By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Coach Pa Samba Jow, a prominent Gambian political and social commentator, has called on the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Alieu Momar Njie to step aside amidst the alleged expiration of his term on April 7, noting that Mr. Njie would be unconstitutionally presiding over tomorrow’s Local Government Elections which, according to him, would automatically render the election null and void.  He equally called on political parties to challenge the issue in court.

According to him, the mandate of Mr. Alieu Momar Njie ended on the 7th of April 2023 and not what the Ministry of Justice said in a radio interview. To him, the IEC boss is unconstitutionally occupying the office.

“Mr. Njie’s continuous occupation of the office of IEC chairman is unconstitutional and an affront to our democracy. Consequently, any election, including the upcoming Local Government Elections, overseen by Mr. Njie will be unconstitutional, thus making it null and void,” he claimed.

Pa Samba argued that the term of the chairman of the country’s electoral body cannot be extended beyond the constitutional term. He said no authority, be it the president of the republic or any other official, has the legal authority to extend the mandate of the chairman of the electoral commission.

“For the record, Mr. Njie was first appointed in 2006 and resigned in 2007. He was reappointed for another term in 2011, and in 2016, he was promoted to the chairmanship. In August 2020, Mr. Njie told the Standard Newspaper that his term expires in 2023 because Jammeh gave him a new contract, which again is unconstitutional. So, the suggestion that his term ends in 2025 is flawed and illegal. If he should serve until 2025, he would have been in the IEC for 15 years, which contravenes section 42 (4) of the 1997 constitution,” he argued.

Pa Samba, despite raising the flag that the IEC chairman’s term has ended, hailed him for his heroic contribution to the 2016 election. However, he urged Mr Njie to step aside and not allow it to be used by the state.

“Mr. Alieu Momar Njie, regardless of what anyone may think about him, served his country. His heroism on December 1st/2nd 2016 is still fresh in our minds because if he and his team had capitulated to Jammeh’s attempts to usurp the result, we wouldn’t be enjoying the democracy we are touting today. Therefore, I will appeal to Mr. Njie to not allow the trappings of power to tarnish his legacy. He should be constitution-compliant and step aside. His term is over, and he shouldn’t be engaging in technicalities to try to elongate it.”

He urged political parties to challenge the claimed extension of his term in court to preserve the Constitution.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Barely two days before the councillorship elections, the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) has accused the country’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of ignoring vote-buying complaints, saying it will negatively impact the outcome of the elections.

The party through their leader expressed disappointment over the issue and call for action against vote-buyers.

“Vote-buying has been very popular in our election and a series of complaints have been forwarded to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and no meaningful actions have been taken,” the GDC party leader said in a statement.

Kandeh stated that the practice has weakened the country’s democracy since candidates winning is based on their financial muscle to dash out cash.

“Vote-buying is morally and legally wrong and it has a great negative impact on electoral behaviour.

It is sad to know that vote-buying is a criminal act, but no ruthless action has ever been taken by the IEC to bring those committing the act to book,” he claimed.

According to the GDC boss, there are so many instances where material evidence has been presented to the IEC only to be comforted with “we will investigate.”

“We have seen how vote-buying deters good aspiring political leaders from running for office or deny an entry to the political office because money is chosen by the electorates over ideas or experience,” Kandeh emphasized.

He noted that vote-buying is seriously undermining the democracy and the franchise right of all citizens.

the opposition leader said the act enables poor governments and undercuts citizens’ ability to hold their elected officials accountable.

“Vote-buying is a contentious issue in our contemporary discourse on the sustainability of democratic development in The Gambia.

Our laws towards vote-buying are dead and buried because the implementers do not take the needful actions,” he asserted.

Kandeh said evidence has it that vote-buying is from the ruling party whom he described as “not law-abiding.”

He outlined that vote-buying has serious implications which can hinder the provision of laws and their implementations.

“Recently, an NPP stalwart supporter has been caught buying votes in Banjul and it has reached the police.

“This we believe is more than the needed evidence to act accordingly with the law.

“What has been the outcome? Nothing. The ruling party will be protected at all costs at the detriment of our own laws,” the party asserted.

He called for the enforcement of the laws to protect general safety and ensure the rights of citizens against abuses are maintained.

