatisfaction of the Ministry of Youth & Sports and the community, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie has reassured the community of his unwavering resolve to get the project completed and handover to the community, although with a different contractor.  

Honourable Badjie and his permanent Secretary, Ndey Marie Njie, expressed their disappointment and dissatisfaction with the contractor who has failed to deliver the good despite the ministry paying over 80% of the money to him.

The field, which was expected to be completed within six months beginning in January 2021, has exceeded the timeline ever since. On a tour to see the progress of works under his ministry, Badjie assured the youths on the ground that it is his ministry’s priority to give them a playable football pitch and that he will make sure work that should be done is done and completed.

“We want to make sure that we do our best to ensure that this contract moves ahead with another as soon as possible so that you can use your field,” the minister assured the youth of the community, who are eager to start using their only community-owned football field.

The minister further told the youths of the village that the ministry never anticipated the project to last this long when it was supposed to last for only six months. He apologized to the community for the delay in the project on the side of the contractor.

“I want to apologize to the community. This is not our wish. When we laid the foundation, it was never our wish. The government and the president’s intention are to bring this kind of development in the rural communities.”

According to Lamin Ceesay, a youth leader in the community of Janjangbureh, anytime they approach the contractor on the ground to ask about the delay, the contractor would tell them that the ministry didn’t pay him based on the agreed amount in the contract.

“We have already paid him money. Money is not the issue here. He was paid and according to the contract, we have fulfilled our part, and he is expected to fulfil his part,” Ndey Marie Njie, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, said.

The permanent secretary outlined that the ministry is not happy because the ministry’s expectations regarding the project are not met, and the ministry may take legal steps against Hatib N. Darboe of Top Spot Properties, the contractor for the job which was expected to be completed within six months.

“We are not happy. Our expectations are not met. We are equally angry, that is why are going around to see. Some of them (contractors), we have already started taking legal action against them. This one could be part of them,” the PS told the community of Janjangbureh.

At the field, the dressing room and fencing are near completion. However, the pitch condition is not in good shape. Part of the contract is to grass the pitch. Both the ministry and the community lost hope in the contractor who has failed to deliver the goods.

The minister and his delegation were greeted by youths of Janjangbureh who are in desperate need to start using their football pitch for their annual rainy football competition, locally called Nawettan.

They called on the minister to help them complete the project so that second-division teams in the region can play their home matches in the region rather than playing in the Jarra Soma mini-stadium.

GDC leader calls on people to stop sharing sick photos of former KMC Mayor

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By: Dawda Baldeh

Mamma Kandeh, the leader of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has told his party supporters and others to stop sharing photos showing the present poor health conditions of Yankuba Colley, the former mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council.

In a WhatsApp audio, Kandeh expressed disappointment over the act, saying people should desist from exposing the privacy of others.

“I have been seeing pictures of Yankuba Colley, former Mayor of KMC, showing his sickness. At first, I condemn whoever is responsible for taking that picture and sharing it on social media.

Every human being deserves privacy and no one should reveal that. You sharing his pictures today you have no idea of what Allah can do to you tomorrow.

I’m urging all GDC supporters to desist from such,” he said in dismay.

The GDC leader added that even though he has not seen any negative comments from his supporters surrounding the health conditions of the former APRC KMC mayor, he must address his supporters and concerned people.

Kandeh called on people to show solidarity and support Mr. Colley and pray for him to recover than circulating his sick pictures.

“What happened to Yankuba Colley can happen to anyone. Let’s be careful about how we treat each other. No one will appreciate this when it happens to their family members or relatives.

This is Allah’s plan and anyone healthy can fall sick at anytime. And whoever is alive will die,” he added.

The GDC boss strongly urged his supporters not to circulate Mr. Colley’s pictures on their forums, saying it is not needed.

“The type of politics that is going on in the country is very detrimental,” he concluded.

From Nothing to Something: How Youth & Sports Ministry Shape Prospect of a Young Farmer

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Momodou Jallow, 25, from Berending, who is now an integrated farmer, has transformed himself into an enterprising entrepreneur in agriculture after completing entrepreneurship training in 2019 through the Ministry of Youth & Sports, the same ministry that gave him a-50-thousand grant support to kickstart his business. Jallow, who sold 47 rams and 7 bulls for last month’s Eid-al Adha, has made significant strides as an integrated farmer.

The entrepreneur, determined to make it in life from a-50-thousand grant support from the Ministry of Youth & Sports, is into integrated farming. He has a massive 5 hectares of groundnut farmland and an animal farm where he breeds sheep and bulls.

During last month’s Muslim feast, Jallow sold seven bulls and 47 rams, reaching a feat that has not only benefited him but gave him more courage to invest more and sell more.

“This whole idea started after attending the first training organized by NEDI in 2019. From 2019 when I registered the business, I began with cassava farming first. Every year, the business grows gradually by at least fifty per cent,” 25-year-old Jallow told the Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Badjie and his delegation when he was visited on his farm, yesterday, July 10.

