By: Sarjo Brito

Lamin S Camara, the lawyer defending Boubacar Bob Keita in his unprecedented rape trial that has been in courts since 2019, has confirmed that his client has lost two brothers while being incarcerated in the Mile II prisons.

Speaking further to this media at the Bundung High Court about the death of his client’s siblings, Counsel Camara said he could not confirm if, in fact, their deaths were in any way associated with Bob’s rape trial. However, he divulged that his client knew about the death of his two brothers only two weeks ago which, he said, has left his client shocked.

“He was devastated at the news, but it is God’s will, and he must take it in good faith. There is nothing he can do about it’’

Reiterating his legal support to his client, Counsel Lamin S. Camara said he believes in the innocence of his client, however adding that, as lawyers, they must abide by the verdict of the court. LS Camara said they are subjecting the matter to due process.

Speaking on the defence team’s rejection of the supposed blood sample of Baby M (the alleged victim’s now deceased child) from the State, the seasoned legal practitioner argued that the blood sample of the deceased was taken by the State before it was ordered by the court and in the absence of the accused and his legal team, adding that the blood sample could be someone else’s and not Baby M, citing transparency issues as the basis of the defence team’s argument.

“What we can accept is the blood sample taken from baby M in the presence of all parties. Not one that was taken in our absence. When Bob was giving his blood sample, on the 13th of July, everyone was present,’’ LS revealed.

Boubacar Bob Keita has been alleged to have raped his ex-wife’s younger sister, who is said to have been a minor at the time of the alleged crime. The unprecedented rape trial in the Gambia, which has seen over 30 adjournments, has been ongoing for almost two years now.

Sympathizers of the accused continue to storm the Bundung High Court during recent court proceedings demanding a free, fair and just trial for the accused.

By: Modou Touray

Smoked fish vendors in the Kombos have lamented over what they described as “drastically profit decline” following the finding of the Food safety and Quality Authority (FSQA) that Sniper insecticide and other chemicals are being used by fish mongers in preserving fish.

The Fatu Network visited markets in Gunjur, Brikama, Lamin and Sukuta where women spoke of their frustration about low sales.

“I used to make a profit of almost D5,000 daily, but as you can see for yourself, my basket is still filled with fish and its already afternoon. Some women will ask for smoked fish but the way they look at me I can sense that they want to check whether there is any chemical added,” Sonna Badjie of Lamin market told The Fatu Network.

Balanto Saidy and Joko Jarju, both vendors form Lamin-Babilon, are engaged in smoked fishing at their compound. After smoking their fish, they take it to the Lamin Market.

“We try to convince our customers that we don’t apply the Sniper chemical on our fish but they don’t trust us. What we decided now is to invite women to the place where we do the smoking so that they can see for themselves.”

Naba Darboe of Gunjur, who has been engaging in fish business since childhood, said the result of the finding has crippled her business

“I paid my school fees out of this business when I was in school. The profit I am making now is incomparable to pre-sniper era. The magnitude of the negative consequences of the sniper findings are huge.”

At the Gunjur fish landing site, few smoked fish is displayed in canteens. Costumers who buy on wholesale always get their fish and transport them to various markets.

“I am still in the business with faith. Maybe in the future, people will buy in large quantities,” Sheikh Joof said.

Mama Kah and Fatoumata Bah sell smoked fish at the Brikama Market. They also urged customers to buy with confidence.

“There are other people who don’t put any chemical on their fish during smoking. Please, let people come and buy. One rotten potato spoils the whole bag,” Kumba Sanneh highlighted.

Adama Jallow and Bintou Cham of Sukuta are now thinking of an alternative business rather than selling smoked fish.

“We cannot waste our time on this business. In fact, we are being stigmatized because people see us as bad people. Spraying chemicals on food could be deadly. So, if you are seen selling smoked fish, they label you as a killer.”

In all the markets visited across the Kombos, few vendors were seen still selling smoked fish.

“I sell cassava leaf which is use for soup. If you are cooking casava leaves as soup, it is mixed with smoked fish, therefore I am affected,” Mariama Manneh of Brikama market said.

The director general of Food Safety and Quality Authority, Mr Momodou Bah earlier advised fish vendors to desist from using the sniper and other chemicals.

In a recent laboratory test, the Food Safety and Quality Authority has confirmed the presence of sniper and other insecticides on smoked fish. The sniper product found in the Gambia contains a highly toxic organophosphate compound which is very toxic to human health.

By: Alimatou S Bajinka

Recently, there were viral rumours of fish mongers using sniper insecticide to preserve their fish.

The Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA) recently conducted a laboratory test on some samples of smoked fish. The test confirmed that indeed the insecticide is being used in the fish preservation process.

In an interview with this medium, Bai Dodou Jallow, Director of Scientific Affairs at the Food Safety and Quality Authority, warned fish mongers over the use of sniper insecticides on smoked fish.

