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

By: Dawda Baldeh

Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, the leader of the Gambia Action Party (GAP) has condemned Tuesday’s attempted coup on President Barrow’s government by some members of the Gambia Armed Forces that led to the arrest of four soldiers.

GAP leader described the act as unconstitutional and a threat to democracy.

“We are all aware that some irresponsible security service officers were allegedly attempting to overthrow the government of the day and thereby leading the nation to a state of fear and instability. As a leader, I totally condemn the act and any accomplice to it,” he said in a statement.

Mr Batchilly also expressed his profound gratitude to the State Intelligence Services and Security Forces for their timely intervention and relentless effort in making sure that peace and security are maintained.

“Knowing the damages and loss involved in such acts, no good citizen should be happy with what happened earlier today,” he added.

He also urges party leaders, and citizens to work towards strengthening peace and stability in the country.

“Freedom and Peace Each Day” to The Gambia Ever True,” he called on everyone to abide by as he condemned the act of some military officers.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The controversial land in Bijilo that has been allocated to the American Embassy for the construction of a state-of-the-art Embassy is not completely the Bijilo Forest Park and it is beneficial for Gambia’s tourism sector, the minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources told Parliament on Wednesday, 21st December 2022.

Rohey John Manjang was answering questions from lawmakers in parliament concerning her ministry’s plan to ensure allocation of the plot in question does not compromise the biodiversity and economic viability in terms of tourism.

“It does not completely compromise it, instead, it has an advantage to tourism. I will tell you that,” Minister Manjang said, adding that the plot given to American Embassy, former ITC and now WALIC, is not completely part of the Forest Park also known as Monkey Park.

“So, it is not the Bijilo Forest Park. I want this to be very clear. What is being affected as far as the Ministry is concerned is where we now call “Visitors’ Center,” she said.

The minister explained to lawmakers how unpresentable the Visitors’ Center is, saying part of the deal is the American Embassy would build a modern and environmentally friendly Visitors’ Center within the plot allocated to them. This, she believes is a win for the Gambia.

“So, we have nothing to lose. [It is like] Take this and give us somewhere that is ideal and build us a modern environmentally friendly Visitors’ Center that you and I would be proud of,” the Honorable Minister told Parliament.

However, the member for Central Badibou disagreed with the minster, saying the country has a big thing to lose as far as the deal is concerned. His argument is that, construction of an Embassy at such place would affect the fauna and flora (animals and plants) and the marine life, given its proximity to the sea.

“You cannot say that we are going to win something out of the deal that is going to make that environment friendly. It is a bad deal for our country,” Sulayman Saho disagreed.

Minister Manjang said there was a committee set up to look into the deal and it is based on the Committee’s advice her ministry is acting.

She was asked whether the plot has been sold or just allocated. The finance minister, who is in that Committee, is the one in position to answer that question, according the Rohey John Manjang.

By: Sarjo Brito

Human rights activist and political pundit, Pasamba Jow, has accused President Barrow of being the reason for former President Yahya Jammeh’s “relevance” in Gambian politics, noting that left to him, Jammeh would be living a comfortable life in The Gambia right now.

Jow’s statement came following the Yaya Tamba-led APRC meeting in Diabugu Upper River Region where the former Gambian leader said he will return soon and rule the Gambia again.

Pasamba Jow, who was part of the struggle that many credited for helping end Jammeh’s 22-year brutal rule, said Barrow’s insatiable desire to remain in power, even if it meant cuddling with ardent supporters of the former president is the reason why Jammeh believes he is still relevant.

“If President Barrow had it his way, Yahya Jammeh would be living a very comfortable life in the Gambia today. The only reason Jammeh is not in the Gambia today is that he reneged on those APRC-NPP negotiations and went on a different path.

“So, whatever Yahya Jammeh is doing today is a result of the ripple effects of Adama Barrow’s insatiable desire to remain President. It was just last year 2021 that President Barrow found it very comforting to go to Yahya Jammeh’s home in Kanilai in the name of reconciliation when he had never set foot at the victim centre,” Jow said.

The human rights activist further drew attention to the presence of people he deems Jammeh’s minions in the current government, noting that their presence could only make Jammeh believe in a possible return.

