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Sabally Alleges UDP Outspent NPP in Kiang Masembeh By-Election

By: Alieu Jallow

Former National Campaign Manager of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Momodou Sabally, during Coffee Time with Peter Gomez, alleged that the UDP significantly outspent the National People’s Party (NPP) in the recently concluded Kiang Masembeh Ward by-election, claiming the opposition party poured over D4 million into the campaign.

Speaking about the election, Sabally pointed out that the UDP deployed its entire executive leadership to the campaign, including notable figures such as Lamin Manneh, Talib Bensouda, Rohey Malick Lowe, Yankuba Darboe, and Landing Sanneh. He added that even UDP’s North Bank chairman, Sainey Sabally, traveled with a delegation to Kiang to support the party’s candidate.

“They deployed more resources, both human and tangible, than the NPP,” Sabally remarked.

In contrast, he said the NPP had only two cabinet ministers, Dr. Demba Sabally and Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, actively participating in the campaign. According to him, the ruling party relied mainly on its campaign team, led by Lamin Cham, Dou Sanno, and a few others who occasionally showed up to motivate their team.

Sabally further accused Rohey Malick Lowe, the Mayor of Banjul, of taking an aggressive social media approach in the campaign, often broadcasting live on Facebook to rally support for the UDP.

“Rohey Malick Lowe was in the streets with her phone, going live on Facebook and talking to people. They gave it their all, and they retained their seat. Congrats to them for that,” he admitted.

Despite his claims of UDP’s overwhelming campaign efforts, Sabally commended both parties’ candidates for conducting a mature and peaceful campaign. He praised the symbolic handshake between the two after the election, calling it a victory for democracy under the new political dispensation.

However, he also condemned what he described as “unacceptable” remarks from NPP surrogate Babucarr Bahoum, saying such comments have no place in a democratic society.

“That was wrong, and I understand he has apologized. It’s unacceptable and just an unfortunate incident,” Sabally stressed.

The Kiang Masembeh by-election saw the UDP successfully retain the seat, marking yet another crucial victory for the opposition party.

Banjul North NAM Elected West Africa Bloc Representative at NEAPACOH Executive Committee

By Michaella Faith Wright

Modou Lamin B. Bah, National Assembly Member for Banjul North, has been elected as the West Africa Bloc Representative (English-speaking countries) at the Network for African Parliamentary Committees of Health (NEAPACOH) Executive Committee.

The decision was made during NEAPACOH’s 16th annual general gathering in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, held from March 5-7, 2025.

Bah’s election came as representatives from 26 African countries, including Members of Parliament from Health and Budgetary Committees, support staff, and members of Civil Society Organizations, gathered to discuss pressing health challenges.

The conference, themed “Repositioning the roles of parliamentarians for the implementation of the unfinished ICPD agenda and the attainment of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC): South to South lessons and good practices,” focused on strengthening legislative engagement in healthcare development.

As the head of The Gambia’s delegation, Bah presented the NEAPACOH 2025 report on behalf of the country, reaffirming The Gambia’s commitment to improving healthcare through parliamentary action and collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

During the gathering, he also engaged with potential partners willing to support The Gambia’s healthcare sector, particularly in areas such as Tuberculosis (TB), Sexual and Reproductive Health, Maternal Health, and Population and Development. Notably, he and his team pledged to establish the country’s first-ever TB caucus in parliament, a move aimed at enhancing legislative efforts to combat the disease.

Bah’s election as a key regional representative is expected to further The Gambia’s engagement in continental health policy discussions and strengthen collaboration with regional and international health partners.

Activist Dukureh Accuses Minister Kinteh of Undermining Anti-FGM Efforts, Claims Ministry Created “Active Obstacles”

By: Seringe S.T. Touray

Prominent anti-FGM advocate Jaha Dukureh has publicly challenged Gambia’s Gender Minister Fatou Kinteh, accusing her not only of falsely claiming credit for efforts to uphold the country’s ban on female genital mutilation but also of actively working to obstruct progress during a critical advocacy initiative.

In essence, Dukureh claims Minister Kinteh falsely took credit for organizing and funding a crucial Egypt trip that influenced Gambia’s anti-FGM law, when Dukureh says she herself took out a loan to finance it and worked with others outside the ministry to arrange it. She alleges the Ministry actively obstructed these efforts, continuing a pattern of Fatou Kinteh and her ministry undermining her advocacy work while taking undue credit.

