By Sarjo Brito

Momodou Sabally, National Assembly aspirant for Busumbala Constituency under the UDP ticket has been rejected by the Independent Electoral Commission. Sabally’s disqualification according to one of the IEC presiding officers is due to his name being adversely mentioned in the Janneh Commission report and his subsequent ban by the Barrow government from holding public office.

“We have gone through all the documents that you’ve submitted and that’s why we have received your nomination and a list that you both signed indicating everything that you submitted. So, we have to go through the whole process and check through everything to make sure everything is intact. Unfortunately, like it’s stated clearly in the copy that was in the nomination form, the guidelines to the nomination, you have qualifications and disqualifications. Now according to Section 90 (1)(e), it’s clearly stated that because you’ve been adversely mentioned at the commission and the subsequent process, you have been disqualified’’

Given 48 hours to appeal the decision of the IEC, Momodou Sabally responded to the Independent Electoral Commission’s decision, accusing the institution of being used as a tool to oppress people like him who have not been found wanting by any court of law.

‘’I have appealed against the adverse findings of the commission and that process is on. So, what authority do you have to override a process that’s higher than you constitutionally of the republic of The Gambia? I don’t think you have the right to do that. I think you are abusing your office and that’s completely unacceptable in a democratic transition. I think you are being used as a tool to oppress an innocent Gambian who has not been found wanting by any court of law’’

By: Christian Conteh

The National Assembly Member who has over the years refused to accept an official vehicle and a plot of land is seeking re-election to represent the people of Banjul North.

Honourable Ousman Sillah from People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) submitted his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Thursday morning.

“I have been offered vehicles and land, but I have refused to take it because I believe those resources must go to my people who need them most. I am a servant of the people, so I am not expected to be living above them, so I have to be living like them, that is the rationale,” Hon Sillah said.

He went on to reiterate that over the years he has complied with Section 112 of the constitution which calls for him to uphold the highest standards. It is on this basis that he seeks re-election.

Hon Sillah has been using public transport for the past four years, since his election to the National Assembly in April 2017.

By: Sainabou Sambou

Parliamentary Aspirants for the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDIOS) have today submitted nomination papers to contest in the April 2022 National Assembly Elections. 

At Kanifing the aspiring candidates said they will make sure that the draft constitution and the Anti-Corruption Bill become law.

Musa Cham an aspirant for Serekunda Constituency said he is very proud to replace Honorable Halifa Sallah in the National Assembly, he described Halifa as a man of integrity and honesty.

“Our party is known for integrity I’m here to offer myself to the electorates and serve them with honesty. We will emerge victorious, the Serrekunda people are informed citizens and if I’m elected as PDOIS candidate I will be guided by our party principles” he said.

He expressed optimism that he will win the parliamentary election and will make sure that the Anti-Corruption Bill and other bills are passed by the house. He added that he was the former councillor for Serrekunda ward and has done many projects both in his constituency and Serrekunda at large.

Fatou Sowe an aspirant for Serekunda West Constituency also said if she wins the National Assembly Election, she will make sure that the Anti-Corruption bill is passed.

“I will work on the PDIOS transformative agender and have a development fund. I will contribute five thousand dalasis every month for the development of Serekunda West and Serekunda at large.”

Aminata Correa an aspirant for Latrikunda Serekunda said if she wins, she will make sure that they look at the draft constitution, the disability bill, the Anti-Corruption bill and the women’s bills.

“I have participated in my community and also in politics since 2016. My participation is not only restricted in my constituency I have served the nation over the years and I think I have shown the Gambian people what it means to represent them in parliament “she said.

Ebrima K Ceesay another aspirant for Tallinding said there are things that they need as a community especially a health centre and a proper water system. These things he said will be his priority when elected to the National Assembly.

President Adama Barrow has on Wednesday received H.E. Ma Jianchun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Gambia with the two leaders committing to strengthen the countries bilateral relations. 

