Gambia is among 141 countries that voted in favour of the “immediate, complete and unconditional” withdrawal of Russian military forces from Ukraine. The voting took place on 2^nd March 2022 at United Nations General Assembly.

Generally, 5 countries voted against while 35 abstained from voting. The countries that voted against the motion are Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Syria and Eritrea.

In Africa, Eritrea is the only African country that voted against the resolution.

17 African countries abstained from voting: South Africa, Algeria, Uganda, Burundi, Senegal, South Sudan, Mali, Mozambique, Sudan, Namibia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Central Africa Republic, Madagascar, Tanzania and Congo.

All other African countries voted for the immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine.

Uganda said it abstained from the vote to uphold “neutrality” as the incoming chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (Nam).

Nam is a forum made up of 120 developing countries to assert their independence from the competing claims of the two superpowers.

In a tweet, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Adonia Ayebare, said the country will “continue to play a constructive role in the maintenance of peace and security both regionally and globally”.

By: Christian Conteh

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has revealed that it will allow National Assembly Candidates in the upcoming elections to review their nomination papers and make the requisite changes if need be.

This is in line with the High Court Decision in the case of Dr. Ismaila Ceesay of the Citizen’s Alliance Party VS the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and a similar case, Mai Ahmad Fatty of the Gambia Moral Congress VS the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

On both occasions, The High Court in Banjul ruled in favour of the petitioners. The courts said the decision by the country’s electoral body was a contravention of the Electoral Laws.

“If you don’t fulfil all the requirements when you submit your nomination papers, we shall inform you immediately. You will then have the opportunity to go back and make the necessary corrections and present them on the 12th and 13th March 2022.”

According to Sambujang Njai the Commissions Chief Electoral Officer, it is not their intention to object or reject the nomination of any candidate. However, candidates he said must fulfil all the requirements.

By Sanna Jallow

Fishermen at Brufut fish landing site have blamed the scarcity and high price of fish on the presence of Chinese fishing vessels which they alleged are destroying their fishing nets at sea.

The Gambia, a land blessed with beautiful and navigable river for fishing is faced with shortage of fish in the market. This has resulted in price hiking of fish. Fish is part of the staple foods in the Gambia and also as an income generating avenue for many.

Dam sarr, a fisherman accused the Chinese fishing boats of destroying their fishing net which is making their work difficult and thereby not being able to catch enough fish to meet public demand.

He lamented that fishing is their source of income from which they feed their families and also take care of other needs.

Mariam Colley, a dry fish seller at the Brufut fish landing site, said life has been difficult for her since the landing site started facing scarcity of fish for the past few months, noting that her source of income has reduced drastically, making it difficult for her to pay rent and her children’s school fees.

Fishermen and fish vendors at the Brufut fish landing site called on government to come to their aid and settle the problem between them and the Chinese fishermen, disclosing that they are losing millions of dalasi.

The recent shortage of fish has left both fisherman, vendors and consumers in difficult times especially in this moment of Covid-19 pandemic.

It is evident that such a situation adversely affects the lives and livelihood of fishermen, traders, retailers and consumers in the Gambia, and it also makes life difficult for most households in the country.

By Dawda Baldeh

The NAFANTA foundation in collaboration with CHAFFINCH TRUST, a charitable organization in the United Kingdom, on Wednesday 2nd March 2022 handed over to the Ministry of Health of The Gambia a 40-feet container of medical items worth over Seven Million Dalasis (D7m). The handing over ceremony was done at the Central Medical Store in Kotu.

The health items presented to the Ministry are to be distributed to various health facilities across the country. The items include intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, wheelchairs, chairs, face-masks, mattresses, bandages amongst other.

Speaking at the presentation, Buba Darboe, Program Manager at the Ministry of Health described the donated materials as “life saving,” noting that it would help to better strengthen the health sector. He confirmed that the materials donated are of high quality and can last longer. “This partnership is very helpful to the ministry and the Gambian people at large,” Buba Darboe said.

He said the ministry was glad to receive the materials and assured the donors that the materials will be used for the intended purpose. “These medical items are highly demanded at this time,” he stressed.

Alastrair Smith, CHAFFINCH TRUST representative, said the materials they donated to the Health Ministry are meant to better strengthen the health sector and to make quality health accessible to all Gambians.

He assured that the foundation will continue to offer humanitarian assistance to the health sector.

Modou Faye, Nafanata Foundation (CHEEPP CHARITY UK) also speaks on behalf on the foundation. He said the foundation’s objective is to help the needy and also to continue on the support that NAFANTA has been offering to Gambians before her death.

