The sad and annoying fact is that while the country now has a new President and new National Assembly Members, the Gambia is in bad shape! With the failed promise for system change in 2017, five years down the line the Gambia instead turned into a cesspool of public sector corruption, wastage, and inefficiency. Evidently, citizens have come under the mercy of a bunch of notorious public servants and poor performing public institutions that are consuming more public wealth than producing and providing public services.

Consequently, the past five years was a combination of failures and missed opportunities coupled with blatant abuse of office and negligence of duties perpetrated by none other than both the Legislature and the Executive. The Executive led by President Adama Barrow woefully failed to seize the incredible opportunities presented to his administration to lead the country into effective and comprehensive system change. At the same time, the Legislature also failed woefully to not only to hold the Executive accountable, but also refused to take leadership in bringing about the necessary reforms. At the end of their first term, both have left the country in terrible dire straits. Sadly, and annoyingly.

Therefore, as we welcome the new NAMs, it is important to remind them of their solemn duty to uphold the Constitution and defend the Republic by serving the citizenry with utmost honesty and commitment. Section 112(b) of the Constitution provides that NAMs should regard themselves only as servants of the people, to desist from corruption or alienating themselves from the people, but to be guided by their conscience and the national interest in performing their duties. Thus, I asked the new NAMs to learn from the mistakes of their predecessors in order to enable them to salvage and not betray the Gambia.

The failure of the previous NAMs lies in the fact that none of the parties and independent candidates came with a clear national agenda to the parliament. They merely went to occupy their seats and react to the bills and issues as brought to them from the Executive. But they failed to take the leadership and responsibility at the right time to initiate their own agenda of system change. They talked the good talk but failed to walk the talk together.

Furthermore, the Fifth Legislature failed to bring about good governance because of their failure to play their oversight function effectively. While they were faced with uncountable incidences of abuse of office and corruption by the President and members of his Executive, the outgoing parliament failed to hold them accountable with the tools and powers vested in them by the Constitution and the Standing Orders. Even when it was obvious that public institutions were failing to deliver quality, efficient public services, the previous NAMs could not take the necessary steps to address such poor performance and waste of public resources.

Part of this failure is caused by the fact that the outgoing NAMs failed to work as a collective with a common vision and agenda for the Gambia. Rather they were hugely preoccupied with and divided by partisan and personality fights and interests at the detriment of the country. As they left office, they have therefore failed to lay the foundation of good governance and sustainable development for the country, today and tomorrow.

Thus, it is pertinent that the incoming NAMs are reminded of the weaknesses and failures of their outgoing colleagues so that they do not also register yet another fantastic failure. To the incoming NAMs, it is therefore necessary to remind them that the National Assembly is indeed the primary policy, governance, and development institution within this Republic upon which all other institutions take cue. Hence the strength and health of the good governance and development of this Republic rests squarely at the extent to which NAMs perform their duties.

Above all, it is utterly important to put it to the new NAMs that it is damn immoral, dishonest, and criminal to occupy a seat in the National Assembly to use it only to promote the agenda of a president or party or self against the national interest. We have seen so much of such dishonesty and immortality in many of the outgoing NAMs and I, for one, will never forgive them for such gross disservice to the Republic.

NAMs must realize that the life and future of each and every Gambian lies squarely in their hands. Hence the decisions they make are what determines which Gambian lives or dies from preventable diseases or which Gambian child will enjoy quality education or not, or which Gambian youth or woman will enjoy opportunities or not or which Gambia living with a disability will have dignity or not.

I wish to put it to the incoming NAMs that a lot of damage was committed over the past five years by the Executive to which the outgoing NAMs turned a blind eye and deaf ear, sadly. This is why not only is corruption rife while poor social services and high cost of living are harming Gambians but also their indifference has caused huge economic mismanagement and indebtedness of the country. The recent cost control measures announced by the Government is a manifestation of the economic malaise confronting the country thanks to poor management. It has nothing to do with Ukraine or COVID! Furthermore, the lack of leadership by the outgoing NAMs is at the centre of the failed transitional justice process which is now seeking to threaten national security and peace.

I have written to Pres. Barrow on the day he assumed his second term to provide unsolicited advice to him to take urgent steps to reverse and repair the damages he caused in his first term. He has failed to even acknowledge my letter much more respond to the issues and concerns raised. I wish to now provide this unsolicited advice to the new NAMs as well that they have a duty to hold the President and Government accountable. After 22 years of tyranny that saw the blatant abuse of human rights and dignity of Gambians, the new NAMs must dedicate huge amount of their time and energy to ensure that the transitional justice process is rescued and put on the right path.

This requires that the new NAMs ensure that the Draft Constitution 2020 is brough back so that the country would have a new constitution before the end of 2022. Also, it is to ensure that the reports of the Janneh Commission, the Faraba Commission, the Audit of Seven SOEs as well as the TRRC are fully implemented. This also means to ensure that legal and institutional reforms in the public service and security agencies are conducted with utmost seriousness.

