By: Dawda Baldeh

Following a viral CCTV video footage showing a doctor fighting a patient at Ndemban Hospital in Bakau, the management of the Edward Frances Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) has set up a Technical Committee to investigate the matter.

In a press release dated 3rd January 2023 and signed by Dr. Abubacarr Jagne, EFSTH management described the incident as “inappropriate, unethical and unprofessional,” saying they are investigating the matter.

“The hospital is investigating the matter and will appropriately inform the public of the findings that may arise. A Technical Committee has been set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the hospital’s statement disclosed.

According to the hospital, the result of the investigation will be used to take necessary actions to deter reoccurrence of such incident.

Meanwhile, the authorities also urged the public to bear with them while investigations continue.

“We are begging the public to bear with us while we do the needful,” the statement added.

However, they also called on the media to reach out and get information from them rather than relying on ‘secondary sources.’

By: Dawda Baldeh

Gambian Nollywood actor, film producer, and scriptwriter Musa Darboe Junior has warned Gambians to stop promising to help people if they know they cannot fulfil their promises.

This he says could destroy people’s lives and careers. Speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network, the Nollywood actor said he nearly put himself in serious trouble that could have ended his career as a movie actor in Nigeria after he was given lavish promises by some Gambians.

“I nearly put myself into serious trouble and that would have been the end of my career.

“I was producing a movie titled ‘Living With Our Wicked Father’ so I needed financial support. One day, I was live streaming on TikTok and a lot of people were watching.

“One Gambian brother promised to support, and he failed the promise at the last minute. I was left shocked and hopeless,” recounted the young movie actor.

According to Darboe, a lot of Gambians promised to help him, but they all failed at the last moment.

However, Musa said while he was hopeless and heartbroken, a lady stood by him and give him the necessary support so that he will continue with his movie.

“It is not by force to help but it is not good to promise if you can’t fulfil it. You don’t know the condition of the person seeking help so don’t fail them.

“Some Gambians are attention seekers, and they can make any promise online because they know people are watching. But once you text them privately, it’s a different story,” he emphasized.

Musa claimed he knew a good lot of Gambians that are contributing money for rich Nigerian actors to celebrate their birthdays.

“I will not mention names, but I can tell you a lot of Gambians will contribute money for Nigerian actors to celebrate their birthdays.

Those actors will not even talk about them and all they will say is thank you. It doesn’t make any sense to contribute money for someone who is ten times richer than you,” he said.

However, the actor said he is not saying Gambians shouldn’t help other people but noted that help should be for the sake of Allah, and it should be given to those who need it.

“If you help your fellow Gambians who are struggling that will make more sense than helping someone who is already rich.

“Don’t help because you want people to know because you won’t get any reward from it,” he ended.

2023 NEW YEAR MESSAGE BY

H.E. ADAMA BARROW, GMRG,

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

NATIONAL BROADCAST DATE:

 31ST DECEMBER 2022

“Fellow Gambians and Friends of The Gambia,

Witnessing a New Year is a blessing, for which we should be grateful. I thank God, therefore, for the blessings of the year, which include the huge decline in COVID-19 cases globally.

Focussing more on economic recovery than the pandemic, my government began 2022 with renewed vigour and commitment to advancing our dear nation’s development agenda.

Twelve months on, we are comfortably set to implement a sound five-year Recovery Focussed National Development Plan (2023-2027) and a longer-term Vision 2050 through a robust governance structure.

To recollect, after my inauguration in January for another five-year term, 2022-2027, and the National Assembly Elections that followed in April, I formed a Cabinet with new profiles to lead the march towards building on the gains of our transition period and to break new grounds. The creation of two additional Ministerial portfolios demonstrates our resolve and manifests our determination to move swiftly but professionally.

Supported by the Access to Information Act, my government’s commitment to democracy and our respect for freedom of expression led to the retention of a separate Ministry for Information.

