Seven children have been killed in Niger in an air strike by the Nigerian army targeting “bandits”, a local governor and state media have said.

Five more were hurt in the apparently accidental strike, the governor of Niger’s Maradi region told AFP.

Governor Chaibou Aboubacar said four were killed instantly and three died on their way to hospital. State TV said the attack happened in Nachade village.

Nigerian officials said an investigation had begun.

Mr Aboubacar said the victims’ parents were attending a ceremony and “the children were probably playing” when the air strikes hit them.

He said he believed the planes were targeting “armed bandits” in areas around the border between the two countries but missed their target and hit Nachade, a village in the area of Madarounfa.

Niger and Nigeria have been conducting joint military operations against armed gangs responsible for a wave of kidnappings and killings in the region.

Since 2018 Niger has reinforced military patrols along its border with Nigeria to prevent incursions of the gangs.

The children’s deaths come just three months after 26 children aged five and six died in a fire at a school in Maradi city.

BBC

By Dawda Baldeh

Cruise Ship Crew Gambia is on a man haunt for Jamanty Sanneh, a young Gambian and native of Kwinella in the Lower River Region who travelled to the United States of America (USA) to work as a Crew member under the support of Cruise Ship Crew Gambia.

Jamanty Sanneh is said to have escaped from the company upon arrival in the United States and the company has been looking for him.

The Cruise Ship Crew Gambia is a company that recruit young Gambian to work as crew members in their Ships and the company also offers skills training to young people who after will employ by the company. The company employs cooks, laundry attendants, cleaners…among other areas.

In a Facebook post, the company says: “we are searching for Jamanty Sanneh and we appeal to Gambians both home and abroad to help us find Jamanty Sanneh so he can be deported back home.”

Jamanty Sanneh is from Kwinella, Kiang Central and was said to have been recruited by Cruise Ship Crew Gambia to work onboard a cruise ship in the United States of America.

The statement further stated that it is an opportunity Cruise Ship Crew Gambia offers to Gambians. “Once a crew is given a job, the company sends them ticket to join their ships in various parts of the world.”

According to the Crew, Jamanty Sanneh left the Gambia for New York on Wednesday 19th January 2022 onboard an Air Portugal flight, but he is currently said to be at large in New York, thereby jeopardizing chances of thousands of Gambians who are waiting to go.

The Crew disclosed that there is a handsome reward for anyone who would help in finding Jamanty, urged Gambians to desist from such acts noting that it will jeopardize the chances of many people to secure similar opportunities.

As unemployment continues to be challenging, Cruise Ship Crew Gambia is recruiting young people to be employed as crew workers.

The Gambia Teacher’ Union has called off an industrial action it started and urged teachers to return to work immediately.

This came after the government paid their outstanding COVID-19 allowances.

“Teachers are hereby requested to return to work with immediate effect and continue doing their best,” a statement from the union stated.

According to the press statement signed by the Union’s Secretary-General Marie Antoinette Corr, they (the union) have received feedback from the members that teachers in all affected regions have now been paid their full COVID allowances.

Ms Corr said the union is renewing its commitment and resolve in safeguarding its principles and commitment to pupils, students and teachers.

By: Christian Conteh

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has slammed a ban on Gambia’s Independence Stadium ‘for not meeting the required standard to host CAF A Type competition,’ a letter dated 16th February 2022 has revealed.

This means the country’s AFCON preliminary round qualifier match against Chad will not be played at home.

“CAF has decided to ban the Independence Stadium for failure to meet the required standard to host CAF A Type competition. As such, our (Scorpions) match against Chad scheduled on the 29th March 2022 for the preliminary round qualifiers of the Africa cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 will not be hosted in the Stadium,” Independence Stadium and Friendship Hotel said in a Facebook post.

The statement noted that CAF has instructed the country to bring its stadium up to speed with international standards, this would include massive renovation; re-grassing of the football ground; building of modern substitute benches; floodlights with 1200 lux and a standby generator for evening matches; complete renovation and expansion of the dressing rooms; modern first aid and treatment facilities for players and officials; seats for individual spectators; as well as equipped media facilities and training facilities, should all be done if the country wishes to use the stadium for internationally recognised fixtures.

