By: Ousman Saidykhan

One Alagie Sonko, a Brusibi native who introduced himself as Lamarana Jallow’s (deceased) roommate, has narrated before the court some conflicts he witnessed between the duo prior to the killing of Lama, allegedly by Kumba Sinyan.

Kumba Sinyan was arrested last year for allegedly killing a 25-year-old Lamarana Jallow at Friendship Hostel in Bakau, an accusation she denied.

The 5th prosecution witness in the trial, Alagie Sonko, told the court he knew Kumba through Lamarana and were dating for over 4-years. He said Kumba, (accused) regularly paid visit to Lamar, but one day, a conflict broke out between the two when he was sleeping in the bedroom.

“They had a problem. I heard noise from the living room. When I went there, I found Lamar holding Kumba’s hands. I advised him to leave her but he said Kumba had a broken bottle and would hurt him if he left her hand. I tried and took the bottle from her and separated them,” witness narrated.

The witness continued that people came to the compound because of the noise but Lamar left and went to a nearby compound. Sonko said the accused tried to follow Lamar but was intercepted by someone.

The witness told the court that he accompanied his roommate to Africmed when the accused left, to treat a wound he sustained from the broken bottle.

The witness narrated sometime later; the accused came knocking at their door at around 2am but Lama would not open. He said the accused then knocked his window for him to open the door for her since Lama said he would not.

“I woke up to open the door but Lamar asked me not to. He told me he had been to Senegambia for a party and had hired a taxi for Kumba but she said she was not going home but she is now coming here knowing fully well that I’m tired and would be going to work tomorrow,” Alagie Sonko narrated.

The witness said he took the key from the door and went back to bed. Shortly after he went back to be, the witness said it started raining so Lama called a taxi driver to pick the accused but she refused and the Taxi driver left.

“Lama called another taxi driver and told Kumba that was her last chance. Then she went,” the witness testified.

He said the following day Lama told him the accused had texted him about termination of their relationship which Lama said he was longing for because of how problematic it had been.

A few weeks later, the witness said after coming back from Nuimi he did not find Lamar at home but found his documents packed and placed on a seat in the house. Lamar didn’t spend the night at home on that day, he said.

The witness said Sally, a woman he said is a mother figure to Lama asked him about Lamar and he told her Lamar did sleep in the house. He said Sally told him maybe Lamar has gone out with his friends because he was travelling out of the country on Thursday, a day after.

“Later, Sally called me again to meet her at the Bakau Police Station. I told her I was going to Foni. She insisted I should go because I didn’t know what happened. I asked her about what happened. She replied that Lamar was found dead at the Friendship Hostel.”

By: Dawda Baldeh

Muhammed S Bah, President of The Gambia Press Union (GPU), has urged the National Assembly through the office of the Clerk to create more avenues for journalists who want to specialize in parliamentary reporting.

The GPU president made this plea at the closing ceremony of a two-day training on parliamentary reporting for 25 journalists organized by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) in collaboration with the Gambia National Assembly between 24th and 25th January 2023 at NaNA in Kanifing.

He applauded the training organisers for allowing journalists to learn important parliamentary proceedings, procedures, and jargon used in parliament.

“I am urging the National Assembly to create more opportunities for journalists, especially those who want to specialize in reporting parliamentary matters,” he said.

Adding that the training is timely and significant for both the journalists and the National Assembly.

“Such training will help journalists to better report on parliament without distorting facts,” he added.

MS Bah, as he is widely called, describes the role of journalists and parliament as key in national development, saying there is a need for the two to collaborate.

“The parliament should provide more capacity buildings for journalists and also when members of the parliament are travelling to attend parliamentary matters outside, they should go with few journalists so they can learn more,” the GPU president suggested.

However, he encouraged journalists, parliamentary staff, and the members of parliament to work together by engaging each other when things are not working well.

In his response, Gibairu Janneh, Director of Communication ICT and Press of the National Assembly of The Gambia, gave assurances that the Assembly will continue to support building the capacity of journalists to enhance their reporting.

“We are all serving the Gambian people and this training is a manifestation of the office of the Clerk’s commitment to supporting journalists.

Building the capacity of journalists is very important for the National Assembly because they will help to interpret what happened at the parliament to the public accurately,” he said.