Jallow, who owns and rears animals, explained that his goal on the farmland is to work on feeding his small and large ruminant animals to minimize the cost of feeding.

He explained that his goal is to sell rams at a cheaper price, the reason why he wants to spend more time on the farmland to create feeding for his animals.

Jallow, who studied Animal Health and Reproduction at the Gambia College, is not only a determined entrepreneur but someone who understands animal health and reproduction.

On his animal farm, he has sheep and bulls that seem to be in good shape. He said they get regular and healthy feeding.

“I keep records of what I give to my animals, including drugs given to them,” he explained.

Before the beginning of the rainy season, Jallow employed 3 people on his farm, playing his role in creating an avenue for the young people to make a living.

The narration of his growth after receiving a grant from NEDI to transforming himself into a determined and enterprising entrepreneur who shunned his chances of sitting in an office to be on the farm left the minister and his delegation convinced that he has not wasted resources spent on him two years ago to start a business.

The minister of Youth and Sports Bakary Badjie, whose vision and policies laid the foundation for Jallow, was left impressed by his achievements after listening to and touring his farmland.

He said Jallow’s story is a testament that young people can make it in the country if they are supported. He assured him that the ministry will continue to support him but with the condition to train other young people who are interested in what he does.

“We are impressed with what we saw on the farm. This is something that people can emulate and also shows that farming could be lucrative. What he is doing is precisely what we expect that some young people can take.

“On our part, we will go beyond what we gave you in 2021 but with the condition that you transfer the skills to other young people in the region,” Minister Badjie said.

NEDI is one of the satellite institutions under the Ministry of Youth and Sports as its enterprise atm. NEDI is mandated by an act of the National Assembly to nurture, promote as well as facilitate the development of women and youth-led enterprises through training in skill acquisition, entrepreneurship and facilitating market linkages for youth and women entrepreneurs in the Gambia. Since its creation in 2004, the institution continues to respond to its core mandate to train and coach young entrepreneurs and women in the areas of entrepreneurial development and employment creation.

Momodou Jallow of Berending is the founder of the Jallow and Brothers enterprise. He is into integrated farming. He was provided technical support in entrepreneurship training in 2019 by NEDI to enable him to properly establish and manage his farms well.

In 2021, he was given grant support of D50,000 and further provided with linkage to the agricultural projects which were also facilitated by NEDI.

ECOWAS talks TRRC implementation

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By: Hadram Hydara

The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has over the weekend instructed the commission to consider the acute need to “enhance the ongoing Defence and Security Sector Reform (DSSR) efforts and the implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC)” in the Gambia at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the regional bloc held on Sunday, July 9, in Bissau, Guinea.

The TRRC was set up to investigate gross human rights violations and abuses committed under former President Yahya Jammeh’s regime, and Gambia’s president, Adama Barrow, pledged to implement the commission’s recommendations, but political observers have since questioned his resolve to do so.

The TRRC, in its final report, made 265 recommendations on prosecutions, reparations, reconciliation, and reforms.

Meanwhile, in May 2022, the government released its White Paper rejecting 2 out of the commission’s 265 recommendations, leaving the rest earmarked for implementation.

Although the government at the time said it lacked the financial resources to implement the recommendation, it has since released an implementation plan on May 12 and announced that the European Union (EU) has committed 9 million euros to the process.

ECOWAS commends Senegalese President, urges politicians to prioritize dialogue

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commended Senegal President Macky Sall for his recent address to the people of Senegal, a move the regional bloc believes has help in addressing the then tensions in the West African nation.

ECOWAS’ commendation to the Senegalese leader was made at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS held on 9th July in Guinea Bissau.

“The Authority commends HE Macky Sall, President of Senegal, for his address to the nation on 3rd July 2023, which has contributed to appeasing tensions and reaffirm his commitment to the peace, security and stability of Senegal,” ECOWAS said in a statement.

The regional bloc called on politicians in the country not to use violence in handling issues but rather make use of dialogue in all elections related processes.

“The Authority urges all political stakeholders in Senegal to refrain from violence while prioritizing dialogue to ensure consensus building and a conducive environment for the peaceful conduct of the electoral process,” the statement appealed.

9 traditional healers graduate as first Naturopath in Gambia

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By: News Desk

TRAHASS executives, now trained Naturopaths

9 traditional healers in the Gambia have graduated from 6 months of training in Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine from the Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine & Technology, Ashaiman, Ghana.  The Nyarkotey College is Ghana’s first recognized college by the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) of the Ministry of Health.

The College is also registered with the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET). The college under CTVET developed Ghana’s first National Occupational Standards programs in Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine at the Higher National Diploma and Bachelor’s level.

The college also offers certificates and Diploma programs in Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine. The College is also an educational member of the World Naturopathic Federation (WNF), Canada.