Although no official statement has come from the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) it is important to note that the stadium management has on several occasions reported about the state of the stadium since 2012.

The stadium which was built in 1983 has not had any major maintenance and or rehabilitation of its facilities

Meanwhile, Gambia Football Federation (GFF), on the 18th February, said the Queen Scorpions would host the return leg of the 2022 Total Energies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Independence Stadium on 23rd February 2022, at 16:00 GMT; after their 8-0 away lost to the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon at the Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé on Friday afternoon; in the first leg of the Morocco edition of the competition.

The match is expected to be played behind closed doors due to the current COVID-19 Protocols and requirements of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Gambia’s Ministry of Health has in a press statement dated 19th February 2022, refuted claims on social media that indicate there is a shortage of blood bags in the health facilities across the country. 

According to the release, “adequate stock of blood bags are currently available at the Central Medical Stores in Kotu.” It further indicated that the blood bags will be distributed to various health facilities through the ministries Logistic Management System. 

“The Ministry of Health would like to inform the public that adequate stock of blood bags are currently available at the Central Medical Stores in Kotu which are distributed to the various health facilities through the Logistic Management System which is efficient and reliable, “the statement from the ministry reads.

According to the ministry, it has blood transfusion centres in which blood transfusion services are provided. These centres provide an opportunity for the public to voluntarily donate blood to people that require the services.

These centres include: EFSTH, Kanifing Hospital, Bundung Maternal Hospital, Brikama District Hospital, Bwiam General Hospital, Soma District Hospital, Bansang General Hospital, Basse District Hospital, Farafenni General Hospital and Essau District Hospital.

In addition, Sukuta Minor Health Centre serves as a blood collection centre for onward transmission to the nearest blood transfusion centre.

The Ministry of Health would like to assure the public that efforts will be made to ensure uninterrupted blood transfusion services including the availability of blood bags in all blood transfusion centres in the country. Thus, the Ministry would like to clarify that blood bags are available in health facilities and the public is encouraged to donate blood,” it stated.

The Ministry of Health went on to urge the public to call the ministry’s toll-free number 1025 or visit their website on www.moh.gov for more information.

It ends by soliciting the support and cooperation of the public in the delivery of quality, affordable and accessible health care services across the country. 

Nigerian President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Thursday in Brussels, Belgium, called for stronger support from the European Union in condemning and imposing weighty sanctions on countries that engaged in unconstitutional change of government.

This is as he said the sanctions should also apply to leaders who manipulated the constitution to extend their term limit.

Buhari, while contributing to the roundtable discussion on Peace, Security and Governance at the ongoing 6th EU-AU Summit, stressed the need to nip the root causes of extremism, conflicts and tensions in Africa in the bud.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement on Friday titled, ‘At EU-AU summit, President Buhari calls for weighty sanctions for unconstitutional leadership changes in Africa.’

The President also called on European leaders as partners in promoting democracy and good governance to lend their weight behind measures put in place by the African Union to stem the tide of unconstitutional leadership changes rearing its head again on the continent.

He said, “Africa has continued to witness different waves of violent extremism, community-based conflicts and inter-ethnic tensions, notably in rural areas. Our continent has been deprived of political stability and socio-economic development for many decades due to terrorism and violent extremism.

“More worrisome is the current state of democracy on the continent, which has become a great source of concern to many of us, with increasing cases of unconstitutional change of governments across the continent, particularly in West Africa. This is in addition to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The African Union has often responded to these challenges through its different structures, such as the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture. Through enhanced collaboration with our development partners, especially the European Union, we can identify areas of cooperation for quick and substantive results.’’

“As leaders and policymakers, it is important for our partnership to place priority on tackling the root causes of conflicts in Africa, as well as taking measures in safeguarding peace and security if we are to achieve the African Union Agenda 2063.