He gave assurance that this will not be the last time the foundation will support Gambians especially the health sector.

Mr. Faye expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for facilitating the shipment of the container to the country.

Fatou Samateh, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Health said the donation was timely, expressing the ministry’s appreciation to their partners; adding that the government cannot do it alone.

Rene Geofrey Renner, Chairman of Ministry of Health’s Donation Committee also thanked the donors for the gesture. He promised they would distribute the materials to the beneficiaries, noting that the role of the committee is to maintain accountability.

“As a committee, we make sure that every donation received gets to its beneficiaries. This committee was set up to enhance transparency and accountability in handling medical donations.” He commended the donors for the initiative and called on others to emulate them.

The NAFANTA Foundation was formed to promote Awareness of Anxiety and Depression in societies and to contribute to supporting the health and wellbeing of vulnerable people in deprived communities.

By Amara Thoronka

As the April 9^th National Assembly Election draws close, Interparty Committee (IPC) – an interparty forum in The Gambia, has called on all political parties that would be contesting in the forthcoming assembly election to award symbols to women, youths and persons with disability (PWDs) to enhance fair representation in the lawmaking body of The Gambia.

The call was made in the press conference held on 1st March 2022 at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center by IPC and their partners: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and National Democratic institute.

Co-chairperson of IPC, Hon. Musa Amul Nyassi, said the body was established to promote interparty dialogue and co-operation tailored toward promoting peaceful political dialogue, credible electoral processes, national unity, democracy and peace in the country.

“Since its formation, the IPC has facilitated constructive conversations among political actors on reform issues and helped in diffusing political tensions, particularly during contentious electoral processes and reform initiatives”

“We are advocating and encouraging more women, youths and persons with disability to vie in the forthcoming national assembly and local government elections. We are also appealing to all Gambian voters to consider voting for those women, youths and persons with disability who will be nominated by political parties or vying as independent candidates. This is the right thing to do if our democracy is to be inclusive and become stronger”

Hon. Nyassi disclosed that during the June 2021 quarterly breakfast meeting in Masankoko, Lower River Region, political party leaders committed to elevate more women to party leadership positions by nominating more women to vie for elective seats, thereby contributing to Gambians efforts of achieving at least 30% gender quota in national assembly and local councils.

He added that the inclusion of women, youths and persons with disability in decision-making is a fundamental human right and an issue of social justice, especially in a country such as The Gambia where the largest population and registered voters are both women and young people.

In his contribution, Project Manager of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Thomas Kimaru noted that the UNDP will continue to promote good governance and development in The Gambia.

Lala Touray, Senior Program Assistant of National Democratic Institute also reiterated her institution’s commitment to enhancing inclusive governance in the country.

It could be recalled that, recently, a constitutional amendment bill seeking to reserve 15 seats for women in the National Assembly failed to pass into law on procedural grounds. The tenure of the fifth parliament of The Gambia ended on 28th February 2022. As nomination of candidates for the April 9th assembly elections begins in few days, rights and gender activists await to see the fate of women, youths and PWDs.

People living in Nyamanarr, Upper River Region (URR) of The Gambia are to experience power supply for the first time in 145 years.

This comes after the commissioning of the first Solar Green Mini Grid plant in the said area by Unique Energy, with an estimated cost of D54 million.

The Commissioning of the 120-kilowatt peak power solar PV mini-grid in Nyamanarr took place on 25 February 2022. The commissioned Distribution and Generation Network is expected to bring clean, reliable, and metered renewable energy to the doorstep of the people of Nyamanarr for the first time in over 145 years, a population of over 6500 people benefiting more than 200 households and businesses.

The D54 million mini-grid plant is financed by the Unique Energy and Unique Solutions under the Unique Group of Companies with part grant from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) with support from the government through the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, PURA and GIEPA demonstrating the theme of the inauguration, promoting energy for all through Public Private Partnerships.

Unique Energy as part of its contractual and funding obligations, have invested over 43 million Dalasis over the past 2 years towards the infrastructure being inaugurated today consisting of a land size area of 4050 square meters donated by the village of Nyamanarr, a generation and distribution network of  over 130 poles with GPS mapping and power lines covering the whole village, a 120kwp PV plant with 310 Panels, Inverter systems, 192 Batteries for storage with a combined capacity of 576 KWh providing electricity 24/7 right around the year and over 40 solar street lights across the village, house wiring for houses and businesses, system monitoring tools, prepaid single and 3 phase smart meters, first class billing and vending platforms. The other equipment and infrastructure such as the office Sales and residential unit, first class smart fire detection and alarm system and the new access road leading to the plant, taking the total project and investment cost to over 54 million Dalasis in this first phase.