The GDC boss added that the importance of the law is to provide justice but the continuous violation of the law without penalties can be considered as advice and not laws anymore.

He described vote-buying as an act of corruption which can lead to electing corrupt politicians with weak political ideas and incompetence.

“Our electoral system continues to lose its integrity as their laws no longer serve their purpose,” he ended.

By: Fatou Kebbeh

In The Gambia, fish is a highly consumed seafood consumed by hundreds of families on daily basis, however, people who are engaged in the business of selling fish are mostly women who are now facing unbearable challenges due to the high prices of the fish.

The Fatu Network engaged some fish vendors at the Coastal Road Market to find out the challenges they are facing as customers continue to blame them for the high prices attached to fish.

The fish vendors blame the high prices of the fish on the fishermen and retailers. They called on the government to intervene and support them.

Narrating her nightmare of selling fish, Mariama Sowe, a vendor, said the fish they are selling normally passes through three (3) stages before it gets to them.

“The fish is now sold to some Senegalese fishermen at a cheap price. They (Senegalese fishermen) also sell it out to some of their colleagues and we will buy it from those men at a very expensive rate.

“This is not helping us, because most of us depend on this to make ends meet,” she lamented.

According to her, even though fishermen complain about the price of fuel, they should also stop the kind of deal they are doing with the Senegalese.

The fish vendor lamented the struggle some women face at the markets daily.

This, she said, will force them to sell their fish at prices that are not favourable due to the fear of income loss.

Kumba Cham, another fish vendor said, the struggle to get fish at the riverside is now unbearable and even if they have, it is always very expensive.

According to her, fish is expensive, ice is expensive, fares are expensive, and the women are tired.

“Sometimes we will sell from morning to evening and there will be nothing to take home because of losses, and that is very painful,” Kumba told The Fatu Network.

She added that the price of fish and all other commodities has increased which is affecting both market vendors and consumers because women always bear the burden.

“If the President can hear this, I will be happy because we want him to reduce the price of food items because they are very expensive and the women are tired,” she added.

Awa Bah and Isatou Sonko, who are both fish vendors, narrated similar experiences.

A customer who wants anonymity said she mostly roams the whole market to look for fish at a cheap price because what is given doesn’t always tally with the price.

“Some fish vendors are very kind, sometimes when they see you roaming, they will suspect your problem and then reach out to you, to sell their fish at a price that favours you and not them because they pity you,” she added.

Bintou Badjie, another customer, said the price of fish is so bad and this forces her to always change her plans.

“I mostly change what I want to have that is affordable because the price of fish is always expensive, and if I should remove that from my fish money it will not favour me, so I always change my plan.”

Fish vendors and consumers urged the government to help them with the prices of fish because it is affecting both businessmen and consumers.

By: Lolly Sowe

Following the emergence of shocking allegations of sex for grade scandal at the University of The Gambia, The Fatu Network has engaged some students who recently bagged degrees on how they feel after hearing such allegations.

They said the allegations are capable of undermining the academic efforts they put into obtaining their degrees.

Jainaba Jobarteh, a recent graduate, said the allegations are disheartening.

“Brilliant students who worked so hard to obtain amazing results like myself are guilty because of these claims and how others will see us,” she told TFN.

To make sure the sacrifices of hardworking students and their credibility are maintained, she urged the school authorities to investigate the matter with utmost urgency.

She added that nobody at UTG is surprised by the problems the school is facing.

“The university has turned out intelligent, motivated students who have attended top universities and succeeded in a variety of ways.

Without a doubt, every UTG lecturer I know has a high moral standard, and they all work hard to make the school a successful centre for academic excellence.

This is unpleasant and tough to process,” she explained.

She mentioned that there are despicable people in every community and civilization, which is unavoidable, but generalizing is incorrect.

“If they go through the UTG courses, they will learn about the university’s value system and the moral danger of sexually initiated marks, which all university staff and students are warned against.

“Keeping this in mind, they should know that anyone who engages in immoral behaviour will face consequences if it is discovered.

“There are a lot of things at stake, therefore I hope the UTG authorities get to work and fix this,” she added.

Jainaba described the allegations as serious, saying they can compromise the reputation of any UTG graduate, male or female.

“With this serious claim, a thorough investigation is required,” she said.

