By: The Fatu Network Editorial
Former Gambia international and Sports Ambassador Tijan Jaiteh has signed a landmark five-year partnership with Puma, marking a major milestone for Gambian sports.
The deal will see Jaiteh represent Puma in mentorship programs, grassroots initiatives, and promotional campaigns, aligning with his efforts to develop youth football and improve sports infrastructure in The Gambia.
By: Michaella Faith Wright
At just 24 years old, Abraham Josei is making a name for himself in the gospel music scene. Born in The Gambia to Sierra Leonean roots, he began his journey as a worship minister at the age of 11. His breakthrough came when he competed in the Awake’s Got Talent competition, a pivotal moment that set him on the path to recognition.
Josei’s dedication and natural talent for gospel music have only grown stronger over the years. Currently an accounting student, he made headlines when he won Be a Star with Africell – Gambia Edition. This victory has further solidified his place in the industry, proving that he is more than just a contestant—he is a gospel sensation in the making.
With his soulful voice and unwavering passion for worship, Josei has captivated audiences, quickly amassing a growing fan base. From church services to major talent platforms, his musical journey serves as a testament to faith, perseverance, and raw talent.
Now, with newfound recognition, he hopes to use his music to inspire and uplift others. As he continues to grow, the gospel music community eagerly anticipates what’s next for this rising star.
By: The Fatu Network Editorial
Khaby Lame, the world’s most-followed TikTok star, was received at the Presidential Palace in Dakar on Friday afternoon by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Following this high-profile audience, Lame was officially appointed a UNICEF goodwill ambassador during a ceremony in Dakar. With 162.8 million TikTok followers, he will use his platform to champion children’s rights, focusing on education, protection, and healthcare.
UNICEF’s regional director, Gilles Fagninou, praised his authenticity and dedication, calling him an “extraordinary ambassador for children.”
By: The Fatu Network Editorial
Amadou Mballo, a 29-year-old Senegalese man, was kidnapped in Oujda, northeastern Morocco, near the Algerian border, by a criminal network composed of individuals from Mali, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast.
His captors are demanding a ransom of 1,600,000 F CFA ($2,500) and have sent videos showing him tied up and tortured, according to Seneweb. His family has appealed to both the authorities and the public for help, fearing for Amadou’s life after seeing footage of other victims executed by the group.
So far, the family has only managed to gather 500,000 F CFA and is urgently working to raise the remaining amount.
By: Dawda Baldeh
Bai Saine, a prominent youth leader in the Jokadou constituency, has expressed criticism of President Adama Barrow’s recent statements made during an interview with QTV. In response to the President’s assertion that his bid for a third term is aimed at safeguarding the party from an untimely downfall in the Gambian political arena, Saine remarked that this suggests the NPP has no future without Barrow. “President Barrow has made it evident that the NPP’s future is bleak without him, acknowledging that there is no succession plan in place within the party,” he stated.
The youth leader indicated that this reflects President Barrow’s lack of confidence in the NPP, suggesting that Barrow believes the party will fail without his leadership. “This should serve as a wake-up call for all NPP supporters—why support a leader who thinks he is the only one capable, with no vision for the future beyond himself?” he asserted.
Saine, who ran as an independent candidate in the last parliamentary election and lost by a margin of 12 votes to the current Jokadou National Assembly Member, argued that President Barrow ought to allow others within his party the opportunity to lead after serving two terms. Like many others, Saine stated that pursuing a third term would contradict the principles of integrity and democracy. He urged Gambians to unite and prevent one individual from monopolizing the leadership of the country.
“Let us not anchor our nation’s future to a single person. Instead, we should concentrate on establishing robust institutions, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for visionary leadership that benefits all citizens—not just a political party. The future of The Gambia is greater than any one individual. Let’s make wise choices,” he emphasized.
By: The Fatu Network Editorial
The Nema Kunku Police are investigating a case of baby dumping following the discovery of a deceased infant along the Nema-Su (CRR) roadside.
Police PRO ASP Modou Musa Sisawo stated, “The police are working with public health officials and other relevant stakeholders as investigations into the incident continue.”