Mr. Janneh added that the National Assembly is committed to supporting journalists’ work.

He stated that training journalists on various aspects of the National Assembly is commendable.

“Such training will help journalists to understand the language of the parliament, their conduct in parliament, proceedings and procedures in parliament…,” he noted.

He also tasked journalists to form a network so that the parliament will also find it easy to give them the necessary support.

By: Dawda Baldeh

During the April 2022 National Assembly campaign, empowering women was one of the lavish promises made by several candidates to get votes from women in various constituencies.

To honour this promise, Honorable Gibbie Mballow, the National Assembly Member for Lower Fulladu West Constituency has vowed to fulfil the campaign promise he made to the women gardeners in Madina Umfally village.

Recently, he revisited the community to gather first-hand information on their challenges as he wants to address them.

Speaking at the Madina women’s garden, Hon. Mballow thanked the villagers, particularly women for fulfilling their promises.

“The women have fulfilled their promise and I will also fulfil mine. I will not rest until their garden is properly fenced with adequate water in it,” he told women gardeners.

The lawmaker is said to be the first Lower Fulladu representative to have visited the Madina Umfally women gardeners and was accorded a warm welcome in the village.

He expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome accorded to him by the women.

“These women are hardworking and all they need from the government, or anyone is to give them a conducive environment. I will engage the president to make sure they are supported,” he added.

Binta Jallow, head of the women gardeners, and Jomfolo Sanneh a gardener stressed the importance of the garden in the community.

“The garden is our major source of income. We used the money generated in the garden to support our families.

The country is facing numerous challenges and we are contributing our part in supporting our families. We want to make sure that our husbands will only buy rice, meat, and fish the rest of the ingredients we will provide from the garden,” said Binta Jallow head of the women gardeners.

They expressed optimism that Honorable Mballow will help address their challenges.

Work in the garden measuring about five hectares is mostly done by women with support from a few men in the village.

Maduwa Sinera, a village youth described the women as hardworking why urging people to support their initiative.

“The garden is very important to us because the women are providing a lot of vegetables that if you are to buy every day will cost you huge amounts of money,” he stated.

Research has shown that community gardens can mitigate some of the problems that plague urban areas. They can be a beneficial addition to many communities by increasing the availability of nutritious foods, strengthening community ties, and creating sustainable living conditions for dwellers among others.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

A young man, who is currently in police custody and helping them with their investigation, has confessed to stealing about D1.5 million worth of valuables and cash from a US-based Gambian couple currently vacationing in the country.

Deputy police PRO Muhammed Y Darboe has confirmed that police have launched an investigation into the matter and that the result of their investigation would guide their decision.

The alleged thief broke into the house of Sheriff Muhammad Lamin Jarju and his wife on Wednesday, 18th January 2023 when the couple left their house to visit their families.

Mr Jarju told The Fatu Network that the alleged thief got into the house after jumping over the compound fence and breaking the windows.

According to the victim, the incident happened between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. while the watchman was not at the house.

The bag the thief made off with includes two laptops worth $1200, two gold chain sets worth $3500 and $500 respectively, four different kinds of watches including Apple and male diamond watches worth a combined $1233, Airpod worth $250, a Gucci purse worth $1079, two male designer perfumes worth $250, Aldo purse worth $60, silver crystal worth $33 and a whopping $15,800 of cash, according to the victim.

“One of the most valuable ones will be the money. We unfortunately put $15,800 in that bag. Because I was going to take that money to the bank and then see how best I can change it or buy a property here,” Jarju told TFN.

Sheriffo, as he is popularly called, said his wife later called the police who came and did some survey and took fingerprints.

“I have someone that was tracking the guy, the guy didn’t actually know what was in that bag. But I got something he was using that helped me a lot,” he said.

The alleged thief ultimately got arrested in Bansang on Sunday with the help of the traceable device in the bag.

However, he was lavishly using the money with a couple of boys and had in fact bought a car for himself and several footwears, TFN has been informed.

The couple has recovered some items and cash but that just amounts to a little of what has been stolen.

The victims were shocked to have lost those valuables and cash in such a manner but call on the authorities to appropriately do the needful to such “seasoned” and “unremorseful” thieves.

“These are the people you should not allow to be roaming within the society. They are a threat to society. They need to be put in one place. These are the people the judiciary needs to sentence to a maximum of five years in prison with hard labour” Mr Jarju said.