It is obvious that we cannot develop in the absence of a capable human resource stock. As such, the Government highly prioritises education, skills development and job creation to boost our human resource capabilities.

Incidentally, the Faraba Banta University Campus is ready for operation in 2023. Graduates from our various institutions will feed into the National Employment Policy goal of creating one hundred and fifty thousand (150,000) jobs within the next five years.

My government takes education, health and agriculture with utmost seriousness. That thirty percent (30%) of the 2023 national budget is allocated to these sectors serves as evidence. Additionally, there is a sharp Government focus on economic recovery, agricultural production, construction, and tourism to reduce global pressures on our economy.

As a tax-based economy, we must create jobs and pay taxes willingly. Aided by new technology, we have improved tax collection and are determined to build on this success.

Fellow Gambians and Friends of The Gambia,

Lessons learned from the COVID-19 and AKI outbreaks have put us in a stronger position to strengthen our health system further. Meanwhile, the Task Force I set up is investigating the cause of the AKI outbreak and will submit its report in the New Year. We will review the report together with the recommendations from the National Assembly to inform Government’s decision on the matter.

The outbreak was indeed tragic. We sympathise with all the families and persons affected and mourn the loss of those precious Gambian children. I assure the nation that the Government will do all it takes to discover what led to the tragedy and how to prevent its recurrence.

The initiative we took to improve the health infrastructure is advancing smoothly. Besides the widespread construction works in progress, we plan to transform the Basse and Brikama health facilities into regional hospitals. Construction will begin in 2023.

Inaugurated earlier this year, the ultra-modern Medical Disposal and Treatment Centre at Farato is another gigantic development of the year. Alongside these initiatives, we will steadfastly build the capacity of the health personnel and improve their work conditions.

Fellow Gambians and Friends of The Gambia,

High inflation continues to threaten our survival and growth. It negatively impacts living costs globally and influences prices locally.

Furthermore, the current high dependence on imported rice is neither productive nor sustainable. As a result, supporting farmers is another key Government priority.

Despite the difficulty of providing essential farming inputs, such as fertilizer, during the year, we made a subsidy of millions of Dalasis to avail farmers of affordable quality fertilizer.

To begin the trade season on a high note, my administration increased the price of groundnuts by 14% to D32,000 per tonne from D28,000.

Our farmers also received improved seed varieties for higher yields. We listened to them during the recent Meet The People Tour and will continue to address their plight.

The global price increase of rice is an alert for Gambians to take up rice cultivation more seriously. Importing over 70% of the rice we eat is unsustainable.

Formally, Gambian farmers cultivated most of the rice consumed in the country. With modern technology, we can do far better. We have the land and the human resource; thus, with private sector investments, we can transform farming into profitable business ventures.

Against the threats of climate change, we have taken adaptive measures for resilience purposes. The floods in the Greater Banjul Area remind us to urgently manage our environment, settlements and waterways. I urge everyone to respect the building and land laws to reduce the risks posed by climate change.

The programme budget allocation to the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure indicate my government’s preparedness to provide the needed infrastructure to ease movement and boost the economy.

Fellow Gambians,

In this short speech, I cannot mention all areas requiring attention but be assured that we are taking a holistic development approach, with better coordination arrangements, to realise our national targets.

In this light, we recently initiated an appraisal system for State-Owned Enterprises, which will eventually include all MDAs. I call on all those in public service to do their best for the nation.

Fellow Gambians,

Affordable electricity supply for all is top on my government’s agenda. The plan to decentralise and expand access in all areas, rural and urban, and in new settlements is on course.

Our Security Sector Reform programme has progressed in building the capacity of our security forces. The Armed Forces are being re-oriented and motivated to enhance their role and responsibilities to assure maximum security in the country.

For their part, all citizens should take responsibility to control crime. While crimes reported to the police dropped in 2022, with public cooperation, burglary, domestic violence and other crimes could be reduced further.

