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Alasan, Maria set to represent The Gambia in African Taekwondo Championship

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By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Talent taekwondo athletes, Alasan Ann and Maria Sainabou Marchlinaki are set to represent The Gambia in the African Taekwondo Championship in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on the 5th and 6th of November.

The competition is set to witness a thrilling showcase of talent from the Gambians in the competition which is expected to be a tight and thrilling taekwondo championship competition.

Seventeen-year-old Maria Sainabou Marchlinski who ditched the United States for The Gambia is a highly rated talent in the game. She will be representing The Gambia for the first time in the international competition after switching her nationality.

Having nurtured her passion for taekwondo under the guidance of her supportive parents residing in the United States, Maria’s journey to the African Taekwondo Championship reflects her unwavering commitment to representing The Gambia at prestigious global competitions.

Maria, a 1st Dan Black belt holder and a Kukkiwon Belt Rank (1st Poom), has consistently demonstrated exceptional strength and prowess in her previous endeavours, earning her a reputation for her remarkable fighting techniques.

Thrilled and impressed about the upcoming championship, Maria is determined to maintain her winning streak and emerge victorious in the -57kg Senior category. Her recent triumphs at the 2022 USATKD Grand Prix Finals, 2022 USATKD National Championship, 2023 USATKD State Championship, and the 2023 USATKD Grand Prix Central have further solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with in the sport.

Alongside Maria, the renowned Alasan Ann, affectionately known as the Gambian Goliath, is poised to leave a lasting impression at the championship, marking his second representation of The Gambia following his commendable performance in last year’s African Championship, where he secured the bronze medal. Alasan, competing in the +87 kg senior category, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the ring, with his formidable presence and remarkable technique captivating audiences in past competitions.

Both athletes, known for their unwavering dedication and pride in representing The Gambia, are determined to make their nation proud once again by clinching further accolades at the African Taekwondo Championship.

Urgent Plea: Fear of Starving to Death Among Desert-Stranded Gambian Migrants

By: Dawda Baldeh

Approximately two hundred stranded Gambian migrants, attempting to reach Europe via Tunisia, are grappling with the looming threat of starving to death in the desert if Gambian authorities fail to come to their rescue amidst police interference between Tunisia and Algeria.

According to one of the stranded migrants, they had acquired documents from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and were awaiting possible repatriation before being apprehended by the police.

“We are around two hundred stranded Gambian migrants who have been captured by the police. They have loaded us onto a bus and are planning to dump us at an unknown destination. If we are abandoned in the desert, some of us will starve to death. Even if you show them your IOM-issued documents, the police don’t care,” expressed one migrant in a WhatsApp audio obtained by The Fatu Network.

These migrants, predominantly in their youthful age, urgently appeal to Gambian authorities for prompt intervention.

This police action has left the stranded migrants, who were hoping to enter Europe through alternative routes, in a state of uncertainty.

Recently, a boat carrying over one hundred migrants capsized on its way to Spain, resulting in the tragic loss of more than twenty-one Gambian lives.

It is widely known that young people from Gambia undertake this perilous journey, which continues to claim lives and lead to the untimely separation of families and loved ones.

“Batchilly has never been arrested,” GAP Deputy Leader Denies Rumors of Batchilly’s Arrest

By: Dawda Baldeh

Abubacarr Bayo, the Deputy Leader of the opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP), has denied rumors of Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly’s arrest. Bayo told The Fatu Network that he and Batchilly have been going about their business since morning, stating that the rumor is false.

“I just dropped Batchilly off at his house. We have been going about our business since morning. Batchilly has never been arrested,” he said.

It could be recalled that in the late hours of Thursday, social media reports suggested that Batchilly was arrested in connection to alleged human trafficking.

Rwanda Declares Open Travel Without Visa Requirements for All African Citizens

By: Seringe ST Touray

Rwanda has joined the trend of African nations promoting visa-free travel within the continent to enhance free movement and trade, similar to Europe’s Schengen zone.

President Paul Kagame announced the move in Kigali, emphasizing Africa as a unified tourism destination. The initiative aims to tap into the continent’s growing middle class for global tourism.

“Any African, can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish and they will not pay a thing to enter our country” said Kagame during the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Rwanda becomes the fourth African country, after Gambia, Benin, and Seychelles, to remove travel restrictions for Africans. Kenyan President William Ruto also plans visa-free travel for all Africans to Kenya by December 31.

“We should not lose sight of our own continental market,” he said. “Africans are the future of global tourism as our middle class continues to grow at a fast pace in the decades to come.”

Despite the 2016 launch of the African passport by the African Union (AU), only diplomats and AU officials have received it, hindering the broader goal of facilitating free movement and boosting economic development through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Tragic Boat Incident: The Ghetto Pen Sends Tributes to Victims’ Families

By: Dawda Baldeh

The poem titled “Was Forced to Choose the Back Way” by Ebrima Jallow, also known as The Ghetto Pen, stands as a heartfelt tribute to the young lives tragically lost in a boat capsize while attempting to reach Spain by sea.