The 9 traditional healers, who graduated from the 6 months program in Naturopathy, were members of the National Traditional Healers Association of The Gambia (TRAHASS).

The graduation was part of the activities that heralded the 1st National Conference on Traditional and Alternative Medicine organized by the healers that took place at the Gambia College, Brikama.

The training was a result of a scholarship package worth 10,000 dollars provided by the president of the college, Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu, who has been in the country to pursue his legal education at the Gambia Law School.

Prof. Nyarkotey admonishes modern Naturopaths to strive to adhere to the standard in the practice of natural medicine. He also advised not to be at loggerheads with mainstream practitioners as medicine is not competition and integration is key in the modern era.

He also advised them to collaborate with mainstream practitioners and refer cases beyond their control to save their patients. He further admonished them to practice within their scope of practice to avert cases of medical negligence in their profession.

On their part, the president, Mr. Saliue Puye, of the traditional healers thank Professor Nyarkotey for such an upliftment and recognition of their practice.  He also notes that not many people would do what Professor Nyarkotey has done for the traditional healers since he arrived in the country to pursue his legal education, but he has done more to help them get huge recognition in their trade in the Gambia and the global front.

On behalf of the healers, Mr. Puye asserts that the coming of Professor Nyarkotey to the Gambia was the light to raise awareness and introduce them to modern naturopathy. They have not heard about naturopathy and thus he was the first person to bring naturopathy to the Gambia, and they have not regretted studying naturopathy.

About Naturopathy

According to Prof. Nyarkotey, Naturopathy or Naturopathic Medicine is a system of healthcare with a deep history of traditional philosophies and practices, medically trained practitioners, and a breadth of natural treatment options to serve patients.

Touching on its history, he said, Naturopathy has been part of Germany for centuries. Many of the principles and philosophies of naturopathy originated in Germany and Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. The original naturopaths – before the 1900s – from around the world, were trained by European doctors using hydrotherapy, herbal medicine, and other traditional forms of healing.

Currently, European countries consider their practice of naturopathy as a system of healthcare that has evolved by incorporating the traditional medicine of each country with the naturopathic principles, theories, modalities, and traditions that have been codified in North America. Traditional forms of naturopathic teaching and practice are still common in Europe.

He further said North America is considered the home of modern naturopathy, or naturopathic medicine. Most North American schools are government-accredited and all regions within North America are working toward regulation or licensure (with 50% of Canadian provinces and 38% of all states/regions in the USA regulated). There are strong national and regional naturopathic associations, ongoing naturopathic research, and specialized groups and journals to support the practice of naturopathic medicine. North America is credited with codifying the naturopathic principles and for contributing some of the established theories and practices that are now used worldwide.

Throughout its history, naturopathy / naturopathic medicine is introduced into a country when a naturopath / naturopathic doctor that has been trained in North America or Europe moves and takes their skills with them.

There is a synthesis of European or North American training with the traditional systems of medicine in their country. For example, naturopathy was introduced to India after a medical doctor was trained by naturopaths in Europe; also, those in Southeast Asia were originally trained in the USA.

He also said that he had an encounter with Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine when he met a renowned Naturopathic and Holistic Doctor in Cyprus.  Today, he is a strong advocate of Naturopathy in Ghana and Africa.  This made the Indian Medical Association, Junior Doctors Network, Odisha, confer on him the pioneer of modern Naturopathy in Ghana.

On his part, he is infusing the European practice with the African context, thus, the name African Naturopathy in the modern era.

Prof. Nyarkotey also explained that Naturopathic Doctors study biomedical courses and Natural therapies in their accredited schools. “Two facets of professionals exist in the profession; Naturopaths-those who studies close to 2,500 hours and Naturopathic Doctors-those who study over 4,500 credit hours and write the professional qualifying examination and are also licensed in the country to practice.  In the case of Ghana, he said, qualified Naturopathic Practitioners are also inducted into the healthcare system by the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, of the Ministry of Health.”

He further urges them to strive to attain the highest standard at the degree level to be Naturopathic Doctors. He congratulates them as history makers in the profession of Naturopathy in the Gambia.

Registration of Deeds

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By: Juliana Twumwaa Obeng

The writer

Going through my emails, I spotted an email from a reader weeks ago who was seeking answers to registration of deeds. He patiently waited for a response. Time passed, and the email got lost in a busy inbox. However, fate intervened, and I stumbled upon it once more. Realizing the unfinished task, I was determined to honour the promise made to Uncle Nying.

In this article, I embarked on a journey to explore the deeds Registry of the Registrar General’s Department of the Attorney General’s Chambers and Ministry of Justice of The Gambia. This vital institution safeguarded property rights and facilitated transactions.

Introduction

In the world of legal jargon, few terms are as significant and multifaceted as the “deed.” Often associated with land and property transactions, a deed is a powerful document that conveys rights, obligations, and ownership from one party to another. Let’s delve into the depths of this concept and explore the different types of deeds that shape the legal landscape.