“As we speak, there is serious monitoring. Teams have been dispatched and they have been going to the landing sites, markets and wherever food is sold to be inspected. The team is at the same time gathering people involved in the fish processing and talking to them directly about the risk and implications of the use of insecticides on food products.

We have not yet gone to the level of arresting, but now that we have confirmed that insecticide is being used on fish, we are warning them very seriously, because anybody we catch would be prosecuted accordingly.”

Sniper insecticide is reported to be dangerous and sometimes fatal to one’s health.

‘I just want to warn the fish mongers to deviate from this act, because chemicals are an absolute no-go area for food. There is nowhere in the world that people use chemicals to preserve food. It is completely wrong and unacceptable and if anyone is found doing it would be prosecuted.’

Mr Jallow concluded by urging the public to be their eye in places they might not be present as they cannot be everywhere.

‘We should all be watching out. Food safety is everybody’s business and no matter how efficient the authority works it is not possible for us to be everywhere at all times, this is because food happened to be everywhere and sold at all times and we cannot be everywhere. So, help us in the regulation process by calling 1299 and give us information regarding the usage of insecticide,” he said.

By Ousman Saidykan

One Alpha Jallow has been arraigned at the Kanifing Magistrates Court. He is charged with stealing from a vehicle and malicious injury to property contrary to Section 256(c) and 312 respectively of the Criminal Code Cap 10:01 Vol. 3 Laws of The Gambia 2009.

The Guinean adult is said to have broken the windscreen of a vehicle in April 2022, with registration  number BJL 1172K worth D3,500 belonging to one Alagie Jammeh.

Alpha has also been accused of stealing motor spare wheel and top cylinder worth D5,000 and D15,000 respectively in Bakoteh in April 2022 belonging Alagie Jammeh. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.

The witness to testify in the case is Alagie Jammeh, the owner of the vehicle who said he took the vehicle to one Ismaila, a mechanic  to fix it after it got a break down.

“After two days, I received a call from the mechanic who told me the the windscreen had been broken – and that I had to take from the garage until I buy a new engine.

“So, I took it back to IEC because they were the ones who suppose to buy the the engine having rented the vehicle to them during the last Presidential Election where it got breakdown,” Jammeh told the court.

Jammeh, who is a driver continued that he took back the car to the garage as the IEC bought the engine a few day after. However, he explained the mechanic told him the vehicle could not be serviced on that day, but he (the mechanic) would ask two of his apprentices to sleep in the vehicle overnight for fear of thieves.

“So that night the he (the accused) went to the vehicle with a torchlight but ran away as soon as he saw the two boys in the the car.

“The boys wanted to attack him but one told the other that they should wait until their boss comes to report him.

According to the witness the boss, Ismaila called him and explained the issue to him. He told the court that the Alpha told him that he only took the spare Wheel but he returned it after the boys saw him.

“I also asked him to lead me to the person he sold the material to so I could get them even if it means buying them back,” witness said.

But Alpha denied all that. He asked the witness, “did you see me taking the Wheel?”

He replied: “You told me you took the wheel but it was out side. But the wheel was in the vehicle, so you could not access the vehicle without breaking the windscreen.

The case was adjourned till Wednesday, 27th July 2022 while the accused was granted bail in the same of D100,000 and two Gambian sureties with valid ID Cards.

Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youths and Sport, yesterday met with organizers of the highly anticipated GFF presidential debate who were in his office to discuss their plans in organizing the debate as well as seek the Ministry’s blessings and endorsement.

The GFF Presidential Debate will be the first of its kind organized by the Commission on  Political Debates. The debate is aimed at promoting issue-based political debates and the culture of debates in The Gambia.

The debate, scheduled to take place on the 13th August, 2022 will bring together Football stakeholders, the voting delegates and Gambians all over the world to watch it live.

The Minister has endorsed the debates and assured the organizers that MOYS will assist in the implementation of this activity to the best of their capabilities.

The CPD is happy to bring this debate to all Gambians with our media partners, Paradise TV, GRTS, Block TV, Eye Africa TV, Star TV and The Fatu Network.

SPONSORS INVITED | 9975535 / 2608185 / 3113815

By: Modou Touray

Unknown persons are reported to have broken into Brikama Lower Basic School, stealing valuable teaching and learning materials and vandalizing school taps.

According to pupils and teachers, this is a major concern which requires urgent remedy by the school management committee and other authorities.

Recently, 10 tap heads were stolen after the thieves vandalized and unplugged them. This is said to have caused water shortage, making pupils to the fetch water from neighbours.

“Since our taps were destroyed, water has become a problem for us. We need water to use the toilet and for drinking. It’s a major problem,” lamented Adama Ceesay, a pupil of the school.

Babucarr Dibba and Ousman Bojang, all pupils of the school, expressed outrage over the continuous theft at their school.

For Fatou Saidy, the act is a bad attitude and must end immediately.

“Our authorities should find a way out to end the stealing by outsiders. Sometimes, we come to class and find our learning materials scattered on the ground. It’s not only the issue of the taps. Water facilities must be well protected to avoid tampering”

Bakoto Jadama, a cleaner at the school, said she could not get enough water to cleanse the toilets accordingly. “For two weeks now, the toilet has not been well cleansed, however, the kids use it daily.