“We also call for stronger support from the European Union in the condemnation and imposition of weighty sanctions on countries that engage in unconstitutional change of governments, as well as manipulation of constitutions in favour of extension of term limits,” he said.

The President added that it was imperative to ensure that election processes in Africa had outcomes that truly reflected the electorate’s wishes, as to go contrary to these is courting instability.

Buhari also called for the concretisation and transformation of promises of cooperation made by the European leaders to actions.

“We invite the EU to upscale its support for the G5 Sahel and the Multinational Joint TaskForce in the Lake Chad Region as we strive to degrade further the Boko Haram insurgents and their Islamic State in the West Africa Province counterparts,’’ he stated.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The President of the Republic of The Gambia Adama Barrow has said that the future belongs to those who prepare for it and urged students to take their education seriously. He made this statement during his speech on the occasion of the 57th Anniversary of Gambia’s Independence at the McCarthy Square, Banjul.

“You are the future leaders of this country. I urge you all to take your education very seriously,” President Barrow said, adding that the education sector shall remain his governments top priority.

“My government is committed to the attainment of quality education. I encourage all students to continue working hard. You are assured of a brighter future. You are encouraged to take your education very seriously, tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it,” the Head of State said.

The Gambian leader further confirmed his government’s commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

He used the opportunity to thank the Gambian Security Forces, the media, teachers and his ministers among others for their commitment to the development of the country.

The president concluded his speech by thanking the gallant Scorpions of The Gambia for their impressive performance at the recently concluded AFCON in Cameroon.

“As citizens, let us continue working together to achieve our common goals. As a leader, I believe in democracy and I assure you that my government is committed to maintaining democracy in the country,” he said. Adding that, “the world is moving fast and we must also move fast.”

He concluded by calling on Gambians to embrace unity and work for the development of the country.

By: Christian Conteh

As Gambia celebrates its 57th Anniversary of Independence the United States Government has encouraged the Gambian Government to continue the work of its Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC). 

This it says will help ‘heal the wounds of the past and move towards a more just society.’ The message came in a press statement from Antony J. Blinke, the country’s Secretary of State.

“I commend The Gambia on its successful election in December and encourage the government to continue the work of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission to heal the wounds of the past and move toward a more just society,” the statement reads.

The TRRC Report which was submitted to President Adama Barrow in December of 2021 catalogues horrific acts of murder, torture, rape, enforced disappearances and other crimes against humanity.

Most of the inhumane acts the commission links with the country’s former President Yahya Jammeh and his ‘Junglers’. 

President Barrow has on countless occasions reiterated his commitment to implementing the recommendations of the report and ensuring justice is served. He has however encouraged the Gambian people to exercise patience as things must be done within the confines of the law.

Americas Secretary of State Antony J. Blinke has on behalf of the Government and people of America congratulated People Of The Gambia On Their 57th Anniversary of Independence.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of the United States of America, it is my honor and pleasure to congratulate the people of The Gambia on their 57th anniversary of independence,” the press statement reads.

It further noted that the people of the United States and The Gambia have many traits in common, including their shared belief in democracy, respect for human rights at home and abroad, and a commitment to justice. 

“I commend The Gambia on its successful election in December and encourage the government to continue the work of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission to heal the wounds of the past and move toward a more just society,” the statement adds.

It further assures Gambians around the world that as they celebrate Independence Day this year they should know that their friends and partners in the United States celebrate alongside them and look forward to many celebrations together.

The troops have been involved in the fight against Islamist militants in the country since 2013.

Mr Macron said the decision to leave followed a breakdown in diplomatic relations, amid growing hostility from Mali’s governing military junta.

The forces will be re-deployed elsewhere in Africa’s Sahel region.

“We cannot remain militarily engaged alongside de-facto authorities whose strategy and hidden aims we do not share,” Mr Macron told a news conference in Paris on Thursday.

He denied that the mission had been a failure and insisted that France remained committed to combating Islamist insurgencies in the region. He added that Niger had agreed to host some of the withdrawing forces.