According to Black’s Law Dictionary, a deed is a written instrument that is signed, sealed, and delivered by one person to another. Its purpose is to transfer land tenements, or hereditaments, typically accompanied by the creation of a binding obligation. In essence, a deed is a tangible representation of a transaction involving property.

Types of Deeds

Deed Indenture

The deed indenture is a fundamental type of deed executed by two or more parties. It serves as an essential component in transactions relating to land that involve multiple parties. This type of deed encapsulates the terms and conditions of the agreement, facilitating the transfer of property rights and outlining the responsibilities of each party involved.

Deed Poll

In contrast to the deed indenture, a deed poll is usually made and executed by a single person. This unique type of deed is addressed to the entire world, signaling a change of name or conferring a Power of Attorney. Its purpose is to publicly declare and legally recognize a decision or intention made by an individual.

Supplemental Deed

As the name suggests, a supplemental deed functions as a modification to an existing deed. It references the original deed and specifically highlights the paragraphs or provisions it seeks to amend. This type of deed allows parties to modify or clarify certain aspects of an agreement without entirely invalidating the original deed.

The Deeds Registry is one of the divisions within the Registrar General’s Department of the Attorney General’s Chambers, which falls under the Ministry of Justice of The Gambia. The Deeds Registry is responsible for the registration and oversight of various legal documents related to property, partnerships, intellectual property, and other transactions. Here are some key points about the Deeds Registry:

Functions

The Deeds Registry handles the registration and safekeeping of important legal documents related to property transactions, such as leases, assignments, conveyances, mortgages, caveats, and memorandum of deposits. It also deals with documents related to partnerships, intellectual property, and other legal instruments like power of attorney, vesting deeds, lease contracts, deed of rectification, deed of gift, and searches.

The primary purpose of the Deeds Registry is to provide an official record of the existence, ownership, and encumbrances (such as mortgages or liens) on properties or other legal transactions. Registering these documents helps establish legal certainty, protect property rights, and facilitate transactions.

 

Registration Process

When individuals or organizations have a document that falls within the purview of the Deeds Registry, they submit it to the office along with the required fees. Trained personnel review the documents, ensure their compliance with legal requirements, and enter the details into the registry. The document is then assigned a unique registration number and filed for future reference.

Fees

The Deeds Registry charges specific fees for the registration of different types of deeds and related services. The fees mentioned in your query include D1,500 for leases, assignments, conveyances, mortgages, caveats, memorandum of deposit, deed of release, partnership deed, and deed of rectification. Transfer of shares and vesting deed registration costs D1,500 as well. Power of attorney and lease contracts have a fee of D1,000, while the registration of a deed of gift costs D1,500. Finally, a search fee is charged at D700. It’s worth noting that these fee amounts and services may be subject to change over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact the Registrar General’s Department directly or consult the official website or relevant legal resources in The Gambia.

Why register deeds?

Preserving Ownership and Establishing Rights

Deed registration serves as a crucial mechanism for preserving ownership and establishing legal rights over property. Through the act of registration, a deed is officially recorded and acknowledged by the appropriate authority, creating a publicly accessible record of ownership. This process not only protects the rightful owner’s interests but also acts as a deterrent against fraudulent claims or disputes. These includes deed of gift; A gift deed is a legal document that documents the act of donating a gift and is signed by the donor (the person making the gift) and the donee (person receiving the gift).  It must also be noted that a gift deed is only effective after it has been registered.

Enhancing Legal Certainty and Transparency

The registration of deeds contributes to the overall legal certainty and transparency of property transactions. By entering the details of a deed into an official registry, it becomes a matter of public record, accessible to interested parties and future potential buyers. This transparency fosters confidence and trust in the market, providing a clear framework for property transactions and reducing the risk of conflicting claims.

Facilitating Secure Transactions and Financing

Registered deeds play a pivotal role in facilitating secure property transactions and enabling financing opportunities. When a deed is registered, it establishes a chain of title, demonstrating a clear lineage of ownership. This chain of title is invaluable for potential buyers and lenders, as it provides assurance regarding the property’s legitimacy and the absence of encumbrances. Lenders often require a registered deed as collateral when extending loans, adding an additional layer of security.

Resolving Disputes and Ensuring Legal Protection

In cases of property disputes or conflicting claims, registered deeds serve as essential evidence for resolving conflicts and ensuring legal protection. The public record created through registration provides a comprehensive history of transactions, enabling parties and courts to trace the rightful ownership and establish the validity of claims. This helps to expedite the resolution of disputes and protect the interests of all parties involved.

Parting words

The registration of deeds forms a critical pillar in the realm of property rights and transactions. Its significance lies in preserving ownership, enhancing legal certainty, facilitating secure financing, resolving disputes, and supporting economic development.

Understanding the importance of deed registration empowers individuals, communities, and governments to create a fair and transparent property ecosystem, ensuring the rights of all stakeholders are protected and facilitating the growth and prosperity of society as a whole.

