President Adama Barrow said unity and integration are essential for maintaining peace in the subregion and the continent while addressing the crowd during Liberia’s 175th Independence Anniversary event on July 26th 2022, in Monrovia.

He said Africa must concentrate on a new strategy of utilizing its human resources to maintain peace and promote development to raise the standard of living of its people.

“To achieve these, the need for cooperation and progress is most urgent. Thus, as we call for unity and African integration, we must give priority to sustaining peace in the sub-region and the entire continent.” President Barrow observed.

As the special guest of honour, President Barrow urged Liberians to unite against violence and construct a future that would assure progress and prosperity for all Liberians, adding that this is a path that all Africans should take.

The President stated that Africa’s strength is unity in diversity, stressing that; ” No country in the world is composed of one race or people. There is diversity everywhere in relation to race, colour, religion, gender, and economic status. What we have in common is our humanity. This cuts across all boundaries and should, therefore, unite us.”

Despite the turmoil and wars that have enveloped the continent, President Barrow reiterated that Africans must demonstrate patriotism, stressing that people should avoid repeating past mistakes by focusing on the present and future for a better Africa.

“I advise that we reflect further on what we could have achieved after so many years of Independence from colonial rule. How many years have we spent fighting one another, destroying our structures, and ruining our modest achievements?” he observed.

The President was accompanied by senior government officials including the Chief of Staff, Mod K Ceesay, and the Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Mamadou Tangara. The President of the ECOWAS Commission H.E. Omar Touray was also present.

Other important guests also included H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and H.E. Umar Sissoco Embaló, President of Guinea Bissau.

Credit: Office of the President – The Gambia

By: Modou Touray

Cattle owners in the Greater Banjul Area have expressed concern over lack of sufficient land for cattle grazing.

To delve into their plights, this medium engaged Mr Ebrima O. Jallow, President of National Livestock Owners Association. The association is the umbrella body of all livestock owners including cattle farmers.

Mr. Jallow spoke on a nationwide consultation of all cattle famers. He said livestock farmers across the country unanimously raised the issue of land scarcity for grazing as a serious concern which they said needs urgent attention.

“There are many issues confronting cattle farmers, including animal health with regards to outbreak of disease, cattle tracks (pathways for cattle) and land for grazing. This is where cattle go to have their feeding,” he explained.

He reiterated that land space for cattle grazing remains challenging particularly in Kombo South, North, Central and East.

He attributed the challenges to land development for human habitat.

“Most of Gambian cattle herders are relocating to the southern Senegalese region of casamance. In Cassamance, land for cattle farming is relatively available even though there is risk in that place due to the armed conflict.”

The demand for livestock is increasing in the Gambia and hence the need for vibrant sector to cater for local consumption needs.

“The breeding space is virtually unavailable here. This means we will continue importing livestock into the country.”

Mr Jallow urged communities within the Greater Banjul Area and West Coast Region to provide reserved lands for cattle/ livestock farming. He called on the government to intervene.

He said unlike the Gambia, Senegal caters for livestock space. “This designated place is where production is done as well. It will be beneficial for us to have a similar thing here in The Gambia. If the space is available here, we will be able to supply the local market.

There is stiff competition between livestock farming and estate developers as land for settlement is increasing whiles cattle/livestock owners manage to maintain small space.  In fact, crop farmers always complaine about cattle destroying their crops. We are all farmers but this is another problem too.”

Struggle for land by estate agents and space for farming is a major challenge that hampers the expansion of the livestock industry in the Gambia.

The Greater Banjul Area and the West Coast Region are adversely impacted by the land issue. A number of land cases are currently before the courts.

The National Livestock Owners Association of the Gambia is deeply concerned and there are calls for collective efforts in addressing the plights of cattle farmers.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

As the Gambia Football Federation presidential election draws close, the leader of Team Restore Confidence, Sadibou Kamaso, has promised to increase the winning prize of the Gambia Football Federation league competition to 1.5 Million Dalasi from the current prize of D700,000 (seventh Hundred Thousand dalasis)

In his manifesto dubbed the starting 11, the outspoken GFF Presidential aspirant said that Gambian football has registered unhurried improvement in terms of player development and transfers to the international stage.

