By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

“If I have the opportunity to go to Europe, football will be my priority”, words of a young Banker at Zenith Bank and an amazingly bright football star in the pinnacle of Gambian Football, Lamin Balajo, Brikama United’s Midfielder.

A rare breed in Gambian Football, the young star is changing the trend by keeping two things alive.  Football in the Gambia is not lucrative especially if you are playing for local teams in the country. Many had shunned the game as soon as they have better opportunities somewhere but Lamin is keeping it tight despite being a staff at Zenith bank with a very good university degree.

“I can’t depend on football in the Gambia so I have to do both”, he pointed out.

In 2014, Lamin Balajo, commonly known as Xavi, emerged in the Gambian football terrain at a very young age when he started playing for Bombada FC in the First Division of the Gambian Football League while he was going to the University of the Gambia as an accountancy student.

A talented student, Lamin, at a tender age embarked on seeking his dreams in football and glory in academics with a father who doesn’t fancy football. All that his father wanted is for the young man to get a good university and job that will better his life.  But Lamin, having passion and dreams in the game will balance the two. He will sneak out in the afternoon to go and play football and at the same time read his books. He will sometimes tell his father a different story anytime he needs to buy football boots.

“My dad didn’t like football he never encourage me to do football his priority is for me to get my degrees and have a good job. My family is not a family that supports football.  At some point as a young player, I needed someone to encourage me to buy football materials and always be there for me when I’m playing. And

Sometimes what I do to get a shoe is to tell my dad I’m going to buy books.  Immediately when I do that, he will give me some money then I will buy football shoes”.

Xavi told The Fatu Network.

The young star would make sure he scored good grades at Nustrat senior secondary school. Upon completing Nusrat in 2012, he got admission into the University of The Gambia to study accountancy. While chasing his bachelor’s degree, Lamin didn’t shun football, he continued playing football in the zenith of Gambia football from Bombada to Brikama United playing week in and week out.

“It was very hectic for me.  I had to school during the day and at night I had to study. But with this,   I told myself common xavi you can do it. This was what kept me going while I was doing my bachelor’s degree”.

Lamin began working at Zenith Bank in 2018. Having a good job, he didn’t surrender his dreams of football.  He still plays football and will not train with the team. He will train alone at night and will still be part of the Brikama United team week in and week out. The only time Balajo will train with the team, will be when he is on leave.  Till today, the Zenith bank young staff will train at night alone while his teammates will train in the morning, a rare instance in a game.

” it was not easy for me initially.

When I started working, it was very hectic. At some point, I wanted to quit but a few things keep me going:

my love for the game and the passion I have for football.

Most of the people who know me will advise me not to quit football because they see a brighter future ahead, especially my coach and some senior players in my team, so this thing keeps me going”. He revealed this to The Fatu Network when quizzed on how he balances banking and football.

Lamin’s passion for football and dreams of making a successful career in the game outweigh all his dreams.  For over five years, he will hardly train with his teammates but will be part of the team every week.

Lamin, with his degree in accountancy and staff at Zenith Bank, emphatically told this medium that when he has the chance to Europe, Football will be his utmost priority. He has the conviction that he can generate so much in football.

” I like football more than anything.

The passion I have for football is massive

And I believe I can get something out of it when I’m in Europe”,  he said.

Xavi, named after Spanish Football legend the current head coach of FC Barcelona, had been so influential in Modou Lamin Nyassi’s Brikama United.  Despite training alone, he has four goals contribution this season and remains an integral part of the Brikama United team.

Balajo’s brilliance in academics has followed him on the pitch as a creative midfielder.  To Xavi, working at the Bank is a decent job as wanted by his father but his biggest accomplishment will be by becoming a professional footballer. At age 21, he has a lot to offer and the potential of representing the Gambia in international football.

Karpowership Gambia, on Thursday 28th April 2022, signed a contract with The Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) for the extension of operations in the West African country for the next three years.

According to the terms of the new contract, Karpowership will provide 30MW of power to The Gambia’s national grid from its Powership anchored off the coast of Banjul. At the signing ceremony, Karpowership and NAWEC also agreed to convert the operations to LNG-to-Power (generating power by utilizing Liquefied Natural Gas) within the first three years.

Following a Power Purchase Agreement with NAWEC, in February 2018 Karpowership began supplying 30 MW of power into the national grid for a period of two years. The intervention of Karpowership significantly helped stabilize the erratic power supply in the country warranting the contract’s renewal for an additional two years in 2020.

