Lawmakers in Mali have unanimously approved a plan allowing the military junta to rule for up to five years.
No date has yet been set for future polls.
Elections had been due last month but were cancelled by Mali’s military leaders, prompting economic sanctions by regional bloc Ecowas.
Mali is now taking legal action to lift sanctions imposed by West Africa’s monetary union, Uemoa, as it battles a debt crisis.
By Sarjo Brito
Gambians and the diplomatic community are still in shock following the demise of Gambia’s Ambassador to the United States, Dawda Docka Fadera. Paying tribute to the former civil servant and diplomat, His Excellency Dawda Fadera has been described by many as a selfless man who spent most of his life and career trying to better the country’s civil service. Veteran Gambian journalist Alagie Yerro Jallow describes him as nationalist in both deed and thought.
“Ambassador Fadera is a quintessential ever-dependable and consummate civil servant and administrator, a pungent diplomat, a nationalist in thought and deed, a cerebral farsighted and foresighted human resources and personnel super permanent secretary of the second republic served years of civil service when professionals paid more attention and regard for nation-building and patriotism understood as a paternalistic emotional connection to and love for the fatherland, graced by honesty, accountability, diligence, hard work, team spirit, professionalism, partnership, and precision. You only need to have known his breed from his carefully chosen worded memos, minuting, drafts, and prompt replies to correspondence’’
‘’As Secretary-General and Head of the Civil Service, he was praised for his recommendations for a reduced, less expensive governance structure through downsizing unnecessary, overlapping, duplicated, and superfluously multiplied government agencies, which resonates with the World Bank Report’’
‘’Ambassador Dawda D. Fadera was a good soul, a man who dedicated his entire life to country and service to his people. He was loyal to the state and her people, and proudly served with distinction. As the Perm Sect. at the Personnel Management Office (PMO) under Jammeh, Dawda ensured the best were recruited into the civil service under a very hostile environment. During the political impasse, Dawda was the go-to by the Coalition partners, helping them form a decent government’,’ Hatab Fadera wrote
His Excellency Dawda Fadera until his demise served as Gambia’s Ambassador to the United States. Prior to this role, he was appointed Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service by President Barrow in 2018. He also spent most part of his career working for The Gambia’s Personnel Management Office, eventually becoming the institutions Permanent Secretary.
By: Dawda Baldeh
The Gambia Police Force (GPF) on Monday 21st February 2022, received a presentation of equipment worth Twenty Million Dalasis (D20m) from the German Police Support Team in The Gambia. The presentation was done at the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) headquarters in Kanifing.
The equipment include 2 of 3 Anti-Riot Vans (currently one more is on the way to The Gambia), 2 drones, 680 riot helmets, 10 laptops, 100 radios with equipment and 4 multiple radio charging stations.
The gesture is geared towards improving the overall operational skills of the police.
Delivering the keynotes address on behalf of the Inspector General Momodou Sowe, Deputy Inspector General of Police said the day marked a significant milestone in the collaboration between the Gambian Police Force and their German counterparts. He described the equipment as modern-day tools that will enable the police to carry out their operations easily.
He thanked the German Charge d, Affairs for the gesture and gave assurance that the equipment will be used for the intended purpose. He reiterated government’s commitment to improving the standards of the GPF whilst calling on the police to exercise their duty in a professional manner.
“We are public servants and we should be accountable for that. All this equipment can be available but if we don’t earn the love and respect of our people, we can’t do anything,” he said. He called on the police to respect the rule of law and respect the rights of the citizens.
Representative of the German Charge d, Affairs, Madam Gabriele Boner, said Germany has been working closely with The Gambia since 2017. She added that the German government is committed to supporting security sector reform in The Gambia.
She expressed confidence in the force, commending them for the good work done during the December 4th election.
“The Gambia Police Force has exercised professionalism in the past presidential election,” she said. She tasks the Police who are the beneficiaries to make the best use of the equipment.
Delivering his speech, Martin Feigl, Baden-Wurttemberg State Police, German Police Support Team said The Gambia and German police have common responsibilities, noting that the role of the police in maintaining democracy is crucial. Adding that they (Police) guarantee the citizens of their rights.
“This year Germany will invest about 45 million dalasis in buildings, equipment and training for The Gambia Police Force. Our German trainer-teams are looking forward to training in Specialized Intervention Unit, Traffic Police, Crime Scene Management, Leadership Management, Community Policing and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence,” he said.
“Your work as policemen and women is extremely important for society and democracy.”
“Speaking on behalf of the Interior Minister, Gibril Ngorr Secka also highlighted the importance of the donated equipment, noting that it will enhance the operational capacity of Gambia Police Force in the area of public order management among others.
