By: The Fatu Network Editorial

A fire erupted at the Serrekunda Sandika Market in The Gambia early Sunday morning, affecting several local vendor sheds. According to officials, the blaze began around 2:30 a.m. and was brought under control by emergency responders.

The Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) has since confirmed that the incident was caused by an electrical spark and affected 13 local vendor sheds known as “Mbarr.” “An electrical spark caused a Local Vendor shed to catch fire at the Serekunda Sandika affecting 13 local sheds ‘Mbarr’. Fire and rescue were at the scene and the blaze has been totally quenched,” the Council stated in an official communication.

The Council emphasized that “No Market structures were affected at the Sandika” and announced plans to address the incident with the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC). More will be reported on this situation as additional information comes to light.

By Dawda Baldeh

Abdoulie Ceesay, the National Assembly Member for Old Yundum Constituency, and others have expressed enthusiasm regarding the advancements in the Coastal Road construction.

Ceesay, who has been a proponent of the road project since his initial parliamentary election, referred to the road as a key project for his constituency.

In an interview with The Fatu Network, the Old Yundum representative emphasised the significance of the road, highlighting that travel has been a challenge for his constituents.

“I am thrilled to convey the immense gratitude of the people in my constituency for the ongoing construction of the coastal road,” he told The Fatu Network.

Ceesay pointed out that the project not only aims to improve connectivity and accessibility for all communities but also represents a major step toward economic development for the district.

“This will enhance connectivity for residents of Coastal Road and other areas,” he added.

He further emphasized the positive effects this will have on the local population.

“Previously, if someone fell ill, it was challenging to navigate the road to reach the hospital. We are optimistic that soon accessibility will be a thing of the past,” he said.

Residents along Coastal Road are looking forward to better travel options and the potential for increased transportation, which will also aid local businesses.

“Everyone is filled with anticipation for the beneficial effects this project will bring, and we applaud the efforts of HE Adama Barrow in realizing this vision,” Ceesay noted.

Mariama Cham, a vendor on the Coastal Road, is excited about the project.

“This road is going to greatly benefit us,” she stated, adding that it will make business more accessible once completed.

“Previously, drivers were reluctant to come here because the road conditions were very poor,” she said.

Sulayman Jarju, a taxi driver who has been using the road for many years, also mentioned that once finished, the road will help resolve traffic issues.

“Before, I was hesitant to use this road; sometimes passengers would blame us, but we understood the risks involved in transporting them,” he remarked.

He noted that the road was causing more problems for their vehicles than anything else.

“Passengers would come, and if we didn’t take them, some would insult us… if you transport four people from here to Tabokoto, it costs less than D55 dalasis, but the smallest breakdown would set you back about D300 dalasis,” he explained.

By Michaella Faith Wright

The Minister of Information, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has defended the Gambian government’s expenditure on the recent United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Conference, clarifying that 24 officials attended with government funding.

He also addressed a viral video allegedly showing a Gambian migrant being beaten by Mauritanian security forces, stating that the government is taking diplomatic steps to address the matter.

Speaking on Coffee Time on West Coast Radio, Dr. Ceesay explained that the government officially funded the participation of 14 delegates, including himself, while additional attendees from civil society, NGOs, and the private sector were sponsored by external organizations. In addition, the President and nine members of his team, as well as four other officials, including his protocol and the Permanent Secretary (PS), also attended, bringing the total number of government-funded participants to 24.

“This was funded by the taxpayers of The Gambia,” Dr. Ceesay stated, emphasizing transparency in the government’s participation at the global event.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ceesay also addressed concerns over a viral video showing a Gambian migrant allegedly being assaulted by Mauritanian security forces. He assured the public that the government is taking the matter seriously, stressing that the welfare and safety of every Gambian remain a top priority.

“We are concerned about this incident, and we have taken appropriate measures through the right diplomatic channels to deal with the situation,” he said.

The Gambian government continues to monitor the developments closely and urges citizens to remain calm while diplomatic efforts are underway to ensure the safety of Gambians abroad.

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, High Court Judge, in a heartfelt tribute, mourned the passing of Fafa E. M’bai, describing him as “a national treasure” whose profound impact on The Gambia’s legal landscape was immeasurable.

He praised M’bai’s dedication to justice, noting his instrumental role in the establishment of key legal institutions, such as the Faculty of Law at the University of The Gambia and The Gambia Law School. Reflecting on his personal connection, Justice Jaiteh shared that M’bai was his “godfather in the legal profession,” guiding him with wisdom and inspiring his journey in law.

He concluded by emphasizing that M’bai’s legacy of “commitment, brilliance, and an unyielding pursuit of justice” would forever be cherished by The Gambia and beyond.