Emre Durmuşoğlu, Karpowership Africa Regional Director, said that Karpowership has a proven track record of supplying sustainable, clean, reliable, and affordable electricity with all its Powerships operations in 4 continents. He stated: “Karpowership supplies uninterrupted and reliable electricity at one of the lowest prices for thermal power generation. With our dual engines and hybrid operational capabilities, we will be able to switch our project in The Gambia to LNG-to-Power, utilizing natural gas, which produces far less carbon dioxide than its alternatives. We have been very proud to play our role in answering The Gambia’s electricity needs while creating employment opportunities.

About Karpowership

Karpowership is the only owner, operator and builder of the first Powership™ (floating power plant) fleet in the world and plays an active role in medium to long-term investments with more than 2500 employees. Currently, Karpowership owns and operates 36 Powerships with an installed capacity of 6,000 MW. Karpowership is operational in 15 countries on 4 continents.

Karpowership is a socially responsible company committed to the development of communities in which they operate. With its operations in The Gambia, the company engages in social responsibility projects that support the development of the communities as well as providing educational tools. As a strategic partner, Karpowership is committed to The Gambia’s development and will continue to provide all Gambians with sustainable, reliable, clean and affordable electricity.

www.karpowership.com

For more information

Karen Kumbasar – Corporate Communication and Marketing Manager

Fatu Camara – Local Agent: [email protected]

Baba Sheriff Bojang – Local Agent: [email protected]

By: Christian Conteh

The Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) has expressed its dismay at remarks by the president of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) indicating that the national broadcaster is incapable of providing coverage of the GFF league matches.

According to GRTS this statement by Mr. Lamin Kabba Bajo is totally and blatantly inaccurate.

This response came following a press conference the football federation held and a subsequent signing of a contract in which the football body appointed Eye Africa TV as its local broadcast partner for the airing of GFF Division 1 league matches. 

The GFF president accused GRTS of not actively covering the Division 1 league games. Responding to these accusations, the GRTS management said there is enough evidence on both GRTS online platforms and its archives to show that the national broadcaster has consistently covered and aired GFF football league games in its news bulletins on both TV and radio. 

“It is deeply regrettable that Mr. Bajo, without giving any specific evidence, ridiculed GRTS content packaging to justify the GFF’s decision to bypass the national broadcaster for coverage of important national activity,” the GRTS management said.

The GRTS statement further reiterated that there is enough evidence of the brilliant work that the GRTS sports team have and continues to do in terms of both radio and television coverage of the GFF Division 1 league matches and other sporting events in various parts of the country.

The U.S Senate has unanimously passed a resolution recognising the free, fair, and peaceful December 4, 2021, presidential and April 9, 2022, legislative elections in The Gambia.

The resolution also calls on the Gambian government to follow through on recent Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission recommendations.

“In December and again last month, the Gambian people showed the West African region and the world models of peaceful and fair elections after decades of troubling dictatorship,” said Durbin. “The country’s Truth Commission also bravely presented findings and recommendations for accountability from that troubling period.”

“The passage of this resolution reinforces the commitment of the United States to The Gambia’s historic democratic transition, especially the important milestone reached during the recent presidential election,” said Risch. “When democracy is under attack, and while several West African nations have faced unconstitutional power changes, The Gambia has demonstrated what is possible when institutions and citizens commit to governing themselves through core democratic principles.”

By Muhammed Lamin Drammeh 

Gambian international football star, Ebou Adams, after helping Forest Green Rovers to promotion to English League One, has joined Cardiff City Football Club from Forest Green Rovers FC on a three-year deal.

Cardiff City Fc plays in the English League Championship.

Below is the full statement from Forest Green Rovers FC after the Gambian completed his deal.

“The Club would like to wish fan favourite Ebou good luck with his next adventure.

Since signing for the Green Devils in the summer of 2019, he has made an immeasurable impact on the team, quickly winning over fans with his smart play and powerful performances.

“His energy and attitude have proven invaluable to Rovers over the last three seasons, receiving plaudits from opposition fans, players and managers.

Cardiff boss Steve Morison said: “Ebou’s going to bring athleticism and energy. He’s really good on the ball. He’s been a top, top player forb Forest Green for a number of years. I said I was going to change the dynamic of the group. I wanted to change what you see from the players characteristic wise and he fits the bill. t is the right time for him to step up to the Championship. It’s a big step for him, but he’s buzzing, we’re buzzing and we’re looking forward to seeing him out there. We’re really pleased to get it over the line.”

