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Lesson for the National Assembly of the Gambia on the allocation and implementation of constituency development fund

Hadram Hydara
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Lesson for the National Assembly of the Gambia on the allocation and implementation of constituency development fund

Alhagie M. Dumbuya

Director of Research and Library Services

National Assembly of The Gambia

Email: [email protected]

Overview

Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is a political development tool that is increasingly gaining popularity among parliaments and parliamentarians worldwide, more so in developing countries. The Gambia could be considered among the latest countries to adopt a CDF approach to development when the budget for it was approved by the National Assembly in 2021.

CDF is considered an arrangement that allows a Member of Parliament (MP) to facilitate the spending of funds dedicated and directly earmarked for development project(s) in his or her constituency. In other words, CDF is a mechanism that gives MPs a degree of authority to identify and implement projects in their constituencies. The ‘good’ intent is to provide, through parliament, initiatives that would address inequalities in terms of developments around the country. For some countries, the MP plays the lead role of presiding over constituency opinions on what, where and how the fund is spent or will be spent.

Over the years, arguments have emerged from among the public both for and against the execution of CDF by MPs. The proponents for CDF pointed out some of the benefits of the initiative, noting that it brings about direct visibility of the MP through the projects implemented in the constituency. Those against the approach argued that the implementation of projects is exclusively reserved for the Executive. They posited that parliament is the supreme audit institution which alone has the mandate to approve the spending of national resources and ensure that such resources are effectively accounted for by implementing institutions. For this reason, parliament cannot be a referee and a player at the same time. In other words, parliament cannot be an audit institution of how national resources are spent, at the same allowing Parliamentarians themselves to become spending officers of that resource. The question that might arise would be, who shall hold Parliament accountable?

To the proponents of this latter argument, Parliament would be deviating from its traditional mandate of legislation, oversight/scrutiny and representation as in the case of an auditor becoming an accountant. As such, this will dilute Parliament’s position to effectively monitor and scrutinize projects that it has itself implemented.

 CDF in The Gambia

It may be argued that the ultimate objective of CDF is to eliminate poverty at grassroots the level and bridge the gap of development imbalances across the various regions of the country through the projects and programmes implemented under the initiative. It is against this understanding and craving desire that, in 2021, The Gambia joined the list of countries that adopted CDF as the National Assembly appropriated sixteen million two hundred thousand dalasis (D16,200,000) for use by parliamentarians on development projects in their constituencies. Each of the fifty-three (53) elected National Assembly Members (NAMs) was allocated the sum of three hundred thousand dalasis (D300,000) for that purpose. In 2023, CDF allocation was increased to twenty-nine million dalasis (29,000,000) cumulatively to include both elected and nominated NAMs, thereby allocating each five hundred thousand dalasis (D500,000).

By virtue of his role as Chief Executive Officer, the Clerk of the National Assembly is the accounting officer and vote controller of CDF. There is no law yet on CDF in the country. However, the National Assembly Authority, through the Office of the Clerk, developed a CDF Policy to guide the disbursement and implementation process of the fund. The onus lies with the Authority, through the Office of the Clerk, to ensure that before funds are disbursed, the requests and proposals submitted by NAMs fulfil procurement rules and requirements. All procurements of goods and services are made by the Office of the Clerk. No NAM handles the CDF in cash. They only implement what has been procured, and this procurement is strictly done in line with their submitted proposals and The Gambia Public Procurement Act.

The CDF policy constitutes a CDF Committee and CDF Contracts Committee. The National Assembly Authority serves as the CDF Committee while the Contracts Committee of the National Assembly also serves as the CDF Contracts Committee. The CDF Committee considers and approves project proposals submitted by NAMs as well as addresses complaints of disbursement and management or other matters relating to the fund. The Contracts Committee considers all procurements relating to CDF and ensures that contracts are awarded to the most responsive bidders/suppliers.

Furthermore, the policy establishes a Monitoring and Evaluation Team with the mandate of conducting field visits at least quarterly to verify the implementation of projects at the Constituency level by NAMs and report back to the CDF Committee. To ensure accountability, the policy further tasks the Office of the Clerk to submit to the CDF Committee a quarterly summary report of project proposals received and approved or otherwise, status of disbursements of funds, and implementation status of projects for which monies have been disbursed.

 CDF in Other Jurisdictions

In most jurisdictions where CDF is being implemented there is a law usually an Act of Parliament to guide the process. In Zambia for instance, CDF was originally introduced in 1995. The Constituency Development Fund Act, 2018 established under the Zambian Constitution provides for the management, disbursement, utilisation and accountability of the CDF. The Act establishes CDF Committees in constituencies and their composition reflects a cross-section of the MP, councilors and civil society.

Kenya first introduced CDF in 2003. The recent law that the country has on CDF is the Constituencies Development Fund Act, 2013 which makes it mandatory for the provision of at least 2.5% of all the national government ordinary revenue collected in every financial year to the Fund. The Act equally establishes a CDF Board with a Chief Executive Officer as well as a CDF Committee for every constituency.

Also, Zambian CDF is managed by local councils through special constituency accounts opened for this purpose, contrary to what obtains in The Gambia. Under Zambian law, the CDF does not only comprise monies appropriated by Parliament but also grants, fees, council contributions or donations received for purposes of the Fund whereas in The Gambia, monies earmarked for CDF are only those appropriated by the National Assembly from the national budget.

Moreover, in Kenya, 75% (three quarters) of the money allocated as CDF in a single year is divided equally among the constituencies, and the other 25% (one quarter) is allocated based on the poverty ranking of constituencies using a formula which ensures that poorer constituencies get more money. Similarly, in Tanzania, the Constituencies Development Catalyst Fund Act, 2015, makes it mandatory to allocate 25% equally to each constituency, and 75% to be allocated in such manner as 45% in relation to the population of people living in a constituency; 20% in relation to the poverty margin; and 10% in relation to the size of the geographical area of a constituency. In Nigeria, CDF has been initiated through a government policy since 1999. The fund is divided on a 60:40 ratio between the House of Representatives and the Senate respectively (Busari, 2018).

Without a doubt, these practices in both Tanzania and Kenya go against the common feature that characterises CDF in most countries, including The Gambia where the same-size-fits-all measurement is used. In The Gambia, every constituency is allocated an equal amount of funds from the CDF regardless of their size, development needs or other considerations and needs. A lump sum amount is appropriated in the budget, and it becomes the responsibility of the CDF committee to ensure that every constituency is allocated their equal share, pro rata.

In Nigeria, although the fund is divided equally among legislators of both chambers, except for their leadership which is alleged to have the greater share, implementing the zonal intervention projects (as it is referred) does not involve cash payments or any other form of payment to a legislator. The duty of the legislator is simply to identify the location and the type of project to be sited. Once this is done, it is included in the budget of the relevant MDA by the National Assembly (Busari, 2018). Senator Ayogu Eze (cited in Nnamani, Ekoh & Joe-Akunne, 2021) corroborated that the role of the National Assembly in Nigeria is to identify projects for their constituency while the executive arm of government will identify a contractor to execute the project.

Meanwhile, an important provision in the Kenyan CDF Act worth mentioning is an “Emergency Reserve” which is not less than 5% of the total amount due to the constituency, made available only during emergencies or urgent unforeseen needs for expenditure within the Constituency. There is no such thing in The Gambia’s CDF policy. In practice, what is often deducted is a 10% withholding fee which is the directive of the Income and Value Added Tax Act, 2012 regarding government contracts.

The Debate

In almost all countries where CDF is introduced, views have been expressed on both for and against the use of the fund. Understandably, there are those that lauded the introduction of the initiative as it brought about the desired developments that were envisaged. Tsubura (2013) submits that CDFs have potentially positive effects on electoral democracy in developing countries. Given that many MPs in developing countries raise funds to directly support the daily lives of their constituents, he notes that CDFs, if designed and implemented in transparent and accountable ways, have the potential to mitigate the influence of political finance on electoral competition as well as level the electoral playing field.

Baskin (2011) indicates that the policy tool can redress the imbalance between executives and legislatures, mitigate the “winner take all” quality of elections, give legislators a way to deliver essential goods and services to constituents, provide an opportunity for popular participation in development projects, and strengthen ties of constituents to representatives and legislatures. Aman & Murti (2022) agree that despite its flaws, CDF ensures fast delivery of assistance on social and cultural needs, directly benefiting constituents and business communities, easily accessible, and less bureaucratic processes involved, stressing that it is one of the few funds that go directly to rural people.  Gikonyo (2008) observes that since CDF was introduced in Kenya, it has made a great impact with numerous projects coming up throughout the country.

Highlighting some of the opinions in favour of CDF, Zyl (2010) indicates that the initiative empowers the legislature by allowing them to allocate and spend money independently of the executive, and allow MPs to respond directly to concrete demands from their constituents, something that they may not be powerful enough to make the executive do. Robertson, Awuor & Okotto (2020) indicate that of the many projects that were being funded by CDF in Kenya, education, health and water/sanitation are the key projects that greatly impact community welfare.

Despite its numerous benefits and merits, there are concerns that CDF monies are not managed in a transparent manner; that many CDF projects are not useful to local communities; and that local communities are not sufficiently involved in its management (Gikonyo, 2008). Tsubura submits that CDFs are controversial as they directly involve MPs in the utilisation of public resources. He agrees with concerns generally raised by scholars, civil society organisations and Western donors that CDFs erode the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of the government, an arrangement that secures checks and balances in democracies. Tsubura emphasizes that in democratic systems, the legislature is mandated to make policies through the formulation of legislation and to oversee the executive while the executive implements such policies for the provision of public services, arguing that the CDF approach blurs the boundaries of these distinct functions of the government branches.

Zyl disagrees in totality that CDF barely makes any positive impact, and thus the concept or the initiative should be discouraged by all means. He argues that CDFs have a more negative impact on accountability and service delivery that most poor countries can ill afford. He stresses that the risks associated with CDFs should be taken more seriously by governments, donors, CSOs, and other actors involved in the development process. Apparently, Zyl’s concern is that CDFs may breach the key democratic principle of the separation of power by conferring the executive function of budget execution on the legislature. As a result, CDFs may compromise the ability of legislators to represent the electorates and to oversee the work of the executive. In a public statement in May 2022, the Rt. Hon. Halifa Sallah of The Gambia claimed that CDF promotes the self-perpetuating rule of NAMs, and as such, he called for the fund to be scrapped from the National Assembly budget. The Rt. Hon. Sallah argued that the CDF is utilised through a top-down approach instead of a bottom-up. He, therefore, suggested that the fund should rather be diverted into the development budgets of the local and municipal councils to allow them to manage and utilise from the grassroots (Voice Newspaper, 2022).

