By Amara Thoronka 

President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, on Monday 9^th May 2022 officially launched the country’s bid for a seat in the non-permanent member category of United Nations Security Council, the world’s most powerful organ which determines and overseas global peace and security.

Non-permanent members are elected by the UN General Assembly for a two-year period. Sierra Leone’s bid eyes the 2024-2025 period. The last time the country served as member of the global security body was between 1971-1972. So, if it succeeds in 2024, that would mean returning to such capacity after 53 years.

While launching the nation’s bid, President Bio gave a background of Sierra Leone’s membership at the UN Security Council.

“In just eight years after Sierra Leone became a member of the United Nations, it had the singular honour to be elected to serve on the organisation’s most powerful deliberative body, the Security Council. These two unforgettable years of Sierra Leone’s tenure in the Council from 1971 to 1972, served as bold footprints that continue to define our Nation’s commitment to its international obligations and its unflinching support for a multilateral rules-based world order to advance and sustain global peace and security.”

According to the President, the country has been instrumental in maintain global peace and security, adding that Sierra Leone is once again pushing for a seat in the UN Security Council.

“As a nation, we have continued to play our part as a responsible member of the international community. At various times, Sierra Leone has proudly contributed troops and police to peace support operations so that others may enjoy the peace we enjoy today. Fifty plus years after our 1970-1971 tenure on the Security Council, we are once again presenting Sierra Leone’s candidature for a seat in the non-permanent category of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2024-2025.”

He cited that under his presidency, Sierra Leone has experienced the abolition of the death penalty, the joining of the International Religious Freedom Alliance and the repeal of the seditious libel laws.

The President pledged that, Sierra Leone will use its seat to promote global peace and security, advocate for the ownership and active involvement of women and youth in peace processes and peacekeeping operations as peace mediators and focus on threats to peace including terrorism and emerging threats.

“As a small nation that has once suffered from the dangerous effects of small arms proliferation, we will also spotlight small arms control. Also, given the centrality of Sierra Leone’s role as Coordinator of the C-10 on Security Council reform, we will continue to canvass, mobilise and promote support for the Common African

Position. We will unequivocally affirm the need for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations System, which will significantly contribute to upholding the principles, objectives and ideals of the UN Charter for a fairer world, based on universalism, equity and regional balance.”

President Bio noted that the country wants to share with the world its unique selling points such as religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and resilience to overcome threats and challenges.

He disclosed that Sierra Leone’s candidature has been endorsed by the African Union, expressing the country’s gratitude to African Union, the ECOWAS and other regional partners for the support and confidence reposed in Sierra Leone to carry the mantle for the continent.

Despite it being a small nation of about seven million people, the nation has proved itself worthy within the region and the wider world.

“Within the context of its international obligations, Sierra Leone has been taking on more responsibilities in the global arena as a small nation. Sierra Leone seats on the Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24). For almost two decades now, Sierra Leone has served as Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten on the Reform of the Security Council, (C-10) with the mandate to promote, defend and canvass the Common African Position. Most recently Sierra Leone was honoured to be endorsed as the new Chair of the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) at the 35th Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government of the AU in February this year. The list goes on, with humility, I must say that these important roles and responsibilities Sierra Leone has been taking on the global stage are a mark of trust and confidence in our small but well-respected liberal and progressive nation.”

The President called on member states of the United Nations to endorse the bid of Sierra Leone during the elections to be held at the UN General Assembly in New York in June 2023.

The United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the UN and is responsible for global peace and security, admission of new members to the UN Genera Assembly, and approval of any changes to the United Nations Charter. Its powers include establishing peacekeeping operations, enacting imposing global sanctions, and authorizing military interventions. The Security Council is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions on member states.

The UN Security Council consists of 15 members. Five permanent or non-elected members and ten non-permanent or elected members. The five permanent members are United States, United Kingdom, China, Russia and France. The ten non-permanent members are elected by the United Nations General Assembly for a two-year period. Africa has 3 seats in the non-permanent members category.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Alhagie B. Sama, a Gambian student at the University of Alberta in Canada has on Wednesday 11 May 2022 been elected Secretary-General of the Educational Policy Studies Graduate Students Association (EPSGSA),  becoming the first African student ever to be elected into such a substantial position in its student’s leadership.

