By: Dawda Baldeh

The leader of the opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP), Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, has warned people against homosexuality in the Gambia while calling on the government to implement anti-homosexual laws in the country.

Batchilly made these comments while reacting to a viral video of a man identified as Victor Vickish Wilson, a Sierra Leonean who was dragged out of a car a few days ago around Senegambia by a group of people including women for dressing like a woman.

He said a government led by GAP will accord zero tolerance to homosexuality and enforce maximum punishment to individuals found wanting.

In the video, Victor could be heard saying “I am not gay, I am a crossdresser.” While the attackers continued yelling at him, he tried to explain but the group weren’t interested in what he wanted to say. He added: “Why are you doing this to me?”

Mr. Batchilly also condemned the act while blaming the government led by President Adama Barrow for not enforcing laws that protect the cultural values in the country.

He said the video has triggered the violation of human rights cognizant of the fact that the majority of the Gambians are Muslims.

“All religious doctrines in the world abnegate this inhumane act.; the Gambia should not be an exception. The government has failed to protect the cultural rights and values of our nation since President Barrow ascended power due to selfish reasons,” he claimed.

Commenting further, the GAP leader promised to criminalize same-gender marriage or affairs to ensure that people with religious identities continually worship their beliefs without being dirty or filthy.

“Our government will accord zero tolerance towards these barbarians hiding under the covers of so-called freedom and democracy,” Batchilly said.

The Gambia has zero tolerance towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The criminal code states that any person who has or attempts to have ‘carnal knowledge’ of any person ‘against the order of nature’ is guilty of a crime and could face 14 years imprisonment. The criminal code was amended in October 2014 to include a section (144A) entitled Aggravated Homosexuality.

World Bank Board has approved $4.5 million additional financing from the International Development Association (IDA) to improve quality and utilization of essential health services and strengthen the national system for public health preparedness in The Gambia. The Board previously approved US$50 million to the Gambia Essential Health Services Strengthening Project. Further, in June 2023 a grant of US$4.33 million was also approved by the World Bank Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Program.

The additional financing will support the construction of a National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory (NFDQCL) and capacity building to prevent and detect health emergencies including establishing an electronic case-based surveillance system to facilitate immediate reporting of priority diseases and events.

Highlighting the significance of this financing Feyi Boroffice, World Bank Resident Representative, said: “This additional financing will play a vital role in strengthening The Gambia national system for public health preparedness.”

The Task Team leader Dr. Samuel Lantei Mills also emphasized the positive impact of the additional financing. “These investments will contribute to the Government’s effort in testing medicines imported into the country, ensuring improved quality of healthcare for all Gambians,” he said.

The International Development Association (IDA) is the World Bank’s fund for the poorest. Established in 1960, it provides grants and low to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 76 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa.

IDA resources help effect positive change in the lives of the 1.6 billion people living in the countries that are eligible for its assistance. Since its inception, IDA has supported development work in 113 countries. Annual commitments are constantly on the rise and have averaged $21 billion over the past three years, with about 61% going to Africa.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Lamin Sonko is a young man from Bakoteh in the Kanifing Municipality. In the search for greener pastures, teenager Lamin in October 2015 left his family together with young friends to embarked on a perilous journey to Europe. In the said journey, Sonko experienced traumatic situations which he did not imagine would befall him.

Lamin Sonko is now a 24-year-old young man. He authored a book titled “The Journey” in which he explores the terrifying experience of his journey to Europe with his girlfriend Elena Ramon.

Like many others, Sonko left the country for Europe in search of greener pastures. He said he wanted to help his family, noting that chances were very limited back home.

In an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, Sonko said his inspiration to write the book was drawn from his experience during the perilous journey. He further noted that he decided to put such experience on paper as a learning tool for others.

At first, Sonko’s book was used as a project in a designing school, and after getting impressive and motivational feedback from the school, he then decided to go ahead and print it.