Having made over 100 appearances for Forest Green, midfielder Adams joins the 100 club alongside other FGR Legends. In that time he has scored nine goals for the team and it’s fitting that in his final season at the club he scored the winning goal in the opening game, at home to Sutton, and also the last match, away to Mansfield, to help us clinch the title.

“Ebou also represented The Gambia at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, his country’s debut in the competition. He was a central part of the team that helped make history by reaching the last eight, before losing to hosts Cameroon.

“Throughout his time at the Forest Green, Ebou has been a credit to himself and the football club. He has achieved great things both personally and for the team. We wish him every success going forward, and he will always be welcome back at the New Lawn,” Richard Hughes, Director of football at Forest Green Rovers said.

By Sarjo Brito

The Office of the Inspector General of Police has on Friday May 13th 2022 issued a statement refuting allegations of a 100 Million Dalasis fraud scandal at the police headquarters involving IGP Sanyang. The response comes following a publication on an online platform dubbed ‘I Paid a Bribe’.

In a statement shared by Poliso Magazine, the Office of the IGP described the allegation as not only misleading but malicious.

‘’The attention of The Office of the Inspector General of Police has been drawn to a publication on a Facebook page with the profile name ‘ I Paid A Bribe’. However, the writer claimed that there was a huge scandal at the Police Headquarters, alleging The Inspector General of Police, Abdoulie Sanyang of being involved in a D100 million fraud further claiming that the IGP is planning to leave the country’’

‘’This allegation is not only misleading but malicious in all forms and those behind this blatant and unimaginable fabrications are hell-bent on tarnishing the image of our great IGP whose reputable character and loyalty to the Gambian people is unquestionable’’

While details about the alleged corruption are yet to be known, the office of the Inspector General of Police says IGP Sanyang since his appointment in 2021 has transformed The Gambia Police into one of the best within the subregion, thus describing the allegations as ‘calculated with smear intentions to hurt the reputable image of the IGP.

The online media platform ‘I Paid a Bribe’ has said details about the allegations will be available soon.

The Vice Chancellor of the International Open University (IOU), Dr Cherno Omar Barry, on Monday May 9th 2022 travelled to Kigali, Rwanda to attend a three-day international e-learning conference.

The conference takes place from May 11th to May 13th, 2022. Dr Barry is theonly one representing The Gambia in this event through the IOU.

This programme is the 15th E-learning conference and exhibition on ICT for education, Training and Skills development. It is an inspirational and multi-layered programme with over 200 speakers from different sectors to bring the theme “A new purpose for education” to life.

E-learning Africa is globally recognised as the most thrilling, challenging and inspirational digital learning event. The future of education will be presented by well known speakers like Dr Njeri Mwagiru (Senior Futurist), Mark West (UNESCO), Lady Mariéme Jamme, Jaime Casap, Sobhi Tawil, Professor Mogobe Ramose, Gertrude Mwangala Akapelwa, Sozinho Francisco Matsinhe, Leo Chikezie Igwe, Dayn Amade, Ferhana Dostmohamed, Ebenezer Malcalm, Adewunmi Payne-Akinhanmi, and many more equipped speakers in a variety of formats which included plenary sessions, world cafes, panel discussions, knowledge factories, core dialogues, discovery demos and knowledge exchange sessions.

The event is sessioned with knowledge and networks that will better improve the work of the International Open University in The Gambia and across the globe.

Dr Cherno Omar Barry upon the request of Cousera will have a bilateral meeting with Cousera, the global online learning platform who is on a mission to transform lives through learning.

The Vice Chancellor will therefore, after the closing of the event on May 13th 2022 attend to some of the matters of IOU in Rwanda to ensure that IOU’s education is of high standard and of high quality not just in the Gambia but also across the globe. He is thus expected to return on Sunday May 15th, 2022.

By Amara Thoronka

Sadibou Kamaso has disclosed on his “Sadibou for GFF President” Facebook page that he has on Friday 13^th May 2022 resigned his positions as executive member of Gambia Football Federation (GFF) and member of all GFF standing committees.

“There are moments in one’s life when it is prudent to sacrifice to self for the good of others and if not for that particular purpose, at least to stand and defend one’s adored ideals and values. I have today submitted my resignation letter as Executive Member of The Gambia Football Federation and member of all other GFF standing Committees which resignation takes immediate effect having assumed the said positions since 2018 with the fervent belief that the ideas, plans and vision I was presented with are in the best interest of promotion and advancement of the beautiful game of football in our beloved country with a holistic approach,” he said.