Busari (2018) alleges that even though the lawmakers in Nigeria are not allowed direct access to the fund, they have devised several means of getting a cut from the zonal intervention project fund every year, noting that one of such dubious means is by inflating the budgets of government agencies. This position is shared by Nnamani et. al. who insinuates that a preponderance of the Nigerian masses views the concept of constituency project as a conduit pipe through which the nation’s treasury is being drained. The authors cited a Daily Trust report of 2010 which alleges that former President Obasanjo accused Senators and members of the House of Representatives of corruption through budget padding and collection of unjustifiable allowances amounting to billions of naira by inserting items in the budget which are not actually required by ministries, and connive with contractors in executing constituency projects to take kick-backs.

 Lessons to Learn

In The Gambia, very little has been written about CDF from the public. This may be attributed to the infancy of the implementation of the initiative in the country.

By way of good practice, countries that have newly adopted CDF could learn a lot from those that have long initiated it. Countries such as Zambia and Kenya, have utilized their past experiences to make a series of adjustments and improvements on the allotment, implementation and supervision of projects sponsored by the fund.

On this account, the first lesson to learn may include introducing a quarter system in the distribution of CDF to ensure equity. It is obvious that constituencies, whether in The Gambia or elsewhere, are different in size and population. Therefore, introducing a percentage or quarter system will help address inequalities among constituencies and bridge the gap among the populace.

Also, there should be CDF committees in the constituencies, recognized by the law. The law will make it mandatory for the public to initiate projects which will be implemented by the committee and scrutinized by the National Assembly through its oversight function. In that, the law may allow the MPs to suggest to the committee but may not have the unilateral authority to decide on the types of projects implemented in their constituencies.

However, couching this into law will avoid a scenario advanced by Benson (2018) that “the approach taken in the implementation of the CDF in Nigeria tends to point to the fact that constituents are often vulnerable to manipulations by their representatives who withhold information from them. Most of the system operations seem to be shrouded in secrecy, and as such, constituents are not aware of the essence of the policy. They may sometimes seem to be taking part in meetings, but they really do not make an input to the project selection or the siting of such projects in their constituencies. They merely attend those meetings as nominal participants and play no part in the decisions that are made.”

Thirdly, the implementing countries of CDF may contemplate on making an Act instead of a policy. The Act, which is more binding than a policy, will detail out the manner of distributing the funds, identify implementing agencies and accounting officers, and outline penalties among others. The policy is merely a guideline which may be subverted to suit convenience. As a matter of fact, the violation of an act will be more grievous.

 Conclusion

Different approaches have been adopted by different countries to allow them to conveniently implement projects and programmes under CDF in order to meet their overall developmental needs and objectives. Some of the factors that guide the allocation and implementation of the funds include both cultural and geopolitical considerations.

There may not be a “the” way of institutionalising the CDF. However, as a newcomer in the CDF realm, the National Assembly of The Gambia can continue to learn from the experiences, successes, challenges and best practices of parliamentary jurisdictions that have vibrantly flourished through the effective and efficient utilisation of the funds.

As a matter of fact, CDF could be a very fast way for the legislature to respond to the development needs of their constituencies as they are closer to the people than the executive. However, stringent checks are necessary to control the tendency for excesses in the course of fund allocation, implementation or award of contracts to prospective bidders.

REFERENCES

 

 

 

 

BAC: CEO says he is willing to work with Chairman but…

Hadram Hydara
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BAC: CEO says he is willing to work with Chairman but…

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The Chief Executive Officer of the Brikama Area Council, Modou Jonga, has said he is willing to work with the chairman of the council, Yankuba Darboe, for the betterment of the West Coast Region but stressed that Darboe does not have any administrative responsibility over the departments of the council.

Jonga outlined his office’s willingness to work with Darboe despite the latter expressing his disappointment and dissatisfaction over the CEO’s alleged refusal to submit the information he demanded, a claim he refuted.

“We are more than willing to work with him [Yankuba Darboe] to deliver the good. We are more than willing and always committed to working with the new chairman to deliver the West Coast we all want for the residents. There is no lack of commitment on our part,” CEO Jonga told The Fatu Network.

The Brikama Area Council as an institution is composed of appointed and elected officials. The CEO heads the administration of the appointed officials who are subjected to the direction of the elected officials headed by Yankuba Darboe as the Chairman.

The office of the Chairman and the CEO have common but different responsibilities.

Jonga, while responding to questions regarding the leaked memo from Yankuba Darboe over certain requests including the bank statements, noted that the chairman’s access to the accounts should be determined by regulations since he is not a signatory to the accounts.

“His access to the accounts will have to be determined by regulations. It is important to indicate that under section 15 of the local government act, which stipulates the functions of the chairperson, the chairperson is not a signatory to the accounts of the council.

“The signatories to the accounts are the CEO and the Director of Finance. The alternative signatory is the Director of Administration,” he said.

Meanwhile, he explained that he reports to the office of the chairman but is not answerable to the chairman alone.

“It is important to indicate that I report to the chairman. I am answerable and subjected to directions of the general council and not the chairman alone. It is essential to underline this,” he outlined.

Jonga went further to explain his responsibilities he feels the chairman should be aware of in the work of the council.

“My responsibility is the day-to-day performance of the executive and administrative functions of the council, and I have a responsibility to coordinate the departments of the council. That is not the role of the chairman. The Chairman does not have any administrative responsibility over the activities of the departments of the council. That is my responsibility,” he said.

Mr. Jonga called for the collective work of the two offices, noting that they can collectively deliver what the people of the West Coast needed and that no one office can do everything alone.

GDC Admin SG 1 says Agric minister did not leave GDC for reasons he stated

Hadram Hydara
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GDC Admin SG 1 says Agric minister did not leave GDC for reasons he stated

By: Dawda Baldeh


Ebrima Nyang, the Administrative Secretary (1) of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has refuted the Agriculture Minister, Dr. Demba Sabally’s claim that he left GDC for the ruling National People’s Party due to its association with the opposition United Democratic Party, (UDP).

Minister Sabally had last week said he left the GDC for NPP due to their association with the main opposition party, UDP.

However, Ebrima Nyang denied his claims, saying Sabally has an agenda of forming his own political party well before joining the GDC.

Accordingly, Nyang revealed the conflict began when the 3-years ‘Jotna’, a pressure group that was demanding President Barrow to step down and honour his promise to the coalition, led a protest that turned violent.

“Demba Sabally wrote on his Facebook wall after the protesters had confrontations with the security forces ‘We need more tear gas’, a move according to the GDC administrative SG 1, was not in line with the party.

“Hon. Mamma Kandeh asked him (Dr. Demba Sabally) to bring down his post on Facebook else he will be suspended from the party,” he claimed.

He added that Kandeh’s statement didn’t go well with Demba, and he was strictly warned that such posts are against the party’s constitution.

“Kandeh told him that he cannot openly post asking the police to bring more tear gas on the Gambians.”

“If one Gambian is affected is like the entire Gambia is affected.
Even though no GDC member was among the 3-year Jotna executives, but the party has zero tolerance for any kind of violence,” he said.

Nyang added that Mr. Sabally intended to form a political party but at that time he did not know how and where to start, so when GDC was formed with all the structures in place, he joined.

“His agenda after joining the party was to rise beyond anyone so that he can belittle anyone except the party leader…”

Nyang admitted that Mr. Sabally was the one who initiated the idea of having a party national chairman when it was not in the party constitution.

He added that the party constitution was amended, and the position of national chairman was made.

“He later showed interest in vying for the position, and it was given to him, but he never recognized the importance of anyone else.

“His (Demba Sabally) intention was to divide GDC… but he never succeeded. When he knew he will not maintain his position if he goes to Congress, he resigned.

“He met the president who convinced him to join his party but there is no active GDC member he convinced to leave the party,” he noted.

Nyang also attributed ongoing internal conflicts within the National People’s Party to Mr. Sabally’s hunger for a position.

“We all know that there is a lot of internal conflict within the NPP, and all is because of Demba Sabally because he started that at GDC.

“His intention is always to get close to any of the party leadership and belittle everyone else besides President Barrow. I am urging NPP to be very careful and Demba Sabally wants to replace Barrow,” he said.

However, efforts to reach out to Dr. Demba Sabally for his comments remain futile.

Gambia stiffens up drug import regulations for India after cough syrup deaths

Hadram Hydara
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Gambia stiffens up drug import regulations for India after cough syrup deaths

By: Hadram Hydara

All pharmaceutical products from India will be subjected to mandatory inspections and testing starting from July 1, 2023, before being imported to the Gambia, the country’s Medicines Control Agency says.

MCA’s move came as a reaction to the tragic deaths of over 70 children linked to the Indian-made cough syrups.

The new regulations seek to “address issues related to substandard and falsified (counterfeit) medicines imported from India to The Gambia” and “for conformity to quality standards”, MCA indicates.

Following the death of the Gambian children linked to the Indian-made cough syrups, the World Health Organisation (WHO) released a report indicating the drugs had been contaminated with toxic chemicals found in car brake fluids and other industrial products.

A parliamentary committee in the Gambia also held Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd, the Indian company that made the contaminated cough syrups, responsible for the death of over 70 Gambian children.

Parents of the victims have been demanding justice and the country has since hired a US law firm for a possible legal action.

MOTIE facilitates 50% reduction in ferry crossing fee for livestock dealers, waives fee & tax

Amara Thoronka
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MOTIE facilitates 50% reduction in ferry crossing fee for livestock dealers, waives fee & tax

By: Dawda Baldeh

In responding to the hiking price of livestock as Muslims in The Gambia prepare to celebrate Tobaski, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE) has announced a 50% reduction on Ferry crossing fees for livestock dealers and waived fee and tax as well during for the time being.

The announcement came after a consultative meeting with relevant stakeholders in the livestock sector held on 20th June 2023 as livestock dealers and prospective buyers complained of price hike in the buildup to this year’s Tobaski. The meeting was convened to facilitate the importation and sales of livestock in preparation for the Tobaski feast.

According to a press release from the Ministry, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) will waive all import duties and domestic taxes on livestock during the period while the GPA Ferry Services is to reduce the fees for ferry crossing by 50%. “All livestock dealers with more than five (5) animals are required to transport their animals in a vehicle during the ferry crossing,” the release says.

