GRA wishes to remind all taxpayers and the public that entertainment events organised locally or internationally are subject to income tax. The income tax liability is imposed on both the promoter of the event and the artist (local or foreign).
For the promoter of the event, the income tax shall be paid in accordance with the normal tax regime which is a quarterly payment obligation, an annual filing/declaration and final payment obligations at the end of the year.
For the artist or musician (local or foreign) the tax shall be withheld by the promoter and paid to the GRA on their behalf. The applicable withhold tax rates are as follows:
Local artist or musician – a withholding tax on the gross amount due to the artist or musician at the rate of 10% as specified under section 89(3) of the Income & Value Added tax Act 2012.
Foreign or international artist or musician – a withholding tax on the gross amount due to the artist or musician at the rate of 15% as specified under sections 11 and 92 of the Income & Value Added tax Act 2012.
It is important for all promoters to note that failure to withhold tax as stated above or failure to remit tax withheld is an offense under section 95 of the Income & Value Added tax Act 2012. In such a case the promoter shall be held personally liable for the tax, penalty, and interest in accordance with sections 231 and 229 of the Income & Value Added tax Act 2012 respectively.
All promoters are strictly advised to comply with this legal requirement to avoid enforcement of full force of the law or disruption of their event by the GRA.
Alhagie Mamadi Kurang, a Malaysia-trained chartered accountant and private financial consultant, has firmly defended his daily social media posts regarding the ongoing testimonies at the Local Government Commission of Inquiry.
In an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, Kurang addressed a petition filed by Kemo Bojang, a nominated councillor at the Kanifing Municipality, which seeks his removal from the commission.
Bojang’s petition claims that Kurang’s social media activities pose a conflict of interest and portray the witnesses’ image as “negative.”
However, Kurang described the petition as “frivolous and irrelevant.”
Kurang emphasized that, as a consultant, he does not hold a position on the commission or influence its decisions.
“I am not a member of the commission, and I do not work for the commission.
“My role is purely advisory, providing answers to questions based on facts and figures when asked by the lead counsel,” he explained.
He further pointed out that the petitioners likely misunderstood the role of a consultant in such proceedings.
Defending his social media activity, Kurang noted that he has the constitutional right to express his views.
He clarified that he only comments on publicly available information, often reposting content that is already widely shared across media outlets.
“If someone has nothing to hide, they should not be concerned,” he remarked, reinforcing that citizens have the right to comment on publicly available information, just like any lawyer or public figure.
Kurang also questioned the timing and motivation behind the petition, suggesting that there had been no similar complaints when he participated in the Janneh Commission, where he also provided consultancy services and publicly commented on its proceedings.
He highlighted inconsistencies in how social media interactions were treated in previous commissions, pointing out that critics never raised objections when other figures involved in the Janneh Commission, such as Amie Bensouda, engaged in public commentary.
“When Amie Bensouda vigorously questioned Ousman Rambo Jatta while he was running against her son in the 2018 KMC Mayoral elections why did they not query that?” he reacted.
Furthermore, Kurang reiterated that his role in the Local Government Commission of Inquiry is non-decisional, as commissioners, not consultants, are responsible for making the final decisions.
He maintained that his constitutional right to freely comment on public matters, including those discussed in the commission, should be respected.
ECOWAS has officially approved the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the bloc, effective January 29, 2025. However, the regional body has granted the three countries a six-month period, until July 2025, to reconsider their decision.
This comes after the military-led governments of the three nations, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), rejected ECOWAS’s previous six-month retraction offer, viewing it as a foreign-driven “destabilization attempt” linked to France.
Despite ongoing mediation efforts, the AES remains firm in its stance, accusing France of undermining their sovereignty.
The Gambia’s reliance on imported rice is more than an agricultural issue – it reflects the nation’s struggle with self-sufficiency. Despite fertile land and the potential for local production, almost all of the rice consumed is imported. This dependence exposes a broader problem: our inability to rely on our own resources. It highlights a lack of strategic planning and weak governance, preventing the country from achieving economic sovereignty. Achieving rice self-sufficiency is about more than meeting dietary needs; it is about reclaiming control over our agricultural and economic future.
As it stands, over 80% of the rice consumed locally is imported from India, Pakistan, Thailand, and China, according to the World Bank (2023). This has created an unsustainable dependence on external sources, which not only impacts food security but also puts pressure on our foreign exchange reserves. Every year, millions of dollars are spent on importing rice, money that should arguably be invested in developing our own agricultural capacity.