“We are profoundly grateful to the Federal German Government for their continued support during these past years of a very challenging transition period.”
Since the project inception in 2018, the German Trainer-Teams have trained roughly 800 police officers and invested over 96 million dalasis.
The Football Association is investigating after Manchester United’s Anthony Elanga was struck by an object thrown from the crowd in Sunday’s Premier League victory at Leeds United.
Elanga, 19, was hit by a missile as the visitors celebrated Fred’s 70th-minute goal in the 4-2 win at Elland Road.
There were also numerous unsavoury chants from both sets of supporters.
West Yorkshire Police said a total of nine arrests were made for offences which include the throwing of missiles.
While there was “no significant disorder” and no injuries were reported to any players or fans, the police said offences “including public order, throwing of missiles and breach of banning order” took place.
A group of 70 away fans turned up in Leeds without tickets and were issued with dispersal notices prior to the match.
In what was the first league game in front of fans between the two old rivals at Elland Road since October 2003, Elanga scored his side’s fourth goal with two minutes remaining to confirm victory for Ralf Rangnick’s men
SOURCE: BBC
By: Christian Conteh
President Adama Barrow has said that one of the major challenges the African continent (this includes The Gambia) faces is the attainment of economic independence after attaining political independence.
The President made this important topic his talking point during the delivery of his speech at the Mccarthy Square, Banjul, on the occasion of The Gambia’s 57th Independence Anniversary Celebration.
“In this era, the dilemma of African countries largely remains the attainment of economic independence in an inter-dependent world. Like many other nations around the world, this is one of The Gambia’s major challenges,” President Barrow said.
He further noted that, although he holds the view that absolute economic independence is impractical, it is certain that it can reduce the continents (generally) and the nations (particularly) heavy dependence on the outside world.
But how can we do this meaningfully? he asked.
“The solution depends hugely on how practical we are and how far we choose to go in raising our productivity and production capabilities and outputs while minimising imports and maximising exports,” Barrow answered.
The head of state went on to note that the imbalance between imports and exports for The Gambia is enormous, and this needs to be offset.
Generally, he noted there is a great need to transform the population into a more productive resource.
To free the nation from economic dependence, President Barrow, among other strategies urged Gambians to invest more freely in the productive sectors, produce as much of what they consume as they need, and eat more homemade products. In the same vein, he encouraged people to expand and patronise local businesses, while developing, encouraging and tapping local talent.
“A lot of potential to increase national income generation lies in organising our communities to set up joint businesses, engage in more productive ventures, and make the most of our natural resources. Old and ineffective approaches have to give way to greater application of technology and modern techniques of production,” Barrow said.
President Barrow used the occasion to share his vision for The Gambia. The vision includes a nation with top-class infrastructure, sufficient energy for national coverage and a technology-supported society that matches the digital world, all of which propel growth, economic development and social cohesion through an adequately equipped human resource base.
Seven children have been killed in Niger in an air strike by the Nigerian army targeting “bandits”, a local governor and state media have said.
Five more were hurt in the apparently accidental strike, the governor of Niger’s Maradi region told AFP.
Governor Chaibou Aboubacar said four were killed instantly and three died on their way to hospital. State TV said the attack happened in Nachade village.
Nigerian officials said an investigation had begun.
Mr Aboubacar said the victims’ parents were attending a ceremony and “the children were probably playing” when the air strikes hit them.
He said he believed the planes were targeting “armed bandits” in areas around the border between the two countries but missed their target and hit Nachade, a village in the area of Madarounfa.
Niger and Nigeria have been conducting joint military operations against armed gangs responsible for a wave of kidnappings and killings in the region.
Since 2018 Niger has reinforced military patrols along its border with Nigeria to prevent incursions of the gangs.
The children’s deaths come just three months after 26 children aged five and six died in a fire at a school in Maradi city.
BBC
By Dawda Baldeh
Cruise Ship Crew Gambia is on a man haunt for Jamanty Sanneh, a young Gambian and native of Kwinella in the Lower River Region who travelled to the United States of America (USA) to work as a Crew member under the support of Cruise Ship Crew Gambia.
Jamanty Sanneh is said to have escaped from the company upon arrival in the United States and the company has been looking for him.
The Cruise Ship Crew Gambia is a company that recruit young Gambian to work as crew members in their Ships and the company also offers skills training to young people who after will employ by the company. The company employs cooks, laundry attendants, cleaners…among other areas.
In a Facebook post, the company says: “we are searching for Jamanty Sanneh and we appeal to Gambians both home and abroad to help us find Jamanty Sanneh so he can be deported back home.”
