By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The National Youth President of the opposition National Democratic Congress (GDC), MC Cham Jrn has responded to Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie’s claim that responsible Gambians should apologise to the Health Ministry, urging the deputy speaker to instead apologize to Gambians and the victims of the affected families.

On Wednesday, October 22 during the National Assembly’s extraordinary session on the Indian-made syrups that killed over 70 Gambian children, the deputy speaker commended the country’s health ministry, claiming that the deaths of those kids have been politicized and urged responsible citizens to apologize to the ministry.

Responding to the Deputy Speaker, the GDC youth leader exhorted Seedy Njie to apologize, remarking that government should take responsibility for the deaths of over 70 children as a result of the contaminated Indian-made syrups.

“Wonders shall never end. I suggest that Deputy Speaker Njie apologize to the Gambians and the victims of the contaminated syrups. The government should take responsibility and review the ministry that continued to fail Gambians during the pandemic under Dr Samateh and ensure dismissals, license revocations and replaced by competency and capability and not nepotism and favouritism,” he remarked.

MC Cham outlined the Parliament should be the protector of Gambians and not detractors, adding that if the Parliament served as detractors, then there is no hope for the victims.

He reiterated that Gambians have nothing to apologize for since the ministry didn’t tell everything in the preliminary investigation regarding the syrups into the country.

“What is there to apologize for in the preliminary investigation that did not tell us since July when the outbreak was known by them but covered up and allowed importation over three months with increased death to date known to be over 66?” he questioned.

The never-silent politician said he wants to remind Seedy Njie that the ministry of health’s staff is paid by Gambians and that the preliminary investigation was inadequate.

“I would like to remind Deputy Speaker Njie that, the Gambia government MoH are paid by the people to do a job, and we should not applaud fish for swimming in the water. This preliminary investigation is inadequate,” he remarked.

On Wednesday, the nation’s parliamentarians debated over the Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) deaths that have exceeded the previous number of 66 announced by the Health Ministry.

The National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA), a technical arm of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) on accreditation and quality assurance matters on Wednesday, 26^th October 2022 commenced the Regional Skills Competition in Basse, Upper River Region (URR), The Gambia.

The Regional Skills Competition is the Activity 7 Component of the UNESCO – KOICA Youth Empowerment through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Project.

The competition is based on five skills areas, namely:

1. Block laying
2. Electrical Installation
3. Floor and Wall Tiling
4. Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning; and
5. Tailoring

In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of NAQAA, Dr Gibril Jaw underscored the significance of the competition, saying it is in line with The Gambia government’s national development goal of improving the country’s skills-based resources. Dr Jaw further highlighted that possessing the right skills and attitude helps reduce poverty levels and makes the youth job creators and not job seekers. He also outlined that the regional skills competition will provide more visibility to skills education and training in The Gambia.

For her part, Ms Fatou Janneh, the Principal Tertiary and Higher Education Officer and the TVET Focal Person in the Directorate of Tertiary and Higher Education of MoHERST, reaffirmed the commitment of the government of the Gambia through the MoHERST to producing home-grown technicians that will take charge of the developmental imperatives of the country. She went on to state that the Ministry calls on all partners to invest towards the sustainability of the skills competition so that it becomes an annual event with the hope of further participating in World Skills Competitions.

Also, in attendance was Mr Mamanding Ceesay, the Deputy Governor of URR, who spoke on behalf of the Governor. Mr Ceesay highlighted that the youth are the future of this country, and as such, they should be supported and guided to actualise their full potential. The Deputy Governor recommended more social policies, projects and programmes, like the skills competitions, to raise the level of expertise of our young people. He informed the gathering that the Office of the Governor in URR commends MoHERST through NAQAA for bringing this skills competition to URR. He reiterated that this maiden event would give the young people of his region the platform to showcase their talents.

In her speech, the Regional Education Director of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), Mrs Fatou Kinneh Sey, stated that the country needs engineers and technicians. Thus, she is optimistic that the regional skills competition will boost the morale of young people to venture into TVET careers.