The dispute emerged after Minister Kinteh allegedly misrepresented the government’s role in maintaining the 2015 FGM ban at a side event during the 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) in New York last Wednesday.

Dukureh, founder of Safe Hands for Girls and a UN Women Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Africa, expressed her frustration in a series of posts on X, which quickly gained attention.

In her posts, Dukureh specifically contested the minister’s account of a crucial trip to Egypt that reportedly influenced Gambian lawmakers to maintain the FGM ban last year.

“GRTS reporting of our Egypt trip. Hon Seedy Njie [Deputy Speaker, National Assembly] worked behind the scenes with me day and night to make this happened. I had to drag @saitmatty to co-sign the loan I took out for this trip,” Dukureh wrote, contradicting the minister’s alleged claims that the government organized and funded the initiative. Sait Matty is a well-known Gambian political scientist and governance expert. Apart from her taking the loan, she also had additional support from the National Assembly, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), UNFPA, and the SWEDD project.

In response to a post by Omar Champion Cham, Youth Activist and Speaker of the National Youth Parliament of The Gambia, Dukureh further expressed her frustration. Omar had commented on the difficulties she faced: “Aunty Fatou Kinteh must be integrity deficient to be that bold and heartless. I can remember all the struggles and sacrifices you had to make for this trip to happen, with last minute call offs and insults.”

Dukureh replied: “For her to sit there and claim they organized it using the partners and past work they have done with Al Azhar! I was like wait. Am I dreaming. Bebe bulen Faleh kee.” Al-Azhar refers to the prestigious Islamic university in Cairo whose religious authority is influential in addressing FGM in Muslim communities.

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare has not directly addressed these specific allegations. However, in a statement released Wednesday about a bilateral meeting with UN Women officials, Minister Kinteh described the government’s strategy to uphold the anti-FGM law as “both strategic and effective.” Minister Kinteh also acknowledged “the significant investment made by the government and civil society organizations in combating FGM.”

In messages shared with The Fatu Network, Dukureh elaborated on the financial aspects of her advocacy work:

“They make the assumption that I get millions in funding when that is simply not true. I am sure they thought someone has given me back all the money I spent in the Gambia when that is also not true,” she stated.

Challenging both the government and international community, Dukureh added: “If any of them can come out and say they funded the work I did and especially that Egypt trip or they gave me the money for it let them come out and refute my claims.”

According to Dukureh, this incident is not isolated but part of a pattern spanning nearly a decade: “They have done this to me for nearly 10 years,” she told The Fatu Network.

She has vowed to use her platform at the ongoing CSW events to correct the record: “Every event I speak at for the rest of CSW and every platform I get on will know that civil society in the Gambia collectively won this battle along with the National Assembly Members (NAMs). Anything said outside of that is not true. No single person can take credit for the law being [passed].”

Dukureh claims the ministry was only brought in at the last minute due to World Bank requirements for funding. She alleges that not only did the ministry fail to provide support, but Fatou Kinteh and her ministry actively created obstacles.

“We brought the ministry in at the last minute because the World Bank required their involvement for funding. They did everything they could to stop it, and I ended up covering the costs personally after they failed to book tickets,” Dukureh was quoted as saying.

The controversy has sparked reactions from other figures involved in the anti-FGM campaign. “The Ministry shamelessly didn’t want to cooperate because of votes!” Cham added in his social media response.

The dispute highlights different narratives about the roles played by government and civil society in The Gambia’s fight against female genital mutilation. While Dukureh emphasizes the crucial contributions of grassroots advocates and claims obstruction from Fatou Kinteh and her ministry, the Ministry has publicly highlighted its leadership role and collaborative approach in upholding the country’s 2015 ban on the practice.

The Fatu Network is actively communicating with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare for their response to these allegations.

Momodou Sabally Calls for Fair Debate on Diaspora Voting

By Michaella Faith Wright

Presidential Adviser Momodou Sabally has called for a balanced and fair debate on diaspora voting, emphasising that no one is against Gambians abroad casting their ballots; rather, the convenience of the process remains a point of contention.

Speaking on West Coast Radio’s Coffee Time programme, Sabally clarified that every Gambian in the diaspora has the right to vote, but the disagreement lies in how the process should be conducted. He noted that the matter was taken to the National Assembly, where lawmakers could not reach a consensus, leading some to vote against it.

“The reality is that any Gambian in the diaspora can return home to vote. The debate is not about denying them that right but rather the convenience of the process,” Sabally stated.