Among his plans for league development and professionalization, is the increment of the financial benefit of teams.

“We intend to increase the league prize money to D1.5 million dalasis for the winners, runners up D750.000, and third position 500.000.”

Kamaso went further to promise that, if elected as the President of the country’s football governing body, the FF Cup winners will pocket home D1 million dalasi and five hundred thousand to the runner-up.

According to Kamaso’s manifesto, one factor for the slow progress of the league in the country is the level of the league.

“One of the contributing factors to this impeding progress is the fact that the Gambian League has been amateur since the inception of The Gambia Football Federation in 1952.”

With infrastructural development being the biggest challenge the Kaba Bajo executive faces, Kamaso plans to work with the government, municipalities and area councils to build sustainable football pitches across the country.

He said that he will engage the Gambia government for the right policies to create an enabling environment for making the league a professional league.

The Gambia Football Federation presidential election is slated for August 27. Kamaso’s former boss and opponent, incumbent Lamin Kaba Bajo told The Fatu Network that he is the right person to head the federation.

By: Modou Touray

Residents in the Greater Banjul Area have expressed frustration over the untimely access to cash power for electricity supply.

The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) is responsible for the  provision of cash power to electricity users. At the cash power outlet at Turntable in Burusubi, customers often line up for an hour or more before accessing the service.

Most people who spoke to The Fatu Network said the problem is normally attributed to poor or no network availability.

“They need to open more outlets and work on transforming the system,” Jellan Chorr, a local businessman said.

Nearby residents of Tranquil, Bijilo and other businesses as well as offices all buy cash power at the Turntable outlet.

“I came here in the morning and I was told that there was no network. I am back again and it almost 1pm. People are many here and the network is always not stable. Many services depend on electricity to function. Maybe I would have to leave because I have other things to do at home,” Bajen Sarr, a housewife lamented.

The issue of poor or no network at NAWEC cash power selling outlets is not only peculiar to Brusubi but also West Field and Bakau as well.

This medium visited few outlets in the Greater Banjul Area to ascertain the situation.

“I have been here for 30 minutes now. They keep saying it is poor network. I don’t know exactly when the network will be available. My only choice is to wait here as long as it takes,” said Ba-Alhagie Jabbi, a tailor in Bakau.

Another tailor, Mbemba Bojang said: “Most of those I met at the Bakau selling points were tailors who normally buy cash power early in the morning. We don’t make that much profit in simple tailoring compared to major fashion designers. We can only afford to buy cashpower in small quantity.”

“I will try to buy more cash power now. It is better than buying in bits. Coming here daily is frustrating and might affect the growth of my business. My customers will not understand why I cannot finish sewing their clothes on time,” he added.

The Westfield outlet at the NAWEC headquarters experiences similar long line-up as people struggle to get cash power. This reporter saw two queues as people wait patiently for their turn to buy cash power.

“For three days now, whenever I am going to work I try to buy cash power, a move that always make me late for work because of the delay at the cash power selling point. Network problem is now a common issue with NAWEC in all cash power selling outlets,” Haddy Jobe confirmed.

Eric Johnson is a restaurant owner. He spoked angrily to this medium, expressing her  frustration over the slow queues and the difficulties to get cash power timely.

“This is outrageous! I am operating a restaurant and I need electricity constantly. How can you sell soft drinks not cold? The refrigerator has to be on always.”

Three top civil servants who preferred anonymity, called on NAWEC management responsible for cash power to be efficient and settle the inconveniences faced by people.

NAWEC was contacted for response, but the reporter didn’t get their reaction at the time of publication.

Karimatou Jallow 

Residents of Westfield are calling on the government to cover the open gutters  of  saying that it is not safe to leave them open because someone might fall into the them accidentally and either sustain injuries or lose their lives.

“The uncovering of these gutters is not save because someone can fall into them unknowingly and sustain serious injuries, and if that person is a breadwinner, his/her family will be affected.

