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The Palace Museum; no longer forbidden

Hadram Hydara
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By Talibeh Hydara

You probably already know about the Forbidden City. I mean, who doesn’t? That it is the world’s largest preserved wooden complex. When I say preserved, I mean really preserved; built within a period of 14 years and completed in 1420, which is over 600 years ago. Up until 1911, the Forbidden City became both the seat of power and a symbol of genius architectural craftsmanship, housing 24 emperors until the Qing Dynasty decided to choose two-year-old Puyi as emperor and the whole structure and system crashed. The Chinese empire, one of the most enduring in human history which saw the rise and fall of some 13 major dynasties, torn apart and confined into a museum. That is why kids should not lead; they should be led.

But since this article is about the Forbidden City, let’s talk about the man behind it: The Yongle Emperor, Zhu Di, who was the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and the fourth son of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the dynasty. The capital of China was in Nanjing, a strategic megacity in Eastern China. When he took over as emperor, the Yongle Emperor moved the capital to Beijing and started building the Forbidden City in 1406. That turned out to be a masterstroke. Over 500 emperors have reigned during the entire history of dynasties in China, but the Yongle is among a few who would be eternally remembered. Not just because of his excellent military system or opening up, but because of Beijing and the Forbidden City, two legacies that represent China in more ways than any.

It is difficult to establish why the Yongle emperor moved the capital and built the Forbidden City but knowing he seized power from his nephew, then it was meant to consolidate himself on the throne. Situated to the north of Tiananmen Square in the centre of Beijing, the Forbidden City was home to 24 imperial families; 14 emperors in the Ming and 10 emperors in the Qing dynasties. It was and still is a fortress, in the top 5 most famous palaces in the world.

Having been in Beijing for more than two months, crisscrossing the city and even beyond, it was at odds with logic that we didn’t visit the Forbidden City. In fact, you can make a strong argument that it’s closer to the DRC than any other historical place we visited in Beijing. I’ve heard about the city. I’ve read about it. I’ve watched documentaries about it. There was even a whole lecture on it that I attended. It’s like Shanghai, I’ve known so much about it that it felt familiar, like I’ve been there before. I was right about Shanghai; I was wrong about the Palace Museum.

In the company of Xiaoting Guo, our tour guide from the education department of the Palace Museum, we entered from the south entrance, the Meridian Gate, and covered towers and halls in between to the north exit along the central axis. The museum has a deceptive size; it is impossible to know how big it is from the outside. It is huge, the size of a 100 football fields.

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The first palace is divided into two parts; the Outer and the Inner courts, both holding symbolic meaning to the imperial family and the public.

The Outer Court served as the venue for grand ceremonies and rituals. Its main structures include the halls of Supreme Harmony, Central Harmony, and Preserving Harmony—the three majestic halls dominating the centre. There are also the halls of Literary Brilliance and Martial Valour flanking the central axis.

The Inner Curt served as a residence for the emperor and the imperial family. That is, if the concubines are in the same category.

The first palace in the Inner Court is two-floored Heavenly Purity. Originally built in 1420 in the early Ming Dynasty, the Palace of Heavenly Purity was destroyed by fire and rebuilt several times, with the final reconstruction finishing in the Qing Dynasty in 1798.
In the Ming Dynasty, the palace served as the Emperor’s residence. The first floor served as an office for the emperor to run the daily affairs of the empire while the second floor is his bedchamber. The Palace of Heavenly Purity was an important venue for emperors to meet courtiers, review memorials, handle daily government affairs, receive envoys, accept congratulations and hold banquets.

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The Hall of Union, originally named the Hall of Middle Perfection, has a square floor plan, featuring a gold-plated bronze finial on the roof, similar design to that of the Hall of Middle Harmony. A throne occupies the centre of the hall. In the Qing Dynasty, the empress received homage here on three occasions each year: her birthday, the first day of the lunar New Year, and the winter solstice. In 1748, the thirteenth year of the Qianlong Emperor’s reign, the emperor used this hall to store his 25 imperial seals.

The third in the Inner Court is the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, which served as the residence of the empress in the Ming Dynasty. The entrance is located on the east end of the building’s facade, rather than in the middle, giving the palace a pocket house style with distinctive Manchu features. During the Kangxi Emperor’s reign, the two bays on the east end were used as the emperor’s bridal chamber. Qing Dynasty Emperors Kangxi, Tongzhi, Guangu, and the last emperor Puyi, all of whom ascended the throne at a young age, completed their wedding in the Earthly Tranquillity. The five bays on the west side were used as a shrine for shamanistic sacrifices, housing a U-shaped kang bed-stove on which the idols and a throne were placed, and cauldrons for cooking sacrificial meat.

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There is also the Imperial Garden, which consists of beautiful flowers, stone carvings, pavilions, trees as old as 500 years, preserved and cherished for generations.

Converted into the Palace Museum in 1925, the Forbidden City is an artistic treasure trove, possessing an all-encompassing collection numbering over 1.86 million pieces (sets) in 25 major categories. It is a mirror of Chinese architecture; decorative arts, timepieces, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and sculptures, as well as special exhibitions.

The structure also revealed how women were considered in the imperial times; relegated to housewives and child bearers. This is shown in how women, as high profile as the empress, were not even allowed into the Outer Court or take part in any political decision-making. It showed power was with the emperor, who could only have one empress but could have as many concubines as possible. The concubines all lived in the same Inner Court as the empress, with the eunuchs shepherding them into the emperor’s bedchamber each time he needed carnal satisfaction different from that of the empress. The intelligence, craftiness, and loyalty of women was ignored in the imperial times, even if it meant placing a two-year-old on the throne. That is why the dynasties crumbled like chaff of a summer threshing-floor.

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Since 1961 when the State Council listed it as one of China’s most important protected cultural heritage sites, the Forbidden City has earned universal recognition, including being inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1987. It was also designated as a “national 5A tourist attraction in 2007.

Between the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City was actually forbidden to the public, unless honourably invited to the audience. It is no longer forbidden, with at least 14 million visitors annually.

Adapting in China

Hadram Hydara
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By Talibeh Hydara

In 1998, when war broke out in Guinea Bissau, we were taken back to The Gambia. When I say WE, I mean myself and dozens of my siblings. We were a complete football team, numerically speaking. It wasn’t safe anymore for the kids as we could even hear gunshots from the capital. I was less than 10. My mum and dad stayed behind, braved the danger and tried to remain there. I was handed over to my grandma like a pot of tobacco to raise and my twin sister was with my elder sister. It was a strange place to grow up at first. There were lots of kids and some of them wasted no time in testing if I could fight. It was survival of the fittest. I had to learn to stand up for myself, developed love for football and, rather surprisingly, fishing. I loved swimming. I loved finishing. I loved chasing crabs. When I grew a bit older and braver, I used to occasionally spend the night at the river with my uncle. We would throw a cast net and cross to the other bank, start fire and camp around it. One terrifying night, my uncle was asleep and I heard a wolf howling. I woke him up about it but he insisted that it was far; that we were in no imminent danger. But the howling got nearer and louder. He then suggested we get on the canoe and paddle to the middle of the river, just to be on the safe side. We did. Not more than 15 minutes later, we saw the wild animal creep into our camp, sniffing around before retrieving into darkness. We decided it was best we forget about fish that night and return home.

I’ve lived alone before. It was challenging. But I loved it. I had privacy to walk around naked in my room and sit or lie wherever I deemed fit. There is nothing better than displaying your imperfections and appreciating them in your comfort zone without accusatory eyes from judgy people. Living alone gives you that! It was a small room and parlour three meters from the compound gate to a community cemetery. When the rains came, my house would flood. Water would force itself out of the drains, fill the bathroom, bedroom, parlour and eventually the veranda. If the rains found me in the house, I would helplessly watch as water formed a little river in my house, submerging items. Then I would pick a bucket and start scooping it off. I would do that for hours until it is finished and then I would start moping the floor. However, if the rains started while I was at the office, I would find some of my stuff floating in the house and the carpet would be sleeping under the water. Knowing a wet carpet, it would be heavier than Mangshan Mountain. Sometimes I would think the dead people in the cemetery didn’t want me there. It was tough to adapt but I did….until I didn’t. I evicted myself from the house (I didn’t even wait for the landlord to do it), which is a walking distance from my office and I now live at a place which is so far that I join three different commercial vehicles before I reach office. That required another adaptation but it’s a story for another time.

