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Hamat Bah says NRP will never contest Barrow for presidency

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By: Ousman Saidykhan

The National Reconciliation Party (NRP) will never contest for the Presidency as long as the president of the Gambia and party leader of the National People’s Party (NPP), Adama Barrow throws his hat into the ring, said Hon. Hamat Bah, the party leader and Secretary-General of NRP.

Bah, who also serves as the Minister of Tourism was speaking at the Party’s Biennial Congress in Sare Bojo, Jimara Constituency, URR on Thursday 29th December 2022.

“We will support Adama Barrow even if he wants a third term. And I pledged never to contest against Adama Barrow. But other than Adama Barrow, let nobody have any illusion that we will mortgage this party, or our desire to be president to anyone,” Hamat Bah told delegates and militants.

He told the gathering that the party is stronger now than before and is committed to leading the Gambia subject to Barrow’s intention to contest.

Barrow came to power through a coalition in 2016 to end the 22-year rule of the former President, Yahya Jammeh.

He later formed his party, the National People’s Party and won the 2021 presidential election, securing his second term in office through the help of NRP and other parties that joined him.

The NRP, arguably instrumental in Barrow securing a second term, holds that Barrow is the best to serve as president for this country.

“And I’m urging all NRP militants to make sure that this coming local government election, we do not contest against NPP in any form at any part of the country,” said the party leader, warning that anyone who goes against this would be making what he called a “fundamental mistake.”

GAP leader promises crackdown on homosexuality, ‘unnecessary divorce’ if elected President

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By: Dawda Baldeh

Musa Ousainou Yali Bachilly, leader of Gambia Action Party (GAP) told members and supporters of his party that a GAP led government will not tolerate homosexuality and what he called ‘unnecessary divorce’.

Mr. Bachilly was speaking at the party congress held at Tamala Hotel on Thursday 29th December 2022.

“A government led by GAP will have zero tolerance for people who practice homosexuality as they will not have rights or privileges in the country.

Calamity will not fall on us because of a few individuals who have sold their inner peace for money due to white supremacy,” he added.

Speaking on a range of issues, Mr. Bachilly told party comrades that “unnecessary divorce” will also be a thing of the past in a government headed by his party.

“We will make divorce very difficult. You cannot marry and divorce anyhow. It must be on concrete reasons that are in line with our religion.

Some people are taking advantage of others; they will marry and divorce anytime they wish. You cannot marry someone for a specific interest, and after getting that, you divorce the person. It will not happen if I become President,” he vowed.

Mr. Bachilly promised to make marriage easy in the country as a way of discouraging adultery and fornication.

The GAP leader further stated that the country will be in a massive transformation process if he is elected president.

He made several other promises during the party congress, outlining reforms he to foster unity and development in the country.

Veteran artist Freaky Joe crowns ST as GOAT

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By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Veteran Gambian Afro-Manding, hip-hop, and reggae artist Singateh Rise, also known as Freaky Joe, has crowned ST Brikama BOYO as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) among this current generation of Gambia artists due to his longevity and consistency over the decade.

The music producer and engineer who has now established his music studio in the country exclusively told The Fatu Network that the rapper’s consistency and his ground-breaking album launch at the Independence Stadium made him stand out among his peers.

“Right now, this generation, obviously, he’s untouchable. He is the GOAT of their generation. In the past ten years, he has been more consistent,” Singateh told TFN.

Freaky Joe said people should be fair to ST, noting that his album launching at the Independence Stadium was a trendsetter for all the other artists, saying such a feat cannot be wiped out like that.

Singateh, who has five albums to his name and dominated the Gam music industry in the mid to late 2000s, while tagging ST for his consistency over the years and crowning him as the GOAT of his generation, equally noted that ST’s seat is burning with the rise of Attack who has recently won the Wah Sah Halat Music Awards artist of the year.

Impressed by Attack’s style of music and confidence as an artist, Singateh said that before ST realizes what is happening, he will be overtaken because no one stays at the top forever. He however advised ST to be steadfast if he wants to remain on top.

“There are others coming, and he has to be steadfast because no one stays there for too long. Someone is coming, and he has seen that. Before he knew it, he will sleep out,” he stressed.

The music mogul couldn’t go without praising Attack for his evolution and style of music. He said the young rapper’s music is a reflection of his personality and compared him to American rapper, Lil Wayne. He said Attack’s rapid growth in the musical industry surprises him.

“When you look at Attack, artistically, he is more marketable. His style of music showcases the type of person he is. I like the energy he brings into his music. Now he is at a level where he thinks that it is his time”.

The veteran singer, songwriter and now a music engineer and producer, repeatedly stated that if ST sleeps, he will be overtaken.

Sports Minister – ‘We consider 2022 as the most successful year in our sporting history’ 

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By: Dawda Baldeh 

Youth and sport minister Bakary Y Badjie has described 2022 as the ‘most successful year’ in Gambian sporting history’. He made the statement during a site visit at the Independent Stadium where renovation exercise is ongoing.

“We consider 2022 as the most successful year in our sporting history. It is the year we qualified for AFCON for the first time and the team went up to the quarter-final of the African Cup of Nations. There is nothing bigger than that in our sports,” Minister Badjie told journalists on Wednesday.

He added that Gambians athletes have also been doing well in 2022.

“The athletes won a gold medal in Mauritius; they went to Birmingham in the Commonwealth Games and won a silver medal for the first time, and also to the Islamic Games where they won gold medal for the relay and 200m…,” he narrated.

