On October 24, 2024, the German Police Support Team (GPST) donated police operational and patrol vehicles, including SUVs and motorbikes, along with other equipment valued at over twenty million Dalasis to The Gambia Police Force (GPF) in a ceremony held at the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) Headquarters in Kanifing.

Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray expressed gratitude for the donation, stating, “The support from GPST significantly enhances our operational capacity, enabling us to better respond to emergencies and combat crime.”

GPST Head of Project Sebastian Eisenhardt echoed this sentiment, remarking, “This donation strengthens the mobility and responsiveness of Gambia’s police units, reflecting our commitment to a secure and stable Gambia through sustained collaboration.”

German Ambassador Klaus Botzet also underscored the strong bilateral ties and Germany’s continued support, including training and capacity-building, to enhance Gambia’s law enforcement capabilities.

By Alieu Jallow

In a striking display of discontent among its workforce, staff members at Zenith Bank Gambia launched a protest on Thursday, 24th October, at the bank’s head office, demanding a 50% salary increase and fair promotions. This unexpected move has brought major operations at the financial institution to a halt as employees rally for recognition and better compensation amid rising living costs.

The strike arose following a series of meetings between bank management and employee representatives that failed to yield a satisfactory resolution. With inflation skyrocketing and the cost of living in Gambia steadily increasing, many employees have voiced concerns that their wages have not kept pace. According to some employees, whose identities are protected for security reasons, the call for a 50% salary increment is not just a desire for higher pay, but a fundamental demand for a living wage that reflects the realities Gambians face today.

In a letter to management, employees expressed their dismay at the bank’s failure to honor its promises. “It has come to our attention that the MD/CEO promised Zenith Bank Gambia staff a salary increment and promotion, which was supposed to take effect this October. Staff have been patiently waiting for the increment to reflect in our accounts, but it didn’t happen. We hereby request that management make this effective, or else we, the Zenith Bank staff, will embark on a strike and involve the CBG and other necessary institutions. We are really unhappy,” the letter reads.

Zenith Bank’s Head of Internal Control and Audit, Chucks Ojianwuna, told The Fatu Network that he was unaware of any planned strike, noting that the brief disruption was due to a communication gap. He added that bank management and staff meet weekly to resolve issues and that management is carefully handling the matter. Mr. Chuks emphasized that Zenith Bank values its staff’s welfare and that the issue will be addressed at the management level.

In a later communique from our sources, it was reported that the bank had increased salaries by only 25% and failed to meet some of the staff’s other demands. Employees stated that they would not relent until their needs are fully met. “We have set up a committee to represent us, and they will submit another official letter to management. We will give them time to respond; if they don’t, we will have no other option but to strike again,” an employee representative said.

For now, the eyes of the nation—and likely many across the region—remain fixed on the outcome of this pivotal moment at Zenith Bank. The resolve of its workers and the response of management could redefine labor dynamics in Gambia for years to come. Reports indicate that only a limited number of staff, primarily foreign nationals, are currently reporting to work.

By: Michaella Faith Wright

The rising cost of rent in The Gambia is placing significant strain on tenants, with many struggling to keep up with frequent increases in housing and shop rental prices. As the housing market tightens, both tenants and landlords are expressing frustrations and calling for government intervention to ease the situation.

Abdoulie Jobe, a landlord with three houses and shops in Latrikunda German, shared insights with The Fatu Network. With over 20 years of experience, Jobe said he rents out rooms and parlors for D1,000 monthly and does not require advance payments. His shops are also rented for D1,000.

Jobe expressed the joy of having close relationships with tenants and the sense of community it fosters. “It’s a blessing to see my children play with the tenants’ children. We live like family,” he said.

However, Jobe admitted that managing rental income is not always smooth. Some tenants struggle to pay rent on time, with delays often extending into subsequent months. “Sometimes they owe me for three months, but they settle it when they can,” Jobe explained. Despite these challenges, he remains lenient. “I don’t depend on rent for survival, and I make water bills free for my tenants. I also installed individual electricity meters to avoid disputes over power bills.”

Jobe urged other landlords to show compassion. “We are one people. Let’s avoid treating our houses as strict businesses and offer reasonable rents to ease the burden on tenants.”

