By Amara Thoronka

Speaker of the National Assembly of The Gambia, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, on Monday 25th April 2022 told lawmakers that everyone in the assembly is qualified by law to serve in any capacity in all the committees.

The Speaker was responding to some assembly members who described certain selected committee chairpersons as “unqualified and incompetent” to serve in those capacities, taking into consideration their academic and experience backgrounds.

“Every national assembly member in this parliament is qualified to serve as a chair or member of any committee,” said Hon. Jatta.

He emphasized lawmakers should understand that all members are qualified to serve because they are legally in parliament representing their people.

The Speaker however stated that it is now left with parliament to decide who is going to serve in a given capacity.

He advised assembly members to desist from describing colleague members as unqualified and incompetent.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Six months after organising and presenting awards to the deserving footballers playing in the country at the end of last season, the Gambia Football Players Association has still not given the money they promised the players. This has raised concern among the awarded players recently.

On 2nd October 2021 at Pancha Mi Hall, The Gambia Football Players Association came together to organise an award night for the home-based players after the end of the Gambia Football Federation Division One League and two in both the male and female categories. This was welcome by a cross-section of football zealots.  Different awards were created and different players won different awards.

The players Association wrote to different institutions and assured the nominees that each award would have a sponsor and the awards will be accompanied by a cash prize. However, for six months, only the goalkeeper of the season for both male and female first division leagues received the cash prize.

According to four of the players who were awarded in the night but beg for anonymity, the Players Association executives promised that they will give them the money in the second week of October noting that most of the institutions that were supposed to give them money were not on the ground but will give them money.

“Before the event started, they called all of us (players) inside. They told us that most of the institutions that were going to give us the cash as sponsors were not around and that they were going to give us the money a week after that. We were all shocked but because we trusted them, we nodded our heads and the award night went on,” this player told TFN.

One of them told this medium that they lost the trust in the association and didn’t believe they will be given their money. He said that this action is demotivating the players.

” I am disappointed with the organising committee because what they told us was lies and dramas like anyone who won …… of the season will receive some cash.  people voted and I don’t receive even one single hundred dalasis from them”, a disappointed player explained to TFN.

He said he can not believe that there was no money because there were voting and GSM companies partnered with them.

However, the President of the association John Bass said the executive didn’t outline any specific amount that will be given to the winners.

The Fatu Network understands that only the best goalkeeper award winner in the male and female league one received their cash prize of ten thousand dalasis from Enterprise Life.

On the night of April 24th, the awarded players called for a meeting in their WhatsApp group to voice out their frustration over the lack of communication from the Players Association executives since after the award night.

Reacting to the concerns and worries of the players, Dodou Janko, the Secretary-General of the association admitted that they promised the players of cash but couldn’t fulfil it.

“We didn’t have what we had expected. We came at a loss which means our expectations surpassed our income. Give us time and we will discuss this at our executive level”,  he told the players in a WhatsApp group through a voiced note received by this medium.

He promised these concerned players that they will discuss their issue in their executive meeting.

However, the president told TFN that their focus now is to go on a tour and meet with the players first.

“For now we are focused on the tour to meet them (players) and the to resume the monthly awards”, Bass said.

According to the President, they could not get the money because most institutions failed to chip in after receiving positive responses from them. He explained that they will do something.

“But we still want to put up something for them”, he asserted.

It is not still clear if the players association will fulfil their promises to these players.  Already, the players that spoke to TFN lost trust in the executive and have no hope of getting the money.

National People’s Party (NPP) stalwart Ahmad Gitteh has accused Lawyer Ousainou Darboe and other members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) of double standards.

According to Gitteh, the UDP leader Ousainou Darboe, Lamin Kitty Jabang and many others benefitted from state lands in Pipeline during President Jawara’s era, the same way other public officials have benefitted from state land at Bijilo.

He however agreed that the land tenure system and the laws governing land in The Gambia are not favourable to Gambians.