After the opening ceremony, the first leg of the regional competition began for the 15 young people participating in Basse. Three competitors were represented from different TVET institutions and workshops for each of the five skill sets. Five winners emerged, one from each skill set. These are:

1. Block laying – Malick Jawo of Insight Training Centre, 29 years old – Lives in Sinchu Baliya
2. Electrical Installation – Abdoulie Njie, former GTTI, and Insight Training Centre Student, 22 years old – Lives in Wellingara
3. Floor and Wall Tiling – Ebrima Fofana, GTTI, 26 years old – LRR Jara Sankule
4. Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning – Mamadou Salieu Jallow of GTTI – 25 years old – Lives in Basse
5. Tailoring – Fatou Nyassi – Bundung, studied at Sunrise Skill Centre, 27 years old

This round’s winners will participate in the national skills competition in mid-November 2022.

They will later be invited to attend the National Awards Ceremony, where they will be provided with Prizes.

The next stop is Mansakonko, the Lower River Region of the country, for the second leg of the skills competition on Saturday, 29 October 2022.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

Justice Jaiteh of the Banjul High court has rejected for lack of compelling reasons the adjournment application filed by the Prosecution on Thursday, 27th October 2022 to secure the presence of a Dakar-resident medical doctor, who, according to the Prosecution, would have been their final witness in the manslaughter trial involving Sainabou Mbaye and two others. Meanwhile, Defence has promised to file a motion of “no case to answer”, thereby seeking the acquittal of Sainabou and co without having to present a defence.

The medical doctor, who would have been the 8th Prosecution witness, is the one said to have conducted the autopsy on Baby Muhammed, a victim of the alleged manslaughter.

“I’m not persuaded and convinced by the submission of the Prosecution in seeking an adjournment. The reasons advanced are not compelling as the state had more than three months to use the machinery of the state via diplomatic channels to secure the attendance of the witness from Dakar, Senegal – cannot in my view, be justified to warrant counsel an adjournment.

“For this reason, I hereby resolve this issue in favour of the Defence that the Prosecution did not provide any compelling… and verifiable reasons to warrant this honourable court exercise its discretion to adjourn this matter,” Justice Jaiteh ruled.

The ruling of the judge followed the application and argument between the prosecution counsel A.M Yusuf and defence counsel C. Gaye regarding the adjournment application.
The prosecution counsel submitted that their witness is in Dakar and getting him to testify requires some bureaucracy, therefore, A.M Yusef urged the court to grant their application in the best interest of justice.

However, Defence counsel C. Gaye argued that the Prosecution’s reasons were not compelling as they did not detail the protocols the Prosecution took in securing the witness.

“We are vehemently opposed to any application for adjournment,” C. Gaye argued.

The rejection of the adjournment application meant the closure of the Prosecution’s case since the medical doctor was supposed to have been their last witness.

“Since the state is unable to secure a witness in court, the proper cause of action is to close the case of the Prosecution. The case of the Prosecution, I closed,” Justice Jaiteh said.

Meanwhile, the Defence has made known to the court that they would file a “no case to answer.” The Judge ordered that the service and all other protocols be done before the 17th of October 2022 when the case will resume for the adoption of the “No Case to Answer” submission.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Two weeks after taking over as the new Director of Operations of Cruise Ship Crew, Gambia, Musa Drammeh, is taking a new dimension in managing the affairs of the ship by conducting regular sensitization with Gambian youths who are waiting for deployment to work as crew members by urging them to desist from absconding, saying it is a violation of contract agreement.

Drammeh, who worked as a crew member for nine years (9), told The Fatu Network that the American Embassy has been very supportive of the crew since they began operations in The Gambia.

“The cruise is an opportunity for young people to legally travel to America without difficulties. Getting an American visa is not easy, so I am urging the youths to desist from absconding,” Drammeh said.

He expressed the company’s gratitude to the American Embassy for their continuous support while assuring the embassy that they are doing all it takes to make sure those who absconded are traced.

“Absconding in America will never help anyone and is a violation of the laws and you can be banned from getting an American visa anywhere. I am urging the Gambian youths to make the best use of the cruise that is here to create employment opportunities.
We all know the country is facing employment challenges and the government cannot employ all. We need to work hard and change the narrative. Gambia is known for good, and we should preserve that beautiful reputation,” he emphasized.