Peter Anozie, a Nigerian businessman who has lived in The Gambia for 12 years, lamented the steady rise in rent prices. “House and shop rents have become too expensive. Landlords don’t even notify us about increases; they just add 15% or more without notice,” he said.

Anozie noted how these rent hikes affect both personal and business lives. “We are struggling to manage. Business is no longer the same, and sales have dropped drastically. Landlords should reconsider and reduce rent prices to help us survive.”

He emphasized that sudden evictions are another challenge. “We need more time to pay rent. Being thrown out is harsh, especially for those with families to care for. If rents were affordable, we wouldn’t have to struggle every month.”

Anozie called for government intervention, urging officials to regulate material costs and rental rates. “If construction materials become more affordable, landlords might reduce rents. The Gambia is a peaceful country, but high rents are discouraging visitors and businesses from staying.”

Amie Camara, a landlady in Bijilo, also shared her experiences. “Renovating houses has become more expensive, and some tenants fail to pay rent on time, adding to our challenges,” she said.

Camara highlighted the importance of understanding between landlords and tenants. “We need cooperation to manage these issues, especially since we, too, have families to support.”

Tenants like Fatou Baldeh from Bijilo echoed similar concerns. “Rent prices keep increasing, and even Gambians like me are struggling. Some of us don’t want to move back to family homes, but the rent is unbearable. Agents are worsening the situation, charging fees as high as D5,000—equivalent to one month’s rent.”

She pleaded with landlords to ease the burden. “We only have one Gambia, and many of us have nowhere else to go.”

Single Mother Appeals for Support

Ida Sonko, a mother of four living in Bijilo, shared the harsh realities of her situation. “It’s been hard managing rent and caring for my children. I’ve even been evicted before,” she said.

To make ends meet, Sonko does laundry for others. “Life has become more difficult since rents started rising. I need help to survive, and the government must step in and talk to landlords about affordable housing.”

Conclusion

The stories from tenants and landlords highlight the growing challenges posed by rising rents in The Gambia. As prices increase across the country, both tenants and landlords are calling for understanding, fairness, and government intervention to ease the burden. While video interviews could have added more depth to these stories, many tenants feared appearing on camera, reflecting their apprehension about landlord-tenant relations.

By: Michaella Faith Wright

Annette Camara, President of the Women Journalists Association of The Gambia (WoJAG), has raised concerns about the challenges faced by female journalists in the country. Speaking at a panel discussion, Camara emphasized the need for more women in leadership roles within the media industry and beyond.

Camara highlighted that there are very few female editors in the Gambian media, despite many women having received the same training as their male counterparts. “We only have a few women in leadership positions within the profession,” she said. “Even in government, there are few female representatives, especially when it comes to decision-making in parliament.”

She further stressed that discrimination and harassment are ongoing issues affecting female journalists, often leading to emotional trauma. “These challenges hinder women’s progress and affect their mental well-being,” Camara explained.

Addressing the topic of volunteering in journalism, Camara encouraged aspiring journalists to embrace volunteering as a learning process. “When you volunteer, let it be worth your time,” she said. “It is a process of learning, and if done with passion and consistency, it can help you become someone great in the field.”

She urged female journalists to focus on acquiring skills, stating that dedication and perseverance can pave the way for leadership roles such as producers and chief editors. “We want to change the narrative,” Camara added. “We need more female leaders and journalists taking on leadership roles.”

Camara concluded by encouraging journalists to be consistent and passionate in their work. “Don’t focus on what you will gain immediately,” she advised. “It’s about learning, and in the end, you’ll have something to be proud of.”

By Dawda Baldeh

Former Banjul City Council member Momodou Camara and 27 staff members have been placed on administrative leave by the Local Government Service Commission due to financial concerns raised in a recent audit report.

In a statement obtained by The Fatu Network medium, the Ministry of Lands, and Local Government has written to the Inspector General of Police and copied the Local Government Service Commission seeking immediate investigation into the matter.

The implicated officers have also been ordered to hand over their responsibilities.

“The commission has decided to send Momodou Camara, the Finance Director at your council (currently in Brikama) has been adversely mentioned in the audit report and be placed on administrative leave without fail,” the statement said.