“France has played a unifying role in this international mobilisation in favour of the Sahel,” he said. “We will continue to ensure this unifying role.”

The planned withdrawal, which is expected to happen over a four- to six-month period, was announced following meeting of European and African leaders at the Élysée Palace on Wednesday night.

In a statement released on Thursday morning, countries involved in the French-led Takuba Task Force said they had agreed to set out plans on how to remain actively involved in the region, most notably in Niger and the Gulf of Guinea countries, by June.

Colonel Souleymane Dembélé, a spokesman for the ruling junta, shrugged off France’s announcement, telling reporters that while European forces were in the country “terrorism engulfed the entire Malian territory”.

Almost 5,000 French troops are deployed in the Sahel region to combat Islamist insurgencies as part of Operation Barkhane, with around 2,400 of those located at three bases in northern Mali.

But relations between France and Mali, which is one of the world’s poorest nations, have deteriorated since the army first seized power in a coup in August 2020.

And tensions increased further last month when the junta reneged on an agreement to arrange elections in February and vowed to hold power until 2025, ultimately leading to the expulsion of the French ambassador.

In December, more than a dozen Western nations also condemned the deployment of mercenaries from the Russia-based Wagner group to Mali.

The group has been involved in several major conflicts, including in Syria, Mozambique, Sudan and the Central African Republic (CAR). A BBC investigation found links to war crimes in Libya.

Mr Macron warned on Thursday that the group had “essentially come to secure their economic interests and the junta itself”.

News of the French withdrawal was met with mixed reactions in Mali.

One man told the BBC that it would “bring peace in the north of our country because Russia and Wagner will certainly support our army”, while another described the French intervention in Mali as “a failure”.

However, others expressed fear that the situation was “worsening”.

“Just yesterday, there was an attack in the northern part of Mali… Our soldiers are in the central part. They are saying that the army is gaining ground. But only in the centre of the country. What about other regions?” one concerned local told the BBC.

By Maimouna Bah

Gambia’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has in a press conference held on Thursday 17 February 2022 explained the reason for the recent strike action by teachers, giving update on recent developments.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Loui Moses Mendy noted that the rational for the press conference was to make clarification about the sit down strike by teachers and the payment of Covid-19 allowances.

“When Covid-19 hit the globe, the World Health Organization and other stakeholders hint a call for people to observe social distance.  In yielding to that call, a new model was invoked by reducing the number of students across the country. A double shift was introduced so that some students wouldn’t be affected academically. With this system, the agreement was that any teacher within this period who volunteers to adhere with the catch up program on Saturday lessons will be paid an allowance.”

He disclosed that the delay in payment some verification conducted to track those eligible to receive the Covid-19 allowance, noting that they couldn’t meet the timeline.

Mr. Mendy further disclosed that payment of the said allowance has begun last week, calling on all teachers who think they are left out to follow the verification protocols.

“They where not selectivity in payment as it is being done accordingly. Last week, they were able to pay them so classes have begun.

“We appreciate the efforts of the teachers, we are appealing to all the teachers who think they have been left out to follow the protocols. The teachers are not our enemies. We have been rewarding some teachers who took the extra mile to help their students. We thank the Gambia Teachers Union for cooperating with us.”

On Valentine’s Day, Monday 14^th February 2022, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone Madam Fatima Bio and opposition strongwoman Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden met and discussed at the Office of the First Lady.

While many expressed delight over the meeting of the two women, some expressed surprise to see the two women from the country’s two main and rivalry political parties chatting and taking photos in the most friendly manner one can describe.

The First Lady, obviously, is a member of the ruling Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) while Dr. Blyden is a member of the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC).

There have been rumours that the two very popular Sierra Leonean ladies are at loggerheads, but their meeting on Monday sent a message that both have indeed shared long bond.

Dr. Sylvia Blyden spent some good time working in the Republic of The Gambia, a country paternally connected to Madam Fatima Bio. Both women are said to have shared moments in The Gambia. In fact, their meeting on Monday has been dubbed “the Gambian connection.”