Jallow, a second-year law student and poet at the University of The Gambia, extends his condolences and solidarity to the grieving families.

The poem illuminates the driving forces behind such perilous journeys—nepotism, hardship, and the daily struggle for survival.

Jallow underscores that opting for the “back way,” a hazardous route, often stems from a lack of opportunities and a dim future in their home country.

He critiques the leadership and societal conditions perpetuating poverty and inequality, describing a culture where the poor become poorer and the rich become richer.

Jallow questions why he shouldn’t seek a better future, even if it means risking his life.

The poet acknowledges that life inherently involves risks, asserting that he would rather face the dangers of the journey than remain in a place where there is no hope for improvement.

He contrasts the economic disparities between his home country and Europe, expressing the allure of a brighter future abroad.

Jallow concludes his poem by dedicating it to the fallen youths, expressing his wish for them to find eternal peace. He also prays for guidance and solace for the grieving families during this challenging time.

In summary, the poem serves as a poignant reflection on the desperation, aspirations, and sacrifices made by those embarking on perilous journeys in search of a better life. It also sheds light on the underlying societal issues pushing individuals to take such risks.

Was Forced to Choose the Backway

It’s nepotism, hardship and sufferation day after day,
So one faithful day, I decided the BACK WAY,
Yes, the dark, horrible and deadly way,
Since, cold fish leaders are the ones captaining the ship,
I’ve no option, but to dodge them ship,
And chose to sail in the rubber boat,
Optimistic that, God willing, man will enter safely and unlock the poverty code,
Where poor poorer and rich richer is the culture,
Truth is there’s no bright future,
So why shouldn’t I seek for a greener pasture?
Yes, it’s risky,
But life is all about taking risk,
So you gotta open your door with your own key,
I will rather escape gunshots and chose to be a desert pedestrian,
Or even die in the Mediterranean,
Than to only listen to the beautiful stories narrated about the European,
Could you imagine D50 is equivalent to 1 Euro,
Surely, me in Europe is from zero to hero,
12 months savings will be my 1 hour earning,
Tips received is what I will spend on feeding and clothing,
Here, salary eamings shows that we’re sinking,
So it’s better to chose drowning,
Was forced to chose the BACKWAY, so I’m going.

Tragedy strikes as Gambian youths seek hope overseas – A call for quality education and technology investment

OPINION

By: Pa Modou Njie

In a heart-wrenching incident, over 20 youths from Bakau tragically lost their lives in a perilous sea journey in pursuit of a better life in Europe. This devastating event underscores the urgent need for the Gambian government to invest in quality education, particularly in the field of science and technology, as a vital step towards addressing the high rate of irregular migration among our youth.

For years, Gambian youth have been deprived of quality education and skills training opportunities. Limited access to these resources has left many with bleak economic prospects and a sense of hopelessness, driving them to seek opportunities abroad through irregular migration. It’s a vicious cycle that must be broken.

The Gambian National Development Plan recognizes the role of technology as a catalyst for progress. By prioritizing technology and digital skills, we can transform our youth from job seekers to a skilled workforce. Quality education in science and technology equips young people with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the global digital economy. This shift is crucial for the development of our nation and the creation of employment opportunities for our youth.

In today’s digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in almost every sector of the economy, from agriculture to healthcare, and from finance to education. By investing in technology education, we prepare our youth to lead in these fields, ensuring that they are not only employable but also entrepreneurial. This, in turn, reduces the unemployment rate and contributes to the growth of our economy.

The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. Every day, more Gambian youth consider embarking on dangerous irregular migration journeys due to the lack of local opportunities. To halt this devastating trend, the government must prioritize quality education in science and technology and allocate more resources to this crucial area. We cannot afford to lose more promising young lives to treacherous journeys overseas.

The government must take immediate action by:

* Allocating a significant portion of the budget to the development and enhancement of technology education programs.

* Collaborating with private sector partners to create apprenticeships, internships, and mentorship programs in technology fields.

* Establishing technology hubs and incubators that provide a conducive environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.

* Ensuring that technology education is accessible to all, including those in rural areas, by investing in infrastructure and digital literacy programs.

Investing in quality education and technology is an investment in the future of The Gambia. It is a step towards breaking the cycle of irregular migration and providing our youth with the tools they need to succeed at home. The time to act is now, and we implore the government to make this a top priority in the interest of our nation’s future.