He described the current GFF leadership as a ‘realm of unquenchable dictatorship.’

“My decision to resign today is with a heavy heart but quite apt with a very clear and disentangled mind.  It is an established fact that this move was unavoidable considering the fact that the current GFF leadership has embarked upon a realm of unquenchable dictatorship by making unilateral decisions that contravene the democratic principles which are not only manifestly unjust but clearly unsuitable and unacceptable.”

Kamaso added that he was and still remain of the fervent belief that him serving in various positions was to offer his allegiance to the football development aspirations of football stakeholders and the country and not to a particular position or individual.

“I have always made my voice and position known where I should and given my all to make football better. To some, this may seem like an act of defiance, yet to those who know me well and served with me would confirm that I would never allow to be used for the wrong reasons.”

He noted that, “The recent tsunami of removals of individuals from the different GFF committees simply because they are perceived to support my candidature are not only reprehensible but deplorable and unacceptable and must END NOW.  The appointments of these individuals in these positions were Executive Decisions of the GFF and their removals must also be tabled before the same Executive Members, not unilaterally by the President.  I am aware that there are more sacking letters being drafted for those believed to support my candidature or even suspected of supporting the restore Confidence team.”

“I stand in full solidarity with these hardworking individuals and assure them of my strongest commitment to fight against these unjust moves.  I have come to the inevitable conclusion that my candidature should not cause people their positions.  In an act of defiance to these wrongful removals and in full solidarity with these innocent and hardworking individuals who have done nothing but commit their all to football development in our beloved country, I have decided to resign from all GFF positions with immediate effect,” he emphasized.

Kamaso concluded that those who support his candidature and feel threatened by what he called “unfair removals,” have his fullest support at all times; saying that they will continue to fight for the right changes in Gambian football.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Afromanding singer and songwriter, Nyancho Apachaky, has earlier today announced the sacking of his music manager Dembo Jobarteh alias D.Jobs,  accusing him of mismanaging funds among others.

In a press statement, Nyancho expressed disappointment towards his manager.

“Just to clear the air about the rumor that has been circulating lately about my management. From today onwards, I Nyancho Apachaky is officially here to announce that Dembo Jobarteh also known as D. Jobs is no more my manager. I’ve sacked him from his duty as manager on behalf of my management,” he disclosed.

According to him, D. Jobs has been taking bookings on behalf of him (Nyancho) the team, adding that he (D. Jobs) took loans of different amounts from people and companies all in his name (Nyancho and his management) without their knowledge.

“I was playing shows that he already spent the money on his personal problems without showing the team a single dalasi. And I am sure the whole world knows how painful and hard my stage performance is.”

Nyancho noted, “I am the artist with the biggest technical team. With my DJ, my dancers, my backing vocalists and other people underground.”

He alleged that D. Jobs has been collecting money from people and using it on himself, confirming that the team is suffering.

He said he will now start from scratch, urging people not to contact D. Jobs for any booking or music business.

This medium tried contacting D.Jobs for his feedback but he couldn’t be reached at the moment.

In a summary online publication on drug enforcement interventions covering the first two weeks in the month of May, Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) has disclosed that sixteen people have been arrested so far for the possession of prohibited and controlled drugs.

16-year-old teenage Gambian was arrested at Basse in the Upper River Region (URR) with twelve wraps of suspected cannabis sativa on 12 May 2022 around 01:30pm.

22-year-old Abdou Saine was also arrested in Basse URR on the 12^th May 2022 around 12:40pm with one parcel of suspected cannabis sativa.

26-year-old Gibril Sanneh was apprehended at Farato Bojang Kunda on the 11 May 2022 around 8:30pm with two parcels and ten wraps of suspected cannabis sativa.

47-year-old Modou Sarr was arrested at Tallinding on the 12 May 2022 around 12:25pm with twelve (12) big bundles of suspected cannabis sativa.

27-year-old Ousman Saidy of Brikama was arrested on the 11 May 2022 around 12:22pm with fourteen parcels and five wraps of suspected cannabis sativa.