As a taxi driver, I try my best to be careful when driving because their is high chance of getting accident. That is why I calculate before taken any step,” Foday Dember explained.

Dember called on the government to find solution and cover the gutters because it is not safe for anybody around that area.

“Their is unhygienic water in this gutters. Rubbish is being dumped inside the gutters and nobody is taking any step to prevent people from doing so. This can cause serious sickness to us who spend the whole day in this environment,” Ebrima Bah.

However, Bah warned people dumping rubbish in the gutters to stop, saying that gutters are not the right places for throwing rubbish.

“If they help us and cover these gutters, it will be great because the unhygienic water  is not good for our health and anyone can accidentally lose his or her life in this open gutters,” Ablie Jarju stated.

Jarju went on saying the government should find a solution to cover the gutters to ensure safety in the environment.

By: Haddy Ceesay

In an interview with Peter Gomez during the West Coast Radio’s coffee time program, Alagie Bunja Njie Kebbeh, a health worker and radio enthusiast who went on the Hajj for the first time and has been providing daily reports on the participation of Gambians in the annual pilgrimage, confirmed that the first batch of Gambian pilgrims will depart Mecca for The Gambia today 25th July 2022 at 4pm local time and is expected to land at the Banjul International Airport at 11:30pm.

“We are all in our hotel in Mecca, both the first and second batches of pilgrims,” he confirmed.

Kebbeh said Monday is their final Tawo to round the Kabba for farewell.

He made the disclosure contrary to some media reports indicating the 27th and 28th July to be the returning dates of The Gambian pilgrims.

“I have confirmed that the 25th and 26th July are the dates that all the Gambian pilgrims will return home. Flight carrying the first batch will depart Mecca at 4pm and arrive at the Banjul International Airport at 11:30 pm local time. The second batch of pilgrims will depart Mecca tomorrow 26th July 2022 the same time as the first pilgrims,” he further disclosed.

Alagie Bunja Kebbeh concluded that they don’t have any difficulties regarding their Haji journey.

“We have prayed for our country, our leadership and a peaceful rainy season that will not cause harm in our beloved country. Pilgrims are excited to return to their families,” he said.

By Modou Touray

As the rains continue, frequent flash flood in some areas in Brikama, has been causing discomfort to motorists and pedestrians.

To get first-hand information on the effects of such condition on people, The Fatu Network over the weekend visited some areas in Gidda, Misira, Kabafita, Newtown, Wellingara, and Nyambai.

Drivers in Brikama-Gidda struggle with numerous traffic deviations to get to their destinations. Previously, Jambar-Sanneh neighborhood used to be a flooded area which attracted the attention of Brikama Area Council authorities and the central government.

A 400-meter highway is currently being constructed there in addition to a drainage system. According to authorities, the undertaking is geared towards avoiding huge flash floods.

“Traffic is very uncomfortable now. I often have customers for town trip, but we encounter challenges in plying the road due to the poor drainage system. I am afraid of having a breakdown as I ply through stagnant water,” taxi driver Famara Njie complained.

“The stagnate water in the drainage system is caused by blockages of cabbages  and poor design of the drainage system by contractors,” said Fabakary Ceesay, a resident of Newtown.

Ousman Jatta is a welder operating along the Kaba-Bajo highway in Newtown.

“Our workshop is often flooded. Whenever it floods, we have to wait for few days to continue work because we have to allow the place to dry up.  It will be difficult to carry on our work at the welding workshop because water and electricity are not compatible.”

In Nyambai, some streets are affected too as some people cannot get into their compounds without getting into water. “This is why we feel happy when it doesn’t rain. Rain is good for agriculture, but for us, it brings more harm as the water doesn’t flow freely,” angry Nyambai resident Sulayman Sanneh said.

From Gidda forest to Brikama-Kunta kinteh, stagnant waters could be seen everywhere.

Bubacarr Senghor, a public health officer, attributed the flooding in Brikama to population density.

“People are moving a lot from rural areas to Brikama. It will be difficult to control these issues. Poor drainage can cause health hazards. Inadequate drainage system encourages respiratory problems for occupants. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes and worms, both of which carry diseases.”