The situation is worsened by the fact that imported rice is often cheaper than locally produced rice. The price difference is partly due to subsidies and economies of scale in countries that export rice to The Gambia, making it difficult for local farmers to compete. As a result, demand for locally grown rice remains low, preventing local small-scale farmers from making a sustainable living. This cycle of import dependence has persisted for decades, making it one of the country’s most pressing challenges.
Despite these challenges, there have been recent efforts to increase domestic rice production, notably through private sector initiatives. One of the most notable examples is the partnership between the government and Jah Oil Company. President Adama Barrow recently hailed the company’s rice farming efforts in Bayaba village, Sami District, Central River Region, calling it an important step towards achieving food security and reducing dependence on foreign rice imports. “Jah Oil’s investment in local rice farming demonstrates the importance of private sector involvement in our agricultural transformation,” said President Barrow (The Gambia Government Press Release, 2024).
Jah Oil Company’s investment in rice production has shown promise. With its large-scale rice farm, the company is increasing the supply of locally grown rice and providing jobs for people in the region. This initiative is a critical part of the government’s broader goal of ending rice importation by 2030. However, while such initiatives are a step in the right direction, they cannot be the sole solution to The Gambia’s rice production challenges.
As President Barrow noted in a GRTS interview during his trip to the rice farm this year, rice production is an expensive venture that requires significant resources and investment. While private sector involvement is necessary, it must be complemented by government policies that address the root causes of the country’s agricultural challenges. These include providing farmers with access to affordable credit, improving irrigation infrastructure, and ensuring that local farmers can compete on an even playing field with imported rice.
The Gambia’s dependence on rice imports is part of a broader issue of national dependency that also extends to remittances. Just as the country depends on rice imports to feed its population, it relies heavily on remittances sent from Gambians abroad to sustain its economy. These remittances make up a significant portion of our GDP and have been a lifeline for many families. According to the World Bank, remittances represented about 20% of our GDP in 2022 (World Bank, 2023). However, they also create a cycle of dependence, where the mindset that external help is always the solution continues to grow. This mindset weakens the drive for self-sufficiency, both for individuals and for the nation as a whole.
While remittances and foreign aid can provide short-term relief, they cannot be relied upon as the cornerstone of national growth. The country must focus on developing its own resources and industries, particularly agriculture, to reduce its reliance on imports and external financial support. This will require not only increasing local food production but also investing in key sectors like education, infrastructure, and technology, which can create more opportunities for Gambians to thrive within our own borders.
One key to breaking the cycle of dependence is attracting the youth to agriculture. For many years, farming has been seen as a labor-intensive, low-income profession, leading many young Gambians to seek opportunities abroad or in urban centers. However, with the right policies, there is significant potential to change this perception. The government and private sector must invest in modern farming technologies and create opportunities for young people to engage in agriculture, ensuring that the sector is seen as a viable and profitable career path.
This could involve providing training in modern farming techniques, offering incentives for young people to get involved in rice production, and improving access to financing for agricultural ventures. By doing so, The Gambia could address both the issue of rice self-sufficiency and the larger issue of youth unemployment, which has been a persistent challenge.
To achieve rice self-sufficiency, The Gambia must implement policies that address the challenges faced by local farmers and promote the growth of the agricultural sector. These policies could include subsidies for local rice farmers, particularly those in the early stages of production. This support could include grants, low-interest loans, and access to affordable inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and equipment.
Investments in irrigation systems, rural roads, and storage facilities are also essential to improving rice production. This infrastructure would help farmers increase yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and access markets more easily. Introducing modern farming techniques and technology could greatly increase rice production. Training programs for farmers on new methods and technologies could help them improve yields and reduce costs.
Ensuring that locally produced rice can compete with imports requires better access to markets and price support mechanisms. The government could implement price floors to protect local farmers from being undercut by cheaper imports. Finally, The Gambia must view agriculture not just as an economic necessity but as a long-term national priority. This requires strategic planning, sustained investment, and a commitment to creating a thriving, self-sufficient agricultural sector.
Our reliance on imported rice symbolizes a broader dependence that has stalled national progress for decades. Initiatives like Jah Oil Company’s are important but must be supported by government policies, infrastructure, and youth involvement in agriculture. Breaking free from this cycle of dependence is key to building a self-sufficient, resilient future.
Wuday Jallow, the first vice president of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) women’s wing and regional treasurer for Lower River Region, along with Hamat Jallow, the GDC constituency chairman for Jarra East, and Fatou Bah, the national women’s wing auditor, have defected to the National People’s Party (NPP).
