By: Dawda Baldeh

2021 Presidential aspirant Mamadou Bah 2 alias Obama has said severe revenge will be taken against Tunisians in the Gambia if the Tunisian President Kais Saied used any illegal measures to harm or kick Gambian migrants out of Tunisia.

Speaking to The Fatu Network, Bah said Tunisians are all over the world and they are in peace.

“If you take any illegal measures against our Gambians in your country, we will take more serious measures against your citizens in The Gambia,” Bah threatened an act of revenge.

He described Tunisian President Kais Saied statement on irregular migration on Tuesday as “premature.”

“Tunisia is in Africa and its citizens are all over the continent, therefore, your policies should accommodate other countries’ citizens.

Mr. Bah added that an African in an African territory cannot be identified as an irregular immigrant.

“Mr. president, criminals anywhere around the world should be corrected,” he emphasized.

He called on African leaders to condemn the Tunisian leader, saying he cannot condemn young African migrants in his country just because their colour is black.

“You cannot identify African migrants as criminals because they are black and this is not acceptable,” he added.

He further called on the minister for foreign affairs and international cooperation to monitor and document Gambians living in Tunisia for any development.

In The Gambia, to my recollection, the Minister of Justice has always held the post of Attorney General and has always been a member of the Cabinet. For the sake of clarity, these are two separate positions held by one person. However, both positions have a mandate to promote and protect the rule of law.

There are responsibilities that clearly belong to the Minister of Justice, while others clearly belong to the Attorney General. For example, the Minister of Justice is responsible for developing justice policies and providing advice on the compliance of certain government actions or bills with the law. While the Attorney General is responsible for conducting litigation on behalf of the government and giving legal advice to Cabinet.

As a member of Cabinet (political appointment), it is reasonable to say that the Minister of Justice’s loyalty lies with his/her boss, the President. Due to this loyalty, it is also reasonable to conclude that he/she would be inclined to be biased against the President’s political opponents. It’s called “job security!” And as Justice Minister/Attorney General, given the partisan nature of our politic, he/she will be tempted to go after the president’s political opponents. This was the case under APRC rule. Goloh virtually used all the Minister of Justice/Attorney General he appointed as a sledgehammer to paralyze his political opponents.

I am not sure if that is your case, but I consider that the combined roles (Minister of Justice/Attorney General) as a conflict of interest! I believe it is high time for us to reconsider splitting the roles to try to minimize any potential abuse. The Minister of Justice is a political appointee, as pointed out above, and they may be motivated to use their prosecutorial powers (as Attorney General) against the president’s political rivals. It also includes future presidents, unless those two powers are separated! “Power tends to corrupt; and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

By: Dawda Baldeh

A survey conducted by the Center for Policy, Research and Strategic Studies (CepRaSS) has revealed that the Banjul City Council (BCC) collected 99% of the waste in the city compared to the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) and Brikama Area Council (BAC).

The CRC survey reveals that 67% of respondents collected solid waste in their communities themselves, 38% said councils collected it, 20% were private, and 1% others.

The findings reveal that councils collect solid waste from households of only 38% while most of the residents collect solid waste from their households either by themselves or through private or other means.

“This is a clear indication that solid waste collection is still a major issue across the three LGAs which authorities need to seriously address,” the survey outlined.

In Banjul, the survey reveals that the City Council collected solid waste from 99% of the respondents, 1% were collected by others, 0% privately, and 1% self.

While in the Kanifing Municipality, the CRC survey reveals that Kanifing Municipal Council collected solid waste from 70% of the respondents, 1% was collected by others, 54% private, and 24% self.

Meanwhile, in Brikama LGA, the results reveal that Brikama Area Council collected solid waste from 4% of the respondents, 0% was collected by others, 10% was private, and 90% were self.

These findings imply that Brikama Area Council collects solid waste from households of only 4% while most of the residents collect solid waste from their households either by themselves or through private or other means.

Furthermore, the survey stated that solid waste collection is still a major issue in Brikama Area Council (BAC) and recommends that authorities need it seriously address.

This result shows a remarkable level of performance by BCC and KMC in solid waste collection for residents of Banjul and Kanifing respectively and a poor performance in waste collection in Brikama Area Council.