He expressed concerns over the way the debate has been framed, saying the discussion should be conducted in a fair and balanced manner. He also criticized what he described as bullying of National Assembly Members who opposed the proposal.

“For me, that is unfair. Let the debate continue, but in a way that allows all perspectives to be heard,” he added.

Sabally further suggested that President Adama Barrow could benefit from diaspora voting if a convenient process were established, reinforcing the need for constructive dialogue on the issue.

EXCLUSIVE: On the Trail of FAR Ltd and The Gambia Petroleum Commission: The Quest for Transparency

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Ousman F. M’Bai, a Financial Crime, Regulation & International Asset Recovery Lawyer, has submitted a formal Freedom of Information request to the Gambia Petroleum Commission seeking crucial documents related to FAR Ltd.’s oil exploration activities in The Gambia.

The request, filed under Section 5(1) of the Access to Information Act, 2021, seeks to obtain transparency on the operations, agreements, and regulatory oversight of FAR Ltd.’s activities in Blocks A2 and A5 of The Gambia’s territorial waters.

This action follows M’Bai’s investigative report published by The Fatu Network in August 2024, “Whither The Gambia? – The Saga of a Small Nation and its Missing Oil and Gas Resources,” which raised significant concerns about the management of The Gambia’s potential oil resources and the relationship between the government and international oil companies.

The comprehensive information request specifically asks for:

  1. All contracts and agreements between the Government of The Gambia and FAR Ltd., including amendments and extensions
  2. Well drilling reports, seismic data, and geological assessments from FAR’s exploration activities
  3. Records of any penalties, financial obligations, or exemptions granted to FAR Ltd.
  4. Official correspondence and meeting minutes between the Commission and FAR Ltd.

In the request, M’Bai argues that since FAR Ltd. has now exited The Gambia, commercial confidentiality concerns should no longer prevent public disclosure of these documents. The letter cites Section 25(2) of the Access to Information Act, which states that information cannot be withheld when it facilitates accountability in decision-making, relates to public funds expenditure, or would reveal misconduct or regulatory failures.

M’Bai has requested a response within the 14-day statutory timeframe and has indicated that failure to respond may necessitate further legal action, including seeking intervention from the Information Commission or the High Court.

The Fatu Network will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as information becomes available.

Mohammad Bazzi, Hezbollah Financier with Gambian Business Ties, Sentenced in US Case

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Mohammad Ibrahim Bazzi, a businessman previously investigated for his investments in The Gambia, has been sentenced to time served after spending two years in custody in the United States, as reported by The Detroit News.

According to U.S. court records, Bazzi pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to scheming with fugitive La Shish founder, Talal Chahine, to wire profits overseas from a stake in the former Middle Eastern restaurant chain based in Metro Detroit. The Detroit News reported that this involved attempting to wire more than $820,000 outside of the United States in violation of Treasury Department sanctions.

Bazzi, who reportedly owned a significant stake in Gampetroleum (The Gambia’s national petroleum company), was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of Treasury in 2018. The Treasury Department at that time alleged connections between Bazzi and Hezbollah.

During former President Yahya Jammeh’s administration, Bazzi’s business activities in The Gambia’s petroleum and telecommunications sectors were later subject to review by the Janneh Commission of Inquiry.

Court documents show that while U.S. prosecutors requested up to a 46-month sentence, District Judge Dora Irizarry sentenced him to time already served. The court ordered that he will be deported from the United States as part of his conviction.

The case concludes after Bazzi’s guilty plea, which included an agreement to forfeit approximately $830,000 linked to the transactions in question.

First Lady Leads Gambia’s Delegation at CSW 69 in New York

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow is leading The Gambia’s delegation at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the UN Headquarters in New York, which started on March 10 and will run until March 21.

The session marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, where she is participating in discussions on advancing women’s rights and gender equality.

“Macky Sall Will Stay in Morocco As Long As He Wishes” – Aïssata Tall Sall

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Aïssata Tall Sall, former Justice and Foreign Affairs Minister under ex-President Macky Sall, dismissed speculation about the possible extradition of Macky Sall from Morocco. She stated, “Macky Sall will remain in Morocco as long as he wishes, and he will return to Senegal whenever he wants.”

During a parliamentary debate on ratifying a Senegal-Morocco prisoner transfer agreement, Tall Sall criticized those linking the convention to Macky Sall, saying, “Why is he suddenly at the center of this discussion? Because in Senegal, so-called legal experts speak without knowing the law.”