Their move was marked by a ceremony at the NPP HQ in Serekunda, chaired by Dr. Sabally, the NPP’s first deputy national president and Minister for Agriculture. Their move was marked by a ceremony at the NPP HQ in Serekunda, chaired by Dr. Sabally, the NPP’s first deputy national president and Minister for Agriculture. The event, witnessed by hundreds of NPP supporters and several party officials, marks a significant blow to GDC, led by Mamma Kandeh.
After a week of inspiration, dialogue, and action, the 2024 National Youth Conference and Festival (NaYCoNF) with the theme Enhancing Youth Participation in the Attainment of the Recovery Focus and National Development Plan 2023-2024 concluded at the Charles Jow Memorial Academy in Bundung.
Over 2,000 young people from the seven administrative regions came together in a remarkable convergence, showcasing their passion and determination to shape the nation’s future.
In his closing statement, Honourable Bakary Y. Badjie expressed immense pride in the outcomes of this year’s NaYCoNF. He commended the delegates for their unwavering commitment to addressing issues like unemployment, migration, and inclusion through vibrant discussions aligned with the National Development Plan (RF NDP).
The week-long event was a testament to the power of youth. From sports competitions fostering teamwork and national cohesion to cultural nights celebrating The Gambia’s rich heritage, the festival highlighted the incredible potential of young people to unite and inspire.
Delegates also showcased their entrepreneurial skills during the Youth Innovations and Entrepreneurship Expo, presenting groundbreaking ideas with the potential to transform the nation’s economic landscape. Leadership sessions further empowered them with the skills and values needed to drive positive change in their communities.
A Call to Action
The Minister emphasized that the success of NaYCoNF lies in the actions taken after the event. “The knowledge, skills, and connections gained here must be put into practice,” he urged, encouraging delegates to become champions of change in their communities.
Gratitude and Commitment
Minister Badjie extended heartfelt gratitude to H.E the President of the Republic of the Gambia Mr. Adama Barrow and his Government, National Organizing Committee (NOC) of NaYCoNF 2024 National Youth Council – The Gambia sponsors, and countless volunteers who made the event possible. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to investing in youth, ensuring they remain at the forefront of national development.
As NaYCONF 2024 concluded, it left an indelible mark on all participants, igniting a renewed sense of purpose and unity. The journey toward building a resilient and prosperous Gambia continues, driven by the energy and vision of its youth.
Together, we rise. Together, we lead. Together, we build a brighter future!
H.E Mohammed B.S Jallow, Vice President of The Republic of The Gambia presiding over the closing ceremony at the 14th Edition of the National Youth Conference and Festival (NaYCoNF)
In his address, the Vice President expressed appreciation to the young people for their participation throughout the week-long event, highlighting their dedication to dialogues, sports, cultural showcases, and business idea pitches. He emphasized the critical role of youth in achieving the objectives of the Recovery Focused Nationl Development Plan (RF-NDP) and reiterated the government’s commitment to empowering young people through education, TVET, agriculture, digital literacy, and civic participation.
The VP congratulated the winners of the business pitch competition, who received a total of D375,000, and commended all regions for their efforts and achievements during the festival. He assured participants that the government would work towards implementing the resolutions adopted during the conference.
“As the curtains close on this remarkable event, we celebrate the vibrancy, innovation, and determination of Gambian youth and look forward to the next edition. Safe travels to all participants!” VP stated.
UTG longest serving cleaner Haddy Jatta during her leisure time at home
Haddy Jatta, 68, has been a cleaner at the University of The Gambia (UTG) since its inception in 1999.
Jatta has worked under different university management since 1999 and has seen a lot evolve at the university during these periods, yet her take-home as a monthly wage is just a paltry sum.
She recalled receiving eight hundred Gambian dalasis (D800) as her salary during her early days at the university. Despite this poor emolument, Jatta persevered and would continue to work at the university for more than two decades. Her story personifies the sheer perseverance and life of an industrious worker.
“My work at the UTG is better because if I sit at home, I will not get what I’m getting. I do the work to upkeep my family. I have been patient until my retirement, I am from a poor family. I can say I’m the better one amongst all of them because of the work I do,” she said.
Jatta is from a humble but less privileged family. Perhaps something that contributed to her longevity as a cleaner at the university. Like many across various sectors, her situation depicts a real scenario of living from hand to mouth. Yet, she would still extend generosity to other family members. “My elder brother is an Islamic teacher, and he lives in Cassamance. He has nothing and he depends on me. Whatever I have here, I share with him, one of my sisters resides in Brikama, she often passes by, and I share the little I have with her,” She revealed.