“I have seen many innocent souls wasted for no reason in the journey. From Senegal to Libya, I have been into some terrifying situations such as kidnaping and imprisonment.

I have seen dead bodies, I witnessed people killing people. I was imprisoned for two months. These are things I never imagined in my life,” Sonko told TFN.

He said his experience triggered his spirit to write the book to share his life experiences so that people back home will know what their brothers and sisters are facing in the journey trying to reach Europe.

The book contained designs and symbols representing different meanings. The illustration was done by Sonko’s girlfriend Elena Ramon.

“After encountering many challenges on my journey, I decided to write a book so that others will learn from it and know the reality on the ground,” the author said.

When asked about the challenges he faced in the process of writing the book, Sonko said, “I don’t have much difficulties apart from the printing because that cost a lot of money and required a long process.”

‘The Journey’ is a book written in different languages including English, Spanish and Catalan. The author said plans are underway to have the book in Italian too.

“The book has gained some momentum because people see themselves in it. I have sold many copies,” Sonko added.

The young Gambian migrant mentioned that his aim is to make sure the book reaches a wider coverage so that others will learn.

“When the book was printed, my girlfriend presented it to a library called Pan Africanism in Barcelona, Spain. They promised to make many copies but due to some reasons, the library was later closed,” he narrated.

Lamin Sonko is an irregular migrant who started his journey to Europe at the age of 16 and he now works as an intercultural mediator.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Faye Njie, a 30-year-old Finnish-born Gambian Judoka, who has been into judo for over two decades, has told The Fatu Network that he will work hard to win the gold medal this year in the forthcoming African Judo Championships scheduled to take place in September in Casablanca, Morocco.

The young Judoka, whose name has been written in history for his outstanding performance in Judo, is hoping for another excellent performance at the continent’s biggest Judo championship.

“I have many good memories from African championships. But the gold is still missing; so, I am working hard to finally win it this year,” Faye Njie told this medium.

Over the years, Njie has won several medals in different international competitions including one bronze medal (2019) and two silver medals from which he secured his latest qualification spot in the Tokyo Olympic Games.

However, Njie, who is yet to win any gold medal, said he is working hard to get the golden medal for his country.

When asked further about the support he is getting from the Gambia government he responded, “I am enjoying the support of the National Olympic Committee; they have supported my participation in various events and I’m also benefitting from the Olympic solidarity support that allows me to train more professionally.”

Njie, who has been in active in training ahead of the championships, confirmed not having challenges.

“I have got good sparring partners and the overall level of the recent training camps have been good. That has allowed me to get the best preparation towards the African Championships,” he added.

He further told TFN that in the last few weeks, he has done international training camps in Spain and Italy to get the best preparation for the upcoming African Championships to be held at the beginning of September.

“It’s always an honor to represent the country at events like these; and I always want to make the best results and bring a medal home,” he said.

Njie has over the years generated a lot of support from fans at home and abroad who appreciate his commitment in the game; thereby breaking barriers to set records for his country.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The Lord Mayor of Banjul, Rohey Malick Lowe, has declared her support and backing of the Honorable Bakary Y. Badjie, the Youth & Sports Minister, noting that she has confidence and no doubt in the minister’s ability to deliver the goods for the young people of the Gambia.

Madame Lowe made this remark when the Honorable Minister visited her office on Saturday during his tour of the ministry’s project sites in the capital and interface with young people in Banjul.

She outlined to Hon. Badjie that he has her back and that he should put politics aside when implementing anything in Banjul as part of his responsibility as a youth & Sports Minister.  He assured the Minister that he has the support of the Banjul City Council.

“Don’t listen to anything, Honorable Minister, when you want to excel in Banjul. Forget about politics, forget about everything, just do your job, and you have my back. Be assured that you have the backing of the Banjul City Council,” she vehemently assured the Minister.