Jainaba stated that the student union has encouraged the school management to launch an inquiry and make its findings so that swift action could be taken.

“As alumni of the University, we are duty-bound to have an in-depth understanding of the situation at hand from the parties involved.”

The school, students/victims, and the lecturers in a bid to make an informed opinion about this scandal otherwise they shouldn’t speak, Isatou M Janneh said.

However, she said until those involved are brought to the board by the school, she neither has a perspective nor a take on it.

For her part, Fatou Ceesay, another UTG graduate described the allegations as disappointing.

“Imagine how hard they have (students) worked for their grades, burning the midnight candle, travelling from Brikama to Kanifing early in the morning, and returning late makes it unfair to the serious ones that have sweated for their grades,” she stressed.

She added that the recent reports of lecturers allegedly sleeping with students or taking money from them in exchange for marks are unfair to those who acquired their degrees through hard work and sacrifice.

“Giving students grades they don’t work for after sleeping with them is not fair,” she lamented.

Ms Ceesay added that lecturers that are fun of doing such acts are not fit to be called lecturers and quick action should be taken against them.

“These lecturers should be forced to resign, and certain students should be filtered to see if their documents are real or fake,” Fatou recommends.

According to her, certain students are graduating with high GPAs, and in the end, they don’t deliver to expectations.

The Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS) has confirmed the 2023 Population and Housing Census, which was earlier scheduled for April 2023, is now rescheduled to November of the same year. According to GBoS, several factors have led to the delay in conducting the 2023 census, among them the emergence of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“For the smooth conduct of any census, the pre-enumeration activities should start at least two years prior to the census. This was not possible due to diverted focus by government and development partners to mitigate the impact of COVID-19. This resulted in the low level of disbursement of funds to support the pre-enumeration activities which affected the timely implementation of these activities.

“Also, the conduct of a population and housing census needs to be preceded by a capacity needs assessment to determine the ICT, Geographic Information System (GIS) material, and the human resource needs of the different stages of the preparatory process and to serve as input for the development of the census project document. However, the restrictions on the movement of people and goods affected the movement of technical experts to conduct this assessment and the timely implementation of regional workshops that were expected to boost the capacity of census personnel.”

Although COVID-19 is the main factor that led to the delay in starting the census in April, GBoS also noted that the procurement of the GIS software and training on the use of the application contributed to the delay.

“Another factor that affected the timely start of the census activities is the procurement of the GIS software and training on the use of the applications.  This was essential as this is the first time The Gambia is conducting a digital census which requires the conduct of digital cartography. Digital cartography requires getting recent high-resolution satellite imagery or downloading offline satellite imagery and loading it into the tablets for field operations. This process requires time and stable internet connectivity. The data sent to central office requires some editing and processing and this is one of the most daunting and tedious processes required to prepare an interactive digital enumeration area (EA) map to be integrated into the census CAPI application.”

Meanwhile, the upcoming local government election scheduled for April 15, which falls on the same day month as the original census date, has also affected the timely start of the census.

“Another related activity that may affect the successful implementation of the census in April 2023 is the local government elections which is scheduled on the same day of the census reference date (15^th April 2023). The campaign activities may jeopardize the publicity of the census, and this may have an adverse effect on the census activities.”

GBoS added: “The delay in starting the census activities has a domino effect on the overall census roadmap and its implementation. There are lots of technicalities and technical expertise needed to conduct a digital census and since this is the first time The Gambia is using this system, sequencing of the implementation of the planned census activities is very crucial to its success.  The mapping exercise is ongoing and is expected to be completed in May 2023 and its data processing will continue for another three months.

“Furthermore, it’s important to note that rushing or skipping any census activity will compromise the quality of the output. Before the actual census enumeration, the Bureau is supposed to do a mini census called the pilot or trial census. The pilot census is the most important pre-census activity, and its main purpose is to test the overall readiness for the technical and logistical implementation of the census. This activity is planned to take place in May/June 2023 and will be followed by subsequent activities such as the deployment of census staff at the designated regional census offices, recruitment of census personnel, training and deployment of this personnel for the enumeration exercise.”

By: Ousman Saidykhan

Fifty-five (55%) of Gambians have agreed that the government has shown a strong commitment to implement the recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC), the Afrobarometer survey reveals.