There are reports of possible increase on water levels on roads, flash floods and traffic jams.

The Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia to the United States of America on Saturday 23rd July 2022 celebrated the first-ever cultural show with the great kora maestro, Pa Bobo Jobarteh, at Blair High School in Silver Spring.

In his welcoming statement, the Charge d’Affaires ad interim at the Embassy of The Gambia in Washington DC, Mr. Mustapha Sosseh returned gratitude and appreciation to the Gambian community for the collaboration and turnout. He said the objective of the programme is to bring cultural understanding and encourage diversity which according to him is a critical component of human rights.

“It is about time that we embrace our culture, exhibit it and impart cultural understanding in our young ones so that we will not be victims of lost identities,” Mr. Sosseh posited.

Mr. Sosseh announced the formation of a cultural committee that would comprise executive members of Gambian associations across the US and Canada and would be tasked with the responsibility of promoting Gambian cultures. He said the Embassy will work with the Committee to bring about cultural promotion and ensure respect and acceptance of Gambian cultures.

This move, according to Mr. Sosseh, will create and inspire innovations and excellence in workplaces, communities and the world at large.

Speaking at the event on behalf of the Gambian – American Association, Mrs. Soffie Ceesay commended the Embassy for coming up with such a great initiative which would strengthen cultural understanding. The event, she indicated, should be an annual event organised by the Embassy, the Gambian community and partners.

She assured that the Gambian–American Association would continue to work with the Embassy in promoting the interest of The Gambia and Gambians across the United States of America.

The Information and Cultural Affairs Officer at the Embassy of The Gambia in Washington DC, Mr. Saikou Ceesay gave a background of the cultural show. Mr. Ceesay recounted that efforts to bring Pa Bobo and team to the United States of America started in February this year, with the staging of online cultural event involving universities in US. He said it was after the online cultural events with universities the Embassy thought it prudent to work with partners with a view to facilitating his trip to the US to showcase Gambian culture at festivals, Juneteenth celebrations and July 4th across the United States.

Mr. Ceesay indicated that at this modern age, the power of a country is not measured by its size or economy but the level with which it is able to integrate its culture into the international system.  “We will continue to be more innovative and creative in making sure that result is produced for The Gambia,” he said.

A parallel event was held at the Embassy premises attended by 63 Young American professionals and 7 representatives of cultural organisations. They were introduced to local Gambian dishes like domoda, benachin and local baobab and wonjo juice.

Saikou Ceesay

Information and Cultural Affairs Officer

Embassy of the Republic of The Gambia

Washington, D.C. the United States of America

The Government of The Gambia has in a press release dated 24th July 2022 confirmed that Integral University in India has honoured President Adama Barrow by bestowing on him a university key in addition to the conferment of Doctor of Philosophy In Human Letters (Honoris Causa).

On behalf of President Barrow, Vice President Badara Alieu Joof on Friday received the Key to Lucknow University together with the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Human Letters (Honoris Causa).

Below is the full press release:

Press Release

Dated: 24^th July 2022

Integral University of Lucknow, Uttarpradesh State, India, Bestows Key to President Adama Barrow and Tentatively Confers Mr Barrow with Degree of “Doctor of Philosophy In Human Letters—Honoris Causa”

New Delhi, India—The Gambian Vice President, His Excellency Badara Alieu Joof, received the Key to Lucknow University as well as a “Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Human Letters, Honoris Causa” on behalf of His Excellency, President Adama Barrow on Friday.

During a modest convocation ceremony at the residence of the Gambian Ambassador in New Delhi, the Founder & Chancellor of Integral University, Professor S. W. Akhta with University Pro-Chancellor Dr. Syed Nadeem Akhtar and Vice Chancellor Professor, Javed Musarrat, presented the University Key to Vice President Joof and announced the conferring of the PhD in Human Letters to The Gambian Head of State. The University will formally confer the Doctorate Degree on President Barrow when he visits India in due course.