Jamanty Sanneh is from Kwinella, Kiang Central and was said to have been recruited by Cruise Ship Crew Gambia to work onboard a cruise ship in the United States of America.
The statement further stated that it is an opportunity Cruise Ship Crew Gambia offers to Gambians. “Once a crew is given a job, the company sends them ticket to join their ships in various parts of the world.”
According to the Crew, Jamanty Sanneh left the Gambia for New York on Wednesday 19th January 2022 onboard an Air Portugal flight, but he is currently said to be at large in New York, thereby jeopardizing chances of thousands of Gambians who are waiting to go.
The Crew disclosed that there is a handsome reward for anyone who would help in finding Jamanty, urged Gambians to desist from such acts noting that it will jeopardize the chances of many people to secure similar opportunities.
As unemployment continues to be challenging, Cruise Ship Crew Gambia is recruiting young people to be employed as crew workers.
By: Madi Jobarteh
The press release from the Police about the Central Bank scandal should be taken with a huge pinch of salt, if not a whole plate of salt!
But first things first; The Alkamba Times story is not false, nor does it lack clarity. Therefore, the last point in the press release that the media should verify things with the Police PRO is nothing but an attempt to divert attention and to impugn the media.
The Alkamba Times or any media need not necessarily seek the opinion of the Police PRO for any and every story.
It is good that the press release said in Point 18 that they are working to expose the truth. The fact is this press release is not the whole truth.
For example, it is amazing that the press release cannot name any so-called scammer. If they had interrogated Ansumana Bah, surely, he must have told them one name among the scammers. Citizens have a right to know. Who would pay 11 million dalasi to an unidentified person? Am sure Ansumana is not so dumb to do that! So, this press release is very economical with the truth.
The press release has not even mentioned the letter from the lawyers of Ansumana. One would assume that an established law firm would not be so irresponsible as to write such a letter to the Central Bank of a country when those lawyers have not verified their client’s story.
We must recognize that what is alleged here is a very serious matter! It does not only touch the Central Bank, but it also directly impacts on the Gambia Government’s relationship with the World Bank and the IMF and all regional and international financial partners.
To claim fraud involving a central bank of any nation is a major economic, political and national security issue.
Therefore, for these lawyers to ignore the gravity of this allegation and write such a letter is indeed outrageous, unless they are zombies! But the Police did not even mention the law firm! Why?
Who is Ansumana Bah? Where does he live and work? What does he do for a living? When did the Police know of this so-called charity such that no action was taken against them since early 2021? Since the 2.5 million pounds emanated from the UK makes this case an international crime too. In that case, the British law enforcement and Interpol are legitimate stakeholders. But the press release did not say anything about that!
In fact, how come this letter was written to Abdou Ceesay and copied to the Governor on February 10 and the Governor did not find it necessary to inform the IGP immediately so that action was taken asap. Rather both the Central Bank and the Police had to wait until a newspaper had to break the story 7 days later only for them to do some ‘fat-fat’ investigation and then release open-ended press releases?
Who on earth will have 2.5 million pounds sterling only to change it into mutilated bank notes and then decide to take those militated bank notes to a country’s central bank to cleanse them into authentic new notes? It does not make sense. Why did the so-called scammers choose to take in mutilated bank notes in the first place, and then have the audacity to go to the Central Bank with those bad notes to turn them into new ones?
If I have 100 pounds and wish to change into dalasi, even if I go to Westfield, I will not accept mutilated notes. Why should I? So why did these so-called scammers accept mutilated notes when they could have easily taken their time to get the right notes without having to go to any bank? Were they in a hurry? Why, when the risk is greater with the Central Bank!?
Therefore, it is not enough for the Police and the Central Bank to release high sounding statements of denial. This matter requires the intervention of the National Assembly and the Financial Intelligence Unit.
There have been far too many scandals in this Government. Either these scandals are completely ignored or denied, or the Government said they are investigating but then no report comes out or the Police claim there was no case. This is unacceptable and there is a need for citizens to stand up to confront corruption by demanding the President to address it head on. The incidents of corruption are far too numerous that they cannot be counted by the fingers!
For The Gambia Our Homeland
The Gambia Teacher’ Union has called off an industrial action it started and urged teachers to return to work immediately.
This came after the government paid their outstanding COVID-19 allowances.
“Teachers are hereby requested to return to work with immediate effect and continue doing their best,” a statement from the union stated.
According to the press statement signed by the Union’s Secretary-General Marie Antoinette Corr, they (the union) have received feedback from the members that teachers in all affected regions have now been paid their full COVID allowances.
Ms Corr said the union is renewing its commitment and resolve in safeguarding its principles and commitment to pupils, students and teachers.