21-year-old Abdu Karim Mbye was arrested at Farafenni in the North Bank Region with ten wraps of suspected cannabis sativa on the 10 May 2022 around 3:00pm

22-year-old Muhammed Drammeh was arrested at Tallinding on the 10 May 2022 around 12:25pm with eighteen parcels and eight wraps of suspected cannabis sativa as well as twenty-seven pieces of suspected cannabis resin (hashish).

23-year-old Alieu Sowe of Gunjur was arrested at Serrekunda Nding village while onboard a commercial vehicle with two big bundles of suspected cannabis sativa. The said incident happened on the 10 May 2022 around 8:40pm.

49-year-old Lamin Camara of Somita village was arrested at Amdalai village on the 9 May 2022 around 07:00am with a bundle of suspected cannabis sativa. He was onboard a commercial vehicle at the time of his arrest.

21-year-old Famara Sowe was arrested at Brikama Suba Ward (Durumakolong) with one parcel and eleven wraps of suspected cannabis sativa in addition to twenty-nine table of clonazepam, a controlled drug. A lost warrant card was also recovered from him. The said incident happened on the 9 May 2022 around 23:10pm.

19-year-old Amie Jatta, 21-year-old Mohammed Ndow and 22-year-old Pap Nyang were arrested at Bata Kunku village on the 7 May 2022 with half a bundle of suspected cannabis sativa concealed inside a multi coloured bag.

20-year-old Mohamed Dumbuya was arrested on the 7 May 2022 around 11:00am with six parcels and five wraps of suspected cannabis sativa at Sanyang beachside. DLEAG operatives also recovered thirteen parcels of suspected cannabis sativa at the Sanyang beachside on the same day around 11:00 hours GMT onwards.

21-year-old Modou Njie was arrested on the 5 May 2022 around 8:50pm with fifteen (15) big bundles and twenty-nine (29) parcels of suspected cannabis sativa at Sinchu Balia village.

21-year-old Alpha Jallow was nabbed on the 1^st May 2022 around 12:30pm with six wraps and fifty six tablets of diazepam.

All the suspects were taken into custody and charged with various offences ranging from possession, possession of prohibited drugs for the purpose of drug trafficking and dealing in prohibited drugs.

Management of the Agency reiterate its commitment and dedication to ensure that it fulfil its mandate as provided for in the DCA 2003. The Agency’s role is crucial in the maintenance of law and order and also creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and promoting national development

We therefore calling on all sincere Gambians and non Gambians alike residing in country to complement government’s effort in keeping our communities safe, healthy and drug free.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Gambian media houses and football Clubs in the Gambia Football Federation Division One in both the male and female competitions, will not be allowed to stream, broadcast or transmit the GFF Male and Female Division One league games live at the end of the season as the Federation awarded the exclusive right to 11 Sports.

The President of the Gambia Football Federation, Lamin Kaba Bajo revealed this to the media as the football house launched a media partnership deal with FIFA on their FIFA plus project.

“From next season, no third party will be allowed to transmit any form of coverage either in part or whole, through TV, Internet or mobile to provide transmission until the end of the licence period”, Kaba Bajo announced as he launched what he referred to the as groundbreaking event.

The GFF President said that the federation has signed a partnership deal with FIFA, a deal in which  11 Sports will have the exclusive right to broadcast GFF games from now on until the end of the 2026 league season.

However, he said media platforms and clubs streaming the games live this season will be allowed to continue it until the season ends despite the broadcasting partnership deal that will begin in the ongoing league season.

President Bajo, who will be seeking re-election in a few months, explained that having a broadcasting partner that will generate revenue for the league has been his federation’s ultimate priority despite the deal barricading Gambia media houses and clubs from having the right to stream or broadcast live games.

He said that he hardly sees Gambian leagues in the prime news hours in Gambian media.

The second Vice President of the GFF, Ebou Faye said that football is not free and thus Gambian media should brace up for such challenges. He however said that Gambian media personnel will work with the official broadcasting partners as experts, a benefit he said, Gambian journalists may have in the deal.

The deal with FIFA to have the GFF male and female Division One league will run till 2026. According to Lamin Kaba Bajo, the GFF will benefit from 20% of the revenue that will be generated by 11 Sports in broadcasting Gambian league games exclusively. He also emphasised that the deal is cost-free from GFF.

The Communication Director and the project manager of the broadcasting deal, Baboucarr Camara, described the deal as a welcoming development.

“To have an official partner to broadcast domestic league games at no expense to the club is a welcoming development and it will contribute immensely to the development of the clubs.