It is also agreed that the Banjul City Council and the Brikama Area Council will waive all fees and taxes for livestock dealers, while the Kanifing Municipal Council will also waive fees and taxes for the livestock dealers except for the cleaning fees.

On security and border crossing, the Ministry says: “The Gambia Police Force will reinforce security during the period, especially at the designated sales points. The Gambia Immigration Department will facilitate entry of the dealers into the country and where necessary will issue laissez passe free of charge to anyone from the ECOWAS Region.”

The Ministry calls on all national and regional livestock dealers to take advantage of the measures being implemented by the government to facilitate the entrance and sale of livestock in The Gambia.

 

Prof. Nyarkotey delivers expert lecture on Traditional and Alternative Medicine Legislation

Hadram Hydara
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Prof. Nyarkotey delivers expert lecture on Traditional and Alternative Medicine Legislation

By: Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu

A renowned Ghanaian Naturopathic Professor, medical and science writer, author, and columnist, Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu, a Bar student at the Gambia Law School, Banjul, will deliver an expert lecture on the need for National legislation on Traditional and Alternative Medicine in the Gambia. The event is scheduled for the 1st July 2023, at the Gambia College, Brikama, at Noon.

The programme is sponsored and under the auspices of the National Traditional Healers Association of The Gambia (TRAHASS).  Prof. Nyarkotey has been championing the national legislation on traditional and alternative medicine in the Gambia since he arrived from Ghana to pursue his legal education at the Gambia Law School in 2022. He has succeeded in raising huge awareness of scientific natural remedies with his prolific writings in the national dailies.

He also petitioned the Minister of Health this year to take action on traditional medicine. His advocacy has paved the way for action to be taken on the development of national action on traditional medicine legislation.

The theme for the event is “Legislative Regulation of Traditional and Alternative Complementary Medicine Practitioners in the Gambia: A Tool for Recognition in the Healthcare System”.

For decades, traditional healers in the Gambia have been fighting for national recognition in the healthcare system but all their efforts proved futile.  However, the emergence of Prof. Nyarkotey, a very renowned Naturopathic Professor and president of Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine in Ghana, in the Gambia, to pursue his legal education at the Gambia Law School has resurrected the hope of traditional and alternative healers.

The conference will attract over 500 healers over the country and abroad to deliberate on the need for the importance of legislation in the Gambia.

Prof. Nyarkotey at the Gambia Law School, Banjul.

Professor Nyarkotey, who is an aspiring Legal Practitioner in training as well at the Gambia Law School, believes that there is a huge potential for natural medicine in the Gambia if legislation is Fas tracked. He believes that his legal training at the Gambia Law School will open more opportunities for natural medicine across the continent of Africa and the world.

He avers that medicine is not competition. Hence, there is no need for conventional and natural healers to be at loggerheads. He calls for collaboration in the healthcare system.

Also, he explains that legislation will go a long way to enhance standardization. He cited how countries such as India, China, Ghana, South Africa, and many others are benefiting from Natural Healthcare.

Prof. Nyarkotey said natural healthcare tends to improve the economy with legislation.  The Gambian Law School student, who has created a global niche for himself in the profession of Naturopathy and Holistic Healthcare, is engaging traditional healers in the Gambia, to see how to improve their services.

Prof. Raphael Nyarkotey Obu, who is also a well-known medical and science writer in Ghana, the Gambia, and the international level has created a niche for himself in the Ghanaian and global medical and science writing space with his prolific articles on natural medicines. He has produced some blockbuster scientific articles on the Gambian natural remedies which have generated public interest in recent times. He has also authored three books and seven academic papers  as a student of the law in the Gambia.

“As a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare and a researcher with interest in the legal aspect of Traditional and Complementary Medicines in the African sub-region, I aim to support the regulation of naturopathy and to assist in any way that I can”.

The key to his achievement is setting up a University College to train Practitioners in Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine. Grandaunts of the college are eligible to sit for the Traditional Medicine Practice Council, Ministry of Health Professional Qualifying Examination in Ghana. The College is also an educational member of the World Naturopathic Federation (WNF).

With the support of his team in Ghana, developed Ghana’s first ever National Occupational Standard in Naturopathy and Holistic Medicine at the Higher National Diploma(HND) and Bachelors level under the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET)”.

Prof. Nyarkotey Obu, is the President of Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine & Technology, Ashaiman, Ghana’s first Natural Medicine university college dedicated to the promotion and advocacy of natural remedies.

He has won many awards in Ghana and on the international front such as the 40under40 Achievers Award in education(2019) and was inducted into the West African Nobles Forum as a young Noble at age 34.

He was conferred Professorship at age 34 becoming one of the youngest Professors in Ghana in recent times.  In 2022, he was honored by the India Medical Association, JDN, Odisha, chapter with the title “ Father of Modern Naturopathy in Ghana” for shaping the science of modern naturopathy.

Prof Nyarkotey & Dr. Pandit: The science behind Yoga; benefits to immunity and quality of life

Hadram Hydara
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Prof Nyarkotey & Dr. Pandit: The science behind Yoga; benefits to immunity and quality of life

Group Yoga exercise training

Yoga has evolved to become one of the most commonly used complementary and alternative health practices in the world. Today, Yoga is even more popular than chiropractic adjustments, osteopathic manipulations, meditation, herbal treatments and massage therapy.

A 2012 article in the New York Times authored by William J. Broad, created a controversy on Yoga suggesting that some people get seriously injured, or even die, on their Yoga mats.  How true is this? Our extensive review of literature revealed that the article by William Broad, adapted from the book The Science of Yoga: The Risks and Rewards, which suggested that Yoga caused widespread harm to its practitioners; from ruptured disks to stroke to brain injury, was largely based on selected anecdotes.  That same year, it was also reported that more than 20 million Americans practiced Yoga, making it one of the most popular forms of exercise. It has also been reported by Neil MacFarquhar (2015) in the New York Times that Vladimir Putin, a devotee of “macho sports,” added downward dog to his repertoire. The question here is whether Yoga affects our health as compared to other exercises such as tai chi and meditation.  In this article, we explore what Yoga is, together with its scientific underpinning from a purely objective standpoint on the International Day of Yoga.

First ever Yoga study

Patel and North, (1975) conducted the first randomized trial on Yoga in which was published in The Lancet. The study found that Yoga was more effective than relaxation for reducing high blood pressure. That trial was however a retrospective study. Further, all the participants already had high blood pressure and the study only involved 34 people, making it difficult to know the effect of Yoga on a larger prospective trial of healthy people. We examine this in this article.

Yoga, Origin

Yoga is derived from the root yuj

 The Sanskrit word Yoga is derived from the root “yuj”, which means ‘to attach, join, harness, yoke’. In the 4th Century BCE, there was a very renowned Sanskrit philologist, grammarian, and revered scholar in ancient India named Pāṇini. He wrote that the term Yoga could be derived from either of two roots: yujir Yoga (to yoke) or yuj samādhau (to concentrate).  In the context of the Yoga Sutras, the root yuj samādhau (to concentrate) is considered the correct etymology by traditional commentators.

Yoga, Definition

According to the Vaiśeṣika Sūtra which was authored by the Hindu sage Kanada, also known as Kashyapa, Yoga is ‘pleasure and suffering arising as a result of the drawing together of the sense organs, the mind and objects. When that does not happen because the mind is in the self, there is no pleasure or suffering for one who is embodied’.

Katha Upanishad also defines Yoga as “when the five senses, along with the mind, remain still and the intellect is not active, that is known as the highest state. They consider Yoga to be firm restraint of the senses. Then one becomes un-distracted for Yoga is the arising and the passing away“.

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic Mahabharata and is considered to be one of the holy scriptures for Hinduism. It captures Yoga as “Be equal minded in both success and failure. Such equanimity is called Yoga” (2.48).

To a lay man’s understanding, Yoga means ‘union’ or ‘connection’. Yoga is a state of connection and a body of techniques that allow us to connect to anything. The practice aims to create union between body, mind and spirit, as well as between the individual self and universal consciousness. Such a union tends to neutralize ego-driven thoughts and behaviors, creating a sense of spiritual awakening. Yoga combines physical exercises, mental meditation and breathing techniques to strengthen the muscles and relieve stress. The secret of Yoga is awareness and consciousness of wellbeing.

Patañjali, also called Gonardiya, or Gonikaputra, was a sage in Ancient India who outlined an eightfold path of Yoga which offers a guide to individuals who are dedicated to creating a union between body, mind and spirit.

Yoga: Practices

Yamas – Five universal, ethical and moral observances to live by (nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence and non-covetousness)

Niyamas – Five spiritual and self-discipline observances (cleanliness, contentment, spiritual austerities, study of scriptures and surrender to God)

Asana – physical posture, originally intended only for seated meditation, but more recently adapted to encompass all physical Yoga practices

Pranayama – breathing exercises to control the flow of prana (vital life force)

Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses

Dharana – Single pointed concentration

Dhyana – Meditation

Samadhi – Liberation or blissful union with the Divine

Yoga: Types

Types of Yoga

 Hatha Yoga

Hatha is the Sanskrit word meaning force, which works on the harmony between the chakras and energy points. Hatha Yoga comprises many physical postures and positions that balance the body and mind. Hatha Yoga purifies and heals our mental system. Regular practice of Hatha leads to weight loss and toned muscles.

Ashtanga Yoga

Of the many Yoga forms, Ashtanga is one of the most athletic forms of Yoga. Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic, set sequence of poses, breathing, and focal points. Ashtanga Yoga has eight pillars: Principles, personal discipline, asana and postures, pranayama, withdrawal, concentration, meditation and salvation.

 Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa Yoga is a good choice for people who like high-intensity exercises. In addition, Vinyasa Yoga is ideal for anxiety, depression, blood pressure and sleep. Meditation is a part of advanced vinyasa Yoga practices, making the form more mindful. Vinyasa Yoga is a good choice for people who like high-intensity exercises.

 

Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga is known as Yoga of Awareness. The term “Kundalini” comes from the Sanskrit word “kundal”, which means “circular”. Kundalini Yoga is a form of Yoga that involves chanting, singing, breathing exercises, and repetitive poses. Compared with other forms of Yoga, Kundalini Yoga is a more spiritual practice.

Iyengar Yoga

Iyengar is a form of hatha Yoga that focuses on proper alignment and precise technique. Iyengar Yoga has effectively treated musculoskeletal disorders and disabilities of the spine. Iyengar Yoga helps in the management of gynecological and gastroenterological diseases.