By Mama A. Touray
The public relations officer of the Brikama Area Council, Lamin Sighateh, in a telephone interview with The Fatu Network, stated that the Brikama Area Council is yet to establish the cause of the Sandinka fire incident.
“There are different things said by different sources on the ground, but for us, we understand that the fire started as early as 3 a.m. However, as we speak, we have not yet established the cause of the fire,” he said.
Sighateh also emphasized that when such incidents happen, everyone carries different opinions, noting that the most important thing for people to know is that the Brikama Area Council is yet to establish the source of the fire.
“We believe that it’s the job of the fire service to constitute a task force committee, which they have already established, to help determine the cause of the fire. Any moment we establish the source of the fire from relevant authorities, we can conclude as to the source of the fire,” he advised.
He added that the police have secured the area to allow the fire service to carry out the necessary work in determining the cause of the fire.
Regarding the number of fire stations in the West Coast Region and their distance from Sandinka, he said, “We have a fire service in Brikama, Airport Junction, and around Kanilai, making it three fire stations within the West Coast Region. The one in Brikama is not even a kilometer from Sandinka, but one can say it’s probably between 500 meters to 800 meters.”
Sighateh, however, informed this medium that they are working closely with relevant stakeholders, such as the National Security Council, the Regional Police Command, the Ministry of the Interior, and other stakeholders, to ensure the swift relocation of the vendors and to continue the investigation into the cause of the fire with the task force already constituted.
He said that when they were informed about the incident, the management of the council, including Chairman Darboe, the CEO, and councilors, visited Sandinka and were subsequently joined by the National Security Council under the leadership of the Minister of the Interior.
OPINION
By Hatab Hydara
Mr. President, when you made that major pronouncement in April 2023 during a meeting with Muslim elders about life beyond presidency, I believe you were sincere. I believe you spoke from your heart about your true intentions of relinquishing power at some point, presumably at the end of your current second term. In that speech, you revealed that plans were afoot to set up your foundation through which you would continue to support the country. In fact, you said a land – which allocation became controversial – had been identified and that staff for the foundation were being recruited. Mr. President, those remarks demonstrate that you had carefully thought about leaving office.
However, no sooner had you made that announcement than we saw several of your acolytes jumping to pin a different narrative. They insisted that you didn’t mean what you said, or you said it in a different context only your adherents understood. The reality, though, Mr. President, is that you spoke from heart. In fact, just this week, during an interview with Journalist Alieu Ceesay of QTV, you said you wanted to leave office, but your adherents prevailed on you to stay for the interest of the governing National People’s Party (NPP). I will get to the issue of NPP vs national interests later. But let’s address what your acolytes want versus what the nation wants.
Mr. President, those who are trumpeting your longevity in power are either grossly insincere or do not wish you and the country well. It takes a fleeting litigation of their past to arrive at this conclusion. These are political “junglers” who aided and abetted one of the worst dictatorships in Africa. Even when Gambians voted out the tinpot, some of these people seized the national airwaves, projecting the Big Lie that the election was rigged in your favor. They vowed that you would never be sworn into the office. Through their callous actions, you had to seek refuge in neighboring Senegal. Their unpardonable actions plunged the country into one of its gravest crises, forcing tens of thousands of our compatriots across borders as refugees. Mr. President, Gambians have not forgotten about that dark chapter even though you continue to grant these political “junglers” some of the highest responsibilities of our land.
Mr. President, have you ever asked yourself what the true intentions of these people are? Has it ever occurred to you that these people have no modicum of loyalty and that they are loyal only to their souls? Have you, out of curiosity, ever wondered why these people dumped Jammeh the minute he was dethroned? What guarantees are that these “junglers” wouldn’t dump you the minute you left power? What is clear is that these low-hanging fruits are married to their selfish interests. Self-serving is what they know. For them, survival means lining their pockets and riding along with every new dispensation, good or bad.