By: Christian Conteh
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has slammed a ban on Gambia’s Independence Stadium ‘for not meeting the required standard to host CAF A Type competition,’ a letter dated 16th February 2022 has revealed.
This means the country’s AFCON preliminary round qualifier match against Chad will not be played at home.
“CAF has decided to ban the Independence Stadium for failure to meet the required standard to host CAF A Type competition. As such, our (Scorpions) match against Chad scheduled on the 29th March 2022 for the preliminary round qualifiers of the Africa cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 will not be hosted in the Stadium,” Independence Stadium and Friendship Hotel said in a Facebook post.
The statement noted that CAF has instructed the country to bring its stadium up to speed with international standards, this would include massive renovation; re-grassing of the football ground; building of modern substitute benches; floodlights with 1200 lux and a standby generator for evening matches; complete renovation and expansion of the dressing rooms; modern first aid and treatment facilities for players and officials; seats for individual spectators; as well as equipped media facilities and training facilities, should all be done if the country wishes to use the stadium for internationally recognised fixtures.
Although no official statement has come from the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) it is important to note that the stadium management has on several occasions reported about the state of the stadium since 2012.
The stadium which was built in 1983 has not had any major maintenance and or rehabilitation of its facilities
Meanwhile, Gambia Football Federation (GFF), on the 18th February, said the Queen Scorpions would host the return leg of the 2022 Total Energies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Independence Stadium on 23rd February 2022, at 16:00 GMT; after their 8-0 away lost to the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon at the Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaoundé on Friday afternoon; in the first leg of the Morocco edition of the competition.
The match is expected to be played behind closed doors due to the current COVID-19 Protocols and requirements of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Gambia’s Ministry of Health has in a press statement dated 19th February 2022, refuted claims on social media that indicate there is a shortage of blood bags in the health facilities across the country.
According to the release, “adequate stock of blood bags are currently available at the Central Medical Stores in Kotu.” It further indicated that the blood bags will be distributed to various health facilities through the ministries Logistic Management System.
“The Ministry of Health would like to inform the public that adequate stock of blood bags are currently available at the Central Medical Stores in Kotu which are distributed to the various health facilities through the Logistic Management System which is efficient and reliable, “the statement from the ministry reads.
According to the ministry, it has blood transfusion centres in which blood transfusion services are provided. These centres provide an opportunity for the public to voluntarily donate blood to people that require the services.
These centres include: EFSTH, Kanifing Hospital, Bundung Maternal Hospital, Brikama District Hospital, Bwiam General Hospital, Soma District Hospital, Bansang General Hospital, Basse District Hospital, Farafenni General Hospital and Essau District Hospital.
In addition, Sukuta Minor Health Centre serves as a blood collection centre for onward transmission to the nearest blood transfusion centre.
The Ministry of Health would like to assure the public that efforts will be made to ensure uninterrupted blood transfusion services including the availability of blood bags in all blood transfusion centres in the country. Thus, the Ministry would like to clarify that blood bags are available in health facilities and the public is encouraged to donate blood,” it stated.
The Ministry of Health went on to urge the public to call the ministry’s toll-free number 1025 or visit their website on www.moh.gov for more information.
It ends by soliciting the support and cooperation of the public in the delivery of quality, affordable and accessible health care services across the country.
By: Madi Jobarteh
It is with sadness and disappointment to notice the many voices seeking to impugn the ongoing constitutional amendment process aimed at catering for more seats for women and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the National Assembly. Some have said that the mover of the bill, Hon. Touma Njai is on a self-serving agenda. Some even ridiculously question why she did not come up with this initiative five years ago but now.
Even more sadly, others have said that this initiative will only give opportunity to elitist women at the expense of the ordinary hard working yet suffering masses of our women in the farms, markets and homes. Others have dismissed the entire initiative on the basis that these elected women will never stand for their fellow women when they are in parliament.
Indeed, given history and politics in any society, one can raise so many doubts and questions, some of which can be indeed genuine and necessary. But to be utterly cynical because of the past and present prevailing circumstances will not serve any society. After all, governance is a process the quality of which depends on the quality of laws, strength of institutions, active citizen participation and effective leadership.
I can vouch that Hon. Touma Njai is not seeking selfish interest with this bill. She cannot use this bill to gain re-election. She genuinely believes in the need to enhance women’s quality participation in politics and increase their representation in decision making structures in the country. One may disagree with her on any issue or approach, but she has no ulterior motive with this bill other than to serve the best interest of women in particular, and the society at large. She has always been positive on women’s empowerment!