Along similar lines, those in border communities that experience sporadic armed conflicts should collaborate with the Security Services to secure the country. Our territorial integrity must never be compromised.

It is regrettable that a handful of soldiers recently planned to overthrow the democratically elected government of the day. The devastating consequences of illegally overthrowing a constitutionally elected government can never justify the means employed, nor the ill-advised purposes for such deadly crimes. Gambians have lived through a military regime, and they know how military takeovers have destabilised, disunited and isolated countries within the sub-region that struggle to live with them.

The Gambia is a multiparty democracy, and citizens can legally contest for public office if they wish. To do otherwise amounts to treason and carries severe penalties.

I thank and commend the Intelligence Service and the GAF High Command for boldly and promptly taking action to foil the plot. They have demonstrated that, if we are united and vigilant as patriotic citizens, we will safely defend our country and continue our development programmes. These are times for national reconciliation and consolidation of our democratic institutions and not time to revert to lawlessness, subversion, and unconstitutional tendencies.

Because there are effective measures to ensure that justice prevails, all unlawful acts, mob justice inclusive, will not be tolerated. Wherever we may be, we must take charge to make our environment safe and maintain peace, law and order.

Fellow Gambians,

At the international level, The Gambia is in the limelight again. Our partners appreciate the Government’s efforts to promote and protect our democracy.

To cite examples, we now head the ECOWAS Commission, and both the World Bank and the IMF approve of our fiscal discipline.

The recent announcement at the US-Africa Summit by President Joseph Biden according to The Gambia the Compact Millennium Development Challenge grant is quite significant.

Our ranking in the World Press Freedom Index for respecting freedom of expression and enacting the Access to Information Act continues to challenge us to strive harder.

In like manner, we will continue to strengthen our foreign relations through diplomacy and people-to-people relations, thus encouraging investments.

Fellow Gambians,

Our achievements in 2022 resulted partly from teamwork and collaboration from the Legislature, the Judiciary, the public institutions, the media, Civil Society Organisations and the public. To a large extent as well, our partners played their roles very well. I thank all of them and urge that we cooperate and work harder to bring about the change we desire without violence or conflict.

In the same way, I appeal to all Gambians in the Diaspora to continue contributing to the advancement of their motherland. I encourage them to invest in growing the economy and safeguarding our democracy peacefully. Remittances contribute to economic growth, so let no one relent.

I thank our religious and community leaders for standing by the teachings of our religions to guide the people. The African Ulama and Ministers of Religious Affairs conference we hosted signifies international recognition of our beloved nation. Please keep up the good work.

I cannot fail to reiterate to all political leaders and supporters that our love for the country should never be questioned, regardless of our diverse opinions. We have a nation to build, and doing so requires unity, commitment, determination, and professionalism.

We have to strive in unity to maintain The Gambia as the Smiling Coast of Africa. As we enter 2023, we are better prepared to move The Gambia to higher heights. Let us do so together.

I wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous 2023.

Long live The Republic of The Gambia!”

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The leader and secretary general of National Reconciliation Party (NRP) has encouraged his party militants to cement their relationship with President Barrow’s NPP or risk seeing a United Democratic Party (UDP) government in the Gambia.

“UDP has a solid support. Fortunately, for us, they don’t grow, but their number remains solid. If there is any division on the other side, they stand chance to be a minority government in this country,” Hon. Hamat Bah said.

He told the militants they should never let that happen and the only way they could avoid that is by rallying behind President at all times.

“If we are divided, it will become a disaster and that disaster we don’t want to see happen,” the tourism minister said.

UDP is the biggest opposition party in the Gambia and it appears to be the only party Barrow’s political ally, Hamat Bah fears.

Hamat Bah has been accused of selling his NRP to Barrow, an accusation he has always denied. But what is clear now, is that, the NRP will never contest against Barrow for the country’s highest leadership position, according to its leader.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The National Reconciliation Party (NRP) will never contest for the Presidency as long as the president of the Gambia and party leader of the National People’s Party (NPP), Adama Barrow throws his hat into the ring, said Hon. Hamat Bah, the party leader and Secretary-General of NRP.