Both posted photos of their meeting on their official Facebook pages. First Lady Fatima Bio’s post carried the expression, “finally two sisters meet.”

An excerpt of Dr. Blyden’s post reads:

“…It was time for me to zoom over to Goderich to meet my beloved Baby Sister, (our First Lady Fatima Maada Bio) at her Office. This is someone whom I should have never allowed politics to separate us – Today is my very first time of seeing or speaking with her for ten years now. The photos of me and Fatima speak for themselves. The natural smiles say it all. It was a big mistake on our part to get separated over Politics. Thank God that unfortunate separation is now over.”

The smiles, pleasantries and warm reception are perceived to be testaments of a reunion of sisters as Dr. Blyden disclosed that the meeting was their first in the last ten years.

Political and social analysts note that the recent encounter of the two women should be seen as a lesson to everyone that we can’t be fighting forever and that relationships or ties should always transcend political belongingness.

By: Christian Conteh

His Worship Magistrate Muhammed Krubally has ruled that the matter between the Inspector General (IG), (for the state) and Nenneh Freda Gomez (first accused) and Lamin Sey (second accused) proceeds to hearing.

He handed down this ruling on Wednesday 16th February 2022, after Counsel S Jarju for the IGP and Counsel RY Mendy for the accused persons had made their presentation on the substantive matter.

The two Accused herein referred to as Nenneh Freda Gomez as the First Accused and Lamin Sey, second accused were arraigned on three counts charge of Conspiracy to commit misdemeanour contrary to Section 369 of the Criminal Code Cap 10 01 Revised Laws Of The Gambia 2009, Idle and Disorderly Persons contrary to Section 166, c of the Criminal Code Cap 10 01 Volume 3 Revised Laws Of The Gambia 2009 and Obstructing a Police Officer, Contrary to Section 230, b of the Criminal Code Cap 10 01 Volume 3 Revised Laws Of The Gambia 2009.

Both accused persons pleaded not guilty to all charges.

According to the defence counsel, “an objection to a charge for any formal defect on the face thereof shall be taken immediately after the charge has been read over to the Accused Person and not later,” and this was done.

Looking at this provision according to the Learned Senior Counsel Y Senghor, the prosecution should have provided in detail in every charge sheet and each offence thereof shall be tied with the particulars thereof.

His client having won a civil lawsuit on the same matter before the court Counsel Y Senghor submitted that, the judgement decided by Justice Bakary in Nenneh Freda’s case at the High Court has a bearing in this Criminal case and therefore urge this court to;

“So, hold that the charges brought against the Accused Persons are defective in material particulars and strike out the matter.”

The Magistrate however ruled that the case at hand is criminal and not civil, therefore the defence cannot rely on the judgement from the civil matter at the high court.

“I am of the opinion here that, this particular case against Nenneh Freda Gomez, Gilbert Mendy and Lamin Sey was a civil one whiles this particular case on which the two Accused herein are charged are Criminal which required the prosecution to prove its case beyond all reasonable doubt.

The import of section 54 of the Evidence Act in my view here can only be applicable if the case against the two Accused Persons herein is also civil similar to the one earlier decided against them at the High Court,” Magistrate Krubally said.

Magistrate Krubally went on to conclude that the said Counts One, Two and Three so preferred against Nenneh Freda Gomez herein the First Accused and Lamin Sey herein the Second Accused are good, valid and competent and not statutorily defective.

Therefore, the submissions made by Counsels in their preliminary objections against the preferred charges against the first and second accused herein by the prosecution are hereby discountenanced.

“I so hold and order that the matter proceeds to hearing,” he said.

At that juncture, the prosecution applied for a short adjournment in order to secure the attendance of its witness to enable them to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.

Since no objection was raised by counsel for the accused the Magistrate granted the call for adjournment. The matter stands adjourned to Thursday 10th March 2022 for hearing at 2;15 pm.