A new report from the World Prison Brief has revealed that two-thirds of Gambia’s prison population is comprised of foreign nationals, highlighting the strain placed on the country’s correctional system. The report listed Gambia as the eighth country with the highest percentage of foreign prisoners, behind countries like Monaco, the UAE, and Liechtenstein.

Foreign Prisoners Comprise 66.7% of Gambia’s Prison Population, According to World Prison Brief

A recent report by the World Prison Brief has revealed that 66.7% of the prisoners in Gambia are foreigners. The report listed Gambia as the eighth country with the highest percentage of foreign prisoners, behind countries like Monaco, the United Arab Emirates, and Liechtenstein. This finding has raised questions about how the government plans to address the challenges faced by the system and ensure that the rights of all prisoners, regardless of their nationality, are protected.

The World Prison Brief is an online database that provides information on the world’s prison systems. Its report showed that out of the 1,799 prisoners in Gambia’s correctional facilities, 1,198 are foreign nationals.

This news is not surprising, as Gambia is a popular destination for migrants from neighbouring countries, such as Senegal, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. Many of these migrants enter Gambia illegally, and some end up getting caught and sentenced to prison for various offenses.

However, the high number of foreign prisoners has put a strain on Gambia’s correctional system, as it struggles to provide adequate resources and services to the inmates. This issue has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has further highlighted the challenges faced by the prison system.

The government of Gambia has yet to release an official statement regarding the report, but it is hoped that the findings will serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to address the challenges facing the correctional system. It is essential to ensure that the rights of all prisoners, including foreign nationals, are protected, and that the prison system is rehabilitative rather than punitive.

By: Dawda Baldeh

A police officer working at the Public Relations Office of The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has confirmed to The Fatu Network the death of one Fabakary Taal, a 25-year-old resident of Brufut who was allegedly stabbed to death at Max World Club.

The Fatu Network obtained this information through one Modou Musa Sisawo, an officer working at the public relations office of the police, who was assigned by the police PRO Cadet ASP Binta Njie.

According to the police, the unknown suspect is currently on the run while three others were arrested in connection to the case.

“The deceased Fabakary Taal of Brufut, a 25-year-old was brought to the charge office by his friends, who claimed that he was stabbed in the chest by an unknown person at max World Club in Brufut.

“Due to the seriousness of his injury, he was quickly rushed to Sukuta Health Center, where he was referred to Serrekunda General Hospital for medical attention,” the police said.

Similarly, two other victims also reported at Brusubi Police Station and complained that they were also stabbed at the same Max world Club in Brufut, the victim was Marcel Dacosta of Brufut, 27, and Papis Ceesay of Brufut, 25, the police said on Monday.

According to them, they were stabbed with Knife, “Marcel DaCosta was bleeding from the Neck while Papis Ceesay was bleeding from the left side of his ribs” they were quickly rushed to Kanifing Hospital for Medical attention.

One of the suspects (name withheld) was arrested. He is alleged to have stabbed 2nd victim Marseille Dacosta in the neck and 3rd victim Papis Ceesay on the right side of the ribs.

“The accused (name withheld) confessed to the crime he is cautioned and charged with assault causing actual bodily harm, according to the police.

The accused, whose name is withheld, is said to be helping the police to arrest the murder suspect who is unknown and yet to be identified.

“Three people (names withheld) were arrested in connection with the case and are currently helping the police in the ongoing investigation.”

It is an interesting fact that in Nigeria’s history of elections, any candidate who wins Kwara State usually becomes the president. And it may be noteworthy to mention that Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has won Kwara State in the current presidential election.

The 2023 presidential election in Nigeria has been described as a three-horse race, with the All Progressives Congress (APC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Labour Party (LP) all in contention. As the collation of results continues at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the race seems to be heating up with each passing minute.

According to the results tabulated so far, the APC has taken the lead with 47,09,426 votes, followed by the PDP with 28,77,951 votes, and the LP with 26,342,43 votes. So far, the states currently controlled by political parties are as follows: APC-21, PDP-14, and APGA-1.

However, the voting demographic suggests that each party candidate received massive support from their ethnic group. Atiku won in Fulani/Hausa-dominated states of Gömbe, Adamawa, Bauchi, Katsina, Yobe and surprisingly in the Yoruba of Osun state while Peter Obi won big in Lagos, beating Tinubu in his own backyard and in the Igbo stronghold of Enugu. Tinubu, on the other hand, scored in nearly all Yoruba-dominated states of Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, and Ekiti.