Like Sundays; a day I usually relish back home. Not because it’s a weekend; it’s because I actually work on Sundays, but it means less traffic, less stress to get to work, less movement of people and the commercial drivers are at their most generous. I would go to work very early on Sundays before anyone wakes up at home. There’s a local dish in my country called ‘mbahal’ which I almost certainly buy every Sunday from a Baddibunka woman at Westfield. I would drop my bag on the desk, fill my bottle from the tap, make a cup of tea, open my foil plate and start eating the ‘mbahal’. It’s one of my favourite local dishes. I can eat it all day, every day, for hundred years and I wouldn’t have enough. There’s this myth about the dish that when you eat it until you’re satisfied, you don’t have to eat again that day. You just have to keep drinking. Each time you drink, it feels like you just ate. It’s a starvation dish, if you know what I mean. Not just regularly drinking after eating, you gonna have to be drinking, at least sipping, while eating. Otherwise, it could just cramp in your throat and you might vomit and start all over again.

I would eat ‘mbahal’, wash it down with water and then sip my tea. I can drink one cup of tea for four hours and take at least 30 minutes between sips. By the time I finish, the tea would be colder than ice. And I’d still drink it. I was happy to find cold tea famous in China. Hallelujah! After eating, while sipping tea, I’d get online. First things first, I would check my mail. Twitter. Facebook. YouTube, which I cannot go without. I would also check the latest episodes of the TV series I am watching. I would download all of them for my weekend binge-watching. I’d be at the office sometimes more than 2 hours before the next person comes. It gives me time to eat, fool around the internet and stretch, before work-proper starts.

I have missed all that in Beijing. I’m usually confined in my room here (weekends and evening) either in bed or on the couch. There is television which I use to charge my power bank. The rest of the things in the house give me hotel vibes; white bed sheet, white pillow, white blanket. Pulling up the white blanket sometimes makes me feel like a corpse shrouded for burial. I think I should get a coloured bed sheet and blanket, just to feel alive.

China is different in so many ways. The lifestyle. The conversations. The interactions. I hated mathematics at school but I have been calculating my every word here, every action or inaction since I arrived. I have gradually shelved my usual free-spirit mind and become a little quieter and more reserved. I feel like I am losing my sense of humour. I am trying to adapt but I still cannot replace hot water with normal water. I just cannot. And like in The Gambia, I drink from the tap or well or rain, whichever is more accessible. A colleague of mine once told me to start drinking ‘natural water’. He meant bottled water. I refused to let that slide. He drinks from a processed bottled water. I drink from an unprocessed well water. He still has the temerity to describe his water as natural, not mine. Well or rain water and bottled water, which one is natural?

Last few weeks though, I picked up a rather refreshing routine. Since my room is on the 15th floor of a 16-storey, I am privileged to have a really good view on either side of the building. The futuristic GalaxySoho and a string of nice structures on one side overlooking the traffic while the CITIC Tower, the tallest in Beijing, and CCTV complex on the other side. Nothing beats sitting in front of the CITIC tower and marveling at the architecture, the glittering flashes like a plane in the sky and the greenery displayed on rooftops as Spring waved goodbye to Beijing.

I’ve been gallivanting around China for two months. I’m going to more places than Chinese themselves. It’s a privilege. I’ve been on the high speed train. I visited temples and tech giants. I visited mountains and lakes. I visited towers and nature reserves. I even saw a suspended monorail train in Wuhan on television. Just call a sky train. I feel like by the time I return home, it would feel like I came from 2040; that I time-travelled from the future and found myself stuck in the past. The past being The Gambia.

It is difficult to pick up routines straightaway in a new environment. It takes time. It takes patience. It takes efforts. Back home, I sleep very early. If I am awake by 10PM, it could only mean I close late from work. If not, I sleep earlier than chickens and wake up earlier than angels, if they actually sleep. I’ve become an owl in China! I am usually on top of things in The Gambia, regularly reporting breaking news and triggering online debates especially on Twitter. Now, I am eight hours ahead of The Gambia and that, ironically, makes me way behind everything. Moving from a country where people call and text to verify information with me to moving to a country where I am just, well, TALIB. I cannot follow events in The Gambia. I cannot even watch football because each time my beloved team Manchester United plays, it would be around 3AM here. It’s hard to keep up. I fear for my return. I would be a completely different person, struggling to reintegrate into a society I was born and raised in. But return, I must!

I have struggled, even though it might appear quite the opposite to some people here, to fit into a whole new system and way of life. I walk to the highway to haggle over fares for taxis in The Gambia. When I have little cash, I call a driver. The only driver whose number I have. He would over charge me but at least there is convenience. When I am broke, which happens all the time, I fall back on to the public transport system. Here, everything is done online. I always hire a cab, instead of using the cheaper alternative, which is the subway. I don’t like the subway for two reasons; it is enclosed, no windows, no views, just sit or stand in the belly of a big anaconda gliding underground. It is creepy. It is also crowded and despite Chinese and their unbreakable love affair with their smartphones, attentions are mostly directed to me (and my kind) whenever I hop on. The journey becomes awkward from there on. I would be waving and smiling at those who stare too long, and taking a selfie with the brave ones who ask. It is a daily struggle, which I am enjoying to the fullest because when I return home, no one would give a rat’s ass to my presence. So, each day, I wear a big smile and joke around. It is China, after all. There are millions of things to smile about. The only part I still haven’t really struggled in is the food. That is because I can happily live wherever there is halal meat, chicken and rice. Two months down, two months to go.

MOTIE Tells Drivers Association, Others to Comply With High Court Ruling on Queuing System

Hadram Hydara
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MOTIE Tells Drivers Association, Others to Comply With High Court Ruling on Queuing System

By: Dawda Baldeh


The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE) has aligned itself with the High Court ruling that the transport drivers association and its members, agents or servants should comply with the Queuing System (QS) authorized by the Gambia Government in November 2021 as administered by the General Transport Union.

This decision by the trade ministry came after the matter was adjudicated (hear a case) by the High Court.

In a press release obtained by The Fatu Network, the ministry announced that on Thursday 4th May 2023, it held a consultative meeting with stakeholders of the transport sector and discussed issues raised by the Gambia Drivers’ Association (GDA) regarding the Queuing System (QS) being administered by the General Transport Union (GTU).

“MOTIE notifies the public and transport sector operators that the General Transport Union (GTU) is the only authorized institution in The Gambia mandated to administer the Queuing System for the transportation of goods within and outside of the country.

“The issuance of manifests is part of the administration of the Queuing System (QS) to ensure transparency and effective data collection,” the statement said.

The trade ministry urged the Union to ensure that operators, businesses, or garages that request vehicles from the QS are provided with the necessary service without delay.

“The Queuing System (QS) is established to ensure that all drivers that operate commercial trucks have an opportunity to transport goods across and beyond the country in a harmonized and transparent manner.

“The trade ministry has noted that operators of re-export trade are not providing manifests on their consignments, which results in trade data gaps.

“All re-export operators are requested to work closely with the General Transport Union in obtaining manifests for re-export goods,” the ministry added.

According to the ministry statement, the Union should ensure that copies of all manifests are shared with the Gambia Government for the effective collection of both domestic and external trade data.

To ensure greater security and better harmonization, MOTIE inform all other bodies to desist from issuing alternative manifests or engaging in activities that could potentially compromise the integrity of the Queuing System (QS) and collected trade data.

“MOTIE enjoins the full cooperation of the public in complying with the High Court ruling on the Queuing System and the ministerial directive on data collection and the issuing of manifests.”

Hon. Darboe presents Gambia’s situational report to Ecowas Parliament

Hadram Hydara
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Hon. Darboe presents Gambia’s situational report to Ecowas Parliament

Hon. Alhagie S. Darboe, Minority Leader and a member of the Gambia’s 5-member delegation today, May 11, presented the country’s situational report to the ECOWAS Parliament’s ongoing 2023 First Ordinary Session in Abuja, Nigeria.

