United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Abubacarr Marie Tambadou of the Republic of the Gambia as the Registrar of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.

Mr. Tambadou succeeds Olufemi Elias of Nigeria, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his dedicated service to the Residual Mechanism and international criminal justice.

Until recently, Mr. Tambadou was serving as the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice of the Republic of the Gambia, a position he held since 2017. Mr. Tambadou brings over 14 years of experience in the area of international criminal justice, including through his role as Special Assistant to the Prosecutor of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals and Trial Attorney and later Appeals Counsel at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. Prior to those positions, he worked as a prosecutor in the Gambia and, later, as a Private Legal Practitioner. He has also served as the Chair of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs.

Mr. Tambadou holds a Master of Laws in International Human Rights Law from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Warwick. He was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn in the United Kingdom, and as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Gambia, in 1999. He is proficient in English with working knowledge of French.

Source: http://www.un.org/sg/en/spokesperson

President Adama Barrow has appealed for unity in preserving peace and stability of the country, as the new Attorney General and Minister of Justice took oath of office on Thursday.

State House in a news release said the President said maintaining peace and stability in the country hinges on respect for the rule of law and allowing the law enforcement officers to perform their duties without hindrance.

“Once again, I appeal to all Gambians to unite and be law-abiding citizens. Let us remain united. Unity fosters peace and prevents crime and disorder,” President Barrow said, according to State House’s release.

Dawda Jallow in his statement thanked the president for appointing him to serve the country and the government. He assured him of his “absolute and diligent dedication to duty at all times.”

“I therefore take this opportunity to assure all stakeholders in the transitional justice process, especially the victims that the Ministry of Justice will continue to support and provide the necessary leadership to ensure that the transitional justice process reaches its logical conclusion,” he said, according to State House’s release.

Abubacarr Tambadou has officially handed over office to his successor Dawda Jallow.

Former attorney general officially handed over the office to Mr Jallow on Wednesday.

Tambadou who was the country’s attorney general for three and a half years resigned from the role last month. He said his exit was prompted by ‘personal reasons’.

It came as he landed a top job with the United Nations.

Foreign minister Dr Mamadou Tangara has said Germany’s interior minister has informed a Gambian delegation over 4000 Gambians are required to leave Germany.

Dr Tangara stated this while fielding questions from Gambian lawmakers on Wednesday.

He said: “Members may recall a joint delegation comprising officials of my ministry and some members of the select committee on foreign affairs who embarked on a fact-finding mission to the federal republic of Germany from the 9th to the 16th of February 2020 on matters of irregular migration with the relevant German authorities.

“The delegation was informed by the German minister of interior that there were 15,534 Gambians residing in Germany as as of 31st of December 2019, out of this number, 4,837 are required to leave Germany, 4,271 Gambians have their deportation temporarily suspended, 1,133 have applied for asylum, 333 asylum applications are currently being processed by the federal office for migration and refugees. Four thousand, eight hundred and sixty-eight are under appeal before the German courts. At the state level of Batenwuttenberg, the Gambian delegation was informed that 25 Gambians have been convicted of criminal offences.

“Following the return of the delegation, a comprehensive report was prepared and submitted to the office of the president. The delegation also had a meeting with the president to further brief him on the conclusion of the visit.

“Acting on the recommendation of the report, the office of the president assigned the ministry of foreign affairs to work with all relevant stakeholders to develop a memorandum of understanding in the area of migration between The Gambia and the Federal Republic of Germany. Consequently, a draft MoU was developed and circulated to relevant stakeholders. Once this process is completed, the document will be presented to the relevant German authorities to kick-start negotiation on the proposed MoU.”

By Sarjo Brito

The coronavirus pandemic has forced the closure of gyms and fitness centres around the world and the Gambia is no exception. The closure of gyms however is not deterring Gambians from breaking a sweat and keeping fit as dozens of people take to the streets and beaches for evening exercises.

Fitness trainer Sheikh Ndow said the coronavirus pandemic has changed how people exercise. Ndow said the closure of gyms is no excuse for laziness as health and wellness must be prioritized. The fitness guru implored Gambians to start exercising more and reduce the high consumption of sugar and unnecessary food seasonings that could be detrimental to their health. Ndow said the number of high blood and diabetes related deaths among the young have surged recently and could be simply averted he says, if young people engage in simple fitness routines.