Ranked among the top five universities in Canada, Mr Sama is pursuing his Master of Education in Educational Policy Studies, Education Administration and Leadership at the University of Alberta.

Speaking to The Fatu Network after his historic election as the Secretary-General of EPSGSA, Sama said he is elated to have been elected as the SG of the association.  He noted that student leadership and service are not new to him. He equally outlined that serving in such a position as Secretary-General is an honour.

“It’s indeed an honour to serve as SG in the Faculty of Education in a university that is ranked among the 5 best universities and faculty of Education in Canada. As well, becoming the first African to anchor this position”, he told TFN.

Touted to be among Gambia’s brightest young educationists, Mr Sama has a vast experience in student leadership dating back to his days at the University of The Gambia where he served as the Information and Public Relations Officer and a year on as the President of the Educational Students Association.  He also served as Deputy Secretary-General of the University of The Gambia Association.

In his new role, Sama pointed out that he is going to make sure that records of the association are well kept and will as well use the influence of his position to ensure that the plights of Education students are projected through their advocacy programme.

Alhagie B. Sama graduated from the University of The Gambia in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree (hons) in Geography and English Language.  He has close to a decade of experience in teaching English Language and Geography.

Early this year, Sama left for Canada to pursue his master’s degree at the University of Alberta, Canada.  Before his departure, he was serving as the Chairman of the Gambia Teachers Union Young Teachers Platform.

By Sanna Jallow

Alieu Badara Joof, the newly sworn-in Vice President of the Republic of the Gambia has urged new cabinet ministers to deliver to the Gambian people as expected.

Speaking to the Fatu Network just after the swearing-in of the country’s new cabinet, Joof said their appointment will only be justified if they deliver to the Gambian people as expected.

“We need to address the cost of living, crime rate, agriculture, decentralization, and empower the local communities as a way of fostering sustainable development,” he said

He noted that if self-sufficiency in rice is achieved, it would reduce the country’s import bill and that such money can be spent in other areas.

“We also have to look at the quality of the educational sector and its relevance and appropriateness. It will not only address the quality of education in the country but will also take into account skills that are necessary for youth unemployment,” he explained.

He noted that in addressing the high cost of living GCCI, Finance, Central Bank have and other government stakeholders have to implement and monitor policies that address

He stated that if they can address these issues mentioned, they would achieve 60 to 65 percent performance in their respective sectors before the end of the five years.

By: Christian Conteh

President Adama Barrow has set the tone for delivery as he welcomes his new ministerial picks. The president at a ceremony held at State House at Banjul assured the incoming Cabinet of his support whilst promising to take a zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

“I assure the in-coming Cabinet of my support, but we must take a zero-tolerance stance on corruption. We are responsible for the state resources in our custody, and should not be found wanting. Strict measures will be taken to implement the anti-corruption law; therefore, it is best we work towards making The Gambia a model country for public service delivery,” he said.

President Barrow further told new ministers that they have been identified and appointed at a time when the country’s national institutions require strong leadership, responsive policies, transformative programmes, and better results that can positively and effectively impact national development and the quality of life in the country.

He admonished them to ensure that their Ministries are run by competent staff, with the right professional, administrative, and management structures in place to function efficiently.

“Your appointments to Cabinet have come at a time when Gambians want the Government to be held accountable. This is an era in which the citizens are better informed and politically more active,” he said.

He called on the new team to help in re-doubling the collective efforts to deliver on providing better living conditions and a conducive environment that sustains improved livelihoods.

“Expectations are high, as expressed by the electorate recently. This Cabinet is expected, therefore, to generate and guide policy initiatives, and move our institutions forward to fulfil the people’s development aspirations,” he said.

He encouraged them to work in harmony, with sincerity and wisdom, while promoting peace, stability, and respect for the rule of law.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The newly sworn-in Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, HE Badara Joof has told  new cabinet ministers that it is not going to be business as usual, adding that they must have strategists in place to fulfil the expectations of the people by addressing challenges.

