By Mama A. Touray

The former Sheriff of the High Court, Justice Tabally, has admitted before a National Assembly committee that the sale of assets linked to ex-president Yahya Jammeh was poorly handled and lacked basic record-keeping.

Testifying on Friday before the special select committee probing the sales and disposal of assets identified by the Janneh Commission, Tabally said: “We were not able to keep [a] record of [the] list of buyers. What we had was the amount received and the number of cattle sold from each farm. Not necessarily an individual buyer, there was no record of that. So, I compiled that, and from that I prepared this report to return to submit to both the Office of the Chief Justice and the Attorney General.”

He acknowledged he did not personally prepare the return of sales for each buyer, despite that being the conventional practice. “In an ideal, conventional sheriff sale, that is, but we are treating this as one single case. And like I said before, we were, I don’t know whether I mentioned this, but we were not able to keep records of a list of buyers,” he told lawmakers.

Current Sheriff Omar Jabang had previously testified that a return of sales document is required for each buyer and must be filed, with a copy given to the buyer for bank payment.

Pressed by counsel Aji Sainey Kah on how he managed to prepare a report without issuing receipts or recording individual sales, Tabally said: “We had given them handwritten notes to facilitate transportation. The handwritten note is where the number of cattle is syndicated as well as the amount paid.”

He also confirmed he was not present at Farato during the sales and relied solely on the figures submitted by a bailiff. “I did not verify, but I relied on what was submitted to me, and that’s why I could not have verified, because it means I have to go back again and then count the number.” When counsel Kah pointed out that he couldn’t go back to count since the cattle had already been sold, Tabally admitted, “You would not even be able to go back to count the number because the cattle were already sold.”

Kah argued the Sheriff’s office had ignored a High Court order issued on 12 January 2018, which directed it to coordinate the sales with the Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency. “If the Sheriff had followed the order of the High Court, contacted the Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency, just like the High Court ordered… then all the situation you are seeing wouldn’t have happened,” she said. Tabally replied, “All these problems wouldn’t have arisen, I agree entirely.”

Concluding her remarks, Kah stated, “There is absolutely nothing that the Office of the Sheriff did properly, according to the order of the Court, or even to the basic standards and procedures that the Office of the Sheriff would normally use.” Tabally responded: “Yes, regrettably.”

She further criticised the sale process, noting the lack of valuation, inadequate oversight, and reliance on unverifiable private individuals. “Now it’s actually looking like the only thing the Office of the Sheriff did right… is opening the bank account and putting in the value.” Tabally countered, “I wouldn’t say that, but there were mistakes along the way.”

He finally admitted that he never read the High Court’s order that mandated the Sheriff’s Office to conduct the sale. “Yes, that is where everything fell apart,” he said.

The committee’s investigation into the disposal of former president Jammeh’s assets continues.

By Dawda Baldeh

The Alkalo of Sare Alpha, Bubu Whan, has confirmed receiving insults and threats from the Chief of Nianija District, Dawda York, regarding his remarks on the village water crisis.

Speaking to The Fatu Network, Alkalo Bubu stated that he received a call from the chief last Monday, when they shared a video of the village gathered around an uncovered well, pleading for support.

According to him, he went to the chief’s place on Tuesday.

“There is nothing the chief has not said to me,” Alkalo Whan said. “He insulted me, called me a liar, an opposition, and used so many dirty words in the presence of other people.”

Mr. Whan further revealed that this is the third time the chief has threatened him.

“I am older than the chief. He shouldn’t insult me; if I were there with my children, they would fight [the] Chief,” he said.

He argued that the chief is using his position to intimidate people like him, accusing him of being an opposition Alkalo.

“All I said was the lack of water in my village. There is indeed a small borehole that my village and Conteh are sharing, but the water is salty, and people can’t drink it.”

The water crisis in Sare Alpha, despite sharing a small borehole with Conteh, has forced the residents to fetch water from Chamen village.

Despite the chief’s denial of the threats, Alkalo Whan challenged anyone who doesn’t trust him to consult one Demba Amie Cham, a motorcyclist in Chamen who accompanied him to the Chief on Tuesday.

“The insults were shameful. I feel ashamed to go out since that day,” he remarked.

He called on the government to take the necessary steps to address the situation, noting that the Chief’s continued threats are unacceptable.

“I am more NPP than the chief; he was an opposition before getting this position, but for me, since Jarawa’s time to Jammeh and now Barrow, I have always rallied behind the ruling government,” he explained.