Speaking after meeting President Barrow, Ambassador Jianchun said he extended Chinese President Xi Jinping’s best wishes to President Barrow for a successful second term in office. He said China is looking towards building on the successes of its relationship with The Gambia in the last five years. 

Ambassador Jianchun highlighted the many development projects and cooperation agreements between the Gambia and China such as agriculture, health and infrastructural development, as areas for continued growth.

Ambassador Jianchun also noted the cooperation agreement signed between the two countries last year that will provide over a billion-dalasi worth of development projects for the Gambia. 

He also talked about how The Gambia and China will build on strategies to boost economic recovery post the Covid-19 pandemic. Ambassador Jianchun presented a painting encompassing the Great Wall in China.

By: Christian Conteh 

The National Assembly Member who is seeking re-election for Banjul North has said that one of the things he will ensure he does when re-elect is continuing to support the promulgation of a new progressive constitution in the Gambia.

Honourable Ousman Sillah was speaking to The Fatu Network immediately after submitting his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

He revealed that although he and the majority of Members of Parliament supported the call for a new constitution, they couldn’t get the threshold number to get the desired result.

“I have been a key advocate for constitutional reforms, the majority voted for a new constitution, but we did not get the threshold needed to complete the process,” Honorable Ousman Sillah said.

He further noted that he seeks re-election so as to accompany Banjul North into achieving what they should achieve.

“I was elected in 2017 to serve my people, I have delivered to the best of my ability, I have participated in every parliamentary session. I will continue what I have done,” he said.

The executive of the Gambia Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) has announced the suspension of four more schools from participating in this year’s athletics competition. This follows the suspension of nine schools earlier on Monday.

The schools that are affected are Bansang Upper and Senior Secondary School, (the winners of the Regional Athletic Heats for Schools in Region 5-6) for using unqualified athletes. St. Charles Lwanga, Mayork, Farefenni Senior and Sinchu Baliya, all for the use of ineligible athletes.

Meanwhile, St Michael, Carter, Tallinding Upper, Brikama Upper and Senior Secondary School could all face similar sanctions if they are found guilty of any wrongdoing by the ongoing investigation.

The association urges members of the public to volunteer to come up with names of any unqualified athlete (s) who may have participated in the heats or the national championship.

This they say will go a long way in eradicating cheating in school sports.

They may even strip schools of their medals and trophies if they are found wanting for cheating even after the competition the association says.

By: Sainabou Sambou

The National People’s Party (NPP) has today submitted nomination papers for its candidates contesting in the April 2022 National Assembly Elections. At Kanifing the aspiring candidates have expressed their determination to win the elections in their various constituencies. 

Assan Dampha is an NPP aspirant for Bakau Constituency he said he is optimistic that he will win this year’s parliamentary election.

“My reason for contesting this year’s national assembly election is to bring development to Bakau and also help the youths,” he said.

He further noted that he was able to work with many youths whilst serving as the secretary-general of katichikally youth development an organisation that aims at empowering young people.

Saikou Morong another aspirant opting for a National Assembly seat to represent the people of Latrikunda Sabiji under the NPP ticket said over the past five years they have debated and passed a lot of bills in the House of Parliament, including the access to information bill among over 50 others. 

“If I am re-elected, I will perform my duty in ensuring all those bills are implemented. I am optimistic that I will win the upcoming national assembly election” he said.

Mustapha Lowe is another NPP aspirant seeking to represent the people of Serrekunda west, he said he has been in politics for over thirty (30) years. 

“I was the youngest politician in the Gambia during the NCP and PPP,” he said.

Fatou K Jawara the NPP aspirant for Tallinding said she is optimistic that she will win the parliamentary election, indicating that this is not the first time for her to Contest for the national assembly to represent the people of Tallinding. 

 “I have succeeded in providing streetlights to Tallinding among several other developments,” she said.

By Amara Thoronka

National Human Right Commission (NHRC) of The Gambia has in its 2021 Presidential Election Monitoring Report condemned the participation of children during the campaign period of political parties for last year’s presidential race.