“The land tenure system or land act in the Gambia brought in during Jawara or Jammeh’s era is not favourable to Gambians but by law, the Minister of Lands Musa Drammeh has the powers to allocate lands to any Gambian,” Gitteh insisted.

He went on to claim that when Darboe and Sheriff Dibba acquired land at Pipeline back in those days they were among the richest Gambians.

He further reiterated that the current land act is a big problem and needs changes to remedy the situation.

Prosecutors in Germany accuse the man of crimes against humanity and murder in The Gambia. Among the victims of the so-called “Junglers” death squad was a prominent journalist and AFP correspondent.

A Gambian man accused of belonging to a death squad appeared in court in Germany on Monday facing charges of crimes against humanity.

The suspect is also accused of murder and attempted murder as part of a group that assassinated opponents of dictator Yahya Jammeh.

What Are The Accusations?

The 46-year-old defendant is accused of being involved in two murders and attempted murder while working as a driver for a notorious assassination squad known as the Junglers. The alleged crimes took place between December 2003 and December 2006.

German federal prosecutors claim the unit was used by Jammeh “to carry out illegal killing orders, among other things.” They say this was done with the aim of “intimidating the Gambian population and suppressing the opposition.”

Among the crimes linked to Lowe is the 2004 killing of journalist Deyda Hydara.

The 58-year-old correspondent for the news agency AFP was gunned down in his car on the outskirts of the Gambian capital Banjul on December 16, 2004.

According to prosecutors, the defendant helped stop Hydara’s car and drove at least one of the killers in his own vehicle. The NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is also pressing for two other alleged direct participants in Hydara’s death to face justice. Another of the four alleged to have been involved has since died.

What Is Special About The Trial?

The case is the first in the world to see human rights violations committed in Gambia during the Jammeh era prosecuted on the basis of “universal jurisdiction.”

Under the principle of universal jurisdiction, a country can prosecute crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide, regardless of where they took place.

The defendant was arrested in the German city of Hanover in March 2021 and is appearing in court in the nearby town of Celle.

While the case is the first of its kind to reach the trial stage, the 46-year-old is not the only person to be charged with crimes against humanity during Jammeh’s rule in Gambia under universal jurisdiction.

Another alleged death squad member, Michael Correa, was charged in the United States in June 2020 with torturing people who were detained after a failed coup attempt against Jammeh in 2006. However, his trial has been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Who Was Deyda Hydara?

Hydara co-founded and was an editor of the independent daily The Point. He was also a correspondent for the AFP news agency for more than 30 years.

He worked in The Gambia as a correspondent for RSF and had a widely read column, “Good morning, Mr. President,” where he expressed his views on Gambian politics.

According to RSF, Hydara was under surveillance by Gambian intelligence services just before his death. Hydara’s son Baba Hydara said his father was a tenacious and “really stubborn” journalist.

Baba told the AFP news agency that he hoped the trial was just the beginning and that Jammeh would also face justice in the future.

“There’s a lot of expectation and this is just a first battle won but the war is still on,” he said.

Source: DW

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has put out a statement disassociating the party from a WhatsApp group advocating against UDP going into an alliance with other political parties.

According to the party’s spokesman Almamy Taal, the WhatsApp group has neither been created nor sanctioned by UDP.

“It has come to the attention of the UDP National Executive Committee that a WhatsApp group is claiming to be a ‘UDP NO TO ALLIANCE FORUM’. This notice is to inform the members and the public that no such Forum has been set up, sanctioned or authorised by the UDP nor is the UDP at the moment in alliance with any political party or factions of any parties,” Taal wrote.

He further debunked claims that UDP National Assembly Members will have the five APRC parliamentarians who are loyal to former President Yahya Jammeh as their political allies on matters brought to the National Assembly.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Brikama United have leapfrogged Real De Banjul in the Gambia Football Federation Division One League following their nail-biting goalless draw against Marimoo Fc last night at the independence stadium.

The ‘Satayaba’ boys are now levelled on points with Real De Banjul on the 29 points but a superior goal difference propels them to the top of the standings.