At the end of the day, history shall record as always. Today and posterity shall pass judgement on each and every NAM for the role one played in either the salvation or destruction of the Gambia. Where one stands in that history and judgment will be one’s own making. One thing is for sure, and that is, Gambians of today and tomorrow will come to celebrate only those NAMs who genuinely served the country and spit on those who turned out to be villains and traitors. History is recording.

For The Gambia, Our Homeland

……………………………………………..
Madi Jobarteh
Skype: madi.jobarteh
Twitter: @jobartehmadi
LinkedIn: Madi Jobarteh
Phone: +220 9995093

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh 

Independent assembly member for Janjanbureh Constituency, Hon. Omar Jammeh has said he has never been a member of the National Peoples Party (NPP), claiming that the party rejected him the chance to contest under their ticket.

Hon. Jammer told The Fatu Network that he attempted to contest under the NPP ticket but was never a member of the party.

“I am not a member of the party neither did I participate in their political activities,” he told TFN.

Jatto, as he fondly called said the National People’s Party turned him down, claiming that it was because he was said to have never participated in their activities.

“I attempted to contest but I was referred to as someone who doesn’t participate in political activities”

The 39-year-old said he celebrated his rejection because he realised he had the chance to contest as an independent candidate.

The former regional youth chairman of the National Youth Council asserted that among the reasons he decided to contest is that young people are not represented well.  He pointed out that for the problems of the young people to be solved, their agendas must be heard and that will be his utmost priority for his constituency.

” The issue of under employment is on the rise and many a times empowering the youth has turned out to be mere lip service and little investment considering the annual national budget allocation for the youth sector. This and many others are what I will fight for the young people,”  he said.

When asked if he will be tempted to join any political party since he contested as an independent candidate, Jatto replied:

” I am open to all political parties, but I can’t shift my allegiance”.

He said he will remain an independent candidate for the next five years.

National People’s Party’s Deputy Spokesperson, now the Deputy Speaker at National Assembly, was reported to have said that his party will try to lure independent candidates that contested and won because they couldn’t be given the chance to contest under the party’s ticket.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala Honorable Almame Gibba has told The Fatu Network that they (APRC Breakaway team) want Ex-president Yahya Jammeh who is currently in exile in Equatorial Guinea to come back home, share his own story and face justice if the government want him to.

According to Honorable Gibba, they will follow the due process by seeking support from their colleagues in the Assembly to ensure that Jammeh is back.

“Getting Jammeh back is part of the consultation,” he said.

“We want Jammeh to come back and if the government wants him to face justice let him face it. As a citizen, he has the right to share his side of the story on all the allegations that are labelled against him.”

He said Jammeh is a leader who made the country what it is today. Adding that he cannot be deprived of his right to return.

He further noted that since former President Jammeh left the country in 2017, the country’s education sector has been privatised citing the Gambia College and the School of Nursing as examples.

“Now scholarship is a problem for those going to the University. During Jammeh’s time people were enjoying free education,” he recalled.

When asked about him joining the NPP like the other APRC members, Hon. Gibba said,
“I am a giant guy and I have been fighting for the people of Foni when I was not vying for the position of National Assembly,” he said, adding that the APRC alliance team that joined the NPP are there for personal gains. He noted that the agreement to form the alliance was to ensure Jammeh’s return but pointed out that the team led by Fabakary didn’t honour the agreement.

He when on to say the ‘no to alliance team’ is getting stronger as they secured five seats in Foni while the alliance team only secured two seats in the April 9 Parliamentary Election.
Hon. Gibba said he has no problem with the appointment of Fabakary Tombong Jatta as the Speaker of the 6th Legislature but noted that it was a bonus given to him.

He said people should know that the Assembly is for the Gambian people and not for any party. He urged the NAMs not to allow division in the parliament. He concluded by saying that people are not secure in the country and children are dropping out of school every day.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

Brikama United Football Club has announced the signing of two young attackers, Ebrima Badjie from North Macedonia and Babucarr Kebbeh from the Ghanaian premier league side, Accra Lions.

The ‘satayba’ giants look set to enrich their side in the second round of the league as they begin their quest to win the team’s third league title.

Ebrima Badjie, who had an unsuccessful professional stint with the North Macedonian side  Robotnicki, was part of Modou Lamin Nyassi’s array of stars in the previous seasons before his ephemeral career in North Macedonia.  The attacking midfielder was widely regarded as one of the finest young stars in the country.  Sometime last year, Badjie left the country for Macedonia to begin a professional career but failed to stay long in the team. He has since returned to the country to join his former team.