Presenting the report at the commission’s national secretariat in Kotu, Chairperson of NHRC Emmanuel Daniel Joof said, in their monitoring, the commission found out that school-going children were seen in campaign activities.

“There were students in school uniforms or party T-shirts at the rallies of some of the political parties and/or presidential candidates.”

Mr. Joof entreated political parties and aspirants to desist from using or allowing children in their political activities as they (children) are under the age of consent and should therefore not be exposed to such.

He recommended for government to sensitize parents before and during electoral cycle, on children protection and why children should be prevented from attending political events.

Similarly, NHRC called on the  Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to enhance the effective and convenient participation of persons with disability (PWDs) during voter registration and polling, disclosing that some of the registration and voting centers were not disability friendly.

“Political parties/candidates should provide sign language interpretation during campaign events and allocate designated areas for PWDs to enhance their access to campaign venues, particularly in highly populated areas” NHRC recommended to political parties and independent candidates.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Regional Office of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in Brikama, West Coast Region, today received nomination credentials from seven (7) National Assembly Candidates under the ticket of the National Peoples Party (NPP) and one Independent Aspirant for Foni Bondali Constituency.

The candidates presented their nomination credentials and some immediately received their acceptance letters from the IEC. The certified candidates include Hon. Saikouba Jarju, Busumbala Constituency, Hon. Abdoulie Ceesay, Old Yundum Constituency and Hon. Baba Galleh Jallow, Sanneh Menterreng.

Meanwhile Lamin Bojang, Aspirant Candidate Brikama North, Mamadou Bojang, Kombo South, Malanding B Jabang, Brikama South, Essa Dampha, Kombo East, and Ousman Jallow Independent Aspirant for Foni Bondali Constituency are waiting for their acceptance letters from the IEC.

Responding to questions asked by the media, Honorable Saikouba Jarju, National Assembly Member (NAM) for Busumbala Constituency who is seeking re-election under the NPP ticket says his people are willing to re-elect him, adding that he has contributed immensely to the development of his Constituency since he was elected in 2017.

“I have brought a lot of development projects to my community within the past five years,” Honorable Saikouba Jarju said.

“I have represented my people very well and this is why they are fully supporting me so I can serve them for the next five years. I have dug boreholes for many communities in my Constituency. When I was elected in 2017 my people only hoped that I could assist them, but today they have seen what I have done for them.”

Speaking further, Honorable Jarju says he is optimistic that none of his opponents will challenge him in the parliamentary election. Adding that their role as parliamentarians is to represent the people and called on all to maintain peace and unity during and after the election.

For Honorable Abdoulie Ceesay, NAM for Old Yundum addressing the challenges of his peoples remains his priority. He reassured the people of Old Yundum that he will do more of re-elected as their representative.

“I am very sure that the people of my Constituency are behind me,” he said.

“They have seen the development projects that I brought to the community. I have acquired sponsorship for many students in the community and empowered the women in various areas.”

He added that he is optimistic that he will be nominated to contest in the election. He renewed his commitment to serving the people of his constituency.

Ensa Dampha, National Assembly Aspirant for Kombo East said he has been into community development projects before venturing into politics.

“I want to represent my people because I realise that they have not been represented well for the past years,” he said.

“I have been into youth empowerment and I know if I am elected, I can do more for my people.”

On his part, Ousman Jallow Independent Aspirant for Foni Bondali told journalists that he wants to help in the development of the country, particularly his constituency.

He added that he has been into youth empowerment for several years like many others.

The court of appeal will play host to the state as it files an appeal against the high court ruling involving General Badjie and two military officers who were let go by the court.

The case involving the State vs Lt. Gen. Sulayman Badjie, which is now before the Court of Appeal attracted lots of attention after his arbitrary arrest when he came into the country.

The appeal process has been initiated since the state still thinks Lieutenant General Sulayman Badjie, Major Landing Tamba and Warrant Officer Class 1 Musa Badjie should be kept in detention whilst investigations into their alleged conduct is being investigated. 