Real De Banjul, however, recorded a shocking 1-0  defeat in the hands of Elite United. The defeat for the white boys gave chance to Brikama to either move two points above them with a win or level with them with a draw.

Brikama United are on the voyage of winning its third league title since its inception in 2003.

Speaking to the press after the game, gaffer Modou Lamin Nyassi for Brikama United said he was not happy with a draw but better than a defeat. He said his team are focus and ready to compete.

In the other games in the second round, Champions Fortune FC restored their winning formula with a one-nil win over Gamtel on Thursday while Team Rhino and Samger settled for a one-all draw.

On Friday, Waa Banjul and Gambia Ports Authority drew one-all in all Banjul affairs before Wallidan will silence City Boys Banjul United in a thrilling 2-1 win.

On Saturday night, it was Gambia Armed Forces’ turn to celebrate when they defeated Falcons by 3-2.

While Brikama United and Real De Banjul are neck and neck on top, Team Rhino and Elite United occupy the bottom two.

By: Christian Conteh

Gambian citizens have taken to social media to demand the release of the full corruption investigation report on the Gambia Port Authority. Snippets of the report which have been made public accuse employees of issuing fake receipts, undercutting fees, and collecting bribes and inducements.

It alleges that between 2020 to 2022, the staff in question were stealing D4 million per week through these corrupt practices. The news about this corrupt syndicate was leaked to the media last year prompting an internal investigation by the management of the Ports Authority.

The authority went on to later admit in a press statement that their own investigations revealed an elaborate scheme of theft involving several staff members. It further confirmed that demurrage charges were understated and receipts were issued outside the accounting system, causing significant revenue losses.

Although the report and recommendations by the panel were submitted to the Managing Director Ousman Jobarteh on the 16th of March, 2022, the public is yet to access the full contents of the report and it is for this reason that the people have demanded a release of the full report.

According to Yahya Ceesay, he wants to be a part of the collective work of ending corruption in his little beloved nation. He notes that the poor taxpayers should know the reason why they are paying their taxes.

Like Yahya, Mo Dambs is joining the call to ensure corruption is eradicated in The Gambia. For Sheriff Mohammed Kijera the entire call is about accountability. “Government of the Gambia and public enterprises should be held accountable,” he said.

On his part, Alpha Humma only wants to participate in the fight to end corruption in the Gambia. Maria Jobe says, “It is very sad that our country and institutions, for that matter are going from bad to worse, people are suffering whilst the selected few are grabbing what doesn’t belong to them. Very sad situation and when will we learn? she asks.

By: Dawda Baldeh

After a month and half of fear and displacement along the borderline villages in Foni, there is excitement among residents as the intervention of the Gambia Armed Forces patrol team helps in restoring confidence in the area. Residents are going back to their villages to continue their normal business.

According to locals, things have been very difficult following the Senegal-MDFC conflict in Casamance.

Ebrima Bojang, Alkalo of Ballen said his people who fled the village are now returning, adding that they now have confidence as the armed forces are providing the needed security.

“Today, we thank Allah and the army patrol team headed by Lt. Colonel Omar P Bojang for their timely intervention. They have been with us when everyone was running to protect their lives.”

Sarba Nyassi, a resident of Baipul village said they are hoping to get back to normal life, while calling for support as the conflict cause them economic loss.

Modou Badjie, Alkalo of Gifanga village said the conflict affected their daily activities, noting that with the support of the army nothing happened to them.

“Now, the conflict has stopped and people are back to their villages. I was hosting about ten families in my village but they have gone back to their villages.”

Assuring the people of Foni, Colonel Bojang said people can go about their normal business, confirming that the place is calm.

“Life is back to normal in the villages,” Colonel Bojang emphasized.

Notwithstanding the security assurance of the military, reporters could confirm the destruction caused by the conflict as farms were burnt and properties destroyed.

Residents are still pleading for supports from government, NGOs and individuals. They are also appealing for government to set a military base at the border to help in preventing reoccurrence of any conflict.

They thanked the Gambia Armed Forces for the support during the conflict.