He also accused the chief of making life difficult for people like him and others in the district, an accusation many confirmed to The Fatu Network to be true.

By Dawda Baldeh

The Chief of Nianija district, Dawda York, has been accused of threatening Sare Alpha Alkalo regarding his recent statements about the village’s water crisis.

Residents have also alleged that Chief York is abusing his power in the district by detaining and intimidating individuals with differing political opinions.

Gibbie Whan, a Sare Alpha resident, confirmed that the Chief threatened his cousin (Alkalo Bubu Whan).

“The chief has threatened our Alkalo because we posted a video asking for assistance to secure the water supply in the village,” he stated.

“Our Alkalo has not committed any wrongdoing. The chief is threatening to dismiss him. This is unfair,” Mr. Whan added.

Momodou Cham, a resident of Chamen village, also verified to The Fatu Network that the Chief has indeed threatened the village alkalo.

According to the residents, the chief accused the village head of undermining the government.

The Fatu Network has also acquired a video recording showing villagers gathered around an uncovered well, drawing water, which illustrates the current situation.

They are seeking assistance to obtain clean drinking water, citing serious health risks posed by their current source.

“We don’t have clean water in the village,” the residents expressed.

The contaminated water source has compelled residents to travel to a neighbouring village to fetch water.

Village residents claim the chief accused the Alkalo of attempting to undermine President Barrow’s government after the video was shared.

Gibbie clarified that the video was non-political and solely focused on their water crisis.

“So, the chief cares more about the government’s image than our well-being,” he added.

They confirmed that some of the chief’s remarks to the Alkalo were not pleasant.

However, when contacted for comments regarding the allegations, Chief Dawda York replied with a brief statement.

“It’s not true, and I won’t say anything further,” he stated.

He stated that he would not comment further unless the source of our information was disclosed to him.

The chief is also accused of being a self-perpetuating bully in the district.

“He’s a dictator,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous.

They also accused the chief of detaining and threatening individuals.

“People are afraid of him, especially those who are uneducated and unaware of their rights. He’s traumatising people here. He continues to charge individuals for cases, and those who don’t pay will be detained,” Gibbie concluded.

By Dawda Baldeh

The Gambian Embassy in Morocco has responded to concerns expressed by Gambians both locally and internationally about the plight of Gambian migrants in Tunisia.

In an interview with The Fatu Network, Amadou Jawo, a counsellor at the embassy, stated that they are making every effort to tackle the situation of Gambians in Tunisia, but acknowledged that difficulties persist.

In response to a recent article from this outlet concerning a young Gambian, Lasana Baldeh, who is allegedly sentenced to 25 years in prison in Tunisia, Mr. Jawo mentioned that the embassy has not received any official verification of this claim.

He indicated that they would pursue all diplomatic avenues to address the matter with the Tunisian authorities.

“As of now, we have not received any official confirmation regarding this sentencing that has been reported on social media. We will engage with the Tunisian authorities to determine the best way to handle the issue,” he stated.

While recognizing the challenges faced by Gambian migrants in Tunisia. Jawo also pointed out that many are hesitant to return.

“I have travelled to Tunisia multiple times, and whenever I go with the IOM to assist in the return of our citizens, some choose not to come back. It’s challenging because we cannot compel anyone. We only provide documentation to those who wish to return,” he clarified.

Further commenting on the case of a Gambian imprisoned in Tunisia, Jawo stated that if the embassy does not receive any information from the Tunisian authorities, they will submit a request for follow-up.

“We cannot act hastily based on social media comments. This is diplomacy, and we must follow the appropriate channels to address the situation,” he added.

When asked about the possibility of facilitating his release or a reduction in his sentence, Jawo expressed optimism.

“I can provide an example of a Gambian who was sentenced to twenty years here in Morocco, but after our intervention, his sentence was reduced to two years. Yes, this is achievable through diplomatic efforts,” he remarked.

He urged Gambians to remain patient and allow the embassy to follow the proper procedures.

According to him, in 2024, the embassy, in collaboration with the IOM, facilitated the return of thousands of Gambians through ten chartered flights that arrived in Banjul.

“I will visit the Tunisian embassy here in Morocco and engage with them if we do not receive any official confirmation. We do not want to rush to conclusions that Lasana is sentenced to 20 years without obtaining any official confirmation. This may not be the case,” he concluded.

By: The Fatu Network News Desk

President Adama Barrow on Thursday presided over the swearing-in of several key officials at the State House, including Modou Njie as Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.

Joseph Colley and Cherno Jallow were also sworn in as Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), respectively. Isatou Jammeh took the oath as Commissioner of the Reparation Commission.