Those who critique this bill must ask themselves how we can bring about equal participation and representation of men and women in this society? Indeed, the Constitution has guaranteed the right to equality and participation in politics. There has been a Women’s Bureau since 1980. In 2010 the Women’s Act was created. In 2019, the Ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Children was also created. Yet until today, after half a century of Independence, women continue to face marginalization, disempowerment, abuse, exclusion and inequalities in our homes, communities, workplaces, power and across the entire society. Why?
We know that since 1960 when Augusta Jawara became the first Gambian woman to stand for election, even though she did not win, to Nyimsata Sanneh Bojang who became the first woman to win an election in 1982, women continue to be hugely under-represented in the National Assembly. Currently there are only three women elected NAMs. The country has never had a woman president. Only two women ever vied for the presidency, Isatou Touray and Marie Sock Jobarteh. All political parties are led by men with few having women as deputy party leaders.
Therefore, those who ridicule this bill and Touma, should ask themselves how on earth could his country ever bring about power equality among its two largest population sectors – men and women, such that none is disadvantaged purely because of their sex. Meantime women form the majority in this society. Funnily, many of those who question this bill and Touma are in fact men, thus raising the question as to how much they know and feel about gender inequality as Touma who is indeed a woman! She who feels it, knows it.
A bill like this is not meant to magically and automatically at once change the status of girls and women in this country. There are huge social, economic, cultural and political beliefs, practices, and structures that stand in the way of women and equality. Thus, this bill, like the Constitution itself or the Women’s Act or the Women’s Bureau and the Ministry are part of the process of changing that long and deeply unjust narrative of a society to become more just and equal.
To achieve that is not the job of only Touma Njai or the 14 women and the two persons with disabilities who will be elected when this bill is passed into law. Rather it means the entire society – citizens, government, political parties and indeed every CSO, community, institution and organization will have to work hard to remove all of the structural and immediate barriers to equality, justice, empowerment and progress.
Thus, before one raises all sorts of innuendos, cynicism and outright condemnation, we should rather recognize that our country has not been on a just foundation since Independence in 1970. We are a sovereign republic in law, but we are yet to obtain sovereignty – i.e., equality and dignity – in practice for our all citizens. It is initiatives like this that will serve to facilitate the transformation of society. But that transformation does not lie only on the President or National Assembly or political parties or individual NAMs alone. Rather all citizens have a right and duty to achieve that transformation.
Therefore, if we condemn this bill and chastise Touma Njai for it, what is it that we wish to offer? Do not just raise questions and doubts and offer high-sounding intentions and hopes. In practice, how do we wish to really change this society, positively? Let us exercise our minds to that. Surely, it is not that every woman or PWD elected will become that ideal freedom fighter for women and persons with disabilities. There will surely be disappointments and betrayers among these elected women and PWDs. But there is also the opportunity for voters to remove such non-performing NAMs in the next election. That is also a duty of the voter.
I wish to therefore call on all citizens to support this bill to form part of the initiatives that any society will take in order to bring about equality, justice and freedom hence equal development to all. Everyone has a right and duty to make the Gambia a just and equal society. Let us critique this bill with a view to improving it or offering a better alternative. But let us not attack the bill and Touma just to satisfy one’s cynicism or dislike for Touma or one’s disdain for the political leadership in the country.
For The Gambia Our Homeland
Nigerian President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Thursday in Brussels, Belgium, called for stronger support from the European Union in condemning and imposing weighty sanctions on countries that engaged in unconstitutional change of government.
This is as he said the sanctions should also apply to leaders who manipulated the constitution to extend their term limit.
Buhari, while contributing to the roundtable discussion on Peace, Security and Governance at the ongoing 6th EU-AU Summit, stressed the need to nip the root causes of extremism, conflicts and tensions in Africa in the bud.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement on Friday titled, ‘At EU-AU summit, President Buhari calls for weighty sanctions for unconstitutional leadership changes in Africa.’
The President also called on European leaders as partners in promoting democracy and good governance to lend their weight behind measures put in place by the African Union to stem the tide of unconstitutional leadership changes rearing its head again on the continent.
He said, “Africa has continued to witness different waves of violent extremism, community-based conflicts and inter-ethnic tensions, notably in rural areas. Our continent has been deprived of political stability and socio-economic development for many decades due to terrorism and violent extremism.
“More worrisome is the current state of democracy on the continent, which has become a great source of concern to many of us, with increasing cases of unconstitutional change of governments across the continent, particularly in West Africa. This is in addition to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The African Union has often responded to these challenges through its different structures, such as the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture. Through enhanced collaboration with our development partners, especially the European Union, we can identify areas of cooperation for quick and substantive results.’’
“As leaders and policymakers, it is important for our partnership to place priority on tackling the root causes of conflicts in Africa, as well as taking measures in safeguarding peace and security if we are to achieve the African Union Agenda 2063.