Masireh Sanyang, a teacher at the school, said effective teaching and learning is hampered by the unavailability of water within the school environment.

“We have no choice but to release the kids sometimes for them to access water. The community also need to be vigilant sometimes because it will be difficult to secure the surrounding.”

Lamin Jammeh, another teacher, felt devasted by the stealing in an educational facility and admitted that their frequent movement in and out of the classrooms in search of water, interrupts lessons.

“We move out of the school premises to get water. We spend 10-15 minutes doing that and even the congregational prayer is being suspended now. We now pray individually.”

This medium contacted the school administration for their reaction and they responded with a plea for the neighborhoods to be vigilant and report any suspected movements around the school.

The acting deputy headmistress 2, Ndey Fatou Jobe, is deeply disturbed by the theft cases as she called for collective responds. “It’s not our wish to close school before the stipulated time but it’s due to the circumstances.”

The headmaster of the school, Mr Mustapha Jarju, spoke at length on the challenges confronting the school which includes frequent theft cases by unknown persons.

“We have 3000 pupils and 175 teachers in the school and the school is very large now. When we were using only NAWEC water supply, it was not enough which made us appealed for assistance from philanthropists who provided us with two boreholes.”

The chairman of the Brikama Lower Basic School Management Committee, Mr Balla Jabang, spoke of his committee’s commitment in ensuring that the teaching and learning environment is comfortable for pupils, teachers as well as the school administrators.

Brikama Lower Basic School is said to have only one night watchman securing the entire school.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

In an exclusive interview, the prominent National People’s Party (NPP) supporter, Ahmed Gitteh, has said that United Democratic Party’s (UDP) Jammeh EK Bojang is too old does not have the energy to be the chairman of the Brikama Area Council (BAC).

Jammeh EK Bojang, a seasoned football administrator has declared his intention of running for the biggest local government in the country, the Brikama Area Council.

However, Ahmed, who also publicly disclosed his aspiration of occupying the same office, said that unlike him, the old age of the former Secretary General of WAFU will not allow him to effectively run the affairs of the Council.

“Jammeh EK Bojang, with all due respect to him, is too old and doesn’t have the energy that I will have to be with my workers in the gutters, helping them with the spade to get sand and rubbish from the gutters. He wouldn’t be able to run with the young people. He is too old for that.”

Gitteh further told TFN that, mentally, Jammeh EK Bojang will be drained due to his old age. He explained that Mr Bojang will not be able to multitask and do all that needed to be done as the Chairman of the Brikama Area Council.

Responding to critics who argued that he is too young to lead the Council as the chairman, the outspoken NPP supporter said that age-wise he is the perfect candidate for the Brikama Area Council.

The 37-year-old Gitteh has been sounding so positive about running for the BAC chairmanship under the National People’s Party ticket despite the current chairman, Sherrifo Sonko’s relationship with the party and his recent revolt against NPP in the April Parliamentary election.

Gitteh will be up against Jammeh EK Bojang and probably others if the United Democratic Party endorsed EK Bojang’s candidature.

Mr Gitteh is not blind to the realities on the ground as he confessed to TFN that his biggest worry will be the UDP in his quest to lead the Brikama Area Council.

By: Ousman Saidykan

Justice S.M Jallow of the High Court in Bundung has ordered for a blood sample to be drawn from the alleged victim of rape, Fatou Ngoneh Mbaye, to compare it with that of the sample drawn from baby Muhammed, son of the alleged victim, who was said to have died in neighbouring Senegal as a result of being left unattended in a locked car for four hours.

This came on Monday 18th July 2022 after the Judge acknowledged that blood samples were drawn from the accused, Bob Keita and the victim’s boyfriend, Pa Modou Johm as ordered by the Court and that the state may request that blood samples be drawn from PW8 (the alleged victim) to ensure it is related with the one drawn from Muhammed. The defence counsel did not object to this.

“So the court orders that the blood samples be drawn from PW8 (Fatou Ngoneh Mbaye) for comparison purposes for DNA ascertainment of related samples, and the court orders the forgoing in the presence of the State authorities and counsel or representative from PW8’s family,” the judge ruled.

He ordered that the said sample be drawn at the Edward Francis Small’s Teaching Hospital in Banjul. The court has also granted the State’s request to collect an alternative sample from Muhammed, which the defence objected to.

“So the State’s request to draw an alternative DNA sample which the senior (defence) counsel objects to, is also permitted and granted for the State authorities to assist the court in ascertaining the paternity of the baby Muhammed and collecting any evidence to ascertain the truth of this case.”

The State informed the court that a blood sample had been drawn from Muhammed a day before the court ruled that such be done.

Though, the Court was satisfied with the sample to the surprise of the defence counsel, LS Camara who said: “my lord, my first concern is when the court said it is satisfied with the sample that has been allegedly extracted from Muhammed when there’s no evidence before this court that the sample was drawn from him.”