After the oaths were administered, President Barrow congratulated the new appointees and reminded them of the responsibilities ahead. He urged them to “build on best practices, avoid and manage lapses, and improve on shortcomings for efficiency to better serve the people.”

The President encouraged the new foreign minister to “guide the nation’s diplomatic policy, build friendships, and encourage investments in the development agenda.”

Turning to electoral matters, he stressed the importance of reforms, calling for “more suitable electoral reforms to strengthen electoral processes and procedures to sustain democracy.”

On the issue of transitional justice, President Barrow expressed hope that “victims of the former government will get the justice they deserve.”

He also commended the outgoing foreign minister, Mamadou Tangara, and the retired IEC chairperson, Alhajie Alieu Momar Njie, for their “invaluable contributions,” and offered prayers for their future success.

Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in officials, Modou Njie thanked the President “for the confidence and trust bestowed on them” and said they were ready to serve the country with dedication.

By Dawda Baldeh

Barely six hours after we published the story of Lasana Baldeh, a Gambian migrant who is currently serving a 25-year sentence in Tunisia, his host, Mr. Dacosta, has provided a detailed explanation of his story.

Speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network, Mr. Dacosta, who has lived in Tunisia for many years, described Lasana’s situation as heartbreaking.

“I was staying with him in my room here. It’s very sad. Every day I think about his situation,” he said.

In his detailed explanation, he stated that Lasana was on trial for multiple charges, including forming an alliance and gang, suspicious cross-border activities, human trafficking, and money laundering.

“They thought he was an agent,” Dacosta said, adding that Lasana had only spent four or five months in Tunisia before his arrest.

“He had received over seventy thousand dinars through his passport,” Dacosta said.

He revealed that Lasana was living in Fax, a provincial settlement in Tunisia.

“There is a Gambian name Sura who’s an agent, and when people want to pay for the boat, they send it through Lasana’s name because he was the only one with a passport,” he explained.

He revealed that he facilitated the purchase of Lasana’s air ticket to return to Mauritania before he was arrested at a Tunisian airport.

“I was in constant contact with him, and even in jail, I communicated with him. He was detained for ten months without trial,” he stated. “His situation is very sad. There are thousands of Gambians stranded in Tunisia.”

Mr. Dacosta further explained a heartbreaking story of Gambians in Tunisia, including ladies.

“Some ladies are giving birth here and dying. If IOM didn’t help you, there is no way you can go back. And if you are sick, IOM won’t take you on the deportation flight. Gambians are dying here every day. I know a lot of Gambians who were sick, and they died here,” he said.

The story of Lasana is one of the many untold mysteries of Gambian migrants in Tunisia with 1,603 confirmed deaths in 2024, while 880 remain missing and 374 unaccounted for on land.

By: Dawda Baldeh

In the pursuit of success, there exists a thin line of regrettable choices. Lasana Baldeh, a Gambian migrant, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison in Tunisia for allegedly facilitating multiple financial transactions through his passport – a crime Tunisian authorities take seriously.

Lasana, originally from Bansang in the Central River Region, was living in Talinding before departing The Gambia on October 8, 2023, in search of greener pastures. Like many young Gambians disillusioned by limited opportunities, he opted for irregular migration in hopes of reaching Europe. He flew from Senegal to Tunisia, intending to board a boat to cross the Mediterranean Sea to Italy. After several failed attempts, he abandoned the plan and decided to return to Mauritania to start a new journey.

However, while at a Tunisian airport preparing to leave, authorities discovered that Lasana had been receiving multiple transactions through his passport and promptly arrested him, according to a family friend who spoke to The Fatu Network. The family claims he was charged with being an agent, an accusation he strongly denied.

“His passport was legitimate, and he was assisting Gambians in Tunisia, as well as people of other nationalities, to receive money – without realising it was illegal. He was never an agent,” the source explained.

Lasana had already spent over a year and six months in prison before receiving a 25-year sentence in June. “Let the family be at peace in Tunisia; once you are imprisoned, no amount of negotiation will secure your release,” said a migrant returnee. “It’s unfortunate, but there’s nothing that can be done.”

According to the family, multiple attempts have been made to reach Tunisian authorities through The Gambian Embassy in Morocco, which oversees Tunisia, but all efforts have so far proved unsuccessful. They are now calling on the government to intervene and help secure Lasana Baldeh’s release.

Over the years, many Gambian migrants have faced detention in Tunisian prisons, while thousands more have lost their lives in the desert and at sea in pursuit of a better life.