 

Pa Modou Njie
ICT for Development Enthusiast

Michael Correa, an Alleged Gambian Death Squad Member, to Stand Trial in the USA

San Francisco and Geneva, November 2nd, 2023

Michael Correa, an alleged member of former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh’s notorious “Junglers” death squad, is scheduled to stand trial in Denver, Colorado, starting September 16, 2024. Correa faces charges of torture and conspiracy to commit torture. The historic trial is a major step towards truth and justice for Gambian victims and the first ever trial in the United States based on the principle of universal jurisdiction.

Former Gambian president Yahya Jammeh ruled the country with an iron fist between 1994 and 2016. During these years, the Gambian population suffered widespread human rights violations, including torture, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and sexual violence. Defendant Michael Correa is alleged to be a member of the “Junglers” death squad, a paramilitary unit set up by Jammeh. Correa allegedly participated in the torture of several individuals in March and April 2006.

Correa was arrested in September 2019 in the United States for immigration violations. A coalition of NGOs called on US law enforcement to investigate Correa for torture as well. In June 2020, he was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit torture and six counts of torturing specific individuals. He pled not guilty to these charges.

This case is brought under the US torture statute under the principle of extraterritorial jurisdiction. The statute allows the US government to prosecute anyone found in the United States, regardless of their citizenship, for torture committed outside of the United States.

“The prosecution of Michael Correa is welcome, but similar prosecutions have been rare in the United States. In fact, this is only the third prosecution to move forward to trial under the Torture Act, which was enacted almost 30 years ago, and only the first against a foreigner. To ensure that the United States is not a safe haven for those who commit atrocities abroad, the United States must make better use of the universal jurisdiction tools at its disposal,” said CJA Senior Staff Attorney Ela Matthews.

At the time of his indictment, Correa was the first individual to face criminal investigations outside The Gambia for atrocities committed during the Jammeh regime. Since then, two other universal jurisdiction cases have moved forward. In March 2022, Bai Lowe, another alleged member of Jammeh’s Junglers, was indicted in Germany for crimes against humanity. He is currently on trial. In Switzerland, former Gambian Interior Minister Ousman Sonko is scheduled to stand trial for crimes against humanity in early 2024.

Benoit Meystre, Legal Advisor at TRIAL International, said: “These investigations and trials – outside of the country where the crimes were committed – not only contribute to reducing impunity regarding the massive violations that took place in The Gambia, but are also a way to encourage the Gambian authorities to investigate and prosecute cases in the country itself.”

Despite the efforts made by The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to document past violations, the Gambian government has to date taken few steps to bring perpetrators to justice or to respond to victims’ demands for accountability and reparations. Although the Gambian government adopted a plan to implement the TRRC recommendations on May 12, 2023, implementation has remained slow.

“The recent announcement of a collaboration between the Gambian Ministry of Justice and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to establish an internationalized or hybrid mechanism to prosecute the highest-ranking perpetrators of the former regime –including Yahya Jammeh himself– is a positive development,” said CJA Senior Staff Attorney Ela Matthews. “Until this court is established, the trial of Michael Correa, and the trials of Jammeh’s alleged accomplices in other national courts, will be essential pathways to justice for victims.”

MEDIA CONTACTS

The Center for Justice and Accountability
Ela Matthews (in London)
[email protected]

TRIAL International
Benoit Meystre (in Geneva)
Tel: +41 22 519 03 96
[email protected]

About the Center for Justice and Accountability

The Center for Justice and Accountability (CJA) is an international human rights organization dedicated to working with communities impacted by torture, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious human rights abuses to seek truth, justice, and redress using innovative litigation and transitional justice strategies.

CJA has successfully brought cases against defendants such as the commander in charge of the Lutheran Church Massacre in Liberia, the military officer responsible for the assassination of Chilean activist and singer Víctor Jara, and Syria’s Assad regime for its targeted killing of war correspondent Marie Colvin.

About TRIAL International

TRIAL International is a legal NGO fighting impunity for international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances and conflict-related sexual violence.

Founded in 2002, it has offices in Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

TRIAL International takes an innovative approach to the law, supporting victims throughout the legal process until justice is served.

The organization provides survivors with legal assistance, conducts investigations, initiates legal proceedings, develops local capacity and pushes the human rights agenda forward.

TRIAL International has participated in multiple investigations and successful trials, including in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the DRC as well as in Burundi.

Gambian migrants’ arrivals on the Canary Islands spike amid soaring deaths at sea

By: Hadram Hydara

From January to October 2023, a total of 18 boats carrying 2,345 migrants departed from The Gambia and arrived at the shores of Spain, Yahya Sonko, a migration activist based in Germany, told The Fatu Network.

This week, reports emerged of a group of 221 Gambian migrants attempting to reach Spain by boat off the coast of Bakau, with over 20 of them losing their lives in the Mediterranean.

As of October 15th, the Canary Islands have seen an unprecedented influx of migrants, with the latest official data from the Spanish Ministry of Interior revealing that a staggering 30,400 individuals have arrived on the islands in 2023.