The article celebrates Uncle Nying’s thirst for knowledge, reminding readers of the significance of curiosity. It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling promises and the joy it brings to those who seek wisdom. Thus, the article not only informs readers about the Deed Registry but also inspires them to embrace their curiosity and honor their commitments.

 The writer is a BL candidate at the Gambia Law School. She is driven by her affinity to the legal profession and relies on Precedents and Acts of the National Assembly to educate the public on bits and pieces of the application of the Laws of the Gambia and Ethics of the legal profession. These write-ups are for educational purposes only and not to serve as a substitute for Legal Advice. Email: [email protected]

Brikama United CC rejoice as ComAfrique mourn unforgivable defeat

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By: Ousman G Darboe

On Sunday, the Brikama United Cricket Club (BUCC) defeated ComAfrique Cricket Club at the Maccathy Square Oval in Banjul in the ongoing T10 GCA Cricket League.

In the first innings, BUCC batted and scored 80 runs in ten overs to set a target record of 81 runs for ComAfrique.

In the second innings, the stubborn batsmen of ComAfrique tried all they could but their bones were too weak to break through and score the targeted 81 runs.

You could hear spectators whisper to their fellows, “ComAfrique failed in their batting order, they made a poor decision in their batting order and failed woefully, thus unforgivable.”

They could only manage to score 54 runs in 10 overs in a game of innings, a great performance by both teams.

Brikama United continue their journey of perfection in the land of Cricket and the league as they are undefeated.

Burning of Holy Qur’an in Sweden is not freedom of speech or expression

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OPINION

By: Ridhwana Ahmad Sinayoko, A graduate of School of Journalism and Digital Media of the University of the Gambia.

On June 29th, last week, reports by different news media around the world including the Aljazeera broadcasting channel reported that Salwan Momika, a 37-year-old Iraqi man who fled to Sweden several years ago, was seen on the spot tearing up and lighting pages of the Islamic book called The Holy Quran on fire. This occurred on Thursday as Muslims celebrate the Eid al-Adha holiday.

The report has indicated the scene to be an act of intention to shock and antagonize the Muslim community while celebrating their Eid al-Adha holiday. Nevertheless, the display was largely, dismissed, and backlashed in social media within Sweden and beyond, including Muslims gathered outside the Stockholm Central Mosque to show their disappointment and displeasure on the incident.

As the crowd face the incident, some believed the act was a trick to plan hate to provoke the reaction of the Muslims which could be used to portray Muslims as violent people in the West. It has further indicated that the action was supported by the police officers, whose actions of detaining a man who approached the security cordon with three rocks held in his hands behind his back were held captive.

This has brought complaints from people who witnessed the scene, as a form of their disappointment against the officer’s decision to grant permission for the protest, especially during the Muslim holiday.

The incident doesn’t only bring chaos among people, but it also brought unfavourable chaos among different states of the NATO membership. Officials from various countries, including many in the Middle East, have attested to condemn the desecration of the Holy Quran, with Turkey being the main leading country.

It’s quite very concerning and pathetic that the inflammatory speech made by certain high-profile people in multilateral global institutions like NATO, which claimed to be activists for peace and security in the world, unfortunately, added more fuel to the episode of burning the Holy Quran by referring to the act as freedom of expression.

Moreover, from historical facts, this has not been the first of its kind in Sweden for people to contempt the deities of the Islamic religion, whether it be the vandalization of the holy scripture of Muslims in the public domain or the making of a disgusting caricature of the holy founder of Islam Prophet Muhammad (saw) by the infamous Charli Hebdo magazine.

Sadly, whenever such notorious actions take place in Sweden, it has been observed that the state gives a blind eye or fails to strictly hold those responsible for inciting violence and hurting the sentiments of others; just in the name of protecting so-called freedom of expression and speech.

Islam Champions Freedom of Speech and Expression

From its inception, Islam has championed the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression and has deemed it essential to the spread of the message of prophets and to uphold the dignity of man. Islamic teaching ushers that no religion is worthy of any consideration unless it addresses itself to the restoration and protection of human dignity.

The Holy Quran contains a plethora of verses whereby Allah the Almighty in argumentative and rational manner confronts the disbelievers to bring proofs of their so-called claims if they are truthful.

Allah the Almighty states; Ch. 2: Al-Baqarah: 112

“They say, ‘None shall ever enter Heaven unless he be a Jew or a Christian.’ These are their vain desires. Say, ‘Produce your proof, if you are truthful.”

Another place God says 41. Ch. 21: Al-Anbiya’: 25

“Have they taken gods beside Him! Say, ‘Bring forth your proof. Here is the Book of those with me, and those before me!’ Nay, most of them know not the truth and so they turn away from it.”

In another place God the Almighty says in Ch. 37: Al-Saffat: 157–158

“Or have you a clear authority? Then provide your Book if you are truthful”.