During the ceremony, the Founder and Chancellor of Integral University, Professor S. W. Akhta said both the Key and Honorary Doctoral Degree were testimony to President Adama Barrow’s visionary and inspiring leadership that has brought so much hope and inspiration to Gambians and the outsiders within so short a time. “Under President Barrow, The Gambian people have experienced unprecedented freedom and a new atmosphere of democracy, respect for the Rule of Law and basic human rights.”

The citation also dwelled on Mr Barrow’s reform policies, his commitment to economic development, free market economy and his impressive educational and social development policies for the advancement of The Gambian people.

In conceptually accepting the University Key and Honorary Doctoral Degree on behalf of the Gambian leader, Vice President Joof thanked the leadership, management and academic staff of Integral University for their kind sentiments on President Barrow and assured them that the credentials will serve as great motivation for Mr Barrow as he charts new ways for The Gambia. VP Joof told Integral University that they have a very significant role to play in the technological and educational advancement of The Gambia and would love to have their presence felt across the country.

The ceremony hosted by the Gambian High Commissioner to India, His Excellency, Mustapha Jawara and staff, was witnessed by the Vice Presidential delegation to the “17th Edition of The India – Africa Conclave” and senior officials and academics from Integral University.

Signed:

Ebrima G. Sankareh

The Gambia Government Spokesperson & Presidential Diaspora Adviser

High court judge, Justice Mohamed Bawoh, on Thursday 21^st July 2022 at the Sexual Offenses Model Court in Freetown sentenced 31-year-old Karim Swarray and 37-year-old Abdul Koroma to 100 years and 60 years imprisonment respectively for the offence of sexually penetrating a 13-year-old girl.

Accused persons Karim Swarray and Abdul Koroma were before the court on a four-count indictment of sexual penetration committed against a 13-year-old pupil.

It was alleged that Karim Swarray (first accused) on the 14th and between the 15th and 21st August 2021, in Freetown sexually penetrated the victim.

Second accused (Abdul Koroma) was also alleged to have between 21st and 22nd August 2021 in Freetown engaged in an act of sexual penetration with the victim.

Upon their arraignment, both accused persons pleaded not guilty. The state prosecutor E. T. Jalloh’s application for a trial by judge alone was granted by Justice Bawoh and she led in evidence seven witnesses in support of her case.

In her statement to the police, the 13-year-old victim at the time (now 14 years) said she was held against her wish by the second accused Karim Swarray for a week in his house where he sexually penetrated her and later took her to the house of the second accused Abdul Koroma who equally penetrated her in a violent manner.

Narrating her ordeal in court, she said, “I was tied to the chair in Karim Swaray’s room and he (Karim) was smoking “Kush” and emitting the smoking on my face.”

Solemnly continuing, she said “my mouth was stuffed with clothes and I was violently penetrated.”

At the close of the Prosecution’s case, both accused persons relied on their statement to the police.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Bawoh noted that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt for which the accused persons were found guilty.

After their conviction, both the convicts pleaded for mercy.

In respect of counts one and two, convict Karim Swarray was sentenced to 100 years’ imprisonment, 50 years for each count with both counts to run concurrently.

With regards to count 3 and 4, convict Abdul Koroma was sentenced to 60 years’ imprisonment, 30 years for each count with the sentence to run concurrently.

…………..

Details culled from Judiciary of Sierra Leone official Facebook page

By Modou Touray  

As 2023 local government elections draw close, an  independent aspirant for Brikama Area Council chairmanship, Ibrahim J.S Sanneh, has told this medium that, if he becomes chairperson of the local authority, he will construct a proper drainage system at the Brikama market.

Mr Sanneh has disclosed his intentions to join a number of contenders for the said office. The 30-year-old native of Brikama Sanneh Kunda holds a higher national diploma in civil engineering.

“As an experienced civil engineer, my main priority is to construct a proper drainage system at Brikama market.There is no proper drainage system at the market, and as a result, the water becomes stagnant which is detrimental healthwise. With proper drainage system, the water will move freely from the market.”

He expressed concern that the drainage system is not adequately handled by the current administration at the Brikama Area Council, noting that the market environment is a key source of revenue for the council and therefore maintaining a clean and healthy market environment for taxpayers is mandatory.