The majority of these migrants have come from the neighbouring countries of The Gambia and Senegal.

According to Sonko, an activist involved in migration issues, an increasing number of women, minors, and even pregnant women are taking the risk of embarking on dangerous boats to Spain from The Gambia.

He accused The Gambia government of lacking the will to curb irregular migration via the Mediterranean. He noted that the government only reacts after tragedy strikes.

“The Gambia Government is making very little or no effort about it. As usual, they will wait till a tragedy happens before they react.

“[The] Gambia is a very small country, and we all know that boat trips are organised in our communities. Where are the SIS, immigration department, and navy? Why can’t they track the smugglers and organisers of these boat trips?“

A publication by Walking Borders revealed that in the first six months of 2023, 951 migrants lost their lives attempting to reach Spain but despite the deaths, migration from The Gambia and Senegal to Spain has been on a steady increase.

Foni Kansala NAM calls Victim Reparations Bill ‘a witch hunt’

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By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, Almameh Gibba, has criticized the Victim Reparations Bill 2023, stating that it is not progressive and is instead a witch-hunt as it mentions Yahya Jammeh, the former president, four times.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda Jallow, submitted the 2023 Victims Reparations Bill, as per the recommendations from the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to the parliament for approval.

However, during the discussion of the bill, the NAM for Foni Kansala, Honourable Gibba, argued that the bill was specifically targeting the former president whose term the TRRC was centred on. He stated that the bill is not progressive and should not be passed.

“Honourable Speaker, I believe, in all honesty, this bill is not progressive. My take is clear. The bill has been sanctioned for the period from 1997 to 2017 based on the recommendations of TRRC.

“Secondly, the bill is also a witch hunt. It is very clear. You cannot have a progressive bill where the name of the former president is repeated more than four times. Are we serious to talk about the victims?” He asked in his deliberations.

He further argued that the bill is targeting a cohort of people.

The members of parliament are currently debating over the certificate of urgency attached to the bill. While many of them are okay with the bill, some argue that a certificate of urgency is not necessary, and they need a bit of time to go through the bill rather than debating over it and agreeing within hours during the day.

The Victim Reparations Bill, 2023, is the first of the three bills the government submitted to the parliament in this extraordinary session.

Bombing of the Jabalia Refugee Camp in Gaza!

Opinion

By: Musa Bassadi Jawara

I condemn in the strongest terms the bombing of the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, on Tuesday, October 31, by IDF Air Force in connivance with the invading ground troops. The Israeli bombardment of the largest refugee camp in Gaza resulted in dozens of civilians being mowed down and the majority of them children. The intransigence, pernicious and genocidal tendencies of Israel in this war have reached apocalyptic proportions.

According to Robert Einstein, “The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything. “

Mohammed Bin Salman, the de factor ruler of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the custodian of the holy mosques of Macca and Medina, Shame on you! The rulers of the Muslim world, shame on you!

The Palestinian people are neglected, abandoned, and sacrificed in the name of economic gains and geopolitical expediency. Palestinian children are being slaughtered and dismembered in glaring daylight, live in front of our eyes on television.

Prime Minister Netanyahu acclaimed, the Bible says “there is time for peace and time for war,” and he proclaimed, “time for war”! Muslims all across the world including Musa Basad, say, Netanyahu, bring it on.

The United States, European Union and major global powers imposed devastating sanctions on Russia after invading Ukraine! Why Israel is not being sanctioned along with its complicit allies in crime, baffled me, considerably!

 

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Fatu Network’s editorial stance.

Debating Urgency: Tensions Rise in National Assembly Over Victim Reparations Bill

By: Dawda Baldeh

Tensions flared in the National Assembly as numerous Members of the National Assembly (NAMs) engaged in a heated debate over the certificate of urgency attached to the Victim Reparations Bill presented by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda A. Jallow.

“I want to make it clear, I am not opposed to the Victims Reparations Bill. What concerns me is the insistence on attaching a certificate of urgency to it. If the government has been committed to this since 2017, why wasn’t this bill considered earlier? We need ample time for a thorough discussion and understanding of this crucial legislation,” argued Hon. Madi Ceesay, NAM for Serrekunda West.

Lamin J Sanneh, the NAM for Brikama South, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for time to deliberate on the bill and consult with constituents before making any decisions.

“You cannot expect us to address such a significant bill in just three hours. We require sufficient time,” Sanneh asserted.

Gibbi Mballow, the NAM for Lower Fulladu, characterized the debate on the urgency of the bill as dramatic.

“How can we overlook the urgency of this bill? Are we deceiving ourselves?” he questioned.

Mballow reminded his colleagues that the President deems the bill’s urgency necessary. He emphasized the timeliness of the bill and stressed the need for swift consideration.