Delivering the report, on behalf of the delegation, the Brikama North NAM said the Gambia’s Human Rights situation has greatly improved.
The Gambia’s report to the Ecowas Parliament covers a range of issues, including the political, economic, security and human rights situation of the country, legal reforms and ratifications as well as the implementation of protocols among others.

The Gambia’s delegation comprised Honourable Billay G Tunkara, Hon Alhagie S Darboe, Hon Kebba K Barrow, Hon Samba Jallow and Hon Fatoumata Njai.

Hon. Alhagie S. Darboe, Minority Leader and a member of the Delegation, presented the report, on behalf of the delegation, which highlighted the current state of affairs of The Gambia.

According to the Report: “In its 2022 report of the human rights situation of the country, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has pointed to a zero-incident of arbitrary deprivation of life and other unlawful or politically motivated killings and disappearances as was rampant under President Barrow’s predecessor.”

Notwithstanding this achievement, the report highlighted some human rights issues such as harsh and life-threatening prison conditions caused by food shortages, overcrowding in some prison facilities, physical abuse, lack of adequate medical care, and poor sanitary conditions.

According to the delegation, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights and Constitutional Matters has already started engaging the government and relevant stakeholders on some of these claims made in the report of the National Human Rights Commission, and this process is ongoing.

On political rights and civil liberties, the report stated that the government of President Adama Barrow continues to maintain and recognise The Gambia as a secular society in which adherents of all faiths worship freely without any interference. “The government also continues to build on our gains as a multi-party democracy to give all individuals and parties the platform to exercise their rights and freedoms as law provides.”

“As to this day, it is worth stating that there is no political prisoner in The Gambia. There is complete separation of powers, with each arm of the state operating independently but harmoniously with each other for the collective common good,” the report added.

According to the delegation’s report, there is an Interparty Committee composed of all Political Parties and its role is to determine the conduct of politicians during campaign as well as mediate and dialogue between political parties when there is a problem.

On the security situation, the report informs the Ecowas parliamentarians that the Government of the Gambia has promoted the safe and dignified resettling of displaced persons, following tensions on the Gambia-Senegal border, during which an estimated 6,000 Senegalese and Gambian citizens that reside in villages along the border of the two countries were been forced to flee their homes and took refuge in other parts of the Gambia due to intensified fighting between the Senegalese army and MFDC rebels in the Casamance region of Senegal, in an area less than two miles from the border.

On the Security Sector Reform (SSR) initiative, the report said the reform is ongoing.

“Regarding Human Rights Situation, in March 2023, the National Assembly passed two Acts that are fundamental to promoting human rights and upholding the rule of law in the country. The first is the Prevention of Torture Act 2023, which provides the legal framework for the prohibition, prevention and punishment of any form of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment in The Gambia and provides penalties aimed at ensuring accountability for acts of torture.

“The second is the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act of 2023 which is equally a significant milestone in the transitional justice process of the Gambia, particularly with regards to accountability for human rights violations committed during the Jammeh regime.”

On Press Freedom, this year, the Gambia is ranked 5th in Africa and 46th in the world among 180 member countries by the international watchdog Reporters Without Borders as a country where press freedom is highly valued.

On the TRRC outcomes, the government is currently working and collaborating with partners to draft legislation for the establishment of reparation or victim’s fund and a peace commission, which will be a successor body to the Reparations Committee of the TRRC, independent and vested with the power to manage and make payments out of the reparations fund.

On health, the National Assembly Select Committee on Health has concluded investigations into the outbreak of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and tabled its findings before the National Assembly in December 2022.

“The report of the Health Committee noted that an Indian medical company, Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd., is culpable and should be held accountable for exporting the contaminated medicines that were linked to the death of at least 70 children in the Gambia in 2022.”

On the economy, in February 2023, the Central Bank reported that the Gambian economy has exhibited resilience with signs of a stronger recovery in 2023, with a growth rate forecast at 6.0 per cent.

“Staff forecast real GDP growth of 6.0 per cent in 2023 is expected to grow by 4.5 per cent in 2022 and 6.0 per cent in 2023. The repercussions of the war in Ukraine threaten economic and social stability.”

Ecowas parliamentarians meet to discuss security situation, others in the sub-region

Hadram Hydara
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115 Ecowas Parliamentarians are meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, for the parliament’s 2023 first ordinary session to deliberate issues of concern to the sub-region, such as the security, political and economic situations in the Ecowas region.

Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Ecowas Commission, said the sub-region situation remains worrisome as he addressed the opening of the 2023 First Ordinary Session of the Ecowas Parliament underway in Abuja, Nigeria.

Speaking at the start of the session on Monday, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Ecowas Commission, said his office is providing the needed resources to ensure stability, security and resilience in Member States.

He commends the commitment and leadership of Speaker Tunis in supporting democracy and good governance in the region. He praises Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau’s President Embalo, current Chairman of the Ecowas Conference of Heads of State, for their contribution to the work of the Ecowas Commission.

Sidie Mohamed Tunis, Speaker of the Ecowas Parliament said it is common knowledge that the mandate of the Ecowas Parliament has been limiting its endeavour to deliver concrete and tangible results in certain areas.

Since the inauguration of the First legislature of the Parliament, 20 years ago, Speaker Tunis said the Parliament is yet to achieve its goal of being a full-fledged legislative body.

On the regional scene, Speaker Tunis is concerned about the slow pace at which the transitional processes are unfolding in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso. He said the Parliament is also monitoring developments in Sierra Leone and Liberia, where elections are due in June and October this year, respectively.

The Ordinary Session was preceded by a two-day town hall meeting in Abuja, organized by the Ecowas Female Parliamentarians Association (ECOFEPA), to mentor the next generation of leaders under the theme “stimulating regional dynamics for mentoring the next generation of decision-makers.”

The event was attended by over a hundred women from across the 15 ECOWAS member states.

Gitteh promises to offer scholarship help to needy if elected chair of BAC

Hadram Hydara
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Gitteh promises to offer scholarship help to needy if elected chair of BAC

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh


Ahmad Gitteh, an independent candidate vying for the top seat at the Brkama Area Council, has vowed to the people of Bajana village that he will offer scholarship help to underprivileged students, fence women’s garden, and construct a borehole if voted for as the chairman of the Brikama Area Council.

The exuberant Gitteh remarked that if elected as the chairman of the biggest local government council in the country, under his leadership, he will develop scholarship prospects for needy students who are smart and willing to be schooled but are financially challenged.

“We want to give scholarships to underprivileged children whose mothers do not have the financial muscles to send them to school, so they can be educated,” he told the women.

Gitteh further told the women that part of his wish, in the face of a potential victory in the upcoming BAC election, is to help fence women’s gardens so that they will not grieve over losses caused by animal infiltrations.

He added that aside from fencing, he will build in them boreholes to make watering effortless for them, compared to fetching water from a well which is a burden on many women considering the force it requires.

In his campaign pledges, Gitteh has emphasised helping women gardeners and young people in the region. He said that yearly, he will be putting 30 million aside purposely for young people to assist them in their business startups and entrepreneurship.

Ahmad Gitteh and eight others are jostling for the chairmanship election of the Brikama Area Council.

The 20th of May elected is poised to be a well-competed election among independent candidates and party-backed candidates from UPD, NPP, and PPP.

‘We have learned our lesson’: NPP’s Sillah says Seedy Ceesay will win BAC election

Hadram Hydara
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‘We have learned our lesson’: NPP’s Sillah says Seedy Ceesay will win BAC election

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Amidst what most political commentators described as a woeful performance in the councillorship election in the West Coast Region, a senior member of the National People’s Party (NPP), Ebrima Sillah, has said the party has learned its lesson from last month’s councillorship election, saying the party will get back its members who failed to vote in the recently concluded councillorship election to enable Seedy Sheriff Ceesay to win the chairmanship election.

