By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Bakary S. Jarju has been sworn in as the newly elected Councilor for Massembeh Ward at the Mansa Konko Area Council, following his victory in the February 22 by-election.

Running under the United Democratic Party (UDP), he secured 57.7% of the vote against his opponent from the National People’s Party (NPP). The election was held to fill the seat left vacant by the late Councilor Bakary Chereng Korta.

Presided over by Chairman Landing B. Sanneh, the swearing-in ceremony stressed the need for dedicated leadership, with Jarju pledging to prioritize infrastructure, youth support, and community engagement.

By: Alieu Jallow

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) on Wednesday, February 26th, initiated a national dialogue on The Gambia’s 2024 draft constitution, aiming to revive discussions on the country’s stalled constitutional reform process.

The dialogue, led by Dr. Muhammed Ibun Chambers, brought together key stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations (CSOs), and members of the National Assembly at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.

Dr. Chambers, a distinguished diplomat and governance expert, has been meeting various political and civic actors to gather insights and foster consensus on the way forward for the draft constitution. This initiative seeks to address lingering concerns that led to the rejection of the previous draft in 2020 and to ensure that the constitutional reform process aligns with democratic principles and national aspirations.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Chambers stressed the importance of deepening consultations, citing that the national constitution of a country requires ownership by major stakeholders. He noted that it is the fundamental law of the land, and the process requires replacing a nation’s governance system, which has been shrouded in numerous controversies without national consensus.

The Gambia’s journey toward a new constitution has been marked by setbacks, with the 2020 draft failing to pass the National Assembly due to political disagreements. The renewed dialogue under International IDEA’s facilitation is expected to reignite discussions on key constitutional provisions, including presidential term limits, separation of powers, and judicial independence.

Similarly, Dr. Chambers informed participants of the contending issues surrounding the draft; however, he urged participants to use dialogue and negotiation where differences exist.

Former President of the Gambia Bar Association, Salieu Taal, raised a question regarding the assurance that political actors would put aside their differences and prioritize the nation’s interest beyond party lines to give citizens the constitution they desire, despite the failed 2020 draft, which, according to him, was more consultative.

Yadicon Njie Eribo, Chairperson of TANGO, expressed her institution’s commitment to going through the process but stressed their involvement in the entire process.

As discussions continue, observers are keenly watching to see whether this latest effort will break the deadlock and set The Gambia on a path toward constitutional reform that reflects the will of its people, as many wish to bid farewell to the 1997 constitution.

I write with a much more resistant and heavy voice to stand with my sister, ASP Binta Njie. I’m a native of Kiang and a representative of Kiang in the National Assembly.

I intended not to comment on the outrageous remarks against my ancestry, our parents, ourselves, and our grandparents until I reached Parliament. I maintain that view, and the nation will hear the protest of Kiang through their representative in a more deliberate fashion.

However, my coming this morning is to stand in solidarity with my sister and ask the Gambia Police Force to stop intimidating Binta Njie for defending her community. Binta has the right to respond to any politician who has launched personal attacks on her place of birth. She has not violated any law or institutional regulations. Let the police administration tell the public which law or regulation she violated. Tell us what she is found wanting for.

If that remark was made against Mankamang Kunda, the man would have been in police custody by now.

We are ready to march the streets if Binta is victimized for defending her place of birth. I, Hon. Lamin Ceesay, will lead the protest with the entire Kiang against the police’s lack of respect for our community.

The police and executive must reflect on the past and realize that no government stays forever. We will hold anyone accountable who abuses authority against the masses in the interest of incumbency and protecting their jobs.

This is unacceptable, and the government must immediately stop political actions against innocent and responsible citizens.

Binta has always been respectful, committed, and determined in doing her work. She has always upheld the oath of office and never demonstrated any mistrust in carrying out her duties. She has always been obedient and has done her job diligently.

For the service of my country, I remain…

Hon. Lamin Ceesay
Kiang West Constituency

The Gambia Police Force has released a statement concerning ASP Binta Njie’s Facebook post titled “Politics, Division, and National Division: A Call for Responsible Discourse.”

In her post, Njie talked about the vitriolic remarks made by National People’s Party (NPP) supporter Baboucarr Bahoum about the Kiang region and its people.

Njie, who is herself a native of Kiang, started off her post by emphasizing that her comments were made in a personal capacity to defend her community’s dignity and criticized the harmful generalizations and political rhetoric that she believed were deepening divisions and fostering resentment within the country.

“First of all, I am not in any way politically affiliated, but I am Kianka[,] and my people are not ingrates,” she started off her Facebook post.

In their statement regarding the former police PRO’s post, the police reiterated their commitment to upholding professionalism and ethical standards among all officers, stating: “The Gambia Police Force remains committed to upholding professionalism and ethical standards among all officers.”

GPF emphasized that officers are expected to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the Police and must refrain from actions that could compromise the institution’s reputation.

“While ASP Binta Njie has not been arrested or subjected to interrogation, the Police will handle the matter administratively in accordance with established disciplinary procedures,” the statement read.

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Following UDP’s victory in the Masembeh by-election, Special Adviser to the President Momodou Sabally took to social media to question the party’s level of dominance in the ward, stating: “And the real news is that @ 58 percent of total votes in their favour, UDP could not even pull together 60% in what is supposed to be their strongest zone.”

His remarks have ignited debate, with some interpreting them as an attempt to downplay UDP’s win, while others argue that securing victory in a competitive race is what truly matters.