Banjul, The Gambia – The Gambia Government wishes to inform citizens, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps that persistent allegations being peddled by ‘What’s On Gambia’ that the Minister of Lands, Regional Administration and Religious Affairs, Hon Musa Drammeh has assigned a portion of reserved land to the US Embassy, are entirely false.

In fact, there is no evidence to corroborate their misleading story that Minister Drammeh has sent a letter to the Justice Ministry instructing that Monkey Park be reassigned to the US Embassy in Banjul.

In actuality, Monkey Park is reserved land assigned to the Forestry Department of the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry and only they, can determine what to do or not do with that pristine land.

The Gambia Government is fully conscious of the significance of Monkey Park as part of our natural heritage and will jealousy protect it for posterity. The disappearance of much of our wildlife and forests in the past two decades alone has significantly tilted our ecological balance and Government will never allow that to recur.

Members of the public are therefore, urged to disregard What’s On Gambia’s baseless allegations orchestrated only to bring Hon Drammeh into disrepute.

The Gambia Government wishes to remind Media practitioners that under our new democratic dispensation of openness and unrestricted freedoms, they are at liberty to investigate and verify information so as to avoid false news, which not only causes enduring pain and embarrassment to its victims but ominous professional damage to the journalists’ reputation.

Signed:
Ebrima G Sankareh
The Gambia Government Spokesperson
**

By. Dawda Baldeh

The Gambia Armed Forces under operation ‘Woullah Kokkon’ which seeks to support people in Foni on Saturday 23^rd April 2022 conducted a border patrol with journalists to all the border villages in Foni. The purpose was to give journalists the opportunity to gather firsthand information by interacting with the affected families.

The patrol team led by Lt. Colonel Omar P. Bojang visited about fifteen villages along the borderline. However, few villages were considered ‘red zones’ areas prone to explosion of shells. These villages are Ballen Village, Karinorr, Gilanfar, Baipul, Gifanga and Upart village.

Ebrima Bojang, head of Ballen village, said the attack on the MFDC began as the Senegalese Forces allegedly forced their way into Casamance which is less than hundred meters from the village. “Shells were landing in my village. Everyone fled, but I and few others stayed to take care of our livestock and properties. It was a very difficult moment for us. We thank Colonel Bojang and his team for keeping us safe,” he said.

The villagers said the Soldiers have been playing a significant role in keeping them safe, confirming that soldiers always respond to their concerns on time thereby minimize economic loss.

“We sometimes climb and hide in trees to avoid being hit by the landing shells,” villagers told reporters.

Ballen village head Ebrima Bojang added that it is nearly since they last heard explosions in the region, expressing hope that everything would be fine and they would get back to their normal business.

“We are Gambia and we should not be neglected. We are taxpayers and we participate in electing leaders. We need help in any form,” he emphasized.

Farba Nyassi, a woman residing in Baipul Village, disclosed that they are facing many challenges, while calling on government to respond to their urgent needs.

“Life has been extremely difficult for us since we fled our village. Our properties have been stolen and our gardens which is our main source of income have been destroyed,” she lamented.

Modou Badjie, Gifanga Village Alkalo, said the conflict has badly affected them. “Before we were hosting about ten different families in the village, but they all went back because of socioeconomic challenges. The only support we have got from the government is five thousand dalasi per household and many did not even get the money yet.”

Lt. Colonel Bojang said the fight in the region has affected many families, adding that their role as soldiers is to protect the people.

“We always conduct patrol within the border to make sure our territory is safe. When the shells were landing in our territory, we inform the Chief of Defense Staff and he immediately engaged the Senegalese authorities who responded that it was not intentional that shells were landing in the Gambian area. He said sometimes it happened because the weapons can travel for distance.”

Malamin Colley, Alkalo of Karinorr village also explained their plights.

“Our children are not going to school as schools are closed because of the situation. We want the soldiers to stay here so that the people can have confidence.”