In Kano, the New Nigeria Peoples Party candidate Rabi’u Musa won taking the state from the ruling APC where Buhari won with more than 1 million votes in the past presidential elections. Abuja is likely to vote for the APC.

In order to win, a candidate has to obtain the highest number of votes nationwide and more than a quarter of ballots cast in at least two-thirds of Nigeria states.

The collation of results continues at the INEC HQ in Abuja.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Fatou Ceesay, a 38-year-old single mother of 7, who resides in Mandinary village and lost her husband years ago, has opened up to The Fatu Network about her plight since last year’s devastating flash floods and windstorm partly destroyed her house and left many others homeless. She told TFN that she and her children will be homeless if the rainy season meets them in the same house without it being renovated as the situation is deteriorating.

Fatou’s house was among hundreds of houses that were destroyed by a flash flooding and windstorm that hits the country last year. She has two girls and five boys and lost her husband years ago.

Life is hard sometimes and different people have different experiences in different circumstances which sometimes make them feel they are the only ones living in such a situation.

As food, clothing and shelter are the basic needs of a human being, poverty has prevented some from enjoying these natural needs that cannot be a second option.

“To put food on the table is extremely difficult for me because I have no one who can help. Since last year a heavy wind destroyed my house but I have nothing to buy corrugates to fix it.

“My children are going to school and their school fees payment is a heavy burden to me. Sometimes they will be sent out of school because of school fees,” she explained.

She added that her children sometimes will ask her why they are living in that house which is not good. “I will tell them we have no other house than this and I have nothing to fix the roof,” she said.

The 38-year-old single mother urged people to help her renovate the house before the rainy season begins.

“We will be homeless if the rainy season meets us in this house if it is not revamped. This is the worse situation every parent can be in, and seeing my children suffer but I cannot do anything.

Sometimes we will have sleepless nights because the house is in a terrible situation. I am a single mother, and I cannot do anything about the situation because of poverty,” the single mother explained.

“Sometimes we go to bed with an empty stomach. As a mother if I think of the situation my children are in and struggling to put food on the table I cry because it is not easy,” she stated.

If anyone wants to support Fatou and her children to get a proper roof among other things she needs, urgently contact the following numbers. +2207830849 or +2203341268.

Two Gambian diplomats at the Embassy of The Gambia in Washington, D.C were on Saturday 25 February 2023 awarded by National Stop the Violence Alliance, Inc (NSTVA) for the roles they played in promoting African culture and peace within the African American communities in the United States of America. The ceremony was held at Mastery East Camden Middle in New Jersey.

In conferring the awards, Dr. Stephne Coney, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the National Stop the Violence Alliance organisation said Deputy Ambassador of The Gambia, Mr. Mustapha Sosseh, was conferred the visionary award whilst First Secretary (Information and Cultural Affairs), Mr. Saikou Ceesay, was awarded for his dedication in promoting culture and diversity.

Dr. Coney thanked the delegation from the Embassy and said that The Gambia means “a whole world to me” adding that her ancestors came from The Gambia. She said the story of Kunta Kinteh would be further explored with The Gambia Embassy for the younger generations to learn about their history and culture. She said preparations were underway for a group of students to visit the Embassy and The Gambia in April this year.

Mr. Saikou Ceesay who also deputised for the Deputy Ambassador Mustapha Sosseh said it was meaningful for him to receive these awards from an organisation that has been fighting to heal communities and promote peace in the US since 1991.

“Peace is foremost and without it, there cannot be any cooperation or collaboration,” said the Gambian diplomat, noting that this was the reason for the Embassy’s continuous effort to organise cultural awareness programmes geared toward promoting diversity and peace across African–American communities.

Mr. Ceesay on behalf of the Deputy Ambassador Mr. Mustapha Sosseh thanked his colleagues at the Embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad and the Government of The Gambia for the support and opportunity to serve at this level.

The award ceremony was in recognition of the Black History Month which celebrates and commemorates the history of African Americans in the US.