“And why not for Jammeh to believe that he can come back to power if his biggest lieutenants could now be one of the most important people in that country in Tombong Jatta as Speaker and Seedy Njie as his Deputy? Wasn’t the current Information Minister parading the notion that Jammeh should be made King? If those are the people running the government today, why should Jammeh not be hopeful that he might come back and run that country again?’’

Pasamba Jow added that political greed has and continues to contribute to the predicament of the Gambian people, saying that people with no political principles will go to any length to be and remain in power. Jow said he hopes that Gambians will soon realize that elections do have consequences.

Meanwhile, The Tombong Jatta-led APRC has recently concluded its Congress, where Tombong Jatta was elected as the Chairman and party leader of the party.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

National Assembly Committee on Health, Disaster, Refugees and Humanitarian Relief has recommended the government of The Gambia sue Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd after finding them blameworthy over the deaths of about seventy (70) Gambian children to Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) linked to their products.

“The Select Committee is convinced that Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is culpable and should be held accountable for exporting the contaminated medicines that were linked to the death of at least 70 children in The Gambia in 2022.

“The government should pursue legal action against Maiden Pharmaceuticals for exporting contaminated drugs to the Gambia with the Atlantic brand name,” said the Chair of the Committee, Amadou Camara while presenting the Committee’s inquiry report on the Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) among children.

The Committee has also recommended the MCA blacklist Maden Pharmaceutical’s products and ban all their products in the Gambia.

The Committee’s investigation reveals that all the cases of AKI are linked to the consumption of contaminated medical products imported by Atlantic Pharmaceuticals and manufactured by Maiden Pharmaceutical Ltd, India. However, it indicates that Atlantic pharmacy in The Gambia had followed all regulations for the importation of medicines including the batch that had been contaminated.

The Committee blamed the Gambia’s lack of a quality control lab for the delay in getting the test results linked to the substandard syrups. They have been informed by the government that the World Bank is sponsoring the construction of a modern quality control lab, according to their report.

“The Select Committee, therefore, recommends the government through the Ministry of Health to intensify efforts to complete this task as quickly as possible bearing that it is a requirement under section 50 of the Medicines and Related Products Act 2014. The Committee further recommends at this stage to establish the laboratory under the control of [Medicines Control Agency] MCA as it is the international best practice,” the committee recommends.

The select committee has also recommended that the Health Ministry continue with its sensitization in local languages about the risks of self-medication and consumption in an unregulated market.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The Gambia Wrestling Association (GWA) in collaboration with Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) have trained 25 wrestling coaches in what appears to be an ambitious step to seeing the Gambia produce athletes who will represent the country in the Olympic games.

The week-long level (1) technical coaching course sought to introduce Olympic wrestling to the coaches drawn from clubs affiliated with GWA.

“Gambia wrestling has made significant progress over the years locally and internationally, in ECOWAS wrestling, but our focus is now on Olympic Wrestling. We believe we have the raw talent and all we need is to equip them with the required skills. I strongly believe that if we are supported, Gambian wrestlers will win Olympic medals,” said the president of GWA, Sering Modou Faye.

Wrestling is a popular sport in The Gambia and a favourite of some sections of youths in the Gambia. Although it has not been given the same attention by the government as football and others. Some talents are greatly passionate about the game.

Akuh Purity, the expert who took the participants in the week-long course said he found out that the participants had enough knowledge of the game but only needed someone to bring it out for them.

Yorro Njie, the representative of GNOC’s President said: “The training will no doubt contribute significantly to the building of capacities and professionalism not only in you as a coach, but the Gambia sportsmen and women. This opportunity availed to you will guide you through the facets of coaching and leadership in sports and also enhance the standards and quality of sports delivery in the country.”

Mr Njie encouraged the participants to do the needful by sharing the knowledge gained for the development of Olympic wrestling in the country.

The training covered the rules and terminologies of modern Olympic wrestling among others, in line with United World Wrestling (UWW) standards, to create a platform for wrestlers to participate in Olympic Games and other international competitions.

“This is a very important opportunity that has been given to us. I only hope we will cherish it and transfer the knowledge we have been taught here,” said Mama Faal, a participant.