The grand launching of the billing prepaid platform “Lerral” Energy on the Go” or “Lehri” as they say in Myanmar also took place during the commissioning.

Acting Executive Director ECREEE Mr Bah F.M. Saho said, expressed hope that such development would be the beginning of Gambia’s mini grids revolution, assuring that they will continue to partner in order to enhance energy sufficiency and stability in the country.

Representing President Adama Barrow, the Minister of Energy and Petroleum Hon. Fafa Sanyang stated, “It is therefore very clear that The Gambia has significant solar energy resources which can be deployed via solar PV plants and other renewable energy solutions. Thus, in accordance with the Roadmap (2021-2040), part of the contingency plans to ensure Universal Access in 2025 as indicated is through the increment of solar PV plants and to have 35% of Energy generation in country to be through renewables by 2030”.

Electricity availability has a direct impact on quality of education and as part the Unique Group’s corporate social responsibility agenda, a WIFI zone for Nyamanarr Lower Basic School was installed at no cost, a 40-inch TV with a satellite decoder was also donated the school library, 3G and 4G android tablets, apple iPads, Electric Water dispenser, Electric Kettle, Electric Fridge, Deskjet printer and accessories, fans were also donated.

As part of the celebrations for the inauguration, Unique Foundation provided a mobile Medical caravan with first class equipment offering free health diagnostics services such as- Mammography (Breast Cancer Check-up)- Hepatitis B- Gynaecological and prenatal consultation- Ultrasound (Abdomen, uro-genital, gyneco-obstetrical)- X-ray- Glycaemia (Blood Sugar) to the people of Nyamanarr and the Basse Region. The event was done in partnership with Radiologie Mobile Zatifa, Africmed, Gambia Red Cross Society, Trust Bank and Access Bank.

Unique Energy hopes that the inauguration of The Gambia’s first Green Solar Mini-grid plant will open doors for many more opportunities in promoting energy for all through public private partnerships including the creation of much needed jobs for our young people and impacting thousands of ordinary Gambians in taking advantage of clean renewable energy sources.

Commenting on the 54 million Dalasis project, Papa Yusupha Njie Chairman and CEO of the Unique Group pf Companies said, “we hope the inauguration of The Gambia’s first Green Solar Mini-grid plant will open doors for many more opportunities in promoting energy for all through public private partnerships including the creation of much needed jobs for our young people and impacting thousands of ordinary Gambians in taking advantage of clean renewable energy sources.  We take this opportunity to thank His Excellency the President, Adama Barrow and his entire government especially the ministry of Petroleum and Energy and his team under Honourable  Fafa Sanyang for creating the enabling environment allowing companies like the Unique Group of Companies to leave a mark in the energy landscape and making us partners in development along the way”.

By: Christian Conteh

The Chairperson of Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has reiterated the call for urgent reforms in the country’s electoral system, revealing that the commission spent a whopping 2 million dalasis (plus) per candidate just for ballot drums in the December 4th 2021 presidential election. Suggesting it might incur a similar cost in the upcoming National Assembly Elections. 

Alieu Momarr Njai was speaking during a training session organised by the commission for civil society actors and the media, the training took place on Wednesday 2nd March at the GTHI Conference Hall in Kanifing.

Mr Njai noted that the commission has to migrate to paper ballots and leave behind its old system of marbles/tokens and drums. Paper ballots he says are cheaper and more accurate. 

“Those who have been out of the country can attest to it. The papers will have all the names, symbols, pictures and details of candidates, all you need to do is tick or thumbprint, it is that simple,” he said.

With one ballot drum costing about D 1,200 conducting elections using marbles and drums is quite an expensive system, Mr Njai noted.

This is not the first time the commission is suggesting a move from the current electoral system, they made the same call ahead of the December 4th 2021 presidential election.

By: Christian Conteh

The African Union (AU) has described reported ill treatment of Africans trying to leave Ukraine as shockingly racist and in breach international law.

According to the current Chair of the African Union and President of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. Macky Sall, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat they are following closely the developments in Ukraine and are particularly disturbed by reports that African citizens on the Ukrainian side of the border are being refused the right to cross the border to safety.

The two Chairpersons recall that all people have the right to cross international borders during conflict, and as such, should enjoy the same rights to cross to safety from the conflict in Ukraine, notwithstanding their nationality or racial identity.