The man has told the police that he has a sense of knowing where money is and whenever his instincts tell him there is money at a particular place, he gets in there at any cost.

By: Sarjo Brito

Working in a repair shop, sitting right across the bridge in Tippa garage, two sisters Isatou and Awa Sanneh have taken a route that is barely trodden by women in today’s society. Speaking exclusivity to The Fatu Network, Isatou and Awa said their decision to take up tyre repairing at their father’s workshop was fuelled by the need to support their family.

“It was not long before we started working at our father’s workshop. Our dad has apprentices, but they are not always around. It is hard for him to do the work all by himself. We told ourselves that we can do the job. He is our father and supporting him would not take away from us. He works 24 hours to support the family,’’ The duo told TFN.

Isatou Sanneh, who is the oldest and a construction student at the Gambia Technical Training Institute, said although they started working with their father to support the family, their passion and love for the job have since grown. Isatou Sanneh called on her fellow women to work hard in order to be independent.

“I do not look at this work as something difficult at all. When I set my sights on something and convinced that it is something good, I make sure to go for it. A job is a job as far as you’re able to earn money and take care of yourself. Do not be ashamed that this is a job that should only be done by men or that people will laugh at you. What matters is to earn clean money that will benefit you when you use it.’’

Pa Sanneh, the duo’s father, said he has done all types of odd work before finally settling on a repair shop. Sanneh said the girls decided to work with him at the shop and praises them for their dedication and love for family.

“What they are doing is something every woman can learn from. Knowing who you are is waking up every day wearing dirty clothes just to earn a living. In this world we are living today, nobody should wait for anyone to hand you free money. Not even your husband. Every man who is involved with a hardworking woman will respect them. I admire these girls and I’m happy that they are doing this. If Allah wills, peace is all they will ever know.’’

The two sisters called on commercial and private drivers to stop by their workshop at the Tippa Garage bridge if they ever want to fix their tyres as that will go a long way in supporting them and their father, admitting that they will welcome any kind of support as well.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Ahmad Gitteh, an aspiring candidate for the position of Chairmanship in the forthcoming Brikama Area Council elections, has promised to help 50 youths or groups with at least 150 million Dalasi within five years for start-up businesses and build proper mini stadiums and multipurpose centres for the young people of West Coast Region if elected as the Chairman of the Brikama Area Council.

Gitteh, who made his intention clear and, on several occasions, his desire to contest for the biggest office in the region, told The Fatu Network that West Coast Region has the largest youth population in the country and gives youths D30 Million yearly in different businesses opportunities will help in establishing businesses and employment for so many young people in the region if he becomes the chairman of the Brikama Area Council.

He said his council will call for business ideas from young people or youth groups, and ten young people or youth groups will be provided with support. This, he said, will be every year.

“We will invite young people to come up with business ideas in technology, agriculture, health and so on. The best ten individuals or groups will receive a combined total of about at least D30 million dalasi for a startup business,” he explained.

He added that the ten individuals or groups may not all succeed, but if 40% succeed, it will guarantee a long and medium-term creation of employment and income generation for them.

The vibrant politician, who remains very hopeful of winning the seat, also said that if elected as the chairman of the biggest local government area in the country, he will engage in building recreational centres in the region. He pointed out that the region does not have proper mini-stadiums or conference centres across.

“Children need to have well-developed playgrounds across the region. West Coast has no proper mini stadium, no proper multipurpose centre, and no proper conference centre that is modern apart from Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Center. We need all of these,” he told The Fatu Network.

According to Gitteh, West Coast Region has the potential to generate rates of close to a billion dalasi annually. Thus, if elected, to effectively make the best use of the potential billion-dalasi revenue collection in a year, he will first properly train his council staff and introduce a proper digital platform as well as engage the central government in the valuation of private and business entities in the region. He disclosed to The Fatu Network that he already has experts who are willing to do that.

He added that his exposure in Canada will help him use his connections to build communities that will keep the young people in the region at home and contribute their part in developing the country.

“The other thing is that we will use our connections with international bodies and countries such as Canada, in my case, to help us with building a community that will keep our youths at home and contribute to building our country and not risking life through the treacherous desert.”