The Science behind Yoga

 Yoga, Flexibility support

Studies demonstrate that Yoga aids flexibility

Two leading organizations; Yoga Journal and Yoga Alliance (2016) conducted a global survey examining a variety of statistics about Yoga in an attempt to quantify its value amid ever-increasing popularity.  They found that, the reason people opted for Yoga was to make them flexible.

Additionally, two studies (Amin and Goodman, 2013; Polsgrove et al., 2016) also found that being flexible is a significant aspect of physical health.  The study was of the view that, though many Yoga types exist, the lowest intensity styles have been found to increase flexibility.

A recent study on flexibility by Sivaramakrishnan et al., (2019) found that Yoga appears to be good in improving flexibility in adults aged 65 and older.

Yoga and Stress

Yoga aids in stress management, according to studies

High levels of stress have become a major issue in Ghana and the world at large.  The science suggests that people battling stress can benefit from Yoga. This has been supported by Shohani et al., (2018) which found that Yoga, especially asana, is excellent in reducing stress.  Apart from the physical aspect, meditation, breath work, and auditory rituals, like chanting and sound baths, have all also been shown to significantly lessen tension and relieve stress (Goldsby et al.,2017).

 Yoga, Mental Health

Movement-based Yoga therapies and breathing-based practices were found to significantly improve depressive symptoms.

Bridges & Sharma (2017) meta-analysis of 23 interventions looking at the effects of Yoga-based treatments on depressive symptoms overwhelmingly concluded that Yoga can now be considered an effective alternative treatment for MDD. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world. Another study by Streeter et al., (2017) also revealed that both movement-based Yoga therapies and breathing-based practices were found to significantly improve depressive symptoms.

 Yoga and Inflammation

Studies demonstrate linkage between Yoga and cardiovascular health

 According to Pahwa et al., (2021), there is a link between cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases to chronic inflammation. However, the good news is that, one review which examined 15 studies by Djalilova et al., (2018) found a common result: Yoga; of various styles, intensities, and durations; reduced the biochemical markers of inflammation across several chronic conditions.

 Yoga and Strength

Yoga Study found improves strength in breast cancer, older adults, and children.

Apart from stretching and flexibility, some types of Yoga classes can also be considered strength-building.  The review by Divya et al., (2019) found Yoga asana as a multimodal form of exercise. Other studies by Yagli et al., (2015) and Pereira et al., (2016) also found improved strength in breast cancer patients, older adults, and children. Additionally, another study by Harder et al., (2015) on air force personnel found Yoga to be an effective strength-building practice across many age groups of healthy participants.

Yoga and Anxiety

Yoga asana may be effective as an alternative treatment for anxiety disorders

Two studies (Duan-Porter et al., 2016; Shohani et al., 2018) held the view that Yoga asana may be effective as an alternative treatment for anxiety disorders, though all of the researchers requested additional replicated studies before conclusively stating as much. Additionally, one study by Ferreira-Vorkapic et al., (2018) found that Yoga nidra, which is a body scan/guided meditation, reduces symptoms of anxiety.

Yoga and Quality of Life

Yoga improves QOL

A study by  Ediebah et al., (2018) found that Quality of Life is significant predictor of people’s longevity and patients’ likelihood of improvement when treated for a chronic illness or injury. A 2019 meta-analysis showed promising potential for Yoga to improve QOL in people with chronic pain.

 Yoga, Immunity

Yoga boost immune health

One study by Natalie et al., (2019) found that Yoga fights inflammation and improves cell-mediated immunity.

 Yoga, Balance

Constant Yoga practice may balance people (Jeter et al., 2014)

A review of the research conducted By Jeter et al., (2014) on healthy populations found that constant Yoga practice may balance people.  Osth et al., (2019) research suggests Yoga can improve balance in older populations. However, more studies with large sample sizes are needed before a general conclusion can be drawn. Kristine et al., (2019) also found that Yoga asana can also be helpful at improving balance in people with brain injuries. Others such as, Adaptive Yoga or chair Yoga also support older people.

Yoga and Cardio Support

Yoga aids heart health

 Pranayama, another aspect of Yoga normally term “yogic breathing,” plays significant role in heart health. Saoji et al., (2019) review of 1,400 studies examined the impact of pranayama.  The review found that yogic breathing can improve the functioning of several systems in the body.  The study additionally found that the cardiovascular system is one aspect which Yoga breathing supports.  The study finally asserted that yogic breathing may actually influence the brain’s cardiorespiratory center to improve functioning.

 Yoga and Sleep

Yoga improves sleep

 In measured sleep, scientists examine a person’s ability to both fall asleep and stay asleep.  This is because these are the two ways by which insomnia can affect people. Two studies (Dolezal et al., 2017; Wang et al. 2020) demonstrated that Yoga improves one’s ability to fall asleep and how deeply they stay asleep.  The reason being that, Yoga has aftereffects of exercise together with mental calming and stress relief.

Two other studies (Datta et al., 2017; Moszeik et al., 2020) also found that, apart from Yoga improving anxiety, there are many studies that demonstrate that Yoga nidra purposely helps in improving sleep.

 Yoga and Self Esteem

Yoga enhances self esteem

For those battling low self-esteem; it appears Yoga is your friend.  Two studies (Neumark-Sztainer et al., 2018; Neumark-Sztainer et al., 2018) demonstrated positive results in improving one’s self-esteem and perceived body image with the help of Yoga. One recent study, Rizzuto et al., (2021) demonstrates promising evidence that Yoga could help with the accompanying symptoms of obsession, anxiety, and depression in patients with anorexia nervosa.

 Yoga and Osteoporosis

Ezrin (2021) article explains that, in Plank Pose, which is an upper pushup position, the arms, trunk, and legs are all engaged, without shortening or lengthening as they would if you were moving through a pushup. Florio et al., (2017) study also found that, in Warrior II, one holds a position with the lead leg bent at both the hip and knee. In these Isometric exercises, especially when performed with the joints in flexion, the study found yoga to increase bone density.

Yoga asana may also help reverse bone loss associated with osteopenia and osteoporosis.  This was demonstrated in a study by Lu et al., (2016) which found that just 12 minutes of Yoga per day can significantly improve bone health.  Despite the proven positive impacts of Yoga on bone density, there some studies which also revealed mixed results (some not so positive) (Lein et al., 2018).

 Yoga, posture and body awareness

A recent review by Aalst et al., (2020) of 34 empirical studies found an emerging pattern; Yoga improved brain functioning in the centers responsible for interoception (recognizing the sensations within your body) and posture. A previous study by Grabara & Szopa (2015) also found that Yoga’s focus on mobility and flexibility can contribute to better alignment by releasing muscles that are often tight, such as the hamstrings, and improving mobility of the spine.

Yoga, and Brain Health

Yoga improves Brain Health

As a mind-body exercise, one review by Aalst et al., (2020) found that practicing Yoga activated areas of the brain responsible for motivation, executive functioning, attention, and neuroplasticity.

 Yoga and burn out

Yoga aids in the management of burn out

 Heeter et al., (2021) study examined burnout among hospice workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that Yoga-based meditation interventions helped significantly reduce the effects of burnout by improving interoceptive awareness.

Market size of Yoga

According to the Economic Times, although Yoga originated from India, the US continues to be the biggest market for Yoga wear with estimated revenues of about $27 billion a year, growing at 20% annually.

The Expert Market research also reported that in 2020, the global Yoga market attained a value of nearly USD 41.05 billion. India is one of the leading exporters of mats and Yoga accessories. The Yoga accessory industry is worth about Rs 500-700 crore.

The training of Yogi is another big market. The Economic Times (2015) reports that, in towns such as Rishikesh and the adjoining village of Tapovan, almost every hotel and resort doubles up as a residential Yoga school.  They package Yoga into 200 or 500-hour certificate courses with fees that range from $3,000 to $5,000 (Rs 1.8 lakh-Rs 3 lakh). Local farmers have turned landlords, renting houses to students or rooms for practice and setting up hotels and resorts. In Mysuru for instance, the city boasts of connections with two Yoga greats -Pattabhi Jois and BKS Iyengar. There are 65 Yoga institutes here, the most renowned being Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute. During Yoga season, around 1,000 to 3,000 foreigners visit the city.

Rents in the area have gone up by around 50% in the last couple of years, and single bedroom units can fetch rents between Rs 15,000 and Rs 18,000.

Take Home: Key studies:

Yoga improves general wellness according to studies

In conclusion, two key aspects of Yoga exist: physical activity and meditation techniques which one can focus on.  At the end of our extensive review of existing literature, we found the following major studies:

Patel and  North (1975): Lancet — “Randomized controlled trial of Yoga and bio feedback in management of hypertension.” This is the first-ever randomized trial on Yoga, and it found that Yoga was more effective than relaxation in reducing high blood pressure.

1985: British Medical Journal — “Yoga for bronchial asthma: a controlled study”. This is the first randomized trial on Yoga for asthma, and it was one of the first to show the effects of Yoga on the inner organs.

1998: JAMA — “Yoga-based intervention for carpal tunnel syndrome.” This was a well-regarded randomized trial that showed the benefits of Yoga for carpal tunnel syndrome compared with wrist splinting and no intervention.

Sherman et al., (2005): Annals of Internal Medicine — “Comparing Yoga, exercise, and a self-care book for chronic low back pain.” This is the most important trial on Yoga for lower back pain and the first really high-quality trial on Yoga. Based on this trial, Yoga has become increasingly recognized as an effective treatment for chronic lower back pain.

Lakkireddy et al., (2013): Journal of the American College of Cardiology — “Effect of Yoga on arrhythmia burden, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.” One of the first trials to show that Yoga may have an impact on life-threatening diseases such as atrial fibrillation.

Tracy and Hart (2013): Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research — “Bikram Yoga Training and Physical Fitness in Healthy Young Adults.” This trial found Bikram Yoga can improve strength and flexibility but not aerobic capacity.

2014: Journal of Clinical Oncology — “Randomized, controlled trial of Yoga in women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy.” This high-quality trial demonstrated Yoga can have benefits for women being treated for breast cancer.

Bower and Irwin (2015): Brain, Behavior, and Immunity — “Mind-body therapies and control of inflammatory biology.” A review of the evidence on Yoga and other mind-body activities, and their relationship to reducing inflammation.