“We also call for stronger support from the European Union in the condemnation and imposition of weighty sanctions on countries that engage in unconstitutional change of governments, as well as manipulation of constitutions in favour of extension of term limits,” he said.
The President added that it was imperative to ensure that election processes in Africa had outcomes that truly reflected the electorate’s wishes, as to go contrary to these is courting instability.
Buhari also called for the concretisation and transformation of promises of cooperation made by the European leaders to actions.
“We invite the EU to upscale its support for the G5 Sahel and the Multinational Joint TaskForce in the Lake Chad Region as we strive to degrade further the Boko Haram insurgents and their Islamic State in the West Africa Province counterparts,’’ he stated.
By: Honourable Toney F Mendy
In my observation, the chase for titles, the delight in being considered a “relevant stakeholder” whatever it means in our society today, have led to the ridiculous- shameless practice of apportioning titles to oneself.
There are the “The Right Honourable National Assembly Members”, “The Honourable Ministers”, “The Honourable Councilors”, “The Honourable Chairpersons”, “The Honourable Youth Leaders”, “The Honourable Governors”, “The Honourable Commissioners”, “The Honourable Chiefs”, “The Honourable Managing Directors”, “The Honourable Secretaries”, “The Honourable Political Leaders/Candidates/Aspirants”, and what I am yet to hear, “The Honourable Alkaaloolu”. Truly amazing!
There is also the professor in our schools. Don’t mind he never published a paper or even attend university. There is the intellectual, this term has no clear meaning here but mostly, it is associated with people who assumingly possess a certain degree of proficiency in the former colonial master’s medium of introduction, English and there is also the journalist, just anyone who has a mobile phone, and or a camera. The list is unexhaustive. Apparently, all it seems to require is the courage to declare oneself whatever one so desires. And the ‘emerging’ victim in line is the title “The Honourable”.
The honorific title, “The Right Honourable” or “Honourable” is customarily a ‘title indicating eminence, and often given to certain high officials, and members of Parliament’ in many Commonwealth jurisdictions. In The Gambia, like in many Westminster parliamentary systems, members of the Legislature are traditionally not allowed to call each other by their respective names in the Chambers, except by attaching the prefix “The Honourable” to the constituent the member being referred represents.
As recently as 2019, the revised Standing Orders of the National Assembly mandates that all members, save for Nominated Members be referenced as ‘Honourable’ (see Order 27). I am not sure, the likes of late Joseph Davidson Richards Esq alias J.D, the first African/Gambian to be appointed in the Legislative Council in 1883 cares about what is in the title ‘Honourable’ but members of the Legislature were always officially referenced as “Honourable”.
But why do we do this, I mean apportioning titles to ourselves? Let me speculate, the reasons are many. Some do that so they can craftily warm themselves into the reservoir of self-aggrandizement and a sense of belonging to the circle of the bourgeois, the relevant masters and mistresses in our society who are close, maybe, to wealth and the corridors of power, and maybe again, unchecked political power. That way, they could feed their egos, and flaunt their shoulders in social ceremonies, say when they are being invited to assume golden seats, take a podium to “inspire a generation”, or when being introduced to an audience.
For these clowns, I’d call them, relevance seems to lie and driven by credulous forces of official references such as “The Honourable”, “Excellency”, and the other I dare not mention.
There are different layers to this now popular display of foolery and of course, it reflects on every nerve of our society, governance machinery, and beyond, to even those that emulate the said structures, such as in youth and students’ organizations. Well, they too have “Your Excellencies” and “Honourables”. Nowadays, the mention of “Honourable” could frequently be heard, perhaps, as frequently as citizens’ complaints in radio stations and social media over the very cheap cost of living, zero high-level of corruption and excellent electricity supply by the ever best national electricity company in Africa, which one else, but NAWEC. If only tears were left in my ears, I did weep for NAWEC again.
Yet one wonders why “CHARACTER” doesn’t matter in this tiny nation of complexities.
It must not be misconstrued that I am against titles or official references such as “Honourable”, or “Your Excellency”, instead, it is the lack of boundaries being manifested by us, in our quest to satisfy our self-serving attributions by continuing to inappropriately apportion titles to ourselves. The spotlight problem is my problem.
So, don’t worry, I am watchful of my diction. Here, I am only unkind to the category of title fraudsters. I must be very very stubborn, like many did claim I am, to question well-deserved or earned titles such as that of my very own professorship and honorary title. I am “Professor-Honorable Toney”. My friend said I am, maybe because I recently began to dress on suits appearing like a little British boy at work, in Banjul…but certainly not in Marina Parade.