Colonel Bojang said Upart village registered large number of refugees, noting that the village is less than fifty meters from the border with ‘rebels’ checkpoints. He said they have been working under difficult moments to ensure the people are safe.

Ousman Sonko, village imam said they have been undergoing numerous challenges, adding that accommodation has become their major problem. He called on government and philanthropists to support them. He also confirmed that his village is yet to receive any support from the government.

The team ended its visit in Kafuta where Colonel Bojang who led QRF 1 handed over responsibilities to Lt. Colonel Abdoulie Jatta who will be leading QRF 3 patrol team in the border. Colonel Jatta says he will lead the QRF 3 to make sure that the people are safe and thanked QRF 1 team for a job well done.

“We are taking over operations and be rest assured that we will do our best to keep you safe,” Colonel Jatta QRF 3 commander assured.

By Sainabou Sambou

Wife of late Solo Sandeng has called on President Barrow to ensure justice for his husband’s death.

Solo Sandeng led a protest during Yahya Jammeh’s regime and was arrested, tortured and reportedly killed.

The late man’s wife was speaking at a press conference held on Friday 22 April 2022 by the Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations on President Adama Barrow’s appointment of Fabakary Tombong Jatta and Seedy Njie as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the national Assembly respectively.

The Centre says the appointment is unfair and insensitive to the horrible experiences victims underwent in the 22-year rule of Yahya Jammeh in which the now appointed Speaker and Deputy Speaker served in key positions.

Nyima Sonko emphasized that she would like the whole world to know that they are seriously disappointed are worried, adding that, by making such appointments, President Barrow has worsened their plights instead wipe their tears.

“He [President Adama Barrow] knows everything about us being victims of Yahya Jammeh’s leadership. Some of us are widows as our husbands were killed leaving us with kids. I thought that Adama Barrow will wipe our tears, but he has not. Instead he is making us cry. He should have considered the death of our relatives before appointing Fabakary Tombong Jatta and Seedy Njie in parliament,” she lamented.

“I want to ask Adama Barrow if they had killed his wife Fatoumatta Bah Barrow or his son who is studying in America or his sister; would he have behaved like this,” she asked with tears rolling her cheeks.

She noted that they want justice to served between them and the alleged perpetrators, claiming that Seedy Njie and Fabakary Tombong Jatta were part of a regime that tortured and killed their relatives.

Madam Sonko called for the removal of Seedy Njie and Fabakary Tombong Jatta, saying that they cannot allow justice to prevail since they were part of the system.

said the  late Solo Sandeng and Barrow did lot of things together and they were in the same political party.

“I went to Adama Barrow with Sukai Dahaba and my children. I explained to him all my problems. I am suffering, so let him give us justice,” she said.

She cited that there are women whose husbands and fathers were killed in the Jammeh’s regime and that they are seriously battling with accommodation challenges, pointing out that the President could have given them land, but he is instead sharing land to his ministers.

Reiterating her dissatisfaction, she said she was in great shock when she heard of the appointment of Fabakary Tombong Jatta and Seedy Njie.

“If not for the help of Allah, I would have died on the day Adama Barrow appointed Fabakary Tombong Jatta and Seedy Njie. I was trembling and fear overcame me. Let him remove them from those positions.”

By: Dawda Baldeh

Help Gambia, a charitable organization in partnership with the National Disaster Management Agency and Brikama Area Council on Friday 22^nd April 2022 donated Twenty-Six bags of rice, Twenty-Six bags of onion and Twenty-Six gallons of cooking oil to internally displaced families in Foni. The handing over of the items took place at Ndemban Village.

Muhammed Lamin Badjie, Alkalo of Ndemban Village acknowledges the gesture, adding that they have been undergoing serie’0s of challenges since the conflict began in the region, while describing the donation as timely. “These donated food items are going to help us a lot as you all know the challenges we have been going through,” he said.

Binta Sey Jadama, NDMA Regional Disaster Coordinator underscores the significant role they and their partners have been playing since the conflict began in the region, adding that they will continue working with partners to provide the much needed support to the internally displaced families. “NDMA has been working with Help Gambia since the conflict began in the region. Today Help Gambia is supporting twenty-six families,” he said.