He further highlighted the performance of Gambia U20 team in the WAFU Championship where the team secured qualification to participate in the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt 2023.

He reiterated that the country under his Ministry, with support from the government, made massive improvements in all sporting disciplines in 2022.

Minister Badjie underscored progress made during the recently concluded NAYCONF that brought together young people from different regions and backgrounds across the seven regions of the country to explore their talents.

“We have seen the display of talents in all sporting activities by the youths who are potential national assets. The NAYCONF is a way to bring out talents from rural areas. We saw the records some of them made, like Lamin Basse who made a very good record in athletics. Like many others, he could be an asset for the country,” he concluded.

Three in court over alleged disobedience of court order

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By: Ousman Saidykhan

Landing Badjie, Bob Malick Badjie, and Malick Bob Badjie; 1st, 2nd and 3rd accused persons respectively, were arraigned at the Brusubi Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 27th December 2022 for, amongst other counts, allegedly disobeying a high court order, an offence that attracts a two-year jail term.

Justice BA Bakre of the Banjul High Court issued an order on the 2nd of November 2022, restraining Landing Badjie and all his associates from entering Conson Africa (Gambia) Ltd., a company he (Landing Badjie) is being jointly sued by Ryan Colson, John McClinton and Colson Transport Limited.

In that case, the plaintiffs are claiming, among other things, a declaration that certain vehicles allegedly registered in the name of Landing Badjie, the first defendant are Bonafide properties of the plaintiffs and are meant for the business of the second defendant, Colson Africa (Gambia) Ltd.

The Trio has not only been accused to have defied the restraining order from High Court; the 3rd, 2nd and 1st accused persons have each been respectively charged with: Common Assault; Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm and Incitement of Violence.

Bob Malick Bob Badjie and Bob Malick Badjie are accused to have assaulted one Ebrima Camara whilst Landing Badjie allegedly incited violence at Colson Africa (Gambia) Ltd, a place they were restrained from entering.

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The punishment for counts with which the three are individually charged; Common Assault; Assault Causing Actual Bodily Harm and Incitement of Violence are: 1-year, 5-year and 3-year jail terms.

They have been granted bail in the sum of D200, 000 each and a Gambian surety.

The case was adjourned to the 25th of January 2023.

Kerewan Dumbokono natives seek funds to complete health centre

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By: Dawda Baldeh

Residents of Kerewan Dumbokono in the Central River Region (CRR) are seeking help to finish the construction of their first-ever self-funded health centre which is now at the finishing stage, but work is delayed due to a lack of finance. The health centre, when completed, will put an end to women giving birth on the way before reaching the hospital in Bansang.

Kerewan Dumbokono is 14 kilometres away from Bansang where the main hospital within the region is located. It further lies an estimated 350 kilometres from the capital Banjul, where the country’s main referral hospital is located.

Muhammed Korgura, the Public Relations Officer of the Village Development Committee (VDC), told journalists that the hospital construction began in 2016 to ease the challenges in accessing healthcare for villagers.

“The village is 14 kilometres from Bansang where the main hospital within the region is located. Our people suffer a lot before they access healthcare on time. We decided to start constructing a health centre in the village to help our people,” he said.

Mr Korgura added that sometimes pregnant women will give birth on their way to the hospitals due to the distance and poor roads.

“Some women will lose a lot of blood after giving birth on the way before reaching the hospital. We engaged the hospital authorities in Bansang when we wanted to construct a health centre in the village. They gave us the go-ahead after they saw our plan and they gave us the necessary advice,” he added.

Several speakers buttressed the challenges pregnant women and other patients face in the village and its surrounding in accessing healthcare services.

The villagers said the health centre if completed will be used by the entire community as they are surrounded by nearly fifty villages that are also facing similar problems.

“The work has stopped because of financial constraints. Our main support is from Mawdo Marena, a native of the village who is residing in Germany. He helps us with anything that has to do with finance while we also do the manpower work,” Mr Korgura pleaded.

For his part, Julaba Fatty, the Alkalo of the village said any support from anyone for the construction of the health centre will go a long way in addressing their access to healthcare challenges in the village and its surrounding.

“My people are suffering to access healthcare. Bansang is very far from the village, and this is affecting our people. The hospital will ease the burden on us. The hospital is well-planned, and it is designed in a way that will accommodate many patients. If you have a sick person during the rains if you are not lucky the person will die,” Alkalo Fatty said.

According to the Alkalo, drivers will not transport patients to the village during the rainy season due to the poor roads and patients suffer a lot.

“We have written letters to the government to help us with the necessary equipment if the construction is completed. The construction is almost finished but now we don’t have money.”

The residents are calling on the government, NGOs, and philanthropists to support the finishing of their hospital.

Barrow promises to never turn away from the Constitution

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By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The president of the Republic of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, has promised to never shy away from upholding the Constitution of the Gambia in defence of the country.

President Barrow assured to uphold the Constitution while addressing his National People’s Party militants in their ongoing maiden party congress at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Centre in Bijilo.

“I promise never to turn away from the constitution with which you entrusted the task of defending the nation. And I reassure you that, the progress and development of the Gambia are my priorities,” he said.

Barrow’s government has, on several occasions, been tagged for going against the constitution. The last of which is the continued detention of the United Democratic Party General Campaign Manager, Momodou Sabally, who has been under police custody since last week.

Over 50% of Gambians re-entrusted President Adama Barrow to continue steering the affairs of the state when he contested as the presidential candidate for his National People’s Party in the December election.