The Mayor, who said she cannot say all that she can say about her trust and confidence in the youth & sports minister, said that she has no doubt in minister Badjie, who is hell-bent on making sure that young people in the country are empowered and supported in their quest to make a difference in the country.

“Honorable Minister, I have no doubt in you if I am honest. There are some things you cannot just say in the open, but I have confidence in you that you will excel,” she stressed in expressing her utmost trust for Hon. Badjie.

The Youth and Sports Minister, Honorable Bakary Y. Badjie embarked on a nationwide tour of the ministry’s different project sites in the length and breadth of the country last week to have a first-hand information of the ongoing projects as well as having an interface with young people in the country to understand their challenges. The tour ended in Banjul, where the minister and his delegation visited the Lord Mayor to discuss over issues related to young people in the city and how best the two offices can collaborate in empowering young people.

The Gambia, Ghana and Tanzania have been singled out as exemplary models in Africa that have successfully undergone democratic transition.

The recognition was made in the margins of the ongoing 43rd AU Executive Council in Nairobi, Kenya.

Gambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, on behalf of President Adama Barrow, launched the UNDP Flagship Report “Soldiers and Citizens: Military Coups and the Need for Democratic Renewal in Africa” at the 43rd AU Executive Council in Nairobi, Kenya held on 15th July 2023.

The Report serves as UNDP’s compass in providing strategic support in governance efforts and a collective response to the scourge of military coups in Africa.

“The Gambia Government highly appreciates the launching of the Flagship Report which promises a viable turning point to the quest for democratic entrenchment on the continent and the reaffirmation of Africa’s determination to end the resurgence of military coups,” the Foreign Affairs Minister says.

The Soldiers and Citizens Report forms part of UNDP’s response to military coups in Africa. The report underscores critical findings and provides an explicit development lens in seeking to understand and frame responses to the unfolding events of military coups.

“A unique contribution of the study is that it offers a robust data-driven study on military coups by elevating the voices of 8,000 citizens’ perspectives from across eight countries. Furthermore, it lays an evident premise for the co-creation of the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT), which will be an important part of the joint operational response to coups in Africa going forward,” the Foreign Minister explains.

UN Secretary-General Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, H. E. Hannah Tetteh said the report could not have been launched by a better person in form of Dr Mamadou Tangara who has proven himself as a citizen willing to make sacrifices in the fight against unconstitutional change of governments (UCGs).

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The Lord Mayor of Banjul, Rohey Malick Lowe, has said she wants to focus on development in Banjul and avoid involving herself in politics during what she referred to as her final term in office as the mayor of Banjul.

A heavyweight in the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), Mayor Lowe said if she is involved in politics before she realizes anything, her time will be up. She noted that she will rather focus on development in the city than involving in politics.

“This is my last term in office, and I don’t want to [be] involve in politics. I want to involve [myself] in development. One way or the other, before you know it, four years gone because this is no longer 5 years. So, I don’t have any time to waste,” she said at her office in Banjul.

Mayor Lowe is in her second term in office as the mayor of Banjul following her re-election two months ago. While the elected office is always inundated with politics, especially from an opposition party to the government, Madam Lowe expressed that she has put politics aside and focused on development, noting politics has ended.

According to her, in her leadership as the mayor of Banjul City Council, they do not discuss politics in the council. She stated that her projects are not viewed using a political lens but viewed from a development perspective.

“Here, under my leadership, we don’t talk about politics. Politics is over since. So, we are not looking at our projects through the lens of politics. I am well aware that politics is over, and now we are looking for development,” she said.

Banjul City Council is one of the richest councils in the country. The seat for the office of the mayor was highly contested between the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) and the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) in the May Mayoral election.

In the past four years, there have been issues of projects between the government and the Mayor of the Banjul City Council, primarily due to their political affiliations. The Lord Mayor, this term, vowed to put politics aside and focus her lens on developments that will be of massive benefit to the people who re-elected her as the Mayor of Banjul City Council.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Honourable Bakary Y. Badjie, has said the Independence Stadium is close to meeting the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standard requirements, which will allow the Gambia to play at home in September following preliminary inspections made by CAF’s head of professional football, Muhammad F. Sidat, on Saturday.

