I write with a much more resistant and heavy voice to stand with my sister, ASP Binta Njie. I’m a native of Kiang and a representative of Kiang in the National Assembly.

I intended not to comment on the outrageous remarks against my ancestry, our parents, ourselves, and our grandparents until I reached Parliament. I maintain that view, and the nation will hear the protest of Kiang through their representative in a more deliberate fashion.

However, my coming this morning is to stand in solidarity with my sister and ask the Gambia Police Force to stop intimidating Binta Njie for defending her community. Binta has the right to respond to any politician who has launched personal attacks on her place of birth. She has not violated any law or institutional regulations. Let the police administration tell the public which law or regulation she violated. Tell us what she is found wanting for.

If that remark was made against Mankamang Kunda, the man would have been in police custody by now.

We are ready to march the streets if Binta is victimized for defending her place of birth. I, Hon. Lamin Ceesay, will lead the protest with the entire Kiang against the police’s lack of respect for our community.

The police and executive must reflect on the past and realize that no government stays forever. We will hold anyone accountable who abuses authority against the masses in the interest of incumbency and protecting their jobs.

This is unacceptable, and the government must immediately stop political actions against innocent and responsible citizens.

Binta has always been respectful, committed, and determined in doing her work. She has always upheld the oath of office and never demonstrated any mistrust in carrying out her duties. She has always been obedient and has done her job diligently.

For the service of my country, I remain…

Hon. Lamin Ceesay
Kiang West Constituency

The Gambia Police Force has released a statement concerning ASP Binta Njie’s Facebook post titled “Politics, Division, and National Division: A Call for Responsible Discourse.”

In her post, Njie talked about the vitriolic remarks made by National People’s Party (NPP) supporter Baboucarr Bahoum about the Kiang region and its people.

Njie, who is herself a native of Kiang, started off her post by emphasizing that her comments were made in a personal capacity to defend her community’s dignity and criticized the harmful generalizations and political rhetoric that she believed were deepening divisions and fostering resentment within the country.

“First of all, I am not in any way politically affiliated, but I am Kianka[,] and my people are not ingrates,” she started off her Facebook post.

In their statement regarding the former police PRO’s post, the police reiterated their commitment to upholding professionalism and ethical standards among all officers, stating: “The Gambia Police Force remains committed to upholding professionalism and ethical standards among all officers.”

GPF emphasized that officers are expected to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the Police and must refrain from actions that could compromise the institution’s reputation.

“While ASP Binta Njie has not been arrested or subjected to interrogation, the Police will handle the matter administratively in accordance with established disciplinary procedures,” the statement read.

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Following UDP’s victory in the Masembeh by-election, Special Adviser to the President Momodou Sabally took to social media to question the party’s level of dominance in the ward, stating: “And the real news is that @ 58 percent of total votes in their favour, UDP could not even pull together 60% in what is supposed to be their strongest zone.”

His remarks have ignited debate, with some interpreting them as an attempt to downplay UDP’s win, while others argue that securing victory in a competitive race is what truly matters.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Just a week after declaring his intention to run in the 2026 Presidential Election, exiled former President Yahya Jammeh has announced the immediate expulsion of Hon. Bakary K. Badjie from the APRC faction. In a 16-minute WhatsApp audio message from his location in Equatorial Guinea, Jammeh stated that Badjie’s expulsion takes immediate effect with “no negotiation” as he prepares to contest the presidential election in 2026.

“Effective from February 24, 2025, I declare that Bakary K. Badjie is hereby expelled from the APRC. There is no negotiation regarding this,” he declared, adding that Badjie should not use the party name. Jammeh also called on Gambians to come together and refrain from accusing one another of statements they never made. The exiled former President asserted that he was falsely accused of instructing Baytulai to insult others, a claim he firmly denied.

In the audio, he mentioned that none of the National Assembly members representing the APRC faction were officially informed about Badjie’s decision. “I am aware of many things happening on the ground. I have my ears to the ground. So, if anyone was in contact with him (Bakary K. Badjie), I would know,” he explained. Jammeh continued, “I know that there is a white man who said that Bakary K. Badjie will be the next President of The Gambia. He made this very clear in a video. However, I cannot ask him how that could be possible. I always take my time until the right moment to act,” he narrated.

Moreover, Jammeh stated that he was waiting for Badjie to make his decision to take actions such as expelling him. “I have no solution to this but to expel him from the party,” he stressed.

Jammeh, who governed for 22 years before being defeated by coalition candidate President Adama Barrow in 2016, urged the supporters of the faction he considers the true APRC to unite. “Let us reinforce our unity and attract individuals who are development-oriented and patriotic citizens, not tribalists, to join the party so we can reclaim our country,” he stated.

Jammeh claimed that the nation is deteriorating daily, highlighting the significance of unity in fostering national development while accusing the current government of neglecting critical issues facing the country. “Let us prioritize the interests of our country. Let us reconcile our differences and do not misinterpret my words. All those who joined the 2016 coalition did so with the intention of making Gambians suffer,” he asserted.

“May Allah purify our hearts and let us work for our country. If other nations are progressing, why can’t we?” he added. He also criticized the current education system, labeling it a failure. “The education system was highly effective during my administration, even though other countries were not supporting me, but it functioned well because I placed my trust in Allah,” he concluded.

By: Michaella Faith Wright

President Adama Barrow has been honored with the Media Freedom Award by Star TV in recognition of his administration’s commitment to press freedom and transparency. The award was presented by Haji Baniko Sissoho, Chairman and proprietor of Star FM/TV, during the grand launch of the station’s new headquarters along the OIC Highway on Monday.