Another mega addition to the team is Bubacarr Kebbeh who is disclosed to have arrived as a free agent from Accra Lions in Ghana.  The 21-year-old young star left the shores of The Gambia from Real De Banjul to join The Ghanaian premier league side in 2019.

Anderson, as he is fondly called, has a deadly foot and incredible free-kick techniques. He was described as one of the country’s hottest prospects for the future in 2019 when he signed for Accra Lions.

The accumulation of these two attacking players is a confirmation of Brikama United’s zeal to earn its third league trophy.

Modou Lamin Nyassi, after his side’s stunning victory over neighbours Fortune FC, told reporters that his team is ready to fight for the trophy. He said that his side gave up on the title challenge last season because they knew they would not be able to catch up with Fortune.

The gaffer said the signing of Badjie and Kebbeh will be good for the team as the race for the title begins.

“These two players will help the team a lot. We all know what they can do,”  the gaffer said.

Brikama United inhabits the second place in the GFF Division One League standings with 28 points, one point below leaders Real De Banjul.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The Information Communications and Public Relations Officer of Gunjur Youth Movement has said the planet is innocent but it has been tampered with by the unfortunate activities of humans.

Buba Y. Janneh was speaking to The Fatu Network after the Gunjur Youth Movement’s Commemoration of World Earth Day earlier today, April 17th.

“We believe that the planet is innocent but it has been tampered with by unfortunate human activities ranging from deforestation, pollution, burning of fossils etc”.

He said that the consequences of such human activities give birth to climate change which he explained as  ‘serious damages.’

“Climate Change has brought about upheavals, misplacement of millions of people around the world, unemployment and disaster like flooding,” he pointed out.

The environmental activist Gunjur-based young man added that the world should embrace climate change as something real, saying that the youthful population must challenge itself for a better planet.

The global theme for this year’s World Earth Day is “Invest in our planet”.

However, The Gunjur Youth Movement commemorated the day with a different theme. “Earth Day is every day and anywhere you are”.

“This day is as important as any other day because it has to do with our lives as people living on earth,”  he voiced.

The day was marked with activities such as  beach cleaning, coconut planting and watering exercises.

Janneh highlighted the necessity for them to revisit their activities as humans to deter the planet from being devastated.

He emphasised that Gunjur Youth Movement has been on the front line in the fight against climate change.

The IPRO called on The Gambia Government to implement laws that will protect the environment and the ecosystem.

“Exploitive mining and fishing at Kombo South should stop because it’s affecting the livelihood of the vulnerable people living in these communities,” Janneh told TFN.

He advised young people to coalesce and fight against any activity that destroys the earth.

Earth Day is usually commemorated on April 22 every year to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The event was first held on April 22, 1970.

By: Christian Conteh

The Media Response Team of the United Democratic Party (UDP) has fired back at the Gambia Press Union (GPU), the umbrella body for media practitioners in the country, asking it (GPU) to put its house in order.

The UDP says it is amazed by the reaction of the union against the comments made by its party leader, Lawyer ANM Ousainou Darboe, in response to journalist Pa Nderry Touray.

According to UDP’s Media Response Team, “In his response Lawyer, Darboe called out the said journalist for his attempts to create a rift between the party and the Mayor of Banjul, Her Ladyship, Rohey Malick Lowe-Saidykhan.”

Lawyer Darboe the team says further called out the said journalist for his Anti-Mandinka diatribe and bigotry, comments the GPU says is an unacceptable attack of the said journalist and for that reason issued a stern press release against the UDP party leader.

“It is rather astonishing that The Gambia Press Union has rushed to issue a press release to condemn than doing the needful expected of an organisation of its repute. We believe among the obligations of the GPU is to safeguard the conduct of their members from inciting ethnic divisions in this country. For that can have dangerous consequences, and if they have no guidance on such ethics, they ought to work on it asap,” the team states.

It went on to note that if Africans are to learn anything significant from the Rwandan genocide, it would be the danger of irresponsible journalism, which incited and led to the devastating loss of human lives in that country’s war.

The team went on to state clearly that calling journalists out for their irresponsible professionalism is nothing new in modern democracies, “unless our umbrella body for the media houses is naive of that knowledge and understanding.”

Similarly, the Media Response Team states that it deems it quite appropriate and measured that if their party leader, who is well informed about the biased reporting of Mr Pa Nderry Touray, called his distasteful reporting out to him, the public, and the attention of the umbrella body regulating his conduct they expect the GPU to call Mr Touray and investigate his style of reporting and educate him on the ethics of his profession, such that it will allay the fears of a section of his audience, who deemed or perceived him to be anti-Mandinka, that he holds no such bigotry against them or any particular section of the country.

“However, rather than putting your house in order, it is disappointing to us that the GPU attempts to engage in defending the indefensible conducts of its members, whilst attempting to tarnish the stellar image of our party leader, who has always been a champion in defending media freedoms in this country and has a long-standing good relationship with the Gambian media.”