By Modou Touray

Dr Abdulhamid Kanteh, a health specialist at the Brikama District Hospital has explained to The Fatu Network the major health risks associated with the unprescribed use of paracetamol.

In an exclusive interview, Dr Kanteh pointed out the significance of the liver and kidney in the human body, noting that a person without a functional liver or kidney cannot live a healthy life.

“Liver and kidney are some of the most vital organs of the human body and without them one cannot live a healthy life. Paracetamol can cause liver damage or may even be fatal if more than 4000 milligrams is taken at a time (that is 8 tablets of 500 milligrams).

Paracetamol or Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol) belongs to a bigger class of drugs called analgesics (pain relievers). It is used for symptomatic treatment of muscle ache, headache, fever etc.

Dr Kanteh stressed that every medication is a potential toxin to the body when the correct dosage is not taken.

“The paracetamol dosage is calculated normally using body weight,” he disclosed.

He advised patients to avoid demanding leftover drugs from friends and follow the right medical procedures to acquire paracetamol.

“Our public health facilities may not have all the medications for a particular ailment but you will have the opportunity to get it correctly prescribed for you or in some cases referred to a specialist”.

Prescribed medication helps patients with lifelong diagnosis live a healthier, longer and more fulfilling lives.

The liver is the largest internal organ. It is located mainly in the upper right portion of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm and above your stomach. All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver .The liver processes this blood and breaks down, balances and creates the nutrients and metabolized drugs into forms that are easier to use.

Dr Kanteh reiterated that misuse, overdose or unprescribed taking of paracetamol adversely contributes to complicated health risks.

Research has revealed that our chances of a better health outcome improves when we consume our medications as directed by medical practitioners. Drug overdose is said to be a leading cause of sudden death. According to the World Health Organization, liver disease accounts for approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide, 1 million due to complications of cirrhosis and 1million due to viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

According to WHO data published in 2020, liver disease deaths in Gambia reached 323 or 2.51% of total deaths.

By Modou Touray

Residents of Giboro-Kuta village in the Kombo East district are calling on authorities to help them with adequate supply of drinkable water.

They currently share a solar borehole with neighboring village, Giboro-Koto.

“I rush to the tap normally around 5 pm. By that time, the solar is well charged to give us enough water. I intend digging a well for my family but that is impossible for now because I can’t afford the cost of construction,” Fabakary Kujabi explained.

His compound is a bit far, almost 300 meters from the main tap.

Kebba Sowe is a market vendor who often don’t get water because he is mostly busy selling at the market for his livelihood.

“As you can see now, I am selling. Whenever I finish selling my goods, I go to fetch water. There is sometimes no water, depending on the solar and how much water is fetched during early hours.”

Awa Badjie and Fatou Bojang struggle to get enough water for their extended families. “If you have a larger family, the demand for water is high and it is often very challenging. Government should solve this water shortage for us,” they appealed.

Faye Ceesay is another resident who expressed similar challenges caused by water shortage. He insisted that he will not vote for any candidate in next year’s local government elections unless their water demand is met.

“They always promise us development but nothing will be fulfilled.”

For Kumba Sowe says they as Muslims cannot perform their religious obligations without adequate water.

“We all know that as a believer, you must be clean at all times. That is not possible without water.”

Some of the residents who spoke to The Fatu Network expressed similar concerns, appealing with authorities to intervene.

The Alkalo (Village head), Sherifo Jatta said the water problem in Giboro-Kuta is an emergency.

“There are more than 7,000 inhabitants in the village and the number of people buying compounds to settle is alarming. The total number of taps is 7 which is not enough for the entire village. We have been experiencing this problem for 20 years now and there is still no permanent solution.”

He disclosed that village women travel long distance to fetch water from the few taps available in the village.

Sulayman Jatta, chairman of the village development committee, highlighted the efforts made by his committee to find means of addressing the issue.

“The problem is alarming, and we are knocking all doors. I call on government, non- governmental organization and all concerned individuals and groups to rescue us as soon as possible.”

He further pointed out that water is a basic necessity for mankind and essential element of livelihood.

Mr Ousman Bah, the councilor for the Giboro ward who represents them at the Brikama Area Council, said he is aware of the problem, adding that water is a major problem in Giboro-Kuta. The councilor noted that he is doing his best in lobbying for such development.

When contacted for her reaction, Mariama Jaiteh, the department of water resources focal person for West Coast Region, promised to bring the matter to the notice of her superiors.

Mr Almameh Sanneh, a retired field staff with the department of water resources under the rural water supply, attributed the problem to increase in population.

“This village was provided with borehole by the Saudi Sahelian Project (SSP). The water facility was meant for both Giboro-Kuta and Giboro-Koto. More people have moved to the village in the last two years and therefore the facility is overstretched.”

The Director of Diaspora and Migration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad on Tuesday 11 July 2022 received in his office Mr. Gotz Von Roell and Mr. Yaya Sonko, Project Managers of the “New Placement International” Project.