Submission of Application to National People’s Party Regional Chairman

With numerous doubts whether NPP will approve Gitteh’s application under the party’s ticket, he confirmed to The Fatu Network that his team submitted his application to Lamin Jatta, the regional chairman of NPP last week. However, NPP is currently busy engaging other political parties they have an alliance with on sharing modalities for different wards and regions as of now. Gitteh, however, remains upbeat about winning the party’s ticket.

The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) has announced applications for Ward Councilors, Chairpersons and Mayors in preparation for forthcoming local government elections.

“Following the announcement of dates for the April and May, 2023 Local Government Elections of Wards, Area Council Chairmen and Mayors by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), The National People’s Party informs all its members, supporters and well-wishers that applications are open to all those interested in vying for position of Ward Councilor, Regional Council Chairman or Mayor under the NPP ticket from 17th to 24th January, 2023 for all categories,” the party says in a press release.

According to the release, applicants for Ward Councilor are to submit their application letters to their respective NPP Ward Chairperson, while applicants for Mayor and or Area Council Chairperson are to submit their applications to their respective NPP Regional Chairperson.

“All applications must be accompanied by a copy of a valid Voters’ Card of the area of residence where the prospective candidate wishes to contest. All applicants must satisfy the constitutional and electoral law requirements to be eligible for election.”

The NPP is still in alliance with Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) party and National Reconciliation Party (NRP). The alliance has shared the local government seats and would be contesting the elections under one umbrella.

NPP will fill all wards in Banjul all Wards. In the Kanifing Municipality, the APRC will fill the following wards: Abuko, Bundung 6 Junction, Talinding North, Ebo Town, Kotu/Manjai Ward. NPP will fill the rest of the Wards in KM.

For West Coast Region (WCR), the APRC will fill all Foni Wards except Sintet Ward and Bantanjang Wards which are to be filled by NPP.

APRC will fill Kunkujang, Jabang, Lamin and Pirang while NPP will fill the rest of the Wards in WCR.

For North Bank Region (NBR), NPP will fill all the Wards.

In the Central River Region (CRR North), NRP will fill Nianija, Njau, Kaur and Panchang Wards and NPP will fill in the rest.

In the Central River Region (CRR South), NPP will fill in all the Wards.

Also, NPP will fill in all the Wards in the Upper River Region (URR) and Lower River Region (LRR).

The NPP press release called on all members, supporters and well wishers of the party to accept and support those that would be selected.

“The Party wishes to remind all members, supporters and well wishers to always uphold its principles of discipline, respect for the rule of law, democracy and political tolerance. All are equally urged to accept and rally behind successful applicants for a formidable campaign leading to a befitting election victory in both elections.”

Elections of councilors in all 120 wards would be held on 15th April 2023; while elections of mayors and chairpersons are to be conducted on 20th May 2023.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Juliet Ryan, a British national residing in the Gambia, has vowed to file a counter sue against one Alhagie Samba Bah, a Gambian car dealer who reportedly threatened to get her deported over an exchange car deal.

The two are said to have entered into a car exchange deal in 2022 which ended after Juliet discovered the car had several mechanical problems and was likely stolen.

“I exchanged my 2018 Range Rover Evoque model worth D700,000 dalasi for a Range Rover Sport valued at 1.7 million dalasis. I paid a cash price of D590,000 dalasis and was supposed to pay an outstanding D410,000 dalasi but the car is not good,” she said.

She was recently sued by Alhagie for not paying the outstanding D410,000 dalasis. A court order has been made already and her car is under custody.

Juliet said she will counter sue Alhagie to get her money back after discovering the car was not good and subsequently involved in a court case for the same problems.

The British woman said the car is not fit for purpose and that has been the reason she has not completed the payment, demanding a car replacement.

“Alhagie knew the car was not good but he deceived me. When I detected the problems and informed him, he never admitted the car was faulty. He breaches the deal because he sold me a car which is not good and was involved in a court case for the same reason.

Alhagie has been making everything possible so that he will not return my money or replace the car and he has been threatening to get me deported. He agreed to exchange the car for another vehicle that was being shipped but it never materialized,” she explained.

She added the car was diagnosed with 19 mechanical faults by her mechanic.

“Alhagie knew the car was condemned but he wants me to pay the balance for a car that is not good. Now I’m stocked because I don’t have any car and I have business to run,” she explained.