Drammeh promised to embark on a nationwide sensitization campaign about the risk of absconding and the benefits of working on the cruise line. Speaking on a range of issues, Drammeh revealed that some people had challenges with their agency but noted that change is about to happen as he took over to restore the booming confidence. As part of complementing his task, he vowed to continue to engage the crew members so that their challenges can be addressed.

According to him, employees on the cruise ship are given five years American visa and are entitled to a vacation every six months (6) which they will come to the Gambia and return after the vacation.

He applauded the crew members who are working tirelessly to achieve their goals.

“This is an opportunity for young people to work and change their living conditions.
Our youths are hardworking, and we respect them for that… only a few are selfish and want to destroy the image of the country. As we speak, there are over twenty crew members in the country who are on vacation after working for six months on board,” he said, disclosing that all the guarantors of those crew members who absconded will be taken to court immediately with no hesitation.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Gambian comedian, actor and director, Kitabu Fatty has said that Gambian men and ‘semesters’ (rich Gambian men overseas) halted the completion of Saretii Bayelaa, a popular Mandinka drama series, by marrying most of the series’ main female characters.

The comedian-actor said this in response to calls on why the drama that hooked the attention of many people has not been airing lately.

“Most of our characters — the main characters — are married. So, in marriage, the husbands have more authority over their wives than us. So, we have to give them time to do their matrimonial duties. This is what is delaying the continuation of the drama,” he explained.

Kitabu declared that he does not want to keep repeating this (the reason why the drama is stalled), but he had to due to the frequent inquiries from followers of the drama series.

The comedian blamed Gambian men and ‘semesters’ for the delay, saying that they will do almost anything to get the girls.

“We will bring back Saretii Bayella but you people have to give us time. But the problem is that even in the movie we are working on, if they see cute girls, they will take their contacts, especially these ‘semesters’. They will be making calls and everything. So, if they succeed in getting them, they will in turn deny them from continuing the drama,” he said.

Kitabu, who stunned Gambians in the run-up to the 2021 presidential election by announcing his intention to seek the country’s top office, said Gambians should be patient about the Saretii Bayella drama series.

Aside from Gambian men and ‘semesters’ contributing to the delay in the completion of the drama series, Kitabu pointed out that sponsors have been a major hindrance as well. He stressed that Gambian companies do not invest in the industry, adding that they have been managing the little they have to do all that they did.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Seventy children have now been confirmed to have succumbed to acute kidney injury (AKI) linked to imported contaminated medicines from India. In exercising one of its key mandates of representation, National Assembly Members have urged their colleague lawmakers in the parliamentary select committee on health to take very seriously investigations into the demise of the kids and the importation and circulation of the said medicines.

While debating the national health emergency on Wednesday, assembly representative of Foni Bintang Constituency, Hon Bakary K Badjie, said the parliamentary health committee must do everything possible to ensure that their investigations are not compromised.

“The issue is very serious as we still mourn the death of the children. Parents are crying; the nation is mourning. The loss of the children is huge, and we are sympathizing with the parents.”

The lawmaker said the country has no mechanisms of bringing back the dead to life, adding that the issue is a public concern and must be treated seriously.

He reminded the assembly that they are representing the people and whatever they do should be in the interest of the people of The Gambia.

Badjie added that those who are found wanting for the importation of the contaminated medicines must be held accountable. He assured that they will do everything possible to stop the importation of such medicines to the country, noting that people cannot continue to consume contaminated medicines.

“My advice to the select committee on health is for them to remember that The Gambia is for all. Remember that the nation is looking up to you. Also remember that the faith of the country lies in your hands. If you betray us, you betray yourself and Allah will hold you to account on the Day of Judgment,” Hon Badjie told health committee members.

Hon Omar Jammeh, member of parliament for Janjangbureh, also expressed condolence to the families who lost their children to AKI. He further called for the immediate closured of pharmacies that have been selling the said medical products.