“This should be treated as a matter of urgency. The victims are eagerly awaiting reparations. We must consider this promptly, allowing us to allocate funds in the upcoming budget,” he added.

Taking a different perspective, Hon. Amie Colley, the NAM for Foni Brefet, expressed support for the bill but raised concerns about the allocation of funds.

“We are not opposing this, but I am particularly concerned about how these funds will be disbursed to the victims. We need assurance that the money reaches the deserving victims and not others,” she stated.

Stay tuned for more details…

Senegal’s Electoral Battle: Sonko Faces More Challenges In Fight for Reinstatement

By: Seringe ST Touray

A Senegalese interior ministry branch rejected the electoral commission’s request to reinstate Ousmane Sonko on the voter list and provide essential candidacy documents for the 2024 presidential election.

The Directorate General of Elections (DGE), in response to the Autonomous National Electoral Commission’s (CENA) letter, claimed a lack of authority to intervene in the electoral roll matter without specifying the responsible party.

CENA advocated for Sonko’s reinstatement as a registered voter with full rights, challenging his removal due to a June conviction. Sonko, currently in prison on unrelated charges, views these legal actions as conspiracies to prevent his participation in the presidential race.

Despite a Ziguinchor judge ordering Sonko’s reinstatement on October 12, the Ministry of the Interior has resisted issuing him the necessary forms for collecting sponsorships, a crucial step in the candidacy process.

In response, CENA urged the DGE to expedite the availability of sponsorship forms for Sonko’s representative. The DGE countered, citing his absence from the lists, a position upheld by the Supreme Court on October 6.

Although CENA oversees the electoral process, it acknowledged its inability to compel the interior ministry. Sonko’s legal team has brought the matter to the Court of Justice of the Economic Community of African States (ECOWAS), seeking resolution by November 6.

BAC: Council recommends dismissal of CEO, Finance Director for alleged financial misconduct

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Brikama Area Council (BAC), Modou Jonga, and the Director of Finance, Alhagie Jeng, along with former Chairman, Sheriffo Sonko, are facing allegations of financial misconduct and as a result, the councillors have recommended their dismissal from the council.

The council has passed a resolution over their financial dealings, stating that the CEO, Finance Director, and Sheriffo Sonko acquired a two-million-dalasi loan from Jah Oil, which was outside their budget line. Until date, the money has not been accounted for.

“The CEO further, together with the director of finance and former Chairman, Sherrifo Sonko, had taken a loan of D2.5 million dalasi from Jah Oil which is yet to be fully accounted for.

“The CEO further acted unlawfully in this transaction together with the Finance Director Alhagie Jeng and former Chairman Sherrifo Sonko to take such a loan outside of their budget line without any council resolutions for such a loan and a ministerial approval,” explained the Council in their resolution.

Furthermore, the Council stated that the CEO could not justify the withdrawal of over 50 million dalasi between January and June 2023, nor did he show vouchers of any expenditure of the money on behalf of the Council.

According to the resolution, the employment of the sons and relatives of Finance Director Alhagie Jeng in the council was a blessing to the CEO. He’s accused of abusing his office by accepting the appointment of family members of the finance director, which resulted in corruption.

In a unanimous Council resolution, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Modou Jonga, and the Finance Director, Alhagie Jeng’s immediate dismissals were recommended.

Opinion/Entertainment: GamMusic and why it’s not consumed out of The Senegambia region!

Opinion/Entertainment

By: Ousainou Njie, a Germany-based Gambian

As a Gambian and music listener, call me a ‘Melo Man’ maybe. I have had the experience of listening to a lot of music from musicians from Africa and many other parts of the world not to mention ‘GamMusic’. I have been an Art Teacher for many years and have taught in many schools within Kombo eg. St. Therese’s, LK, Former Charles Jow, ABC etc and the West Coast: Presentation of Mary, Kunta Kinteh, Jamisa, Kabafita etc.

Thus, I have had many lessons with my students back in the day in which we had discussed issues regarding Gambian Music in relation to Performing Art, Tradition and Culture referencing of course to the Gambian culture. One of my student’s frequent questions then included “Why Gambian Music remained local”?

Therefore, the article is geared towards answering the above question by making reference in recollection of some of the answers I gave to my students back in the day and their thoughtful suggestions as well. GamMusic has been struggling and continues to struggle out of the corridors of the Senegambian region.