Mr. President, it may not be fair to blame just those who aided and abetted Jammeh. Over the last nine years that you have been in power, we have seen many of your critics bent the knee. Some ditched the party that made them to join yours. Others coined the term “alliance” to be at the center of power. A good chunk of these transactional politicians would go on to become ministers and senior government officials. Some of these people had said the worst about you. Mr. President, today, they made a 360-degree switch to sing your praise, “Kairo Barrow.” They have gone to the extent they are advocating your longevity in power. Again, have you, out of curiosity, questioned their true intentions?
Mr. President, the buck stops with you. Your long spell in the opposition under a brutal dictatorship should serve as sufficient reference for you to make an independent decision about your political future. Have you ever wondered why both Jawara and Jammeh ended up the way they did? It is simply self-perpetuation in power. Jawara, with all his rich democratic and human rights scorecards, was overthrown in a nasty coup, while Jammeh was humiliated at polls he tried to steal. Have you reflected on what became of your predecessors after leaving office? They both went into self-exile. Would you want a similar fate to befall you once you have left power no matter how long that takes?
Mr. President, while our constitution currently has no term limits, the moral and ethical obligations fall on you to do the needful – give Gambians a fresh start. Mr. President, you have always spoken about your legacy. I figured that keeping a good legacy is important for you since you’ve never missed an opportunity to mention it. What better legacy could you possibly leave behind than laying the democratic foundations for The Gambia, not least the TERM LIMIT. A lot of your political “junglers” would tell you that it is your right to seek a third mandate, probably drawing comparisons from other countries. But Mr. President, The Gambian story is unique. Our success in decisively defeating tyranny through the ballot box is what makes our story unique, different, and powerful. DON’T FALL FOR IT!
During your party’s recent congress in Mansa Konko, you stated that you never wanted to become President and that it was only Allah’s will that it happened. Mr. President, if that was the case, wouldn’t you have been grateful to a nation that chose you twice over more competent presidential hopefuls? Or are you trying to “force Allah’s hand,” as your now political bedfellow Mai Ahmed Fatty put it during a presser reacting to the scuttling of the popular 2020 draft constitution by a handful of your lawmakers in the parliament?
Mr. President, you told Journalist Alieu Ceesay of QTV that you wanted to leave power, but that you are hanging on because “My party is a very young party. I don’t want my party to die at the infant stage [sic].” Mr. President, successful leaders are those who create a competent bench of potential successors. Despite it being a young party, NPP boasts of highly competent young leaders who have the wherewithal to succeed. It is upsetting that your only reason of denying Gambians a chance at term limits is because you want NPP’s longevity in power.
Mr. President, the reality is that you are being seized by a dangerous cabal that does not wish the country well and wants your longevity in power for their selfish interests. I hope that you will do the needful by stepping down at the end of your term and become a loving statesman who can continue to live in the country with dignity and contribute to its development. Don’t allow the Macky Sall fate to befall you. Jummah Mubarak!
By: Dawda Baldeh
A political uproar has emerged in Germany following the far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) distributing around 30,000 counterfeit “deportation” tickets in Karlsruhe. In a statement released to this outlet, prominent Gambian migrant activist in Germany, Yahya Sonko, indicated that the situation for migrants in Germany, including Gambians, remains precarious as the election approaches.
Sonko revealed that the tickets, which labeled the passenger as an “Illegal Immigrant” and listed the destination as a “Safe Country of Origin,” have faced widespread condemnation as racist and reminiscent of Nazi-era propaganda from the 1930s. “German authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into the occurrence, which specifically targeted individuals from migration backgrounds,” he stated. This action reportedly ignited outrage nationwide, with many drawing comparisons between AfD’s campaign and historical deportation practices under the Nazi regime.
AfD’s Growing Popularity and Its Anti-Migrant Agenda
Migrant activist Sonko emphasized that despite the backlash, AfD continues to attract support. “Recent polls show that 19% of German adults now view the party favorably, marking the highest approval rating AfD has achieved,” he noted. The party, recognized for its staunch anti-migrant position, unveiled its election manifesto earlier this month, detailing its stringent policies regarding immigration, asylum, and deportation.