“Reports that Africans are singled out for unacceptable dissimilar treatment would be shockingly racist and in breach international law. In this regard, The Chairpersons urge all countries to respect international law and show the same empathy and support to all people fleeing war notwithstanding their racial identity,” A statement from the Union read.

The Chairpersons commend the efforts by African Union Member State countries and their embassies in neighbouring countries who have continued to receive and orientate African citizens and their families trying to cross the border from Ukraine to safety.

The United States Government through the COVAX Facility is set to deliver 100,620 doses of Pfizer Vaccines to the Government of The Gambia. The vaccines will arrive in the country on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at 8:40am.

This new shipment of Pfizer doses follows the donation of over 300,000 doses of the Single-Dose Johnson & Johnson Vaccine to The Gambia in 2021 by the U.S. Government, bringing the United States’ total donation of vaccines to The Gambia to over 400,00 since the outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The donations are part of the U.S. government’s global efforts to fight the pandemic.

The Pfizer Vaccine underwent rigorous testing and is currently being administered in the United States – with millions of Americans receiving the vaccine.

The U.S. Embassy in Banjul is coordinating closely with partners to ensure the safe arrival, storage, and administration of the vaccines in The Gambia. The United States Government will continue to partner with The Gambia to support its vaccination campaign.

By Sanna Jallow  

In her public lecture at the University of The Gambia (UTG) convocation lecture held over the weekend at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center, Gambian international academic Dr. Aminata Sillah described youths as the air that enhances national stability, growth and economic prosperity, stating that they should be active in the democratic dispensation of The Gambia.

The convocation lecture is usually done prior to the convocation (graduation) ceremony to explore opportunities for graduands who are expected to be crucial in building the development trajectory for a successful economic transformation of the Gambia.

Dr. Aminata Sillah from Towson University in the United States spoke on the topic: “The role of youths in shaping the future of the Gambia – stolen future or opportunity for bold leadership.”

She added that the involvement of youths in national development is a most. “Young people play one of the most important roles in nation building, therefore they should not be seen as leaders of tomorrow but rather as partners of today.”

Dr Sillah emphasized that young people are social actors of change and an inclusive segment to the country’s development.

“The economic growth in the past few decades has not translated into job creation for young people; young people continue to struggle with high unemployment rate as they find it difficult to secure gainful and meaningful employment opportunities. Joblessness poses serious challenges to their future, driving many to make difficult and uninformed choices”

Vice Chancellor of UTG, Dr. Herbert Robinson, noted that it is a norm in some universities to hold convocation lectures for fresh graduates who have been found worthy both in character and learning to be awarded degrees.

He disclosed that on the actual convocation scheduled for Saturday 5^th March a total of 1,134 students from various degree programmes are expected to be given credentials to get into the job market; saying the graduates have important roles to play in making The Gambia a truly hospitable space and a place everyone will always love to live in.

By: Sainabou Sambou

Fishmongers in Bakau, especially those engaged in the regular smoking of fish have urged the government to renovate their smokehouse facility.

The structure which currently houses the smokehouse is old, unroofed and lacks basic social amenities like water and electricity. According to the women, the current structure has been in existence since The Gambia’s First Republic.

Fatou Kujabi is one of the women who smoke fish regularly, she revealed that the conditions under which they trade are quite poor indicating that they have had to cope with selling fish for over a year without having a roof over their head. Therefore, they have decided to call on the government to help them.

“The current smokehouse we have is not good, it was destroyed by heavy winds during the rainy season. It has been two years since this house was destroyed by the wind. We have sought support from different stakeholders but none of them has shown up,” Fatou said.

Speaking about sales she noted that business is slow, and even when they buy fish to the tune of ten thousand dalasis (D10,000) reselling it to make profit is almost impossible.

“This year everything is hard on us, before the fishermen use to give us fish to sell and after selling it, we give them their money but nothing of such is happening now.

In previous years we will never buy a basket of fish for four thousand dalasis (D 4,000) but now we are buying it at four thousand five hundred dalasis (D4,500) and even more sometimes.”

She added that a basket of Catfish now sells at nine thousand dalasis (D9,000) but sometimes it can even cost ten thousand dalasis (D10,000)

“If you but Catfish for ten thousand dalasis it would be difficult for you to make profit from the sales. Sometimes the money you use to buy the fish is not even recovered after sales.”