By Amara Thoronka

Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has warned people engaging in the cutting of their power plant cables to desist from doing so as such acts have led to massive blackout and disruption of water supply within the Greater Banjul Area and the West Coast Region.

Visiting the affected areas in Brikama, NAWEC’s Director of Water and Sewage System Alagie Dibba, explained the nature of destruction caused by their cables being cut, warning those doing so to desist forthwith as people are seriously affected in accessing water and power in their homes.

“It is very unfortunate see cables being cut. This is not the first time we are experiencing this kind of vandalism of our properties. The borehole at Brikama gives out about ninety thousand liters per hour. Somebody came in and cut the cables leading to huge waste of water and people not accessing it. We are still trying to find out what these people are doing with the cables, but I understand they are using the cables to get copper. The cables are properly  buried but people still dig and break the locks just to cut some meters of cables to get pieces of copper”

He noted that people should refrain from derailing the provision of such essential services for selfish gain. “The money they illegally generates from such acts and the amount of destruction by such acts cannot be equated. They are making our customers to suffer for nothing.”

Mr. Dibba calls for concerted approach in preventing further occurrences.

“Addressing this issue requires everyone. It’s a collective responsibility. We can’t be everywhere. We can’t practically put security personnel everywhere to secure and control such facilities”

NAWEC’s Water Production Manager, Mbakey Jaiteh, cautioned that the full force of the law will deal with anyone caught stealing or destroy NAWEC’s properties.

“Vandalizing these facilities is a crime so those caught will face the full force of the law”

NAWEC Gambia Ltd. is the Gambia’s main generator and supplier of electricity, drinking water & sewerage services for domestic, industrial & commercial uses.

The Lord Mayor of Banjul City Council (BCC) Rohey Malick Lowe has flaunted her act of awarding scholarships to two hundred youth in Banjul who wish to pursue tertiary education as one of her key successes.

She was speaking to Banjulians at a town hall meeting in Banjul South on Saturday. 

The meeting is in fulfillment of requirements laid down in the Local Government Act of 2002, which requires the mayor to tour the city and interact with the people to hear from them what their constraints are and find ways to address them.

It is a mechanism that seeks to bring the people closer to their elected representatives and the elected representatives to the people.

“We have awarded scholarships to two hundred youths in Banjul to enroll in the University of the Gambia, GTTI and other institutions,” she said.

Other success stories she outlined are the restoration of electricity to the council after running on a generator for over four years and spending over D 5,000 on fuel daily and the drive to ensure a once debt-ridden council becomes the only council in the city that is debt-free.

She promised to continue to do more towards developing the council and improving the general wellbeing of residents of Banjul.

Internationally recognised, Rohey Malick Lowe was named African Mayor of the Month in April 2021 by the United Cities of Local Government (UCLG).

By: Christian Conteh

The Gambia is set to replace the moribund 1950 Pension Act with a more updated Public Service Pensions Bill. This was adduced from the announcement by the National Assembly Speaker Mariam Jack-Denton that The Third Reading for the Public Service Pensions Bill will be done on Monday, the 21st of February, 2022.

“The Third Reading for the Public Service Pensions Bill is now scheduled for Monday, the 21st of February, 2022 for her Excellency the Vice-President to move for its Third Reading,” National Assembly Speaker Mariam Jack-Denton told members.

The Public Service Pensions Bill seeks to introduce a new procedure for management, administration and management of retirement benefits for ensuring not only the improvement of pension entitlements but also the efficiency of processing of pension payments among other things, the bills short title suggests.

Ahead of the reading, National Assembly Member for Serrekunda Halifa Sallah sought permission from the Speaker for amendment for the correction of error or oversight before the question for the Third Reading was put.

“They should have really brought it and that is a way for them to amend it to make sure that we get it before the Third Reading,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Speaker urged the Office of the Vice-President to comply with Standing Order Clause 72 (20) before that date for the reading.

The Standing Order seeks to ensure that the amended version of the Bill is printed and circulated to Members in advance to include everything, ie all the amendments that have been agreed and voted on by the House.