By Mama A. Touray

The chairman of the Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency (GLMA), Ebrima Cham, has told lawmakers his agency was blindsided by the Janneh Commission in its handling of cattle valuation linked to former President Yahya Jammeh. 

Testifying before the National Assembly’s special committee probing the sale and disposal of assets identified by the Janneh Commission, Cham made the allegation after being shown a report compiled by the commission’s former secretary, Alhaji Mamadi Kurang. The document details the sale of cattle previously owned by Jammeh.

“What I have realized now is that we were [blindsided] for a purpose. It is very shocking and sad from what I have seen. It seems that the assignment given to us to do price estimation was purposeful and a blindside for us, and the fact that we were asked not to keep records is blindsiding,” Cham told the committee.

Expressing dismay at the contents of the report, Cham added: “It is a sort of blindsiding us to not know what is going to happen, because at the time we thought it was due to confidentiality — that is why the commission asked us not to take records. I could not see or imagine that a commission of inquiry could do such a thing, because an inquiry established by law to find facts went to bring fake, dubious reports like this.”

Challenging the report’s accuracy, Cham dismissed claims that female cattle could weigh as little as 40 kilograms. “It’s impossible for female cows to weigh 40kg,” he said.

Cham also questioned the legitimacy of the figures compiled by Kurang. “I don’t know when and how this report was generated,” he said.

During the hearing, Counsel Kah asked Cham whether his disbelief stemmed from shifts in market value over time. Cham responded: “I was not aware of any weight estimation or sex identification of these cattle. I don’t know how these things were generated, and not all the animals were tagged.”

He went on to explain that cattle must reach two years of age before becoming calves, asserting that a two-year-old calf cannot weigh 40 kilograms.

Kah then referenced Kurang’s own testimony, which claimed that GLMA had overseen tagging, valuation, and visual assessments of the cattle for pricing purposes. Cham flatly denied this.

“We did not estimate weight of any single animal because it doesn’t make sense. In the sub-region animals are not sold based on weight and how can we work around over 500 animals in that dust and weighing the animal, why weighing an animal that will not be sold by weight?” he said.

Cham acknowledged GLMA’s record-keeping shortcomings but defended the agency’s pricing approach: “Not keep records is erroneous but when we tag a sucking animals, the price we tag is D11,000 and the cow is D15,000.”

Refuting claims that GLMA based valuations on meat yields, he said: “I don’t know what he meant by a life cow when slaughtered you are expected to have 50% of the life kilos. If it’s 200 kilos when alive, when slaughtered you are expecting to have 100 kilos so it’s not feasible to do that for over 500 animals because it’s not practicable and the agency never use meat value on the animals.”

By Alieu Jallow

The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) has issued a strong public call to the Barrow administration to clarify the status of the Tanji Bird Reserve, 13 days after investigative platform Malagen released a scathing report alleging widespread illegal encroachment and commercial allocation of the protected land.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the centre criticised the ministries of Lands, Environment, and Tourism, along with key agencies such as the Department of Parks and Wildlife, Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), and the National Environment Agency (NEA), for remaining silent despite the seriousness of the allegations.

“The Gambia Government owes citizens the truth about how it is managing public resources,” the statement read, adding that “silence is not an option” in the face of continued threats to a nationally protected conservation area.

The Tanji Bird Reserve, protected since 1993, first came under threat in 2012 when former President Yahya Jammeh reportedly seized 25 hectares of the land, portions of which were later sold to individuals and companies. Although the Janneh Commission later declared Jammeh’s actions unlawful, the land was never fully restored to its rightful custodians, the Department of Parks and Wildlife. Instead, GTBoard allegedly proceeded with further plot allocations, drawing sharp criticism from environmental activists.

EFSCRJ is calling on President Barrow and the relevant ministers, Hamat Bah (Lands), Rohey John Manjang (Environment), and Abdou Jobe (Tourism), to publicly clarify the current status of the reserve. The group has demanded that the 1995 proposed demarcation of the bird reserve be approved without further delay.

Citing provisions of the newly launched National Land Policy 2025, which emphasises environmental protection and community engagement, EFSCRJ warned against what it described as a growing pattern of “corruption, patronage, and total disregard” for environmental laws and heritage sites.

“It is sad to note that GTBoard and the ministries responsible for the Environment, Lands and Tourism are notorious for allowing encroachments on protected lands, forests, wetlands, and cultural sites. We demand an immediate and total halt to these malpractices,” the statement concluded.