Speaking to The Fatu Network on Seedy Sheriff Ceesay’s chances of winning amidst UDP’s dominance in the councilorship election, Sillah said that only 17 per cent of their 53% per cent winning rate in the West Coast Region went out to vote. He said that their focus will now be on the people that are NPP members and failed to vote.

“We know very well that our people did not come out to vote. So, this is why this time, we are targeting and focusing more on those people who did not come out to vote and they are NPP supporters. I can tell you that we have learned our lessons in that,” he told TFN.

The National People’s Party, despite winning convincingly in the December 2021 presidential election in the West Coast Region, was able to secure only two wards in the council election last month.

Sillah, who is one of NPP’s most influential figures in the West Coast Region, outlined that the party has learned its lessons and discovered what went wrong.

He explained to TFN that 20 per cent of UDP members, out of their 28 per cent win rate in December 2021, went out to vote, unlike NPP.

“UDP has not more than 28% of voters in the West Coast Region in the 2021 presidential election. Out of that 28%, in the local government election, 20% of those people went out to vote. NPP, with 53% of what we got in the presidential election, only 17% of those people went out to vote”, he explained.

NPP’s candidate Seedy Sheriff Ceesay will be battling with nine other candidates including UDP’s Yankuba Darboe for the top seat in the Brikama Area Council.

Statement by the president of the Gambia Athletics Association (GAA) on World Kids Athletics Day on 7th May 2023

Hadram Hydara
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Today, on the occasion of World Kids Athletics Day, I am honoured to address you as the President of the Gambia Athletics Association. World Kids Athletics Day is an annual celebration introduced last year day by World Athletics and is observed by all its Member Federations across the world, including The Gambia. This day is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to promote and celebrate the importance of youth sports and physical activity.

Kids Athletics is a sport for children and young people that aims to develop fundamental movement skills and a love for physical activity. It typically involves a variety of track and field events, such as sprints, relays, jumps and throws, adapted to the abilities and interests of young athletes. It encourages kids of all ages and abilities to participate in fun and engaging athletics activities in their communities. The event seeks to promote physical activity, healthy living, and the values of sports, such as Fair play, teamwork and respect.

Sports play an important role in the physical and mental development of young people. They teach essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance, and promote healthy habits that can last a lifetime. As a nation, we must encourage and support our youth in their pursuit of a healthy and active lifestyle.

The Gambia Athletics Association recognizes the importance of providing opportunities for young people to participate in sports. That is why we are committed to promoting athletics among young people in The Gambia. We believe that athletics is a great way to develop fundamental movement skills and instil a love for physical activity.

On this special day, I want to encourage all parents, teachers, coaches, and community leaders to support and encourage our children to participate in athletics. Let us create a culture where our children are inspired to lead healthy and active lives.

I also want to thank all the volunteers, coaches, veterans, and sponsors who have contributed to the success of youth athletics in The Gambia. Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated.

As the President of the Gambia Athletics Association, I am proud to say that we are collaborating with partners have partners such as the SOS Children’s Village and the Olympic Africa Centre to celebrate World Kids Athletics Day this year. These partners together with the government of The Gambia through the National Sports Council, the Gambia National Olympic Committee, and the Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education continue to promote and develop athletics and sports in The Gambia.

These partnerships provide opportunities for young people to develop their skills and talents. The government of The Gambia, through the National Sports Council, has been instrumental in supporting athletics programs throughout the country. The Gambia National Olympic Committee has also been a valuable partner in promoting sports and supporting our athletes with scholarships and High-Performance training. The Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education has been vital in integrating sports into the curriculum of schools and promoting sports in the education system.

Our partnership with the SOS Children’s Village in The Gambia is particularly important. The SOS Children’s Village is a non-profit organization that provides care and support for vulnerable children in The Gambia. By partnering with the SOS Children’s Village, we are providing an opportunity for these children to participate in athletics and develop their physical and mental capabilities. We believe that every child deserves a chance to participate in sports and develop their full potential.

In conclusion, as we celebrate World Kids Athletics Day, I would like to express my appreciation to our partners for their support and collaboration. Together, we can create a culture of sports and physical activity in The Gambia and inspire our young people to lead healthy and active lives. Let us all come together and celebrate the importance of youth athletics. Let us support our young people and provide them with opportunities to develop their physical and mental capabilities. I wish you all a happy World Kids Athletics Day!

Thank you.

Jainaba Bah vows to wipe tears of women in WC if…

Hadram Hydara
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By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The only female candidate in what is likely to be the toughest Brikama Area Council chairmanship election in recent years, People’s Progressive Party’s Jainaba Bah, has promised women that she will empower them and wipe their tears if elected as the chairperson of the council, citing that women have been lagging behind in the politics of the council and that they cannot be limited to buying only ‘Asobis’.

Confident to bring back the PPP’s lost glory in the region, Jainaba told the women in Foni Jarrol that she is contesting because she knows that women are lagging behind in decision-making. She explained that women should fight for their rights.

“The reason I am contesting is that I have realized that women have been lagging behind. Women should fight for their rights. The reason a woman is contesting is to empower her fellow women,” she told the cheering supporters.

“I am urging you, my fellow women. On the day of the election, go and vote for your fellow woman, who will wipe your tears. She can do what you want,” she added.

The battle for the top seat at the Brikama Area Council is being dominated by men. Jainaba’s candidature has been praised by many political commentators, who are urging more women to run for more elected offices.

Bah, who has demonstrated her commitment and willingness to support women and young people in the region since declaring her intention to run for the top seat at the biggest local government council in the Gambia, told the women in Foni Jarrol that they should not be limited to only cheering male politicians or sewing ‘asobies’.

She said they should be at the decision-making table, which is dominated by males. She asserted that a woman knows the needs of her fellow women.

“It is obvious that a woman knows the needs of women. Women shouldn’t only be limited to buying and sewing ‘asobis’ or rallying behind men. We are tired of that. Women now realized that we should be where men are, the decision-making offices,” she said.

Kebba Jallow, the party leader and Secretary General of the People’s Progressive Party, told The Fatu Network that the party is of the utmost belief that Jainaba Bah will bring back the party’s olden glory in the West Coast Region.

She claimed that their candidate has all the credentials to be the next chairperson of the region with solutions to the problems the region faces.

Bachilly – I endorse Bensouda based on his manifesto

Amara Thoronka
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Bachilly – I endorse Bensouda based on his manifesto

By: Dawda Baldeh

Musa Ousainou Yali Bachilly, leader of the opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP) said he endorses Talib Ahmed Bensouda for re-election as Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) mayor because of his manifesto. Mr. Bensouda is the incumbent mayor of KMC who is seeking a second term mandate under the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) ticket.

Mr. Bachilly was speaking at the manifesto launch of Bensouda on Saturday 6th May 2023 as Gambians go to the polls on 20th May 2023 to elect mayors and chairpersons of local councils.

“I am not UDP, but I respect UDP. The political maturity people have in the Gambia is different. I endorse Bensouda based on his manifesto. We should see Gambia before anything because if you love the country, you must be tolerant, confident and patient,” he said.

Speaking on bribing electorates for votes, Bachilly told residents of Kanifing Municipality (KM) to collect any money given to them by the ruling party but vote for Mr. Bensouda, adding that Bensouda has not given anyone money to attend his nomination, but that people used their own money to attend the nomination because they love him.

“Don’t reject any money; collect any money they give you because it is yours and vote for Bensouda. He has not given anyone money, but he has presented his manifesto. We should stop deceiving people. The government should use that money and invest in the health sector because our hospitals are without medicines. It doesn’t make sense. They [NPP] are going round giving people money,” he explained.

He continued that there will be no problem if the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) put the interest of the country first.

“It is true that the central government is NPP and KMC’s current mayor is UDP. If UDP and NPP put Gambia first there will be no problem,” Bachilly told attendees.

The GAP leader branded himself as a concerned citizen even though he is a political leader.

“I love Gambia. I love Gambia more than GAP. Our father [Ousainou Darboe] loves Gambia,” he added.

Emphasizing on point five of the manifesto, which covers transportation, Bachilly noted that if the council brings buses and the central government brings buses without reducing the fares and addressing the problems of the people, they are more into making money.