All these verses clearly indicate that Islam promotes freedom of speech or expression, objective discussions, and interfaith dialogues and has termed them as great means of revealing facts for seekers after truth.

However, speech is inappropriate or evil when it is offensive, immoral or hurtful. Evil speech does not promote the discovery of truth and thus violates human dignity. Therefore, restricting evil speech is justifiable for freedom of expression.

Allah the Almighty states:

Allah likes not the uttering of unseemly speech in public, except on the part of one who is being wronged… (Ch.4:V.49)

Allah the Almighty commanded Muslims in the Holy Quran to respect and honour the deities of other religions and has instructed that they should not use profane language even on the idols of the idolaters lest they also use a discourteous speech on Muslim deities ignorantly.

God the Almighty says:

And revile not those whom they call upon besides Allah, lest they, out of spite, revile Allah in their ignorance. Thus unto every people have We caused their doing to seem fair. Then unto their Lord is their return; and He will inform them of what they used to do. (Chp:6 V: 109)

How should Muslims reply to mockery or jest?

The Holy Quran orders Muslims to maintain restraint and exhibit patience in hurtful times when their beliefs or things important to their religions are being mocked or dishonoured in any way.

Allah the Almighty says:

… and those who suppress anger and pardon men; and Allah loves those who do good. (Ch.3:V.135)

The founder of Islam, the Holy Prophet (saw) also admonishes Muslims to stay away from inflicting injuries on others. He Says:

A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe. (Muslim, No. 69)

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community through the guidance of its leadership, the community leaves no stone unturned in refuting blasphemous acts against Allah the Almighty and our lord and master the Holy Prophet (saw).

The Fifth Caliph and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) guided members of the Community in Sweden during a virtual audience on the manner to reply to such an incident, when a copy of the Holy Quran was set ablaze in Sweden in 2020. This particular virtual audience was the day after political activists in Sweden had burned a copy of the Holy Quran. His Holiness (aba) also stated:

‘The truth is that most people in Sweden and other Western countries remain unaware of the true teachings of Islam, and this enables extremists to take individual verses of the Holy Quran completely out of context for the sake of their false propaganda. People who conduct such hateful acts have no knowledge of Islam or the actual conditions laid down in the Holy Quran for Jihad. They ignore the fact that the Bible has many more verses that can be taken out of context and used to justify the use of force. Regardless, Ahmadi Muslims must introduce and exemplify the true and peaceful teachings of Islam in each and every city and town so that people understand the reality of our religion.’

Today the world is passing through turbulent times, we hear almost on a daily basis in the media, seminars and global conferences; world-leading political leaders campaigning on the dire need for the prioritization of peace, to safeguard our planet from potential wars and conflicts.

However, the disrespect for the religious beliefs and sentiments of the followers of other religions can be counter-productive towards the promotion of peace and harmony. His Holiness elucidated during one event stated that:

‘If we truly desire peace in the world, we need to think of the consequences of our words and deeds. We need to be respectful of the beliefs and values of others. This is the way to break down barriers and knock down the walls of enmity and resentment that have been erected in so many parts of the world. Certainly, establishing peace is the most critical and urgent need of the time. This should be our foremost ambition and objective.’

His Holiness also addressed the Muslim communities that no matter the atrocities and injustices committed against them; they must uphold the true teachings of Islam. His Holiness said:

‘If only the Muslim organisations that commit mayhem in the name of Islam could understand that Islam’s teachings of love and affection can bring the world into the fold of Islam so much quicker. The teaching Islam gives on patience and forbearance cannot be matched by any other religion. Materialistic people are blind to faith and do not even refrain from mocking God Almighty, let alone the prophets. If we respond to the actions of the ignorant with ignorance also, it will only lead them to persist further in their actions. Therefore, God Almighty states that instead of responding to them you should pass by and distance yourself from such people who commit vain acts. Not only does socialise with such people or concurring with them make us sinful, but if we respond to the wrongdoer and in return, they mock or abuse God Almighty or speak or express anything against the Holy Prophet (sa) in degrading terms, then we too partake of their sin. Thus, a true Muslim should try to refrain from this and leave the matter with God Almighty.’

A Call for Transparency and Accountability: The Gambia’s National Assembly’s Conundrum of Luxurious Vehicle Purchases

ANALYSIS & COMMENTS

By: Barrister, Famara Singhateh , Head of West Africa Desk, A-LAW INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRM, Antwerp, Belgium

Introduction:

The recent trend of utilizing public funds to acquire high-end vehicles for members of the National Assembly in The Gambia has stirred up public dissatisfaction and ignited debates about the underlying rationale of such spending. The National Assembly, an indispensable arm of the government, undeniably has legitimate operational needs. However, the public has expressed concern over the perceived disconnect between the assembly members’ duties and the necessity for luxury vehicles financed by taxpayers’ money. This short piece delves into the controversy, emphasizing the concepts of transparency, accountability, the importance of maintaining public trust, and the pressing need for the responsible allocation of public funds.