She also addressed concerns over the timing of the ratification, explaining that diplomatic priorities shift over time. She emphasized that the agreement is primarily about providing legal support, not about political maneuvering.

The EU Is Introducing Stricter Deportation Policies In Response To Growing Public Discontent With Its Migration System

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Under new plans, failed asylum seekers and illegal migrants will face accelerated deportation procedures. For the first time, the EU is also legalizing the establishment of “return hubs” outside Europe, mirroring elements of Britain’s discontinued Rwanda scheme.

According to reports, 80% of individuals ordered to leave EU countries remain within Europe, including some involved in criminal or terrorist activities.

Magnus Brunner, EU migration commissioner, highlighted rising voter support for populist parties as a reflection of public frustration with migration issues.

The new measures aim to address this mounting pressure from national governments and citizens.

Ex-President Duterte’s Arrest: A New Chapter in the Philippines’ Controversial Legacy

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, was arrested yesterday at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila and extradited to The Hague, marking a stunning downfall for the once-dominant leader. Now facing charges of crimes against humanity, he is accused of orchestrating a violent crackdown on drug-related crime that claimed an estimated 30,000 lives.

For years, Duterte defied international scrutiny, withdrawing the Philippines from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2019 and vowing never to be tried by a foreign tribunal. However, the ICC maintained jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member.

His arrest has deeply divided public opinion. While many see it as long-overdue justice for victims and their families, his supporters argue that it is a politically driven move against a leader who prioritized national security.

As Duterte awaits trial, the world watches. Will he finally be held accountable, or will his legacy of defiance persist—even behind bars?

MoHERTs, MoBSE Launch Virtual Reality Program

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) is revolutionizing the country’s education system with the launch of a pilot project named Virtual Reality under the theme: “Use of Emerging Educational Technologies for Effective Teaching & Quality Education.”

This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) and Aventis Education, is being implemented by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO).

The program is designed to equip educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to leverage cutting-edge educational technologies, thereby enhancing teaching and learning experiences.

The official launch took place at the University of Education, where several speakers emphasized its importance in reshaping the country’s educational landscape.

Chief Justice Orders Inquest into General Bora Colley’s Death in Custody

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

The Chief Justice of The Gambia has ordered an inquest into the death of General Bora Colley, who died while in custody, according to a press release issued by the Judiciary on March 11, 2025.

Following an application from the Attorney General dated March 10, Principal Magistrate Dawda Phatty of the Bundung Magistrates’ Court has been appointed to conduct the investigation. “His Worship Dawda Phatty has been appointed to conduct an inquest into the death of General Bora Colley to establish the possible causes of death of the late General and submit his report to the Hon. Chief Justice upon completion of the inquest in a reasonable period of time,” the statement read. The inquest was ordered under Section 11(1)(a) of the Coroners Act.

Dog Shoots Owner in Tennessee

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

In Memphis, Tennessee, a man named Jerald Kirkwood was accidentally shot by his one-year-old pit bull, Oreo, The Guardian reports.

According to police, Kirkwood and a woman were lying in bed with a firearm when Oreo jumped up, got his paw stuck in the trigger guard, and caused the gun to discharge. The bullet grazed Kirkwood’s left thigh, leaving him in non-critical condition.

The woman, who later spoke to Fox 13, described Oreo as “a playful dog” who “likes to jump around and stuff like that,” adding that the gun “just went off.” She also emphasized the importance of gun safety, saying, “Keep the safety on or use a trigger lock.” Police classified the incident as accidental, with no action taken against Oreo or his owner.

Could Ghana’s Mahama Reunite the AES with the Subregion?

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has just completed a tour of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso – three nations that left ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a regional bloc seeking autonomy from West Africa’s main body.

President Mahama is urging ECOWAS to recognize the AES in an effort to restore dialogue. Could his diplomacy bridge the divide?

Baba Hydara Reacts to Bora Colley’s Death, Welcomes Manjang Arrest Warrant

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Baba Hydara, son of the late Deyda Hydara, co-founder of The Point newspaper and founding member of Victims Centre, has responded to the recent death of Brigadier General Bora Colley and to the arrest warrant issued for Sanna Manjang.

Hydara expressed mixed feelings about Colley’s death, stating: “As we are in the month of Ramadan, I pray that Almighty Allah grants him forgiveness for his shortcomings. Nonetheless, it is essential to acknowledge that he has committed heinous crimes during Jammeh’s regime.”