The duo visited The Gambia to introduce a new project they have conceived and to also use the opportunity to inform government of such an initiative that is geared towards smooth and sustainable transitioning and reintegration of Gambian migrants from Germany who wish to return voluntarily.

Mr. Gotz Von Roell is a German citizen who has worked on many projects supporting migrants. Mr. Yaya Sonko, a Gambian residing in Germany, is currently the Speaker of the West African Migrants in Germany and doubles as a member of the Refugee Council of the State of Baden Württemberg in Germany.

Mr. Sonko’s experience in representing African migrants in Germany has exposed him to many incidents where some Gambians facing challenges in terms of health, family and other reasons propel them to opt for a voluntary return but due to the amount of the reintegration package given by IOM, they find it difficult to convince themselves to return.

According to Mr Yaya Sonko, the project is starting as a one-year pilot program and its goal is to give extra financial support to fellow Gambians who would decide to go home voluntarily. The project will also support their own perspective and goals of reintegration in The Gambia. This project is endorsed and financially supported by Baden-Württemberg Government. The unique selling point is counselling “peer-to-peer “.

Director Musa Camara also highlighted the government’s role in engaging German authorities, considering the number of irregular migrants whose asylum applications were rejected that the government has proposed to the German authorities to enroll them into apprenticeship programs for couple of years through which they can be able to acquire different skills. Such that, at the end of the program, they may return to The Gambia with some incentive/capital to run their own projects/businesses that will be sustainable and a positive sum gain for both sides.

He said the German side didn’t agree to the proposal, but this project seems to strike a balance in that endeavour. Hence, he added, the project is welcoming, and the government will support such initiatives in the interest of its citizens.

Details by: Ya Awa Touray (MoFA)

By: Alimatou S Bajinka

President Adama Barrow has embarked on a tour of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) project sites, ahead of the OIC summit scheduled to be held in The Gambia in November 2022.

The aim of the President’s visit to the project sites is to monitor and assess the progress of the work.

Speaking to the media at the end of the tour, His Excellency Adama Barrow, expressed disappointment over the slow progress of the construction of the 50km project of 20 roads within the Kanifing Municipality and West Coast Region. He also said the progress is about 1%.

“Definitely we are not happy with the progress because all the assessments can be contested. Their progress is about 1% and this job started about 7 months ago, we were expecting by now, according to the schedule, they should have been at least 40 to 50%, so if they are about 1% that is very bad and we cannot explain that anywhere, they should have at least achieved more than what they have achieved now under any circumstance,” he said.

The project is divided into two components that is Lot 1 and Lot 2 given to both foreign and local construction companies. Lot 1 will include the New Jeswang –Jokor Junction, Kanifing hospital, Bertil Harding road, Westfield junction—Abuko road, Sukuta-Latrikunda road, Junction Baa–SOS road, Sukuta Health Center–Senegambia road, Kololi–Senegambia road, Kanifing hospital – GTMI road and Banjul-Serrakunda highway.

While Lot-2 road is a 28km road and would include Kololi Tavern—Bijilo road, Bijilo–Bertil Harding Highway, Sukuta Nemasu–Latrikunda road, Sukuta–Wellingara road, Kombo Coastal Highway–Wulinkama road and Brufut—Ghana Town road.

According to the President, all these roads are part of the preparation for the hosting of the OIC Summit, while expressing disappointment towards the progress of the roads.

“Looking at the 50km project, we are definitely not happy, I am not happy and I am even disappointed with Lot 1 and Lot 2,” he said.

The President further revealed that there is a problem with the two project sites and that a meeting would be conducted today July 15 2022 at midday to find solutions.

“There is a problem, but I have called for an emergency meeting at my office at 12:30 so that all the stakeholders will come together to discuss the roads, and how we can move faster. There is a problem and we have to sit and discuss and find solutions to the problem because there is no problem without a solution,” he said.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The Ministry of Health has validated a bill seeking to establish the first ever post-graduate medical training in the Gambia to improve health service delivery in the country.

The validation which was held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel on the 14th July 2022 began with a “technical session” where the Bill was scrutinized by delegates from the health sector and with assistance from top individuals from established colleges in Ghana, Liberia and Nigeria.  These experts were present to guide the process, having already gone through it in their various countries.

“There will be many challenges, even from your residents, from your faculties for funding policies. But let me encourage you not to give up. Remain strong. Please, don’t give up,” John Mulbah, the 1st Vice President of the Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons advised.

The bill, when becomes an Act, will see the Gambia get what will be called “the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Gambia” one of whose objectives would be offering internationally recognized training and certification in relevant faculties within the college.

“I’m certain by the end of the day, the Gambia would be proud to have validated a very important bill that will strengthen the health sector and also the health service delivery,” Fanta Bai Secka, a representative of the Permanent Sectary, Ministry of Health said in her welcoming statement.