About NSTVA

National Stop the Violence Alliance, Inc.’s (NSTVA) mission is to help heal our communities through the principles of nonviolence. NSTVA is committed to working collaboratively with the community through ministerial outreach, youth programs, collective conferences with law enforcement agencies and public officials, and informational seminars about the effects of drug usage, gang violence, sex education, and about economic uplifting, such as how to ace interviews, how to obtain employment, and how to manage unemployment. It is NSTVA’s mission to help end violence across the country and to bring awareness to the many illnesses that affect our culture.

Rainer Zachert, the owner of Bäckerei Zachert in Leonberg, Germany, was shocked last week when he received a call from a judge informing him that one of his apprentices had been taken from school and deported to The Gambia.

The 28-year-old Gambian, who had dreams of becoming a pastry chef, was sent back to his home country despite having an ongoing training contract with the bakery. The reason for the deportation, among others, was a drug offence in the past.

The refugee (name withheld) had already served his sentence for the drug offence in 2019, and his asylum application had been rejected by the responsible regional council in January 2018. He was supposed to leave Germany within a week.

However, the regional council cited a lack of travel documents as one of the reasons for his deportation five years later, despite having a current training contract with the bakery. Furthermore, his conviction for “commercial drug trafficking” meant that a “stay permit” for the Gambian is legally excluded.

From a legal standpoint, the deportation may seem understandable, but from a human perspective, bakery owner Zachert found it questionable.

Speaking to Regio-tv, Mr. Zachert stated that his apprentice had done everything possible to reintegrate and assimilate himself into German society.

He was deeply missed at work, and his sudden deportation has left his Gambian friend and former roommate, who is also an apprentice at the bakery, feeling uncertain about his own future.

Zachert is now trying to find a solution for his apprentice by connecting with a bakery in Senegal, The Gambia’s neighbouring country. He hopes to place him there, even though he was unable to complete his apprenticeship in Germany.

The case of the Gambian pastry chef apprentice’s deportation highlights the complex and often harsh realities of Germany’s immigration policies. Many are outraged that someone who had worked hard to integrate into society and had a legitimate training contract was still sent back to their country of origin.

It raises important questions about the effectiveness and fairness of Germany’s immigration system and the treatment of refugees who are trying to build a new life in the country.

By: Dawda Baldeh

United Democratic Party (UDP) 2nd Vice President of the National Youth Wing Hagi Suwaneh has claimed that he obtained credible information that tribalism is the only thing that is delaying the National People’s Party (NPP) from selecting candidates for the local government election.

“They are very desperate at the moment. All the serious parties are presenting their candidates. NPP is busy on tribal politics,” he claimed.

According to Mr. Suwaneh, the government set the commission of inquiry to witch-hunt hardworking mayors and chairmen and mislead the public ahead of the election.

“A credible source close to the NPP executives told me the party will not announce their candidates until after the election of the councillors because of the tribal selection they want to do.

“They already made up their mind on who to be selected but they are avoiding a fraction that’s why is delayed until after the councillor’s elections.

“Because if they announce their candidates now it will negatively impact their councillor election,” Hagi claimed a source informed him during his recent tour across the country.

Mr. Suwaneh further stated that he obtained information that NPP have plans to remove some people from their positions and use them to win the election.

“They promised those positions that are temporary, but plans are underway to sack those soon they settle.

My source further revealed to me that NPP wants a candidate who is from Basse either in Mansajang or Samba Tako. Other applicants outside Basse will not be selected,” he disclosed.

Hagi warned UDP prominent people who want to join NPP that they will not be selected to contest in West Coast Region.

“The commission is only targeting Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe of Banjul, Talib Ahmed of KMC, Foday Janko of Basse Area Council, Landing B Sanneh of Kansa Konko Area Council,” he ended.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Farmers group in Central River Region (CRR) North, who benefited from the Rice Value Chain Project (RVCP), have vowed to end the high dependency on imported rice in the country as they began selling locally cultivated and packaged rice which is free from chemicals.

The farmers group have now started to enjoy the fruits of their labour compared to the traditional rice farming that focuses mostly on cultivating rice for family consumption.

Kawsu Fofana, a rice farmer at Kuntaur village who lead CRR north rice farmers group currently marketing their rice at the Trade Fair expressed gratitude to the project for showing them a way to make farming a lucrative business.

“Before, we only cultivate rice for consumption, but the RVCP has taught us how to make more income from it,” he said, adding that they were given 21 days of training to help them understand how to use different varieties of rice.