Hon Kebba K Barrow of Kombo South and Hon Assan Touray of Bakua constituency both described the deaths as shocking.

Hon Barrow warned that such unfortunate incidents will not stop if people are not held responsibility while Hon Assan Touray called on the select committee on heath to champion the investigation, find out and reveal how the medicines were imported into the country.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The National Youth Secretary General of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), Kemo Bojang has reacted to a writ of summons served to Momodou Sabally on behalf of Abubakary Jawara. Kemo claimed that the writ of summon is a national issue and if they succeed in silencing Sabally, then they can silence all of them. The UDP youth SG further alleged that the plaintiff Abubakary Jawara has abetted a system that is not fit for purpose.

On the 18th of October 2022, Momodou Sabally was issued a writ of summons, commanding him to be at the court on the 14th of November 2022 at 11 a.m. to answer a suit against him filed by Abubakary Jawara of the Kanifing Municipal Council. The plaintiff (Jawara) is claiming damages for defamation and slander and seeking compensation of 8 million dalasis from Momodou Sabally.

Reacting to this, Sabally’s co-party member and youth Secretary General, Kemo Bojang, said the move is non-partisan and claimed that everyone must take a stand to stop it.

“Gambia, if they succeed in silencing Momodou Sabally, they will silence all of us. This is not partisan but a national issue which affects all of us, and we must take a stand in stopping it,” he stressed.

According to the UDP youth leader, plaintiff Abubakary Jawara has a hand in the country’s current situation. He alleged that Jawara abetted a system that is not doing the country any good.

“I will advise Mr. Abubakary Jawara to look inward and understand that we are in this predicament as a country today because of him and many like him have aided and abetted a system that is not fit for purpose because of their selfish interest. Mr Jawara has openly admitted to forgery in an interview, he is the first Gambian who has imported guns into this country, he is the sole reason why the petroleum sector of this country is in shambles and many more,” Kemo Bojang claimed.

Bojang told The Fatu Network that stifling the rights of individuals to express themselves is a threat to democracy, noting that this country is heading in that direction.

In defence of Sabally, Bojang explained that they will not sit and watch things unfold unfairly, stressing that the common people will defend themselves.

“We will not sit by and watch the country become an Animal Farm, the common people will defend themselves, and we will do it when and where it is needed,” he pointed out.

Momodou Sabally confirmed to The Fatu Network earlier that he has received the writ of summons. He is expected to face off against Jawara in court next month.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Alhagie Mamadi Kurang, economist, politician and now a towering figure in the People’s Democratic Organizations for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), has told The Fatu Network that United Democratic Party (UDP) will not take over the affairs of the country as a ruling party because the party always put its interest and individual interest over national interest.

The former 2021 presidential aspirant said Gambians will not vote for UDP to lead the country considering the track records of the party members at the beginning of Adama Barrow’s administration. He claimed that Gambians felt robbed by UDP who dominated the cabinet from 2017 to 2019.

“People felt robbed of the three years transition simply because the UDP always put party and individual interest before national interest. Gambian people don’t forget history even if they are quiet, history is always reflected in how they vote,” he claimed.

Kurang, who, after an unsuccessful attempt in his bid for presidency went back to Niamina East to seek their vote in the parliamentary election and lost, claimed that the United Democratic Party will get smaller as the years pass. He compared UDP NCP, labelling the biggest opposition party as the 21st century NCP.

According to Mr. Kurang, many members of the UDP hands are not clean as in the National People’s Party (NPP) and APRC. This, he pointed out, will avert their chances of winning in major elections.

“Many members of the UDP like NPP and APRC are already suspects or implicated in several corruption scandals. Once you participated in government, even for a month, you will be judged by your record in government during the one month in years to come. This country does not vote you back into power once you lost power due to your failures,” he said as he plays down UDP’s potential in becoming the ruling party in the Gambia.

The Niamina Kudang prodigal, in digging into UDP’s no-chance of becoming the ruling party, the party will continue losing its strength until 2026.

“UDP is already sinking and can only continue to sink in 2026,” he stressed.