It is mind-bogglingly, and one can only wonder what magical effect is woven into such fanciful references to warrant it being abused popularly. Except otherwise if we were on a mission to rename our country to “Nation of The Honourable People”, for the sake of the low price of rice, I respectfully submit, let us permit haji be haji, and the Honourable be honorable. And you and me? Well, there is still honor in being a common man.
As regards the possibility of changing the name of our country, let me choose Upper Volta now Burkina Faso (Land of Incorruptible People) for example. They have done it! Just that, we must agree, if corruption were Upper Volta’s problem then, to warrant a change of name to Burkina Faso, we may be faced with dilemmas because not only will I suggest that there is little or lack of honor among us, but corruption is everywhere here but nowhere here…Certainly, we may equally have to reconsider the name “Nation of The Honourable People”. My final suggestion: ‘The Nation of Incorruptible Honourable People’.
Now, I can already see the faces of those who will argue that this is all about elitism, protecting, and entrenchment of a class system in our society. Far from it, the objective in my little rambling here is to highlight the absurd nature we have come to naïvely begin to think, that appealing to self-serving references could or would change the reality of who we truly are.
But who set the standards? After all, we are supposed to be “honourable” People. Do not be left behind the phenomenon then… simply add the prefix “The Honourable” to your name today.
By: Dawda Baldeh
The President of the Republic of The Gambia Adama Barrow has said that the future belongs to those who prepare for it and urged students to take their education seriously. He made this statement during his speech on the occasion of the 57th Anniversary of Gambia’s Independence at the McCarthy Square, Banjul.
“You are the future leaders of this country. I urge you all to take your education very seriously,” President Barrow said, adding that the education sector shall remain his governments top priority.
“My government is committed to the attainment of quality education. I encourage all students to continue working hard. You are assured of a brighter future. You are encouraged to take your education very seriously, tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it,” the Head of State said.
The Gambian leader further confirmed his government’s commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
He used the opportunity to thank the Gambian Security Forces, the media, teachers and his ministers among others for their commitment to the development of the country.
The president concluded his speech by thanking the gallant Scorpions of The Gambia for their impressive performance at the recently concluded AFCON in Cameroon.
“As citizens, let us continue working together to achieve our common goals. As a leader, I believe in democracy and I assure you that my government is committed to maintaining democracy in the country,” he said. Adding that, “the world is moving fast and we must also move fast.”
He concluded by calling on Gambians to embrace unity and work for the development of the country.
By: Christian Conteh
As Gambia celebrates its 57th Anniversary of Independence the United States Government has encouraged the Gambian Government to continue the work of its Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC).
This it says will help ‘heal the wounds of the past and move towards a more just society.’ The message came in a press statement from Antony J. Blinke, the country’s Secretary of State.
“I commend The Gambia on its successful election in December and encourage the government to continue the work of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission to heal the wounds of the past and move toward a more just society,” the statement reads.
The TRRC Report which was submitted to President Adama Barrow in December of 2021 catalogues horrific acts of murder, torture, rape, enforced disappearances and other crimes against humanity.
Most of the inhumane acts the commission links with the country’s former President Yahya Jammeh and his ‘Junglers’.
President Barrow has on countless occasions reiterated his commitment to implementing the recommendations of the report and ensuring justice is served. He has however encouraged the Gambian people to exercise patience as things must be done within the confines of the law.
Americas Secretary of State Antony J. Blinke has on behalf of the Government and people of America congratulated People Of The Gambia On Their 57th Anniversary of Independence.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of the United States of America, it is my honor and pleasure to congratulate the people of The Gambia on their 57th anniversary of independence,” the press statement reads.
It further noted that the people of the United States and The Gambia have many traits in common, including their shared belief in democracy, respect for human rights at home and abroad, and a commitment to justice.
“I commend The Gambia on its successful election in December and encourage the government to continue the work of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission to heal the wounds of the past and move toward a more just society,” the statement adds.
It further assures Gambians around the world that as they celebrate Independence Day this year they should know that their friends and partners in the United States celebrate alongside them and look forward to many celebrations together.
The Gambia Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) Report has exposed how the Mile II detention facility was used by Former President Yahya Jammeh to inflict unfathomable pain through torture on prisoners, particularly those detained for political reasons.
The report states that the prison service was used as a tool for oppression and formed part of the tentacles of the State control over every aspect of life of Gambians.
“Detainees were incarcerated at Mile II Central Prison without due process, and they were not allowed family visits or access to their lawyers,” the TRRC Report states.
According to the report, the Former President Yahya A.J.J Jammeh used the prison system to punish his opponents by sending them to what he called a ‘five-star hotel’.
