By: Dawda Baldeh

Just a week after declaring his intention to run in the 2026 Presidential Election, exiled former President Yahya Jammeh has announced the immediate expulsion of Hon. Bakary K. Badjie from the APRC faction. In a 16-minute WhatsApp audio message from his location in Equatorial Guinea, Jammeh stated that Badjie’s expulsion takes immediate effect with “no negotiation” as he prepares to contest the presidential election in 2026.

“Effective from February 24, 2025, I declare that Bakary K. Badjie is hereby expelled from the APRC. There is no negotiation regarding this,” he declared, adding that Badjie should not use the party name. Jammeh also called on Gambians to come together and refrain from accusing one another of statements they never made. The exiled former President asserted that he was falsely accused of instructing Baytulai to insult others, a claim he firmly denied.

In the audio, he mentioned that none of the National Assembly members representing the APRC faction were officially informed about Badjie’s decision. “I am aware of many things happening on the ground. I have my ears to the ground. So, if anyone was in contact with him (Bakary K. Badjie), I would know,” he explained. Jammeh continued, “I know that there is a white man who said that Bakary K. Badjie will be the next President of The Gambia. He made this very clear in a video. However, I cannot ask him how that could be possible. I always take my time until the right moment to act,” he narrated.

Moreover, Jammeh stated that he was waiting for Badjie to make his decision to take actions such as expelling him. “I have no solution to this but to expel him from the party,” he stressed.

Jammeh, who governed for 22 years before being defeated by coalition candidate President Adama Barrow in 2016, urged the supporters of the faction he considers the true APRC to unite. “Let us reinforce our unity and attract individuals who are development-oriented and patriotic citizens, not tribalists, to join the party so we can reclaim our country,” he stated.

Jammeh claimed that the nation is deteriorating daily, highlighting the significance of unity in fostering national development while accusing the current government of neglecting critical issues facing the country. “Let us prioritize the interests of our country. Let us reconcile our differences and do not misinterpret my words. All those who joined the 2016 coalition did so with the intention of making Gambians suffer,” he asserted.

“May Allah purify our hearts and let us work for our country. If other nations are progressing, why can’t we?” he added. He also criticized the current education system, labeling it a failure. “The education system was highly effective during my administration, even though other countries were not supporting me, but it functioned well because I placed my trust in Allah,” he concluded.

By: Michaella Faith Wright

President Adama Barrow has been honored with the Media Freedom Award by Star TV in recognition of his administration’s commitment to press freedom and transparency. The award was presented by Haji Baniko Sissoho, Chairman and proprietor of Star FM/TV, during the grand launch of the station’s new headquarters along the OIC Highway on Monday.

In his keynote address, President Barrow reaffirmed his government’s dedication to fostering a free and thriving media environment, highlighting key legislative efforts such as the Access to Information Act. He emphasized that a strong and independent media sector is vital to democracy, national development, and civic engagement.

“The role of the media in nation-building cannot be overstated. Media outlets inform, educate, and entertain, while also possessing immense potential to unite a nation and foster accountability,” he stated.

He commended Star FM/TV for amplifying diverse voices, creating employment opportunities, and promoting national dialogue. He urged the media house to uphold ethical journalism, embrace new technologies, and continue striving for excellence in service delivery.

The launch of the new Star FM/TV headquarters marks a significant milestone in Gambia’s media landscape, reinforcing press freedom and expanding access to information.

By: Alieu Jallow

The National Assembly Member (NAM) for Foni Kansala, Almameh Gibba, has accused the government of failing to disburse the 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to lawmakers, citing a lack of funds.

In an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, Hon. Gibba expressed frustration over the non-payment, stating that the government’s claim of financial constraints contradicts its recent budgetary allocations. He alleged that while legislators have been denied their development funds, the government has allocated D60 million for the President’s “Meet the People” tour.

“The government has failed to allocate our 2024 budget. No member of the National Assembly has received these funds. So, we are left to fend for ourselves—seeking funding from organizations to support our constituencies. This is how we are managing in Foni. We only received two allocations in previous years, but the allocation for 2024 is nonexistent. Now, they are saying the funds will be allocated in 2025, which means it’s a failure—a backlog of our funds that remains unpaid,” Gibba stated.