The Minister of Health, Dr Ahmed Lamin Samateh who claimed the Barrow government inherited what he called a “challenging health sector” with outdated or no life-saving equipment and poor infrastructure, was quick to mention the need for capacity building of health workers in The Gambia.

“But of course, irrespective of whatever we have as a health sector, even if the hospitals are beautiful as the hotel we are in right now, if we do not have competent people, qualified, well-trained people to provide the services, we’ve not started. And I think that is why this is very important today. We seriously need to build capacity and we seriously need to train people,” Samateh said.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Musa Camara, Director of Diaspora and Migration Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Cooperation and Gambian Abroad, has confirmed to The Fatu Network that plans are ongoing for the repatriation of over eighty (80) Gambian irregular migrants stranded in Niger desert.

Mr. Camara made these remarks while responding to concerns raised by the migrants who are currently kept at refugee camps in Niger.

Prior to the ministry’s respond, The Fatu Network was reliably informed about the conditions of the migrants in Niger.

Ebrima Dambelleh, one of the stranded migrants, said they are facing numerous challenges at the desert with little food to eat. He said they are housed in UN camps where they await  deportation. “We are deported from Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Morocco and other countries. We are really tired and devastated and we want the government to help us return home,” he said.

According to him, 42 Gambian migrants are kept in Arlit camp while other forty (40) migrants are in a different camp. “We arrived in Agadez about two months ago but still we don’t have any support. We don’t have food to eat and place to sleep apart from the sand. Our fellow migrants from other countries are getting support from their people but in our case, it’s different,” he lamented.

Mr. Dembelleh added that they are living in terrible conditions in Niger, adding that they embarked on the journey to search for greener pastures but life has been extremely difficult for them. He further revealed that they travel for kilometers to get internet for them to communicate to their people back home.

However, Musa Camara, Director of Diaspora and Migration Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Cooperation and Gambian Abroad said the Ministry is aware of the stranded Gambians migrants in Niger revealing that plans are underway for their repatriation.

“We are working with the International Organization for Migration to facilitate their return home. As a government we are working on have to identify and confirme those that are Gambians. Sometimes, some migrants claimed to be Gambians when they are not. Some may have committed crimes in their country of origin and they don’t want to return to their countries. So, all these are factors that delays the process,” he explained.

He said IOM is preparing a none-schedule flight to bring the migrants back since they are the UN body responsible for migration issues.

As part of their efforts to identify the actual Gambians, Mr. Camara said they are conducting online interviews with the migrants to confirm their identities, revealing that the migrants will be given emergency travelling certificates that they will use to travel back.

“We are aware and there is a process that has to be follow. We are working on their repatriations with IOM, however it follows a process and there are different countries whose citizens are stranded there,” he added.

Mr. Camara noted that the migrants are taken care of in the camps but noted that it can be different from what they get home.

“They are taken care of, however, it may not be as good as in their home countries. They are under the custody of the UN agencies responsible for migration. They have been registered and the process is ongoing. IOM is providing breakfast, lunch and dinner for them. I know it is an undesirable situation for them but we are doing all we can and we are following the processes required by IOM to repatriate them as early as possible,” he said.

According to statistics, over 40,000 Gambians arrived in Europe by irregular migration between 2014 and 2021. In 2020, net migration rate for Gambia was -1.37 migrants per thousand population.

However the country is facing alarming youth unemployment as it stands at 41.5% according to latest statistics compared to 12.44% in 2019. This is believed to have contributed significantly in the increase rate of irregular migration, especially among youths.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

With The Gambia Football Federation Presidential elections looming, the incumbent Lamin Kaba Bajo has rated himself a thousand per cent better than his opponent Sadibou Kamaso as the two tussle for the biggest office at the football house in Kanifing.

Served for eight years and still wants another four years, Kaba told The Fatu Network that he is unmatched in terms of football administration compared to Sadibou Kamaso.

When asked who is the better person to lead Gambian football in the next four years between him and Sadibou, Kaba uttered:

“Is difficult for me to blow my own trumpet.  I am a thousand per cent better.  I am thousand per cent better than him in leading Gambian football… hundred thousand times”, Kaba asserted.

He added: “My records are there. If you look at Sadibou’s football profile, that will tell you. All other football responsibilities  he has from 2018 in football, and the  experience he has in football management, are thanks to my leadership. So how can he be better than me?” Kaba asked.

According to him, Sadibou Kamaso is not his match not only in football administration but in many other things.

The former minister and diplomat told TFN that Mr.kamaso, despite being an opponent, is his special younger brother whom he has high regard for. He said he despises castigations or talking bad about Kamaso, noting that politics will go but brotherhood stays.

In 2018, when Lamin Kaba Bajo was seeking re-election, Sadibou Kamaso was the campaign manager for Team Kaba. After four years now, Kamado has metamorphosed from being a campaign manager of team Kaba into a strong opponent.

Speaking to TFN earlier, Kamaso said he shifted to a different camp because Mr Bajo failed to fulfil the promises he made in 2018.

Kamaso will later resign from the federation two months ago citing bad governance at the federation.

