By: Ousman Saidykhan

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

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

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

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

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

They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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

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

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

By: Dawda Baldeh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Ousman Saidykhan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.