Regarding Manjang, who allegedly participated in his father’s murder, Hydara welcomed the arrest warrant and urged the government to “take all necessary actions” to secure Manjang’s extradition from Guinea Bissau.

Joseph Benneth: The Nigerian Matchmaker Helping Gambian Women Find Love Abroad

By: Michaella Faith Wright

Nigerian-born musician and matchmaker Joseph Benneth has been making waves in The Gambia since relocating in 2022. Through his company, Love Gambia Connect, he has successfully connected Gambian women with foreign partners, helping them fulfill their dreams of love and marriage.

Operating primarily online, Benneth has built a growing network of women seeking relationships with foreign men. His matchmaking service, which he says is exclusively for women, has garnered over 19,000 followers on Instagram under the handle Love Gambia Connect.

“I realized many young Gambian women dream of dating and marrying white men, so I created Love Gambia Connect to help them achieve that,” Benneth stated. “I take pride in bringing happiness to these women and making their dreams a reality.”

Beyond matchmaking, Benneth is also a music producer, operating his own studio from his apartment. However, his passion for connecting people led him to focus on the dating industry, where he has already seen success. “Last year alone, I matched three women with foreigners, and their relationships are thriving,” he revealed.

According to Benneth, his platform is exclusively tailored for women because they are more willing to invest in finding love. “Unlike men, women are ready to pay and chase after their dreams. That’s why I focus on helping them,” he explained.

Looking ahead, Benneth hopes to expand his services and attend more weddings of couples he has successfully matched. “My goal is to bring genuine lovers together and create lasting relationships. I believe matchmaking in The Gambia needed an upgrade, and I am here to provide that,” he concluded.

Ramadan and high cost of goods: Vendors lament price of food commodities

By Mama A. Touray

While Muslims believe that Ramadan teaches sacrifice and empathy for the less fortunate, vendors at Coastal Road Market lament the sudden surge in the prices of basic food commodities during Ramadan.

During a visit to the Coastal Road Market by The Fatu Network team, Sohna Penda Jallow, a vendor, explained the sudden increase in commodity prices: “In recent years, during Ramadan, prices have consistently increased. For the past two to three months, the prices of onions and potatoes were low, but just weeks and days before Ramadan, the prices went up. Onions, potatoes, and anything used in stew—even cucumbers, which are grown locally—have become more expensive.”

Jallow added: “The prices at which I used to buy onions and potatoes have doubled and tripled, respectively. When onions were cheap and affordable, prices ranged from D400 to D500. Now, the price is between D1300 and D1400, and we are still buying them. When I sell them, I earn no more than D75 to D100 in profit, and it’s impossible to sell a whole bag in a single day.”

She added that during the Christmas period, Christians discount their goods “because it is the month they cherish. Similarly, for us Muslims, I believe Ramadan should be the month we show sympathy for one another. However, instead of showing sympathy, we often end up doing the opposite.”

Sohna suggested that a month when Muslims should show empathy for one another is when women go to the market and start crying over high prices.

“Ramadan is not a sympathy month for us because you are coming to the market and crying. Imagine someone who has less than D500 as fish money comes to the market and finds out that the price of chicken is D150 or more and fish D200, potato D100, what can that person take home? Even if she manages to buy those goods, she will not be happy,” she said.

Lamarana Jallow, a shopkeeper at the Coastal Road Market, explained that potatoes and onions do not have fixed prices. He added that during the cold season, prices increase, while in the hot season, they decrease “because, during the hot season, if they are stored for too long, they spoil, and we end up throwing them away.”

“It’s true that when people know others are in need of certain food items or goods, they increase the prices. That is why I said those who can afford it should come to the aid of those who cannot,” he added.

He explained that the price increase is due to the fact that most goods imported into the country are not grown in The Gambia.

“If you look into it, it’s because most of the goods we buy from outside the country are not locally grown. Yes, there are countries that reduce the prices of goods during Ramadan, but for us to do the same, those importing goods must support us. We are not the same, and if you compare The Gambia to other countries, I can tell you that The Gambia is actually better than some of them,” he said.

Ghana Town Alkalo Says Undocumented Descendants Are Stateless Due to Citizenship Crisis

By: Dawda Baldeh

Ismaila Jagne, the Alkalo and Imam of Ghana Town, has described the descendants of undocumented immigrants in Ghana Town as stateless individuals caught in a citizenship crisis that has left many vulnerable.