HE Joof was speaking to new cabinet members at a swearing-in ceremony presided over by President Adama Barrow at State House earlier today.

“The task which we are called to deliver is a tall order and that requires focus. It cannot be business as usual. We must have strategies in place to fulfil the expectations of the people”, He informed the new cabinet.

HE Joof, who, until his elevation as number two in the country, was serving as the minister of Higher Education, Research, Science Technology in the last five years.

He told the new cabinet that they cannot afford to fail. He said there are expectations on them to deliver the goods to the Gambians.

The country’s new vice president also outlined that the country is currently faced with two pressing challenges that need urgent solutions. He explained the rising cost of living and security.

On the rising cost of living in the country, HE Joof challenged the new Finance Minister and Trade, Governor of Central Bank and  Gambia Revenue Authority to work with the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and business community to mitigate the high cost of living in the country.

He also exhorted the interior and defence ministries to work and the security challenges to make sure that the Gambia remains a safe place.  Joof said that these two pressing challenges need immediate plans to address them.

He went further to tell the cabinet members that they should not work in isolation. He emphasised the need for collective work to fulfil the aspirations of the President and the National Development Plan.

“We have to work as a team. We need to consult, cooperate and dialogue. Working sideways will fragment the development agenda and therefore, the realisation of the aspirations of the NDP will be undermined”, he voiced.

Vice President Joof told the new cabinet members that the position is an honour, but it is however not driven by privilege. He said that the position should be driven by performance, results and development.

By: Christian Conteh

UDP Commando Momodou Sabally has described President Barrow’s new cabinet as a dangerous hodgepodge (confused mixture).

The Former Minister of Presidential Affairs, Secretary-General and Head of the Civil Service said contrary to delusional euphoric expectations, the composition of the new Barrow Cabinet is nothing but a recipe for unprecedented inefficiency and retrogression in government operations.

He however admitted that the current set-up includes two particular appointments that he finds quite apt and exciting.

“I cannot query the appointment of former utility czar Abdou Jobe as Energy and Petroleum Minister and the elevation of Professor Gomez to the higher education portfolio, it is quite a great move. I hope the duo will not prove me wrong and I pray for their success in their new roles,” Sabally wrote.

He went on to note that it is difficult to dig a well when your compatriots are pouring back all the sand you are excavating into the hole you are digging. Indicating that the few good appointees have been outnumbered by the many rotten potatoes and, therefore, the already beleaguered government machinery is not about to get better any time soon.

“Things are not working right; as the Wolof would put it ‘dara dohut!. The signs have already manifested even before he unveiled his new set-up; during his recent meeting with the Banjul Muslim Elders, President Barrow could not hide his frustration about the poor performance of his government. Perhaps this frustration is what he misdirected at the innocent Madi Jobarteh whose only offence was to point out the very sclerotic nature of Barrow’s government.”

He admitted that the new Vice President speaks the English language exceptionally well and that he says is a big plus. He however noted that during his tenure as minister, the higher education sub-sector witnessed nothing but retrogression with perennial strikes by the staff union of the country’s only public University.

He blamed the Vice President the then minister for refusing to deal with the critical issues affecting the performance and welfare of the university faculty and staff.

“Instead of working with the leadership to resolve these problems, Badara Joof used his typical manipulative tricks; beguiling some, bullying others, and ‘buying’ the loyalty of one former head of the university staff union who conspired with Badara to deprive his own union members of their requests for welfare enhancement,” Sabally narrated.

He questioned the president’s decision to retain Dr. Samateh in the health portfolio, amidst the rising rates of maternal mortality and medical malpractice; in addition to the allegation of financial malpractice regarding the COVID 19 millions. This he said is tantamount to disrespecting and spiting the people at the receiving end, including women, children and the taxpayers.

“Dr Samateh has been rewarded for incompetence; and for holding press conferences to accuse the suffering women of this country of protesting for political motives when they are dying daily due to poor health services rendered under Samateh’s watch.”

The most important portfolio of Basic and Secondary Education he said remains in the hands of Claudiana Cole, whom he described as incompetent and lackadaisical.