Mr. Camara was implicated in the Audit Findings of the BCC financial year from 31st December 2021 to 31st December 2022 as well as the EU-Banjul Ostende project from 1st January 2020 to 31st April 2024 respectively.

He is also placed on half salary pending investigations.

Meanwhile, the 27 other staff currently at the Banjul City Council have also been suspended from work and ordered to hand over their responsibilities to their deputies.

The implicated staff are Muhammed Cham – Finance/Project Manager, Katim Touray – Director of Planning & Development, Abdoulie J. Corr – Audit Manager, Essaha Sowe – Senior Procurement Officer, Adama Faye – Admin Secretary, Ousman Jobe – City Link Coordinator, Macoumba Sanneh – Council Adviser, Mustapha A. B. E. Sarr – Trade License Collector, Fatou Mbenga – Assistant PRO, Assan Jallow – Auditor, Oumie Darboe – Receiving Cashier, Kaddijatou Penn – Finance Officer, Marget B Samba – Protocol Officer, Alagie Njie – Market Collector, Maimuna Touray – Market Collector, Fatou Joof – Market Collector, Jorjoh Sagnia – Market Collector, Jalika Manneh – Market Collector, Amie Sallah – Market Collector, Ndey Ida Gaye – Market Collector, Oumie Darboe – Main Receiving Cashier, Sarjo Jammeh – IT Officer, Annette Camara  – Visibility/Communications Officer, Mbugouma Ismaila Jeng – Field Supervisor, Ousman Jobe – Coordinator EU Project, Momodou Kalleh – Field Supervisor and Timothy Secka – Electrician.

All these staff members have been placed on half salary pending the outcome of the investigation.

According to the commission, the next step will be determined by the outcome of the investigation.

Reacting to the massive suspension, an insider at BCC told this medium that the decision will significantly impact the world of the council.

“I don’t understand why this is happening because there are so many issues that happened in other councils, but their staff were not sent on administrative leave,” the insider said.

By Alieu Jallow

Residents of Kudang Mayo are currently battling with an unprecedented crisis as rising sea levels and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns converge, inundating homes and threatening families’ livelihoods.

According to residents, the last torrential rains coupled with high tides transformed the village into a waterlogged landscape, leaving many residents grappling with the aftermaths.

Abdourahman Sarr, the village Alkalo, said for seven consecutive days, a place to sleep has proven unavailable following the invasion of their mud houses by the waters from the sea and rains.

Sarr noted that this was the first time in the history of the village for such an incident to strike the village, thus seeking support from individuals as they lost all their livelihood.

“We are seeking support from all and sundry because this incident left us with nothing to feed on as all our foodstuffs are being submerged in the water and access to mainland Kundang is inaccessible,” he pleads.

Abou Gai, another resident, said the flooding in Kudang Mayo has not only destroyed property but also disrupted the livelihoods of its residents.

“Even a place to cook is difficult, and as it is, we don’t know when this will stop because the water is increasing by day even after days counting,” he said.

Sallah Camara, a nursing mother, outlines that they are very much concerned with their children’s, whim if they contract skin diseases due to the waterlog as their playing grounds.

“Someone of people and children have started developing skin diseases on their legs and some of the houses are on the verge of collapsing so we need your support,” she stated.

The Kundang Mayo village, with over a thousand people, is demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity despite immense challenges. However, their daily struggles continue as access to inland Kundang and school for their children proves futile; however, the village is calling on the government, individuals and philanthropists to look into their plight.

By Mama A. Touray

In an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, Fatounatta Jammeh, the trailblazing CEO of Chefab Car Wash, shared her inspiring journey as a car wash operator on the Bijilo highway. Amidst the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, she passionately expressed her vision for expanding her business, aiming to establish more branches throughout the country. With a focus on creating employment opportunities for young people, Jammeh is committed to empowering the next generation and making a meaningful impact in her country.

“I want Chefab Car Wash to have as many branches as possible across the country and employ young people, especially women,” she told TFN.