In an interview with The Fatu Network, Alkalo Jagne acknowledged that the previous government, under former President Yahya Jammeh, had granted citizenship to the descendants of Ghanaian immigrants residing in Ghana Town, a coastal village in the West Coast Region. However, he noted that issues arose following the change in government, making it difficult for citizenship holders to renew their documents once they expired.

“Currently, they are stateless,” he stated, emphasizing that the situation has particularly impacted young people in their educational pursuits. “Those who had citizenship before cannot renew it now, which means they are stateless. They lack both Gambian and Ghanaian documents,” he elaborated.

Alkalo Jagne also mentioned that some government officials had visited the settlement for assessments, but little progress had been made. “The youth are severely affected, especially students who wish to continue their studies. They possess no documentation, rendering them vulnerable.” He pointed out that some students had missed out on scholarship opportunities due to the lack of documentation, as they were denied access to Gambian papers based on their birthplace. “I am urging the government to assist in resolving this issue,” he implored.

George Kaleku, Chairman of the Ghana Town Community Association, also voiced concerns over the difficulties his community is facing. “All we are requesting from the Gambian government is assistance in obtaining birth certificates for our children. The birth certificates should indicate that the child was born in The Gambia to Ghanaian parents or that one of their parents is Gambian,” he stated.

Mr. Kaleku stressed that this would help them secure documents in Ghana if they are not provided with documentation in The Gambia. “At present, this poses a significant problem for us, particularly for the youth. They currently lack both Ghanaian and Gambian documents, which complicates matters,” he added. He further explained that some families had taken their children to Ghana to obtain documents, but it remained a major challenge without birth certificates proving they were born in The Gambia.

“The Ghanaian government is willing to assist, but without obtaining birth certificates here, it will be difficult,” he revealed.

Former First Lady’s Brother, Mayor of Saint-Louis, Barred from Leaving Senegal

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Senegalese authorities prevented Mansour Faye, mayor of Saint-Louis and brother of former First Lady Marième Faye Sall, from traveling overseas on March 10, 2025.

In a social media post, Faye wrote, “I would like to inform the national and international public that I was unjustly forbidden from boarding the Air France flight today, Monday, March 10, 2025, to Jeddah via Paris, for the ‘minor pilgrimage’ to Mecca.”

According to him, when he asked for an explanation, a police officer simply stated, “It is on the instructions of the Higher Authority.” Faye insisted, “To my knowledge, I am not the subject of any procedure, investigation, or accusation of any kind, whatsoever!”

Condemning the move as politically motivated, he declared, “If this is about politics, this Authority will continue to suffer! Let them know that I am and will remain standing, firm in my position!”

Former First Lady Marième Faye Sall has also spoken out against the travel restriction, calling it a politically motivated action by the Diomaye-Sonko administration. She described it as part of a broader pattern of unjust measures targeting her family, specifically her brother.

Who Was Reuben Andrews? Respected Banking Executive Found Dead in Brufut

By: Alieu Jallow

A murder investigation is underway following the tragic death of Reuben Andrews, a retired banker and former executive at Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) and United Bank for Africa (UBA), who was found dead at his residence in Brufut Heights on Monday evening.

According to police sources, Andrews, 63, was discovered motionless by his wife, Victoria Andrews, upon her return home at approximately 5:00 p.m. Authorities have established a perimeter around the residence while the investigation proceeds.

Andrews was a figure in The Gambia’s financial sector, with a career spanning multiple countries. Fluent in both English and French, he began his banking journey in Senegal with BNP Paribas before being deployed to The Gambia as Acting General Manager. He later held positions at SCB Gambia, including Head of Credit Analysis and Head of Sales in Corporate and Institutional Banking. He subsequently worked at SCB Sierra Leone before returning to The Gambia. He later joined UBA in the financial industry.

The incident has occurred in Brufut Heights, an area known for its residential properties.

Recent statistics indicate that overall crime rates in The Gambia have been on a downward trend, although fluctuations remain in specific categories, such as murder. For instance, police data indicate that major crime cases dropped from 63 in the second quarter of 2023 to 46 in the same period of 2024. However, murder cases rose from two in the first quarter of 2023 to four in the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, broader crime statistics show that the total number of reported cases fell from 731 in the first two quarters of 2021 to 620 in 2022. These figures reflect a general decline in overall criminal activity while highlighting that certain violent crimes, like murder, can still fluctuate from one period to the next.

As investigations continue, the passing of Reuben Andrews is noted by those familiar with his contributions to The Gambia’s banking sector.

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