The incumbent has launched his manifesto yesterday, July 13.

He told The Fatu Network that he has a lot to say and is open to a debate with his opponent.

By: Modou Touray

School authorities of Bottrop Kindergarten in Kembujeh-Madina have expressed concerns over the disposal of waste within the environs of the school.

In an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, the school authorities condemned the act and spoke of its effect on the teaching and learning process.

“People often dump thier gabbage at night and during closing hours. They don’t only dump outside but they throw rubbish in our garden. The waste normally consists of plastic and usedclothes. Its difficult to know the perpetrators because no-one has been apprehended,” Jainaba Sowe, the headmistress of the school explained.

According to the co-ordinator of the Bottrop project, Mr Pa Jaruna Jagana, the unpleasant smell from the illegal dumping site negatively impact on the comfort of children.

“We have been complaining about this but people have never stopped. The alkalo [village head) has been informed about it too. We sometimes clear the environment but the waste dumping continues. Kids normally play around the smelling dumping site during break and leisure time.”

The chairman of the school management committee, Mr Yahya Jammeh, emphasized the urgent need for people to desist from such “illegal and  irresponsible behavior.”

“We told the alkalo to inform the residents of the neighborhood because anyone  caught will face the law”.

Momodou Lamin Drammeh is the care-taker of Bottrop Kindergarten. He told this medium that he often sees people carrying waste trying to dump at the place but will stop them.

“For those that I see, I don’t allow them to dump waste at the site but it’s hard really because they always wait when I am inside then they dump their waste and run away.”

The school is located in the neighborhood of Kembujeh- Madina. The Alkalo of the area, Malick Jatta, said he was briefed by the school authorities on the issue.

“It’s not only those within this environment but people traveled from other places to dump waste at the site.”

He expressed solidarity with the school and called for positive attitude towards the environment.

The National Environment Agency’s regional director for West Coast Region, Mr Borry Mansa warned that anyone caught will be punished.

“Illegal dumping is an offence specially within a learning environment. We have legal unit which takes care of these issues.”

Mr Lamin Barry, a public health expert spoke on the health implications of the dump site near a school.

“Generally, a place where dirty materials and rubbish are dumped is very unhealthy for a person. It can cause skin infections and contamination. If kids touch the dirty materials and don’t wash thier hands hygienically, they may get diarrhea as well.”

Illegal dumping is punishable according to rugulations of the National Environment Agency. Advocacy for the cleansing of the environment is ongoing but attitude of some residents towards the environment is still challenging.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The late Ebrima Solo Sandeng’s successor in the United Democratic Party (UDP) hierarchy, Kemo Bojang has said that what the deceased former UDP youth Secretary General fought and died for has still not been accomplished six years after his demise.

“It is a bit unfortunate and sad that what he fought and died for is still not accomplished,” he said.

Speaking to The Fatu Network  after the ruling of Solo Sandeng’s murder case yesterday,    the UDP Youth SG, a position Solo was occupying at the time of his murder, told TFN that the Gambia has a progressive democracy compared to April 2016, however, the country still cannot fulfil the electoral reforms which he said Solo died for.

“We wanted to pass a new constitution which will encompass all of these things, but the state, through its apparatus, did not allow it to happen. Our party and its leadership gave their full support to it, but unfortunately, that new constitution could not be passed”,  he explained.

Mr Bojang told TFN that the late Ebrima Solo Sandeng died and fought for the whole Gambia and not UDP alone.

He called on President Adama Barrow to remember his then friend at UDP and effect reforms. He said the President should make sure that Solo’s death is not wasted and that what he fought and died for becomes a reality.

He explained that the party is glad that justice has been served for Ebrima Solo Sandeng.

On April 14 in 2016, the then UDP Youth Secretary General took to the streets to protest over electoral reforms in the Gambia. He and others were arrested by state security officers. He was later reported dead at the hands of the State Intelligence Agency (NIA).

Since the change of government in 2017, a trial was set up against the 9 NIA officials on the death of Solo Sandeng and others. After a long trial, judgement was delivered yesterday 13th July 2022.

Justice Kumba Sillah-Camara, delivered the verdict and sentenced Solo’s killers to death.

By: Modou Touray

Shops owners who were evicted by authorities of Brikama Area Council for the construction of a new market building have demanded their shops back as the building nears completion.

Sidat Kuyateh, a tailor who lost his spot because of the eviction, said tailors who were once doing business at the spot where the new market is being constructed have strong hopes that due consideration will be given to them with regards the allocation of shops in the new building.

“I have been here since 1993 until the Area Council asked us to move. The condition is that when the construction of the modern canteens is done, those of us previously occupying the shops will move in.”

Mustapha Barrow, a fashion designer, who has a tailoring workshop next to the new canteens, is optimistic about being allocated a new shop.

“Many of us lost our customers when we moved from our previous workshop and business became dull. It took me some time to be able to get a temporal place,” Mr Barrow said, adding that the Council’s officials should consider their plights. “As you can see, the building is almost done and it is better to lament now before they will decide otherwise.”