Finally, he described the transformation of the position of Secretary-General and Head of the Civil Service into two offices as a recipe for disaster. Adding that, there is no need to appoint a Chief of Staff under the current dispensation.

By: Christian Conteh

Veteran politician Hon. Halifa Sallah has made an emotional statement at the party’s headquarters. The message was clear, Hon Sallah and his right-hand man Hon Sidia Jatta will now be engaged in other activities outside politics.

Halifa Sallah said Hon Sidia Jatta will be sought by many institutions and educational systems since he is an expert in many languages.

“Sidia is a professional, Sidia is wanted in West Africa. For all your languages in your educational institutions you will soon be resorting to him for consultancies,” he said.

Sidia Jatta sought to be re-elected in the just concluded National Assembly Elections but lost his Wulli West seat to Nfamara Sabally.

Halifa Sallah further noted that from the look of things the people want them (himself and Sidia) to go on and make money or go and rest.

“Our reaction is simple. The load is off our heads and we are freer today and with a clear conscience that we did not betray the aspirations of our people. It’s people who say ‘go and rest’. I think people just want us to make money,” he said.

Hon. Sallah himself officially retired from active politics after failing to emerge winner in the December 4^th 2021 Presidential Election.

By: Christian Conteh

Rights group Amnesty International has written to President Adama Barrow raising concern about the safety and security of human rights defender Madi Jobarteh. The letter according to Ousmane Darbo, Media Manager at Amnesty’s West and Central Africa Office seeks to draw the state’s attention to a case of intimidation against Madi Jobarteh.

During his annual meeting with the Banjul Muslim Elders for Koriteh at the State House on 2nd May 2022, President Adama Barrow accused human rights defender Madi Jobarteh of being a “troublemaker” who wants to bring violence into the country.

It is believed that this assertion was made in relation to a recent social media post that Madi Jobarteh made calling for the removal of a government minister, due to alleged mismanagement of public lands.

Such statements by the President the group says put Madi Jobarteh’s safety at risk, and fundamentally undermine the right to freedom of expression in The Gambia.

“I am writing to you to express my grave concern for the safety of human rights defender Madi Jobarteh, following your televised statement on 2 May in front of Banjul Muslim Elders at the State House. It was alarming to see that during your speech, you accused Madi Jobarteh of being a “troublemaker” who wants to bring violence and burn down the country, and the media of being irresponsible for serving as a platform for Madi Jobarteh.

In a society guaranteeing human rights, including the right to freedom of expression, such baseless attacks and accusations against human rights defenders and the media raise serious concern,” the letter stated.

It further stated that the recent statement has not only stigmatised Madi Jobarteh’s peaceful activism but dangerously exacerbated the risks he faces in his personal and professional life, making him the target of threats, harassment and criminalization.

“As I am sure you will agree, human rights defenders play an essential role in standing up for freedom, opposing discrimination, repression, corruption and promoting social justice across West and Central Africa. Yet, instead of being celebrated, many face the risk of threats, harassment and physical violence by security forces and private actors.”

The letter went further to call on the state to among other things ensure the security of human rights defender Madi Jobarteh and ensure he can exercise his right to freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Gambian Constitution.

Refrain from using language and sentiment that would stigmatise, and therefore endanger, human rights defenders and supportive media outlets whilst promoting the role of human rights defenders and the media in defending human rights and freedom of expression by taking effective measures to ensure that all human rights defenders can carry out their peaceful activities without fear of hindrance, intimidation, arbitrary detention or imprisonment, in line with the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.

It is important to note that this is not the first time that Madi Jobarteh has faced harassment. On 30 June 2020, he was arrested and charged with false information and broadcasting under section 181A of the Criminal Code. On that occasion, he had stated during a Black Lives Matter protest he had organised that the government failed to investigate the killings of three Gambian citizens by police officers. The charges were dropped the following month.

After President Adama Barrow assumed power following the election in 2016, he vowed to carry out critical reforms to reverse the repression which characterised the government of former President Yahya Jammeh. Nearly five years later, despite some improvements, things have not changed as positively as expected, including the Gambia legislative landscape which has barely changed.