The Gambia Government has in a press release singed by government spokesperson and presidential diaspora adviser, Ebrima G. Sankareh, confirmed the approval of 20.56 million United States dollars by the Board of Directors of the African Development Fund (ADF) to finance programs at the Port in Banjul and also empower women.

“The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional window of the African Development Bank Group, approved some $20.56 million grant for The Gambia Government.

Specifically, the generous grant will finance various components of the 4^th Banjul Port Expansion Project, notably, widening of the 3-kilometer Bund Road access to the Port, procurement of a new generation PROPAX Ferry for the Banjul-Barra crossing service, trade facilitation measures at the Port of Banjul, hiring of a consultant for an integrated smart Transport Master Plan and technical assistance to the Works Ministry,” the release stated.

The release disclosed that the Port jetty will be extended by 345 meters to accommodate up to three ships simultaneously with an additional space of 22,000M² to the terminal area for the handling of increased volume of containers.

“Ultimately, the upgrading of the Port of Banjul which includes digitalization of information and communication processes is envisaged to significantly reduce ship turnaround time and cut costly congestion and surcharges. These adjustments will subsequently reduce sea freight costs and demurrage payments.”

According to the release, women’s groups are also expected to be empowered through “gender-sensitive procurement and provide jobs especially, for the youths.”

Ruling National People’s Party (NPP) will be holding its first national congress from Monday 26th to Wednesday 28th December 2022 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre in Bijilo.

This is according to a press release from the party signed by its deputy spokesperson Seedy SK Njie.

The said congress will feature the adoption of the Party Constitution, election of national officials by delegates, among others.

This comes after the party has concluded congresses at village, ward, constituency and regional levels.

“The Secretary General and Party Leader of the National People’s Party (NPP), His Excellency President Adama Barrow and the Executive are pleased to inform all members and supporters of the Party as well as the public, that the Party will hold its first National Congress from Monday 26th to Wednesday 28th December 2022 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre in Bijilo,” the party press release disclosed.

The release noted that the party leader, President Adama Barrow is grateful and appreciative to all party members for “successfully conducting local congresses with strict observance of the Party’s rules and regulations consistent with the Party’s internal democratic structures without any hitches,” adding that the President is committed to consolidating “robust and sustained internal democracy” within the party and national politics.

The leadership of the party called on all members and supporters to be disciplined, law-abiding and tolerant.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Amie Sonko, a middle-aged woman and a resident of Lamin village in the West Coast Region, who is divorced and reportedly abandoned with six children by her husband is appealing for help as she and her children’s living conditions turned unbearable. Amie lives in a small house with her six children without a fence and a proper roof.

Speaking to The Fatu Network, the mother of six said her husband abandoned her with the children after they divorced.

“I have six children with the man (ex-husband), he stopped taking care of them since we divorced. He sent me out of the house, but I have nowhere to go with the children,” the single mother narrated.

Amie added that she first reported her ex-husband to the police after having several issues with threats.

“They [police] were shocked when they came to arrest him [ex-husband] because when they saw the house I live in and its conditions…,” she added.

According to her, the ex-husband has also reported her to the police recently, saying if “I don’t leave his house he will kill me” Amie said.

The middle-aged woman said they are living in hell on earth, and she needs any kind of help to live a better life with her children.

“We are living in a terrible condition because the house is very bad and is under a big tree. At night we don’t sleep because we are always scared of what might happen to us. I desperately need help in any form…” Her voice broke as she shed tears.

Apart from the burden on her shoulder, Amie has also been diagnosed with high blood, a sickness she described as a threat to her life. However, Amie strongly believes that her condition is a test from Allah and that she is grateful and hopeful for Allah’s mercy.

“The man has stopped feeding the children and even if they get sick, he doesn’t care. I have hypertension but I cannot sit and watch my children starving. Sometimes we go to bed on empty stomach. I need a place to live and support for my children to get back to school. They are my hope and I want them to be educated so that they can take care of me.

“Two of my boys were supposed to go to grade seven but they dropped out due to our condition. I cried every day when I look at the innocent children in this condition. This was never my wish but only Allah knows,” she explained.