According to Barrow, the National People’s Party was never struggling for relevance or visibility in the run-up to the December presidential elections. He explained that the people accepted and voted for the National People’s Party because of their reliable and progressive force.

“The people recognize that the NPP is not struggling for relevance or visibility, instead, they accept us as a reliable and progressive force with a concrete development target as confirmed by the 2018-2021 National Development Plan and 2023 to 2027 recovery focus NDP in progress.”

The president, while addressing his party militants, pointed out that the December presidential election victory came with great expectation for the continuous development that he’s been doing in the Gambia.

The National People’s Party are currently holding their first-ever congress since its establishment in January 2021.

Anti-Littering Law: 149 cases recorded, 1 case at court, MECCNAR Minister says

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By: Ousman Saidykhan

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources have recorded one hundred and forty-nine (149) cases in their enforcement of the Anti-Littering Regulation in the first quarter of the 2022 year, Rohey John Manjang informed Parliament on Wednesday 21st December 2022.

The minister did not go deep into the nature of the cases but admitted that the number is “a little bit small” given the population of the Gambia is over 2 million people.

“Notwithstanding, to give a success rate, out of the 149 [cases], 148 all complied according to the Act and one (1) was a stumbling block,” the minister told Parliament, adding that the only “stumbling block” had since been taken to court.

Rohey John Manjang has also said the country’s only sewage treatment plant, Aqua-Sewage Treatment Plant has failed them, and the National Environment Agency is taking them to court over environmental pollution.

The Anti-Littering Law has been in the Gambia for over ten years, but its enforcement has always been a problem. It seeks to stop indiscriminate dumping and ensure the country is clean.

“We all need attitudinal change. It is disheartening to say that some of us continue to talk about these laws that are not compliant. It is unfortunate and we need serious attitudinal change,” said Minister Manjang.

She was asked by the Member for Latrikunda Sabiji, Yaya Sanyang, whether her ministry considers creating a specialised court to deal with such cases because normal court processes might delay.

“Good suggestion. Maybe I would sell that to my technicians so that we can put that to enforcement,” she replied.

Activist Omar Saibo: ‘He kicked me and gave me a punch in my face and tried to repeat it’

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By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Activist Omar Saibo Camara, who was part of the group of young people who took to the street earlier this morning demanding the unconditional release of Momodou Sabally, has recounted his encounter with the Police Intervention Unit during the protest, saying he was kicked and punched on the face by a PIU officer resulting to bruises on his face.

Saibou, as fondly referred to, exclusively told The Fatu Network how he was punched and kicked by an unknown officer while talking to a police commander on the ground whom he knew.

“The officer came and hit my hands and the Mentholatum I was holding dropped. He stamped on them and damaged them, and then pushed me. While I was talking to one of their commanders whom I know as a course mate at UTG, before I realized that, this other officer came. He kicked me and gave me a punch in my face and tried to repeat it. While he was hitting and kicking me, he was saying so many negative comments. He asked me if I was the only citizen of this country,” Saibou told TFN.

The young activist posted an image of his face with what apparently seemed like bruises, after the short-lived protest which was stopped by the Police Intervention Unit by using tear gas to disperse the small group of protesters.

“Gambia, I have been kicked and punched by the members of the Gambia Police Force, while all the protesters were knelt down during the Never Again Protest today.

“Sadly, the police brutality that we all fought for is back in the Gambia. We will continue to speak against injustice in the Gambia.

We are coming back to the streets on the 2nd of January, at the same time, and in the same spot.“

According to Omar, when they were marching towards the Police Intervention Units (PIU), they were stopped by the PIU officers around Iceman and that’s where they stopped. He told The Fatu Network that they stopped and then began reading their protest statement written by Sabally’s lawyer, who was part of the group.

“When I was reading the statement written by our lawyer, we went on our knees. We were on our knees when they throw tear gas and ran on us. So, people ran, but I didn’t until when I saw Aunty Jai (Sabally’s wife) struggling, we went and rearranged ourselves and push back,” he explained.

Speaking to The Fatu Network, Saibou said he is disappointed that after fighting dictatorship for 22 years, their fundamental human rights are still not respected by the state security personnel.

“I was disappointed by the fact that the protesters were as small as 30 people. The only measure the police had, was to crack down on us. That shows how our fundamental rights are not respected despite fighting for them for over two decades.”

The United Democratic Party (UDP) newly elected General Campaign Manager, Momodou Sabally, was arrested last Wednesday in connection to a purported planned coup attempt by soldiers over a comment he made to his party supporters.

However, Sabally’s detention has exceeded 72 hours uncharged by the police. The police, before the elapsed of the 72 hours, sought approval from the Ministry of Justice that which gave them the authority to keep Sabally who is likely to be charged with treason.

Because of this, young people, both United Democratic Party youth leaders and non-party members took to the street to demand his release.

Despite being tear-gassed by the police, the group announced that they will be back on the street on January 2nd for another protest.

Environmentalists to protest against allocation of Monkey Park to American Embassy

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By: Ousman Saidykhan

Environment activists will stage a national protest in reaction to government’s allocation of part of Forest Park to the American Embassy and what they refer to as the continuous encroachment of forest ecologies such as Monkey Park.

One of the activists, Omar Malmo Sambou, told this medium that they are putting together their action points, adding that they are coordinating the said protest.

In a press release dated 26th October 2022, the Gambia government confirmed the allocation of the said plot to the American Embassy for a state-of-the-art Embassy in Bijilo.