11 Sports will now be streaming Gambia leagues live and they will be technically assisted by a Gambian online TV.

By: Christian Conteh

The buildup leading to the prosecution of Yahya Jammeh has only just begun. Human Rights groups nationally and globally want to see the former president brought to justice for crimes against humanity committed during his reign as president of the small West African country of Gambia.

The groups include, Amnesty International, African Network against Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances, Gambia Press Union, Human Rights Watch, Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa, The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations in The Gambia, Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations and Women in Liberation and Leadership among other organisations reiterated this position in a recent letter to The Gambia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda A. Jallow.

“The TRRC found that crimes against humanity had been committed and that Yahya Jammeh and 69 other named perpetrators were responsible for 44 specific crimes, including murder, torture, rape and sexual violence, enforced disappearance and called for their prosecution.

The government should thus ensure that enough resources are dedicated so that prompt, thorough and impartial investigations are conducted, and alleged perpetrators are prosecuted in fair trials within a reasonable time and before an independent and impartial tribunal with no recourse to the death penalty.”

It urges the government to ensure that combating impunity is an essential part of the government’s roadmap, insisting that victims have a right to receive truth, justice and reparations.

According to the TRRC, between 240 and 250 people died at the hands of the state or its agents in the period between 1994 and 2017.

Going forward the groups called for legislation to be adopted or modified accordingly to avoid a repetition of the crimes committed and combat impunity.

By: Christian Conteh

Rights group Amnesty International says that the content of the Government White Paper following the release of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) recommendations will be an indicator of the government’s real commitment to justice and accountability.

The group made this known through an open letter addressed to Dawda A. Jallow, Gambia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General ahead of the release of the white paper which is expected to be made public by the end of May.

The publication of the white paper will coincide with the first months of President Barrow’s second administration, following his convincing victory in the December 4th Presidential Elections.

The TRRC the group says provided an opportunity for two hundred and twenty-nine victims of Jammeh’s government to be heard, as well as taking testimony from former government insiders such as ministers, police and intelligence chiefs, and members of the “Junglers” hit squad. 

Whilst the government works on finalising in the coming weeks the white paper that will provide the roadmap for the implementation of the TRRC recommendations, Amnesty International used the letter to the Justice Minister to clearly spell out some of their hopes and concerns.

“First of all, we hope that the process followed by your administration to produce this document is inclusive and involves the victims of abuses during Jammeh’s government, as well as civil society,” the letter states.

They went on to welcome the recent national discussion between the Justice Department, some civil society and victim-led organisations on the TRRC report, calling it an important and encouraging step to ensure the inclusion of victims in the process. 

“In this spirit, we hope you will go beyond the TRRC recommendations and consider the demands of the victims who did not participate in the TRRC hearings, namely regarding sexual and gender-based violence.”

It urges the government to ensure that combating impunity is an essential part of the government’s roadmap, insisting that victims have a right to receive truth, justice and reparations. 

“The TRRC found that crimes against humanity had been committed and that Yahya Jammeh and 69 other named perpetrators were responsible for 44 specific crimes, including murder, torture, rape and sexual violence, enforced disappearance, and called for their prosecution.

The government should thus ensure that enough resources are dedicated so that prompt, thorough and impartial investigations are conducted, and alleged perpetrators are prosecuted in fair trials within a reasonable time and before an independent and impartial tribunal with no recourse to the death penalty.”

It further reiterates a recommendation by the TRRC for legislation to be adopted or modified accordingly to avoid a repetition of the crimes committed and combat impunity, whilst calling on the government to continue to communicate in a transparent, regular and clear way about the evolution of the white paper and publish it by 25th May, so that every Gambian is aware of the government’s plan to provide justice and reparations to the victims, and civil society can assist in the implementation and its monitoring.

Amnesty international co-signed the letter with African Network against Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances, Gambia Press Union, Human Rights Watch, Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa, The Association of Non-Governmental Organizations in The Gambia, Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations and Women in Liberation and Leadership among other organisations.

President Adama Barrow and Dr. Lamin J. Sise, Chairperson of the TRRC were copied.

By: Christian Conteh

Embattled Civil Rights Activist Madi Jobarteh has made a thorough analysis of President Adama Barrow’s statement as he swore in his new ministers.

According to Jobarteh the president’s words clearly show that corruption, inefficiency, and negligence are the order of the day in his Government.

He wrote that he has no congratulatory messages for the new appointees but he would rather remind them of integrity.