To help feed her children Amie said she will go to the bush daily to fetch firewood which she sells to buy rice. She has five boys and a girl. Amie’s current situation has forced her to call for urgent help for her to live a normal life with her children. For anyone who wishes to support her call. +2203341268

By: Dawda Baldeh

Angry students demanding better learning facilities at the University of The Gambia (UTG) School of Journalism and Digital Media (SJDM) have expressed disappointment in the school authorities for not addressing their problems. The students feel other journalism schools like MAJac are better despite their less expensive tuition fees compared to the UTG.

They made these claims yesterday at the UTG School premises.

They expressed disappointment in the school authorities for not responding to their concerns.

The angry students occupied the school premises chanting with disappointment and anger for their demands to be addressed.

“The school has no studio where journalist students can do practical. You will be surprised to know that people will back a degree and they cannot edit simple audio,” revealed Jainaba Mbowe, acting president of SJDM.

They claimed that the school also has “unqualified” lecturers taking different courses.

“Some lecturers are here they are taking courses they are not qualified to take,” Jainaba claimed.

“We want to see actions to be taken by the management as soon as possible. We cannot continue paying school fees that are more expensive compared to other journalism schools without having the proper learning facilities,” she continued.

The students believe that protesting against the school authorities is the only way out for their demands to be addressed.

“You will go to other media houses to work, and you will be ashamed to see someone from MAJaC or another journalism school [who] can do better than UTG students in practical.

“You cannot call yourself a degree holder when you cannot edit,” she lamented.

Dr. Wumi Adekunle, Dean of SJDM, said the administration is working tirelessly to address the needs of the students.

However, she blamed the rains and the process of procuring equipment needed for the studio for hindering the administration from getting the studio ready.

“We are very concerned but some of their demands are beyond my level. We have contracted a technician for the installation of the studio and that process is ongoing.

We need a lot of patience because things will be settled,” she claimed.

She assured the students of the admin’s commitment to addressing their demands.

The students said they are frustrated because they have been hearing the same promises over the years. They said they are paying 39,600 dalasis per semester.

Kemo Conteh, the President of the UTG Students Union said the union is concerned about the challenges journalism students are facing.

“Their pride and interest cannot be compromised and that is to say the interest of the students is not in competition with the interest of the management,” he said.

Mr. Conteh told journalists that the Union will engage the school management to make sure the plight of the students is addressed.

Contrary to the misrepresentation of facts on the funding modalities of the new headquarters, Town Halls and allied facilities of the Banjul City Council (BCC), The Gambia Government states categorically that this particular development is an output of the Rural Infrastructure Development Project (RIDF) benefitting all the Municipalities and Area Councils across the country.

Funded by the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) to the tune of US$13 million, the project is executed by the Central Government through the Ministry of Lands and Regional Government with The Gambia Agency for Management of Public Works (GamWorks) as implementing entity. This is a loan facility to The Gambia Government negotiated by the current Chief of Staff on 16^th January, 2015 as Finance Permanent Secretary II. It attracts a 1.5 percent interest rate and a twenty-year maturity period.

Without ambiguity, The Gambia Government makes it abundantly clear, that not a single dime came from the World Bank as erroneously claimed by Banjul Mayor, Rohey Malick Lowe during her recent Star FM Radio interview.

Significantly, while The Gambia Government made a counterpart contribution of some US$555,000 (25 million Dalasis) in addition to servicing the US$13 Million on behalf all Councils; the totality of all the Councils’ contribution is barely 39.6 million Dalasis of which, 39.1 million Dalasis was disbursed. BCC was supposed to contribute some 8 million Dalasis but paid close to 7 million Dalasis. Whereas KMC has honoured its obligations under the arrangement, BCC still has an unpaid balance of 426,000 Dalasis owed to GamWorks.

To their credit, the former Lord Mayors of the Kanifing and Banjul Municipalities, Messrs Yankuba Colley and the late Abdoulie Bah, actually initiated these sub-projects.

While Mayor Lowe is right that President Barrow is the Commander-In-Chief of the armed and security forces, the record is equally clear that President Barrow, unlike his predecessor, exudes simplicity, humility and tolerance towards all regardless of their opinion(s).

Therefore, the Banjul Mayor’s allusion to Mr Barrow’s powers in the context of the BCC projects’ funding discourse is irrelevant and politically redundant. Ever since coming to power in January, 2017, Mr Barrow has not abused the use of the security forces and has no intentions whatsoever, of stifling dissent as evident in the proliferation of newspapers, radio stations, televisions and a flurry of Social Media platforms.