An environment group, Gambia Environmental Alliance (GEA) has described the move by the government as “ridiculously inconsistent with the Wildlife Act.”

The Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources recently said the plot in question is not completely the Forest Park. On the 21st of December 2022, Minister Manjang told Parliament that the allocation of the plot is of benefit to the Gambia’s Tourism Sector.

This appears to have concerned the environmentalists as it shows the government has not considered their condemnation against the allocation.

“Destroying the park isn’t anything we are going to watch,” Omar Malmo Sambou told this medium.

The activist did not mention exactly when, but said the date for the “national” protest will soon be set.

The allocation of the said plot has now become one of the most controversial issues. But for environmentalists, the fauna and flora are at stake if an Embassy is built there.

 

Protest group accuses AG Chambers of planning to charge Sabally with treason

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By: Sarjo Brito

A group of youths who took to the streets on Monday, December 26, 2022, to demand the unconditional release of Momodou Sabally has accused the Attorney General’s Chambers of planning to charge Mr Sabally with treason as a plot to keep him in Mile II, thereby deterring him from campaigning in the forthcoming local government election.

The group who converged opposite the PIU headquarters before being dispersed by the police with teargas said the planned move to charge him with treason is well-calculated to silence him.

“Gambians both here and the diaspora know that his statement is not treasonous. However, since treason is not bailable, regardless of the lack of merit of any such prosecution, Sabally will be remanded in Mile II throughout the trial.

“That is the objective of the government. To put Sabally in prison so that he cannot campaign in the upcoming local government elections. This is a well-calculated move by the politicians, aided and abetted by the criminal justice system to silence Sabally,’’ the group said in a statement.

The group said that the arrest and detention of Momodou Sabally for over 72 hours without a single charge is a clear indication of abuse of powers by the state institutions that have been entrusted to protect the fundamental rights of its people.

“The Police and Attorney General’s Chambers know that they do not have a case against Sabally. However, they intend to restrict his constitutional fundamental rights and freedom, so they filed a bogus ex-parte application to prolong his detention. In Sabally’s case, it is evident that the state institutions given the constitutional mandate to protect and enforce fundamental rights and freedom are the perpetrators, using the law to violate his rights and freedom.’’

Momodou Sabally has been under police custody for six days. His arrest came following a widely circulated video on TikTok where he said the Gambian President Adama Barrow will be uprooted before the forthcoming local government elections.

Some Gambians, including the leader of the United Democratic Party Honourable Ousainou Darboe, have since demanded his release, accusing the judiciary and Gambia Police of conniving to intimidate the UDP ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.

Lawyer Ousainou Darboe: ‘We will definitively take this country’

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By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Despite accusing the judiciary and the police of conniving with President Adama Barrow amidst Momodou Sabally’s arrest and ahead of the local government elections, United Democratic Party leader Ousainou AN Darboe has told the press that his party will take the country in local government elections and that they will not be intimidated.

The UDP party leader uttered this in a press briefing held at the party’s bureau in Manjai on Saturday 24th December while addressing the press on the arrest and detention of the party’s new general campaign manager, Momodou Sabally.

“What is happening is that the judiciary and the police are conniving with Adama Barrow, because they know the local government elections are coming; they are losing grounds, so this is a way to intimidate people. We will never be intimidated! We will definitely take this country, and we are prepared to take the country. If you mean taking the country means taking government, well, that is your interpretation,” lawyer Darboe, in optimism, uttered.

On Wednesday evening, the Gambia Police announced the arrest of UDP’s Momodou Sabally in connection to a purported planned coup that emerged on Tuesday evening. The arrest and eventual detention, according to the police, was in connection to a TikTok video circulating online where Sabally addressed ‘UDP TikTokers’.

The former Vice President informed the press that Sabally’s arrest has been planned several months ago. He revealed that some time ago, an audio was received from an NPP member who called for the silence of Momodou Sabally and Ebrima Dibba, both members of UDP.

He said the NPP’s plans are hatched now, and the judiciary is being used in the ‘unholy act’.

“This is a scheme that had been conceived several months ago. The evil scheme that they conceived has now been hatched, and unfortunately, the judiciary has been used in this unholy act”, Darboe voiced.

According to Lawyer Ousainou AN Darboe, Sabally never said they will take over the government. He emphatically told the press that Sabally said the UDP will lock the country, which is in essence means the party will lock up the country so that President Barrow will find it uncomfortable to go to any part of the country.

“If Sabally said we will lock this country, what is wrong with that? Does that tantamount to taking over this government?” he asked.

He said Sabally’s continuous detention is an abuse of judicial process.

“We want to assure you all that, in fact, what is happening is just an abuse of judicial process”, he asserted.

The Fatu Network understands that some youths are planning a protest on Monday against the detention of Mr. Momodou Sabally. Additionally, an unconfirmed judiciary source tells this medium that Momodou Sabally would be charged for treason.

Sabally’s lawyer to seek ‘legal remedy’ in court over ‘abhorrent’ detention

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By: Hadram Hydara

Momodou Sabally’s legal representative, Lawyer Abdoulie Fatty, has condemned and expressed dismay over the High Court’s decision to grant the Attorney General’s Chambers “ex-parte” application requesting to prolong the detention of his client beyond the constitutionally mandated 72 hours, pledging to challenge the decision and “seek legal remedy” in court.

Mr Sabally was arrested on Wednesday over a video in which he could be seen seemingly suggesting that President Barrow will be unseated before the local government election. This comes following Tuesday’s alleged foiled coup plot by some members of the Gambia Armed Forces.