Ebrima who is an all-round athlete says exercising has become a way of life for him. The athlete says exercising requires a lot of strength and stamina and would not call it easy. He said people could start with simple stuffs like jogging in the morning to help increase blood flow and circulation.

COVID-19 has a tremendous impact on many businesses, but the fitness industry has been hit particularly hard after many countries ordered a total shutdown on them as part of measures to help contain the virus.

Constitutional Review Commission director of communications Sainey MK Marenah said on Wednesday Abubacarr Tambadou demonstrated patriotism and love for country while serving in the role of attorney general and minister of justice.

Representing the CRC at a send-off event in Banjul organised for the former Barrow government minister, Mr Marenah said: “You were the right man, at the right place and at the right time. Any honest broker will recognize that this Ministry has been moving at bewildering speed and has achieved numerous milestones. The CRC is very appreciative of your office’s unflinching and sterling support and collaboration all throughout the process of reviewing and developing the new draft constitution for the Republic of The Gambia.

“I have heard Justice Cherno Sulayman Jallow acknowledge in all our press conferences that your Ministry has supported the CRC every step of the way without ever attempting to interfere or influence the outcome of the constitution building process. That amply demonstrates your level of professionalism and job ethics in the service of The Gambia, your beloved country.

“From all indications, it is clear that your Ministry has succeeded in putting the Gambia on the right trajectory to democracy, the rule of law, that will pave the way for socio-economic development and shared prosperity. As you leave office for other assignments, we want to register our gratitude to you and to tell you how proud we have been, working with you to build a robust foundation for the country.

“You have demonstrated patriotism, loyalty and love for country.

“As you are all set for a global assignment, we have no shred of doubt that you will triumph. This conviction of ours is largely premised on the monumental achievements you have selflessly registered at the home front despite the inevitable odds. “

Major General Yakuba A Drammeh has said that President Adama Barrow is very much passionate and committed to the cause of the Gambia Armed Forces.

Army chief Drammeh was at the State House on Wednesday to brief the President on the outcome of a two-week tour of military installations across the country which saw his high-level engagement with governors, key stakeholders, and community leaders across the country, State House said in a news release on Wednesday.

“As usual, President Barrow has taken ownership of the Armed Forces once again as Commander-in-Chief… He gave assurances that he will stand with the Armed Forces in our collective pursuit to bring about the much-necessary peace and tranquility,” the chief of defence staff said, according to State House.

Drammeh became the head of the army following the March preening of Masanneh Kinteh.

President Adama Barrow in consultation with the Ministerial Sub-Committee on COVID-19 and based on the advice given by the Health Experts’ Committee of the Ministry of Health has decided to extend the State of Public Emergency in The Gambia, according to State House.

State House said in a statement on Wednesday: “In exercise of the powers conferred on him by section 34(6) of the 1997 Constitution, President Barrow has declared that the State of Public Emergency continues to exist in the whole country for seven days, effective 1st July 2020.

“The public is also informed that the COVID -19 Emergency Regulations issued under the Emergency Powers Act shall continue to apply during the period of the State of Public Emergency.

“Meanwhile, the public is reminded that COVID-19 is real as the number cases recorded in the country is on the increase. The public is also advised to take all precautionary measures to protect themselves and prevent infecting others.

“The government gives assurances that all efforts are being made to prevent and contain the coronavirus from spreading further, as it continues to monitor developments within the ECOWAS region.”

Interior Minister Yankuba Sonko has conceded to claims some security officers are into drugs, telling members of the national assembly efforts are being perfected to identify them.

“I think I totally agree with you. In some instances, security officers are arrested. Just couple of weeks ago, some officers of the army are arrested. So I will not dispute your criticism but however, wherever you have good ones, you will still have bad ones among us. So we trying to identify them and weed them out if possible so that efforts to fight against drug abuse can be strengthened,” Mr Sonko told Banjul Central MP Muhammed Ndow who raised the issue at a session at the House on Wednesday.