“The government claims there is no money to pay our Constituency Development Funds, yet it has spent D60 million on the President’s ‘Meet the People’ tour—extravagantly, for political purposes. Meanwhile, funds for national development and National Assembly members are unavailable. They blame donors for not fulfilling their commitments, yet they can source funds for other priorities while leaving us in limbo as representatives of the people,” he added.

The CDF is an annual allocation meant to support grassroots development initiatives in constituencies across the country. Many NAMs rely on these funds to address pressing community needs, from infrastructure projects to social support programs.

The outspoken NAM further criticized the government, accusing it of neglecting the welfare of its citizens. He reiterated his stance against the government’s budget, stating that he has consistently opposed it in parliament to prevent them from trivializing national matters. Additionally, he emphasized that parliamentarians will not allow the issue of their allocations to be ignored.

“Our National Assembly finances are in limbo, yet now they are saying they will allocate funds in the first quarter of 2025. This means they are skipping the failed 2024 allocation instead of addressing it. We will not let this go. We will continue to speak out and inform our people that our Constituency Development Funds have not been disbursed due to the government’s claim of zero funding,” he outlined.

The Fatu Network attempted to reach out to the Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services for a comment, but our efforts were unsuccessful.

Gibba’s allegations will likely spark concerns about the government’s financial management and commitment to equitable resource distribution. As the situation unfolds, constituents and lawmakers await clarity on whether the CDF will be disbursed and how government spending decisions align with national priorities.

By Dawda Baldeh

Nominated councillor in the Kanifing Municipal Council, Momodou Cham, also known as Mc Cham Junior, has reacted to the by-election victory of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) over the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) in Saturday’s polls.

Cham stated in an interview with The Fatu Network that those who are campaigning for President Barrow are not well-liked by the Gambian people.

He linked UDP’s victory to hard work and unity, urging party supporters to welcome every Gambian to help grow the party.

“President Barrow should know that Gambians don’t like those around him campaigning. This is a clear indication,” he said, adding that they always make him believe things that are not real.

Cham, a strong critic of President Barrow’s government, cited only two people as the “only loyal” members of President Barrow’s campaign team.

“The only loyal people around President Barrow are Dou Sanno and Kebba Lang Fofana. These two never lost any campaign or election where they came from. But the rest can’t help the president win even in their community,” he said.

Cham argued that any campaign that Seedy Njie led would be a failure.

“In KMC, when I saw Seedy Njie leading Bakary Y. Badjie’s campaign I knew he would lose. Gambians are tired of those around President Barrow.”

“If these people cannot help you win election where they come from, they can’t help you win anywhere. Demba Sabally is from Bondali but he can’t help you win elections there,” he explained.

The opposition-nominated councillor described UDP Kaing’s victory as a warning to President Barrow.

“Your entire cabinet, senior government officials, and ambassadors all campaigned in Kiang, you wasted taxpayers’ money, but you lost woefully. This shows that these people can’t help you win the next election,” he said.

Cham further argued that Gambians want a leader who will respect term limits.

He acknowledges the ongoing road and electricity projects under President Barrow but cited the cost of living as the most pressing issue.

“Constructing roads and electricity is important but what’s more important is addressing the cost of living. When people are hungry, they don’t see any other development. We want an affordable food system where everyone can eat,” he said.

Cham added: “If you can’t address the skyrocketing costs of living you will not win the hearts of Gambians anymore.”

According to Cham, people like Seedy Njie are not loyal. “If you lose today, he will leave you tomorrow.”

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Following the passing of its ward councillor, Massembeh heads to the polls in a highly contested by-election between UDP’s Bakary S. Jarjue and NPP’s Lamin Jarjue. The contest has become one of the most intensely watched by-elections in recent memory, with both sides reportedly pouring millions of dalasis into their campaigns. The election’s outcome could signal significant shifts in Lower River Region’s political dynamics ahead of 2026.