On Saturday, July 15, Mr Sidat conducted a preliminary survey of the ongoing work at the stadium and made some recommendations to the ministry to work on enabling the stadium to meet the CAF requirements to host its games.

After having an internal meeting with the CAF field inspector Mr. Sidat, considering the work done and the recommendations by the CAF field inspector, the Minister of Youth and Sports told the press that the field is not far from meeting the requirements.

“It is not far from reaching the requirements. The major things are done. I will not be able to give you the exact percentage, we are almost there,” Badjie said.

He expressed optimism over the country playing at the Independence Stadium in September.

“We are hopeful that we will be able to play here in September. But that is a decision that CAF is the only authority that can make. Our responsibility as authorities is to go by the guide and do what is expected,” he said.

The CAF field inspector, who commended the ministry for the ongoing works, made certain recommendations to the Honourable minister, who in turn filtered down the recommendations to the contractors to work on to meet all the requirements. These observations and recommendations include the media tribune, the tunnel around the dressing room and the outside view of the stadium.

The Honourable Youth and Sports Minister stated that he took note of the observations and recommendations and that the coming weeks will be used to tick those boxes before the final inspection period in August, which will decide if the Gambia will host Congo in Bakau at the Independence Stadium or not.

“Moving forward, we will be using the coming weeks to try to improve in the areas he observed and recommended, alongside completing what has been started. There were some observations that were never part of the job that he had made. But we have taken note of that, and we will work on those as well,” he highlighted.

The Fatu Network understands that the Minister of Youth and Sports has been constantly monitoring and visiting the Independence Stadium’s ongoing work to ensure that the country hosts its home games in the coming months.

The CAF inspection team will come back to the Gambia in August to reassess and do the final inspection to see if the stadium meets the standards. There are hopes that the country will be able to meet the requirements before August.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The leader of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), Mama Kandeh, has told Gambian Government to revisit their recent Asset Recycling Agreement with Africa50 on the Senegambia Bridge.

Kandeh cited long-term financial implications on the country’s economy if the agreement is not reconsidered.

“We deem it necessary to bring to light the flaws and drawbacks of this agreement which has grave implications on the Gambian economy and the welfare of our citizens.

We are concerned with the long-term financial implications that this arrangement will impose on the Gambian economy,” Kandeh said in a statement.

According to Kandeh, the agreement indicates an unfavorable financial return for the government compared to the potential benefits of the bridge if operated and managed by the government itself.

He said the government is depriving itself of a significant revenue stream that could be utilized for the nation’s development and improvement of essential services by mortgaging the bridge.

Contrary to the government’s justifications for pursuing this deal, the GDC leader said it is important to note that the bridge has the potential to generate substantial revenue if operated and managed by the government.

He mentioned that mortgage decision seems unnecessary and counterproductive to the best interests of the nation.

He said the government has also contradicted its actions in the recent establishment of a Ministry of Digital Economy aimed at modernizing and digitalizing the country’s economic system.

“It is perplexing that while the government claims to prioritize digitalization, it has chosen to relinquish control of critical infrastructure like the Senegambia bridge to a private entity instead of managing it.

Allowing Africa50 to manage the bridge will inevitably create inconveniences for drivers as toll fees can be increased to the detriment of the bridge users,” he said.

The GDC leader added that the government has failed to consider the potential challenges and disruptions that may arise when the bridge is operated by a third-party entity.

Kandeh believes if there would have been asset recycling, Gamtel and Gamcel would have been a good pick since they have been struggling for survival for decades.

Commenting further, Kandeh quoted the Minister of Transport World and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah, saying the Minister confirmed that the two bridges in the Upper River Region, where the government spent huge amounts of money, were neglected by them.