It ends by calling on the Press Union to next time when there is an allegation of unprofessionalism of any of your members, investigate first and put its house in order to allay the fears of the public, before jumping to their defence.

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The defeated candidate of the people’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) in Niamina West Constituency in the April 9th National Assembly elections, Kemesseng Sanneh has said electorates in the Constituency voted against him with their hands and not their hearts.

Kexx, as fondly referred to, is a popular young man in PDOIS and of one the brightest young people touted for throwing his hat into the ring. He went against the incumbent National People’s Party Berom Sowe, who again won the heart of the electorates in Niamina West.

“After the election, I have received calls and information; and from my interactions with people in the Constituency, I realized that they voted me with their hearts but voted against me with their hands,” he wrote on Facebook.

Kemesseng has been covering national assembly proceedings effectively in the 5th legislature and actively taking part in national politics. He received loads of glowing remarks and approval since he made his intention publicly.

According to him, the elders in Niamina West Constituency asserted to him that they have never witnessed his political consciousness and delivery during the campaign from the first republic politicians to date.

“Elderly people confessing to me that the level of political consciousness and the message I delivered during my entire campaign was never delivered by a politician from the first republic to date, according to them my messages are like a school to them compare to the previous politicians and their campaign messages,” Mr Sanneh said.

The PDOIS thwarted candidate is still hopeful. Kexx feels buoyant about the future.

He pointed out that it was an honour for him to offer himself to his people to represent them in parliament despite the outcome of the elections.

PDOIS, one of the oldest political parties in The Gambia, recorded a dismal performance in the recent National Assembly Elections with the defeat of party influential figures in Hon. Sidia Jatta and Hon. Ousman Sillah. The duo could not reclaim the seats they occupied in the fifth legislature.  The party leader and Secretary-General, Hon. Halifa Sallah announced his retirement from active politics late last year.

First Lady of Sierra Leone, Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio, has launched the agribusiness service matching on Saturday 16 April 2022 at the Bo city council hall.

Addressing beneficiaries, the First Lady of Republic of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Maada Bio encouraged them to invest the monies given to them in farming and help other women understand the importance of farming.

In as much as Sierra Leone is investing in women local farmers, She advised them to stop exporting their produce to neighbouring countries instead they should give back to Sierra Leone by selling their produce in the country. In addition to providing food and raw materials, it also provides employment opportunities.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr. Abubakar Karim said the President Julius Maada Bio government has come a long way towards promoting agricultural productivity in the country. He said the president in his manifesto did not only emphasize the importance of food security and food sustainability but also demonstrated exemplary leadership by taking the lead in establishing farms and cultivating produce especially rice which is our staple food.

He added that Agriculture is the most important sector of all time more so for women. He further said Agriculture will continue to be the pillar in government development.  “When women are empowered in Agriculture you beat hunger, promote women’s livelihood and also promote the education of their children and the well-being of their husbands.” He stated.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Tamba Lamina said as local government they believe that when women are empowered, the government will operate smoothly.

He said with the help of SCADEP empowering women, all sectors of the country will develop.

He congratulated and encouraged the women that benefited from the grant to put them to good use so that other women will get to know the importance of Agriculture.

By Dawda Baldeh

Hon. Almame Gibba, newly sworn in National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala, has said President Adama Barrow must be accountable for the atrocities the people of Foni are facing in his government.

Hon. Gibba contested under the APRC breakaway group (No to Alliance) and defeated Hon. Musa Amul Nyassi who contested under the APRC in the April 9 parliamentary election.

He told Fatu Network that the people of Foni are facing numerous atrocities under the current government. “The Barrow led government has no regards and interest for keeping the people of Foni safe,” he said.  He added that they are paying tax like in any other region.

Hon. Gibba cited that Haruna Jatta case is still waiting for Justice after four years. He recalled that Jatta was “brutally murdered” by Senegalese soldiers (ECOMIG), yet justice is not served.

He called on the government to bring the culprits to Justice. “It has been four (4) years since Haruna Jatta was shot and killed by the Senegalese  forces,” he said.

Jatta was shot to death by ECOMIG soldiers during a peaceful protest in Kanilai, Foni Kansala District in 2018.

“We will follow the right process to make sure President Barrow is accountable for all these atrocities in Foni,” he emphasized.

He reiterated their efforts in ensuring the people of Foni are secure. “Since the attack on the MFDC on 13 March, leading to the displacement of hundreds, neither the president, the defense minister nor the interior minister or the governor went to visit the people of Foni he said.

Foni Kansala NAM said the president is here for all but noted that he is neglecting the people of Foni. He said Barrow is the president and he should be able to stand and do the right thing for the Gambia

He said since the attack occurred in Foni, their children have not been attending school but noted that the President and the minister’s children are all going to school.