“I learn with utter shock, concern and disappointment that the Attorney General’s Chambers today filed an ex-parte application seeking the detention of Mr. Sabally beyond the mandatory 72 hours expressively prescribed by the Constitution of The Gambia 1997,” said Barrister Fatty.

Fatty argued that despite his client being in detention since Wednesday, the police do not seem to have any evidence whatsoever to justify requesting a court order to prolong his detention, noting that he has only been interrogated just once since his arrest.

“Shortly after Mr. Sabally’s arrest on Wednesday, he was interrogated by the police serious crime/major crime unit in which he cooperated and even wrote a statement.

“That was the last time he was questioned by the police even though he continues to be under their custody. He was neither questioned yesterday nor today. This begs the question, what is the purpose and rationale for keeping Sabally in detention when the police do not seem to have any further questions for him?

“It is my opinion that if the police had a substantive and compelling case against Mr. Sabally, they would have either charged him or continued to interrogate him. He is not charged with any offence. Therefore, what is so profoundly exceptional and cogent to justify seeking a court order for his continuous detention?”

Sabally’s counsel further said the application filed at the High Court seeking to extend his client’s detention is nothing but a mere tactic to limit his freedom and a “deliberate” and “well-calculated” move to circumvent the mandatory provision of the Constitution.

“Mr. Sabally’s arrest and unreasonably prolonged detention are abhorrent. Today’s application is purposely designed to restrict his civil liberties and bypass a compulsory constitutional provision. It is my opinion that this is a deliberate and well-calculated exercise, and it is an abuse of the law and the court process to achieve objectives that are not consistent with the letter and spirit of the constitution,” adding that there is “no legal and or justifiable basis for his continuous detention”.

Mr Fatty promised to seek redress for his client in court: “In terms of today’s decision to legalise Mr. Sabally’s detention beyond 72 hours, I will challenge this decision and seek appropriate legal remedy in a court of competent jurisdiction”.

The so-called coup and the illegal detention of Momodou Sabally

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By: Madi Jobarteh

The situation surrounding the so-called coup attempt announced by the Government and the illegal arrest of Momodou Sabally should be taken with utmost seriousness by citizens in order to prevent the increasing abuse of the rule of law and human rights in this country. A coup is a significant event both in conception and execution as it aims to subvert the will of the people. Hence if there is an attempted coup, there is every need for all citizens to be alert and the Government should take it quite seriously. Similarly, all citizens must be hugely concerned when a person is illegally arrested and detained by state authorities.

It has been more than 48 hours now since the Government announced a so-called coup attempt. Yet all that the Government could provide to citizens is a list of few names and mostly incomplete names. This does not show that the Government is taking this matter with seriousness. The Gambia Armed Force is a statutory body in which each and every serving man and woman is documented. Hence the idea of providing half names cannot arise. Therefore, citizens must be concerned about the quality of information that the Government is providing which only serves to cast doubt on the veracity of the Government information.

Since this so-called coup attempt was announced, citizens have not seen any troop movements to indicate an abnormal situation as befits a coup. There has been no announcement of a curfew and no special checkpoints to indicate any imminent subversive activities. Rather both the Government and citizens continue with business and life as usual. Therefore, what kind of coup attempt is? Is this coup true or false?

Similarly, the arrest of Momodou Sabally for a video commentary that he will take the Government before the local government elections is unjustified and illegal. The comments by Sabally come within his right to freedom of expression and political participation. As a politician and a leader of a registered political party, he has the right to speak in terms of taking over the Government. The objective of every political party is to take State power. Therefore, Sabally’s comments are within his rights as a citizen and a politician who is engaged in democratic political discourse.

If Sabally had been found to mobilize weapons or called for incitement to violence or ask citizens to illegally overthrow the Government, then there is justifiable reason to question him. But Sabally never made such comments hence it is utterly unconstitutional, illegal and tyrannical to clampdown on him for the comments he made. The IGP must be told to not involve himself to stifle the political activities of political parties and citizens.

Furthermore, Sabally’s continued detention is totally unjustified. Sabally is not armed, nor does he have a group of armed militias waiting for him. Hence even if the police feel concerned about his comments, it does not still warrant for his continued detention. Sabally should not have spent the night in a police cell and much more to be denied to see his family and lawyers at any time. The IGP is merely intimidating Momodou Sabally, and by extension frightening all politicians and citizens. The IGP is not the guardian of political discourse. We must not allow the IGP to concoct trumped up charges against an innocent citizen only to damage all of our rights and freedoms.

Therefore, all citizens must demand that Sabally be released immediately, unconditionally and offered an unreserved apology by the IGP for this gross violation of his rights, while he reserves the right to sue the IGP for illegal arrest and detention. Citizens must not brush aside this illegal detention simply because this misconduct by the IGP goes to the very heart of our rights and security as citizens in this country. Every citizen has a right to express himself or herself about the President and the Government in terms that one can consider to be unpleasant and silly. But this is no reason for the IGP to prance on citizens.

Similarly, the Government must come out to tell Gambians the true story about this so-called coup. I have huge reservations about this coup because of the decisions, words and actions of the Government so far. Citizens need to know what the Government knows about the motives, objectives and plans of these so-called coupists. But if the Government cannot even identify the full names of officers of the Gambia Armed Forces, one wonders how true is this coup?