Therefore, consistent with transparency and for purposes of full disclosure, we herein reproduce, verbatim, the relevant official documents that explain the genesis and entire project operations.

Press Release – 16^th December 2022

Signed

Ebrima G. Sankareh

The Gambia Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser

By: Ousman Saidykhan

Sainabou Mbye, Cherno Mbye and Kibily have all been acquitted and discharged on Friday 16th December 2022, after the State filed a nolle prosequi, an application expressing their lack of interest in proceeding with the manslaughter case against the three accused persons.

This came as a surprise to some people in the court who were anticipating the continuation of the testimony of Sainabou, the first witness who is also the first defendant in the trial.

“By this notice, the State does not intend to proceed with the prosecution of this case pursuant to Section 85 (1)(c) of the 1997 Constitution,” state counsel MB Sowe said, referring to a document signed by the Attorney General, Dawda Jallow.

The defense counsels therefore applied for their clients to be acquitted and discharged. This was a move to ensure their clients are free from being prosecuted in the future for the same case. The defense applauded the State for agreeing with their application, saying it was the right thing to do.

The defendants could be seen grinning in the dock after the Judge said they were acquitted and discharged. The decision of the Judge was accompanied by a loud celebration from the crowd, family members and sympathizers of the defendants.

The acquittal and discharge declaration by the Court means Sainabou and Co. are now free, even though Justice Jaiteh had ruled on a “no case to answer” submission file by the defense that the accused persons had a case to answer.

Sainabou Mbye, Cherno Mbye and Kibily Dambelly were charged with manslaughter and exposing a child. They pleaded not guilty to the charges, leaving the State with the burden to prove their case.

The prosecution called seven (7) witnesses in the trial, four (4) of whom were police officers, a doctor at Africmed, a neighbour of the accused persons and the mother of the deceased, Baby Muhammed. However, the defense believed the particulars of offence were not proven and therefore filed a “no case to answer” application. The application was dismissed by Justice Jaiteh for lack of merit, urging the defense to open their case.

Two days into the opening of the defense’s case, the prosecution decides they would not proceed with the case, granting freedom to the accused persons.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

Last week dozens of Gambian faith leaders were trained by Faith For Our Planet to use faith-based approaches for climate advocacy. The workshop, the first of its kind in the Gambia was held at the Coco Ocean Hotel in Kololi on Thursday, 8th of December 2022.

Faith For Our Planet (FFOP) is an NGO convened by Dr. Mohamed bin Abdulkarim Al Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League for both interfaith and civil society leaders.

The specialised day-long training was organised by FFOP in partnership with the Commonwealth Africa Initiative and Mugassy Foundation. The event brought together activists, faith leaders and politicians from eight different African countries.

One panel discussion featured prominent faith leaders like Yshaua’u El-Sunais Sani, Founder of ‘Islam for Green Climate’ in Nigeria, Reverend Agostao Zitha, National Program Director of the Christian Council of Mozambique, as well as Gambian lawmaker, Abdoulie Njai who is a member of the National Assembly.

“This is the way we must address the threats of climate change by building a broad-based coalition and this again is one of the important reasons to address faith leaders such as yourselves given the role the faith community plays in setting environmentalist norms and values; anchored in the traditions of our country’s various faiths,” said Permanent Secretary Alieu Njie, in a speech delivered on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources.

The Global Program Coordinator of Faith For Our Planet, Farwah Gulamali Khataw, pointed out the fact that the majority of the world’s population adheres to some faith, adding that this gives the faith leaders power and influence to play a crucial part in championing such environment preservation and climate advocacy.

The Gambia Government has on several occasions talked about its commitment to Paris Agreement; an agreement that was adopted by Parties at COP21 in Paris, on 12 December 2015. It seeks to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming to below 2 or preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

However, the faith leaders, who are seen by Faith for Our Planet as so instrumental in fighting against environmental predicaments have not been fully engaged.

The founder of the Islamic Cultural Centre for Women and Children (ICCWC), Aja Maimuna Savage, underscored the importance of such training workshops and promised they will share the knowledge gained from there.