Although protection of the right to freedom of expression and other rights have improved since 2016, oppressive Jammeh era laws are still on the statute books such as some sections of the Information and Communications Act of 2009. These laws are still used to oppress human rights defenders, activists, journalists and civil society groups.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The Republic of Korea Consul General in The Gambia, Muhammed Jah, has said that the Gambia will work closely with the Korean government to make sure that the Gambia does not import rice anymore if the Korean variety of rice works on the Gambia soil as part of a new collaboration between the two countries.

Jah was speaking to reporters shortly after the Republic of Korea’s new ambassador Kim Ji Joon submitted his letters of credence to the President of the Republic of The Gambia at the State House on Friday.

“We are going to grow enough rice in The Gambia to feed us and also with the possibility of exporting”, he told reporters.

According to Consul Jah, the Republic of Korea has tested its variety of rice in Guinea and Senegal, the result of which will come out in June. He said that the two countries have a similar climatic condition to the Gambia, which means that it may work in the Gambia if the result in Guinea and Senegal turned out positive.

“If we have positive rice in Guinea, we will test it in the Gambia for about a hectare in different areas in the country. And if successful, we are going to work with the Republic of Korea to make sure that in the next few years, we don’t import rice anymore.”, he explained.

Another sector that the government of the Gambia is collaborating with the Republic of Korea, is the skills development area.  Jah established that it will significantly help the Gambia.   The Consul General said he has been working hard to establish cooperation between the Gambia government and the Republic of Korea.

Kim Ji Joon, the new ambassador, emphasized that they will work closely with the Gambia government in agriculture on food production and food security. He also explained that President Barrow is committed to curbing unemployment in the Gambia and believes that South Korea can be of good help by building skill centers in the country for Gambians.

The new South Korean Ambassador to the Gambia submitted his letter of credence to President Barrow. He was accompanied by Gambian businessman Muhammed Jah, who serves as the Republic of Korea consul general in the Gambia.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

As Gambia Football Federation (GFF) Division One League clocks 18 weeks, there have been thrilling results across the league’s three venues as Hawks FC equaled the league leaders Brikama United and Real De Banjul on points and at the summit of the standings.

Hawks FC needed a magic bullet from Pa Sarr whose crucial goal against Wallidan FC on Saturday night propels them to 33 points. They have now opened up an interesting title race.

The week began on Friday when the champions Fortune FC once against bite the dust to Bakau giant killers, Steve Biko at the independence stadium in Bakau. Biko inflicted another agony and setback on Jane Joof’s Fortune FC who will now need a tremendous fortune to defend the title they won in style last season. Biko only needed the magic from Ismaila Manneh who scored both goals for them.  Manneh’s two goals defeated the petroleum boys.

On the evening game on Friday, Marimoo FC and Waa Banjul played a lacklustre goalless draw.

On Saturday at Yundum, Team Rhino gripped leaders Brikama United to a stalemate draw. The draw slows down the ‘Satayba’ boys’ title race.

At the independence on the same day, Falcons restored their winning formulae with a 2-nil win over academy boys, Sanger before Hawk Fc’s Pa Sarr will punish Wallidan in the night game. Wallidan ended up losing to Hawk FC by Pa Sarr’s goal to nil.

Then yesterday, Sunday, The Gambia Armed Forces and Elite United settled for a one-all draw.  In Basori, Real De Banjul came from behind to deny former head coach Ebou Jarra from winning them on their pitch. It ended Real De Banjul 1-1 Gamtel. A win would have put Real back on top of the table standing.

The other game between Banjul United and GPA ended in a goalless draw.

After week 18, Brikama United, Real De Banjul and Hawks FC are all tight up on top of the league with 33 points each.

At the bottom, Samger, GAF and Elite United are still in the struggle to get out of the red zone.

By: Dawda Baldeh

David White, Managing Director of Cruise Chip Crew, has informed The Fatu Network that over six hundred youths have been given employment letters to work abroad.

According to him, one of the company’s objectives is to create job opportunities for young people in the country.