Citizens must not let another Government play with our minds and scare us into submission. We are well aware how Tinpot Dictator Yaya Jammeh used to announce fake coups only to clampdown on perceived enemies, political opponents, journalists, business people and ordinary citizens. He had used fake coups to infringe on rights and plunder public resources while entrenching himself in power. This kind of malpractice must not be allowed to happen ever again.

Citizens must tell Pres. Barrow that Gambians will not ever allow such schemes and violations to happen ever again. Release Momodou Sabally now and inform the public about the full information about this so-called coup. I wish to call on all political parties to stand up and speak out against the infringement on Momodou Sabally’s rights bearing in mind that if it could be done to Sabally today, so could it happen to other politicians another day soon. Already we have witnessed the infringements on Dr. Ismaila Ceesay in 2018, and against other politicians and citizens like myself in 2020.

Stand up for the rule of law and human rights! Now.

For The Gambia, Our Homeland

Foni Kansala NAM rebuts claims that Jammeh’s audio instigated coup attempt 

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By: Sarjo Brito

The National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, Almameh Gibba, has rebutted claims that Jammeh’s LRR audio promising to return to the Gambia and rule again may have instigated the recent attempted coup. Speaking exclusively to the Fatu Network on Thursday, Honorable Gibba said while he condemns any coup attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government, reports that Jammeh instigated the said coup attempt are totally false and uncalled for.

‘’Everybody is entitled to their opinion. Jammeh spoke and everybody heard him. Jammeh had never mentioned a coup. He has never said I am coming with arms and ammunition to attack the Gambia. So, associating Jammeh with this coup attempt just does not add up. I am telling the Gambian people to be mindful of the things they are saying. Jammeh never said he was coming to take over through a coup,’’ Gibba said

Almameh Gibba added that removing any democratically elected government in the country is not only unconstitutional but must not be entertained. The Foni Kansala NAM however accused the sitting government of opening its arms to known coupists whom he said are current members of the country’s armed forces.

‘’This current government was the same one that has laid a red carpet for known coupists. If anyone is a coupists or is alleged to be one, let them not be reinstated in the army and stop dismissing officers based on tribal lines and fake security issues.’’

Meanwhile, the news of an attempted coup to overthrow Gambian President Adama Barrow has sent shockwaves amongst Gambians, with many condemning the attempt.

The Gambia government has since announced the arrest of five security officers while two are on the run. The government said investigations into the foiled coup attempt are still ongoing.

Regional bloc ECOWAS has reiterated its support for the Barrow administration and said it rejects in totality any unconstitutional change of government in any Member State.

Man absconds with rented car to Senegal    

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By: Dawda Baldeh

Babucarr Samateh, a resident of Bakau Newtown who does car rental business, told The Fatu Network that a Senegalese national named Muhammed Jah has absconded with his red RAV4 car with registration number KM 6014 D to Senegal.

The alleged incident is said to have occurred when the Senegalese national rented the car some months ago to go for ‘Magal Touba,’ an annual pilgrimage of the Senegalese Mourides.

“I rented my car to Muhammed Jah who came to my house with Pap Secka. I didn’t ask for documents as guarantee because I know Pap who happens to be my neighbor. We agreed that he will go with the car for two weeks and he (Muhammed Jah) paid the money,” Babucarr explained.

Babucarr’s hope of getting his car back began fading days after the agreed date elapsed with Muhammed cutting off communication with him.

“After the week elapsed, he [Muhammed] said he will spend another three days. Suddenly, he cut off communication between us. After two months, he called me and said he was sick.

He asked me to send him money so that he can buy fuel and a new battery for the car and that he would drive the car to Koalack where I would collect it,” he narrated.

However, Babucarr said after sending the money, Muhammed stopped communicating with him.

“I have reported the matter to Interpol in Banjul. They said they are investigating the matter but I haven’t heard from them. I will go to Senegal to report the matter if I don’t hear from Interpol in few days,” he said.

Babucarr expressed his dismay, saying that the trust he has in his neighbor was what led him to rent out the car on a casual agreement.

He said he does not know where Muhammed lives in Senegal, calling on security authorities and the public to help him get back his car.

Mamadou Bah (2) calls coup attempt “senseless act” that can’t be justified 

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2021 presidential aspirant Mamadou Bah (2) has in strong terms condemned the reported coup attempt to oust the democratically elected government of President Adama Barrow.

Mr. Bah (2) called the coup attempt a “senseless act” that cannot be justified by any cause.

“I am gravely concerned by and strongly condemn unconstitutional changes of government in any form under any circumstances. I am saddened to hear of the recently planned coup by a few members of our security forces. No cause can justify such senseless act in current world situations,” he stated.

The 2021 presidential aspirant condemned the move and called on politicians and communities to do same.

“I strongly urge all communities and politicians to reject all forms of unconstitutional changes of government in our motherland The Gambia. With our young growing democratic and freedom of association, I condemn in the strongest terms and concrete actions any military coup and I am calling on the military that President was elected by the Gambians under a democratic ticket therefore he must complete his term.”

According to official government statements, some arrests have been made and investigations are ongoing.

The regional bloc Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has made similar condemnation of the coup attempt, noting that it stands with President Barrow government.

“ECOWAS Commission strongly condemns the attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government of the Gambia and underscores ECOWAS’ total rejection of all unconstitutional change of government in any Member State. ECOWAS Commission stands firmly by the democratically elected government of the Gambia and once again reiterated its total condemnation of the attempted coup plot,’’ the regional bloc said in a statement.