“The people of Foni are deprived of their rights,” he emphasized.

He stressed that shells of explosives are landing in the border villages everyday, but that government has never condemned those responsible for such.

By: Christian Conteh

United Democratic Party (UDP) Commando Momodou Sabally is not keeping quiet. This time he has directly accused the Adama Barrow led administration of trying to win opposition and independent National Assembly Members (NAM) over with brown envelopes (money).

“There is credible information in the public sphere that the Barrow Administration has already started courting some of our opposition/independent NAMs with their infamous brown envelopes to side with the incumbent camp in the N.A.

I am not suggesting that these NAMs will succumb to the enticing baits of the Barrow camp; but I think it would be prudent for us to keep reminding our elected NAMs to stay away from the NPP mafia and to vote and speak for the interest of the voters who elected them,” Sabally wrote. 

He further encouraged the newly sworn-in National Assembly Members to work in the interest of the people who elected them, whilst using the opportunity to vent his anger at the Barrow led government.

“Operating alongside NAMs handpicked and bankrolled by a corrupt establishment hell-bent on dividing the nation and further spreading Barrowflation, we need to remain alert as guardian angels of our elected representatives; constantly reminding them of their covenants with the people,” He said.

He emphasised his points by quoting scriptural references from the two major holy books.

“As the Quran teaches us in verse 55 of Surah dhariyaat ‘And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers’. We pray that Allah blesses our good NAMs with peace of mind and serenity and to aid them as he did His beloved prophet (SAWS). ‘Wa ja’Ala kalimatal-ladhiyna kafarus suflaa wa kalimatul-laahi hiyal ‘Ulyaa.”

“This is the battle of truth against falsehood and evil. And we pray that the words of the Holy Bible become true of the real representatives of the people in this National Assembly as preached in Romans 12:21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” he said.

He ended by reiterating that the essence of having opposition MPs is to challenge the status quo and to speak for the masses. 

“There is no point in electing opposing parties if they are only going to the Assembly to become yes men and yes women in the House.”

By: Christian Conteh

Legal luminary Barrister M. Robertson Roberts has risen to the defence of UDP leader Ousainou Darboe Esq. According to Roberts the utterances of Darboe may be misconstrued and even twisted to fit the narrative that best sells the various political and personal agenda that helps fuel such goals.

Darboe he says has no tribal bone in him. He notes that a man who leads the most diverse political party by way of ethnicity, status and membership cannot be labelled a tribalist.

“It makes no sense that a man who leads the most diverse political party by way of ethnicity, status and membership can be labelled a tribalist; not only is this notion problematic in form but it is also false in substance. Let me state for the records, and regardless of what anyone thinks or feels (I honestly do not care) that the last man on earth that can be labelled a tribalist is Honourable Ousainou Darboe.

The man has absolutely no tribal bone in him. Of course, he is a Mandinka and must make reference to his tribe just as I will continue to make reference to my ethnicity as an Aku. This is much my right as it is his right,” Roberts notes.

He further noted that Lawyer Darboe is a leader of a political party and he will say things that are definitely a safeguard for his party. He went on to explain that Darboe like everyone else has the right to defend himself against false accusations and speak to correct facts in the public domain that are not a reflection of who he is or what his party stands for.

He however acknowledged that Darboe should neither have used those words nor spoken in the tone he spoke, but said those are moral issues that no one possesses the yardstick to measure.

“A journalist speaks on things that are ascribed to himself and his party. He comes out with a rebuttal and suddenly because he mentioned the word Mandinka his rebuttal suddenly becomes a tribal remark?

Do you know how many times I have asked people if they hate me because am black? Does this in anyways suggest that am racist?” he asked.

“It’s either I am lost or my definition of tribalism and tribal remarks are radically different from that of the average Gambian. In fact, I will go a step further to state that the average Gambian definition of tribalism and who a tribalist is are not the same as that of the rest of the world,” he added.

He went on to call on Gambians to for once think about productive things and engage in discussions that can profit them as a people.

Suggesting that the Gambian people begin to have conversations that will lead to their progression as a country and or bring technological advancements that will make the country the pride of everyone.

“Why is it that some of us who have a large following in the media or have platforms that people follow won’t speak peace but rather choose to create a wider division in our country? Every man must have a right to defend himself and be it lawyer Darboe, President Barrow or myself, we are and should be entitled to defend ourselves and our positions robustly and with all-out might and strength,” Roberts Esq said.

Adding that it is alright to label him as Darboe sympathizer, “but so what if I am? It is my inherent right to do so and if you choose to pin that misconception of a badge on me, I will proudly wear it with utmost glee. Look around you and it will not be so difficult to pick the actual tribalist from amongst us for indeed their very lives are rooted in same,” he concluded.