“Some people will wake up every day and will struggle to travel from Brikama to Banjul. This should not be. Fifty-eight years (58) of independence we are facing problems with our transport system; that’s bad,” he said.

Through confidence, you can unite the people and Bensouda has achieved that in the council. We should stop politics of deception, politics of attack, politics of betrayal, politics of insult. Gambia is KMC and KMC is Gambia because any region you think of in the Gambia has people residing in KMC,” Bachilly stressed.

GAP leader said the KM has improved over the years under the leadership of Talib Ahmed Bensouda.

“Top of our list is road infrastructure” – Bensouda says as he launches manifesto

Amara Thoronka
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“Top of our list is road infrastructure” – Bensouda says as he launches manifesto

By: Dawda Baldeh

As he seeks re-election, incumbent of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Talib Ahmed Bensouda has launched a five-point manifesto ahead of the much-anticipated 20th May 2023 mayoral/chairmanship elections. He said, if re-elected, he will prioritize road construction.

The main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) mayoral candidate for KMC told journalists that his first term [2018-2023] was focused on waste management.

“When we were coming into the office, waste management was on our top list because of the illegal dumpsites that existed in communities, riverine areas, gutters, abundant homes, and markets,” he explained.

Bensouda said promises are “dangerous”, saying if they [promises] fail, they become lies.

“In UDP, our leader has always told us not to promise people but to always talk about our plans,” he noted.

According to him, the waste management issue has now been fixed. “We want to move to other areas and the top of our list this coming five years is road infrastructure,” Bensouda revealed.

He added that based on the surveys they conducted and feedback they got from their councillors, road network is the biggest problem within the Kanifing Municipality.

“Before we ended the first mandate, we passed a project called ‘The Kanifing Municipal Road Network Project (The KMRNP)’. This project will cost more than three hundred million dalasis (D300,000,000). We will construct twenty-three kilometers (23km) of roads in our municipality and six kilometers (6km) of drain network,” he narrated.

Confident of victory, Bensouda said the council over the past years has witnessed significant improvement that has improved the quality of living among residents of KM.

“We will ensure road safety will be observed in places like schools, mosques, and places of convergence to ensure that traffic is controlled,” he promised.

He commended the people of Kanifing Municipality for allowing him run the affairs of the council over the years while urging them to give him a second mandate to continue what he described as ‘forward development’.

The unveiling ceremony was held at Sea View Garden in Senegambia and was attended by Ousainou Darboe Esq, the leader of the United Democratic Party and other prominent opposition leaders including Musa Ousainou Yali Bachilly, leader of the Gambia Action Party, and representatives of Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) and National Unity Party (NUP). These parties have endorsed the re-election of Mr. Bensouda.

Spotlight: Award-winning young writer Bayo set to publish second book

Hadram Hydara
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Spotlight: Award-winning young writer Bayo set to publish second book

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh


From helping a sister to write a story with a caption in her 6th grade to winning an award as ‘the best female writer’ in 2022, 21-year-old Fatoumatta Bayo, driven by passion and creativity, would have never thought, in her wildest dreams, that she would weather the storm and create a path for herself into the literary realm of writing and educating through words.

Arguably the finest playwright of her age category, she is about to publish her second book, just a year after publishing her debut book. As an exceptionally talented young dramatist in the country, her writing career has been on an upward trajectory.

Without any formal creative writing training and only powered by her insatiable passion for writing – stimulated by her knack for creative writing, Fatoumatta Bayo, at age 20, while going to Kotu Senior Secondary School as a student in 2022, published a magnum opus; a fascinating play captioned ‘Sorrows of A Stepmother’ shortly before starting her final examination in grade 12. This epic play would then give the young writer ‘The Best Female Writer Award’ at the Kunta Kinteh International Book Festival in 2022. With such a bright start to her literary journey, Fatoumatta Bayo is willing to share with the reader as she is set to launch her second book: ‘My Husband’s People’.

Fatoumatta is currently a first-year student at the University of The Gambia. To her, she was born to be a writer; thus, it is a calling that she must answer to.

“I was born to be a writer. I was never taught to write. Although, initially, I never knew I could be a writer. It was a particular day that one of my sisters brought me a title of a story and instructed me to write something about it. I was in grade six then. I grabbed a pencil and a piece of paper and began to write. Words started flowing like I was being told what to write. I felt happy, it was from that day to date I have been writing,” the young author recalled how it all began for her.

Different people write for different reasons. However, to Fatoumatta, writing gives her joy regardless of any situation she is in. According to her, writing is her best friend.

Her maiden book is a play titled ‘Sorrows of a Stepmother’. The play revolves around two polygamous families. It portrays the life of two young ladies who are married into a polygamous family. The play has loads of themes embedded in it, which include love, regret, sadness and punishment.

This was published in 2022, and it is a book that pave a bright path for her. With this book, she was awarded the ‘best female writer’ award at the 2022 Kunta Kinteh International Book Festival.

Hungry and thirsty to continue enlightening through writing, Fatoumatta has cooked another meal to be served, a thrilling play that centres around a young successful female doctor who, when courted by her husband, promised her that she will continue pursuing her career. However, things changed after she agreed to marry the man. What happened and how it happen? The answers are in her book: ‘My Husband’s People’, another thrilling play that can propel the 21-year-old’s literary career into another promising phase.

As typical of Gambian writers, Fatoumatta is faced with financial challenges in printing her books. She lamented the high costs of publishing and printing books in the country.

Her second book, which is also a play— ‘My Husband’s People’ will be launched soon. She urges Gambians to buy her books since it portrays the everyday life of Gambians.

Activist: ‘The Gambia is the fifth country in West Africa with the most expensive tariffs on electricity and water’

Hadram Hydara
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0

By: Lolly Sowe

Team ‘Gom Sa Bopa’ (believed in yourself), a youth-led group, has branded Gambia as the fifth country in West Africa with the most expensive tariffs on electricity and water.

They are demanding the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) to return what they called “cheaper tariffs” following a massive increment of electricity and water supplies charges last month.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, 5th May 2023, Yusuf Taylor, the spokesperson of ‘Team Gom Sa Bopa”, told journalists that access to clean drinking water and stable electricity has been a major challenge in the country since independence.

He accused the Public Utilities and Regulatory Authority (PURA) of not showing interest in addressing NAWEC’s poor standard services which, according to him, is resulting in billions of loans.

“The Gambia is the fifth country in West Africa with the most expensive tariffs on electricity and water,” Yusuf Taylor told journalists yesterday.

He quoted The Point Newspaper’s story in which NAWEC is said to have arrears of almost D1 billion dalasis owed to SENELEC back in April 2023.

“Even if a new tariff was to be introduced, an increase of 37% for electricity and 20% for water is unaffordable, leaving us no option but to demand that NAWEC returns to its previous tariff,” he added.

Alpha Ousman Jallow, the president of the Consumer Protection Consortium, highlighted that affordability, access, and quality are all under fundamental human rights. He noted that the increment is affecting every aspect of people’s social economic development but it’s also not all about demonstrating because it’s negotiable.

He mentioned that the necessary consultation from the key stakeholders wasn’t done properly because real grassroots associations like the consortium should have been consulted on the dialogue of NAWEC and PURA with the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission GCCPC.

For his part, Lamin Manneh, a concerned Gambian and a volunteer highlighted that NAWEC’s issue is now getting worse because it’s creating tension in households.

He stressed that NAWEC has failed under 2 democratic governments for the past 27 years, so they are willing to stand to the core on making sure the rate decreased.

TFN Heroes Awards: Everything you need to know about the awards, categories and their criteria

Hadram Hydara
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TFN Heroes Awards: Everything you need to know about the awards, categories and their criteria

The awards committee of The Fatu Network Heroes Awards has finalised the categories for the top-line awards as well as the criteria. The 5-member committee has identified 10 categories in which a nominee in each category will be awarded.

This year’s event, which is slated for 13 May, is billed to be attended by high-profile figures, businesspeople, top artists, and ordinary Gambians and nominees in 10 different categories will be awarded.

See the different awards categories and their criteria as well as an explanation of the awards committee and the awards procedures below.