Mr Sanneh also said he intends to construct a modern storage facility for vegetable vendors. “Some of the women travel from afar with their vegetables. With such a facility, women can store their vegetables to minimize post-harvest lost. I am also concerned about the vendors sitting on the ground to sell.”

On the issues of scattered taxi parks, Mr Sanneh promised to negotiate with land owners and authories to have a space for taxis which park often park at the highways to pickup passengers.

“I am fully aware that council is not a custodian of land, but as a public institution, it can arrange for lands for public use.”

He also expressed concerns over the handling of revenue at Brikama Area Council, saying that the amount of revenue collected should reflect developments. “If you are collecting revenue, the electorates expect to see their development priorities. I shall effectively deal with the demands of the people who elect me.”

Indiscriminate dumping of waste and environmental cleansing is another issue  he promised to address.

When asked if he would be able to get more supporters as some political parties have already got grassroot structures, Mr Sanneh pointed out that he would contest as independent candidate to be able to unite people. “The political situation in West Coast Region is now very divided. I can unite people if I contest as independent candidate. Anybody can support you as an independent candidate,” he explained.

Parties with strong grassroot structures are also putting up candidates, but Mr. Sanneh maintained that he has a tactical strategy to win the confidence of the electorates.

Ibrahim, who was a former protocol officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, said he is ready to realize positive change in Brikama.

When asked about his credentials to avoid disqualification by the Independent Electoral Commission, Mr Sanneh replied that he is working on all the necessary documents, saying he is on the stand by. “I am fully aware of the qualifications for this office and I am fully prepared with my able team”.

Mr Sanneh said he is young, energetic and has the experience to execute the functions of the said office. “I shall bring so many changes. I am competent and I believe in myself,” he concluded.

By: Dawda Baldeh

In the late hours of Friday 22 July 2022, a thunderstorm blast in Sare Soffie village in Upper Fulladu West, Central River Region is reported to have killed over twenty-one goats belonging to one Kebba Baldeh, a native of the village.

Ebrima Baldeh, a resident of the village, told this medium that the incident occurred in the bush where lightning struck and killed over twenty-one goats during the heavy downpour.

“Kebba’s children were in the bush with the goats. When it started raining, the goats hide under a big tree where the lightning struck and killed them,” he explained.

Baldeh stated that the children were not under the tree at the time of the incident. He said that was what saved them.

He disclosed that the goats died on the spot, while the children ran for their lives after hearing the heavy blast.

According to him, one of the children fainted in the bush after the situation had occurred but was however rescued.

He confirmed that all the children are in good condition, narrating that they were taken to the hospital for medical screening where it was confirmed that the children were not harmed.

Efforts were however made to reach Kebba, but he could not be reached at the time of filing this report.

By: Ousman Saidykhan

The first prosecution witness has testified at the Kanifing Magistrate Court in a land case involving one Hagie Jamigeh (plaintiff) and one Lamin Singhateh (defendant) who trades at Star Property.

The plaintiff complains that he could not hold possession of the piece of land he bought from the defendant even after developing it, as another person has claimed ownership of the said property.

Plaintiff Hagie Jamigeh is claiming a recovery of D500,000.00 (Five hundred thousand dalasis), the amount he claimed to have paid for the said piece of land

The complainant is also claiming another D261, 000.00 (Two hundred and sixty-one thousand dalasis) being the alleged cost incurred on the construction of the fence and house on the property.

The businessman is further making a claim of D150, 000.00 (One hundred and fifty thousand dalasis) for administrative and legal fees among others.

This brings the total amount to nine hundred and eleven thousand dalasis.

The 1st witness, Ebrima Jallow, a close associate of the plaintiff told the court that he has worked with the plaintiff since the buying of the piece of land, thereby availing him the knowledge of whatever transpired as regards the property.

The witness told the court they bought four trips of sand and 180 bags of cement in total for both fencing and building of the house.

“I don’t have any document for the sand, but I have for the cement. We bought 50 bags first, 60 bags and then 40bags,” Mr Jallow told the court. The document for the cement was tendered and marked by the Magistrate as exhibits A, A1 and A2.