David said Cruise Ship has been operating in the country for seven years, noting that the Ebola outbreak in 2016 and the Covid-19 hindered their business. He however confirmed that business is back to normal.

“We are here to create jobs for young people in the country,” David White said. “We have employed many young Gambians in our ships who are currently in different parts of the world earning decent salaries.”

Alhagie Bojang, Recruitment Manager Cruise Ship Gambia said they are employing people who have experience in hotel services, saying that if the young people are giving the opportunity to get decent jobs they can develop the country. “With Cruise Ship, we employ young people and pay them good salaries,” he said.

He stated that the Cruise line job are well secured. According to him, ships owners and employees operate under the Maritime Labor Convention 2006. “These are international laws and we cannot do anything against it. Employees’ welfare is well protected.”

“The country has gained itself the biggest name in hospitality service provision, thanks to the natural friendliness of the people, hence known as the Smiling Coast of Africa,” Bojang said.

“Over the years, the company has employed many young people who are professionals by all standards in various departments of the hospitality industry, including bar and restaurant, front office and reception, housekeeping and laundry, cooks and storekeeping.”

He said employers deal with their employees directly after they are permanently employed, adding that the employees’ salaries go directly into their accounts. “Employees are not exposed to any harassment unlike other companies,” he emphasized.

Speaking further, Mr. Bojang said, there is no job in the country that people can compare with Crew Ship, revealing that the company targets to employ five thousand Gambians every year who will be working in different ships across the world.

“The challenges we faced in the previous years was the MLC 2006 that Gambia has not ratified. This has hindered our operations, but thankfully now Gambia has ratified both conventions.

“We have many people who are interested in the job but they have challenges in terms of getting funds to attend the trainings that are required.” He called on the government and private sectors to help create more skills centers for youths so that they can get decent jobs,” he concluded.

By: Dawda Baldeh

31-year-old Gambian identify as Yaya Cham, resident of Chamen Village, Nainija Constituency and 22-year-old Tairuh Bah resident of Sare Gubu Basiru, in Sandu Constituency, have been found dead at the border between Algeria and Morocco on Sunday 08 May2022 while embarking on a journey to Europe, reliable source informed The Fatu Network.

According to the source, the dead bodies were discovered by Algerian soldiers who were patrolling the border. The dead bodies were taken to Manish Hospital, Algeria where families can collect them for burial.

Among the dead bodies found include two Gambians, one Ivorian and a Guinean.

Our source further disclosed that the cause of their death is believed to be extreme coldness in the border as they were dress in heavy cloths. It has been reported that the low temperature in area has claimed lives of many people.

Fatu Network will reach out the families to hear from them.

By: Christian Conteh

Civil rights activist, political and social commentator, Madi Jobarteh has said that public officials should be seen as servants and not masters, he wrote this as he put out a message to express gratitude and appreciation to his colleagues in the civil society under the leadership of TANGO and to The Gambia Press Union and all its journalists. He also appreciated media houses and the Gambian people for the show of support.

“Public officials are our servants, not our masters. In order words, for better understanding, elected and appointed public servants are our Mbindaan! We did not ask them to become public servants. Rather they chose it by themselves to become a Mbindaan!,” Madi said.

He went on to note that it was Adama Barrow who decided on his own to stand for election to get the people’s mandate. Therefore, he should submit to the will and opinion of every citizen.

“Nobody went to beg him (Adama Barrow). Allah did not give him to us nor did God ask us to get him. We the people did it by ourselves. Hence he must submit to the will and opinion of each and every citizen, whether such opinion is sweet or awful! The decision is not his!” he said.

He noted that the people have demonstrated their resolve and duty to uphold and defend the Constitution and unequivocally insist on and demand democracy in their lifetime!

Addressing the issue that he wishes to burn down the country as alleged by President Adama Barrow Madi noted that he dares not burn a single pavement in his motherland.