“This shows the lack of seriousness in our public officials to be at speed in their tasks. The two bridges in Basse are so much important to the development of the country.

We urge the government to prioritize the use of CCTV cameras and a digitalized ticketing system which we believe have been less effective.

This will guarantee transparency and accountability in the operation of the bridge and will help reduce corruption and ensure the benefits of the project reach the Gambian people,” Kandeh emphasized.

He called on the government to engage the National Assembly on matters of such at all times. Additionally, the Executive and the Legislature must have a cordial working relationship to asses such an agreement on behalf of the Gambian people.

Kandeh claimed that the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, agreeing to the deal, is a loss to the nation.

“We believe the Minister should have been more acquainted with the economic realities and committed the nation to agreements of great interest,” he noted.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) has sent two officials from the Basse Area Council (BAC) on immediate administrative leave pending investigations after being adversely mentioned for engaging in financial malpractice.

In a press release dated 13th July 2023, the LGSC said the two officials, mainly the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Finance Director, will go on administrative leave until investigations are concluded.

It could be recalled in June, three officials from the Basse Area Council were under police custody and they were later granted bail.

[Below are the full details of the press release]

“We would like to inform the general public that earlier today, my office received a letter from the Ministry for Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs.

The letter conveyed the decision of the Local Government Service Commission regarding the ongoing investigation at our council.

Following a resolution passed by the General Council dated the 16th of June 2023/REF:

G/RS/2023/0001. (The general council has resolved to send those adversely mentioned to have engaged in financial malpractices of the council to be sent on administrative leave).”

As a result, the Commission has decided to interdict two council staff members, namely the Chief Executive Officer (Ousman Touray) and Finance Director (Lamin Susso) the LGSC said.

“The two will be placed on administrative leave with immediate effect until the investigation is concluded.

We understand that this development may raise concerns among our community members.

Please be assured that we take these matters seriously and are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability within our council.

We will keep you informed about any further updates regarding the investigation.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.”

Signed

Mohamadou Ceesay

Chairman, Basse Area Council

By: Dawda Baldeh

Ebrima G. Sankareh, the spokesperson of the Gambia Government has said the government under the leadership of President Adama Barrow is committed to paying compensation to the daughter of the late Saul Ndow after the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s Verdict.

Mr. Sankareh made these comments in an interview with Voice of America (VOA) on the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s ‘Saul Ndow’ Verdict, Disappeared Victim Compensation under President Yahya Jammeh and Expulsion of Gambian Diplomats from the USA yesterday 12 July 2023.

Reacting to questions, the government spokesperson said the ECOWAS Court of Justice verdict has been received in good faith.

“It regrettable that the father (Saul Ndow) who the award was given was a good citizen, a human rights activist, and a well-known Gambian who have to die for no reason by simply speaking his mind against the state,” he said.

Accordingly, Mr. Sankareh added that since 2017, President Barrow’s government has inherited several criminal liabilities attributed to the former dictatorship under President Jammeh.

“Mechanisms and modalities are underway, and the daughter of the late Saul Ndow will certainly get her compensation as prescribed by the court,” he added.

According to Mr. Sankareh, this is not the first time the government under the leadership of President Barrow is complying with the court ruling.

He cited the case of late veteran journalist Deyda Hydara and Ebrima Manneh, who were killed during the era of exiled President Yahya Jammeh, as examples.

Responding to questions on why the Gambia government decided to accept paying damages, Mr. Sankareh said: “This is a continuation of administration, governance, and politics that the Gambian people fought against in 2017 to remove the country under dictatorship and elected President Barrow to replace exiled President Yahya Jammeh.

He described the government under the leadership of President Barrow as democrats. We should celebrate the verdict of the court.

Mr. Sankareh also shed light on the issue of three Gambian diplomats who are asked to pack their belongings to leave the United States of America.