In the beginning, 25 people representing different villages were trained and provided with seeds and fertilizer to start rice farming. The farmers said they are determined to reduce the dependency on imported rice in the country in a few years.

“We come here to sell the rice that we cultivated. The price is low compared to the imported rice, and we want people to patronize us,” Mr Fofana added.

The rice cultivated is distributed to the local market to attract buyers. Mr Fofana said they are challenged with accessing a large market. “We only have weekly ‘lumos’ (market day) which is not big.

“Now we have Marou Farm and Zakaria business operators who are coming on board to buy our rice. We are selling our rice at D1,700,” Mr Fofana explained.

However, he added that they don’t have the much-needed equipment to level the rice fields so that the flow of water can be controlled.

“We want to produce more rice for the country to help reduce the price of rice, but we are challenged because in the rains water will destroy our rice,” the rice farmer noted.

The trip of the team selling their rice at the Trade Fare was facilitated by Rice Value Chain Project (RVCP) to help them access markets.
They are using three different varieties which can be harvested every three months. These are varieties that can help farmers generate income in a short period.

“We are grateful to the project officials for helping access the market and now we are able to sell rice,” he returned in gratitude. “If other projects can emulate RVCP, rice importation will reduce in the country.”

The farmers in CRR North are represented at the Trade Fair by Kawsu Fofana from Wassau, Mariama Ceesay of Naini Sukuta, Serreng Tunkara of Jarumbeh Koto, Nyima Barrow of Tubakoto and Modou Musa Ceesay of Barjali village.

Meanwhile, Gilbert Jassey, Regional Coordinator Farmers business school CRR north representing Rice Value Chain, said they focus on rice production with funding from the African Development Bank to the tune of $7.7m.

According to him, the project’s main intervention areas are URR and CRR north and south where they work directly with the regional directorate of agriculture and farmers.

“We support farmers with training and inputs like seeds and fertilizer to make farming easy for them. We have been supporting them for the past three years to push their production by making rice available for every Gambian.

“We help them to market their rice. The price of rice is escalating daily, and we are encouraging people to buy the locally produce rice which is free from chemicals compared to the imported rice,” he said.

He added that the rice produced by the farmers is pure and fresh which is good for consumption, saying it is directly from the farm to the market.

“We want rice to be affordable to everyone in the country. The imported rice is fumigated to the extent that even the insects are afraid to eat the rice and it has sight effects. The rice produced here is free from chemicals and is healthy,” Mr Jassey said.

Event DC, an office under the Government of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC, United States of America has hailed The Gambia through the Embassy in Washington, DC, for what it described as ‘outstanding cultural education’ during the 2022 Embassy Passport DC in Washington DC.

Embassy Passport is an annual cultural event in Washington, DC where Embassies take part to showcase their culture, tradition, cuisine and opportunities for investment. It is widely attended by thousands of Washingtonians and covered by American Public Broadcasting.

The recognition of The Gambia was made on 16th February 2023 during Embassy Breakfast held at Walter E. Washington Convention Centre in Washington, DC under the aegis of Event DC.

The objective of Embassy Breakfast was to inform the 54 Embassies in attendance how preparations were framing up, and also the preparation that needed to be put in place for this year’s cultural display slated for May 6, 2023.

The Embassy expects to receive between 3000 to 5000 people at The Gambia Embassy purposely to learn about The Gambia, its culture, tradition, opportunities and culinary.

In welcoming Embassy representatives, Ms. Angie M. Gates, President and Chief Executive Officer of Event DC, expressed delight in receiving Embassy representatives at the Embassy Breakfast. She said that she was delighted to have the Cultural Tourism DC team join the DC Event family. This, she indicated, represents inclusivity and diversity.

The forthcoming event, Ms. Gates said, would be a wonderful opportunity to show the uniqueness of Washington, DC as well as showcase and recognise the asset of culture each country would bring to the table in Washington, DC. She said this ranges from music, arts, culinary and culture. She said the annual participation fee that participating Embassies pay has been waived.

It could be recalled that last year was The Gambia’s maiden participation at Passport DC which marked the 15th anniversary of the annual event.

Issued by the Embassy of The Gambia in Washington, DC

Saikou Ceesay

First Secretary (Information and Cultural Affairs)
The Embassy of The Gambia in Washington, D.C.
5630 16th Street Northwest
Washington, D.C 20011