By: Ousman Saidykhan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Dawda Baldeh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Dawda Baldeh

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

They made these claims yesterday at the UTG School premises.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Press Release – 16^th December 2022

Signed

Ebrima G. Sankareh

The Gambia Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser

By: Ousman Saidykhan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Ousman Saidykhan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Dawda Baldeh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Ousman Saidykhan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Sarjo Brito

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Dawda Baldeh

Gambian comedian, Tijan Sowe whose style of operation on TikTok is conducting loyalty tests, has explained to The Fatu Network why he chooses to test the loyalty of people in their intimate relationships – an act which he said has resulted in several breakups.

The content of the TikTok comedian is dubbed “loyalty test” that focuses on exposing hidden tricks and cheaters in relationships.

The comedian goes around asking people whether they are in a relationship, helping them test the loyalty of their partners. He offers gifts in cash to anyone who passes his loyalty test.

If a person confirms that he/she is in a relationship, the comedian usually requests for the contact of the person’s partner and calls him/her posing to be calling from a company and will say, “Your partner has won some cash prize in our company telling us that the two of you are dating, so we want you to confirm the name of your partner that will enable your partner have the huge cash price.”

The comedian has other ways of doing his relationship loyalty test.

He explains why he uses TikTok. “I was not on TikTok; sometimes I think of funny things and put them on my WhatsApp status and many people began to view my status. I later realize that I have talent and that I needed to expose it. I then started using TikTok,” he explained.

Similar loyalty test is being done by content creators in other countries, so comedian Sowe said he was inspired by his followers to start the test in the Gambia because no one was doing it at the time.

“Many girls have approached me to test their boyfriends,” he noted.

Tijan said it was very difficult when he started because he was the only Gambian doing it.

“I want to know those who are serious in their relationships and those that are not. But since I started, one test stands to be my favourite. I did a test for a guy, and he was the first person to find out that his girlfriend was not cheating. A week after the test, they got married. This melted my heart and I felt that I contributed a lot to the married,” he added.

The comedian stated that many boys and girls break up after the test.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

Sainabou Mbye on Tuesday testified in their ongoing manslaughter trial before Justice Jaiteh. She said never had she done anything to inflict harm on baby Muhammed, the 2-year-old boy whose death she is being tried for alongside her brother and cousin.

“I have never locked Muhammed in a vehicle. I have never done anything that will harm him because I loved him, and I used to help him a lot. I have never harmed him not to mention killing him,” Sainabou Mbye testified.

The trio, Sainabou Mbye, Cherno Mbye and Kibily Dambelly; 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively, are accused of locking Muhammed Mbye in a vehicle resulting in his death. The child is a nephew to the accused persons.

The first defendant, Sainabou Mbye told the court that she was on her phone throughout the 4th of July this year when they were transferring to their new house in Brusubi and that the child was not under her custody, debunking what the particulars of offence which allege that they locked the child in a vehicle for four hours resulting in his death.

“It is not true. Like I have said, all I used to do was to help him and his mother. What I can remember from the day is alighting from the vehicle and entering the compound; not locked or exposing him,” the first defense witness who is also the first defendant testified.

She narrated that Muhammed had a flu and chest pain before her mother put him in the vehicle and he had consumed some paracetamol and syrup they had bought for him.

The witness has also testified that during the taking of her statements, the police only told her to talk because there was too much talking and that they wanted to help her.

“They did not give me any opportunity to write for myself. They only asked me of my preferred language,” Sainabou told the court.

The witness said the independent witness, Bubacarr Colley, was not present at night and the following morning when her statements were being obtained but was only called later to sign as a witness.

She narrated that she was not satisfied with the way the doctors were handling baby Muhammed and that was why she arranged for him to be taken to Dakar for treatment.

“There was a test they supposed to conduct at night, and they did not. The following morning, the doctor asked about it; they said they forgot or something. We later realized they did not have equipment,” the witness said.

Sainabou is the first witness to testify for the defense as they opened their defense. Initially, the defense counsels were not ready to open their defense. They opted for the a “no case to answer” application which was dismissed for lack of merit.

The case was adjournment to 16th December for continuation of the defense witness, Sainabou Mbye’s testimony.

The government of The Gambia has reacted to what they believe were mere allegations by Foni National Assembly Members (NAMs), barely a week after the 5 National Assembly Members convened what they called a “high-level press conference”.

The 4th of December presser focused on “current burning issues and the injustices against Foni citizens in the Region.” However, it appears that some of the content of the press conference did not go down well with the government.

Among the issues discussed during the press conference, the 5 NAMs alleged the unfair termination and dismissal of Foni citizens from key civil and public service positions as well as the targeting of people from Foni by the various Commissions of Inquiry.

“The Gambia government registers its total disappointment with the false allegations of unfair targeting of people from the Foni Region by the various Commissions of Inquiry as well as the unfair termination or dismissal of public officials and civil servants.

“That notwithstanding, Government cautions that it will not hesitate to take all available lawful action against any individual or group of individuals with sympathies towards the principal perpetrators of gross human rights violations and atrocities committed in The Gambia,” government responds in a press release dated 11th December 2022.

The five parliamentarians have also raised concerns over the presence of the ECOMIG forces in the Foni Region. They believe the presence of these forces is a threat to the natives.

“The presence of the ECOMIG forces across the country, the Foni Region inclusive, is necessitated by genuine security concerns exacerbated by a porous southern border. The ECOMIG has been instrumental in maintaining peace and security as The Gambia navigates its very sensitive transition,” disagrees government in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Ebrima G. Sankareh.

Meanwhile, the government has confirmed in the same release the deaths of Demba Colley, 23, Alagie Kolley, 23 and Ebrima Colley, 20 last night. All the three were non-Gambians but had registered with the UNHCR, Banjul Office as refugees in The Gambia it says.

“A fourth victim, Sulayman Kolley was injured and is currently being hospitalized at a health facility. The Gambia Government wishes to clarify that all three men died in the Senegalese Region of Cassamance and not within Gambian territory as is being erroneously alleged.”

The Government has also confirmed that Yankuba Badjie died across the border in the Casamance Region of Senegal.

“The late Mr Badjie was non-Gambian, a registered refugee with UNHCR and had resided at Gifanga village. Meanwhile, the Gambian authorities are closely working with their Senegalese counterparts regarding this case,” Government said in a press release.