After moulding the blocks under his supervision, the witness said they dug the foundation to start the construction but realised the piece was cut by someone.

“I asked Lamin (defendant), and he said he didn’t know but would find out. After that, when I and Hagie (the plaintiff) called he would sometimes not pick up our calls, but when he picks, he would say he didn’t know,” the witness said.

The witness, in his testimony, told the court that the defendant later asked them to fence the remaining of the said land and he (the defendant) would give them another land equivalent to what was cut from the plaintiff’s land. They agreed and did the fencing and built a house on the property, after which, the defendant gave them the piece he was supposed to give them; that one too, in Jamburr.

The witness testifies that both lands are claimed by people. “Someone removed the gate of the first one (where they fenced and built house) and fixed their own gate. Someone claimed the second one too even though our two trips of sand are there.”

None of the two pieces of land is in their possession, Jallow told the court.

“We could not recover the expenses and we have demanded (a refund). So we hired a lawyer who wrote to the defendant but he failed to reply,” the witness said.

The letter was marked as exhibit B.

By: Sarjo Brito, Foreign Press Centers U.S Midterm Elections 2022 Reporting Participant

Former United States President, Donald J. Trump continues to tease his comeback into the political arena as he set sights on the 2024 Presidential run for the Oval Office. The former President put an end to speculations surrounding his return in an interview with New York Magazine, disclosing that the decision to run was already made and the focus is now on when to announce his bid to seek office again.

While there are reports that GOP leaders won’t get in the way of his 2024 Presidential bid, political analysts say a premature announcement of his candidacy could work against the party, especially in the performances of other Republican Candidates in the forthcoming midterm elections, slated for 8th November 2022.

As Trump rushes to beat everyone to the punch so that no one else announces, published author and distinguished professor of political science at Rutgers University Dr Ross Baker said there has been a lot of anxiety among Republican voters that President Trump is going to run again.

“In fact, there has been talking recently, especially within the last couple of days about the possibility of President Trump announcing his candidacy for the presidency in 2024 before the midterm elections, and a lot of Republicans are very much concerned about what effect that will have on the Republican candidates for the House and Senate,’’ Ross revealed.

The Political Science Professor also opined that the extent to which Trump is visible to voters in the 2022 midterm elections will be very important, adding that a premature announcement before November 8th will be a factor in the elections.

“After all, he has been defeated.  He was defeated in 2020. He and his party were defeated in the midterm elections in 2018.  He’s not a good advertisement for Republican candidates running in the 2022 elections.’’

An opportunity for Democrats

President Biden’s approval ratings continue to decline among Republicans and even within the Democratic Party, but according to Dr Ross, former President Trump may be doing President Biden a favour by becoming involved somewhat prematurely in the 2024 presidential election.

“Sometimes very unusual heroes ride to your defense, and I think that President Biden is helped by the January 6th committee’s investigations of the events of the attacks on the Capitol and so on, which all reflect and have reflected very badly on President Trump,’’ Dr Ross Baker added.

According to reports, Democrats are already on standby, ready to capitalize on a Trump pre-November announcement, with some political analysts believing that the GOP having Trump as frontrunner could upend the midterms, thereby tipping the scales in favour of Democrats.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Sana Dahaba, the Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has told The Fatu Network that people’s attitudes towards adhering to disaster risk reduction advice is the agency’s main concern as heavy downpour continues across the country.

“Sometimes, disaster can be prevented if people take proper measures given by experts like the NDMA, weather forecasters very seriously,” he asserted, adding that the habit of building houses on waterways is another major contributing factor to disaster.

Mr. Dahaba further stated that the northern part of the country is highly prone  to windstorm due to deforestation within the region.

“People should plant more trees to mitigate windstorm and other disasters. Trees serve as wind breakers and they can be used for many purposes,” he emphasized.

He stressed that if people change their attitudes towards disaster, it will reduce the high risk.

By Modou Touray

Residents of Brikama Nema neighborhood have told The Fatu Network that the installation of community solar streetlights has exposed criminal hideouts in their community.