Fatou Jammeh is another fishmonger who regularly smokes her fish before selling it. Like other fishmongers, she confirmed that sales are very low and they continue to sell under very difficult conditions.

“We have sat here for five days without having fish because the fishermen say the wind is too much and they cannot go to Sea,” she said.

According to her a basket of Bonga Fish is now bought on wholesale at one thousand dalasis (D1,000) and like Catfish, it is difficult to make profit when resold.

Another challenge she identified is the unavailability of a tap where they could wash up when they are done selling.

“We would like to have a tap here too, so when we are done smoking our fish, we can have a bath before we go home. We are normally at the beach until late at night and we don’t even have electricity in our smokehouse,” she said.

She appealed to the government to come to their rescue as they are affected by both the rain and sun.

“We work in the sun and during the raining season we find it difficult to do our work due to the poor condition of the smokehouse,” she lamented.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Gambia’s youngest film producer and Nollywood actor Musa Darboe alias Chief has pleaded for support as he battles several challenges including lack of finances in Nigeria . Chief made his debut in Nollywood on 13th May 2021.

Speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network he revealed that he joined Nollywood last year and has since featured in three different roles alongside top Nigerian actors and actresses. 

According to Musa, he was contacted by a popular Nigerian film producer who introduced him to the movie industry. He then took part in three different films two of which can be viewed on YouTube. After featuring in the movies, he returned to The Gambia to launch a movie called “Jomfolo”. He returned to Nigeria again on the 13th of November 2021.

Musa says his passion for acting made him leave Gambia for Nigeria to focus on his career.

He has been nominated by the Africa Movie Icon and Celebrity Award under three categories as the best upcoming African actor in 2021. 

He has also produced a movie titled ‘The Unfaithful Girl’ that was nominated as best student film in Africa 2021. He was also nominated as the best young international actor 2021, an awards ceremony that saw him go home with two awards. 

Musa says he is closer to achieving his dreams in acting movies but confirmed that he is faced with numerous challenges. Revealing that he was nominated at the Africa Movie Icon and Celebrity Award, but he could not fly to Freetown to collect the award, he rather went by road and spent days on the journey.

“Other nominees from different countries got support from their tourism ministry with flight tickets for them to attend the award ceremony in Freetown,” he said. 

However, he thanked the people who supported him and pleaded to Gambians to support him. He noted that his focus is to represent The Gambia at International movie competitions. 

“I want to rent an apartment where I can settle down to focus on my career,” Musa Darboe said. 

“Since I came back[to Nigeria], I am staying with my movie director and his way of life is not in line with my culture and religion, so I want to leave his house,” he added.

He went on to lament about his several challenges including how he got stuck in Sierra Leone at some point in time because he had no money.

“I need an apartment to settle down so I can focus on my acting career,” he emphasised.

“The apartment will cost me about 230,000 Naira which is about 24,000 dalasis. I have no other alternative but to speak up so people can help me out. I have tried to speak to several people in Gambia that I believe can help but the moment I share my problems they never respond. However, I can be reached on whatsapp +220 346 0737.”

By: Christian Conteh

The Director-General of Gambia’s Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) has called on all stakeholders including ordinary Gambians to work together with his institution to ensure The Gambia becomes a hostile territory to illicit drug traffickers and patrons.

Bakary Gassama made this call while delivering a statement at the anti-narcotics session at The University of The Gambia the country’s maiden university and the citadel of learning.

The institution’s “Drug Awareness Day” is part of events marking the commemoration of the students’ week.

“We must therefore work together, strengthen our resolve to dismantle criminal syndicates and ensure that The Gambia becomes a hostile territory to illicit drug traffickers and their patrons,” he said.

He revealed that the seizure of tonnes of cocaine at the seaport and cannabis in several parts of the country is a manifestation that West Africa (The Gambia included) continues to be used as a transit point for drugs.

“From 2018 to 2020, the agency seized total quantities of 7 tons 847 KG, 871 G, 61 MG of cannabis, 58 KG 905 G, 343 MG of cocaine, 243 KG, 893 G, 210 MG of cannabis resin (hashish), 1386 tablets of controlled drugs comprising diazepam, clonazepam, bromazepam ecstasy etc and 24 G, 400 MG of heroin. We registered 1958 cases involving 1987 persons during the said period,” the DG said.

He further revealed that in the first three quarters of 2021 (January to September) they seized 2 tons, 22KG, 167 G, 993 MG of Cannabis Sativa, 2 KG, 514 G, 633 MG of Hashish, 2 tons, 952 KG, 946 G, 770 MG of cocaine, 68 G, 280 MG of heroin and 707 tablets of controlled drugs.