Prof Raphael Nyarkotey Obu is a Professor of Naturopathic Healthcare and President of the Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine & Technology (NUCHMT)/African Naturopathic Foundation. Dr. Mayukh Pandit is Board Certified Dental Surgeon/ Researcher in Anatomy and faculty member, India. E-mail: [email protected]. 

          

The Authors

2023 Hajj: Only 12 agencies licensed to take pilgrims, Land & Religious Affairs Ministry says

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2023 Hajj: Only 12 agencies licensed to take pilgrims, Land & Religious Affairs Ministry says

By: Dawda Baldeh

Amidst reports of different travelling agencies collecting money from Gambians who intend to go to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform Hajj without processing their visas, the Ministry of Land, Regional Government and Religious Affairs and the National Hajj Commission have said only 12 agencies have been licensed to take pilgrims for the 2023 Hajj.

In a press release, the ministry said the 2000 pilgrims for Gambia’s 2023 Hajj quota have all obtained their Hajj visas and have successfully travelled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

However, the Ministry added that an agency identified as ‘HULOOL UMRAH & HAJJ Gambia’, which claimed to be a Hajj and Umrah operator, has taken a significant amount of money from what was described as “innocent Gambians” with a promise of securing them Hajj visa as well transforming them to Hajj this year.

“The Ministry and Hajj Commission wishes to make it clear to the general public that HULOOL UMRAH & HAJJ (Gambia) is not an official licensed operator for this year’s Hajj with the National Hajj Commission and is not operating within the Gambia’s 2023 Hajj quota of 2000 pilgrims,” the ministry said in a statement.

According to the Ministry, there are 12 agencies officially licensed as operators for this year’s Hajj.

Namely: CROSSBREED HOLDING COMPANY, ALHUDA TRAVEL,
CONTINENTAL TRAVEL, ALGASIMOU TRAVEL AGENCY, AMANA TRAVEL, BANJUL TRAVEL AGENCY, TIVAOUANE TRAVEL AND TOURS, ORBIT TRAVEL AGENCY, MAYA GLOBAL TRAVEL, TRAVEL EXPRESS AGENCY, ALFAZ TRAVEL AGENCY, and GAMBIA
INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE (G.I.A.)

The ministry added: “Anyone who has effected payment for this year’s hajj to any agency other than the 12 agencies listed herein is simply not within the 2000 official pilgrim’s quota allocated to The Gambia by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the supervision of the Ministry of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious
Affairs and the National Hajj Commission.”

They assured the public that they will liaise with relevant stakeholders to investigate this matter and take appropriate actions against anyone found wanting.

‘I didn’t deliberately or intentionally refuse…’: Jonga belies Darboe’s memo

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‘I didn’t deliberately or intentionally refuse…’: Jonga belies Darboe’s memo

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh


The Chief Executive Officer of the Brikama Area Council, Modou Jonga, has refuted Chairman Yankuba Darboe’s claim that he deliberately failed to submit information that he had requested, noting that information was provided to him before June 16.

He said he didn’t intentionally or deliberately refuse to submit the requested information to Mr. Darboe.

“I didn’t deliberately or intentionally refuse to fail to make the documents available to him. These are information that is required for the due performance of his work,” he said.

Mr. Jonga told The Fatu Network that he provided the requested information to the office of the chairman on the 13th and 14th of June and contacted the chairman to provide him with the bank statement of the council on the 16th of June before he received the memo on the same day.

“Information or records that he requested for have been provided to him prior to the date on the leaked memo on the 13th and 14th of June in the presence of the deputy chairperson. Comprehensive information and the projects that the council undertaken [sic] over the period and bank balances were provided to the chairman,” he told The Fatu Network.

He went further to explain when and how he received the memo, which is dated the 16th of June and published by this medium.

“Now, on Friday, while we worked to get the bank statements, I did call the chairman to ask if he was available in his office to give him the bank statement, he asked me to give him 20 minutes because he was having visitors at his office. So, while I was waiting for the 20 minutes, I got this memo from his office,” he said.

Jonga emphasized that it was not deliberate, as opposed to the leaked memo. In the memo, Yankuba Darboe expressed his disappointment and dissatisfaction over the CEO’s inability to provide him with the information he requested.

“I have requested your office to furnish me with all the information I require about the BAC in order to be able to effectively perform my duties as the chairman of BAC, but disappointedly, you have either deliberately or unintentionally refused or failed to provide my office with the requested information,” said chairman Darboe a memo dated June 16.

However, the BAC CEO refuted that it was deliberate on his side. He said that he knew the chairman needed adequate information and the current status of the council to do his work. He asked for a collaborative effort between the two offices to make sure the expectations of the people on the West Coast are met.

GPU Secures $154,000 UNDEF Grant to Strengthen Public Access to Information and Media Professionalism in The Gambia

Amara Thoronka
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GPU Secures $154,000 UNDEF Grant to Strengthen Public Access to Information and Media Professionalism in The Gambia

The Gambia Press Union (GPU), the umbrella body for journalists and media workers in the Gambia, has secured a project grant from the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) to the tune of USD 154,000.

The project, “Strengthening Public Access to Information and Media Professionalism in The Gambia”, is a two-year initiative which seeks to strengthen public awareness and understanding of the Access to Information (ATI) Act, which was adopted in August 2021, thanks to the previous UNDEF project UDF-15-642-GAM, and support by other partners.

This new project (UDF-21-912-GAM) seeks to maximize the benefits of this law by promoting information requests from journalists and members of the public, information provision from the government, and the potential benefits derived from the application of the law.

It also seeks to improve media professionalism by raising awareness about the role of the Media Council of The Gambia (MCG) and by promoting journalists’ compliance with the Cherno Jallow Charter of Ethics for Journalists (the media code of ethics) reflecting the new ATI Act’s spirit and practices.

“It is our goal that this project would address barriers to access to information in the Gambia, and improve knowledge and the use of the ATI legislation by journalists and members of the public,” GPU Secretary General, Modou S. Joof said.

“Journalists and members of the public are better equipped to exercise their rights under the law, and demand the fulfilment of obligations found within the law to hold the government accountable and to promote transparency, when they are aware of the law and know how to utilise it.”

In August 2021, an Access to Information (ATI) Act was passed for the first time in Gambia’s history, thanks to the fervent advocacy by the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and a host of local and international partners.

However, the law is written in legal language not easily understood by lay members of the public and has not been fully implemented. Therefore, this present project aims to strengthen public access to information and improve media professionalism in The Gambia and has three expected outcomes:

1) awareness raised about the ATI Act 2021 within the government and amongst the general public – through the production and dissemination of the simplified versions and the translation into non-legal language and into several widely accessible local dialects – including the Gambian Sign Language, town hall meetings and workshops, radio and TV programmes, and social media.

2) implementation of the ATI Act promoted via enhancing the capacity of both the government and journalist stakeholders – by conducting training for journalists, small grants to support investigative journalism and the practice of information requests, and engagement meetings with government officials.

3) media professionalism strengthened, including the application of the ATI Act and the Media Council of The Gambia (MCG) – via the popularisation of the existing Cherno Jallwo Charter of Ethics for Journalists among media workers and journalists, as well as sensitising the public, and affording them with the requisite knowledge on how to access the MCG to report breaches of the code of ethics by media workers and media houses.

“This project comes at a very crucial time to support the operationalisation of the ATI law, and it is important to empower decision -makers in government including permanent secretaries, managers of government agencies, information and record officers on their roles and responsibilities of proactively and reactively disclosing information,” GPU President Muhammed S. Bah said.

“It will also contribute to the promotion of responsible journalism and improve professionalism among media workers and journalists in the Gambia by training journalists on media ethics and creating awareness amongst members of the public to be able to hold journalists to account via our self-regulatory mechanism, the MCG.”

The project will be implemented nationally by the GPU in collaboration with various stakeholders including the Civil Society Coalition on Access to Information, the Gambia Government through the Ministry of Information, and the MCG.

Chairperson of the CSO Coalition on ATI, John Charles Njie, said: “The numerous trainings and sensitizations on the ATI law to be conducted under this project across the country will no doubt enhance public interest in access to information and the enjoyment of the right to information.”

“We are optimistic that all stakeholders will work closely for the successful implementation of this project and to ensure the full operationalisation of the ATI law. Apart from the training, this provides for more engagements with the public in the form of nationwide townhall meetings, radio and TV shows.”

Beneficiaries of the project include a range of diverse groups including journalists, government officials, women, youths, and people living with disabilities.

We commend UNDEF for the partnership and the support to this worthwhile initiative.

– Ends

For inquiries,

Contact GPU Secretary General

Tel: +220 348 0043

Email: [email protected]

APEMETA has extensive knowledge in providing information and building useful bridges for international cooperation

Amara Thoronka
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APEMETA has extensive knowledge in providing information and building useful bridges for international cooperation

APEMETA has extensive knowledge of the entire sector, providing information and building useful bridges for international cooperation. Here you can find partners for your business and a set of competent companies available to collaborate internationally in different markets.
Portuguese companies in the area of environmental technologies and services have to offer multiple solutions adaptable to different contexts, as well as the capacity to understand and adapt to the needs of each market/client.

‘I Can Do the Job Better Than Most Men’: Gambian Female Auto Mechanic Reacts to Critics

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‘I Can Do the Job Better Than Most Men’: Gambian Female Auto Mechanic Reacts to Critics

By: Dawda Baldeh

Reacting to perceptions on how society sees women in male-dominated industries, Fatoumata Jammeh, a 31-year-old Gambian female auto mechanic and a mother of four, said she can do the job better than most men in the Gambia.

Jammeh, who is also married to an experienced auto mechanic, said she is a woman of difference and resilience.

“I am someone who always likes to challenge men in whatever field they are into. I choose auto mechanic because I can do it better than most men,” she revealed.

The 31-year-old female auto mechanic said the belief that auto mechanic is for only men is a myth, saying women can do it.

She started her apprenticeship at Ridas for Health in 2009 at Bansang.

“When I started people laughed and mocked me, but I didn’t care because I knew what I wanted,” she mentioned.

She argued that being a female auto mechanic is not easy because some customers don’t have the understanding that women can do the job well.

According to her, some customers believe they know everything, and if you tell them anything beyond what they know they won’t agree.

Fatoumata told The Fatu Network that she created The Gambia Female Automotive Services to support females who want to become auto mechanics.

“I have seen how females suffer when they work under men. Sometimes they are sexually abused or even given tough times, and some will eventually quit the field…,” she explained.

Madam Jammed wasted no time saying she is a different mechanic with unique abilities.