The Necessity for Transparency and Openness:

Among the central criticisms surrounding this issue is the perceived lack of transparency in the decision-making process. The National Assembly, in its mandate, is expected to exhibit transparency and accountability in its financial dealings. However, the current situation appears misaligned with this expectation. It is of the utmost importance that National Assembly members perceive themselves as servants of the people, refraining from actions that could be misconstrued as self-enrichment or an attempt to distance themselves from the citizenry. Observing this principle may help alleviate concerns regarding personal ownership and excessive spending and, in turn, can aid in the preservation of public trust.

National Assembly members often defend the purchase of luxury vehicles by pointing out that other government officials are also provided with similar amenities. However, this defense seems to miss the mark. The official vehicles provided to these officials are typically institutional assets and not personal possessions. In contrast, the vehicles given to National Assembly members take on the character of personal property, which raises public concerns about potential self-enrichment and increased isolation from the constituents they represent.

Furthermore, the role of National Assembly members significantly differs from that of other high-ranking officials. As representatives of the people, they are tasked to ensure government accountability, not to engage in a competition of extravagance with other branches of government. Thus, the argument that other government branches also have luxury vehicles only emphasizes the need for a comprehensive revision of vehicle allocation policies across all government divisions.

Accountability and Legislative Power: The Crucial Role of the National Assembly:

The National Assembly, as a central pillar of governance, holds the pivotal role of ensuring accountability within the government structure. A core part of their mandate involves the prudent management of public resources and the avoidance of unnecessary expenditure. The National Assembly is not merely a bystander in the formulation of laws that enhance public spending. Indeed, it should be at the forefront of such legislation. The National Assembly is not at the mercy of government policy, especially where it appears the government is unreasonable in its spending on luxury while their electorates lacks basic necessities.

A recent example of the National Assembly’s legislative power was the quick passage of the National Assembly Service Act 2021, a primary law used to arrange the purchasing of the luxury vehicles. It was passed with a “certificate of urgency,” demonstrating that the Assembly can move swiftly when they deem it necessary, especially when it pertains to their personal benefits. This action, while legal, raises questions about the Assembly’s priorities and its alignment with the public interest.

 

Prioritizing Essential Needs and Public Perception:

The public perception of misplaced priorities further fuels dissatisfaction. The laws in the Gambian and elsewhere outlines the principles that govern the use of public resources, which include prioritizing essential needs such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. The National Assembly should keep these critical needs in mind when allocating resources. By doing so, they demonstrate a commitment to public service and societal improvement, operating in line with the national constitution’s provisions.

Conclusion:

The issue of luxurious vehicle purchases for National Assembly members in The Gambia underscores the broader challenge of ensuring appropriate public fund allocation, transparency, and accountability in governance. Beyond the controversy, it is a wake-up call for a reassessment of spending priorities and a rethink of policies that seem to blur the line between state assets and personal property.

The National Assembly, as the people’s representatives!

Author: Barrister, Famara Singhateh , Head of West Africa Desk, A-LAW INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRM, Antwerp, Belgium

Essa Njie: ‘All these political parties are the same in terms of misappropriation of public funds’

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By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Essa Njie, popular political commentator and lecturer at the University of The Gambia, has said all political parties in the Gambia are the same “in terms of misappropriation of public funds”, saying they “should have condemned” parliament’s decision of buying cars that are each worth over 2 million dalasis but instead “they are keeping quiet because their parliamentarians are affected”.

The political Science lecturer argued that the political parties in the country should take a share of the blame since the National Assembly Members are from political parties who have a responsibility to talk to their members. He emphasized that political parties have to be blamed, and the buying of these cars has equally affected the trust many have in the parties.

“At the end of the day, you cannot blame only the parliamentarians for this, but the political parties as well. All these political parties are the same in terms of misappropriation of public funds. It will be difficult for people to even trust these political parties because, on the side of the opposition regarding this issue, they cannot say certain things about President Barrow,” Njie explained in an interview with LSTV 1.

Njie further argued that the United Democratic Party (UDP), the biggest opposition political party in the country, and others should have condemned parliament’s act.

“All these political parties, including the UDP, the biggest opposition party that has been vocal against corruption and other issues about this government, are keeping quiet on this. They are not talking about it. They should have condemned this, but they are keeping quiet because their parliamentarians are affected. If they hadn’t been affected, they would have come out. Other parties are like that too,” Njie commented.

The National Assembly of the Gambia has purchased 2023 model Toyota Prado vehicles worth over 2 million dalasis each. Half of the cost of these vehicles will be paid by the taxpayers’ money, something that many political analysts and commentators argued should not be done.

It is not apparent how much the parliamentarians will pay for the purchase of these vehicles. Some sources believe MPs will pay only 30% and the rest will be paid by taxpayers.