“We thank God that we have learnt a lot from the presenters here today. It is now our role to preach to others about what we learnt from this workshop. So really, we are going to do our best,” said the renowned female scholar, who is also the Muslim Religious Programme presenter on GRTS, the state broadcaster.

Another participant, Pastor Abdou Salam Dem Sisse said: “I believe that, yes, God has done his own part. But most of these environmental changes are being caused by man. So, I have to tell my people what to do next so that we get (away) from that calamity.”

The prominent pastor believes things will change if workshops like this are often organised to inform faith leaders.

Honourable Abdoulie Njai has also hailed the training workshop that brought together participants from different faiths as “quite timely”. The National Assembly Member of Banjul Central also served in the panel with two renowned religious personalities that discussed issues including gaps in the current climate action approaches.

“Not including these people in the climatic discourse, I think really limits the advocacy to a certain level – because these are people who use their platforms to commit with the masses, especially at the grassroots level. So, I think this convergence – liberating them in terms of the climatic discourse is quite important,” Honorable Njai said.

The training workshop in the Gambia was hailed as a success in equipping faith leaders with the knowledge and skills to inspire climate action in their congregations and communities. As well as facilitating their partnership with governmental, political, and civil society actors.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Several councillors of the Banjul City Council (BCC) have unanimously denied claims of Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe that the BCC councillors are paid 3000 dalasis per budget sitting. The councillors denied these claims at a press conference held at McCarthy Square on Thursday 15th December 2022.

The event was witnessed by Basiru Ndow, the chairman of the BCC finance committee, Mahmoud Ceesay, chairman of the Religious Committee, Abdoulie Boss Gaye, Member and Co-chair of the finance committee, Abdul Aziz Gaye, Waste and Means Committee chairman, Tunko Jammeh, Culture chairman committee, and Momodou Bah, Youths and Sports committee chairman.

These various chairpersons of the different committees who are councillors of the different wards said the finance committee’s mandate is to regulate, formulate, approve and execute a budget that is passed by the committee.

“All councillors are not paid salaries, but they are paid an allowance. The claims are not true. No one is receiving 3000 dalasis per budget sitting. We are only paid 1,500 per sitting which is in the local government act.

“For the mayor to make such claims are incorrect. And if anyone denied this, I would ask the internal auditor of the council to clear the air. Papers will never lie,” Basiru Ndow BCC finance committee chairman threatened.

The councillors also accused Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe of misusing the council’s funds by embarking on travels that are funded by the council without due process.

“Recently, she travelled to the US, her trip was funded by the council to the tune of D200,000 without any invitation. She should be the one to refund the council’s money.”

Basiru Ndow, Chairman of the BCC finance committee said they have a mandate. “It is our responsibility to look after the budget that we approved,” he claimed. According to the councillors, they are supposed to get the budget early so that they can do the needful.

“We have to look at the revenue and how the expenditure is going on. We are trying to finalize the budget but there is a delay in making a budget. What delay the budget is not about allowance as claimed by the mayor,” Basiru Ndow added.

They told journalists that they are working tirelessly to ensure that the 2023 budget is not jeopardized.

“We are working on a 168 million dalasis budget for the entire Banjul, and we need to take time. That’s why we couldn’t approve the 2023 budget draft or make recommendations,” he explained.

The councillors also made several allegations about the BCC mayor and how her office is operating. Abdoulie Boss Gaye, the co-chair of the BCC finance committee, said people need to be very careful in making allegations.

“We cannot continue campaigning even after elections are over. The budget should have been given to us mid-year for scrutinising it. We were trying to speed up things contrary to what the mayor said we were seating on the budget,” he said.

Mr Gaye told journalists that the mayor has no sole authority to singularly make decisions as per the local government act. According to him, the committee was looking into the staff payroll, especially the frontline workers.

“We felt that they deserve more of what council has to give because they are the ones in the sun doing the hard work and we realize they were paid a very small amount.”

Mr Gaye stated that a general council resolution was taken to send the budget to the finance committee to do the “clean up” before bringing it back to the general council for consideration and approval on the 1st of December.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

At least 300 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates have been awarded start-up toolkits worth five million dalasis (D5, 000,000) at a ceremony at Sterling Technical Training Centre in Busumbala.