Gambia Press Union (GPU) has in a press statement dated 16^th April 2022 condemned verbal attack on Journalist Pa Nderry Touray to have been made by main opposition leader Ousainou Darboe.

“The Gambia Press Union is concerned by comments made by Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the UDP, describing a Star FM talk show host as someone who dislikes his party and members of the Mandinka ethnic group. Mr. Darboe also accused the journalist, Pa Nderry Touray, of trying to cause divisions in his United Democratic Party, as he addressed new UDP National Assembly Members at his house along Kairaba Avenue on Friday, April 15, 2022,” explains GPU press statement.

GPU strongly condemned the expressions of the UDP leader against the journalist, emphasizing that politicians should desist from such attacks on media practitioners.

“The GPU condemns in the strongest terms the actions of the UDP leader. Darboe and all other politicians are being urged to desist from such rhetoric targeted at journalists because they incite their supporters to either physically or verbally assault journalists.”

“In recent years, the GPU has observed and documented a disturbing trend of political rhetoric from political leaders, with others accusing journalists or certain media houses of bias and unfavourable coverage – a stark reminder of how the dictatorship of Yahya Jammeh gradually started its onslaught against the media.”

The umbrella body for journalists in The Gambia states that for the last five years, a good number of physical and verbal assaults on journalists and media professionals recorded in more than 15 incidents were perpetrated by politicians and their supporters with impunity.

“To avoid these attacks on journalists, the GPU has been engaging politicians on an annual basis to discuss the safety of journalists covering and reporting on the activities of their political parties. The latest of these engagements was held just last month (on March 11) attended by participants from registered political parties and independent candidates.”

President of GPU, Muhammed S. Bah, urges politicians to lead by example in promoting and protecting journalists from verbal attacks that are likely to expose them to further attacks, physically.

“Political party leaders have a responsibility to protect journalists from attacks, and must not be seen to be the instigators of verbal or physical attacks against journalists,” Bah emphasizes.

The GPU equally urges journalists to respect and uphold their code of conduct, the Cherno Jallow Charter of Ethics for Journalists, remain apolitical and to avoid any form of bias or other unethical practices that may likely expose them to further risks.

The US has agreed to sell military equipment worth $997m (£763m) to Nigeria, including 12 attack helicopters and numerous Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rockets.

The equipment had been requested by Nigeria and would help to improve security in Sub-Saharan Africa in line with US foreign policy goals and shared security objectives, a statement from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

The US also said Nigeria will have no difficulty in acquiring the weapons, but the process is expected to take at least five years.

It will include training Nigerian military personnel on how to use the equipment and on human rights, to avoid harming civilians.

Nigeria is struggling to tackle violence by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the so-called Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap), as well as worsening attacks by armed criminal gangs who carry out killings and kidnappings for ransom.

This is the second major arms sale to Nigeria by the US in five years.

The US had previously rejected Nigeria’s request for military equipment due to human rights concerns during the administration of Barack Obama.

But in 2017 the Trump administration agreed to sell 12 Super Tucano planes to Nigeria, which were delivered last year.

BBC

By: Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

The biggest and the much-talked-about derby in the pinnacle of Gambian Football recently, the clash of class between the two heftiest West Coast Region football clubs is tonight as Brikama United set to battle with league champions Fortune FC at the independence stadium in Bakau.

Separated by the ‘Nyambai’ Forest and dubbed as the biggest and the most exciting game of the season, the rivalry of these two teams come with a variety of elements: pride, conquest, goals and revenge.
Tonight, scores of fans from Brikama to Farato will roll to the Independence Stadium to watch and cheer up these two teams in the battle for superiority.

Fortune Fc was established 9 years after Brikama United, but the Farato-based team have been a thorn in the flesh for the ‘Satayba’ side including a humiliating four goals nothing triumphs over them in this fixture last season. However, this season, Modou Lamin Nyassi’s boys are on form and sit in second place on the table standings while champions Fortune FC dangles in the bottom half of the league.

Modou Lamin Nyassi, the Head Coach of Brikama United told The Fatu Network ahead of the encounter that his team will go out to win the game regardless of whatever happened on the pitch. He noted that Fortune FC is struggling in front of goals but that will not going to make it easy for his team to walk over them.

” I watched their last game. Despite their struggle, they have a team to upset us. What I have been telling my players is to respect them as champions and play the game according to our plan”, Charly told TFN.

Fortune FC turned doubters into believers last season with thrillers in every game. The petroleum boys won the league in style last season. However, this season, they have been consistently inconsistent in picking and dropping points.

Speaking to TFN, Patrick Sylva, Fortune’s mesmerising attacker who scored 3 goals and assisted 3, said that game is a ‘must win’ game for the champions.

” The mood here is high. This game is a must-win game for us, so we are going all out to win”, the attacker enthusiastically told TFN.