By: Sarjo Brito

Dalaba Estate residents have expressed concerns following the release of suspects linked to robberies at the Estate. The suspects have since been charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, armed with intent to commit a felony, and possession of a suspected stolen property. While the arrest of the alleged armed robbers was a sigh of relief to the residents, their release from police custody has raised eyebrows among Dalaba residents as they grew worried about what their next move could be.

Police PRO Cadet Assistant Superintendent Binta Njie said the police are committed to protecting the lives and properties of all Gambians and residents of the Gambia. However, she added that the arrest and release of suspects must be done within the confines of the law, citing the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by law, as enshrined in the constitution.

“We understand their plight. We know they are concerned but we want to assure them that we are equally concerned because we are mandated to ensure the protection of their lives and properties. However, we work by the law and at the moment we can’t keep them beyond 72 hours because that is not what the law says. So, whatever action we are taking we want them to understand that we are doing it by the law and the law says they have a presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law.’’

Cadet ASP Njie reiterated the commitment of the Gambia police to protect lives and properties as they continue their investigations. Njie assured the residents of Dalaba Estate that the incident will not be swept under the rug, and anyone found wanting will be duly prosecuted.

“We are still investigating, and we assure them that if they are found wanting of any offense or crime, we will prosecute them duly.’’

Meanwhile, PRO Njie urged the residents of Dalaba Estate to be more vigilant as most of the robberies have been alleged to take place during the day. Njie said the police will continue to carry out rigorous operations to ensure that these occurrences become a thing of the past.

“Our men are always patrolling Dalaba during the night and most of these occurrences happened during the day. You would not even suspect that these people are there to rob.’’

Over the weekend, Africell The Gambia bagged a prestigious award for its great gains in transforming and developing telecommunications in The Gambia.

The award was announced and presented at the 15th edition of the Economic Forum and African Integration Gala held in Dakar Senegal. The Economic Forum and African Integration Gala is an annual event organized by the Forum of Operators for the Guarantee of Economic Emergence in Africa, FOGECA.

Waka Jagne, Senior PR and Events Manager, received the award on behalf of Gambia’s telecom giant.

Receiving the symbol of recognition, Mr Jagne expressed profound thanks to the organizers for recognizing Africell for its committed efforts in positively transforming telecommunications in the country.

He made commitment that, as the biggest mobile network operator in The Gambia, they will continue to bring and sustain the needed developments for the overall advancement of telecommunications in The Gambia.

Minister of Digital Economy, Mr Ousman Bah, presented the award to Africell’s senior PR and events manager Mr Waka Jagne. Mr Jagne was accompanied by Muctarr Trinn, senior manager – customer care. They represented CEO Ghanem and the entire management and staff of Africell.

Gambia’s Foreign Minister, Dr Mamadou Tangara, also graced the regional event.

The forum brought together influential and innovative business leaders, financiers, investors etc in various sectors of the African economy to strengthen intra-continental trade and promote investment in Africa.

By: Modou Touray 

Frustrated by the continuous acts of insults directed at dignified personalities, communities and ethnic groups, Manding Warriors, a civil society organization that is currently embarking on a campaign to denounce insults and other forms of indecent expressions, has tasked the National Assembly to enact legislations specifically to prosecute offenders.

The group justified that insults based on hatred could endanger the peace, stability and peaceful co-existence of the society and could further trigger political, civil and ethnic violence.

Speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network, the National Coordinator of Manding Warriors Mr Mamina Fadera said his association challenges itself to mount a nationwide dialogue with the citizenry to avoid all forms of indecent verbal attacks including aggravated insults.

“We are not a political group and we do not allow anyone in our various WhatsApp platforms to talk about party politics or insult people. We strongly denounce insult, and we hereby appeal to all Gambians and residents of the country to refrain from it,” Mr Fadera stated.

He however expressed dismay over people’s acts of demoralizing others.

“Dispute the obstacles, we seem to register significant improvement in reducing insults especially on social media. We will not relent in vigorous engagements at the grassroots,” he noted.

The Manding Warriors according to Mamina Fadera is anchored on the principles of respect for all persons regardless of social status and ethnicity.