“All my apprentices are going to school and sometimes I pay town trips for them because I don’t want them to miss any lectures.

I will be selfish if I don’t allow them to learn like I did when I was given the opportunity.

“We are not expensive like others, and we give quality services and assistance to our customers.

“I am a qualified female auto mechanic and I have learned the skill very well, both in class and in the field,” she added.

Fatoumata has been in the field for fourteen years and has won several awards in recognition of her work.

She encouraged women who want to become auto mechanics or any job to believe in their abilities but ignore negative stereotypes to achieve their goals.

She continued: “You cannot change society and how people see you, but you can always prove them wrong.”

Fatoumata added that women are talented and all they need is an enabling environment to explore.

She is hopeful that she will bring more females into the male-dominated auto repair industry.

Ebrima Sanyang, whose car got fixed by the female mechanic said: “I have been going to different mechanics, but my car continues having the same problems.

“When I saw the Gambia Female Automotive Services on Facebook, I contacted them and explained the problems with my car.

“I was asked to bring the car for a diagnosis, and I was thinking the price will be very high.

“But to my surprise, when they diagnosed the car and find the problems and tell me the price I was surprised because for me that price was very small compared to others.”

Mr. Sanyang added that when the female mechanic was done with his car all the problems disappeared.

“The car was not having speed but all that is solved [and] now the car is back to normal,” he narrated.

He added that when he arrived at the female mechanic’s garage, he found a lot of cars that have been in different mechanics’ garages that are run by men, but their problems got fixed at the female mechanic’s garage.

Fatoumata is appealing to the government, NGOs, philanthropists and individuals to support her to renovate her mechanic garage as the rainy season has just begun.

Fortune’s goal machine on the radar of European clubs

Hadram Hydara
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Fortune Football Club goal poacher Alieu Barry, who has scored 16 goals in the league this season in the top tier of Gambian football, has attracted interest from clubs in England, Portugal, and France, The Fatu Network gathers.

The agile and dazzling attacker is on fire for the Petroleum Boys in the league this season, with his 16 league goals a testament to his superb form.

Alieu, for a large chunk of this season, has been monitored by top African scouts who discovered and continue to discover top talents on the continent.

Word is that several Portuguese, French and English clubs scouted the Fortune FC talisman to be a perfect fit for European football. His exploits in the league this season, scoring breathtaking goals and giving nightmares to opponents have put the former U20 star in the spotlight for good reasons.

Barry, 21, joined Fortune FC in January 2023 and has since established himself as the team’s goal machine, scoring week in, week out.

The former National U20 and U23 striker has caught the attention of a renowned football scout, Mr. Marcelo Simonian of Dodici Sports Management, who sees Barry as a top prospect.

Known for his pace, technique, dribbling, and clinical goal-scoring, Barry scored in five consecutive games for Fortune FC in the league this season, becoming the club’s top scorer in a single season with his 16-goal mark with a game to go.

The summer European transfer window will see clubs in Europe battling for the youngster.

Mr. Marcelo Simonian, who has discovered the attacker recently and introduced him to European teams, is a top-notch football scout known for discovering talented African youngsters.

With 16 goals to his name, Barry is currently one of the best attacking players in the country. His consistency and athleticism, coupled with his poacher instincts, have made him one of the best players in the league.

APEMETA has extensive knowledge in providing information and building useful bridges for international cooperation

Amara Thoronka
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APEMETA has extensive knowledge in providing information and building useful bridges for international cooperation

APEMETA has extensive knowledge of the entire sector, providing information and building useful bridges for international cooperation. Here you can find partners for your business and a set of competent companies available to collaborate internationally in different markets.

Portuguese companies in the area of environmental technologies and services have to offer multiple solutions adaptable to different contexts, as well as the capacity to understand and adapt to the needs of each market/client.

 

 

Open Letter to the National Assembly: Suggestions & Recommendations on the Pending Anti-Corruption Bill

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Open Letter to the National Assembly: Suggestions & Recommendations on the Pending Anti-Corruption Bill

By Sarjo Barrow, Esq.

The most important institution that should nurture and protect our nascent democracy is National Assembly (“NA”). Yet, the institution failed to attract talent or is considered irrelevant. But suppose the country is to learn anything during the past six years. In that case, NA can set the country’s trajectory, ensure efficient oversight, and require excellent service delivery because they control the country’s purse.

As NA deliberates and considers the Anti-Corruption Bill for enactment, citizens exert pressure on their NAMs to pass the legislation, and watching the debate on the Assembly floor was no fun. You can observe lawmakers visibly frustrated as they go back and forth with the sections and clauses. Frankly speaking, they find it hard to comprehend the bill or what it intends to proscribe. And considering most of the lawmakers do not have a legal background or adequate experience in legislation, arguably, the bill was over their heads. Notable among their fear or frustration is that the legislation may significantly legislate against the genuine Gambian culture of giving, supporting, and tradition. Rather than criticizing the shortcomings of the NAMs, it is imperative that we also offer natural and humble solutions or recommendations that the NA can consider during their sitting—the reason for this piece.

Some of the questions raised during the debate with the Attorney General (“AG”) are:

  • Whether the phrase “any other person,” in section 19(1)(a), refers to an act between private citizens or to conduct such as giving to griots or hardworking traffic officers.
  • Limiting the maximum fine to a million could cause loss to the state if the corruption involved is threefold the maximum.
  • Should NA set a minimum fine when acts of corruption come in varying degrees?
  • And if it would be prudent to leave punishment open and trust the judiciary to do the right thing.

Instead of getting into the interpretation of 19(1)(a), I think the problem with the phrase is the result of the “copy and paste” syndrome. As such, I strongly caution NA not to remove the word but fix it. As written, the section states:

(1) A person who-

(a) asks for, receives, or obtains any property or benefit of any kind, directly or indirectly, for himself or herself or [for] any other person;

Inserting the word “for,” as done under paragraph (b) of the same section, would resolve the issue. As the heading suggests, the section punishes illegal official gratuities. Period. Adding the word “for” would mean that a would-be Defendant can still be prosecuted for receiving benefits on behalf of a third person.

Suggestions and Recommendations.

First, lawmakers should be trained in or familiarized with the country’s jurisprudence. This foundation would help them in drafting laws. For instance, if lawmakers know about the four rules of statutory interpretation, they will endeavour to ensure that legislative intent is clear even under the literal rule.

Second, although the bill addresses bribery in the private sector, the goal here should focus on public corruption. I think NA should revisit sections 19 and 20 before passing. The sections should address bribery of public officials and witnesses. For example, NA should divide section 19 into two subparts. Subpart 1 should address the giving and receiving bribes, while the other addresses illegal official “gratuity.”

As to the first part—giving or receiving bribes—the law should proscribe the conduct of the giver and receiver. For the giver, NA should require the AG to show that something of value was corruptly given, offered, or promised, directly or indirectly, to a public official. And for the recipient, NA should require the AG to show that something of value was corruptly demanded, sought, received, accepted, or agreed to be received or accepted by a public official. While NAMs raised legitimate concerns regarding the unintentional legislation of the Gambian culture, the intent required for the giver should be the intent “to influence any official act.” In contrast, the intent that should be necessary for the recipient is the intent to be “influenced in the performance of any official act.”

For the second part—illegal gifts to public officials—again, the conduct of the giver and recipient is being regulated. For the Giver, NA should require the AG to show that something of value was given, offered, or promised to a public official. As to the recipient, it requires a showing that something of value was demanded, sought, received, accepted, or agreed to be received or accepted by a public official. Here, the law should not require a specific intent to alleviate the lawmakers’ fear concerning culture. Instead, the unlawful gratuity must be “for or because of any official act performed or to be performed by such public official.”[1]

Third, adopting this recommendation, as standard in contemporary jurisprudence, would distinguish conduct such as giving an “attaya” to a hardworking public servant from corrupting a public official with an “attaya.” How? The critical distinction between the bribery (receiving & giving) and illegal gratuity sections is that bribery would require a specific intent “to influence” a particular official act (in the case of the giver) or “being influenced” in an official act (in the case of the recipient); however, an illegal gratuity would only require that the unlawful gift be given or received “for or because of” any official act. Moreover, unlike illegal compensation, which can be forward- or backwards-looking at a past or future official action, bribery would require a specific intent to give or receive something of value in exchange for a future official act—in other words, an explicit quid pro quo or direct nexus between the value given and a particular future action.

Moreover, as the current bill addresses it under section 19, the bill should clarify that the bribery and illegal gratuity offences would not require an unlawful gift to be paid or even that the object of the illicit gift is attainable. The section should prohibit conduct as soon as an offer (in the case of the giver) or an acceptance (in the case of the recipient) has occurred.

Furthermore, I have a different view regarding punishment. Although the penalty for bribery should be more severe than an unlawful gift to a public official, to reconcile the fear of lawmakers that do not want corporations or individuals that commit serious financial loss/gain to the state to have a fine capped at a million, I think the approach below would strike a good balance. Since we can all agree that corruption is cancer killing our development and progress as a nation, the punishment must fit the crime. To this effect, the bill should put a minimum statutory fine of D50,000 for individuals and D250,000 for corporate bodies for bribery. For unlawful gratuity to a public official, a minimum statutory penalty of D10,000 for individuals and D50,00 for the corporation. The law should require up to 15 years for a prison sentence for bribery and up to 2 years for illegal gratuity to a public official.

Finally, the law would require that upon conviction, the person should be fined under this Act [the minimum] or not more than three times the monetary equivalent of the thing of value, whichever is greater, or imprisoned for not more than fifteen years, or both, and gives the judges the discretion to disqualify the individual from holding any office of honour, trust, or profit under the Gambia. See Election Act for similar sections. Indeed, I am open to helping NAMs draft specific areas regarding the Anti-Corruption Bill.

 NOTE ABOUT THE AUTHOR: The Author’s practice focuses on constitutional law, national security law, and human and civil rights litigation.

[1]  See Title 18, Chapter 11 of the United States Code

Understanding the evolving flood hazard map of the Gambia: A call to action

Hadram Hydara
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0

By: Muhammed Hydara
Environmentalist and Human Right Enthusiast

Over the past few years, the Gambia has relied on the flood hazard map based on data from ESA (2017) and Geofabrik (2019) as a valuable resource. However, with the map’s development dating back to 2019 by the World Bank, it is crucial to acknowledge that our understanding of flood-prone areas may have evolved since then. Recent events, particularly a surge in heavy downpours, have exposed the vulnerability of the URR community, previously unidentified as a critical flood-prone region. This raises significant questions about the underlying causes of these flood occurrences in the highland areas of our country.