The fear of aggravating an already dire situation motivates Jatta to stay long in this job. She is often perplexed as to what to do next if she quits the less-paid cleaner job at UTG. “I have struggled for a long time now, but Allah doesn’t see me through to change the situation of my family,” she said.
“With my decades of service at UTG, 5 a.m. meets me there every day and I work with due diligence. If UTG doesn’t recognize my efforts, Allah will do,” an emotional Jatta said.
Professor Kah, one of the university’s former vice chancellors, contributed immensely to Jatta’s career at the UTG. Kah was hailed as an ‘exceptional’ and ‘development-oriented’ leader by Jatta. “During his time, he registered a series of developments. Our salaries were not good and eventually, they stopped giving us pay slips. When Prof. Kah came, he told us clearly that he couldn’t increase our salaries because he had a lot of work to do. He promised to increase our payment when he settled, unfortunately, it never happened because he doesn’t stay long,” she said.
Working as a cleaner at most places in the Gambia is largely underpaid and many wouldn’t endure the heat of earning low to the high demands of the real economy. This usually leads to many quitting their jobs for pastures greener elsewhere.
However, Jatta urged her co-workers to remain steadfast in the face of adversity. “I am pleading to my co-workers to be patient and do their work with honesty until their retirement arrives. Allah only rewards people through their actions. If they leave the work, they will not get the little they are receiving from the UTG,” She concludes.
Haddy’s years of dedication and hard work haven’t gone unnoticed. Her co-cleaners, lecturers and even the founding Dean of the UTG School of Journalism and Digital Media are full of praise for the Gambia’s main university’s longest-serving cleaner.
“She does a wonderful job by leading the cleaners at SJDM. When she revealed that she reaches campus at 6 a.m., I was baffled that she comes to school that early morning,” Nana Grey-Johnson, SJDM founding Dean said.
Haddy’s current poor financial status is aggravated by her single mother status, having no surviving child of her own to take care of her at this age like most of her peers. She spent all her earnings taking care of her siblings and their children- none of them attained higher education. “I was surprised to know that she is a single mother. She always talks about children, but I am surprised to know that those children are not hers,” Nana Grey Johnson said.
At her age, she is still bearing the responsibility of providing daily meals for those under her care, forcing her to continue working on a contractual basis after clocking 60 years – a normal retirement age in The Gambia.
Haddy’s co-cleaners are also going through a similar financial struggle, but at her age, they are worried about her health. “She is an elderly woman now and her legs are not as strong as before. This is one of the reasons the management is allowing her to retire,” said Bintou Sanneh, Haddy’s co-worker.
With hopes dashed out, Haddy, just like her co-cleaners, are motivated not by the little financial reward they receive from the University, but by their belief that God will see them through.
Bintou said life would have been better for Haddy and all of them if they were in Europe, where with their experience, they can serve as supervisors, but this is not the case at the UTG. “Those of us who started the cleaning at UTG can be supervisors. They brought somebody to supervise us. If it was based on merit, we are the pioneers of cleaning at UTG,” she said.
The UTG is The Gambia’s first public university established by the Gambia government in 1999. Haddy is currently one of the few staff of the university who started work since its establishment 25 years ago.
To capture Haddy Jatta’s touching life story for eternity, UTG Film Studies Lecturer, Prince Bubacarr Aminata Sankanu, produced a documentary film on her with his students which got splendid audience engagements during the 5th CineKambiya International Film Festival (CIFF) 2024. Plans are on the way to organize a nationwide outreach with the documentary as it amplifies the messages on gender justice, income disparities, the struggles of single mothers and the tribulations of domestic workers. Sponsors and partners are invited.
Call for Action: Empathic and grateful UTG students through the Journalism Students Association (JSA) and Law Students Association (LSA) have initiated a fundraising drive to support Ms. Haddy Jatta in getting a dignified retirement. The account numbers for the donations are: Adama M. Joof. Account number: 2158057411590 (GTBank); Alex A. Manneh. Account number: 6274013048 (Ecobank) & Aja Fatou Drammeh. Account number: 007023001025(Access Bank). Wave number: 2631731.
This feature story is part of a semester project of the 2024 Film Studies II class at the University of The Gambia (UTG) School of Journalism and Digital Media SSJDM). Sarjo S. Jammeh, Ebrima Mbaye, Meita Touray, Sarjo Fadera and Banna Sabally contributed to the story supervised by Prince Bubacarr Aminata Sankanu, Deputy Government Spokesperson, Lecturer in Film Studies at UTG and President of Film Producers Association of The Gambia.