“We are purposely established and registered as a legal association to promote the diminishing traditions and cultural values of the Manding people. Key values of society are fading and need to be revitalized for the young and the future generations.”

The group believe they cannot physically fight perpetrators of insults towards persons and tribes but shall be persistent to maturely engage people to change their attitudes towards one another and ethnic groups.

According to Mamina Fadera, the Manding Warriors denounce individuals claiming to represent them in visiting the President.

“We do not give any mandate to anyone to represent us at State House. This is misleading information and should be treated as fake,” he stressed.

Mr Bakemo Ceesay, assistant public relations officer of Manding Warriors, said no decent community will embrace insults, noting that it doesn’t conform with religious and traditional norms.

“The Gambia is a small country and we are all related in one way or the other. We are a genuine body to partake in the betterment of our society,” Ceesay explained.

With a zeal for national development through alternative initiatives, the Manding Warriors also distant themselves from tribalism despite its membership being centred on Manding ethnicity. They claim to display and cherish their ethnic and cultural identity.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The Chair of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the government of the Gambia to accelerate the implementation process of the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) and sufficiently address the conditions of the victims of the 22-year rule of former president Jammeh.

“The strides taken by your government so far towards the recommendations of the TRRC and preparations for implementation is encouraging and we further urge you to hasten the pace of implementation in order to give the NEVER AGAIN mantra coined by the TRRC, a true and impactful meaning.”

The plight of the victims and families of victims must be addressed adequately, equitably, and speedily; there is a need for institutional reform and reorientation of personnel in our security institutions who were named in the TRRC as the main perpetrators of the human rights violation that took place for 22 years,” Dr. Emmanuel D. Joof said.

The NHRC Chair was addressing a gathering of high officials on Tuesday, 25th October 2022 at the opening of a 3-day engagement on “Accelerating the Effective Implementation and Monitoring of the Government White Paper on the TRRC Recommendations” at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference Center in Bijilo.

Mr. Joof reminded the government of a “bold” step it has taken in suing Myanmar for genocide against her Rohingya Muslims at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which earned them much commendation but suggested that the government have to fulfil its responsibilities to its citizens.

“…all eyes are on the Gambia concerning the implementation of the TRRC recommendations. We are known throughout the world as that small country that has taken up the cause and the plight of the persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority of Myanmar and filed a lawsuit in November 2019 before the International Court of Justice, against the Government of Myanmar for genocide against her Rohingya Muslim citizens under the 1948 Genocide Convention. We have been commended for that. I, therefore, hasten to borrow the old age adage and dare say that “charity begins at home,” Emmanuel Joof told the gathering.

It is over 5 months since the government released its White Paper which detailed its position on the TRRC report. The government agreed to implement a greater part of the recommendations, including the prosecution of adversely mentioned individuals for “gross human rights violations and crimes during Jammeh’s 22-year rule.

The government’s implementation plan includes the establishment of a Special Prosecution Unit at the Ministry of Justice to investigate and prosecute cases from the TRRC; the establishment of a Peace and Reconciliation Commission to foster peace post-TRRC; renaming of Arch 22 in the capital city to Never Again Memorial Arch to honour the victims of former President Jammeh.

By: Modou Touray

Concerned residents in the neighbourhood of the Brikama National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) Power Plant have demanded water and electricity supply as compensation for the recent oil spillage and the death of a minor trapped in a hole.

Residents said houses located just 50 metres away from the power plant are still in total darkness and without a modern tap for clean drinking water. The concerned residents justified that the negative effects of the installation of a plant are manifesting.

Mr Serign Sowe, speaking to The Fatu network on behalf of the concerned residents of the NAWEC power plant, articulated the numerous damages caused by the oil spill on farmlands, unavailability of clean drinking water and lack of electricity in the neighbourhood.

“I stay near the power plant and ready to speak for the plight of my people. Water and electricity are important for livelihood. In my compound here, lots of women gather at my open well to fetch water daily. They use rope and tide the bucket to draw water,” Mr Sowe alluded.

The outspoken leader of the concerned residents appealed to the National Water And Electricity Company (NAWEC) to install water facilities within the neighbourhood which is essential for their personal health and hygiene.