Awards Committee

The members of the awards committee are chosen by The Fatu Network. These individuals are apolitical and have been seen by The Fatu Network as able to demonstrate fair and unbiased judgement in assisting to recognize exemplary Gambians. Once identified, the committee works independently from The Fatu Network. The Fatu Network cannot make any decisions as to who should be awarded or not.

Award Nominations

Essentially, anyone can nominate an individual or group they see fit to receive an award within the applicable category. Prior to the awards, there will be a brief period of time in which the general public has the opportunity to submit nomination suggestions based on the categories and criteria presented. From there, the awards committee will assess all suggestions and ultimately narrow it down to a maximum of 3 candidates for each category.

Determining Award Winners

Award winners will be determined by both the awards committee (60%) and the general public (40%). Once the nominees for each category are finalized, there will be a public voting poll open which will feature the group/person’s qualifications, work, and accomplishments. There are two methods of voting: an easily accessible online survey and AFRICELL SMS. All will be informed immediately when the polls are open, each individual can only vote ONCE.

Resolving a conflict of interest: If a member of the committee is directly involved with a nominee, they will automatically be excluded from nominating and/or voting in that category.

CATEGORIES:

. Agriculture- Agricultural Leadership Award
. Diaspora Engagement Award
. Disabled- Trailblazer Award (Honouring the differently abled)
. Education- Education Prize for Excellence Award
. Environment- The Green Award
. Health- Health Servant of the Year Award
. Philanthropy- Philanthropist of the Year Award
. Posthumous- Iconic Gambian Award
. Youth- Exemplary Youth Award

. Person Of The Year Award

Agricultural Leadership Award

The Agricultural Leadership awardee is one who establishes high-impact achievements in the realm of Gambian agriculture. This group/person’s work has resulted in the demonstrable increase in the quality, quantity and/or availability of consumables for our urban and/or rural society- even more so if their ‘green thumb’ has been able to extend outside of the borders of The Gambia. We are considering the significance of individual achievements, but the complexity of the problem solved will be the most important aspect considered.

Criteria:
. Increased production or productivity of crops
. Reduced cost of cultivation through the use of sustainable methods
. Has reduced poverty, hunger or suffering; or enhanced health, nutrition, quality of life and well being
. Uses cutting-edge technology to address food security

Diaspora Engagement

For years, groups and individuals of the Gambian Diaspora have been selflessly and tirelessly contributing to the development of The Gambia from a distance. The Diaspora Engagement Award aims to highlight and showcase this effort! We are not talking of the obligatory remittances sent back to sustain their families back home, but going further by striving to make a difference and actively contributing to the change they want to see.

Criteria:
. Donates an extensive amount of time, energy, or money to an underrepresented and underdeveloped cause in The Gambia
. Created a group or organization that contributes to the development or advancement of the following sectors: Maternal Health, Education, Science, Poverty, Environment etc.

Education prize for Excellence of the Year

“In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something else” – Lee Iacocca

The Education Prize for Excellence Award aims to highlight and reward a true inspirer in and out of the classroom, we are looking to recognize a teacher, administrator or institution. The importance of the role a teacher and/or institution plays extends far past the textbook and deep into the future of the youth, especially in a society like this where the youth spend a large amount of time under their care. Even more so, in a society like this where the youth account for roughly 60% of the population and are, undoubtedly, the future of The Gambia.

Criteria:
. An outstanding Teacher, Administrator or Institution
. Proven record of outstanding achievement and leadership in the education sector
. Uses modern techniques and innovations to impact knowledge
. Achieved significant results (of a class/individual) through their influence
. Exposed and encouraged youth to participate in national and international competitions
. Overcomes difficult challenges to delivering quality education in a marginalized or disadvantaged community, especially in the rural Gambia

THE GREEN AWARD

More often than not, environmental causes are neglected and not seen as a pressing enough issue to pursue. This is a wild misconception and approaches the very basis of our homes and livelihoods. The Green Award will highlight and reward the efforts of a group or individual working tirelessly against the odds to ensure that a difference is made in the way we treat our environment. This can be by way of sustainable business solutions, activism, policy or any effective type of outreach being made to change the societal norms in Gambia.

Criteria:
. Uses sustainable and innovative means to address environmental challenges
. Demonstrated achievements in rolling back the effects of climate change
. Initiated a major environmental initiative that addresses and provides sustainable solutions to waste management
. Has a proven track record of activism to both educate and inform stakeholders and communities alike on issues affecting our environment

Health Servant of the Year

The Health Servant of the Year award is dedicated to a civil servant promoting or improving the health and well-being of all individuals that cross their paths. Regardless of social background, wealth, status or influence- this individual treats all walks of life as one when it comes to dedicating their time, expertise, and energy.

Criteria:
. Makes ‘do’ with limited resources to incite impactful results that save or enhance lives
. Shows extraordinary commitment to dispensing healthcare throughout the country
. Demonstrates strong leadership that results in significant gains for a health facility
. Goes above and beyond in providing greater care, excellent customer service and support for patients during their line of duty
. Innovative health administrators and organizations that have made significant contributions to the health sector can also be nominated in this category

Philanthropist of the Year

The Philanthropist of the Year award is presented to an extraordinary individual who has shown outstanding leadership in the area of philanthropy and who, throughout their giving, has made remarkable differences in bringing about sustainable social change.

Criteria:
. Giving at the moment is a ‘giving’ that is strategic and long-term
. May include an individual, couple or family
. Evidence of outstanding civic responsibility as demonstrated by contributions of financial resources and voluntary commitment of time
. Willingness to serve in leadership roles and provide vision and the ability to involve others in philanthropic efforts

Trailblazer of the Year (Honoring the differently abled)

The Trailblazer of the Year award is accredited to celebrate and acknowledge a person with a disability who, despite the odds against them, RAISE THE BAR AGAINST THE ONE SET FOR THEM.

Criteria:
. Breaks barriers to accomplishing an extraordinary achievement, especially by members of the disability community
. Proven record of sustained advocacy or campaign that empowers persons with disability
. Emerged as a strong voice for the cause of persons with disability
. Donates resources and time to championing the cause of persons with disability
. Initiate a project that provides skills for the employability of persons with disability.

Posthumous (inspiring Gambian award)

This award celebrates a person who made numerous sacrifices for the advancement of our society. Life is precious and only true patriots are willing to give it up for the greater good. This award is a nod to not only the selflessness of the recipient but also the inspiring attributes he/she possessed.

Criteria (not limiting):
. Lost their life in the previous year (2019)
. Led a life of sacrifice and dedication to justice for all or any particular noble cause
. Was a voice for the voiceless during their lifetime
. Sacrifice resulting in lasting, positive impacts on The Gambian society

Exemplary Youth

The Exemplary Youth Award section is dedicated to a young Gambian who exerts their effort to create positive social, economic and/or environmental change in our society. Making up roughly 60% of the Gambian population the youth are undoubtedly the future, but this person in particular has been demonstrating acute direction regarding solving at least one of the numerous development issues we continue to face. This person’s ideas and actions are innovative, and impactful, and have the potential to bring about true structural and institutional change. We are particularly looking for an individual who has demonstrated: Resourcefulness and Perseverance, Strategy and Bigger Picture, Revolutionary Thinking, and Advocacy.

Criteria:
. Aged 15-35
. Making a difference in the Gambian society
. Has spearheaded urban and/or rural projects/community initiatives
. Innovative in Business/Entrepreneurship

Focus on BAC: The race for the Brikama Area Council chairmanship seat is beyond a two-horse race

Hadram Hydara
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Opinion

By: Drammeh Kangi

The race for the chairmanship seat of the Brikama Area Council is not only a race between UDP’s Yankuba Darboe and NPP’s Seedy Sheriff Ceesay. They are the two biggest political parties right now, however, have you seen the bustling crowd that Ahmad Gitteh and Ibrahim JS Sanneh pulled out on nomination day? Well, those crowds were not taken from Kampala or pictured at the ferry terminal heading to Brikama. Shall we downplay the potential of PPP’s Jainaba Bah? This race will be tough, and it will undoubtedly be tight. It can’t be a two-horse race, as thought by many. This is now beyond a two-horse race. It is three or four. 