The initiative is supported by the European Union through the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) and Jobs Skills and Finance Programme (JSF) and Implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in coordination with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment.

The three hundred beneficiaries from across the country have completed the training in TVET and have demonstrated excellence in the course work and are ready to start their businesses.

“Today, we hand over a total of D5 million worth of equipment and tools to 300 graduates from various skills programs. But what is much more important than the value of the toolkits is the value this investment can create for your lives, your families, your communities and ultimately, the Gambia,” said Aisha Sillah, a representative from EU.

Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Gomez applauded the initiative and encouraged the beneficiaries to further their careers and grow their businesses.

“It is not through our voices, but it is through our actions that we value the support. I also encourage you to keep investing in your knowledge and skills to adjust to the environment and take advantage of new initiatives,” Pierre Gomez said.

One beneficiary on behalf of the graduates, Burang Sanneh praised ITC and assured that the toolkits will be put to good use.

Another beneficiary, Samba Sowe said: “I must say, this is certainly a youth empowerment program… We assure you that we will work tirelessly together to make you and the Gambia proud of us.”

International Trade Centre (ITC) launched what they call Skills for Youth Empowerment (SKYE), and this model provides scholarships or training to Youths who are not in education and employment to start their businesses.

The Gambia is one of four selected African countries to have secured partnership with the United States government Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) after rigorous selection assessment by the MCC Board of Directors to determine the African countries qualified for the said partnership.

The disclosure was made by the United States President Joe R. Biden at the US-Africa Leadership Summit in Washington DC.

President Biden revealed that The Gambia, Togo, Senegal, and Mauritania were selected to develop new MCC grant programs.

“Today, the Millennium Challenge Corporation signed its first ever Regional Transport Compact with the Governments of Benin and Niger. Since the start of my administration, the MCC has announced new investments of nearly 1.2 billion dollars in Africa. In fact, the MCC just announced partnerships with four African countries — first compacts for The Gambia and Togo to boost economic development, a compact with Senegal to bolster regional connections, and a threshold program with Mauritania to help strengthen democratic governance and pursue policy reform to unlock economic growth. These MCC investments are part of the work were doing worldwide through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment,” said President Joe Biden.

The MCC Board – chaired by the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken – selected The Gambia and Togo as eligible to develop compacts, MCC’s five-year grant program that focuses on large-scale infrastructure investments and address policy and institutional reforms.

The Board also chose Senegal as eligible to develop a concurrent regional compact as well as Mauritania for a threshold program. Threshold programs are MCC’s smaller grant program that is designed to support policy and institutional reforms that address the factors constraining a country’s economic growth in countries that may not yet be meeting MCC’s strict compact eligibility criteria.

“Today’s announcement is symbolic of both the United States’ enduring commitment to Africa and MCC’s dedication to creating a stronger, more resilient global community,” said MCC’s Chief Executive Officer Alice Albright.

“Our Board’s selection of these countries affirms each country’s aspiration or commitment to democratic principles as well as their intentions to make the investments and institutional changes necessary to build a more prosperous future for their communities. The MCC Board’s decision comes at a critical time, and we look forward to working together with each country to develop a program that will address the most pressing challenges facing their economies,” she explained.

MCC has been a steadfast partner with governments across the African continent since our agency was founded in 2004, investing $9.5 billion in 24 African countries. With these new selections, MCC has expanded its active programs to 14 countries in Africa with compact and threshold programs worth $3 billion as well as another $2.5 billion in the pipeline.

Along with selecting countries for new grant programs, MCC’s Board also reselected Côte d’Ivoire as eligible for a concurrent regional compact program; Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Zambia for compact development; and Kiribati for threshold program development.

The Board also reaffirmed its support for continuing compact development in Belize. MCC regularly reviews its partner countries’ policy performance throughout the development and implementation of a compact or threshold program.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation is an independent U.S. government agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth.

Created in 2004, MCC provides time-limited grants and assistance to countries that meet rigorous standards for good governance, fighting corruption and respecting democratic rights.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has in a press statement expressed concerns over the reported shooting of four young persons by Senegalese forces at the Gambia-Casamance border.