Fortune FC embarrassed Brikama United in this fixture last season with a thumping 4-0 win. The second round witnessed another tense clash but the ten-man Fortune FC managed to share scores with Brikama at the end of the game.

If Brikama United wins tonight, they will close to gap with Real De Banjul to one point. Fortune FC on the other hand stands hopeful that they will win tonight to reshape their season.

9 pm sharp is the kick-off time for this epic and nail-biting West Coast Region derby in the Gambia Football Federation Division One League.

The Central Bank of The Gambia has in a press release acknowledged receiving a correspondence from Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Ltd, confirming negotiation for divestiture [sale] of the Bank’s shares.

“The Central Bank of The Gambia is in receipt of correspondence from Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Ltd, conveying Standard Chartered Bank Group’s decision to divest their business interest in The Gambia. This is in line with the Group’s new business model and strategic repositioning, which requires divestiture from a number of African countries, including The Gambia and a few countries in the Middle East. The Group is in negotiation with potential investors to buy its shares in Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Ltd,” the release confirms.

As the regulatory body for banks in the country, the Central Bank of the Gambia assures that the development at Standard Chartered Bank will not affect the operations of the bank.

“The divestiture will not impact the operations of Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Ltd, as the bank will continue to operate normally. The Central Bank of The Gambia hereby assures its customers and the public that Standard Chartered Bank is a well-managed, highly liquid, and well capitalized bank, which will continue its normal operations in full compliance with the Central Bank of The Gambia’s regulatory requirements.”

Central Bank urges customers of Standard Chartered Bank and the public to be mindful of messages making rounds on social media regarding the divestiture process, emphasizing that Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Ltd will continue to operate normally.

“Standard Chartered Bank is one of the largest banks in the country with a long history going back more than a hundred years, during which the bank contributed enormously to the socio-economic development of The Gambia and will continue to do so in years to come,” the release reiterates.

By Muhammed Lamin Drammeh

There is massive excitement in the West Coast Region’s capital of Brikama as the Box-Ba mini-stadium nears completion with the laying, rolling and installation of exotic artificial turf.

For two years, Gambian football devotees in Brikama and its surrounding villages will either pay fares to the Independence Stadium in Bakau, Basori or Jarra Soma to watch The Gambia Football Federation Division One and Two games due to the incomplete work at Box Ba Mini stadium.

However, football enthusiasts showed a glimmer of hope Yesterday with the commencement of the rolling and installation of brand-new artificial turf that catches sight of football games coming back on the pitch regarded as the theatre of Gambian Football.

Once a noisy area, the Bax-Ba Mini Stadium went quite quiet for two years as the country’s football governing body, GFF explore help to renovate the field.  Two days ago, the Federation reported having signed a contract with a Senegalese company to finish the renovation of the field.

Reacting to this development, Sarjo Sowe, a football aficionado who serves as the third Vice President of the West Coast Region Football Association, said that the work is long overdue but was delighted that it is finally in progress and football will soon resume home.

“I am thrilled that this is very close to actualization. For two years, I have been suffering following Brikama United to and from different venues for their games. I am quite hopeful that we will go back to Box-Ba soon”, Sarjo told The Fatu Network.

Another football fanatic, Yusupha Cham, a strong fan of the defending league champions, said that he will be very happy watching his beloved Fortune Football Club playing in Brikama. The young man noted that it is financially consuming travelling to Bakau to watch games from Brikama.

“I will spend almost D500 every game on a Taxi to travel from Brikama to Bakau to watch my team. This is a lot of money” he said.

Brikama is a footballing town famous for producing extremely good football stars for The Gambia national team, from the junior category to the senior squad.   The work at the Mini Stadium scratched off the fanfare in the rainy football jamboree locally called ‘Naweetan’ for two years.

Ebrima KB Sonko is a Brikama-based sports journalist. He lamented the challenges that come with commuting from Brikama to Bakau to watch games.

He describes the journey as hectic.

To Mr. Sonko, Box Ba was his everything.

“Nothing makes me happier than seeing that finally, the construction is near to completion,” he gladly told Fatu Networks.

Fatu Network understands that the pavilions, dressing rooms and toilets will all be renovated. However, it is not clear when the work will finally be done on the field before football resumes.  The Gambia Football Federation has been using only four venues across the country to play its first and second division male and female games.

The ministry of Basic and Secondary Education of The Gambia has rescheduled the National Assessment Test (NAT) and Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination(GABECE) to July to allow the affected students in Casamance crisis in Foni to settle down and recover the lost contact hours.

In press release dated 15 April, 2022, the of basic and secondary Education said the development came after consultation with the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).

“The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) in consultation with the West African Examination Council (WAEC) wishes to inform Regional Education Directorates, School Principals, Parents, Students and the Public that the 2022 National Assessment Test (NAT) and the Gambia Basic Education Certificate Examination
(GABECE) have been rescheduled to July 2022,” the press release said.