Alieu Jallow, Help Gambia National Project Coordinator, reveals that the food items donated worth sixty thousand two hundred and fifty-five dalasi (D6, 255.00). He said they have been supporting various communities over the years, adding that the donation will help the beneficiaries.

“The money was contributed by Gambians in the diaspora specifically in US like The Gambian Association in Minnesota headed by Dr. Nfamara K Dampha, Gambians in Seaton, Atlanta and other countries,” he explained. “The donation came at a very short moment, but we hoping with time to generate more funds support the target was one thousand eight hundred (1,800) households.”

Modou Jonga, Chief Executive Officer of Brikama Area Council, says the council is proud to be associated with such an initiative, noting that they will continue working with partners to support the affected families. He thanked the donors for the timely intervention in supporting the affected families. Sheriff Bojang gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the beneficiaries’ noting that the support is timely, adding that the donated food items will go a long way in helping them.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The Governor of West Coast Region, Lamin Sanneh has dismissed rumours saying that he has been replaced by the former national assembly member for Foni Kansala, Hon. Musa Amul Nyassi.

Last week, it was reported on social media that President Barrow had appointed Hon. Musa Amul Nyassi as the new governor of the region after the former Member of Parliament’s downfall in his quest to retain the Foni Kansala seat in the April 9th national assembly elections.

Speaking to The Fatu Network, Governor Lamin Sanneh pointed out that he is still the governor of the region and has seen the reports on social media just like everyone else.

“I also read it on social media but up now, I have not received any correspondence from the President’s office or the personal management’s office about my removal. As I am speaking, I am the governor of the West Coast Region”,  he told TFN.

He said that Gambians need to understand that appointing a governor is not like appointing anyone the person wants.

Regarding his position as the governor, he explained that he doesn’t think there is any movement to replace him, but was however quick to say that the position of the governor is not for him alone.

“I know that to be a governor is not easy and I also know that I am not the best and only person to be in this position. There are people who can do it better than me. For me, anything that I see, I accept it in good faith”, he responded against his potential removal.

He empathised that he has been doing his best for the region and wants to continue doing it.

He explained to TFN that when he accepted the appointment to be the governor of the West Coast Region, he promised the president that he will do his best to stabilize the region.

When quizzed if he will be stunned when the rumours turn into reality, he said he cannot say whether he will be surprised or not, however maintaining his claim that the appointment of Musa Amul Nyassi as the new governor is a false rumour. He reiterated that he has done a lot for the region and nearly lost his life on two occasions as the governor of the region.

Governor Sanneh praised the current government saying that it is a peaceful government where civil servants are working peacefully without threat.

After his defeat in the national assembly election, hon. Musa Amul Nyassi has been rumoured to be the next governor of the West Coast Region. However,  Governor Sanneh dismissed the rumour and doesn’t think there is any move to replace him.

By Amara Thoronka

The National Audit Office of The Gambia has revealed indications of mismanagement of Covid-19 response funds, noting that proper processes and procedures were not followed in the procurement and distribution of medical and food items.

The Phase One audit report covers Covid-19 response interventions and transactions from March 2020 to 31^st October 2020 within Banjul and Kanifing.

In its overall assessment, the Audit Office notes:

“Whilst acknowledging the emergency nature of the situation, the audit conclusion was that the procurement of food and medical items did not comply with most of the relevant laws and regulations. Issues of non-compliance were regular and took place at almost all stages of the procurement and distribution cycle. As a result, it is likely that full value-for-money was not achieved and the Government COVID-19 response was not maximized.”

The report states that no needs assessment was conducted to determine the quantity of rice, sugar and oil required, adding that there was no publication of successful bidders by the Ministry of Trade Industry, Regional Integration and Employment.

On missing documents, it uncovered that there were no contract documents and payment vouchers for six transactions amounting to GMD63,775,000, noting that there was failure to tender contracts above GPPA threshold of GMD1,000,000 and that there was no GPPA approval for the use of single source procurement and suppliers with lowest bids were not awarded contracts.