“The National Human Rights Commission is disturbed and deeply concerned by the alleged unlawful shooting of four youths along the Gambia-Casamance border by Senegalese soldiers or their drones which has led to the death of three young people and the serious wounding of one who is battling for his life at Ndemban Clinic,” the press release noted.

The fatal incident is said to have taken place on Friday 9^th December 2022.

The NHRC pointed out other reported allegations of human right abuses allegedly being committed by the Senegalese forces at the border areas.

“There are also allegations, albeit sometimes conflicting, that Senegalese forces along the Gambia-Casamance border continue to conduct abusive and systemic operations against innocent, unarmed and defenseless Gambians living in Foni, in particular Gambians living in the border villages. Incidents of abductions were also reported in similar circumstances in the area recently.”

The Commission called on the government to investigate the alleged shootings and take actions to ensure the protection of lives and property in border villages within the Gambia.

The NHRC further encouraged the Government to explore diplomatic measures through established rules of engagement under agreed protocols and international law to seek justice for the deceased.

“The Ministries of Defence and Interior are urged to issue public statements to assure citizens and the people living in The Gambia, particularly those in Foni and the border villages, of their safety and wellbeing at all times. It is the obligation of the State to protect and guarantee the lives of its citizens and other people within its jurisdiction, the sanctity of which is enshrined in the 1997 Constitution and other regional and international human rights instruments the Gambia is party to such as the 1951 Refugee Convention, as amended by the 1967 Protocol, 1969 OAU Refugee Convention and the 1998 UN Guiding Principles on the  specific needs of internally displaced persons worldwide,” the press statement emphasized.

The State human rights body also urged the government to investigate the death of one Yankuba Badjie of Gifanga village, whose death was linked to similar circumstances by Senegalese soldiers on 20 November 2022.

The NHRC disclosed that it is making efforts to investigate the recent alleged incident and those that have taken place in the recent past, while calling on the Gambia government to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country, protect the citizens and residents of the Gambia and review the rules of engagement of foreign military forces/operations in the Gambia and around the Western Region borders.

Over the years, there have been several reports of human rights violations at the border areas as Senegalese forces continue to battle with rebel forces known as the Movement for Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC) which seek independence for the southern Senegalese region. Border villages in neighboring Gambia have been adversely affected by the protracted conflict between both forces.

The Gambia Government has in a press release announced the approval of “an emergency World Bank budget support of US$20 million for The Gambia.”

According to the release dated 14^th December 2022 and signed by government spokesperson Ebrima G. Sankareh, the budgetary support is meant to improve debt and public investment management, strengthen financial viability and service delivery in the energy and telecommunication sectors and also enhance the transparency and governance framework of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

“The relief will enhance the delivery of the Government’s socio-economic development plans while mitigating the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and war in Ukraine,” the release sated.

The government statement recognized the role of development partners in sustaining the country’s socio-economic growth as the nation battles with economic challenges.

By: Sarjo Brito

The Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) of the National Assembly is set to order the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to pay back over 137 million dalasis of unaccounted-for covid funds following the government’s covid-19 relief programme.

An explosive report by the Auditor General exposed how covid funds were misappropriated through inappropriate procurement and contracting processes among others.

According to the National Audit report, 859 million dalasis was set aside for food relief. Out of the 859 million, 832 million was spent by the Ministry of Trade to procure food items and the remaining 27 million was spent by the National Disaster Management Agency to transport and distribute food.

The National Assembly Member for Upper Saloum and Vice Chairperson of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee Honourable Alagie Mbowe said the move by the committee is to send a clear message to officials entrusted with public funds to use them for what they are intended and by the laws of the country. Mbowe added that this will reduce misuse and curb corruption.

“The message FPAC is sending out to everybody is that if you have been given a position of power where you are entrusted with public funds, we are saying in very clear terms go with what the rule of play dictates. We have the Public Finance Act. We also have the financial regulations of 2016. We have the GPPA act even though it has been changed to the new one of 2022 but there are certain laws that guide the usage of public funds.

“And again, I think it is everybody’s responsibility to ensure that our public finances are put to the best use to avoid wastage and corrupt practices. This is the message that FPAC is sending to everybody. If you are entrusted with public funds, make sure you do the right thing. Otherwise, we will make sure you pay, and I don’t think we would spare anybody,’ Alagie Mbowe told WCR in an exclusive interview.