GFA condemns Tuesday’s alleged foiled coup

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GFA press release in verbatim:

In a surprise press release this early morning, Mr Ebrahima Sankare the government spokesperson, announced an alleged plot to topple the democratically elected government of president Adama Barrow. If true, this will be a very regrettable occurrence, coming as it were, only a few years after Gambians sacrificed so much sweat and blood to liberate themselves from the brutal dictatorship of Yaya Jammeh.

The Gambia For All party strongly believes in the democratic process and therefore, strongly condemns any attempts to seize power by undemocratic means. At a time when the country is struggling to entrench democratic institutions, this couldn’t have come at a worse time. GFA states categorically that there can never be a justification for an armed takeover of power from a democratically elected government. Gambians have witnessed the brutality and terror, humiliation and rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings by the military regime of Yahya Jammeh.

Military rule in Africa has been and continues to be a curse and setback for national development. The military has an important part to play in our country but, their role is as guarantor of our common security. That is what they should fulfil per their oath of allegiance to the Republic of The Gambia, no more and no less.

It is true that GFA has for a long time lamented the democratic backsliding of the Barrow administration. His embrace of former Jammeh enablers, giving them leadership positions over our hard-fought democratic institutions, is seen as an affront and a betrayal to all the brave men and women who fought tirelessly against tyranny, with some making the ultimate sacrifice. That notwithstanding, we urge our brave men and women in uniform to embrace democracy, this being the surest way to achieve national prosperity and collective advancement.

This alleged threat to our young democracy is a wake-up call for the government to take resolute measures in implementing the Security Sector Reforms. This is extremely important for our collective security and of course, our national development.

Additionally, for democracy to take root, it must have strong institutions. The Barrow government for apparent self-serving reasons decided not to implement the very popular and well-drafted revised constitution, that would have guaranteed the types of strong institutions that are needed for a properly functioning democracy. GFA party, therefore, demands the Barrow government to reintroduce the shelved draft constitution to give our country the fundamental structures and pillars it needs and deserves for a better and prosperous society whose members will all feel that they have a stake in the well-being of our country.

It goes without saying, that it is imperative for the government to conduct a thorough, credible, and transparent inquiry to shed light on this alleged incident. The Executive must come out and assure the public that due process will be followed in all its undertakings, ensuring that no citizen will be subjected to extra-judicial processes for reasons of expediency and convenience.

GFA wishes to ally itself with all the democratic forces in our country in fighting against all forms of dictatorship and any misguided attempts for a military coup.

Long live The Gambia, our homeland.

GFA communications
Ma-Jonka House
Kanifing.
21/12/22

2nd Lieutenant Ebrima Gaye – Gambia Armed Forces International Sword Winner Royal Military Academy Sandhurst

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By: Major Henry Owens (British Army)

The British Army Officer Regular Commissioning Course 221 (9 Jan 22 – 16 Dec 22) commissioned on Friday 16 December 2022 at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst (RMAS). This was the 198th Sovereign’s Parade. I was privileged to be invited as a guest to witness a Gambian make history.

2Lt Ebrima Gaye of the Gambian Armed Forces (GAF) finished his 44 weeks arduous studies at RMAS and out of all the international Officer Cadets, he was bestowed upon 2 awards, namely:

  • International Sword: Considered by the Commandant to be the best International Cadet on the course.
  • The International Award: The top International cadet in military, academic and practical scores.

His citation highlights quite a succinct narrative befitting of a man whose personality echoed around the parade square in front of New College. 2Lt Ebrima Gaye threw himself headlong into the Regular Commissioning Course since his arrival, performing well above the standard expected. Volunteering himself for the course was the first step towards his continuous self-improvement.

Incredibly well suited to military life, 2Lt Ebrima Gaye built upon his basic military training in the Gambian Army and made vast improvements throughout the course. His basic military skills, such as navigation and fieldcraft, are of a high standard, competing strongly against the top UK cadets. He showed a natural flair for leadership, this was particularly evident during a Company Second in Command appointment during the final attack of Exercise DYNAMIC VICTORY where he delivered clear orders and an extremely effective Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) drill. During the action, he maintained strong command and control and good situational awareness of the ongoing battle. He also successfully completed numerous Platoon level appointments with ease throughout the year. He performed to a very high physical standard, achieving top scores in the intake for the Soldiers Conditioning Review (SCR) and easily maintaining his outputs during team events.

Intellectually astute, his grasp of the combat estimate and orders process is sound, scoring in the top third of the entire intake. 2Lt Ebrima Gaye showed himself to understand and analyse theoretical concepts throughout the course. He is inherently engaging, articulate and well-versed in the depth and breadth of the subject. Of particular note was his summative War Studies assessment, where he got the second-highest score of the entire course of 213 British Army Cadets and 44 International Cadets.

A consummate professional, 2Lt Ebrima Gaye has held himself to an impeccably high standard throughout. He displayed trustworthiness, a highly professional attitude and total enthusiasm daily, and for these reasons, he deserved to be formally recognised.

2Lt Ebrima Gaye not only surpassed expectations but he was a shining example of a Young Officer. According to the Officer Commanding Major Alex Burgess, he easily surpassed many of the UK Officer Cadets and against a backdrop of tough competition from the international cohort in the Company. Utterly humble, and totally grateful for everything that he has received. Fit and strong, he exhibits vast reserves of resilience and has devoured all manner of tests during his time at Sandhurst. Bright, motivated and brimming with potential, he will become a fine Instructor and Officer within the Gambian Armed Forces. Recommended to return to RMAS as an Instructor in the future.