“This is regrettable and unfortunate that three of our diplomats are asked to leave the US,” he said.

Following the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden that led to protests across the Muslim world, The Gambia and many other members of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on Wednesday July 12^th voted in favour of a UNHRC resolution on religious hatred and bigotry.

The resolution seeks to urge countries to take steps to “prevent and prosecute acts and advocacy of religious hatred that constitute incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence”.

Last month, outside a mosque in Stockholm, a man said to be an Iraqi immigrant desecrated the holy Quran on Eid al-Adha, an important holiday in the Muslim calendar. The action prompted an urgent debate at the UNHRC, the world’s top rights body on Tuesday.

According to Aljazeera, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the act of burning the Quran is an “incitement to religious hatred, discrimination and attempts to provoke violence.”

Many other world leaders have expressed similar dissatisfactions over the incidents and the seeming silence of some world powers in condemning the action.

“Stop abusing freedom of expression. Silence means complicity,”” said Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk told the UNHRC that inflammatory acts against Muslims, as well as other religions or minorities, are “offensive, irresponsible and wrong”.

Sweden has condemned the Quran burning but maintains the country has a constitutionally-protected right to freedom of assembly, expression and demonstration.

On Tuesday, France’s ambassador Jerome Bonnafont noted that human rights “protect people – not religions, doctrines, beliefs or their symbols … It is neither for the United Nations nor for states to define what is sacred”.

United States and the European Union voted against the resolution, saying it conflicts with their positions on human rights and freedom of expression.

Though UNHRC resolutions are not legally binding but are seen as strong political commitments by states.

The following are the nations that voted for the resolution: Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, India, Ivory Coast, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Ukraine, UAE, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Those that voted against the resolution are: Belgium, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Romania, United Kingdom, and the United States.

However, Benin, Chile, Georgia, Honduras, Mexico, Nepal, and Paraguay abstained from voting.

President Adama Barrow has assured that The Gambia is prepared to host 2023 OIC Summit in December.

He made the preparedness assurance at State house on Tuesday July 12^th while engaging OIC Assessment Team which is currently in the country to assess the level of preparedness of The Gambia to host the 2023 Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

“All indications are that The Gambia is ready to host the Summit and will prove that though a small country, it can host successful meetings,” President Barrow assured the visiting assessment team.

The President envisaged that hosting the summit would be historic and a legacy for his government while registering his government’s commitment to hosting the event.

The high-level visiting OIC assessment team is being led by Assistant Secretary General of Political Affairs, Amb. Yousef Al-Dobeay.

According to Amb. Al-Dobeay, he has been visiting The Gambia for the past four years, noting that the country has recorded progress in preparation to the event. He informed President Barrow that the OIC is keen on The Gambia hosting the meeting while emphasizing the desire of the current chairperson King Salman to transfer the OIC chairpersonship to The Gambia.

The OIC assessment team is expected to tour the ongoing OIC projects, assess progress made and hold discussions with technical teams.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Following more than a two-year delay after the contractor, Hatib N. Darboe of Top Spot Properties, failed to finish work at the Janjabureh football field, to the dissatisfaction of the Ministry of Youth & Sports and the community, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie has reassured the community of his unwavering resolve to get the project completed and handover to the community, although with a different contractor.  

Honourable Badjie and his permanent Secretary, Ndey Marie Njie, expressed their disappointment and dissatisfaction with the contractor who has failed to deliver the good despite the ministry paying over 80% of the money to him.

The field, which was expected to be completed within six months beginning in January 2021, has exceeded the timeline ever since. On a tour to see the progress of works under his ministry, Badjie assured the youths on the ground that it is his ministry’s priority to give them a playable football pitch and that he will make sure work that should be done is done and completed.

“We want to make sure that we do our best to ensure that this contract moves ahead with another as soon as possible so that you can use your field,” the minister assured the youth of the community, who are eager to start using their only community-owned football field.