The increased flooding in the highland areas of URR can be attributed to a combination of factors, including deforestation, inadequate drainage systems, and climate change. Deforestation reduces the natural water absorption capacity, while inadequate drainage systems hinder water flow. Additionally, climate change contributes to more intense rainfall events, exacerbating the situation. It is imperative that we address these issues promptly to mitigate the impacts of heavy downpours.

To combat the ongoing crisis, it is crucial to implement reforestation efforts to restore natural water absorption capacity, improve drainage infrastructure, and develop climate-resilient strategies. In collaboration with international organizations and local communities, the government must take immediate action to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further damage.

The devastating consequences of the recent floods have left hundreds of households in the Gambian upcountry damaged, and an astonishing 2000 people grappling with the aftermath. These individuals have lost their homes, belongings, and most importantly, their sense of security. We cannot afford to stand idly by while our fellow citizens suffer.

We call upon the global community, environmental activists, policymakers, and concerned individuals to join forces and prioritize the urgent needs of The Gambia. The time for action is now. Let us come together to address the root causes, implement effective solutions, and support those affected by this disaster.

 

Muhammed Hydara
Environmentalist and Human Right Enthusiast
Twitter: @muhammed_hydara
Email: [email protected]

The Senegalese Political Tragedy

Hadram Hydara
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The Senegalese Political Tragedy

By: Joomay Ndongo Faye

Manipulation of the people to further one’s political cause?

The history of the political development of human societies teaches us that tragedies have often occurred when two of the most prominent political leaders in a social entity put their personal interests above those of their people in their battle for preservation and/or conquest of power. These protagonists begin by identifying the sources of great fear, uncertainty and concern among their people and decide to use them as a rallying point for their camp. Each one poses as the one and only person capable of leading the people to the other shore where the causes that underlie these feelings will disappear thanks to the magician’s stick that only he is able to make good use of. If the institutions of this administrative space are strong enough, this tragedy can lead to their reinforcement, this was the case of the civil war of the United States from 1861 to 1865. Otherwise, it is possible to have an outcome like what is happening in Somalia today.

These two political leaders in Senegal today are President Macky Sall and the undisputed leader of the current Senegalese opposition Ousmane Sonko. These two people must look at themselves in the mirror and ask themselves the following question: would I like historians to attach my name to the decay of the Republic of Senegal?

A historical precedence?

President Macky Sall and those around him are driven by a strong intention to keep power. They use all the means at their disposal, and they are enormous, to prevent any credible candidacy of their opposition to the presidential election of Senegal. First, it was Karim Wade and Khalifa Sall and now it’s Ousmane Sonko. Regarding the first two people mentioned, it was on an accusation of embezzlement and personal use of state funds. I have no data to deny or confirm these accusations. What I do know, however, like any good Senegalese who follows national news religiously, is that there are several people who are not at all concerned by the Senegalese justice system under the Presidency of Macky Sall despite the damning reports on his Administration’s management of the property of the Senegalese State and despite signs of weaponization of the judiciary.

Demonisation of Sonko and PASTEF

In the case of Ousmane Sonko, he was first accused of being a Salafist. Some people who are basically unaware of what Salafism is or are motivated by bad intentions attach this nickname to him to make him seem like a radical Islamist who will put an end to the secularism of our republic and impose Sharia on the Senegalese people as soon as he will accede to the supreme magistracy of the country. For those who don’t know, Salafism was nothing more than a movement to return to the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad (PSL) and the first four Khalifs Abu Bakr (632-634), Omar (634- 644), Ôthman (644-656) and Ali (656-661). In a way, a call for a return to authenticity and a rejection of the divergent interpretations that divided Muslims.

Based on the results of the last legislative elections, it became clear to Macky Sall and his APR and BBY companions that this demonization of Ousmane Sonko and his party, PASTEF (African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity), did not have the desired effect on the Senegalese people. The PASTEF electoral score, which has nothing to envy to those obtained by all the political oppositions that followed one another during the regimes of Senghor, Diouf and Wade, is remarkable. This excellent performance by Ousmane Sonko’s party has certainly sufficiently demonstrated that the latter can indeed defeat any candidate in 2024 put forth by the APR and BBY (Alliance Pour la République) and (Benno Bokk Yaakar).

Since the demonization did not produce the expected result, Macky Sall and his companions who are determined to stay in power had to ask themselves the following question: What can be done to break the momentum of PASTEF and especially Ousmane Sonko in their march which seems to be unshakable towards the conquest of power?

Politically-motivated trials or instrumentalization of the judiciary?

They first brought out the complaint of one of the leaders of Sall’s APR for defamation, accusing Sonko of a false claim that a state audit had revealed mismanagement of funds during the implementation of the Community Agricultural Development Program. Ousmane Sonko was then quickly sentenced to a six-month suspended prison sentence at the end of this trial. Some thought that was enough to put him out of harm’s way to the APR and BBY’s ambition to retain power. But the lack of clarity on the consequences of this verdict on the eligibility of Ousmane Sonko did not put Macky Sall and his companions at ease. Certainly, the law clearly says that this verdict prevents Ousmane Sonko from registering on the electoral lists of Senegal. But given that the latter is already registered and that the law says nothing about eligibility, wanting to ban Ousmane Sonko from running for office in 2024 on the basis of this verdict will not be justifiable and/or credible. Thus, the suspended prison sentence did not effectively preclude him from seeking the presidency according to the articles (L 29 and L 30) of the electoral code.

The pending legal case against Ousmane Sonko, his accusation of rape and death threat by Adji Sarr, then became the spare tire. To eliminate the danger that a possible candidacy of Ousmane Sonko represents for the preservation of power by Macky Sall and his companions, everything had to be done so that the verdict of this trial puts him aside. But the dismissal of the rape accusation at the trial by Sitor Ndour and the lack of merit of the evidence presented by Adji Sarr and her lawyers very quickly showed the Prosecutor that a guilty verdict against Ousmane Sonko will not be at all credible in the eyes of public opinion of the Senegalese and global community which are watching this trial like milk on the fire. Thus, knowing that he was going to lose, the prosecutor asked the judge that, if he could not be convicted for what he was accused of, he should be incriminated for the offence of “youth corruption”. Based on the testimonies during the trial, especially that of the young girl who was with Adji Sarr in the massage room and whom the latter had asked to leave to leave her alone with Ousmane Sonko, no self-respecting judge was going to take the offer of the Prosecutor.

Despite these inconsistencies in the presentation of the evidence to prove that Mr. Sonko deserves a conviction by the Senegalese justice, the Judge decided to follow the prosecutor for reasons that only God and himself know. One thing is certain, the lightness of the evidence presented to him and the seriousness of the situation that would be created by a guilty verdict capable of preventing Ousmane Sonko from being a candidate for the presidential election of Senegal in 2024, should have caused the judge to be cautious. Certainly, force must remain with the law. But this force will have to be based on judicial decisions that suffer from no shadow of an objective doubt.

A heavy-handed clampdown on civil disobedience

The other thing that I blame Macky Sall and his companions for is the excessive use of force in the form of selective imprisonments on dubious grounds and which a self-respecting judge would never have approved. The case of Bassirou Diomaye Faye is a typical example. In matters of justice, the procedure is as important as the evidence presented to convict a person. In the case of Diomaye Faye, the police at least violated the procedure. The time at which he was brought to the police station and the absence of an arrest warrant constitutes procedural defects that the judge before whom he was presented had no right to ignore. Outright relaxation should have been his decision the first time he was presented in front of the latter. Not only is Diomaye Faye rotting away in jail with no idea when his trial will be, but the charge on which he was arrested would lack weight before any self-respecting judge who has the smallest grain of desire to prove that what Diomaye Faye said before in his Facebook text was unfounded. To say that a minority of decision-makers within the Senegalese judiciary are corrupt is an undeniable truth. It is, moreover, an evil from which all the judiciaries of the world suffer, regardless of the state of progress of the political development of their countries. No magistrate who respects himself and accepts the rule of law as the lifeblood of the republic would dream of condemning Diomaye Faye on the grounds of insulting the judiciary for having expressed such an opinion which has been a world truth for centuries. PASTEF has, according to its leaders, more than 400 (four hundred) of its members in prison for reasons related to their political activities. Certainly, it is very likely that among the people included in this count of PASTEF members, there are individuals guilty of flagrante delicto of actions having caused material damage. It is, however, no exaggeration to say that the vast majority of these detainees are for what they said. Not seeing these people as political prisoners is certainly more than bizarre behaviour.

What about Ousmane Sonko and PASTEF?

Although my son, Bassirou Diomaye Faye is in the leadership of this party, I must say here that I am not a member of this party. In fact, although being an activist of the Senegalese left, I stopped being involved in a political party because I realized the real limits of their ability to get my country out of the neocolonial abyss.

PASTEF’s political program is certainly commendable, but it should be remembered that this is not new to Senegal. Many political parties were born in this country and had offered excellent programs to the Senegalese people. But for various reasons, they never reached the level of popularity of PASTEF. The two big reasons behind the rapid success of PASTEF are in my humble opinion:

  •  The level reached by the lack of hope to find work among a largely skilled and educated Senegalese youth, what economists call mismanagement of the demographic dividend by the Senegalese state.
  • The development of social media and the extraordinary ability of the members of the PASTEF communication unit to put them at the service of their cause, where the hype on social networks amplifies “the Sonko effect”.

Is PASTEF and its leadership plunging the country into chaos at all costs?

Our country, like the overwhelming majority of African countries, is sitting on a social time bomb: Mismanagement by their State, for structural reasons, of the Demographic Dividend or in other words the inability of the State/country to create optimal conditions for the absorption of the vast majority of well-educated and skilled young people who enter the labour market each year.

Opinion leaders, be they politicians, religious, or civil society in the country, will have to do everything to not be the cause of the production of the spark that can set off this bomb. Political leaders must absolutely refrain, in their efforts to conquer or retain power, from giving our youth, at the height of their frustration, any reason to express their anger against the government by resorting to violence. Rather than doing everything to prevent this bomb from exploding and setting the Senegalese society ablaze with all the harmful consequences that this can cause for the country and the Sahel region, Ousmane Sonko and his supporters seem to be taking advantage of the despair of Senegalese youth to accede to power as quickly as possible. The development of the culture of the “GATSA GATSA” attitude is a danger for Senegal. It is a tactic that can certainly be used to mobilize a youth disoriented by the perverse effects of the non-viability and vulnerability of the overwhelming majority of African states, but it is a way of digging the grave of the political current that uses it to gain power.