“I have no congratulatory messages for any of them. Rather I remind them of integrity. I remind them that public office is sacred. Public officials carry life and death by the decisions and actions they take. Literally, people live or die depending on the actions of public servants!” he wrote.

He pointed out that serving in public office is not a favour since public officials do not give any charity but get paid by citizens abundantly with incredible privileges, incentives and benefits that serve them for a lifetime. 

The people who pay these public officials he says, “ironically and insultingly, only receive back poverty, deprivation, high cost of living, unemployment, lack of opportunities with poor, erratic, and expensive services! This is true simply because public officials would neglect their duties, abuse their office, plunder public wealth, underperform and abuse the rights of their citizens. Shamelessly.” 

He emphasised that citizens will mercilessly, uncompromisingly, and vigorously hold them accountable. 

“We will mercilessly, uncompromisingly, and vigorously hold them accountable. We will scrutinize every word, decision, action and even their appearance! If they don’t like that, so be it! Get out of public office!”

By: Dawda Baldeh

Sino Majilak Jalbak, a Sand mining company owned and managed by Gambians, is conducting voluntary beach nourishment exercise at the beach front of The Gambia Groundnut Cooperation (GGC), by dredging the sand to save the area from potential storm damages.

Over the years, the beach front of GGC and its environs have been seriously eroded leading to destruction of perimeter fences and properties. According to officials, the exercise was done voluntarily targeting one kilometer along the beach area. They urged the government to give them the contract to nourish the entire beach area.

Beach nourishment is a process by which sediments, usually sand, lost to erosion is replaced by other sources. Omar Abdullah Jagne, the Proprietor of Sino Majlac Jalbak Sand Mining Company says the exercise is conducted to safe the area from potential storm damages, adding that they are not only focused on dredging sand for business.

“Gambia has never experienced dredging,” Jagne said. “We have all seen the environmental challenges the country is facing. Our capital on island and dredging is the only future.”

According to experts, a wider beach can reduce storm damage to coastal structure by dissipating energy across the surf zone, protecting upland structure and infrastructure from storm surges, tsunamis and unusually high tide.

Jagne further expressed the company’s commitments in contributing to the development of the country, but alleged that their operations are hindered by various institutions.

“We are professionals,” Omar Jagne told reporters. “We are all graduates from top universities. So, the foreign reliance should be reduced now if we want to develop as a country. We should start trusting citizens who work with passion, honesty, and integrity rather than giving every single project to foreigners.”

Speaking further, he said various institutions have been punishing them over the years by hindering their business. “There are many obstacles in front of us,” Jagne noted.

The effectiveness of wider beaches in reducing structural damage has been proven by field studies conducted after storms and through the application of accepted coastal engineering principles.

Alhagie Papa Samateh, partner and General Manager of Sino Majilak Jalbak said the erosion within the beach has affected the premises of the GGC and other places.

“We are conducting the beach nourishment to save the area from storm damages,” Mr. Samateh said. “We are nourishing one kilometer voluntarily, costing us Two Million Euros. We have the knowhow and the equipment to do the job well. If the beach is nourished, it will create more space for business and tourism,” Samateh assured.

He added that sand dredging can reduce risk of erosion and create new habitat and enhance the beach for recreation.

Beach Nourishment has been practiced by many countries since it was first conducted in the United States between 1922 and 1923.

Considering the fact that the Barrow victories in 2016 and 2021 were with the support of a coalition, it is expected that coalition members must make up the new administration. 

Contrary to what some Gambians have claimed, APRC spokesman, Musa Amul Nyassi has confirmed that his party the APRC is pleased with the new appointments indicating that they see themselves(APRC) in the new cabinet with the appointment of Abdoulie Jobe the new Minister of Petroleum.

Speaking to local media Nyassi said Jobe has been very consistent in his contribution and support for the APRC.

“I want to start by thanking President Barrow on the appointment of his new cabinet and pray for all those who are appointed for a successful tenure. That said, I want to say that the APRC has seen itself in the new cabinet with the appointment of Abdoulie Jobe who has been very consistent in his contribution and support for the APRC,” 

He used the opportunity to wish all the new appointees well in their new assignments.

“APRC have seen themselves in the new cabinet because Abdoulie Jobe has been with us 100%. It is true that some of the appointees were APRC before the change but after the change, they stayed neutral but for Mr Jobe, he was continuously participating in the party’s affairs,” he maintained.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The erstwhile Minister of Information, Communications and Infrastructure in the infancy days of the Barrow Government, Demba Ali Jawo has reacted to the new cabinet, noting that the appointment of Demba Sabally as the country’s Agriculture Minister is a political compensation, saying that the new minister doesn’t virtually know anything about Agriculture.

