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.

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.

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.

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 24^th 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.

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”.

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.

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.

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 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

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