Clearly, the United Democratic Party won the majority of seats in the councillorship election, which has actually propelled Yankuba Darboe to be the favourite to win the race. Whoever has that in mind, the person isn’t wrong. They have all the right to say he will win outright based on the recent election, but things will not be as how many people think it will be.

Now, let me tell you why this race will not be only between NPP and UDP.

These two parties will obviously continue to compete for crowds and will not stop taunting each other in their gatherings. They have crowds, let’s give them that. However, Ibrahim JS Sanneh, the APRC No-To-Alliance Movement-backed candidate, produced a bustling crowd. Knowing the recent trajectory of elections in the West Coast Region in the post-Jammeh era, we can conclude that he will conquer the Fonies. But do you know Ibrahim actually lives in Brikama?

He lives in Brikama. He was born and brought up in Brikama. He has a spacious group of friends. His family members, most of them are NPP supporters and a few of them, are UDP. Considering this, any candidate who isn’t concerned with Ibrahim JS Sanneh’s chances of winning will be playing with a silent assassin.

And now, Ahmad Giiteh! He is going solo, rejected and felt dejected for being betrayed by the NPP, one thing that both UDP and NPP will agree that Gitteh is a smart being with loads of influence. It will be unfair to Ebrima Sillah if one said Ahmad Gitteh alone won it for Barrow in the West Coast Region in 2021, but his role and efforts in touring the region are on the surface for everyone. He has ever been bullish about being the next chairman of the Brikama Area Council. The crowd that followed him on his nomination confirmed the threat that Gitteh can pose to both Yankuba Darboe and Seedy Ceesay in the race, even though these two are backed by their parties.

For Yankuba Darboe, he has the backing of the party, but not all that supported the previous UDP candidates will follow him. He is still the favourite to win, but being too confident will mislead him to either Nyambai Forest or Bonto.

Seedy Sherrif Ceesay is probably the least famous candidate put up by NPP. He was helped in becoming the party’s candidate and now, his chances of winning, despite being backed by the ruling party, are like a snowball’s chance in hell. He is unpopular in the region. Likewise, he thought the crowd that accompanied him to file in his nomination was enough to know that he will win, but by now, he must have realized that wouldn’t be enough. This was on Sunday. I am sure he knows and saw the crowd that followed Yankuba Darboe, Ahmad Gitteh and Ibrahim JS Sanneh.

It will be extremely hard for PPP’s Jainaba Bah to win, but many should comprehend that she will take votes from both UDP and NPP, making the contest a very tight contest considering the followers of Gitteh and Ibrahim JS Sanneh.

So, believe me, the race for the top seat at the Brikama Area Council cannot be a two-horse race. It is beyond that.

Floriculturist accuses OIC road constructors of destroying their flowers, demands compensation

Hadram Hydara
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By: Lolly Sowe

Abdul Aziz Dicko, a seasoned floriculturist with a decade of experience has accused the constructors of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Bertil Harding Highway of destroying their flowers around Fajara traffic lights, saying they should be compensated for the destruction.

Narrating his disappointment with the road constructors, Dicko said their business has been disturbed by the constructors.

“Previously, we were asked to move 40 meters from the highway but two months later we were asked to move for about 30 meters again,” he told The Fatu Network.

The floriculturist narrated that he moved 35 meters to avoid any inconvenience.

However, he added that despite moving their businesses as instructed, the road constructors gathered the garbage at the exact business place.

“I used my money to clear the garbage and woods the OIC road constructors gathered because they refused to remove it. They spoiled our taps where we get water for our flowers,” he claimed.

Abdul believes that what the road constructors did shouldn’t have been done, saying they (floriculturists) are also contributing to the development of the country.

“We are working to help develop the country and the road constructors should know that,” he added.

He described the act as an “unfair treatment to their businesses”, saying their survival depends on the flowers.

“We should be compensated for the destruction because we have the rights like any other citizen.”

The seasoned floriculturist claimed that they have been complaining since the damage to their flowers happened, but the constructor gave them deaf ears and show no regrets.

High Court hears 20M civil suit by ‘hijabi’ students against 5 schools 

Hadram Hydara
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High Court hears 20M civil suit by ‘hijabi’ students against 5 schools 

By: Fatou Kebbeh

A 20 million civil lawsuit against five (5) schools filed by several ‘hijabi’ students has been heard by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the Banjul High Court on Thursday for the first time.

Gambia Senior Secondary School, St. Therese’s Upper Basic School, Reverend JC Faye, Grace Bilingual School and St. Peter’s Senior Secondary School have been sued, having allegedly caused emotional distress and embarrassment to students after allegedly forcing them to remove their veils.

Hundreds of people gathered at the premises of the High Court to show support for what is apparently an unprecedented case in the country.

Most were dressed in veils and sitting at the Arch 22nd.

The students, three (3) of whom are minors, sued the five schools, the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Attorney General as they seek enforcement of their constitutional right in the 1997 Constitution to be allowed to use veil.

Under the Gambian Constitution, the High Court has the exclusive original jurisdiction to hear and decide on cases of fundamental rights and freedoms.

The applicants want the court to make an order directing the schools to allow them and other Muslim female students to wear veils in the expression of their Islamic beliefs.

They also want the court to make an order directing the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to take up all necessary measures including passing of laws, rules and regulations to ensure that schools allow female students to wear veils.

The students are Kadijatou Saidy (1st applicant), Maimuna H. Jawo (2nd applicant), Fatou Binta Darboe (3rd applicant), Aasiya A. Darbo (4th applicant) while the 5th and 7th applicants are all minors. The representatives of all the parties for the applicants and the defendants were present in court.

The matter was adjourned to the 20th of June 2023 at 10 a.m. for a hearing.

Mysterious fire outbreak renders family homeless

Hadram Hydara
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0

By: Dawda Baldeh

A mysterious fire outbreak destroyed a six-room apartment in Mandinaring Village belonging to the Darboe Kunda family on Tuesday morning, 2nd May.

The fire consumed all the clothes, furniture, and cash, leaving the extended family members with only the clothes they wore.

Aminata Manneh, a victim of the fire outbreak, said they have lost everything in the fire.

“I was sitting when my grandchild came and informed me that there is smoke in the house. I rushed but before I arrived, the house was covered with smoke and the entire house was on fire. I rushed back and started shouting for help,” she narrated with tears rolling down her face.

Aminata revealed that the neighbours have tried everything possible to put out the fire, but all efforts proved futile.

“We have lost everything and now we have no place to sleep. The entire house is burnt to ashes. The fire service came but they were not having enough water to put out the fire,” she added.

The grieving woman told The Fatu Network that the fire has left her and the family homeless.

“At the moment we are lodged by our neighbours because we have no place to go,” she said.

The victims are soliciting support from the government, and philanthropists, to quickly repair their building as they are now rendered homeless. The family commended the neighbours for their support during the incident.

Eyewitnesses mentioned that such a fire incident has never occurred in the village and they equally pleaded for the family to be supported as the rainy season gets nearer.

The materials lost to the fire include foodstuffs, clothes, beds, fridges, television sets, and an undisclosed amount of cash.

For anyone who wishes to support Aminata, and her family can contact the following numbers, +2203725692 or +2203716455

LKS NAM reports ‘NPP UDP supporter impersonator’, talks tough on ‘tribal politics’

Hadram Hydara
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0
LKS NAM reports ‘NPP UDP supporter impersonator’, talks tough on ‘tribal politics’

By: Dawda Baldeh

Honourable Yahya Sanyang, the National Assembly Member for Latrikunda Sabiji has filed a report at the Bundung Police Station against a woman identified as Fanta Jawara who, according to the lawmaker, is an NPP supporter disguised as a UDP supporter in a viral WhatsApp audio attacking the Jola tribe.

He warned people to desist from tribal attacks, saying even supporters of the party will be dealt with if they are found using tribal comments.

Speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network, Honourable Sanyang clarified that the person behind the tribal comment is not a supporter of UDP.

“UDP will never accept any tribal comments associated with it. We are not tribal; we only give our policies and programme.