Earlier on, the interior minister told members of the national assembly cogent efforts are being pursued to end cannabis use in The Gambia.

Mr Sonko said: “I’m pleased to inform the Honourable Members that the government of the Gambia through my ministry has designed and implement strategies to address the disturbing surge of cannabis abuse and trafficking covering supplies operation, that’s enforcement as well as demand reduction, public awareness sensitisation.

“In line with the national standard and best practices, non-custodial sentence measures such as community service, counselling and mentoring are provided for the first, second and third time offenders in cannabis possession cases.

“Additional efforts include upgrading of the drug demand reduction unit of the drug law enforcement of The Gambia to a directorate and the implementation of robust and accelerate public engagement sensitisation activities targeting mainly the youths who constitute the majority of the victims.

“Series of school outreach activities in the form of symposium, drama, debate, quiz competition are conducted in schools across the country alongside the establishment of the anti-drug clubs in several schools.

“Furthermore, DLEAG has signed an operational memorandum of understanding with their counterparts in Senegal and Guinea Bissau. Within the framework of this agreement, joint operations named, ‘Operation Open Roads’ are conducted with the aim of strengthening sub-regional cooperation in drug interdiction…

Also, serious lobbying with partners is in progress to construct a rehabilitation centre to cater for the needs of abusers. This will complement other efforts to reduce the demand since victims will have access to various support services to facilitate their reform.”

Ensa Jesus Badjie said today he has ‘whole-heartedly’ forgiven convicted thief Soriba Conde whose testimony against him played a big part in his jailing.

“I don’t blame Soriba. I have forgiven Soriba whole-heartedly, between myself and God,” the former Inspector General of Police said today as he came face to face with Soriba at a reconciliation showdown held at the TRRC in Kotu.

The former police chief was arrested in 2010 on bogus charges of drug trafficking, corruption and theft.

He was later jailed after Soriba Conde a thief who specialised in breaking shops gave false testimony against him.

The two men met at the TRRC where Soriba who has been in jail for over 10 years begged for Mr Badjie’s forgiveness.

Soriba said he did wrong Mr Badjie and always felt ashamed when he sees Mr Badjie while they were both in Mile Two.

Concerned Gambians have descended on Kairaba Police Station to show support to Madi Jobarteh.

Mr Jobarteh was at the police station this morning to report following his release on bail on Tuesday.

Police on Tuesday called the prominent activist in for questioning over comments he made at a Black Lives Matter The Gambia protest last Saturday.

Mr Jobarteh in a Facebook post said the police official handling his case informed him that his bail has been extended to Thursday.

“I asked why is that and he said it’s a “directive” and he won’t say from who and why! The fight for human rights and democracy continues!” he said.

By Jaka Ceesay Jaiteh

Women and girls have been undermined, discriminated, and gone through various forms of Gender Based Violence for decades all around the world. The fight to end GBV has been a collective effort between government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations.

The ministry of women, children, and social welfare of the Gambia in partnership with the UNFPA has launched the State of the World Population Report 2020 and the National Gender Based Violence hotline. The event was held on the 30th June at the Paradise Suites Hotel located in Senegambia.

The state of the world Population Report is UNFPA’s flagship report which seeks to the current position of global efforts on population issues especially the needs, issues and current conditions of the youths, girls, and women globally. The theme for this year’s report “Against my will: Defying the practices that harm women and undermine equality” which focus on the three most prevalent harmful practices: Female Genital Mutilation, Child Marriage, and extreme bias against daughters in favor of sons.

The implantation of the helpline (call center) will be done by the Paradise Foundation. The Gender Based Violence helpline will serve as a professional council unit and provide psychosocial support for victims of GBV. With the hotline 1313, the government of the Gambia with its partners believe this would serve as a great means to helping victims of GBV especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

Two people have tested positive for coronavirus as the cases of the disease rose to 49.

The ministry of health said on Tuesday a 57-year-old and a 25-year-old have contracted the disease.

The ministry said: “Cases 048 and 049 are both male Gambians of 57 and 25 years of age respectively.
“While case 48 is a deportee from US who entered the country on the 17th June, case 049 came in on the 27th June through one of the POEs (Amdalai Border Post) after having spent a month in Senegal.”