In a republic, only the state has the right to use violence. It goes without saying that many crooked politicians have abused the trust of their people and resorted to an ill-holy use of violence, but the only justifiable and sustainable reaction to such abuse that is meted out to the citizens of a democratic republic is the ballot, as long as that franchise option is made available – not a club, a machete, a Molotov cocktail or whatever.

The absence of a condemnation of the acts of vandalism and chaos that have arisen each time Ousmane Sonko has been treated in a way that his supporters perceive as an abuse of power is disturbing to me. Ousmane Sonko, who aspires to the supreme office of our country, should be the first to unreservedly condemn this expression of a total lack of civism. Any other attitude, silence or encouragement makes the leaders of PASTEF the chief gravediggers of any possibility of governing in peace when the Senegalese people entrust them with the heavy task of managing their state. What these thugs do not know is that it is themselves and their families who will pay through taxes and loans in the name of Senegal, the damage they are causing, especially the destruction of public properties and critical social assets directly benefitting the ordinary people, like the Sheikh Anta Diop University. A Pulaar proverb that was shared with me by a Pulaar teacher friend who lives here in upstate New York says that “So ñiiwa ene habaa e ñiwaako hudo booretee” (when two elephants fight it’s the grass that suffers regardless of the outcome of the battle, regardless of who is right or wrong”. It is the Senegalese baadolo who will pay the price for the violent confrontations between Macky Sall and Ousmane Sonko through the dozens of avoidable casualties but also through taxes, cuts in state social services and many other ways.

A warning and concluding recommendations

To conclude I would say this: It is long overdue for the Duo Macky Sall-Ousmane Sonko to come to their senses for the higher interest of the Senegalese nation but also for the Africans who use Senegal as an example to prove to their compatriots that the Democratic Republic is possible in Africa south of the Sahara. The sages of my Wolof cousins say that “alal du doy, doylu moy alal”. President Macky Sall and his companions must carefully weigh this Wolof saying and significantly reduce their intention to keep power to preserve their material interests. With regard to Ousmane Sonko and some of his “Yewi Askan Wi” coalition partners, it is important to take ownership of this lesson that world political history has taught us: you will lose power by the way in which you acquired it.

The tragedy always ends with the death of one of the two protagonists who are stuck in it. The socio-economic and material damage for Senegal will be incalculable if Macky Sall and Ousmane Sonko know the outcome of the vast majority of tragedies. It is time, Mr. President of the Republic, to remind you that by entrusting you alone with the right to exercise violence, the Senegalese people did not want you to use this right for your personal gain and/or those of your companions. Over to you Ousmane Sonko, I advise you to do everything to avoid jeopardizing the governability of Senegal by the elected people.

We are only at the beginning of this already very painful play for the families who have lost one of their own in the violent demonstrations linked to it. You two can avoid a more tragic end in Senegal by making the peace of the brave. President Sall, make it clear to your companions who fear losing the privileges that come with the maintenance of power by the APR/BBY that nothing is eternal, especially the advantages linked to accession to power in a democratic republic. Ousmane Sonko, tell the members of PASTEF and your coalition supporters that without a culture of respect for public goods and the rejection of any recourse to violence, whatever the injustices committed by those in power, no party or coalition that reaches the top of our country’s political pyramid will be able to benefit from the climate of social peace without which economic prosperity is impossible.

To my brothers and sisters who brandish the argument that Ousmane Sonko and the PASTEF will destroy our republic if they come to power, I would say this: you think in that manner because you either have a negative subjective attitude towards Ousmane Sonko and/or PASTEF or a limited knowledge of the history of democracy. First, you have no proof of the intentions that you attribute to Ousmane Sonko and his party. Second, even if Ousmane Sonko had these intentions, it is up to the Senegalese people to decide whether or not they trust him to occupy the highest office in their country. Any intention to snatch this decision from the Senegalese people, whatever the means used to do so, constitutes a danger to the peaceful political development of the Senegalese Republic and must therefore be vigorously condemned. Replacing the Senegalese people in the process of choosing the person to whom they will hand over the Presidency of the Republic in 2024 is neither less nor more than an administrative coup d’état and therefore a constitutional crime against our republic.

 

Diomaye Ndongo Faye

Consultant in Political Strategy Development

Princeton, New Jersey, United States

Second chance: BKF Frees 16 inmates from Mile 2 Prison

Amara Thoronka
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0
Second chance: BKF Frees 16 inmates from Mile 2 Prison

By: Dawda Baldeh

Sixteen inmates – one female and fifteen males – have been released from Mile 2 State Central Prison following payment of their fines by Bob Keita Foundation (BKF) on 15th June 2023.

The inmates, who were serving sentences on minor offenses, were reunited with their families and loved ones as they as their fines were paid for by the Foundation.

Babucarr Keita (Bob Keita), the founder and president of BKF, and former detainee at the prison outlined the motive behind the initiative.

“I was in prison for two years and I have seen the conditions that inmates are going through. One day, a young prisoner came to me and told me that he needed one thousand dalasi to pay so that he could be released. I told him straight then that he will go home that day because I would pay the one thousand.

He (the prisoner) told me that our crimes were different as his own was a minor crime and if he paid the one thousand dalasis he would be released. I called my family and they paid, so the boy was released,” Bob told inmates at the Mile 2 Prison.

The former detainee added that since that day he vowed to bring an initiative to support pay for inmates with minor offenses for which fines are imposed by the court.

“The prison should help to reform people, but if you look at our system, it is very bad. What you see outside the prison is small; if you get inside you will be traumatized because it is very bad,” he added.

Bob, who was speaking in an emotional state reflecting on what he passed through during his detention at the prison, called on the inmates released to change for good and become better people.

“Whatever you see in life is a purpose and Allah knows the best. I come here because I have a good relationship with the prison officers but the system here is very bad.

This is not their problem but they inherited it. Government should shut down the prison because it is not fit for purpose,” Bob Keita emphasized.

According to Bob, his detention has taught him that there was more to life than enjoyment.

Mamanding Saidy, a representative from the Ministry of Interior, said the event is worth emulating.

“This is a great initiative and it is the first time a former prisoner is coming to us with such. We all know that the prison is a place where nobody wants to come, but who knows we might find ourselves here any day.

In life, you will either go to prison or you are safe at home, you will either live or die,” he explained.

He expressed the Ministry’s appreciation for the initiative, adding that their role is to reform the institution to make sure whoever finds himself/herself in prison will not feel like he/she is in hell.

He called on the inmates who are released to thank Allah and the BK Foundation for their release and work towards changing their lives.

Odile Jassey, Pupil State Counsel, who represented the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), reminded the released inmates not to fall again in what led them to the prison.

She said: “It is in the interest of the public to try alleged persons and it is also not in the interest of the public to have alleged persons not tried. This is why anyone who is accused is tried and if the law finds the person not guilty, he/she will be released.”

She told the 16 inmates that they should put in mind that they have already tested the prison, adding that they should stay away from anything that will likely bring them back to prison.

Alagie Jarju, executive director of National Youth Council, thanked the BK Foundation for coming up with the initiative.

“I’m not sure most Gambians are into such initiatives, supporting prisoners [convicted] for minor crimes. You need to work hard to ensure that what led you into the prison doesn’t happen again,” he told inmates.

He expressed the Ministry’s willingness to support the young inmates in the transition process to be reintegrated back into society.

APEMETA has extensive knowledge in providing information and building useful bridges for international cooperation

Amara Thoronka
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0
APEMETA has extensive knowledge in providing information and building useful bridges for international cooperation

APEMETA has extensive knowledge of the entire sector, providing information and building useful bridges for international cooperation. Here you can find partners for your business and a set of competent companies available to collaborate internationally in different markets.
Portuguese companies in the area of environmental technologies and services have to offer multiple solutions adaptable to different contexts, as well as the capacity to understand and adapt to the needs of each market/client.

Sabally raises alarm on finance minister’s ‘over-exuberance’ about IMF loan

Hadram Hydara
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Sabally raises alarm on finance minister’s ‘over-exuberance’ about IMF loan

By: Hadram Hydara

Shortly after The Fatu Network published IMF’s disbursement of over 6 million dollars to the Gambia, Momodou Sabally, former Gambia Secretary General and head of Civil Service and now Campaign Manager of the opposition United Democratic Party, has assailed Finance Minister, Seedy Keita, over what he called his “outright desire to mislead the public”, following the minister’s interview with West Coast radio’s Peter Gomez on the IMF’s approval of a credit facility for the Gambia.

Sabally believes the over $6 million approved by IMF is too small to make a difference for the Gambia and since the programme comes with a waiver “for non-observance of the continuous performance criterion on the accumulation of new external payment arrears by the central government”, the minister should neither be proud nor happy about it.

Mr. Sabally, who is an expert in economics, said the country’s finance minister has put the country’s economy on a nosedive, with abysmal leadership.

“Just what is there to celebrate when this same Finance Minister who woefully failed in his previous portfolio as trade minister, wrecked our economy to an unprecedented level of inflation at 17.4 per cent?

“He brought us negative real interest rates that will lead to a further depreciation of the Dalasi against the currencies of our major trading partners, among other negative ramifications,” Sabally said, adding:

“His leadership of the nation’s macroeconomic team has brought loss upon loss for depositors of funds in the local money market; as well as the loss for traders in the foreign exchange market”.

He further criticized the minister for his involvement in raising the National Water and Electricity (NAWEC) tariffs, saying he believes raising the tariffs was meant to partially fulfil the IMF loan. He added that the minister does not actually care about the plight of Gambians.

“Seedy Keita does not care about the suffering of the Gambian masses arising from this terrible hike in cash power and water costs. Seedy is not bothered about the pervasive effects of this NAWEC tariff hike, especially its impact on inflation and general macroeconomic instability”.

Sabally believes the impact of the finance minister’s decisions on the economy will only yield negative outcomes that will be suffered for generations.

“The impact of Seedy’s decisions on the economy will be suffered by generations yet unborn as the Central Bank begins the raising of policy rates in trying to curb inflation.

“This will further worsen our domestic debt burden as local enterprises find it ever harder to borrow funds for investment.

“Our chronic youth unemployment problem is going to be even worse as life becomes more and more treacherously difficult in this country.” The already apparent economic dualism will worsen, thereby leading to higher crime rates and social instability.”

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