“Of course it is quite obvious that Demba Sabally’s appointment was just to compensate him for the great role he played in helping to neutralise the Gambia Democratic Congress party, which in no doubt helped President Barrow in his re-election,” he pointed out.

DA Jawo, who has become a vocal critic of the Barrow government since his fall out with the president in 2018 said that Barrow shouldn’t have replaced the former Minister of Agriculture, Amie Fabureh with Sabally.

“In fact many people were of the view that the former Minister, Amie Fabureh was not only an experienced agriculturist, but she was doing quite well and there was absolutely no need to replace her with someone who knows virtually nothing about agriculture,” he argued.

He went further to say that it is hard to get to the reason for having a person with no experience in agriculture occupy the post of the minister of Agriculture.

He affirmed that it is essential for a cabinet minister to have a good grasp of  the area one is heading in order to function better.

“While the technical experts are there to guide the minister, but he/she is not supposed to be a complete novice in his/her portfolio as there are places and occasions such as during cabinet meetings when the technical experts are not usually present and the minister is expected to speak and defend his/her policies and programmes. Therefore if he/she is not quite familiar with his/her area of responsibility, then it would be hard to see how he/she can make a good case in cabinet”,  he defended as he reacted to the appointment of Demba Sabally as the new Agriculture Minister.

DA Jawo is among the first persons to publicly query the appointment of Sabally as the new minister heading the Agriculture Ministry. Gambia Democratic Party youth leader, Omar Ceesay also pointed out that Sabally is not a good pick.   Last week, the Youth Secretary-General of the United Democratic Party, Kemo Bojang, also argued that the appointment of Demba Sabally is a setback.

He said that Demba Sabally is a pharmacist and he has no idea of how to run the ministry.

By: Christian Conteh

Former Information Minister Demba Ali Jawo has called out President Adama Barrow for appointing very few women into cabinet positions. Jawo blamed the president for being unfair to the Gambian women who were instrumental in his winning a second term.

“One disappointing aspect of the new cabinet is its gender composition, or rather its poor women’s representation. President Barrow has definitely not been fair to Gambian women who played a very big role in his re-election. Instead of enhancing their positions vis-a-vis their roles in governance and decision making, he has down-graded them,” Jawo said.

Women Jawo said were the number two and three personalities of the state (Vice President and Speaker) in the previous administration but this time around, they have not only lost both positions but they have been relegated to positions of virtual insignificance as far as governance is concerned.

“There is certainly no shortage of competent women to fill virtually all positions in government but he simply chose to deliberately give preference to men over the women,” he said.

Jawo opined that logic demands that the president should not only maintain at least one woman in one of the top leadership positions that they held in the last government but that he would increase the number of women in the cabinet rather than reduce the number to three as he has done.

He further blamed President Barrow for showing a complete lack of political will to mainstream gender in his administration.

“In fact it would not be surprising if he decides to replace the only woman regional governor whom he had appointed as minister, with a man, thus denying the women another leadership position,” Jawo stated.

By Sanna Jallow

New Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Rohey John Manjang, has described her job as huge and challenging, stressing that she really has a big task and responsibility to deliver to the Gambian people.

Speaking to Fatu Network after taking oath of office at State House on Tuesday 10th May 2022, she said people will be held accountable for the level of apathy to perform better.

“The former minister and team have done a wonderful job, but my task as the new minister is still a big one because there are too many challenges on the table. We have to be innovative because there are more demands on the table from the Gambian People,” she said.

Madam Manjang explained that it is not difficult to achieve those demands, noting that it takes bravery, honesty and confidence to deliver.

“Even when I was a governor, my main aim has been to enhance a safe, clean and friendly environment. Waste management is a very big challenge. I will work with the concerned ministries and stakeholders to see how we can realize effective waste management system.”

She urged everyone to keep their environment clean, especially the less privileged whom she said are more exposed to health issues.

The Environment Minister described climate change as a very complicated issue, adding that Gambia is feeling the pinch just like other countries. She called on members of her Ministry and other environment related sectors to work as a team in addressing perennial and emerging environmental issues.

“We have to design policies and programs that will be sustainable in the future and also help us overcome this climate change complication,” she emphasized.