In the area of prosecution, he confirmed that from 2018 to 2019, 347 cases were determined with the agency securing 301 convictions and 46 acquittals.

As an institution, the director-general noted that they have been actively engaged in preventive Drug Demand Reduction (DDR). The Public Affairs and Demand Reduction Unit he said conduct on average at least five one-hour weekly radio talk shows over different radio stations across the country.

They have also actively engaged in schools and community outreach programs whilst launching drug-free clubs in several schools across the country.

Mr Gassama was also proud to inform students that his institution has collaborated and supported the launching of Journalists Against Illicit Drug Trafficking and Organised Crime (JAIDTOC).

JAIDTOC he said is an association of media practitioners with a keen interest in reporting on drug-related matters as well as creating awareness on drug abuse and related activities.

Despite all these efforts, he revealed that the challenge is huge and persistent.

“We cannot do it alone. We need your support, cooperation and participation in the crusade on drugs. Therefore, I call on you all to join the bandwagon and get involved in keeping youth, children and drugs apart,” he said.

DLEAG is the lead government institution mandated by law to regulate the usage and possession of controlled drugs, prohibited drugs, precursors and matters connected therewith as provided for in the Drug Control Act (DCA) 2003 Revised Laws of The Gambia.

According to the annual World Drug Report 2021, drug use killed almost half a million people in 2019. The report also indicated that despite the proven dangers, drug use persists with almost 275 million people using drugs.

This figure is a 22% increase from the 2010 estimated global drug users. With the current demographic factors, it is projected that the number of global drug users will rise by 11% and with Africa projected to account for as much as 40% of the global figure.

This Bakary Gassama thinks should be a cause for concern for all of us considering the level of misconception and misinformation surrounding the usage of drugs, especially cannabis.

By: Christian Conteh

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad has in a statement updated the public with the latest information from the country’s Mission in Brussels, on the situation of Gambians in Ukraine.

“New information available to the Ministry indicates that Thirty-Two (32) Gambians have been successfully evacuated from the conflict in Ukraine. Twenty-two (22) are in Poland, eight (8) in Slovakia, 1 in Romania with his Ukrainian wife and child and 1 in Budapest, Hungary,” the statement reads.

It further noted that The Government of The Gambia through the Mission in Brussels has arranged for hotel lodgings in all the above-listed countries for the evacuated Gambians and provided them with a means of subsistence. 

This offer it says has been accepted by the Gambians except a few who prefer to make private arrangements. However, it says the offer of assistance will nonetheless be placed at their disposal whenever requested.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further wishes to inform families of the evacuated Gambians and the general public that the Government will facilitate the return of the evacuated Gambians back home.

This information has been communicated to all concerned. However, the decision to return to The Gambia or make alternative arrangements is an individual prerogative that shall be respected by the Embassy and, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This offer shall only be provided to those who request for it.”

The Foreign Affairs Ministry further assures the public that the operation to effectively evacuate the rest of its citizens in Ukraine is still ongoing and the Embassy officials on the ground in the Polish Ukrainian border as well as in Brussels continue to communicate, guide and facilitate the movement and safe passage of Gambian citizens in Ukraine. 

This process it emphasises will continue until the last known Gambian is evacuated.

The statement ends by extending its utmost gratitude to the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovakia, the Kingdom of Morocco, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria through their diplomatic representations in Brussels, Poland and Ukraine for the assistance rendered to the Team in Brussels.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Gambian irregular migrant returnees from Libya have shared the experience of living in terrible conditions, especially in Libyan prisons, prompting a call for government intervention.

The returnees told The Fatu Network that Gambians in Libya are living in terrible conditions unlike migrants from other countries. They urge the government to intervene to rescue its citizens from gross human rights violations. 

Muhammed Sanneh is a Gambian who resided in Libya for over four decades (42 years) and in the process raised a family of seven children. He said the condition of Gambians in Libya is totally unacceptable.

“I have been in Libya since the 80s and I know the country very well. Libya is not good for migrants. There is no stable government in Libya and the rule of law is not respected,” he noted. 

“I returned with my family so that we can live peacefully. Their (Libya) prisons are ‘very bad’ sometimes prisoners will die in the prisons especially Gambians because we don’t have any diplomatic representation in Libya,” Sanneh said. 

He further noted the government should send a representative to Libya to monitor the situation of Gambian migrants.

“We have returned home but our minds are with the people we left there because we know their conditions.”