In conclusion, a huge congratulations again to a valiant young man. As you begin your life as an officer, continue to uphold the values and standards you’ve learnt in the last 44 weeks and apply them. Remember the RMAS motto, “Serve to Lead”. Always put your subordinates at the heart of all your decision-making. Treat them with respect, humility and loyalty and if these fundamentals are done right, they will be repaid back to you in spades. The journey now begins and shouldn’t be a feat to be undertaken alone. The whole nation, colleagues and the GAF leadership should help mould this young man to reach his potential. He went to faraway lands and made us all proud. Well done and good luck with your career.

Photos

This Article has 4 photos, the captions are below:

  1. 2Lt Ebrima Gaye (GAF) at New College before the Sovereign Parade
  2. 2Lt Ebrima Gaye with Dr Fatoumata Bensouda (Gambian High Commissioner to the UK)
  3. 2Lt Ebrima Gaye and General Sir Patrick Sanders (Chief of General Staff (CGS) UK)
  4. 2Lt Ebrima Gaye at Old College in front of one of the most iconic photographs at RMAS

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Picture 4:

Economic boost: IMF approves US$27.41 million disbursement to The Gambia

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has in a press release disclosed the approval of a whopping sum of about US$27.41 million to be immediately disbursed to The Gambia to assist the country in handling its financing needs and the challenges posed by the Russian-Ukraine conflict and the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the IMF, Gambia’s economy is expected to grow from 4.5 percent in 2022 to 6.0 percent in 2023.

Below is the press release from IMF

MF Executive Board Completes the Fifth Review under the Extended Credit Facility Arrangement for The Gambia and Approves US$27.41 Million Disbursement

The IMF Executive Board decision allows for an immediate disbursement of about US$27.41 million to The Gambia to help meet the country’s financing needs, address the repercussions of the war in Ukraine, and support the post-pandemic recovery.

The Gambian economy is expected to grow by 4.5 percent in 2022 and 6.0 percent in 2023. The repercussions of the war in Ukraine threaten economic and social stability.

The authorities are taking the necessary measures to address the implications of external shocks. They remain committed to strong policies and reforms. Washington, DC – December 14, 2022: Today, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the fifth review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement for The Gambia.

The completion of the review enables the immediate disbursement of the equivalent of SDR20.55 million, about US$27.41 million, to help meet the country’s balance-of-payments and fiscal financing needs amid challenges, including the repercussions of the war in Ukraine and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This brings total disbursements under the ECF arrangement to SDR 65.55 million (about US$87.44 million).

The Executive Board also approved an augmentation of access under the ECF arrangement from SDR55 million to SDR70.55 million (or 113.4 percent of The Gambia’s quota in the Fund), which is the second augmentation of access under this ECF arrangement. Further, the Executive Board completed the financing assurances review and granted a waiver of non-observance of a performance criterion on external arrears.

The ECF arrangement with The Gambia was approved by the IMF’s Executive Board on March 23, 2020, with an initial total access of SDR35 million (or 56.3 percent of quota) that was augmented at the completion of the first ECF review on January 15, 2021 to SDR55 million (88.4 percent of quota). The Gambia has also benefited from an IMF Rapid Credit Facility disbursement of SDR15.55 million and received debt service relief -from the IMF under the Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust, totaling SDR7.9 million.

The Gambian economy is facing multiple exogenous shocks, including the repercussions of the war in Ukraine, the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a major flooding. Growth projections in 2022 have been revised downward from 5.6 percent to 4.5 percent. Inflation reached a record-high level of 13.2 percent (year-on- year) in October 2022. The Central Bank of The Gambia increased further its policy rate to 13 percent in December 2022 to tackle inflationary pressures. The balance of payments is adversely affected by disruptions of timber and cashew exports, weaker-than-expected tourist arrivals, lower remittance inflows, high food and fuel import bills, and elevated freight costs.

These shocks are generating foreign exchange shortages and weighing on forex reserves. Budget execution is facing pressures, 2 including civil service salary increase and fuel revenue losses to alleviate the impact of the high global fuel prices on the population. Executive Board Assessment1 Following the Executive Board discussion, Mr. Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, made the following statement: The Gambia’s performance under the economic program supported by the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) has been broadly satisfactory despite economic and social challenges stemming from the repercussions of the war in Ukraine, the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and a recent major flooding.

Owing to these exogenous shocks, economic recovery and tax collection are weaker than anticipated, while inflationary pressures and foreign exchange shortages are intensifying. The central bank is tightening the monetary policy stance to tackle inflation. It would be paramount to allow smooth functioning of the foreign exchange market and ensure that the exchange rate reflects market forces, which would help restore equilibrium.

Fiscal policy aims at alleviating the impact of the high global fuel and food prices on the population while safeguarding debt sustainability. To keep public debt on a downward path, it would be important to bolster domestic revenue mobilization, streamline tax exemptions, rationalize subsidies to SOEs, strengthen cash management, and further prioritize public investment projects. In view of lingering vulnerabilities, including anticipated increases in debt service obligations at the expiry of the debt service rescheduling period, it would be important to maintain sufficient fiscal and external buffers.

To this end, it would be advisable to contain domestic borrowing, strictly adhere to the external borrowing plan, and seek grants and highly concessional loans. The authorities continue implementation of their ambitious structural reform agenda, including on justice reforms, audits of COVID-19-related spending, public procurement legal framework, and an upcoming governance diagnostic. The authorities are encouraged to further strengthen the business environment to promote private sector-led growth and reduce poverty.

END

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