In his keynote address, President Barrow reaffirmed his government’s dedication to fostering a free and thriving media environment, highlighting key legislative efforts such as the Access to Information Act. He emphasized that a strong and independent media sector is vital to democracy, national development, and civic engagement.

“The role of the media in nation-building cannot be overstated. Media outlets inform, educate, and entertain, while also possessing immense potential to unite a nation and foster accountability,” he stated.

He commended Star FM/TV for amplifying diverse voices, creating employment opportunities, and promoting national dialogue. He urged the media house to uphold ethical journalism, embrace new technologies, and continue striving for excellence in service delivery.

The launch of the new Star FM/TV headquarters marks a significant milestone in Gambia’s media landscape, reinforcing press freedom and expanding access to information.

By: Alieu Jallow

The National Assembly Member (NAM) for Foni Kansala, Almameh Gibba, has accused the government of failing to disburse the 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to lawmakers, citing a lack of funds.

In an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, Hon. Gibba expressed frustration over the non-payment, stating that the government’s claim of financial constraints contradicts its recent budgetary allocations. He alleged that while legislators have been denied their development funds, the government has allocated D60 million for the President’s “Meet the People” tour.

“The government has failed to allocate our 2024 budget. No member of the National Assembly has received these funds. So, we are left to fend for ourselves—seeking funding from organizations to support our constituencies. This is how we are managing in Foni. We only received two allocations in previous years, but the allocation for 2024 is nonexistent. Now, they are saying the funds will be allocated in 2025, which means it’s a failure—a backlog of our funds that remains unpaid,” Gibba stated.

“The government claims there is no money to pay our Constituency Development Funds, yet it has spent D60 million on the President’s ‘Meet the People’ tour—extravagantly, for political purposes. Meanwhile, funds for national development and National Assembly members are unavailable. They blame donors for not fulfilling their commitments, yet they can source funds for other priorities while leaving us in limbo as representatives of the people,” he added.

The CDF is an annual allocation meant to support grassroots development initiatives in constituencies across the country. Many NAMs rely on these funds to address pressing community needs, from infrastructure projects to social support programs.

The outspoken NAM further criticized the government, accusing it of neglecting the welfare of its citizens. He reiterated his stance against the government’s budget, stating that he has consistently opposed it in parliament to prevent them from trivializing national matters. Additionally, he emphasized that parliamentarians will not allow the issue of their allocations to be ignored.

“Our National Assembly finances are in limbo, yet now they are saying they will allocate funds in the first quarter of 2025. This means they are skipping the failed 2024 allocation instead of addressing it. We will not let this go. We will continue to speak out and inform our people that our Constituency Development Funds have not been disbursed due to the government’s claim of zero funding,” he outlined.

The Fatu Network attempted to reach out to the Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services for a comment, but our efforts were unsuccessful.

Gibba’s allegations will likely spark concerns about the government’s financial management and commitment to equitable resource distribution. As the situation unfolds, constituents and lawmakers await clarity on whether the CDF will be disbursed and how government spending decisions align with national priorities.

By Dawda Baldeh

Nominated councillor in the Kanifing Municipal Council, Momodou Cham, also known as Mc Cham Junior, has reacted to the by-election victory of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) over the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) in Saturday’s polls.

Cham stated in an interview with The Fatu Network that those who are campaigning for President Barrow are not well-liked by the Gambian people.

He linked UDP’s victory to hard work and unity, urging party supporters to welcome every Gambian to help grow the party.

“President Barrow should know that Gambians don’t like those around him campaigning. This is a clear indication,” he said, adding that they always make him believe things that are not real.

Cham, a strong critic of President Barrow’s government, cited only two people as the “only loyal” members of President Barrow’s campaign team.

“The only loyal people around President Barrow are Dou Sanno and Kebba Lang Fofana. These two never lost any campaign or election where they came from. But the rest can’t help the president win even in their community,” he said.

Cham argued that any campaign that Seedy Njie led would be a failure.

“In KMC, when I saw Seedy Njie leading Bakary Y. Badjie’s campaign I knew he would lose. Gambians are tired of those around President Barrow.”

“If these people cannot help you win election where they come from, they can’t help you win anywhere. Demba Sabally is from Bondali but he can’t help you win elections there,” he explained.

The opposition-nominated councillor described UDP Kaing’s victory as a warning to President Barrow.

“Your entire cabinet, senior government officials, and ambassadors all campaigned in Kiang, you wasted taxpayers’ money, but you lost woefully. This shows that these people can’t help you win the next election,” he said.

Cham further argued that Gambians want a leader who will respect term limits.

He acknowledges the ongoing road and electricity projects under President Barrow but cited the cost of living as the most pressing issue.

“Constructing roads and electricity is important but what’s more important is addressing the cost of living. When people are hungry, they don’t see any other development. We want an affordable food system where everyone can eat,” he said.

Cham added: “If you can’t address the skyrocketing costs of living you will not win the hearts of Gambians anymore.”

According to Cham, people like Seedy Njie are not loyal. “If you lose today, he will leave you tomorrow.”

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Following the passing of its ward councillor, Massembeh heads to the polls in a highly contested by-election between UDP’s Bakary S. Jarjue and NPP’s Lamin Jarjue. The contest has become one of the most intensely watched by-elections in recent memory, with both sides reportedly pouring millions of dalasis into their campaigns. The election’s outcome could signal significant shifts in Lower River Region’s political dynamics ahead of 2026.

High-profile political figures have descended on the ward, which comprises Jasobo, Joomarr, Koliorr and Massembeh villages. Polls opened at 8:00 AM and will close at 5:00 PM today. The ward’s strategic importance has drawn national attention as both parties vie for control. The Fatu Network team is on the ground in Massembeh and will provide constant updates throughout the day.