In the High Court earlier on Justice Zainab Jawara-Alami ruled that the application seeking to keep the accused persons in custody is turned down and their immediate release is ordered. 

The State describes the ruling as unreasonable and notes that it cannot be sustained taking into consideration the nature of the case. The State in its prayer asked the Appeals Court to set aside the high court ruling.

“The high court judge erred in law as she failed to consider that section 19 subsection 3 of the Constitution as a general guideline. This provision of the Constitution is only a guideline as to the period of legality with respect to how long a person or suspect can be detained by an investigative authority in connection with a crime,” the State contends.

The particulars of the error indicate that the State submitted that the trial judge failed to consider that the purpose of practice directive number 5 is to effectively abolish the use of holding charge and in effect give legitimacy to judicial sanctioned detentions without a formal charge.

The State in its prayer asks the Court of Appeal to make a declaration that practice directive 5 paragraph 4 of 2013 and section 19(4) of the Constitution permit the detention of persons suspected of having committed an offence beyond 72 hours pending further investigation and without a formal charge.

By: Sainabou Sambou 

8th March every year is International Women’s Day. A day devoted to celebrating the achievement of women and seeking gender equality. Today Gambian women have as part of the celebrations expressed mixed feelings about the current state of the country, while some are happy that women are being celebrated many express frustration at the high cost of living.

Jamila Kandeh is a businesswoman who sells in one of the local markets speaking to The Fatu Network She expressed how tired she is with the current state of affairs.

“Business is very slow for Gambian women. Sometimes we go to the market without making any sales,” she said.

“We used to buy a basket of fish at two thousand dalasis (D 2,000) but now a basket of fish costs ten thousand dalasis (D10,000), fifteen thousand (D15,000) or even twenty thousand dalasis (D20,000). If you buy a basket of fish at that cost when you sell you won’t make any profit.”

She further revealed that sometimes they sell fish for only three days due to the slow nature of the business.

“Everything is expensive the cost of living is very expensive. A bag of rice, onion and oil are very expensive even the poor cannot readily afford it, something needs to be done,” she lamented.

She further revealed that the country lacks adequate provision to cater for sick people. 

“If you take your family member to the hospital you will be the one to pay for everything and it is very expensive. If you are a pregnant woman and you give birth you have to pay some good sum of money before you get good treatment. we are suffering and we need help.”

Shona Joof another businesswoman encouraged women to help themselves if they have no one to help them. 

“If they know that they don’t have help from anyone they can still manage and do something on their own,” she said.

“I will advise my fellow women to go out and do a business to help themselves and help pay school fees for their children.”

On her part, Fatoumatta Tambdou expressed happiness as the world celebrates international women’s day. She said women do a lot towards enhancing national Development and women are all over the places working. 

“I was a student of Gaye Jorro and I have completed my course now I have my own business I don’t put my trust on any man, I will advise my fellow women to go out and work and let them not put their trust on any man,” she said. 

Marlisa Samuel encouraged women to engage in learning skills like tailoring and hairdressing, she said learning skills can also reduce the prevalence of prostitution in the Gambia.

Avia Moijoy is a woman who sells popcorn at the Brusubi turntable she said women are working very hard across the country to feed their children.

“I know the hands are not equal but if they are able to work and do something for themselves that is good. Everyone can’t work in an office you need to try and do something sitting at home folding your hand waiting on your husband to bring something will not solve the problems at home, at least if you are working you can support your husband by providing money for fish,” she said.

By: Christian Conteh

The United Nations (UN) has on International Women’s Day 2022 pledged to continue to work with the Government of The Gambia to protect the rights of women, fight harmful traditional practices and reduce gender disparities. A statement by Seraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator has said.

Over the years, the institution says it has registered many successes, but noted that it can and must do more. 

“We must work together to eliminate gender stereotypes and gender-based violence. We must educate, promote positive role models, and raise awareness at all levels of decision-making to support the rights of women,” the statement read.