Here are the main points of AfD’s manifesto shared by Sonko:
Implications for Gambians in Germany
Sonko mentioned that Germany is home to over 30,000 Gambians, with more than 17,000 living in Baden-Württemberg alone. As AfD’s anti-migrant rhetoric gains momentum, Gambians and other immigrant communities may encounter heightened scrutiny, stricter residency requirements, and an increased risk of deportation. He added that the rising support for far-right movements highlights the necessity of remaining law-abiding, preserving a positive reputation, and effectively integrating into society. “Even a single criminal act by an immigrant can amplify AfD’s anti-migrant narrative and provide further rationale for stricter policies,” he stressed.
Guidance for Gambians in Germany
Known for his peaceful advocacy, Sonko encouraged Gambians to:
As Germany approaches a pivotal election year, the prospects for immigrants, including Gambians, remain uncertain. “The rise of AfD indicates a challenging period ahead, making it crucial for all migrants to remain vigilant, informed, and engaged in lawful and constructive activities,” he remarked.
By Mama A. Touray
President Adama Barrow has disclosed that he considered stepping down but was advised by his party members that the National People’s Party was not yet ready for him to hand over leadership to someone else.
Barrow shared this during an interview on QTV’s State of Affairs programme when he was asked if he intended to seek a third term in the upcoming presidential election. He confirmed that he would indeed run for a third term.
“Yes. I will give you a direct answer, yes. It is not about President Barrow; it’s about my party. My part is a very young party, and I don’t want my party to die at an infant stage,” he said, adding “my party is very young and I don’t think we are that much organised to that level to afford losing their leader, so that is why as a leader and secretary general of the party, my entire team feels that the party is too young for me to hand over the baton”.
Barrow emphasized that the decision was not based solely on the size of the party but rather on its maturity and development.
“For me, I think it’s time [to step down] but all of them think that it’s too early for me to leave and they also think if I leave now, I am killing the party, and I don’t want to kill this party.
“I started this party so I want this party to be an institution, and I want it to continue for the next hundred years and for it to be relevant in Gambian politics and all of them feel that I should be the one [to] lead,” he said.
President Barrow highlighted the reasons he should not run for a third term, stating that he believes he has nothing left to prove in Gambian politics. He remarked, “[There are] two reasons I can mention. First, I defeated a dictator who was here for twenty-two years. You and I thought no one could defeat Yaya Jammeh, especially through the ballot box. [However,] God brought me, and I was able to defeat him.”
In the Afrobarometer survey, it was indicated that many people believe the country is not headed in the right direction. This sentiment suggests that President Barrow is unlikely to win the upcoming election. However, Barrow responded by stating that such opinions are subjective. He pointed to a report from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), which predicts that he will win the election.
“These are all opinions. So, to me, I am confident that I am doing a good job. I think I have not done anything that will warrant Gambian people to sack me. I am not killing anybody, and I am not going against the law. I am not using executive powers against anybody,” he said.
According to Barrow, his administration is guiding this country in the right direction and developing and implementing unprecedented landmark projects, such as road construction, electricity supply, school and health infrastructure, as well as a 110% increase in salaries.
“With all these achievements, [do] you think people will choose somebody else over me? I don’t think so, but it’s the Gambian people who will decide [and I] am very confident that I will win the 2026 election. Maybe this time with a bigger margin. I will defeat my father again,” he said.
By: Madi Jobarteh
It is welcome news that Minister of Lands Hamat Bah has finally announced the findings and recommendations of the Kamalo lands investigation launched several months ago. In the interest of transparency and accountability, the Minister should now release the 34-page report to the public.
Citizens have a right to know the details of the investigation. With that knowledge, citizens will be able to follow its implementation to ensure it is done right and appropriately.
Releasing the report would demonstrate the Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Pres. Barrow just told the media that he is determined to combat corruption even if it involved his family member. Therefore, to lend credence to that statement by the President, the Minister should release the full report immediately.
Failing to release the report would only mean that both the President and Hamat Bah are engaged in only lip service to corruption. It means there cannot be any trust that the recommendations will be fully, impartially, and urgently implemented. Overall, it would mean that the entire Kamalo lands investigation is a smokescreen intended to silence and divert public attention away from public concerns about Kamalo. This means the resources spent on the investigation are a waste of public resources, hence further entrenching corruption and abuse of office.