Yahya Jambang a migrant who returned from Libya five months ago also called on the government to intervene in the situation of Gambians in Libya. He said many Gambians are stranded in Libya and they want to come back home but can’t come due to imprisonment.

“I was in prison for nearly one year,” he revealed.

Jalika Jarju, a mother of seven children who returned from Libya also emphasised that the situation in Libya is hard. She told The Fatu Network she travelled to Libya with her husband in the 80s and she had all her children there. 

The 56-year-old woman said she voluntarily returned because The Gambia is her home.

 “Your country is your country no matter what and there is no place like home,” she said.

She added that they were in Libya peacefully but urged the government to help those Gambians in prison so they can be free. 

Abdou Njie Kinteh a migrant returnee said the government should help the undocumented Gambians in Libya, especially those who are working and willing to assist their fellow Gambians but lack the legal documentation that will guarantee them to do so. 

“Many of the migrants are in prisons. They do not have access to health care and they are not given any opportunity to communicate with their families. Many will die in prison. All these are challenges we have gone through,” he said. 

He also joined other migrants and appealed to the government to help stranded Gambian migrants who are willing to come back. 

According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) many migrants especially women experience physical and psychological abuse, torture, rape and enslavement. Perpetrators include criminal gangs, smugglers, traffickers, border guards, police and fellow migrants. 

Nigeria’s government has condemned reports that its citizens, and those of other African countries, have been stopped from leaving war-torn Ukraine.

Isaac, a Nigerian man trying to get into Poland, said border staff told him they were “not tending to Africans”.

“We’ve been chased back, we’ve been hit with police armed with sticks,” he told the BBC.

South African foreign office official Clayson Monyela also said students had been ‘badly treated’ at the border

There have also been numerous reports of Ukrainian security officials preventing Africans from catching buses and trains going to the border.

Osemen, from Nigeria, told the BBC he had tried to get on a train in Lviv to take him to the Polish border but was told only Ukrainians would be allowed on board.

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari said there were about 4,000 Nigerians in Ukraine, mostly students.

He said one group had repeatedly been refused entry to Poland so they travelled back into Ukraine to head for Hungary instead.

“All who flee a conflict situation have the same right to safe passage under the UN Convention, and the colour of their passport or their skin should make no difference,” Mr Buhari said in a tweet

More than 350,000 Ukrainians have managed to flee the Russian invasion so far.

‘Hotel only for Ukrainians’

University student Ruqqaya, from Nigeria, was studying medicine in Kharkiv in the east of the country when the city was attacked. She walked for 11 hours overnight before she arrived at the Medyka crossing with Poland.

“When I came here there were black people sleeping on the street,” she told the BBC.

She says she was told by armed guards to wait as Ukrainians had to be let through first. She watched busloads of people, whom she described as white, being allowed through the border while only a handful of Africans were selected from the queue. After waiting for many hours, she was finally allowed to cross and made her way to Warsaw to fly back to Nigeria.

Source: BBC

By: Dawda Baldeh

The speaker of the National Assembly has revealed that over fifty-three (53) bills were enacted by the House of parliament between 2017 to February 2022. Mariam Jack Denton was speaking to lawmakers during the last Ordinary Session of the Fifth Legislature. 

She used the opportunity to commend the National Assembly members for their commitment to serving the country to the best of their abilities. Adding that the National Assembly has made tremendous progress in various areas in the development of the country. 

The fifty-three bills include the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2017; Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission Act, 2017; Constitutional Review Commission Act, 2017; Forest Act, 2018; Maritime Zones Act, 2019; Women Enterprises Fund Act, 2020; Petroleum Commission Act, 2021; Persons with Disabilities Act, 2021; National Assembly Service Act, 2021; National Health Insurance Act, 2021, and most recently The Public Service Pensions Act, 2022.

Speaker Jack Denton further stated that Parliament during the Fifth Legislature witnessed the tabling of the Constitution (Promulgation) Bill, 2020 (in other words the CRC Draft Constitution) by the Hon. Attorney General and Minister of Justice in 2020. 

However, she said the document stalled in Parliament at the Second Reading Stage. Adding that government may decide to come back to Parliament to continue the process of promulgating a new Constitution for the Republic.

She further noted that the Legislature also witnessed the tabling of three (3) Member’s Bills and enacted two of them whilst the other one tabled failed to pass through the second reading stage. 