The UN has also been working with the government and other partners including development actors, the private sector and civil society to enhance the capacities of women to increase their competitiveness. 

“We will continue to advocate for and support more training and mentorship opportunities, access to digital technologies, gender-responsive public procurement, cross border trade, export development and green growth. We will also continue to support the empowerment of women and girls as agents of change to innovate and build a better tomorrow.”

The UN says as the Gambia joins other nations to celebrate International Women’s Day, it is everyone’s collective duty to pave the way for women, particularly the most underprivileged, to build a fairer and more equal future.  

“This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow,” challenges us all to stand up for equal rights and opportunities for women and men as a guarantee for a future where every girl and boy can grow and reach their full potential. It also encourages us to work together with women and girls and push policymakers to address the climate crisis, develop green jobs and build a more just and sustainable world.”

International Women’s Day is an important occasion to celebrate the incredible contribution of women to society and a reminder of the challenges they face to access quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. 

Today and every day the UN says there is a need to advocate for a more gender-equal society and strengthen partnerships to support the rights of every woman and girl.

By: Christian Conteh

The New US Ambassador to the Gambia has promised to support the Gambia’s ongoing democratic process, combat corruption and promote economic prosperity when she takes up her new role in the country next week.

Ambassador Sharon L. Cromer was speaking to the Foreign Relations Committee in September 2021 following her nomination by President Joseph Biden in June.

“Given the opportunity, I will support The Gambia’s ongoing democratic process. I will combat corruption and promote economic prosperity which will allow both U.S. and Gambian firms to invest and create good jobs. I will encourage trade and the use of the American Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA). I will speak up for human rights and explore ways to improve the primary health care system,” Sharon Cromer said.

She further stated that there is a need to maintain a strong security partnership whilst pursuing U.S. national security and foreign policy interests by helping the Gambian people achieve their goal to become a prosperous, secure, and democratic nation.

Ambassador Cromer has served as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director at the U.S. Embassies in Accra, Ghana (2017-2021), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (2013-2017), Abuja, Nigeria (2007-2009), and Accra, Ghana (2002-2007).

In Washington, she served as the USAID Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Bureau of Management (2009-2010), and as the Acting Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator and Acting Assistant Administrator in the Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (2009).

She also served as the USAID Acting Chief Human Capital Officer and Acting Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Human Capital and Talent Management (2016).

Ambassador Cromer graduated from Barnard College, Columbia University, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Georgetown University Law Centre with a Juris Doctor degree.

She replaces Richard Carlton Paschall III who served as the United States ambassador to the Gambia from 2019 to 2022.

By: Christian Conteh

The President of The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has said that sexual harassment and discrimination remain major challenges in the fight towards attaining gender equality in media houses across the country.

According to Muhammed S. Bah, the adoption of the GPU policy on sexual harassment by media houses will set in motion the implementation of mechanisms to prevent sexual harassment in newsrooms and media entities.

He was speaking on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2022. This year’s theme is “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow.” 

“Issues of sexual harassment and discrimination are factors that undoubtedly militate against efforts to attain gender equality in media houses, and needs to be tackled,” the GPU President said. 

Muhammed Bah further noted that the GPU recognises that several women journalists have now acquired diplomas and advanced diplomas in journalism through their (GPU) training school, the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC), and a good number have also acquired degrees in journalism from the University of The Gambia.

Despite this feat, which shows that there is not a lack of knowledge and skills among women journalists he says editorial boards and decision-making positions in newsrooms are mainly dominated by men.

Bah used the occasion (IWD 2022) to wish all women media workers a happy Women’s Day, whilst calling on all media employers to renew their commitment to ensuring gender equality.

The Fatu Network Heroes Awards Committee has shortlisted 27 nominees for this year’s awards. The shortlist comes after the committee reviewed a total of 887 nominations across various platforms including online nominations, email, and in-person drop-off.