Therefore, I urge Hamat Bah to practice what they preach—that the Government is ready to combat corruption and abuse of office—by releasing the Kamalo Report.
By: The Fatu Network Editorial
A new political party, the Visionary Gambian Alliance (VGA), is set to enter the Gambian political landscape as the country prepares for the 2026 presidential election.
The youth-led party, founded recently, is in the process of officially registering with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for next year’s election and beyond.
Led by its president and chairman, Njaga Sey, the VGA says it aims to create “a prosperous, democratic, and inclusive Gambia where every citizen enjoys equal rights and opportunities.”
As the 2026 presidential election approaches, the emergence of the VGA adds a new dynamic to the political scene, highlighting the growing involvement of youth in shaping the future of the nation.
By: The Fatu Network Editorial
The police are investigating the alleged murder of Musa Bah, a Senegalese national, who was found dead on Wednesday, January 29, in the Bansang vicinity of Sukuta Kunda Allatentu.
According to police spokesperson ASP Modou Musa Sisawo, officers responded to a distress call and discovered Bah’s lifeless body, along with his shoes, glasses, and the suspected murder weapon, though his motorbike was missing.
ASP Sisawo revealed that Bah had been visited by two individuals who claimed to be his relatives. “According to his wife, these individuals had come to visit him before he left with them. When he failed to return, concerns arose, ultimately leading to the tragic discovery of his body,” he said.
The two individuals are currently unaccounted for, and an investigation is ongoing.
By: The Fatu Network Editorial
On January 29, more than 60 people died when an American Airlines regional jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan Washington National Airport, crashing into the Potomac River.
Officials confirmed there were no survivors, making it the deadliest U.S. air disaster in over two decades. Among the victims were U.S. and Russian figure skaters returning from a training event.
Investigators said both aircraft were following standard flight patterns, but officials, including President Trump, suggested the crash was preventable. Rescue operations remain underway as authorities recover bodies and search for answers.
By: Dawda Baldeh
Notable Gambian artist manager and music industry figure D. Jobz, also known as Baddest Manager, has expressed his displeasure with the organizers of a corporate event featuring Senegalese artist Wally Seck, claiming that this event is overshadowing ST’s album launch scheduled for February. In an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, D. Jobz criticized the timing of Wally’s event, which coincides with ST’s album launch, calling it a sign of disrespect. He accused foreign artists of encroaching upon The Gambian music scene, a situation he deems unacceptable.
According to D. Jobz, these foreign artists are invading the Gambian music industry and taking opportunities away from local talent. “It is a significant disrespect for ST’s event to be overshadowed by a foreign-organized event,” he remarked, emphasizing that no Gambians are involved in organizing the event. “It has been arranged by Senegalese, and they are featuring a Senegalese artist on the same day that Gambians are hosting their own event,” D. Jobz clarified.
Like many others, D. Jobz highlighted that Senegalese musicians such as Wally Seck and Youssou Ndure have been earning substantial amounts of money in The Gambia. He urged those attending foreign events and spending money on these artists to also support Gambian musicians. “I believe it is inappropriate for these individuals to bring Wally on the same day as ST’s event. We are not making this statement because we are allied with ST. Supporting ST is supporting every other Gambian artist,” he contended.
The prominent Gambian artist manager pointed out that such foreign dominance will no longer go unchallenged, asserting that Gambian artists are not being given the chance to break into the Senegalese music industry. For him, the struggle against foreign dominance in The Gambian music scene is not solely for ST but for all artists. He stressed that if this trend continues, organizers may repeat the same with other Gambian artists’ shows. “Next, it could be Jizzle, Nyancho, or any other Gambian artist,” he added, suggesting that organizers should be advised to schedule their events on different dates.
D. Jobz claimed that these individuals show no respect for Gambians and called on Gambians to embrace and support everything local, similar to what other countries do. “No one from The Gambia would organize an event in Senegal and overshadow any Senegalese artist’s event. We should not allow Senegalese to take advantage of us. Gambia is a significant market for Senegalese artists, yet they do not reciprocate. Whatever these Senegalese artists earn comes from The Gambia. To me, this is a form of modern slavery,” he reiterated.