“I hereby re-echo, needlessly that I dare not burn down even a pavement much more an entire country – especially my own motherland! For who? For what? Unthinkable! But the truth must be told to the elected and appointed public officials of this country from Pres. Adama Barrow to the headmaster of Boraba lower basic school that this country is a Republic. They are elected or appointed to serve as public servants to manage public affairs and resources to deliver public goods and services to protect and fulfil the human rights of all citizens! That’s their one and only job,” he maintained.

Madi Jobarteh went on to explain that it is not for a public servant to determine how and when and where a citizen should hold them accountable. He said a public servant is paid a salary and for that matter, there is no need for any praise for him or her for whatever excellent work one thinks one is doing. The only relationship between a citizen and a public servant he emphasised is accountability.

“To hold a public servant accountable requires that citizens express their opinions by speech or writing or singing or painting and in any other form and any media platform or gathering or go to court or stage a protest among many other means of participation,” he said.

Adding that for a public servant to equate such citizen participation as burning down a country means such a public servant does not wish to be held accountable.

“It means such public servant has risen himself above the people. It means such a public servant wants to usurp the power and sovereignty of the people as he arrogates to himself autocratic and absolute power. That’s inimical to a republic! That’s the kind of public servant hell-bent on burning down the country as we saw with Yaya Jammeh,” he concluded.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Ebrima Boye, a young, prolific Gambian poet, has confirmed that he will storm the country’s literary and artistic terrain with the launch of his debut poetry spoken word album in July 2022.

Known popularly as Mentor Boye, the prolific poet and 2020 University of The Gambia students’ Union’s ‘most prolific writer’ award winner is set to follow in the footsteps of Cherno Gaye and Omar Champion Cham by coming up with a poetry album titled “The Baton Exchange (TBE).”

The album, according to the poet, covers virtually all facets of society including rape, youth empowerment and maternal mortality. The poetry album is aimed at bringing positive changes and a call for unity and development.

“This poetry album will bring about positive attitudinal change, proffer solutions to many societal challenges and pave a new route in the minds of the young people in embracing all the core values of society from peace to development,” Mentor Boye told The Fatu Network (TFN).

He explained that it is time for him to move from just writing to going on stage and effect changes through poetry in its most creative fashion. The prolific poet outlined that he reckons that his words can heal wounds and provide solutions to certain societal problems.

” I have been performing at events for almost two years now. I believe it is now time to compose my spoken word poems centred on salient themes to send my messages out there. It is now time for me to be on stage and to fulfil my advocacy for a better country where unity, diversity and development will be the focus of every young Gambian,” he explained.

Ebrima Mentor Boye has over 100 poems in the last 24 months. The young poet developed a lust for writing and poetry dating back to his upper basic school days. However, Ebrima started writing and publishing his poems when he entered the University of the Gambia three years ago as a result of his growth in the genre.

Mentor Boye does his spoken word pieces in both English language and his native language, Wolof.

He has disclosed that he will launch this much-anticipated “The Baton Exchange” poetry album on the 2nd of July at Jama Hall in Senegambia.

By: Christian Conteh

The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2021 published by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor has revealed harsh and life-threatening prison conditions due to food shortages, gross overcrowding, physical abuse, and poor Sanitation in The Gambia.

This was mentioned in Section one of the report which looks at respect for the integrity of the person.

“Prison conditions were harsh and life-threatening due to food shortages, gross overcrowding, physical abuse, and poor sanitary conditions. Overcrowding was a problem in some facilities, particularly in the remand (pretrial detainee) wing of the state central prison, Mile 2 Prison in Banjul, where police held detainees pending trial. Food quality and access to potable water, sanitation, ventilation, lighting, and medical care remained inadequate,” the report stated.

In the area of corruption and lack of transparency in government, the report revealed that a culture of corruption persisted among government officials, including many former officials of the Jammeh government who remained in government positions, as well as officials elected and appointed since 2017.

“Small-scale corruption remained the norm. Citizens reported frequent demands for bribes in exchange for smoothing regulatory hurdles, accessing port facilities, and obtaining government services. Police corruption remained a daily problem, since officers routinely pulled over vehicles and fabricated infractions, or demanded money to let drivers go.”

Amidst the gloom, there were no reports that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings. There were also no reports of disappearances by or on behalf of government authorities.