“Following oil spillage here, NAWEC officials visited the scene and promise with providing water and electricity. We call on them to honour their pledge and end our water crisis. The affected residents are people in the remote areas of Brikama – Daruhairu and Kembujeh Madina,” Mr Sowe said.

On the issues of electricity, Mr Sowe said few houses use solar energy which is not reliable depending on the power of the solar and the quality of the batteries.

“Many residents depend on my solar for charging their mobile phones and other appliances. There is no electricity in this area. The importance of electricity in our daily activities cannot be overemphasized,” Mr Sowe said.

He also dilated on fixing their road which was damaged as a result of the oil spillage to facilitate the movements of people and vehicles within the neighbourhood

“I personally approached them for the issue of the road on behalf of the community, but they only removed the spilt oil, but the road is not properly fixed. They are now constructing a barricade to block oil from spilling over,” Mr Sowe revealed.

Mr Sowe said water and electricity supply and fixing of their road are key demands of the neighbourhood and calls for urgent redress of these challenges by authorities of the NAWEC.

When contacted for comments as the ward councillor for Kembujeh ward, Mr Alieu Lito Darboe expressed solidarity with the concerned residents and urge NAWEC to respond to their demands as expected. “It’s rather unfortunate, considering the incidents of the oil spill and the recent death of a minor.”

The Managing Director of NAWEC Mr Nani Juwara reacted and said: “We are considering them in several incoming projects. Some extension was done there in 2020/21 but it didn’t cover the immediate environment around the power station.”

By: Sarjo Brito

Human Rights activist Madi Jobarteh has disclosed that they have been engaging regional and international partners on the AKI deaths. He said the Justice for the 66+ group is ready to take legal action beyond Gambian courts if the government fails to respond adequately about the mass deaths and prosecute anyone found wanting.

Jobarteh made these remarks at Justice for the 66+ meeting where parents of AKI victims came together with activists as they explore avenues to demand justice and accountability.

“We are also talking with regional and international partners because this matter now has an international dimension. Now we are hearing about cases in Indonesia. So, it is not just the Gambia government but the Indian government itself for allowing bad drugs to leave their borders too. They should be held accountable. That company should be held accountable. So, the Gambia government itself should be held accountable for allowing tainted drugs to enter the borders of the Gambia. In West Africa, we have the ECOWAS which is an option for us to go to and we are in serious discussion with other partners but also to go beyond to other international platforms.’’

Madi Jobarteh said the decision to go through the courts will all be determined by how the government responds to this national tragedy, adding that the response of Gambian authorities so far has been grossly inadequate. The families, through Justice for 66+, have agreed to request a meeting between the families and the National Assembly select committees on health and children to allow Parliamentarians to hear the harrowing ordeals the children went through first-hand.

Meanwhile, Gambians are continuing to demand justice following the death of over 66 Gambian children who succumb to AKI. The mass deaths which the WHO Director-General said may be linked to contaminated cough and cold syrups made by New Delhi-based pharmaceutical company, Maiden Pharma have renewed calls for stricter laws in the country’s medicine and pharmacy business, with some attributing the tragedy to sheer negligence and greed for an industry that has been left almost unregulated.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Fatou Darboe, a 33-year-old Gambian who returned from Libya last year, has recalled her harrowing experience and how she lost her beloved husband and son who died in a Libyan prison.

Ms. Darboe who travelled to Libya on a regular journey to work with her husband a decade ago explained her terrible experience.

“I was with my husband in Libya because he facilitated my travel. We spend nine years together. Years later, my husband had high blood. When he recovered, we tried to cross to Italy so that he can get proper treatment, and we were arrested and taken to prison.

I was three months pregnant while in prison. My son was sick in the prison and after three days, the doctors recommended for him to undergo surgery, we were taken to one hospital and my son died,” she recounted with tears.

The grieving mother said one month after the death of her son, her husband also died in the prison. “My husband was sick, and the prison conditions are terrible, so he died after eight months in the prison.”

Ms Darboe then decided to return with her three children to The Gambia.