D. Jobz emphasized that the primary source of income for Gambian artists comes from ticket sales, from which consultants, managers, promoters, and others are compensated. He stated that the Gambian music industry needs protection from foreign dominance. “These Senegalese are attempting to take everything from us. They generate their millions from us, yet they do not provide us with the opportunity to enter their industry,” he alleged. “We want to put an end to this. We will not allow Senegalese artists to invade our industry. We need to embrace Gambian initiatives and stop prioritizing outsiders. It is absurd when people claim the audiences are not the same. ST also requires those corporate individuals to attend his show.”
He informed The Fatu Network that Wally’s presence in The Gambia on the same day as ST’s album launch will undoubtedly impact the show. “The attendees of Wally’s event will primarily be those in the corporate sector, working in banks, government, and private institutions who are financially stable. We are trying to encourage them to attend our events and support Gambian artists, but now many will likely choose Wally’s event, which will affect ST’s event in terms of VIP ticket sales,” he explained.
He added, “If Wally’s event did not coincide with ST’s event, the likelihood of these individuals attending ST’s event would be high. Now, the chances of them going to ST’s event are very low because they cannot trade Wally’s event for any other.”
D. Jobz noted that with Wally performing at the corporate event, direct support from the corporation will not benefit ST. “People should stop claiming that the audiences are not the same. We also need them at our events.”
By: Dawda Baldeh
The opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP), led by Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, has called on world leaders to oppose Trump’s mass deportations. Batchilly characterized Trump’s commitment to deportation as inhumane, emphasizing that immigrants have played a crucial role in the socioeconomic advancement of the United States.
“I urge world leaders to stand against this mass deportation. Trump needs to be reminded that America owes its current state to immigrants,” he stated. He further noted that the impact of immigrants on the socioeconomic fabric of every nation, including the United States, is immeasurable.
“Immigrants are essential to progress, innovation, and cultural diversity. To threaten their removal is not only inhumane but also a profound act of ingratitude,” he elaborated. “Donald Trump must be reminded that America is a nation founded by immigrants.”
Batchilly contended that from the early settlers to contemporary contributors in sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, and agriculture, immigrants have consistently driven America’s global leadership. “Trump’s own background serves as a testament to this reality; his parents were immigrants.”
The GAP leader noted that millions have sought opportunities in a land that promised fairness and equality. “Immigrants introduce new ideas, stimulate economic growth, and occupy essential positions in the workforce,” he asserted. “Mr. Trump must recognize that the world is observing, and his views on immigration undermine the very principles upon which America was established. Freedom, tolerance, and equality should be celebrated, not sacrificed for political gain,” he stressed.
The GAP leader cautioned Donald Trump and all leaders with similar views to adopt compassion and inclusivity. “History will not forgive those who promote division and prejudice. It is time to acknowledge immigrants for what they truly are—valuable contributors, not threats.”
He remarked that America’s greatness stems from its diversity, not in spite of it.
By: The Fatu Network Editorial
Alima Sow, alias “Alima Suppo” (a vendor of butt-enhancement products), has been detained along with three of her associates and other sellers. They are set to appear in court in connection with an investigation into the sale of products allegedly linked to severe health issues, including heart attacks and sudden deaths, according to L’Observateur.
Following this crackdown, authorities are now reportedly targeting sellers of skin-lightening products, with figures like “Mame Ndiaye Savon” (a well-known seller of bleaching creams and soaps) under scrutiny after online medical platforms raised concerns.
Pictured: Alima Sow, a key figure in the investigation.
Police officers responded to a violent confrontation at Jah Oil Bond Road in Banjul on the night of Wednesday, January 28, following a dispute between fueling station staff and a group of individuals.
Despite attempts to de-escalate the situation, officers were overpowered, prompting reinforcements. As the aggressors continued to resist and attack, police fired warning shots before shooting one individual in the leg in self-defense.
Three suspects—Momodou Njie, who sustained the gunshot wound, Ousman Jobe, and Ousainou Njie—were arrested, while others fled. The suspects face assault-related charges as investigations continue, with police urging public cooperation in maintaining security.