As at the time the commission was doing its work, a visit paid to the facility confirmed it was dark, dirty, damp and mosquito infested. Such conditions in the words of one of the witnesses during a public hearing are inhumane degrading and a violation of the prisoners basic, fundamental human rights.
The report also noticed that Ex-President Jammeh appointed a Director General who was not qualified for the job and therefore could be manipulated into carrying out his illegal orders.
It further noted that the eligibility criteria for recruitment into the prison force and subsequent promotion were based on ethnic and community consideration.
“From 1994 to 2016, a special category of prisoners not recognised by law under the classification ‘detainees’ were kept at the security wing of Mile II central prison pursuant to executive directives and on orders of Former President Yahya A.J.J Jammeh. They were subjected to all forms of ill-treatment, abuse and striped of all their fundamental human rights,” the report said.
Detainees, during the public hearing confirmed they were deprived of food, water, clothing, basic sanitation and health care among other facilities. The infamous group, the Junglers and the State Guards are accused of mock executions, torture and corporal punishment.
The troops have been involved in the fight against Islamist militants in the country since 2013.
Mr Macron said the decision to leave followed a breakdown in diplomatic relations, amid growing hostility from Mali’s governing military junta.
The forces will be re-deployed elsewhere in Africa’s Sahel region.
“We cannot remain militarily engaged alongside de-facto authorities whose strategy and hidden aims we do not share,” Mr Macron told a news conference in Paris on Thursday.
He denied that the mission had been a failure and insisted that France remained committed to combating Islamist insurgencies in the region. He added that Niger had agreed to host some of the withdrawing forces.
“France has played a unifying role in this international mobilisation in favour of the Sahel,” he said. “We will continue to ensure this unifying role.”
The planned withdrawal, which is expected to happen over a four- to six-month period, was announced following meeting of European and African leaders at the Élysée Palace on Wednesday night.
In a statement released on Thursday morning, countries involved in the French-led Takuba Task Force said they had agreed to set out plans on how to remain actively involved in the region, most notably in Niger and the Gulf of Guinea countries, by June.
Colonel Souleymane Dembélé, a spokesman for the ruling junta, shrugged off France’s announcement, telling reporters that while European forces were in the country “terrorism engulfed the entire Malian territory”.
Almost 5,000 French troops are deployed in the Sahel region to combat Islamist insurgencies as part of Operation Barkhane, with around 2,400 of those located at three bases in northern Mali.
But relations between France and Mali, which is one of the world’s poorest nations, have deteriorated since the army first seized power in a coup in August 2020.
And tensions increased further last month when the junta reneged on an agreement to arrange elections in February and vowed to hold power until 2025, ultimately leading to the expulsion of the French ambassador.
In December, more than a dozen Western nations also condemned the deployment of mercenaries from the Russia-based Wagner group to Mali.
The group has been involved in several major conflicts, including in Syria, Mozambique, Sudan and the Central African Republic (CAR). A BBC investigation found links to war crimes in Libya.
Mr Macron warned on Thursday that the group had “essentially come to secure their economic interests and the junta itself”.
News of the French withdrawal was met with mixed reactions in Mali.
One man told the BBC that it would “bring peace in the north of our country because Russia and Wagner will certainly support our army”, while another described the French intervention in Mali as “a failure”.
However, others expressed fear that the situation was “worsening”.
“Just yesterday, there was an attack in the northern part of Mali… Our soldiers are in the central part. They are saying that the army is gaining ground. But only in the centre of the country. What about other regions?” one concerned local told the BBC.
By Maimouna Bah
Gambia’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has in a press conference held on Thursday 17 February 2022 explained the reason for the recent strike action by teachers, giving update on recent developments.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Loui Moses Mendy noted that the rational for the press conference was to make clarification about the sit down strike by teachers and the payment of Covid-19 allowances.
“When Covid-19 hit the globe, the World Health Organization and other stakeholders hint a call for people to observe social distance. In yielding to that call, a new model was invoked by reducing the number of students across the country. A double shift was introduced so that some students wouldn’t be affected academically. With this system, the agreement was that any teacher within this period who volunteers to adhere with the catch up program on Saturday lessons will be paid an allowance.”
He disclosed that the delay in payment some verification conducted to track those eligible to receive the Covid-19 allowance, noting that they couldn’t meet the timeline.
Mr. Mendy further disclosed that payment of the said allowance has begun last week, calling on all teachers who think they are left out to follow the verification protocols.
“They where not selectivity in payment as it is being done accordingly. Last week, they were able to pay them so classes have begun.
“We appreciate the efforts of the teachers, we are appealing to all the teachers who think they have been left out to follow the protocols. The teachers are not our enemies. We have been rewarding some teachers who took the extra mile to help their students. We thank the Gambia Teachers Union for cooperating with us.”