The minister further told the youths of the village that the ministry never anticipated the project to last this long when it was supposed to last for only six months. He apologized to the community for the delay in the project on the side of the contractor.

“I want to apologize to the community. This is not our wish. When we laid the foundation, it was never our wish. The government and the president’s intention are to bring this kind of development in the rural communities.”

According to Lamin Ceesay, a youth leader in the community of Janjangbureh, anytime they approach the contractor on the ground to ask about the delay, the contractor would tell them that the ministry didn’t pay him based on the agreed amount in the contract.

“We have already paid him money. Money is not the issue here. He was paid and according to the contract, we have fulfilled our part, and he is expected to fulfil his part,” Ndey Marie Njie, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, said.

The permanent secretary outlined that the ministry is not happy because the ministry’s expectations regarding the project are not met, and the ministry may take legal steps against Hatib N. Darboe of Top Spot Properties, the contractor for the job which was expected to be completed within six months.

“We are not happy. Our expectations are not met. We are equally angry, that is why are going around to see. Some of them (contractors), we have already started taking legal action against them. This one could be part of them,” the PS told the community of Janjangbureh.

At the field, the dressing room and fencing are near completion. However, the pitch condition is not in good shape. Part of the contract is to grass the pitch. Both the ministry and the community lost hope in the contractor who has failed to deliver the goods.

The minister and his delegation were greeted by youths of Janjangbureh who are in desperate need to start using their football pitch for their annual rainy football competition, locally called Nawettan.

They called on the minister to help them complete the project so that second-division teams in the region can play their home matches in the region rather than playing in the Jarra Soma mini-stadium.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Mamma Kandeh, the leader of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has told his party supporters and others to stop sharing photos showing the present poor health conditions of Yankuba Colley, the former mayor of Kanifing Municipal Council.

In a WhatsApp audio, Kandeh expressed disappointment over the act, saying people should desist from exposing the privacy of others.

“I have been seeing pictures of Yankuba Colley, former Mayor of KMC, showing his sickness. At first, I condemn whoever is responsible for taking that picture and sharing it on social media.

Every human being deserves privacy and no one should reveal that. You sharing his pictures today you have no idea of what Allah can do to you tomorrow.

I’m urging all GDC supporters to desist from such,” he said in dismay.

The GDC leader added that even though he has not seen any negative comments from his supporters surrounding the health conditions of the former APRC KMC mayor, he must address his supporters and concerned people.

Kandeh called on people to show solidarity and support Mr. Colley and pray for him to recover than circulating his sick pictures.

“What happened to Yankuba Colley can happen to anyone. Let’s be careful about how we treat each other. No one will appreciate this when it happens to their family members or relatives.

This is Allah’s plan and anyone healthy can fall sick at anytime. And whoever is alive will die,” he added.

The GDC boss strongly urged his supporters not to circulate Mr. Colley’s pictures on their forums, saying it is not needed.

“The type of politics that is going on in the country is very detrimental,” he concluded.

By: Hadram Hydara

The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has over the weekend instructed the commission to consider the acute need to “enhance the ongoing Defence and Security Sector Reform (DSSR) efforts and the implementation of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC)” in the Gambia at the 63^rd Ordinary Session of the regional bloc held on Sunday, July 9, in Bissau, Guinea.

The TRRC was set up to investigate gross human rights violations and abuses committed under former President Yahya Jammeh’s regime, and Gambia’s president, Adama Barrow, pledged to implement the commission’s recommendations, but political observers have since questioned his resolve to do so.

The TRRC, in its final report, made 265 recommendations on prosecutions, reparations, reconciliation, and reforms.

Meanwhile, in May 2022, the government released its White Paper rejecting 2 out of the commission’s 265 recommendations, leaving the rest earmarked for implementation.

Although the government at the time said it lacked the financial resources to implement the recommendation, it has since released an implementation plan on May 12 and announced that the European Union (EU) has committed 9 million euros to the process.