A report published by the Point Newspaper on 2^nd December 2021, revealed that the same Ranger Rover Sports Autobiography Hybrid with VIN Number: SALWA2LFXGA542996 was sold by Alhagie Samba Bah to Alassan Gent Ceesay in April 2019 for the sum of D1.5 million.

The matter ended in court after Alassan discovered the Range Rover was not good and was stolen. A judgment delivered by Justice S. Wadda Cisse ordered Alhagie to refund the sum of D1.5 million dalasis to Alassan the same car he sold to Juliet Ryan in 2022.

When contacted for comments, Alhagie Samba Bah confirmed having issues with Juliet over a D410,000 balance she owed him as part of a car exchange deal. He denied threatening Juliet with deportation.

“I am not an immigration officer, so I cannot decide who should be deported. She is owing me money, and if she is deported, I will lose my money,” he said.

When asked about the issue of the car being involved in a court case, he responded, “The court will decide on those claims she is making. I sold Juliet a second-hand car and she also gave me a second-hand car. She doesn’t want to pay my money that is why she is making all these allegations against me.”

Bah said few months later the car Juliet gave him had an engine problem and is currently at a mechanic garage.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The pretrial in the defamation case involving renowned businessman, Abubacarr Jawara against the politician who also doubles as a political commentator, Momodou Sabally has begun at the High Court in Banjul after the defendant filed an affidavit in opposition to the plaintiff’s claims. Jawara seeks D8 million in damages for defamation and slander.

The plaintiff, represented by Counsel Drammeh told the court that they have eight documents to tender including a warning letter which was admitted and marked as exhibit PF1.

The plaintiff said they have four audios with their transcriptions to tender. Copies of each of the audios were given to the defendant’s lawyers and the judge.

The first audio amongst the four to be played in the court was that of a man called Saibo Hydara who was among other things, threatening Jawara for taking Sabally to court.

That audio was rejected in Justice Bakre’s ruling after arguments between the two lawyers about its admissibility. It was supposed to be accompanied by a certificate, the judge ruled, agreeing with Counsel Fatty’s argument. However, the audio transcription was admitted and marked as PF2.

The case was adjourned to tomorrow 18th January for the continuation of the pre-trial.

Meanwhile, before the pre-trial began, the lawyer for the plaintiff stood up to claim that some paragraphs in the defendant’s affidavit in opposition to their claims were unnecessarily long, suggesting that some of them should be struck out.

The judge, Justice Bakre, who said he was yet to read the statement told the defendant’s lawyer, Counsel Fatty, that because they are lawyers doesn’t mean that they have to mystify things so much so that those who are not versed in law cannot understand.

He asked Counsel Fatty if they would reconsider their defence or if he (the judge) would strike out some paragraphs he deems unnecessary.

The defendant, on the other hand, submitted that he was familiar with the rules and that the defendant has the right to know how they want to present their facts.

Counsel Fatty’s argument was defamation is serious and they, therefore, need to be careful in presenting their case.

The plaintiff will formally apply for the striking out of some paragraphs, Counsel Drammeh said.

Momodou Sabally, the defendant, was served with a writ of summon last month to answer a suit filed by Jawara. The plaintiff, Abubacarr Jawara seeks D8 million in damages for defamation and slander.

By: Dawda Baldeh

A 34-year-old Gambian female author Aisha Jawara who hailed from the Upper River Region (URR) has launched her new book titled “Now We Run” at a ceremony held at Alliance Franco over the week.

The book tells the story of a young lady who was living a difficult life until she changes her way and become successful.

Aisha said she was inspired to be a writer at the age of 13 when she had a mathematics assignment to do and was forced to go to a library, but she got distracted after reading a book titled “Narnia” written by C.S Lewis.

“Since that day I convinced myself that I will be a writer and I developed the habit of reading different books,” Aisha told The Fatu Network.

She has written four books that are accessible online. The young writer challenged women to read books and change their narratives.

“The concept of the book is about someone who has been trusting something she has no idea about and she has been innocent.

Because of the past evil done by her parents it turns back to her making life difficult and she has to run away from dangerous people and move on to start a new life,” she explained.

The thirty-chapter book is edited by Haddy Dibba who described the book as a true reflection of the new generation and what people are going through.