According to the committee, its decision is strictly based on the awards criteria for each category and the justifications written in support of a person’s nomination. It noted that particular attention was paid to a nominee’s leadership, initiative, direct involvement and concrete results that are strengthening communities and impacting lives.

“First thing the committee does is check to ensure that the nominees meet the criteria at the very least, this narrows things down. We then do research on the nominee’s work and discuss impact. Nominations were based on what we received,” Fatou Mamburay Chairperson of the Awards Committee said.

Speaking about the Iconic Gambian Award (Posthumous) Fatou noted that, drawing from their experience during the first awards in this specific category there was plenty of discomfort surrounding voting on the deceased, so this time around they decided the award will be awarded to a singular person.

Here are the names of the people who made the shortlist

1. AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

Aji Kumba Daffeh

Alfu M Sarr

Musa Darboe

2. DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT AWARD

Brikama Nema Diaspora Group

Doctor Nfamara k Dapha

Mattie Jacomba Bah

3. EDUCATION PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE

Musa Bah

Starfish International

4. EXEMPLARY YOUTH

Dr Ismaila Badjie

Marr Nyang

Youssou Sisawo

5. TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Adama Sarr

Lamin Ceesay

Lamin Manneh

6. HEALTH SERVANT OF THE YEAR AWARD

Dr Kebbe S Marenah

Dr Abdoulie Keita

Dr Rama Njie

7. ICONIC GAMBIAN AWARD (POSTHUMOUS)

Pa Nderry Mbye

8. GREEN AWARD

Ahmed Manjang

Dawda Cham

Maimuna Jabbie

9. PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR AWARD

Dr Kebba S Marenah

Hamidu Jah

Modou Turo Darboe

10. PERSONS OF THE YEAR

Alasan Senghore

Dr Lamin Sise

Ngilan Senghore

The TFN Heroes Awards is established by The Fatu Network, the leading online news provider in The Gambia with the aim of recognizing and celebrating Gambians who have offered invaluable service to their communities and to the country.

The Gambia Press Union (GPU) is joining the world to mark this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD 2022) under the theme “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow,” a statement from the union said.

While this year’s theme recognises the contribution of women and girls who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all, the GPU believes it is important to highlight the gender inequalities that exist in the Gambian media.

According to the union, women journalists play a crucial role in the development of the Gambian media, working as presenters, reporters, editors, technicians, managers and media proprietors.

Despite their contributions to the growth of the media industry and to national development, there exist gaps in terms of gender equality in newsrooms and among media workers.

“A study on the Working Conditions of Media Workers in The Gambia conducted by the GPU in 2020 shows that 37% of media workers are female. While this shows that the media is largely dominated by men, the report also shows that significant gaps exist when conditions for both men and women are compared at all levels – in terms of pay, positions held, and even treatment,” the GPU press statement states.

Modou S. Joof is Secretary-General of the Union, he noted that “to have working conditions improve for women journalists, and by extension, all media workers, is crucial to attaining any efforts at gender equality in the Gambian media and enhancing professionalism and wellbeing.” 

The GPU he maintains is committed to continue engaging media owners and managers to address these challenges.

According to the research on working group, which was funded by the Civil Society Fund (CISU), 46% of respondents said they faced discrimination in their workplaces based on gender and family circumstances.

Also in 2020, the GPU commissioned and published a report on Sexual Harassment in the Media which shows that sexual harassment is prevalent. This informed the drafting of a Sexual Harassment policy for the Media in The Gambia. Both the study and the policy were produced through a “Breaking the Gender Barrier” project funded by UNESCO through The Gambia National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM).

“Issues of sexual harassment and discrimination are factors that undoubtedly militate against efforts to attain gender equality in media houses, and needs to be tackled,” GPU President, Muhammed S. Bah, said. 

“The adoption of the GPU policy on sexual harassment by media houses will set in motion the implementation of mechanisms to prevent sexual harassment in newsrooms and media entities.”