Speaking to TFN about the Jammeh challenges she encountered while starting the business, Jammeh said: “We all know that the starting of a business is always difficult, especially when it comes to having employees in jobs like car wash. When I started, people would come and go because customers are not many at the start and money is not coming in as well and maintaining them is usually hard without pay”.

Jammeh, while pleased with the construction of the new OIC road, laments its impact on her business. Previously, customers could easily turn into her shop, but now they must drive to the Bijilo junction to access it.

“When customers wish to visit, they call me expressing their desire to come to my shop but mention that the road is now too far. Regular customers, who would typically reach Kasumai junction and then proceed to my shop, are finding that the construction of the new road has significantly impacted my business,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Jammeh sheds light on the origin of her idea to become a car wash operator.

“My inspiration came about after watching a video of a Nigerian woman on YouTube who was doing a car wash, and then I said to myself if this Nigerian woman can do a car wash job why not I also try to be the first lady in the Gambia to do a car wash. That was how I started, but did [I] not attend any professional classes. I just watched videos on YouTube about the job then I ventured into it”.

Jammeh described her approach to dealing with the stereotypes associated with women entering male-dominated fields: “The mentality that a Gambian has is that car wash is meant for men only, so I was well prepared mentally, emotionally and physically to see to it that I do this work despite all what they have to say”.

Chefab Car Wash, established on October 9, 2023, provides a range of services including carpet cleaning, home service, and office cleaning.

By Dawda Baldeh

The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) management recently conducted a day-long media sensitisation regarding the government’s agreement with the Albayrak Group to expand the Banjul port and construct a new deep-sea port in Sanyang.

This engagement followed widespread concerns about transparency and proper vetting of the contract, prompting the GPA to involve the media and provide detailed information from the consultation phase to the final contract awarding.

During the meeting, attended by media leaders and senior journalists at a local hotel in Kololi, GPA management presented several initiatives related to the concession and delivered a thorough presentation of the project.

This media engagement marked the third in a series following meetings with staff and National Assembly Members. The day-long session served as a platform to offer a detailed understanding of the concession agreement, its objectives, benefits, and expected outcomes, among other aspects.

Project benefits include infrastructure development, economic growth, and job creation.
GPA Managing Director, Ousman Jobarteh, emphasized the media’s role in sharing accurate information about the concession agreement.

Jobarteh noted that port privatization has demonstrated greater efficiency and mentioned that the need for infrastructural development at the port has been a long-standing issue identified over two decades ago.

“Your participation in this project is vital for informing the public,” he told journalists, adding that the project holds significant economic advantages for the country.

He further revealed that the bidding process involved over ten international bidders, including local participants, with seven shortlisted and only three advancing to the final stage, where Albayrak emerged as the most suitable bidder with complete funding and a comprehensive proposal.

“This project will greatly benefit the country, enhancing both economic growth and infrastructure. The Albayrak Group will cover the entire funding, while the government will retain a 20% share,” he stated.

Mr Jobarteh pointed out that the Banjul port has experienced severe congestion over the years, which has notably impacted vessel flow as they spend extended periods in Banjul.

He mentioned that this situation has led many vessels to divert to other countries. He added: “With Albayrak’s involvement, this issue will be resolved, allowing the Banjul port to remain competitive.”

Additionally, Jobarteh addressed staff welfare concerns, stating that the contract was negotiated to ensure a win-win situation and that all staff would be retained.

“The port of Banjul has been overwhelmed by traffic growth to the point that the facility cannot handle the increased volume, resulting in congestion,” he explained.

Jobarteh elaborated on the rationale behind this public-private partnership, emphasizing that it serves the country’s interests. Journalists were also given the chance to pose questions and seek further clarifications regarding the concession agreement, which GPA management addressed.

Lamin Cham, the Editor-in-Chief of the Standard Newspaper, inquired about how port congestion impacts market price increases and commended the GPA for the initiative.
In response, Mr Jobarteh stated: “If vessels are stranded at sea, they incur additional fees charged to importers, which ultimately leads to these costs being reflected in the prices of goods and services, thus affecting the market.”

Jobarteh noted that a rigorous process was followed, and a comprehensive assessment was conducted prior to the contract award. “Performance is crucial here, and it is explicitly outlined in the contract. The government will oversee Albayrak’s performance,” he explained.