Yahya Saidy, another shop owner in the old market building, said he will soon enter his new workshop and work comfortably.

“What convinced most of us to abandon the place is the promise of getting back to our shops. We have families and this is our source of earnings. If we don’t get permanent workshops, our customers can’t locate us easily.”

Omar Mbye is another shop owner who sells vegetables and cooking materials and eagerly awaits the completion of the new building. He is currently being accommodated in a friend’s shop.

“We are Gambians too and we pay our taxes accordingly. The promise was 8 months and that’s why it is important to trigger the discussion again. It has now been 8 months since we left our shops.”

Baba Camara for his part made similar comments and stressed that it will be disappointing if the shops are allocated to different people without due consideration to the previous occupants. “I believe they shall keep their promise,” he said.

Many former canteen/ shop owners of the space where the new market is being built have all expressed hope and also appealed to the Brikama Area Council authorities to give them new shops.

Speaking to The Fatu Network, the President of the Brikama market committee Foday Manjang, confirmed that the Council indeed had an agreement with the shop owners, however, the number of shops in the new building is few compared to over 200 shop owners in the old building.

“The council promised and we hope that they will honour that. Unfortunately, more than 200 people were doing business in the area and the number of new modern shops is only 88, which means not even one will be able to get their canteen back.

The Public Relations Officer of the Brikama Area Council, Lamin Singhateh, outlined that a special committee is tasked with the responsibility of the project and if the contractor formally hands over the project, they will discuss the matter.

“We will inform the general public with the relevant information at the appropriate time.”

It could be recalled that this particular new building started eight months ago by GAMWORKS and the eight months’ timeline is almost met. It is part of the initiative to transform the Brikama market into a modern one.

Fire outbreaks were rampant in the old market set-up, resulting in the loss of huge cash and valuables. With the construction of the modern structure, that could be minimised to a large degree.

By: Jankey Touray

In a recent interview with Star Tv, former Imam of the State-House of the Gambia and member of the Supreme Islamic Council, Abdoulie Fatty, expressed distress over the existence of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in the country.

He said what Sheikh Muhammad Fadil Fadera and other Islamic scholars recognized in the Ahmadiyyas is the same thing he sees in them as non-Muslims.

Mr Fatty said this was the reason why he and former Lead Council Essa Faal had a long argument on the TRRC as he wanted to pick him out as the only one against the Ahmadiyyas which, he said, was not the case. He said the entire Islamic Council is against their existence in the country.

“The Ahmadiyyas should accept that they are not Muslims so that all this problem will end. What the Pakistanis government, Saudi Arabia, and the Arab world see in them and other Muslim scholars is the same thing I am emphasizing here; that they are not Muslims,” Said Imam Fatty.

Imam Fatty went on further to say that if the Ahmadiyyas agree to the fact that they are not Muslims and stop misquoting and trying to change the verses of the Quran and the Hadiths of the Prophet Muhammed, then they can be allowed to build schools, hospitals, and live freely. He also said he has been asking people to stop going to their hospital and other anything they own but they refused.

Speaking on the high cost of going to the Ahmadiyya hospital and schools in the country, Mr Fatty said their hospital and schools are not free, yet people don’t talk about it.

“Other Muslim organizations give free education, medications, shelter, and accommodation to the needy which the government does not talk about and has not spoken on. It is as if the Ahmadiyyas are the only ones contributing to the development of the country,” he added.

The former State House imam said even the leader of the Ahmadiyya Jama’at, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, admitted to the huge difference between Muslims and the Ahmadiyyas.

“Ghulam Ahmad said if people think they and Muslims have differences is a mistake, we (Ahmadiyyas) are not the same as the Muslims even on the aspect of God. He said (Ghulam Ahmad) his God does get married,” adding that his God does sleep while our God does not and he also said his God forgets while ours does not. “God makes mistakes when he writes and corrects them, that’s not God.”

Imam Fatty said Muslims believe in Prophet Muhammad as the last servant and messenger of Allah and Essa (Jesus) as the son of Mariam from Israel and not Pakistanis.

He also said Ghulam Ahmad cannot be Pakistanis and also a prophet and be Mahdi as his parents are Pakistanis and he is a Pakistanis too.

He said that Ghulam cannot be three individuals from different tribes and claim superior, then it is clear that the Ahmadiyyas are non-Muslims, as Essa is from Israel, Mahdi is from Mecca while Ahmad is from Pakistan.

“This is why the scholars and Islamic Council are against them, they said anybody who is against them is a nonbeliever and they don’t pray behind any Muslim other than themselves. These are people who are banned by Saudi to perform Hajj because they are not Muslims,” Imam Fatty said.

Fatty said Ahmadiyyas should not be allowed to operate in the country, and if the government allows them to operate based on religious equality, then other religions like Baddihism, Hinduism, Boku-haram and others must be allowed to operate, something he said is against the Islamic principles and that will bring destabilization in the country in future.