Here we go, the reasons for the above are numerous some of which solutions also appear to be out of reach due to economic reasons, population-related issues etc. Example, GamMusic has been struggling with ‘identity’ for so long. By identity, I mean to be identified as a musical genre, tune or rhythm that is particular to The Gambia like ‘Niger’ sound of Nigeria, Rumba of the Congolese, Reggae of Jamaica and Hip hop/RnB/Pop music of The United States. There is strong evidence that Rap Music originated in Africa, and I have no doubts of knowing the importance of praise-singing of the griots (Geuwel/Jallo) in the African culture and heritage. No wonder Senegal at one point was compared to USA in terms of Rap Music in Africa. If the most popular music in the world is pop, the best-selling Rap artists like Shawn Corey Carter (Jay-Z), Eminem, Drake and Kanye West are all US-based artists and Rap in English/slang or otherwise. So, one may wonder why there are better rappers in Senegal than in the Gambia eg. Dipdoundougis, Ahlou Brick, Fata and Ngaka to name a few. Despite The Gambia being an “English speaking”/former British colony. In my opinion, the reason for the above is the question of language. For any music to excel, firstly, it must be consumed by the people from whom it originated who can help push it outside to the wider world.

GamMusic is highly consumed in The Gambia though but there is still a problem of it reaching the outside world. This is because Gambian artists are limiting their scope within themselves a lot, competing more among themselves for local fan base instead of opting for genres and collabs with international artists in Africa and the wider world.

It’s high time for Gambian artists to look at what other international African artists are doing differently so that they too can learn from them. Lest I forget, coming back to why Senegal has better rappers even though The Gambia is a so-called British colony, Senegal rappers speak their mother tongue language (Wolof) better than Gambian rappers speak theirs. This might be subjective though but it’s a fact. Thus, Gambian rappers must improve on local language skills so as to put better reams on some hard-core rhythms or Rap-Mbalax which of course was born within the Senegambia region.

I have mentioned that GamMusic lacks identity because various artists have failed to adopt a particular musical genre/rhythm that will sound unique to the smiling Coast of Africa. If you can remember very well, there was the “Smiling Coast Rhythm” and also “Da Ladies Rhythm” (by Ghetto Boy Music) some twelve to fourteen years ago. These two rhythms were very typical of Gambian Music with absolute originality and could have been developed to get that ‘identity’ that GamMusic continues to lack today. The “Smiling Coast Rhythm” was a melodious dancehall genre and “Da Ladies Rhythm” was a unique mix of melodious mbalax-rap sounds both of which had compilations featuring several Gambian artists in those days eg Cess Ngom, Nova, Nancy Nance and several others. These genres or musical tunes were a great stepping stone to mount an imprint of a type of sound that was almost UNIQUE to The Gambia. But sadly, along the way for one reason or another, the Gambian artists discontinued the push that started to build that musical identity that would have probably today competed with the “Niger Sound” of Nigeria or the Rhumba of the Congos. That led again to the continuation of copying musical genres of Jamaica (Reggae) or putting lyrics on the “Niger/afro sounds” which are already identified with other countries.

Finally, to be more recent, Gambian music fans should not allow themselves to be dragged into fruitless arguments here and there because of pronouncements made by one artist or another. Beef or beefing is part of the music industry, but it should be on the basis of talent and skills manifestation for the betterment of the artist and the industry. For example, recently in Senegal, there was a beefing/clash between Ngaka Blendè and Ahlou Brick, but the artists took the battle to their YouTube channels. They would each drop videos within 24 hours to respond to one another in “CLASH”. These videos will gather a million views within 24 hours thus getting them royalty or pay from YouTube. That type of “Clash/Beef is what is more beneficial to the artist and their fans. The GamMusic fans must stop the cheap popularity they are availing to some artists making them a bit full of themselves as local champions and thus doing very little to push their music out of Cassamance and Guinea. If Gambian music remained as it is, it would continue to struggle forever because it has no direction at the moment due to a lack of “identity”.

Ida Faal: Breaking the proverbial glass ceiling and smashing gender stereotypes

By: Alieu Jallow

Ida Faal is a young woman who has defied stereotypes and broken through the glass ceiling in the automotive industry in The Gambia. Despite growing up in an area that was predominantly known for its spare parts centres, Ida started trading in spare parts in Latrikunda while attending primary and high school. She developed a passion for auto mechanics at a young age and began learning how to fix cars, nurturing her desire for entrepreneurship and the automotive industry.

In spite of societal humiliation and labelling, Ida remained steadfast and pursued her dream. She has since founded her own auto mechanic company, which offers auto repair services and an online marketing platform that strives through all odds.

After working in a male-dominated field for many years, Ida took a bold step to establish her own business in the auto mechanic field by leveraging digital innovations to provide solutions in The Gambia.

She founded Fita Faal Autos, an e-commerce platform that offers auto mechanic services, including the rental of vehicles, repairing and selling of cars and spare parts.

Ida’s efforts and dedication to her craft have not gone unnoticed, as she emerged as the winner of the Youth Connekt pitching competition.

In an interview with The Fatu Network, she shared her plans on how she intends to use the funds she won from the competition to grow her business further and inspire other young women to break barriers in the automotive industry.