“There was no involvement of local authorities in selection of vulnerable households in Banjul. Missing out on vulnerable households within the Bakau Newtown/Fajara and Manjai Kunda/Kotu wards. There were missing delivery notes for food items received at assembly points. Differences noted between food items transported to distribution points and food items procured.”

“Poor storage caused damage to some food items and poor handling caused damage to some bags of rice during offloading from trucks before distribution began. Errors were detected in the Kobo Collect software as it was recording what a household should receive instead of what was actually received.”

“Procurements of medical items amounting GMD123, 232,642 were made without any needs assessment. Payment of €40,000 for transportation of herbal tonic through Guinea-Bissau for which there was no proven medical need. GPPA approval was not provided for single-source procurements totalling over GMD2 million. Payments amounting to over GMD22 million were made without supporting documents. Imprests amount of about GMD0.5million were not retired. No evidence of items procured worth over GMD5 million were delivered to the Central Medical Stores. GMD5.7 million of fuel, distributed to the Joint Security Team could not be traced to the fuel stock records. Potential overpayment of more than $1 million in relation to Turkish medical procurement”

On the much anticipated Phase 2 report, The Audit Office says phase two (2) of the COVID-19 audit is being finalized and will be shared with National Assembly and subsequently published on the NAO website.

The scope for the phase 2 audit is said to include the following: distribution of food and medical items in other regions of The Gambia; allowances paid to frontline workers; management of quarantine centres; support to media houses; support to overseas Gambian students; and cash payments to registered tourist businesses and workers.

By: Christian Conteh

18 years ago on the night of December 16 2004, a founding member and former president of the Gambia Press Union (GPU) was killed in a drive-by shooting.

Mr. Deyda Hydara a prominent Gambian journalist and press freedom advocate was shot at while driving home two of his staff Ida Jagne, a typist, and Niansarang Jobe, a layout editor.

That unfortunate incident has been linked to former president Jammeh. Malick Jatta, a member of the hit squad told the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) that President Jammeh ordered the assassination of Deyda.

After all these years the hens have come home to roost, the trial of Jungler (the name of members of Jammeh’s hit squad) Bai Lowe will begin on Monday, April 25.

Baba Hydara is the son of the late Deyad Hydara, he demands justice for the death of his father.

“I want to see justice done for my father and for all the others who were victimized by Yahya Jammeh and his security forces,” said Baba Hydara, son of Deyda Hydara and a joint plaintiff in the trial.

Adding that, “everyone involved in the murder of my dad will face justice, and we won’t stop until each one of them is brought to a court of law.”

The opening of the first German trial for serious crimes committed in Gambia is a major step for justice, Human Rights Watch, the International Commission of Jurists, Reporters Without Borders, and TRIAL International said.

APRC strongman and current Speaker of the National Assembly Fabakary Tombong Jatta has joined the call for the return of Former President Yahya Jammeh.

According to Fabakaray revenge and humiliation of our ex-presidents for the mistakes they made is a major reason responsible for their refusal to hand over power.

“I have been an advocate since I became a parliamentarian in 1997 especially at the Pan-African and ECOWAS parliaments that Africa must revisit the way we treat our former presidents. This issue of revenge and humiliation of our ex-presidents for the mistakes they made is responsible for their refusal to hand over power,” he said.

Fabakary Tombong Jatta went further to say that he still believes former president Yahya Jammeh should come back and be accorded all the privileges of a former head of state.

His statement comes at a time when several other National Assembly Members have openly voiced the desire to present a motion seeking the return of the former president.

Jammeh has been in exile in Equatorial Guinea since 2017, following the election of Gambia’s current president, Adama Barrow.

Meanwhile, the Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission that was charged with the responsibility of looking into allegations of murder, torture, rape and other forms of human rights violation during the over two-decade rule of Yahya Jammeh concluded that Jammeh and his associates committed several crimes against humanity and called for their prosecution.