Streetlights have been strategically positioned to reduce criminal attacks and enhance safe movement at night.

“I use the route around the Lower Basic School where the mechanical garage is located. Before the lights were installed, I didn’t have confidence to use the route because they once attacked and robbed a lady,” Cherno Barry, a resident said.

The road from the Office of the Governor to the highway in Brikama Nema used to be very dark at night and residents often felt unsafe plying it. Also, the road from the library to the Physical Planning office was said to be another criminal hideout. These and other highways used to be waiting points for thieves.

“I am very safe now than before. I am a security officer with a private company. I sometimes close for work very late. The other day, I was returning home, I was approached by three boys, but when they realized that I am in security uniform, I run away,” explained a security guard residing in Brikama.

Sheikh Mbye is a vendor who lives at Brikama Nema-Taba. He told this medium that the streetlights installed in his community now give him confidence to close late at night.

Lamin Barrow and Ebrima Sanneh, both Nema residents, called on other communities to emulate the people of Nema.

“If government doesn’t provide streetlights for your community, you can take community initiatives to do so. The solar streetlights are sustainable and durable as well.”

From the main Brikama car park via the NAWEC water tank to the immigration office, incidents of attacks were common but that is said to have minimized now.

Omar Sonko, Turadu hydara shared similar sentiments and attested that  criminals will run away now, saying that they (criminals) don’t like streetlights.

“If they want to rob you, it will be difficult because if I see someone following me, I will quickly find my way. They hide in the dark waiting for people, so if everywhere is clear, it disturbs them,” Turadu said.

The highway behind Nematulai Lodge used to be dark as well but four streetlight poles have already been installed there. The same road leads to the playgrounds behind Samakairo office and the backway to the Physical Planning office.

“People will steal and hide inside the field but that is not easy now because anyone inside the field at night looks visible,” Fatou Sowe said.

Fatou sells banana and normally moves from house to house to sell. “Now, I can even go around at night to sell hence everywhere is clear ”

Buba Saidy, a taxi driver, the streetlights are of great importance. “We can drive freely and the chances of incidents is now very slim. It is now safe to drive at night in the area”

Kaba Bajo highway, which is the boundary between Brikama Nema-Taba and Newtown, is also now lit up at night.

These random interviews were meant to get first-hand information from the ordinary residents about their safety and security to know whether the provision of community solar streetlights has boasted security in the community.

Brikama Nema solar streetlight was a community initiative with support from citizens in the diaspora. The streetlights cover both Brikama Nema, Gibungto and Nema-Taba.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Raffie Diab, the National Mobilizer of Citizens’ Alliance (CA) party has told The Fatu Network that his party is stronger than before regardless of who resigns from or leaves the party, noting that they are established on strong pillars.

He was reacting to the recent resignation of the party’s former national chairman and president, Dominic Mendy.

According to Mr Diab, leaders and some members of the party tried to convince its former chairman and national president, Dominic Mendy, to review his decision to resign from the party, after citing in his resignation letter that the party has deviated from its founding principles.

Dominic, a founding member of CA, has tendered his resignation from the party. He recounted that the party is altering from its core values, adding that continuing to be a member of CA will be an act of dishonesty to the members of the party and the general public.

Diab however disagrees with his former national president that the party is deviating from its core values.

He reiterated that the party leader Dr Ismaila Ceesay and some members,  including elderly of the party, spoke to Dominic Mendy to reconsider his decision, but that Mr Mendy stood by his decision to quit his position and the party.

“Many people at the party talked to him. Our party leader told him to reconsider and some elderly people in the party spoke to him as well. I know many members of the party who reached to him but he said his decision was final”,  Diab explained.

Diab acknowledged that the resignation of Dominic came as a big surprise and disappointment. He said he would have loved for him to review his decision knowing the role he played in the party.

Raffie Diab defended that the party is not deviating from its core values. When quizzed if Dominic was right, the CA National Mobilizer responded:

“Far from that, Dominic has his reasons but I also see things differently. I don’t agree with him. We have our issues internally. I see those issues as crises and every single party must go through those crises”, he affirmed.