Thirty-three per cent (33%) of Gambians disagree or strongly disagree while twelve per cent (12%) either refused or said they don’t know when asked, the survey report says.

According to the survey, a large number of Gambians (76%) say the country should reconcile and move on since the commission has completed its work.

“At the same time, the majority calling for the prosecution of perpetrators of crimes and human rights abuses during President Yahya Jammeh’s regime continues to grow. A slim majority also continue to demand the extradition of Jammeh to face prosecution, though that proportion has weakened,” the survey indicates.

The government has accepted in its white paper almost all the TRRC recommendations. It has also approved NHRC to monitor the implementation process and make recommendations to the government on better implementation as recommended by TRRC.

The NHRC has since set up Stakeholder-Monitoring Committee (SMC) on the TRRC recommendations.

Afrobarometer is a research network that provides data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The coup trial involving four soldiers and a police officer could not proceed at the Banjul High Court due to the prosecution seeking an adjournment, claiming the counsels in conduct of the case are both out of the jurisdiction of the court.

According to a letter from the state that applies for an adjournment, prosecuting counsels A.M Yusuf is bereaved and has left for Nigeria while L. Jarju seeks medical treatment overseas.

The case was adjourned last week for a ruling today on the admissibility of a mobile phone tendered by the state after defence counsels argued that the phone was not properly described by the witness.

The phone that was allegedly used to communicate “frequently” with the 1st accused, Sanna Fadera, was seized from one Karamo Jatta during the investigation.

The state also tendered what they said was the alleged coup plotters’ Operational Plan. It was admitted and marked Exhibit P11.

The prosecution’s application was granted and adjournment to Monday 17th April from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a ruling on the mobile phone and the continuation of the case.

Six (6) witnesses have testified in the case so far.

Lance Corporal Sana Fadera (alleged ringleader), Petty Officer Gibril Darboe, Corporal Ebrima Sanno, Corporal Omar Njie and Police Sub-Inspector, Fa Bakary Jawara are charged with four counts of Treason; Concealment of Treason; Conspiracy and Inciting mutiny.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Dodou A.B. Ndow, former opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) Diaspora Public Relations Officer (PRO) has endorsed the re-election of incumbent Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda ahead of the Local Government Elections.

Stating the purpose of his endorsement of Mayor Bensouda, Ndow said, “I am inspired by Talib’s vision beyond the municipality and championed for local governance.”

“As a progressive-minded Gambian who keenly supports and endorses based on the performance of an individual who is tested, I am hereby officially endorsing His Lordship Talib Ahmad Bensouda for re-election as Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council,” Ndow said.

He added that Bensouda’s investment within the municipality in youth development, economic growth, education, environment, and social development has never been seen before him, thus visible and feel with a positive impact on the lives of KMC residents and beyond.

“His leadership qualities prompted the termination of his mother’s contract to represent the council she represented before his election to avoid a conflict of interest.

Talib’s investment in the council’s rubbish trucks “ Mbalit Project” is one of the most impressive projects by the council to alleviate environmental degradation,” he added.

Ndow cited market expansions and management for small businesses particularly for women as another milestone under the leadership of Talib.

“Re-election will ensure a higher degree of councils autonomy that will increase power and rights to neighbourhood groups to make their choices in tailoring their development,” he asserted.

Mr. Ndow noted that re-electing Bensouda will foster his motive for his innovation despite facilitating challenges from Central Government.

“Continue to encourage citizen’s participation in local governance that
Strengthen and Support Social enterprises and Social Action.
We need a Big Society Not Big Government,” he stated.

By: Dawda Baldeh

A source close to the office of the Upper River Region (URR) Governor has disclosed to The Fatu Network that the Alkalo of Sare Talata Bambayel Mballow has been invited to the governor’s office to withdraw the comments he made against Dou Sanno recently.  

“We just confirmed the news that the Alkalo of Sare Talata is presently at the URR governor’s residence.

We have reasons to believe that he is invited to withdraw his testimony against Dou Sanno,” the source said.

The Alkalo was accompanied by his relatives, however, our source said his relatives are all denied entry to the office of the governor.

“I have absolute trust in the Alkalo that he is not going to retract his statement and will remain true to his stance.

The days of intimidation and violation of one’s rights are gone, and we will defend ourselves against the want-to-be oppressors at all costs,” the source added.