Haddy also urged her fellow females to embrace Aisha in reading and writing. “If you want to travel the whole world and you don’t have the money you can read books,” she added.

Saikou Drammeh, country manager of DHL international, who was in attendance at the book launch said he is inspired by the content of the author.

He added that young men and women in the country would be able to draw inspiration from the book.

“I encourage my fellow Gambians, particularly the youths to read and learn more because the importance of knowledge cannot be overemphasized.

“If Aisha can write a book that touches people’s hearts, why not others?

“In many societies, women are not allowed to further their education and to see a young girl like Aisha breaking the barries is really commendable,” Mr Drammeh emphasized.

He urged people to give a helping hand to young people like Aisha who are willing to change the world through storytelling.

“I believe there are young men and women in The Gambia who are willing to learn and if they are given the opportunity they can have a great impact in the country,” he noted.

The book launch was attended by several prominent personalities including Honorable Billay G Tunkara the majority leader, and Essa J Conteh, the representative of the Jimara constituency among other businessmen and women who commended Aisha for sharing her knowledge through storytelling.

Five Honourable Members of The Gambia National Assembly and the Deputy Clerk have arrived in London yesterday 15th January 2023 on a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association exchange programme.

The esteemed NAMs were welcomed at the Heathrow airport by Mrs Sainey Barrow, the Councillor at The Gambia High Commission in London and later hosted to a dinner.

The Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Suntou Touray welcomed the delegation and encouraged them to learn the best parliamentary practices at both Chambers of the U.K. law-making bodies.

He further states: “Parliamentarians are the people’s representative, and they should always maintain an Honourable disposition, and decorum wherever they are and help government utilise the national resources efficiently and productively with their oversight functions.”

DHM Touray further extols the Deputy Clerk that “the Westminster parliament is a colossus in terms of law-making and taking on government ministers in their policy implementations. The Gambia NAMS which currently comprises a high number of first-term members will be exposed to vigorous methods of parliamentary scrutiny of government policy directives. And the visiting NAMS should seize the opportunity and make the best use of their time in London.”

The Parliamentary delegation includes Hon Touma Njie, Hon Gibbi Mballow, Hon Kebba Lang Fofana, Hon Camara and Hon Fatoumatta Jawara. They will undergo an intensive exchange study on how the U.K. Parliament Select Committees function and how such shared processes can be aligned to have more effective oversight functions.

The parliamentarians and the Deputy Clerk, Hon Kalipha Mbye will visit important parliamentary institutions and meet with heads of vital select committee leaders in the U.K House of Lords and House of Commons. Learning aims – Parliament to:
– support and strengthen parliamentary democracy with the help of CPA
– Build stronger parliament and advance democracy
– Strength Gender Sensitive legislation
– Create a greater understanding of Select Committees and Their oversight functions
Among others.

We wish the NAMS a fruitful time in London.
On Thursday 19 January 2023, the NAMS are invited to grace an event where renowned Gambian Musician Mr Jaliba Kuyateh will be honoured by Goldsmith University with an honorary doctorate for his music service.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Yafatou Corr, a woman residing in Sanchaba Sulay Jobe, has been left sad and worried as her 18-year-old son, Muhammed Trawally, escaped death after he was allegedly ganged up on and beaten by a group of people in the capital Banjul weeks ago.

She is seeking support to finance the medical bills of her son.

According to a police report obtained by The Fatu Network, the boy suffered a severe beating resulting in brushes on his face and other parts of his body.

“Muhammed Trawally was assaulted in Banjul and needs medical treatment,” a report from Kanifing Police Station signed by CPL 4566 Hassan Trawally on 7 January 2023 revealed.

According to the mother, he went to Banjul with his mates; some people were fighting, he went to separate them.

“Unfortunately, some of these people were angry with him and that’s how they began to beat him.

“He was trying to separate the fighters and a girl told him that he is a hypocrite.

“She hit him with an electric cable, and she ran to their house and came back with it on a row again and hit him in the hand.

“Muhammed was still trying to defend himself until another woman came from nowhere and grabbed his hands.

“At this time my son was helpless and that is how they beat him until he was unconscious.

He sustained several injuries all over his body,” Yafatou narrated how her son was allegedly beaten.

18-year-old Muhammed is currently admitted to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul where he is undergoing treatment.