“We will use 50% of this fund to build our mobile van, 25% for branding and advertisement and the other 25% will go into buying new equipment. To be specific, new diagnostic and programming equipment,” Ida said.

Ida outlined that stereotypes and gender barriers are still impediments to her business, noting men would rather trade for her than her business.

“Men believe because we are women, we can’t do the work. But I can assure you that any woman you see in a trade, know that she mastered it and that you should support our business by hiring our services”.

Ida encouraged her peers in the job market to go the extra mile and break the cycle.

3 MoH, HePDO officials plead not guilty on 3 counts of theft

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By: Alieu Jallow

Three senior officials from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and Health Promotion and Development Organization (HePDO), who were arraigned on charges of economic crime, corruption, theft, and forgery among others at the High Court in Banjul, have pleaded not guilty to counts 16, 17, and 18 which were related to theft. 

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Muhammadou Lamin Jaiteh, the Programme Manager of the Malaria Control Programme, Balla Kandeh, and the Executive Director of HePDO, Omar Malleh Ceesay, along with Lamin Jarju (now deceased), have entered a plea of not guilty on count 16, which was theft. The charges are related to the alleged theft of D2.1 million, which were funds intended for malaria consultancy. The court has officially entered the case on a plea of not guilty.

According to section 205 of the criminal code, Bala Kandeh, Omar Malleh Ceesay, and Muhammdou Lamin Jaiteh are accused of theft, specifically of Offence 17. The incident occurred between August 2019 and January 2020, during which they allegedly stole D2.8 million meant for malaria consultancy. They have pleaded not guilty, and the court has entered a plea of not guilty.

The accused individuals, Bala Kandeh, Omar Malleh Ceesay, Muhammdou Lamin Jaiteh, and Lamin Jarju (deceased), are charged with theft, which is a violation of section 252 of the criminal code.

The theft occurred between January 2020 and June 2020 in Banjul and various other locations within The Gambia. The total amount stolen was D3.5 million, which was designated for malaria research.

The accused trio pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court accepted their plea. The case has been adjourned to November 7th, 2023, to allow the state to present a witness.

T-Smallz ST comments spark GamMusic controversy

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The Gambian music industry has been rocked by controversy following T Smallz Suso’s allegations that ST Brikama Boyo has been running away from him after all the help he had given him in the past. The accusations have led to a heated debate, with artist Kila Ace and ST’s former manager, Dembo Jorbateh, also getting involved in the situation. The country’s music lovers are on edge as they wait to see how the situation unfolds.

During an interview with Argies Corner, T Smallz Suso, who goes by the stage name Katato, claimed that he did a lot for ST, a multi-award-winning artist. However, according to him, ST is now avoiding him for reasons he cannot fathom. This statement sparked a backlash on social media, with some accusing Smallz of seeking attention. Later on, Smallz released a song called “Criminal,” in which he called out ST.

“You have to run away from me, what have you done to me? This industry is dark, just like Satan,” he asked in his lyrics.

During a speech at Argies Corner, Dembo Jobarteh, the former manager of ST who goes by the name of the Baddest Manager, supported Smallz’s remarks about ST. He also shared some similar experiences he had while working with the Brikama-based artist but did not mention anything negative that the artist did to him.

D Jobz didn’t mention why he parted ways with the talented rapper but narrated the good things he did for ST and how fans are turning a blind eye to that. He argued that ST is like any other artist despite his successes in the industry.

Ali Cham, known as Killa Ace, a rapper turned activist, came in defence of T Smallz over what he narrated about ST. Killa Ace further described ST as a coward who hides behind his fans to go out on critics.

“Only a coward artist hides behind his fans, manipulating them to be disrespectful towards critics.

“T Smalls didn’t say anything about ST in that interview that warrants for him to be disrespected like this. We need to grow up and mature as an audience. Music fans act like political party surrogates and artists act like party leaders. No artist out here is untouchable.

“Smallz keep your head up, King, you are a legend. Keep up the consistency, keep speaking your mind and don’t mind these extremist idol worshipers,” he posted on his timeline.

Ebrima Sey, also called Big Sey as his stage name, said lots of these artists are bullying ST, noting that nobody had ever shown proof that ST did bad things to them. He added that he has never seen or heard ST talk badly about other artists, but it has always been other artists talking badly about ST.

In the conversation at Argies Coner, he argued that ST’s former manager, Dembo Jorbateh has personal issues with the star. Thus, he will not accept Dembo saying he’s neutral in the whole affair.

During an episode of Argies Corner, the host Agie asked T Smallz Suso about his relationship with ST, which sparked the controversy. Many ST supporters were unhappy with Smallz’s response, leading to a strong reaction from fans. In response, T Smallz returned to his studio and recorded a song calling out ST.