High-profile political figures have descended on the ward, which comprises Jasobo, Joomarr, Koliorr and Massembeh villages. Polls opened at 8:00 AM and will close at 5:00 PM today. The ward’s strategic importance has drawn national attention as both parties vie for control. The Fatu Network team is on the ground in Massembeh and will provide constant updates throughout the day.

By: Alieu Jallow

The Chairman of Brikama Area Council (BAC), Yankuba Darboe, has alleged that the central government has not provided development subventions to the council since 2023. Speaking at a distribution ceremony for D28 million allocated to 28 wards in the West Coast Region, Darboe also claimed that the government has failed to pay property rates and geology contributions owed to the region.

Despite these financial challenges, Chairman Darboe announced that the council has successfully disbursed a total of D42 million for regional development projects. This includes a significant allocation of D28 million distributed on February 20, 2025, with each ward receiving D1 million to fund community-identified projects.

“As I stand before you today, I want to report that the central government has not been providing any development subventions to this council since 2023. It has also not been paying its property rates or geology contributions to our region. This year, 2025, marks the second anniversary of this great development initiative for our region under my leadership. We are delighted to announce that this year’s disbursement will be D28 million, meaning every ward will receive D1 million. In two years, we have returned D42 million to this region,” Darboe announced.

Inherited Debt and Financial Challenges
Chairman Darboe reminded the audience of the financial difficulties BAC faced when he assumed office in June 2023, highlighting that the council was burdened with debts amounting to D10 million across various banks and entities.

“We found a BAC that was highly indebted to almost all the banks we worked with. The institution was running on a deficit of D10 million with the banks, not to mention other liabilities. At one point, between 2019 and 2022, the council had to depend on a private construction company for its NAWEC utility meters because even NAWEC was unwilling to continue dealing with BAC. That was how bad things were.

“We inherited a council that was struggling and on its knees. We had to muster the courage to confront corruption head-on and expose those responsible. We took necessary actions and sought assistance from the central government. However, instead of receiving support, we were vilified and victimized,” he stated.

Continued Development Efforts
Darboe noted that this recent disbursement follows a similar initiative in February 2024, when BAC allocated D14 million to the same number of wards, each receiving D500,000 as part of the council’s commitment to prioritizing the needs of West Coast Region residents.

Additionally, he emphasized that BAC’s ability to mobilize and distribute these funds comes as a result of internal efforts to combat corruption and enhance financial transparency. In October 2023, the council suspended several staff members over allegations of mismanagement and corruption, reinforcing its commitment to responsible financial management.

“We can all recall what happened on December 5, 2023, when the police descended on our council premises, arresting all of our honorable councillors and detaining them at the Banjulunding Anti-Crime Unit for two days.

“Our councillor for Brufut Ward, Abdoulie Jammeh, was detained for more than 72 hours and subjected to harsh police bail conditions, requiring him to report to police headquarters in Banjul from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, for over a month. His younger brother was also arrested and detained as a means to pressure his surrender to the police on December 4, 2023.

“We endured all of this because we wanted to end corruption at BAC. Had we conformed to the system we inherited, we would not have suffered these trials and tribulations. But had we done so, we certainly would not have been able to afford the D14 million disbursed on February 28, 2024, nor the D28 million being disbursed today,” Darboe reflected.

A Council Moving Forward
Despite Chairman Darboe’s claims of inadequate government support, BAC continues to demonstrate resilience by securing and allocating funds to drive development across the West Coast Region. The council maintains that its financial reforms and anti-corruption measures are crucial in ensuring sustainable progress for the region.

By Alieu Jallow

In a strong response to recent criticisms, Hon. Bakary K. Badjie, the National Assembly Member (NAM) for Foni Bintang Constituency, addressed concerns in an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network regarding his decision to declare his candidacy for The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election without prior consultation with fellow Foni NAMs.

This comes after Hon. Almameh Gibba of Foni Kansala publicly disassociated himself and other Foni representatives from Badjie’s presidential bid, citing a lack of consultation.