THE ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNION IS A TOOTHLESS BULLDOG

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OPINION

By: Nfansu Camara

As we celebrate six decades of the African Union since its establishment, the organization has been at the forefront of disappointing Africans whose hopes and aspirations were reduced to nothing.

When one moves throughout the continent of Africa, one will conclude that this is a continent that is undergoing economic, political and even social comatose. The African Union is an integrated organization vested with the onus of welding Africans together despite our diversities and domestic political shortcomings. Rather, the organization has taken a back seat and become a mere spectator to the detriment of the people.

The continent of Africa is bleeding as we are witnessing numerous inter and intra-state conflicts within the geopolitical zone of Africa.

The neighbouring country Senegal has not been at ease because of the outrageous political disagreement between the government and the separatist group whose primary ambition is to liberate the Cassamance region. What has the African Union done to iron out that long-standing conflict in Senegal?

Movingly, the identity and resource-based conflict in southern Cameroon between the francophone segment and that of the anglophone, a subordinate group. What has the African Union done about that political barbarism in Cameroon where lots of innocent people including school children and powerless people were badly injured and many killed?

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, the first prime minister and the first president of Ghana (then Gold Coast) may not have been a prophet, but his words have been fulfilled over the years in which he said: “We unite, or we perish because the colonial master is not asleep, and he might come through another draconian project.”

In addition, the desires of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his compatriots to propel themselves through different avenues of unity had been rendered useless, when the continental body responsible for the task of connecting Africans together via one umbilical cord failed to deliver. What is an African union if not a mere political organization with no merit?

The organization of African Unity should have called for an urgent ordinary session to discuss thoroughly the political unrest in Guinea-Conakry, Mali, Sudan and Afghanistan rather than discussing ways and means to self-perpetuate themselves on the throne.

The economic organ of the organization, which the African Development Bank is now under the custody of international partners like the United States of America, being the second largest shareholder in the continental bank which is Africanized by name but administratively run by the West. Where are our leaders, Africa?

The African Union has failed which gave the propensity to the two global economic enslavers inclusively the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to impose conditions on African countries in their quest for grants and loans. No one should be surprised if lesbianism is continentally agreed to be practised. The Ugandan government under the administration of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had taken the right approach to formally pass the resolution in the House of Representatives to impose legal consequences on whosoever practices it. What is the essence of the Africa Development Bank under the auspices of the African Union?

In conclusion, the African Union should wake from its slumber and begin to do the right things for the people and the continent of Africa through cross-fertilization and cross-pollination of ideas as we look to a vibrant continent. We can never be developed if we are always in perpetual conflict.

Africa is yet to be liberated because the mind is the standard portion of the mind and ours are caged.

ECOWAS Court of Justice speaks tough on Jammeh’s atrocities, calls out Gambian government for not prosecuting perpetrators 

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice on 5th July 2023 issued a landmark decision in the case of the enforced disappearance of Saul Ndow during the regime of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh. The ECOWAS Court found that the Republic of The Gambia violated the right to life and failed to investigate and prosecute those responsible in a timely manner. The ECOWAS Court also called on the Gambian Government to implement the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) and ordered to submit, within six (6) months of notification of its decision, a report, among others, on the status of the TRRC recommendations.

With legal support from the Institute of Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), Nana-Jo Ndow, assisted by The African Network against Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances (ANEKED), had been pushing for the Republic of The Gambia to take up its responsibilities for the human rights violations suffered by her father Saul Ndow in relation to his enforced disappearance during the Jammeh regime, and the pain and injustice inflicted on his family as a result.

“After ten years since my father’s disappearance, years of litigation and delays, I am happy that the court has finally recognized our long suffering. Today’s ruling does not correct the wrong that was done to us, but it is an important step towards accountability” – Nana-Jo Ndow, daughter of Saul Ndow

Saul Ndow, a businessman and a critic of the Jammeh regime, was abducted in 2013 alongside Mahawa Cham, a former member of the Gambian National Assembly and an equally fierce critic of the regime, by the Junglers, a death squad allegedly reporting directly to Yahya Jammeh.

Since 2013, and despite the transition to the Adama Barrow Government in 2017, the multiple appeals and efforts from the families of Saul Ndow and Mahawa Cham, the strong and credible evidence that surfaced through investigative journalists and activists, testimonies before the Gambian police and the TRRC, the Gambian Government has failed to conduct any proper judicial investigations and to prosecute those responsible in a timely manner.

“This decision further emphasizes the duty of the State to investigate human rights violations, irrespective of which Government is in power. It speaks not only for Gambian victims, but also blazes a trail of hope for victims of human rights abuse across Africa”- Edmund Foley, Interim Head, IHRDA

Jammeh’s 22-year rule (1994 to 2016) was marked by systematic oppression, widespread human rights violations and crimes against humanity, including torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and sexual violence. This judgement is a milestone for the victims who still await justice and sends a clear message to the Government of The Gambia that accountability is inevitable and is not negotiable.

 

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