Despite the controversy, neither ST nor his management has come out to say something about the issue.

TFN Investigates Alleged Exploitation of Gambian Workers in Dubai

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Fatu Network (TFN) investigates alleged exploitation of Gambian workers in Dubai.

Following a series of complaints about exploitation, discrimination, and abuse from migrant workers in Dubai, The Fatu Network can reliably report that several Gambian migrants have faced exploitation, harassment, and discrimination, allegedly perpetrated by one Abdul Malick Sanyang, also known as Imam.

“Imam is a scammer who has been given so much power in Dubai to exploit people in any way. He should be arrested,” said Muhammed Gaye, a Gambian residing in Dubai.

Among the people we have communicated with, including those currently in Dubai and those who frustratingly returned home, it appears their claims are authentic.

The alleged exploitation, such as working under extreme conditions, has led to severe health problems for some of his alleged victims.

However, when we contacted Imam to hear his side of the story, he refused to comment.

TFN also managed to communicate with the Gambian embassy in Dubai, which is expected to provide information regarding the alleged exploitation.

“We have been receiving reports of exploitation from the alleged victims over the past months,” said Tijan Jaiteh, the President of the Association of Gambian Migrants in Dubai.

Full details of this investigation will be available soon. Stay tuned…

Gambia’s High Commission Awards Dr. Jawara

By: Jawo

The Gambia High Commission in Dakar, Senegal, has honored the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GACH Global, Abubakary Jawara, for his unwavering contribution to the successful hosting of Gambia Day in Senegal.

Gambia Day provided Gambian and Senegalese public and private economic operators with an opportunity to explore prospects in both countries and benefit from the two governments’ goodwill to eliminate bureaucracies in registering or matchmaking businesses in the two countries.

Hundreds of business leaders and investors from the two countries gathered at the Radisson Blue Hotel in Dakar for a forum organized by the two nations’ investment agencies, Giepa and Apix. The event took advantage of the Gambia Day celebration, a concept initiated by The Gambia’s High Commission in Dakar, to showcase Gambian culture and promote Senegambia relations.

During the event, The Gambia’s High Commission in Dakar recognized individuals who contributed to the successful hosting of the event.

The award presented to Mr. Jawara acknowledges his invaluable contribution to The Gambia Day. The High Commission also expressed gratitude to him for supporting the event.

Speaking shortly after receiving the award, GACH CEO Abubakary Jawara expressed gratitude to The Gambia’s High Commission for recognizing his efforts, stating that it would serve as motivation for him to do more.

Mr. Jawara is one of the country’s leading business tycoons and philanthropists.

The Rise of a Wonder Kid

By: Alagie Cherno Suwareh

Bubacarr Kebbeh, also known as “Anderson” or more commonly referred to as Salgado, is a midfield talent born in Brufut. He currently plays for Diamond Boys in the ongoing Brikama Nawettan and serves as the team captain for Brikama’s Zonal team in the ongoing West Coast Region Zonal Football competition.

The wonder-boy, Bubacarr Kebbeh, showcases his tricky skills, renowned for brilliant set pieces, amazing one-on-one take-ons, and killer passes. His exceptional performance has inspired his Nawettan team, Diamond Boys, with five goals, two magical assists, and the creation of nine big chances in just five games in the ongoing Brikama Nawettan. This display led the Brikama Zonal team to select him without hesitation to represent the community in the ongoing West Coast Region Zonal Football competition.

Adama Sabally, also known as Nesta and currently the team coach at Brikama Zonal team, expressed, “Bubacarr Kebbeh is a rare talent, and I rely on him a lot as he is my team captain.” Coach Adama, a former football player for Brikama Utd, Real De Banjul, and LISCR FC in the Liberia First Division League, commended Kebbeh’s abilities.

Speaking to his manager, Alagie Cherno Suwareh, he described Bubacarr Kebbeh as a football genius. “It is difficult to believe that such a young player rising through local facilities possesses such magical skills. I am not surprised that many clubs have already shown interest,” he added. Suwareh noted that Kebbeh is a player that every football fanatic will enjoy watching play.

The young sensation made his debut in 2017, leading his Nawettan team to win the league. He finished as the best player, youngest best player, and the top scorer. He then represented his community in the zonal football, playing a lone match that earned him a position in Lions of Accra, a Ghanaian First Division team. He won the league title with them before returning home after the contract ended due to a knee injury. However, after his recovery, Bubacarr Kebbeh continued to deliver top-class balling skills in the Nawettan, where everything started.

Since his childhood, rising from academy tournaments with Gilkock Football Academy, Brufut branch; Orlando Boys in Brikama; Lions of Accra in Accra, Ghana, and attending several trials abroad while still a player in Accra, Ghana, the young, magical, multi-talented midfielder is expected to sign a new contract as teams from home and abroad are showing interest in signing him.

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