The 2024 Afrobarometer survey indicates that Gambians are most concerned about health, the cost of living, and crime, and they want the government to address these issues promptly.
According to the survey, 55% of Gambians want health-related issues to be tackled, which is an increase from 33% in 2018.
In terms of the cost of living, 45% of respondents expressed concern in 2024, while 34% want crime to be addressed, up from just 14% in 2018.
The findings indicate that health is the most critical issue necessitating government action.
The survey further explores other aspects of governance and citizens’ perceptions of the nation’s progress.
Over three-quarters (77%) of Gambians believe the country is heading in the “wrong direction,” a notable increase of 48 percentage points since 2018.
Regarding economic conditions, only about 19% of Gambians rate the country’s financial situation as “fairly good” or “very good,” which represents a significant decline of 39 points from 2018, when the figure was 58%.
When evaluating the performance of leaders, the survey reveals that “a majority of Gambians disapprove of the performance of the president (62%), members of Parliament (65%), and local government councillors (60%) over the past year.”
During a session to present the survey findings, Project Director Sait Matty Jaw, emphasised the survey’s significance in shaping citizens’ perceptions of government and governance, ensuring they are well-informed.
He encouraged journalists to continue consulting experts on the issues raised by Gambians in the survey that they wish the government to address.
“Keep the discussion ongoing [and] engage the experts on the key issues raised by citizens,” he stated.
He also encouraged journalists to utilize this data as a tool to pose critical questions.
Ms. Mariam Davies, Program Manager at the Center for Research and Policy Development (CRPD), praised the role of journalists in amplifying citizens’ voices and how they simplify the survey findings for public comprehension.
“You are experts in your field, and you can help simplify our work to the public to ensure they easily understand [it],” she said.
The survey indicates that health, rising living costs, and crime/security are the three most significant issues citizens want the government to tackle.
Citizens report that the country’s economic situation has deteriorated since 2018, necessitating prompt government intervention.
Moreover, many respondents acknowledge improvements during President Barrow’s administration concerning freedom of speech, youth involvement in politics, women’s participation in politics, respect for human rights, and the maintenance of law and order.
At the All-People’s Party – SOBEYA congress held over the weekend in Farafenni, Essa Mbaye Fall, the party’s leader, outlined plans to bring significant change to The Gambia if elected.
Fall raised concerns about the current government’s spending, citing the purchase of vehicles for the OIC Summit and significant expenditure on the “Meet the People” tour.
He also highlighted the country’s reliance on food imports, despite having the potential to produce its own food. Fall called on Gambians to support APP-SOBEYA for a better future, pledging to address the issue of public fund misuse by 2026.
Both Nawec & GCAA have no excuse whatsoever for failing to power the airport 24/7. The supply of electricity & the running of an airport are no rocket science. Nations of the world have been providing electricity to millions of their citizens and thousands of heavy factories every day without a hitch.
Even under severe weather conditions and with huge natural obstacles and difficult terrains, these countries have ensured 24/7 uninterrupted power supply.
Fortunately for The Gambia, the country is small. The longest distance is 400km. The widest distance is 80km. There are no mountains and no huge rivers to cross, and no snowfall, torrential rains, earthquakes, tornadoes, or hurricanes.
Therefore, why should electricity supply be difficult in a country of 2.4 million with minimal factories and very little industrial activity? Why?
Similarly, the running of airports around the world is nothing strange. Hence, those who run an airport cannot afford to have the airports shut down just because of electricity when there is no emergency, no war, or terrorist attack. To close down the airport because of the irresponsible load shedding of the useless Nawec is no excuse!
GCAA should have established a permanent power supply system that should never fail. GCAA cannot blame Nawec for power failure when it fully knows that Nawec is erratic, useless, and irresponsible!
Professionals know how to do their work properly. They use data, knowledge, experience, and commitment to perform and deliver. Why are Nawec and GCAA unable to be professional and competent when they have all the resources?
Once again, this unfortunate and unacceptable situation highlights how public officials in The Gambia continue to damage the life and dignity of this nation. They don’t do their job for which they are paid, only to give citizens cock-and-bull stories, and life goes on. Impunity.
Meantime, both the President and the Minister responsible sit there uncaring and undisturbed. Shamefully. Otherwise, there should have been urgent accountability for this negligence, unprofessionalism, and incompetence that has cost the country and individuals millions of dalasi!