“I want people to support me so that my son can get the necessary medical treatment,” Yafatou Corr pleaded.

TFN can also confirm that Muhammed is currently unable to speak clearly since after the assault.

His mother said everything will be clear when he can speak again so that he can narrate to the authorities what happened.

Three people have so far been arrested in connection with the assault and are currently under custody according to the relatives of the boy.

The family is urging people to support them so that their son will get medical treatment before his conditions get worse.

For anyone who wants to support the family can contact the following numbers +2203433183/ 7046603.

GAMBIA FOR ALL (GFA) PARTY JOINS GAMBIANS IN BIDDING FAREWELL TO A NATIONAL HERO, Mr. SOLO SANDENG.

“It is a blessing to die for a cause, because you can so easily die for nothing” (Mr. Andrew Young, Civil Rights Leader, USA)

The cause Mr. Solo Sandeng (affectionately called Solo) died for was the noblest of all; fighting to liberate your country and people from the clutches of an oppressive dictatorship that prides itself in causing maximum harm to fellow citizens. It was on the 14th of April 2016 that Solo led a small group of fellow citizens to demand electoral reform, so as to create a level playing field for the forthcoming 2016 presidential elections.

The reaction of dictator Yaya Jammeh and his henchmen was swift and predictable because that was his modus operandi, which was arresting and torturing the brave iconic youth leader to death. This led to a cascade of events ending in the defeat of dictator Jammeh, and his eventual exile to Equatorial Guinea.

Unfortunately, Solo would not be alive to enjoy that watershed moment of joy in Gambian history, which he selflessly helped to bring about. GFA joins the Gambian nation in saying thank you to Mr. Solo Sandeng for the ultimate sacrifice he made for your country.

It is noteworthy that the funeral ceremony will start at the now-renamed NEVER AGAIN SQUARE. This, we hope, will be a poignant reminder to the current authorities that Gambians are determined not to return to the bad days of dictatorial rule. And also remind them that we view with deep concern, the undemocratic tendencies being displayed of recently; including the unexplained arrest, detention, and subsequent release without charge of political opponents, as well as the inappropriate use of paramilitary forces to quell peaceful gatherings.

These are the kind of incremental steps that brought us the nightmare of the Jammeh dictatorship. We would like to stress that the Gambia For All will always side with law-abiding Gambians determined to exercise their democratic rights.

GFA would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere and deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Solo Sandeng, and the entire Gambian nation, not forgetting the many other brave Gambians that lost their lives in the struggle to rid the country of a vile dictator.

MAY THEY ALL REST IN PEACE

GFA Communication Cell

Ma- Jonka House. Kanifing.

Activist and politician Nenneh Freda Gomez said the things Solo Sandeng sacrificed his life for are still evident in the governance system of the country.

She was speaking to this medium at the State funeral of deceased opposition activist Ebrima Solo Sandeng who was tortured to death by intelligence agents during former President Yahya Jammeh’s regime in 2016. He was fearlessly pushing for electoral and other reforms.

“Solo died for a course, but that course is not being preserved and protected because for all those things that he believed in, suffered and fought for so hard, sacrificed his life and ultimately died for, we are still suffering and dealing with those issues.”

She expressed her dissatisfaction, saying “it is a shame that we are still talking about those things Solo sacrificed his life for.”

Nenneh called out President Barrow for not attending the funeral ceremony.

“This is a national course because this was somebody who sacrificed his life for everybody. This place should have been more packed than this. I think, I am not going to blame anybody else because the President trivialized this memorable day to not come. I don’t see anything in this world that is more important than this event. He should have been here; so, if he didn’t come, you can’t blame anybody else,” she expressed.

She noted that Solo will always be remembered and that his legacy will continue to live. “The fight continues because we have to ensure that what he died for is preserved and protected. We will continue to advocate for a just system,” the advocate-politician reiterated.

Representing President Barrow at the funeral, Justice Minister Dawda A Jallow said the government is committed to ensuring that what happened to Solomon Sandeng doesn’t happen again.

The remains of Solomon Sandeng were the subject matter of criminal proceedings in the case of the State v Yankuba Badjie & Others.

Last week, a press release from the Justice Ministry noted that following the completion of the said case, the remains of the late man should be given a “proper and befitting burial”, adding that President Barrow had ordered that Solo be granted an official burial.