The GPU recognizes that several women journalists have now acquired diplomas and advanced diplomas in journalism through our training school, the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC), and a good number have also acquired degrees in journalism from the University of The Gambia.

Despite this feat, which shows that there isn’t a lack of knowledge and skills among women journalists, editorial boards and decision-making positions in newsrooms are mainly dominated by men. 

While wishing all women media workers a happy Women’s Day, the GPU calls on all media employers to renew their commitment to ensuring gender equality, by:

• Improving working conditions for journalists by signing up to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which will also promote professionalism and maximise output in terms of quality stories and programming for media houses.

• Complying with local and international labour standards by ensuring media workers are hired based on written employment contracts, are adequately paid, and all benefits due to them, including health, further education/training, social security are met.

•  Appointing more women to editorial boards and decision-making positions in newsrooms and other key management positions in media houses.

• Adopting the GPU Sexual Harassment Policy as a guide to ensure a safe and conducive work environment for women journalists and all-female media workers; and

• Improving knowledge and awareness of sexual harassment and discrimination at workplaces and including it in in-house training.

Senegal has condemned the Ukrainian embassy for calling for fighters to join its effort to repel Russia’s invasion, warning that recruiting mercenaries or even volunteers breached its laws.

In a statement Thursday evening, Senegal’s foreign ministry said it had summoned the Ukrainian ambassador after reading, “with astonishment”, an embassy Facebook post urging foreigners to enlist.

Kyiv’s ambassador to Senegal, Yuril Pyvovarov, told the foreign ministry that 36 Senegalese citizens had already volunteered, according to the statement.

The ministry said it “firmly condemns” the move and urged the embassy to withdraw its call.

“The recruitment of volunteers, mercenaries or enemy combattants on Senegalese territory is illegal,” the statement added.

On Wednesday, Senegal abstained from voting on a United Nations resolution, which was overwhelmingly adopted, that demanded that Russia immediately withdraw from Ukraine.

The government stated afterwards that it was gravely concerned with the situation in Ukraine but that it adhered to “principles of non-alignment and the peaceful settlement of disputes”.

RFI

By: Sarjo Brito

Barely one month after his falling out with the first family, National People Party’s (NPP) Ahmed Gitteh is back in the limelight this time decrying alleged favouritism in the party’s selection of candidates for the forthcoming National Assembly elections scheduled to take place on April 9, 2022. 

“Many constituencies are not happy with the way their candidates were selected. I am from Kombo South, and it is part of those constituencies where people are not happy with the way and manner in which NPP selected its candidate for the parliamentary elections.

One of the aspirants is a Lecturer at The Gambia College. Someone with a master’s degree in education and knows the ins and outs of everything related to it. Someone with over 25 years of experience. Yet, our NPP Chairman told him he doesn’t know him or ever heard of him when he approached him to show his intent to run for the seat. So just because you did not know him was enough for you to decide that this person could not contest the seat?” Ahmed Gitteh asked.

Gitteh said the selection of candidates in the NPP seems premeditated, accusing officials of the party in Kombo South of selecting people based on favouritism rather than competence. 

“Another person we encouraged to contest for the seat is Mansur Sowe. This guy has vast experience in public health. He has received training in his domain from countries like China and Tanzania just to name a few. He has worked in public health for over 10 years. This guy too was met with the same response when he declared his intention to run under the party.”

Ahmed Gitteh further stated that the party must be ready to select people who will add value to Parliament and if that is not going to be the case, he will support Mansur Sowe who has since decided to run as an independent candidate following his rejection as an aspirant under NPP. 

Gitteh also responded to the Gambian President and his party leader after claims that Barrow had told his supporters in a recent gathering that anyone who supports independent candidates is not NPP. 

“I understand he made the statement in Basse during the opening of the new market. If that statement is true then Ahmad Gitteh is out of the National People’s Party because I will fully and wholeheartedly support Mansour Sowe, the INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE for Brikama South. Tell President Adama Barrow that Gitteh said you can please expel him from the party for supporting his choice of candidate.”