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, governed by military juntas and forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), have rejected ECOWAS’s six-month retraction period aimed at reconsidering their decision to leave the regional bloc.
Viewing the move as a “destabilization attempt” linked to France, the AES maintains its exit is irreversible and condemns ECOWAS for advancing foreign agendas. Despite mediation efforts by Senegal and Togo, the three nations, aligning militarily and politically with Russia, remain critical of France, accusing it of undermining their sovereignty and emancipation efforts.
The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has issued a public notice explaining the power outage that disrupted operations at Banjul International Airport on Saturday, December 21, 2024. The incident, which coincided with maintenance work on the new 225 kV electricity line from Brikama to Jabang, forced several flights to divert to Dakar, Senegal.
According to NAWEC, precautionary measures were taken ahead of the scheduled maintenance activities to ensure safety. “Prior to the commencement of the scheduled maintenance activities, precautionary measures—including the isolation of lines along the route to ensure the safety of personnel and prevent accidents—were communicated in advance to all relevant stakeholders,” the statement said.
NAWEC further explained that the power supply to the airport became unstable due to a surge in demand when users switched back on simultaneously, tripping the line. This situation left the airport reliant on its automated backup system, which is designed to shut down automatically when unstable power is detected.
“We reassure the public that NAWEC will continue working diligently with its partners, contractors, and key institutions to provide reliable electricity and safeguard vital facilities,” NAWEC stated.
The maintenance work, according to NAWEC, is part of ongoing efforts to enhance and stabilize the region’s power supply. NAWEC encouraged any affected parties to contact its management for assistance.
Politics in The Gambia is heating up as Lawyer Essa Faal, leader of the Turnaround Movement, has made strong remarks about the current government, particularly in relation to the happiness of Gambians. In an exclusive interview with GTTV, Faal criticized the Barrow administration’s handling of the nation’s affairs and its claim that citizens are content under the current leadership. Faal’s Criticism: “No One Is Happy”
Faal questioned the notion that Gambians are happy, stating, “Our country is at a crossroads. Every sector is dysfunctional.” He dismissed the claim that Gambians are satisfied, further stating, “The Gambia is currently ahead of only 23 countries in terms of development. If things don’t change, we risk falling to the bottom.”
During his interview, Faal expressed concern about the state of the country, claiming that the Barrow government’s claim that Gambians are happy is far from the truth.
“No one is happy in The Gambia. Everyone is unhappy. So, anyone who claims that Gambians are happy is making a false statement,” Faal said, addressing the issue head-on.
He explained that the country is at a crossroads, with every sector reportedly struggling. Faal pointed to the misallocation and misuse of public funds, the lack of essential resources, and a leadership more focused on personal gain than national development.
“Our country is at a crossroads. Every sector is dysfunctional,” Faal remarked, further emphasizing that the Gambian people are bearing the brunt of the government’s failures.
In his view, the government’s leadership has failed to address the concerns of the people, and the youth, in particular, are deeply affected. Faal has called for a drastic change, stressing that the future of the country hinges on accountability and reform.
Sabally’s Response: The Happiness Revolution
Special Adviser to the President, Momodou Sabally, did not take kindly to Faal’s comments. In a pointed response on social media, Sabally defended the Barrow administration, arguing that the government’s focus on happiness and progress cannot be dismissed by Faal or anyone else. In his social media post, Sabally addressed Faal personally, saying:
“To the Egocentric Narcissist: notes on happiness (part 1) … Essa has stated that nobody is happy in this country and even those who are saying so are not happy.”
Sabally continued by pointing to the efforts of the Barrow administration in promoting happiness, highlighting the successful “Meet the People Tour” where Gambians publicly expressed their support for the president.
“The manifestation of happiness of the people of this smiling coast was displayed during the most successful recent Meet the People Tour where real Gambians came out in their numbers to thank and appreciate President Barrow for his rapid socio-economic development successes anchored on democracy peace and respect for human rights.”
Furthermore, Sabally referred to a banner in Niamina where people welcomed President Barrow with the words “The Youths are Happy,” using it as evidence of the positive reception Barrow’s government has received.
“The icing on the cake was dished out in Niamina where people came out with a banner to welcome the President with the words ‘The Youths are Happy.'”
Sabally also criticized Faal’s views on happiness, suggesting that his inability to see the positive developments in the country was due to his personal grievances, including a desire to become president.