It further stated that the reason for this development is to allow students affected by the
Cassamance crisis in Foni to settle down and catch up for the lost contact hours. “The Ministry will continue its consultations with WAEC to communicate the new dates once they are confirmed.”

“In light of this development, MoBSE would like to solicit the cooperation and understanding of all stakeholders.”
It can be recalled in March 13, 2022, the Senegalese forces launched attack on MFDC in Casamance leading to the closure and displacement of hundreds residents within the border villages.

By:Dawda Baldeh

A massive fire Outbreak in Kunkunjang Keitaya Friday evening, 15th April 2022, has claimed the life of twelve year old Oumie Trawally, eyewitnesses confirmed to The Fatu Network.

The cause of the fire that burned down an entire house is yet to be established, but residents described it as shocking.

An eyewitness told TFN that the late Oumie Trawally was inside the house when the inferno started, but she couldn’t escape as she was overpowered by the smoke.

According to a source, no family member was present at the compound at the time of the incident, relatives and neighbors helped put out the fire before the arrival of the fire fighters. Shortly after the fire fighters arrived, Oumie Trawally’s body was transported to kanifing hospital.

Relative were seen crying as they watched the fire consume the entire house and properties.

Properties destroyed include clothes, a flat screen tv, refrigerators, food items, and among other valuables with an unspecified amount of cash.

PRESS RELEASE:

The Central Bank of The Gambia is in receipt of correspondence from Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Ltd, conveying Standard Chartered Bank Group’s decision to divest their business interest in The Gambia. This is in line with the Group’s new business model and strategic repositioning, which requires divestiture from a number of African countries, including The Gambia and a few countries in the Middle East.

The Group is in negotiation with potential investors to buy its shares in Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Ltd. The divestiture will not impact the operations of Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Ltd, as the bank will continue to operate normally.

The Central Bank of The Gambia hereby assures its customers and the public that Standard Chartered Bank is a well-managed, highly liquid, and well capitalized bank, which will continue its normal operations in full compliance with the Central Bank of The Gambia’s regulatory requirements. It will be noted that Standard Chartered Bank is one of the largest banks in this country with a long history going back more than a hundred years, during which the bank contributed enormously to the socio-economic development of The Gambia and will continue to do so in years to come.

The bank’s customers and the public are hereby urged to be mindful of messages going around in the social media regarding the divestiture process, details of which are hereby clarified, informing customers and the general public that Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Ltd will continue to operate normally.

By Dawda Baldeh

One of the victims of April 14 protest, Mamour Mbenga fondly known as Kifa Barham, has called on Gambian government to bring to justice former president Yahya Jammeh and others to justice for the atrocities ordinary people went through on that fateful day.

Mamour Mbenga is a Gambian journalist who was covering the April 14 protest staged by supporters of main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP). Headed by Ebrima Solo Sandeng, the protesters were demanding for electoral reforms. Mr. Sandeng was arrested and tortured to death by the then National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

Journalist Mamour Mbenga [Kifa] was arrested and suffered alleged torture from security forces.

Speaking to the Fatu Network, Kifa called on the President Barrow led government to ensure that former President Jammeh and others face justice for what he and other victims went through in the hands of security forces.

“I am calling on the government of President Adama Barrow to bring ex-president Yahya Jammeh and his brutal culprits to face justice. As a journalist, I was brutally manhandled by security forces at the protest ground for taken photos and videos of the scene. I was later arrested at the border point in Senorba by uniform and plain clothes officers,” Kifa Barham lamented.

He said the day will remain a dark chapter in his mind, noting that the late Ebrima Solo Sandeng was arrested in his present.

“Allah is my witness that late Solo spoke to me in an interview at the protest ground before he was driven away by one of the senior police officers who had quickly hijacked a yellow taxi. With my recording device, I rushed closer to the taxi’s window to further seek for more information regarding his brutal arrest by the state security, but unfortunately the officer prevented me from asking questions, but Solo was bravely eager to talk,” he recalled.

Kifa recollected that he managed to ask Solo about his arrest.

“I have been arrested. These people want to kill me said. Go and write about it.” Kifa said those were the final words of Solo before he was driven away to an unknown destination.

Journalist Kifa said his only crime was to have published the story on Foroyaa Newspaper.

He emphasized that he wants justice for him and the rest of the victims of 14 April 2016 incident.

“I am not only saying this for people to read but to express my feelings and concern on behalf of all the departed victims of the former regime and the victim’s families. As I am speaking, I have been indoors since yesterday. Only Allah knows how I feel.”

“I was conditioned to write a release statement that I was not tortured neither experienced brutal treatment at the NIA but upon my unconditional release I took a route to exile in Senegal for fear of being arrested again.”