Bah, who also serves as the Minister of Tourism was speaking at the Party’s Biennial Congress in Sare Bojo, Jimara Constituency, URR on Thursday 29th December 2022.

“We will support Adama Barrow even if he wants a third term. And I pledged never to contest against Adama Barrow. But other than Adama Barrow, let nobody have any illusion that we will mortgage this party, or our desire to be president to anyone,” Hamat Bah told delegates and militants.

He told the gathering that the party is stronger now than before and is committed to leading the Gambia subject to Barrow’s intention to contest.

Barrow came to power through a coalition in 2016 to end the 22-year rule of the former President, Yahya Jammeh.

He later formed his party, the National People’s Party and won the 2021 presidential election, securing his second term in office through the help of NRP and other parties that joined him.

The NRP, arguably instrumental in Barrow securing a second term, holds that Barrow is the best to serve as president for this country.

“And I’m urging all NRP militants to make sure that this coming local government election, we do not contest against NPP in any form at any part of the country,” said the party leader, warning that anyone who goes against this would be making what he called a “fundamental mistake.”

By: Dawda Baldeh

Musa Ousainou Yali Bachilly, leader of Gambia Action Party (GAP) told members and supporters of his party that a GAP led government will not tolerate homosexuality and what he called ‘unnecessary divorce’.

Mr. Bachilly was speaking at the party congress held at Tamala Hotel on Thursday 29th December 2022.

“A government led by GAP will have zero tolerance for people who practice homosexuality as they will not have rights or privileges in the country.

Calamity will not fall on us because of a few individuals who have sold their inner peace for money due to white supremacy,” he added.

Speaking on a range of issues, Mr. Bachilly told party comrades that “unnecessary divorce” will also be a thing of the past in a government headed by his party.

“We will make divorce very difficult. You cannot marry and divorce anyhow. It must be on concrete reasons that are in line with our religion.

Some people are taking advantage of others; they will marry and divorce anytime they wish. You cannot marry someone for a specific interest, and after getting that, you divorce the person. It will not happen if I become President,” he vowed.

Mr. Bachilly promised to make marriage easy in the country as a way of discouraging adultery and fornication.

The GAP leader further stated that the country will be in a massive transformation process if he is elected president.

He made several other promises during the party congress, outlining reforms he to foster unity and development in the country.

By: Dawda Baldeh 

Youth and sport minister Bakary Y Badjie has described 2022 as the ‘most successful year’ in Gambian sporting history’. He made the statement during a site visit at the Independent Stadium where renovation exercise is ongoing.

“We consider 2022 as the most successful year in our sporting history. It is the year we qualified for AFCON for the first time and the team went up to the quarter-final of the African Cup of Nations. There is nothing bigger than that in our sports,” Minister Badjie told journalists on Wednesday.

He added that Gambians athletes have also been doing well in 2022.

“The athletes won a gold medal in Mauritius; they went to Birmingham in the Commonwealth Games and won a silver medal for the first time, and also to the Islamic Games where they won gold medal for the relay and 200m…,” he narrated.

He further highlighted the performance of Gambia U20 team in the WAFU Championship where the team secured qualification to participate in the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt 2023.

He reiterated that the country under his Ministry, with support from the government, made massive improvements in all sporting disciplines in 2022.

Minister Badjie underscored progress made during the recently concluded NAYCONF that brought together young people from different regions and backgrounds across the seven regions of the country to explore their talents.

“We have seen the display of talents in all sporting activities by the youths who are potential national assets. The NAYCONF is a way to bring out talents from rural areas. We saw the records some of them made, like Lamin Basse who made a very good record in athletics. Like many others, he could be an asset for the country,” he concluded.

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.