However, families of individuals detained during the Jammeh regime continued to demand information on their missing relatives and ask that those responsible for killings, disappearances, and other serious crimes be held accountable.

The report further noted that although the country’s constitution prohibits such practices, there were reports of security personnel engaging in degrading treatment of citizens.

“In July 2020 Commander Gorgi Mboob of the Police Anti-Crime Unit assaulted Ebrima Sanneh, an arrestee, at the unit’s headquarters in Bijilo. In October 2020 the inspector general of police demoted Mboob at the recommendation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). On July 26, the inspector general reappointed Mboob to his position. The NHRC requested an explanation from the inspector general concerning Mboob’s return, but at year’s end had not received an answer.”

Rape and domestic violence were other highlights of the report. Although the law criminalises rape without reference to gender and criminalises domestic violence, rape and domestic violence were widespread problems that often went unreported due to survivors’ fear of reprisal, unequal power relationships, stigma, discrimination, and pressure from family and friends not to report abuses.

The information contained in these reports could not be more vital or urgent given ongoing human rights abuses and violations in many countries, continued democratic backsliding on several continents, and creeping authoritarianism that threatens both human rights and democracy.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Spokesperson of Citizens’ Alliance (CA) party, Nenneh Freda Gomez, has reacted to the new cabinet installed by President Adama Barrow, claiming that the President has no interest in women empowerment by appointing only four women in his new cluster of cabinet members announced on Wednesday.

Nenneh, who contested in the Serrekunda Constituency but lost in last month’s parliamentary elections, expressed her disappointment over the composition of the new cabinet over the low appointment of women.

The CA strongwoman asserted that President Barrow has not been matching his words regarding giving women leadership roles in running the affairs of the state.

“He has not been living up to what he says. President Barrow is not an advocate of women empowerment,” she said.

According to Gomez, the president has not only talked about his lack of interest in women’s empowerment but has demonstrated it.

“He has no interest in women empowerment.  He has not only said it, but he has also demonstrated it. We do not have hope that, with this President, we can be where we want. But that will not make us relent as women,” she told TFN.

She narrated that she has lost hope in the retained ministers in the cabinet but has hope in the newly appointed ministers and hopes those ministers will guide the president on the right path.

Madam Gomez stated that she has no expectations of Barrow because the president has been disappointing her throughout his tenure as President.

“I don’t have any expectations for Barrow because I will be a fool to have expectations from him and be disappointed again. He has been disappointing us over and over again because the competence and the know-how are not there,” Nenneh Freda Gomez said.

By: Dawda Baldeh

In a bid to promote the culture of reading, Inspiring Young Stars a youth led organisation with the goal of inspiring young people through education and literacy development has over the weekend launched a community library in Willengara Village. The event was attended by community leaders, students and teachers among others. 

Speaking at the launching ceremony, Alagie Ndow, founder of Inspiring Young Stars (IYS), said the organisation aims at inspiring young people through education and community development. The community library which has been in existence since 2016 has now been renovated and upgraded and is expected to continue providing 24hrs services to students.

He however acknowledged that the establishment of the library has been a challenge for the organisation.

“We engaged young people in various communities, they supported the idea since young people have become leaders through the library and some have graduated through our support programs,” he said, adding that the library caters for all categories of students.

Mr. Ndow further called on students to make the best use of the library. Commending school associations that are actively using the library. Key among them are Nusrat Senior School, St. Peters, Charles Jow and Masroor Senior School.

Sideeq Saidykhan, Imam Ratib of Willengara Village, said education is key to success, noting that students should take their education very seriously. He said even the prophet Muhammad S.A.W was asked to learn by the angel. 

Mariama Jadama, a student at Nusrat Senior said the existence of the community library is important to their education.

“The library has helped me a lot in my education. I am urging my fellow students to embrace the reading culture and read different books,” she said.

Musa Saidykhan, a third-year student at the University of The Gambia, said the library has helped him a lot, adding that the library is significant in the community. 

“I always come to the library every day to do my research,” he said. Other students commended Inspiring Young Stars Organization for establishing the community library.