Our source further told us that the chief of Jimara and the governor of URR are inside with the Alkalo.

“We expect more detail after their meetings,” the source noted.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) Administrative Secretary 1 Ebrima Nyang has accused Dou Sanno, an adviser to President Barrow, of continuously lying against opposition parties, describing him as an “embarrassment” and a “disgrace to Gambian politics”.

“Dou Sanno will never take a break from uttering lies against opposition parties. I urged the people of Jimara to re-elect Ebrima Manneh for continued development.

Dou is an embarrassment and disgrace to Gambian politics.

He has no moral authority to preach honesty in our politics,” Mr Nyang asserted after party supporters clashed with the presidential adviser last week in Jimara.

Nyang denied claims that GDC is rejected in Jimara.

“He lied against the Alkalo of Sare Talata and his bogus statement was debunked by the Alkalo.

Dou has anchored lies against Hon. Kandeh during the Parliamentary election just to stain him with no substantiative evidence,” he added.

According to him, Dou went to Jimara with the company of the Chief due to fear of losing the seat to GDC again.

Speaking on a range of issues, the young politician said, “We (GDC) are dignified people whose actions can be measured with our words.

That is why we continue to reject Barrow’s government due to bad leadership and worthless adviser like Dou Sanno.”

He further explained that GDC will depend on their candidates at all costs.

Nyang described the presidential adviser as a “toothless lion”, saying no amount of threat will be considered.

“I want to profoundly warn you that whatever we can do within the limit of the law will be done and nothing can stop it,” Mr Nyang noted, adding that he was shocked to hear from the Alkalo’s attestation that he doesn’t know Dou Sanno when their villages are just next door.

He noted that how Dou continues to act in the political arena explains his lack of interest in the people of Jimara.

“The interest of the NPP is to secure your votes in every election for their continuous flamboyant lifestyle, while the people continue to live in terrible life,” he asserted.

Nyang debunked Dou Sanno’s assertions on his party leader Mamma Kandeh, saying he (Kandeh) is honest and a principal who loves the Gambia.

“Kandeh has shared every little thing with Gambians to contribute his quota. Unlike those spreading garbage to mislead the public.

The time is now to give power to the opposition, as the past 7 years has been marked with profound regrets,” he said.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Alkalo of Sare Talata village in Gimara Constituency Bambayel Mballow has denied inviting Dou Sanno, an adviser to President Barrow to his village for politics, confirming Dou Sanno’s alleged assault on GDC candidate for Julangel Ward.

“I never invited Dou Sano to my village. I don’t know Dou Sanno and he doesn’t know me,” the angry village head clarified.

Mr Mballow added that Dou Sanno only talked to the village imam.

“I was sleeping when a police chief (chief messenger) came and told me that you need to come to Sare Talata to talk to the people.

I said no problem because I was not expecting that you are coming to hold political talks,” he added.

According to the village head, the presidential adviser mentioned Mamma Kandeh and his candidate for the council election which he noted triggered the violence.

However, he said Dou should not have engaged him in politics as they (Alkalolu)are supposed to be neutral.

“You should not talk about politics or even attack others if you mean you came to engage the youths.

When you started talking, I was scared that conflict will arise because I was not expecting that this was the reason you came to my village for,” he explained.

The angry village head asserted that if he knew Dou Sanno’s visit was to engage him in politics, he would have not allowed that.

“Dou Sanno attacked Faye Manneh, the GDC candidate for Julangel Ward in my presence. He slapped him and broke his phone,” Alkalo Mballow explained.

According to the village head, the conflict started when GDC people came to the village and told Dou Sanno that he was not supposed to hold any political meetings in Sare Talata hence it was their turn.

“I asked the village youths not to fight you and that’s how I escorted you to your vehicle so that you can leave the village. You should stop telling people that I invited you to my village.

Only Allah knows. I don’t know you and even if we meet, you don’t know me either. You should not use my name, I am an Alkalo,” he noted.

Video footage of the conflict in Sare Talata was shared on social media outlets including WhatsApp groups showing the Presidential Adviser being chased out of the village, however, in a recent video, he (Dou Sanno) denied being chased out by villagers.

The Fatu Network could not reach Dou Sanno for comment.