“If you want to fight #happiness just know that you are waging a war against the legendary Thomas Jefferson and lo and behold; that one is not a ‘raba-raba’ lawyer who would defend one dictator at The Hague and then come to try to hang another one in another setting.”
The exchange between Faal and Sabally reflects the ongoing political debate in The Gambia, with contrasting views on the country’s state and its future direction. While Faal calls for greater accountability and reforms to address the needs of the youth, Sabally and other government officials emphasize the progress made under the Barrow administration, arguing that it is creating opportunities for citizens and improving the overall quality of life.
This growing divide raises a crucial question: what does it mean for The Gambia if two prominent political leaders cannot agree on even the basic definition of happiness? Who holds the key to the nation’s future – those advocating for change or those claiming the current path is the right one?
The Drug Law Enforcement Agency has detained at least three Nigerian citizens for possessing illegal drugs.
The agency stated that the suspects’ capture was facilitated through cooperation with other partners after receiving intelligence regarding the intended smuggling of drugs from India.
“The Directorate of Operation worked together with other partners at the airport and executed an intelligence-led sting operation that led to the arrest of three (3) Nigerian nationals and the seizure of 40,227 ecstasy tablets.
“The operation commenced in late November 2024 after the Agency’s CTI command received intelligence about the planned smuggling of illicit drugs into the country from India,” DLEAG said.
Moreover, the agency highlighted that it collaborated with other entities, including the Agency’s Airport Command, Gambia Revenue Authority Airport Command, and officers at Amdalai to oversee the situation.
“To evade arrest upon receiving the package, the sender intentionally provided a false address and fictitious telephone numbers on the package,” the agency said in a report.
However, the agency continued to monitor the unclaimed package (at Red Coat) while another team was assigned to track any Persons of Interest (POI) related to the case.
“Two (2) of the primary suspects reside in Latrikunda Sabiji and Bundung in the Kanifing Municipality, while the third lives in Amdalai in the North Bank Region.
“After several weeks of covert operations concerning individuals linked to the unclaimed package, and with sufficient information gathered and analysed, the team dispatched officers on 18th December 2024 to arrest the three suspects, all of whom are Nigerians,” the report indicated.
The suspects are identified as Ikechukweu Livinus Akwusaia, also known as I.K, residing in Amdalai; Ifeanacho Raphael, who lives in Latrikunda Sabiji and operates a restaurant in Bambo; and Sunday Ainbgaoso from Bundung, who runs a shop in Serrekunda.
“They are all in custody,” DLEAG stated, adding that on 19th December 2024, the three suspects were escorted to the Airport where DLEAG and GRA officials opened the unclaimed package and inspected it in their presence.
“Additionally, the contents of the package were weighed and determined to be 26.4 kilograms of ecstasy.
Subsequently, the package was handed over to DLEAG for further investigation.
Further counting at DLEAG’s CTI office confirmed that the package contained forty thousand, two hundred and twenty-seven (40,227) ecstasy tablets.”
Key findings from DLEAG regarding the case reveal the following: I.K. is a nephew of the sender (consignor), who is reportedly named Frayo and resides in India.
Likewise, I.K. was assigned the task of coordinating the clearance of the package.
Ifeanacho Raphael was expected to finance the clearance of the package at the Red Coat airport office.
However, he was unable to gather the required funds to pay an individual who was supposed to clear the package for them.
Sunday Ainbgaoso’s role was to coordinate and physically collect the package from an undisclosed person for a fee believed to be several hundreds of thousands of Dalasis.
The three suspects remain in custody while further investigations into the matter are ongoing, according to the agency.
DLEAG attributed the success of this operation to their enhanced collaboration with various stakeholders to strengthen their efforts against illicit drug activities and expressed appreciation to the Gambia Revenue Authority and the Airport Command for their support.
Senegalese Prime Minister, His Excellency Ousman Sonko, visited Banjul at the end of the week, where he engaged in discussions with Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe on key developmental issues. Reflecting on the visit, Mayor Lowe said, “Thank you to a friend and a dear brother, His Excellency Ousman Sonko, for this historical visit. The last three days were hectic for everyone doing service to our two nations. However, it was more than a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak about important issues concerning the transformation of my city, Banjul, that we could not talk about during the last few months.”
The Mayor described the Prime Minister as “the respectful, brave, and pious Ousman” and expressed appreciation for their fruitful discussions. She also extended her thanks to Haddy Kebbeh Sonko, whom she affectionately referred to as “my lady,” for her support during the visit and for making her birthday special.