“This goes out to even our supporters. No UDP supporter should engage in tribal bigotry or tribal remarks. Any of our supporters who are found wanting of tribal comments will be expelled from the party and we will hand them over to the law,” Hon. Sanyang emphasized.

The lawmaker told The Fatu Network that such tribal comments can lead to disputes and unrest among the people of the Kanifing Municipality.

Asked about why he took the matter to the police, Hon. Sanyang responded, “She resides in my constituency, and we don’t tolerate tribalism.”

He disclosed that the impersonator disguised herself as a “Mandinka UDP supporter.”

“Our investigations revealed that she is one Fanta Jawara who resides in Latrikunda Sabiji Constituency, Piccadilly.

“She is an NPP supporter who disguises herself as a UDP supporter just to tag UDP as a tribal party.

“We got information from the NPP executive coordinating group that she released the audio. People came from that group and informed them she is the one and the audio was picked from that group.

“There is no doubt that she is Fanta Jawara and there is no doubt that she is NPP,” Hon. Sanyang explained.

For Honorable Sanyang, Fanta’s exposure is an indication of what he refers to as “NPP dirty politics.”

He accused the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) of engaging in tribal politics by visiting certain tribes during campaigns and ignoring others.

“If they (NPP) are interested in developing the KMC then why are they visiting some tribes and not all tribes in their house-to-house campaigns?

“The NPP is only doing this to increase the dissatisfaction of other tribes against UDP so that people will vote against UDP.

“This is what they continue doing to accuse UDP of being a tribal party,” he added.

Despite the audio coming at a very critical time of the local government elections, Hon. Sanyang is optimistic that this will not affect the party or its candidates rather it exposes the political bigotry of the NPP.

“This is a move well circulated to implicate UDP, but Allah has come to our aid and that Fanta Jawara is an NPP supporter,” he told The Fatu Network in an exclusive interview.

“Dona” or “Ketaa”: Intestate Estates Distribution

Hadram Hydara
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0
“Dona” or “Ketaa”: Intestate Estates Distribution

By: Juliana Twumwaa Obeng

The writer

“Dona” or “Ketaa”: Intestate Estates Distribution

When I was interning at the office of the curator of intestate estates, I was struck by the number of people who seemed overwhelmed by the procedural requirements of the Department. They were often there to have the estates of their deceased loved ones administered, but struggled to navigate the administrative requirements required to do so properly. Inspired by my observations, I decided to write this article to explain the functions of the office of the Curator of Intestate and provide some guidance for those who find themselves in this situation.

When a person dies without leaving a valid will, they are said to have died “intestate”. In The Gambia, the distribution of an intestate estate is governed by the Intestate Estates Act. This law sets out the rules for how the estate will be distributed among the deceased’s surviving family members.

Disputes over Distribution

One of the most common concerns about intestate estates is that there may be disputes over how the estate is distributed. This can arise if there are multiple potential heirs who believe they are entitled to a share of the estate. In The Gambia, The Intestate Estates Act, provides guidelines for the administration of an intestate estate.

If the deceased was not survived by any of the above, the estate will pass to the government of The Gambia under Section 18 of the Act.

Delays in Distribution

Intestate estates may take longer to distribute than those with a will, as there may be legal proceedings required to determine who the rightful beneficiaries are. This delay can be a cause of concern for those who are waiting for their inheritance. This is where the office of the Curator of Intestate Estates comes in. The Curator of Intestate Estates office, under the Ministry of Justice, is responsible for the collection, management, and administration of intestate estates.

 

The office assumes the responsibility of administering estates of deceased persons on the occurrence of the following events:

  1. a person has died intestate (meaning they did not leave a will, or some assets are not disposed of by their will);
  2. the deceased, having made a will devising or bequeathing his or her estate, has omitted to appoint an executor;
  3. probate or letters of administration with the will annexed has not been obtained within six months from the death of the testator;
  4. or the deceased has named the Curator as sole executor of his or her will.

The Curator will then apply to the High Court for an order authorizing him or her to administer the estate of the deceased person.

Procedure

Relatives of the deceased person are required to notify by application to the Office of Intestate Estates. The beneficiaries are asked to fill out a declaration form (D Form) with detailed information about the deceased, his or her estate, beneficiaries, and witnesses. The form shall then be submitted with photocopies of the death certificate of the deceased, birth certificates of the children of the deceased, and marriage certificate of the widow or widower (In the absence of a marriage certificate, an affidavit may be deposed to by a person who is aware of the marriage).

Upon completion and submission of the form, the curator will issue a notice to be published in the Gazette for a period of fourteen days and shall then apply to the court for an order to administer the estate of the deceased person and the court if satisfied, shall grant the order.

Upon the court granting the order, the Curator then has power over the estate of the deceased. The Curator can also administer an estate without notice if he/she obtains an order to administer the estate of the person, where the court is satisfied that the estate will probably be purloined, lost, destroyed, or damaged, or that great expense will be incurred by delay in the matter.

It must be noted that the Curator also has a limited mandate to administer the estate of a non-ECOWAS national who died in The Gambia while in the employment of the Public Service.

In the case of the aforementioned persons, the Curator is limited to the following: to realize the assets of the deceased within the jurisdiction; pay his or her funeral and testamentary expenses; pay all the debts of the deceased; and remit the balance to the legal representatives of the deceased who are not within the jurisdiction.

The role of Sharia law in Inheritance (Dona or Ketaa)

In addition to the Intestate Estates Act. Sharia law also plays a significant role in the distribution of intestate estates in The Gambia. Sharia law is a legal system based on Islamic principles and is followed by many Muslims around the world.

Under Sharia law, the distribution of an intestate estate is governed by the laws of inheritance known as the laws of Faraid. These laws dictate how the estate of a deceased Muslim is to be distributed among their surviving family members.

The distribution of the estate under Sharia law is based on a fixed formula. The spouse of the deceased is entitled to a certain percentage of the estate, while the remainder is divided among the children of the deceased. If there are no surviving children, the parents of the deceased are entitled to a share of the estate, and if there are no surviving parents, the estate is to be distributed among children or the siblings of the deceased. In the event where there are only female children of the deceased, a percentage of the estate is distributed among the female children, a percentage for the widow (if alive) and the remaining estate is distributed among the siblings of the deceased person. This is because based on sharia law, female children cannot inherit an entire estate of their deceased parent. This is to mean that only females cannot close the inheritance of a deceased Muslim’s entire estate and as such a male must foreclose it.

It is important to note that under Sharia law, the distribution of the estate must be carried out according to the laws of Faraid, regardless of whether the deceased left a will or not. This means that even if the deceased left a will that specifies how they want their assets to be distributed, their wishes may not be carried out if they conflict with the laws of Faraid.

It is also worth noting that in The Gambia, Sharia law is only applicable in matters of personal law such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance for Muslims. Non-Muslims are not subject to Sharia law in these matters and are governed by civil law.

Sharia law plays a significant role in the distribution of intestate estates in The Gambia, particularly for Muslims. The laws of Faraid dictate how the estate of a deceased Muslim is to be distributed among their surviving family members, and this must be carried out regardless of whether the deceased left a will or not. It is important for individuals to understand both civil law and Sharia law to ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes and the applicable laws. Seeking legal advice is also recommended in matters of intestate estates to ensure that the distribution is carried out properly in accordance with the law.

Parting words

In summary, the distribution of an intestate estate can be a complex and lengthy process and may not necessarily reflect the wishes of the deceased. However, by understanding the rules set out in the Intestate Estates act and the Sharia law, individuals in The Gambia can have a better understanding of how their estate will be distributed if they die without a will.

 The writer is a candidate for the BL degree at the Gambia Law School who is passionate about the legal profession. Her affinity for the field drives her to educate the public on various aspects of the application of Gambian laws and the ethics of the legal profession. She achieves this by referring to Precedents, case laws, peer reviewed studies and Acts of the National Assembly. It is important to note that the write-ups are for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. Email: [email protected]

 

 

REFERENCES:

  1. https://www.moj.gm/news/b98f50fb-df6d-11ed-8b02-025103a708b7Curator explains the functions of her office.
  2. The intestate Estates Act cap 14:02.

 

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