Badjie acknowledged the absence of prior discussions with his colleagues but emphasised his autonomy in making political decisions.

“I didn’t consult any member of the National Assembly, including those from Foni. This is a decision that I have taken boldly to rescue a nation. I did not seek any advice from any National Assembly Member to tell me what to do and what not to do because I am not a child, and no amount of discouragement, no amount of intimidation can shake me, and I did not ask for anybody’s advice,” Badjie told TFN.

Badjie stated that the five Foni NAMs can either support him or not, but his intention to run for office remains unchanged. He emphasised his desire to help poor Gambians and clarified that he is not seeking support from specific individuals but rather from all Gambians as a whole.

“I am here because the poor Gambians want me to be [here], and I am not looking for support from anybody but the poor Gambian people. That is exactly what I want, and I am hoping that the Gambia has full confidence and believes in me for me to come and battle against corruption, to battle against injustice, to battle against the hardship the nation is going through, I have no doubt the Gambia will believe in me.”

The outspoken NAM said he believes the country deserves better and that his goal is to unite Gambians.

“I am here because, for me, I believe that the Gambia deserve better, and the Gambia deserve better leadership. The unity of the country is key, and I am also interested in uniting the country,” he said.

This development reveals a widening divide among the political leaders in the Foni region, prompting concerns about unity and collective strategy as the 2026 elections approach. Nevertheless, the Foni Bintang NAM, following his declaration as a presidential candidate, emphasised that he is determined to move forward. He plans to establish his national executive, as well as regional, constituency, and ward executives.

“We are prepared to move forward, and my team is committed. As I speak to you right now, my WhatsApp groups are booming, and we are going forward, and we can never turn back. Every struggle comes up with a challenge, and this struggle we are ready to face. We understand all the struggles come with challenges, and we will not be an exception.

“The Gambian people are ready to face the challenge, and the youth of this country, the women of this country, the teachers of this country, the soldiers of this country and all the civil servants [are ready] to come together [to] fight for the liberation of our country.

“In this 21st century, nobody can baffle us, no one’s sweet talks can move us, and no one’s smartness can move us, but we will all unite in liberating our country. Forward today, tomorrow and forever, we are ready for the Gambia, and in sha Allah, by 2026, I will be declared the President of the Gambia,” he confidently says.

By: Alieu Jallow

As The Gambia marked its Diamond Jubilee celebration, Bakary K. Badjie, the National Assembly Member (NAM) for Foni Bintang, made a bold political move by declaring his candidacy for the 2026 presidential election. His announcement underscored his vision for national development, citing economic hardship, insecurity, and governance challenges as key issues he aims to address. However, his bid has already sparked controversy, with fellow No to Alliance National Assembly Members questioning the level of consultation and support within his own constituency.

Hon. Almameh Gibba, NAM for Foni Kansala and the spokesperson for the five National Assembly Members (NAMs) from Foni, publicly distanced himself from Badjie’s presidential bid in an audio message addressed to the people of Foni. Gibba expressed concerns over the lack of consultation prior to the announcement, stating that while attending the country’s Diamond Jubilee celebration, he and his fellow NAM, Hon. Tumani Bojang, saw images on social media announcing Hon. Bakary Badjie’s candidacy. The Foni Kansala NAM challenged claims suggesting that all five NAMs from the Foni region are backing Badjie’s candidacy.

“There are ongoing rumors that we are backing him, but I want to clarify that when something is unclear, consultation is necessary. So, I am informing you that the five NAMs of Foni are not aware of his candidacy. We were never consulted—there was no physical meeting or discussion. Every time we meet at the Assembly, we discuss ways forward for our region, Foni, but there has never been a time, day, or opportunity where he shared his intentions with us.

Therefore, I want to inform our people and militants, as well as those spreading misinformation that we are supporting him, that I, Almameh Gibba, on behalf of Hon. Tumani Bojang, Hon. Pa Dembo Sanneh, and Hon. Amie Colley, challenge anyone who has evidence that we are supporting Bakary Badjie’s candidacy to come forward and present it publicly. We have long been patient, criticized, and insulted, but the reason I am speaking now—when I never intended to—is because this is not our stance. We never advised him to contest, we were never consulted, and we do not know anything about it. So, it is not my responsibility to clear the air, but I want to make it known to all.”