“This is unprecedented in the history of the National Assembly as only one Member’s Bill was ever introduced and passed in the National Assembly. The Parliament has also facilitated and confirmed appointments to the National Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Judicial Service Commission,” she said.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) has announced that Gambia will conduct the West Africa Senior School Examination Certificate (WASSCE) and The Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination (GABECE) as planned. 

It can be recalled that last week the permanent Secretary Louis Moses Mendy told lawmakers that the country may not conduct the WASSCE and GABECE due to the arrears the country owes the examination body. 

In a press release dated 28th February 2022, the ministry informed the public that the examination will be conducted. 

“Regional Education Directorates, School Principals, Parents, Students and the Public are hereby informed that the Gambia will conduct the 2022 GABECE and WASSCE as planned,” the press release said. 

It further reveals that the development came following a successful virtual meeting held on Friday, 25th February 2022 amongst stakeholders including the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and the West African Examination Council during which the issue of arrears was amicably resolved.

“MoBSE would like to thank the leadership of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, WAEC and all other stakeholders for their continuous support, understanding and partnership. The Gambia Government through Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education is committed to continuously improving quality education service delivery.”

By: Dawda Baldeh

Gambian Migrant Returnees from Libya have on Sunday 27th February 2022 formed a migrant returnees association and selected executive members to handle the day to day running of the association. This was done at a meeting held at Sanchaba Touba, West Coast Region. 

The association is expected to look at the welfare of migrant returnees in The Gambia and also advocate for the freedom of stranded Gambian migrants in Libya especially those in prisons and those who are willing to come back home. 

Various speakers commended the migrant returnees for the initiative, noting that it will make the work easy for both the government and the migrants themselves. 

Speaking on behalf of the Foreign Affairs minister, Musa Camara said the formation of the association is timely. 

“This is brilliant, it will help the government to combat irregular migration. The ministry will empower you (migrant returnees) in various areas. You left this country in search of greener pasture, but it was unfortunate that you couldn’t make it there,” he said. 

He further noted many people have returned home voluntarily but they never came up with the idea of forming an association that will advocate for the welfare of migrants. He expressed hope that the association will bring changes to the country. 

“Government can help an individual, but it is easier when you have an association like this. This will bring unity and strength,” he noted.

“I have heard about the challenges that Gambians are facing in Libya. To make this easy, we need a diplomatic representative in Libya that will help to address some of the challenges,” he said. 

Mr Camara further assured the association that the ministry will help to address their concerns. 

Yahya Jambang, president of the association gave an account of how the association was formed.

 “We returned from Libya five months ago. We promised our brothers in Libya that when we return we will form an association that will serve as a link between the government and the Gambian migrants in Libya,” he said. 

According to him, the association will advocate and promote the welfare of Gambian migrants in Libya and also help to facilitate their return through the support of the government. 

“We want to use the association to help and rescue our brothers in Libya. We know the government cannot give all of us money but we want them to help us to learn skills and those of us who already have skills we want the government to help us with loans to start businesses,” he said.

The Association elected Yahya Jambang as its President, Abdurahmane Keita as Vice President, Musa Seckan as its Secretary and Falagie Drammeh Program Coordinator among several other executive members.

Kemo Bojang, Kanifing Municipal Youth leader thanked the returnees for the initiative and assured them of the council’s support to the association. He said the council will help the returnees to register the association and will also help them to acquire loans and grants. 

These migrants returned from Libya voluntarily due to the challenges they encountered while others are still in Libya and are willing to return but lack the opportunity.

Two Senegalese Nationals engaged in illicit drug trafficking ran out of luck when they were clutched by DLEAG operatives at Yelli Tenda checkpoint in the Lower River Region. The duo were found in possession of two separate suit cases filled with suspected cannabis sativa that were wrapped with brown papers and concealed in plastic papers.

Saikou Omar Sanneh and Bamba Badjie were traveling from the Southern Senegalese region of Cassamance to the Northern part. Saikou Omar Sanneh is an adult male Senegalese National residing at Tankorong village in Cassamance. He claims to be a Farmer. 25 years old Bamba Badjie on the other hand claims to be a driver and he is a resident of Goudoump village in Cassamance.

The duo were apprehended on the 26 February 2022 around 11:30 AM onwards at Yelli Tenda checkpoint in the Lower River Region.

Saikou Omar Sanneh was arrested with ten big bundles of suspected cannabis sativa concealed in a black and red coloured suitcase and Bamba Badjie was also arrested with ten (10) big bundles of suspected cannabis sativa concealed in a brown and red coloured suitcase

The duo are presumed custody helping the officers in their investigations.

Credit: DLEAG