Additionally, Mayor Lowe expressed gratitude to The Gambian government, saying, “I wish to sincerely thank the government of The Gambia, especially the President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, for a successful forum. I also wish to thank the Vice President, His Excellency Muhammad BS Jallow, for making my brother’s stay a memorable one.”
The visit further strengthened the ties between Senegal and The Gambia, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to shared development goals.
The Gambia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, has addressed criticisms labeling the National Youth Conference and Festival (NAYCONF) as a misuse of resources. In an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, Minister Badjie emphasized the event’s significant contributions to local tourism and the economy, countering claims of inefficiency.
“You cannot say that because you do not see a building constructed, the program is not useful. That’s not the idea. Some programs are social. And when it comes to social programs, you don’t see a structure being built. The benefits are there, but they are not always visible. Today we are in Kanifing Municipality, and there is a lot of economic activity happening there. There are shops, with people selling their goods and making money. There is a lot of improvement in the local economy due to these activities. Money is also injected into the economy, and when it circulates, it helps boost the economy of that area during that period. People are using lodges for accommodation, and that generates revenue for the owners of these lodges and their businesses. It’s essentially promoting local tourism. Apart from that, when NAYCONF comes, we also invest in infrastructure, as we have done with improvements at the Serrekunda East mini stadium, the basketball court, and the available facilities in these places.”
The Minister also highlighted how the event’s diverse thematic areas and activities can inspire change, citing the sporting activities where young, talented stars can be spotted for national and international representation, as well as the pitching sessions that empower entrepreneurs.
“Last year, we added pitching. It’s an opportunity for young people who are business-minded. I mean, I’m talking about multiple young people, those venturing into business. We bring them together, and they present their ideas—this is my business, this is what I’m doing, and this is what I plan to do in the next year. They explain what they expect to achieve and how they believe support can help them generate more revenue. Someone then chooses the best pitch, the second best, and the third best. Many ministries provide these entrepreneurs with funding to invest in their business ideas. We have seen several who have emerged from NAYCONF and are now doing well. One of them was recently in China during an official visit we organized for them.”
Minister Badjie reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth development and the continuation of NAYCONF as a pivotal event for empowering young Gambians and contributing to the nation’s economic and tourism sectors.
Dominique Pelicot, 72, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on December 19, 2024, for drugging and raping his ex-wife, Gisèle Pelicot, over nearly a decade, while involving 50 other men in the abuse.
According to France 24, Dominique’s crimes were uncovered in 2020 when he was arrested for filming upskirt videos of women in a supermarket. During the investigation, police seized his devices, which contained evidence of around 200 rapes, leading to the identification of his co-accused.
The trial, which began in 2023 and became France’s largest-ever rape case, resulted in 51 men being convicted, with sentences ranging from 3 to 15 years. Gisèle Pelicot, who waived her anonymity and attended almost every day of the trial, expressed no regrets about making the case public to expose the abuse.
Doro Gaye, a Senegalese businessman, was arrested in Paris on December 16, 2024, after fleeing Senegal, where he had been charged in a fraud case involving 1.2 billion CFA (approximately $1.92 million).
Initially placed in custody in June 2024, Gaye had been granted provisional release on medical grounds, supported by a report from a renowned Italian gastroenterologist. To secure his freedom, Gaye agreed to pay an initial deposit of 250 million CFA (about $400,000), providing title deeds for three properties as collateral.
However, he violated the terms of his release by leaving Senegal via Guinea-Bissau. Gaye’s escape was ultimately foiled through international cooperation between Senegal and France, following an arrest warrant issued by a Senegalese investigating judge. French authorities tracked payments made with his card at luxury boutiques in Paris, leading to his capture in France.
According to Seneweb, Gaye’s legal team is now attempting to prevent his extradition, citing his health condition as the reason for his prolonged stay in France.
Mathias Pogba, the brother of French footballer Paul Pogba, was sentenced by the Paris Criminal Court to three years in prison, with two suspended, and fined €20,000 for his role in the attempted extortion of €13 million and for pressuring his brother and family in 2022.
According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), he will serve the remaining year under electronic monitoring. The case, which began with an ambush targeting Paul Pogba in March 2022, gained public attention after Mathias accused his brother on social media of hiring a marabout (witch doctor) to cast a spell on fellow footballer Kylian Mbappé.
Although Paul Pogba denied the claims, the allegations added to the case’s sensationalism. Five other defendants received prison sentences of up to eight years and fines ranging from €20,000 to €40,000 for their roles in the extortion and kidnapping. Several defense lawyers have announced plans to appeal the verdicts.