He further stressed that anyone wishing to understand Badjie’s motives for vying for the presidency should contact Hon. Bakary K. Badjie himself for confirmation.

“I do not know anything about his decision or position. He didn’t inform Hon. Amie Colley, he didn’t inform Hon. Pa Dembo Sanneh, and he didn’t inform Hon. Tumani Bojang.”

This internal dissent highlights potential divisions within the political representation of the Foni region, raising questions about the collective support for Badjie’s presidential ambitions. As the 2026 elections approach, unity and consensus among regional representatives will be pivotal in shaping the political landscape and influencing voter sentiment.

By Mama A. Touray

As the race for the by-election intensifies, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the Mayor of the Kanifing Municipal Council, has told voters in Kiang Massembeh that if the government of The Gambia truly cared about the people of Massembeh, they should have canceled the Independence celebration.

Mayor Bensouda made these remarks during his recent visit to Kiang Massembeh to campaign for Bakery S. Jarju, the United Democratic Party’s by-election candidate for the Massembeh ward.

“I was at the Independence celebration. They spent D150 million in just five hours. If they really cared about Massembeh, they should have canceled the celebration. If D150 million had been spent in this village, all of you would have jobs. But instead, they wasted that money,” he told voters.

Bensouda added that other countries do not hold elaborate Independence celebrations. “They just say ‘Happy Independence’ on television, and the president gives his speech.”

He also urged voters to support their candidate, saying, “We want you to stand with Bakery Jarju. There are people who came here and said nothing meaningful except to speak about tribalism and claim that you should not oppose the sitting government, linking it to Islam. If that was truly what Allah commanded, it would be in the Quran. Yet, they themselves opposed the government until they got to where they are.”

According to Mayor Bensouda, former President Yahya Jammeh opposed the government until he became president, emphasizing that opposition is a fundamental part of nation-building. “If you are opposing, it means you are protesting. And when you see things are not going in the right direction, you will obviously vote for the opposition. If the government wants your vote, then they should work for it,” he added.

Furthermore, Bensouda told voters that each minister is driving a vehicle worth D12 million.

“The president is followed by twenty vehicles. I was sitting with MC Cham, and we calculated the value of the vehicles escorting the president—it amounted to D250 million. Imagine D250 million worth of vehicles following just one person while youths are struggling. Yet, they come to you again, asking for your vote and claiming they will bring development. If you vote for them under these circumstances, then you are at a loss,” he stated.

Mayor Bensouda concluded by assuring the people of Massembeh that they would not make empty promises or fail them.

“The United Democratic Party (UDP) strongly condemns the arrest of Mr. Luis Boutanos, a Gambian citizen, on 17th February 2025, for expressing his frustration with the Barrow Government’s governance of The Gambia. Mr. Boutanos’ arrest, reportedly stemming from a social media video in which he criticized the government, is a blatant violation of his constitutional right to freedom of speech as enshrined in the Constitution of The Gambia.

The UDP firmly believes that the right to express dissent and hold the government accountable is a cornerstone of democracy. The arrest of Mr. Boutanos is not only an attack on his fundamental rights but also a dangerous precedent that undermines the democratic principles The Gambia strives to uphold.

We call on the Barrow Government to immediately and unconditionally release Mr. Boutanos and to respect the rights of all citizens to freely express their opinions without fear of persecution or intimidation. The UDP stands in solidarity with Mr. Boutanos and all Gambians who seek to hold their leaders accountable through peaceful and lawful means.

The UDP urges the government to cease all actions that suppress freedom of expression and to foster an environment where open dialogue and constructive criticism are welcomed, not punished. We also call on regional and international human rights organizations to take note of this alarming development and to join us in demanding justice for Mr. Boutanos.

The Gambia belongs to all its citizens, and no one should be silenced for speaking truth to power.”

Tombong Saidy
UDP Administrative Secretary
For Media and Communication