“I really need support because am a single mother taking care of three children. We are living in a difficult situation and my children are now going to school. I want people to support their school fees,” she urged.

This traumatized woman is disparately in need of support to live a normal life after the terrible experience with her little children.

Apart from Fatou Darboe, many other migrants were exposed to all forms of violence such as sexual assault, torture, discrimination, and imprisonment among others coupled with financial stress.

Kaddy Jammeh is also a migrant returnee, and she explained how her husband and brother died in Libya.

“My husband was sick in Libya, and he died. My brother was also killed by criminals who attacked him and requested a huge amount of money, which he couldn’t pay. They beat him to death. His body was dumped and the following day he was buried,” she told The Fatu Network.

The mother of one further stated that she voluntarily returned with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to save her life and her only son.

“I decried to return because the difficulties black peoples continue to face is huge. Since the war started, things became extremely difficult. Getting jobs became difficult and the value of their currency also dropped. Criminals keep attacking people in their homes and workplaces,” she narrated.

The young mother said her son is now attending school but paying school fees is challenging.

“I don’t have anything and need support from anyone. I am doing tailoring, but it’s very difficult. My husband started constructing his house when we were in Libya. But since he died, the construction stopped. I don’t have anything to complete the construction, and the family has left everything to me.

I don’t know whether they have his money or not, but nothing is clear to me. The construction is still where it stopped because I don’t have anything. I require people to support me and my son,” emotional Ms. Jammeh narrated.

Yahya Jambang, the President of the Voluntary Migrant Returnee Association, a newly registered association aimed to bring voluntary migrant returnees under one umbrella, said he has been in Libya for twelve years.

Jambang, who returned last year, said he was working in Libya to go to Europe. However, his dream began to fade when the war started in Libya in 2011, leading to President Muhammed Gaddafi’s killing.

“I was working before the war started, but things began to change and job opportunities also started fading. The security of the country is at threat. Criminal activities increased. I was in prison on several occasions under terrible conditions. I decided to return home for my safety,” he narrated.

Jambang recounted the human rights violations in Libya, saying the country is not stable. He confirmed to TFN that upon their return he was supported by IOM to start a business. However, he said it is never easy to start a business in the country.

The migrant returnee told The Fatu Network that they (voluntary returnees) have not received any support from the government. According to him, they are working tirelessly to tap any support from the government.

Mr. Jambang disclosed that since they returned, they are being supported by the German Advisory Council (GAC) on various pieces of training.

These young women are living a difficult situation hoping to recover from the trauma in order for them to live a happy life. Whoever wishes to support the women can reach out to them: +220 302 6114 and +220 715 3003.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The National Assembly Member (NAM) for Latrikunda Sabiji has called on the Alkalolu to demand their appointment letters from the government which he said they could use to lean on and sue the government if it fails to act according to the dictates of that document.

Honourable Yahya Sanyang was reacting to the claims of Alkalolu who told this medium they have not been paid – some of them for a month and others for two months. They said they have not been told what causes the delay.

“I urged the Alkalolu to demand appointment letters which include this salary commitment by the government, so that failure to pay, they can use that legal leg to drag government to court for failure to abide by the contract consideration.”

The payment of Alkalolu was one of the campaign promises of the president of the Gambia, H.E Barrow in his November campaign ahead of the 2021 presidential election. The payment has begun in January 2022.

The National Assembly Member, who described the salary promise as a “trap” to obtain the loyalty of the village heads, said he was not surprised that Alkalolu would not be paid at some point adding that they were not even catered for in the Appropriation Bill.

“I saw this coming because this government is never serious about reforms and helping to improve the livelihood of Gambians. The whole scheme was political propaganda orchestrated by the political mafias around Barrow on how to win the minds and hearts of the Alkalolu.”

“Under normal circumstances, during our appropriation approval, the Minster should bring it as part of legitimate government expenses. They just fooled the Alkalolu as they have fooled the residents that are benefiting from the locally funded road projects, the Latrikunda Sabiji NAM told this medium.

Honourable Sanyang said payment of Alkalolu is only sustainable if there is a right government in place with “prudent fiscal reforms and economic wisdom.”