By : Christian Conteh

The Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Ousainou Darboe has said that his party the UDP is a law-abiding political party and has been so since the formation of the party some 27 years ago.

He however warned the Gambia Police Force to not provoke his supporters.

Lawyer Darboe was speaking at the party secretariat on Kairaba Avenue. He called the press conference to express concern about his safety and the safety of his supporters following a clash between his supporters and the police during nomination day at Brikama.

“All the access routes to my house have paramilitary forces stationed there, this is an act of provocation. This is a political season and nobody will stop a UDP crowd from coming to the party’s office,” he said.

He however maintained that whatever they do they will do within the confines of the law. 

“Please let us help each other to keep the peace in this country. We are law-abiding citizens, we have not done anything in contravention of the law since our formation 27 years ago” he said. 

He strongly appealed to the Inspector General of Police to withdraw his men stationed around his house and on routes leading to his house.

By Sarjo Brito

The United Democratic Party’s Ebrima Dibba has applied for a permit to protest the Independent Electoral Commission’s decision to disqualify the party’s (UDP) candidate for Busumbala Constituency in the forthcoming National Assembly elections. The application letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police and dated March 11 says the reason for the protest is to ask the IEC to do the right thing, which is to rescind its decision regarding Sabally’s rejection. 

“I hereby apply for a permit to conduct a peaceful protest against the IEC’s decision to reject Momodou Sabally’s nomination application on Thursday 10th March 2022, in Brikama. Mr Sabally submitted his credentials to the IEC office in Brikama as the candidate of UDP for Busumbala Constituency for the upcoming National Assembly Elections. Instead of following due process and doing the right thing, the returning officer rejected his nomination,” the letter read.

“We are protesting to ask the Independent Electoral Commission to do the right thing and accept Mr Sabally’s nomination and to call for justice and fair play in this country. The protest will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at West Field from 10 am to 3 pm.”

The Independent Election on Thursday rejected the nomination of Momodou Sabally, the UDP’s candidate for Busumbala Constituency, citing section 90 (1) E of the 1997 constitution which states that:

No person shall be qualified for election as a member of The National Assembly if he or she “has been found by the report of a commission or committee of inquiry (the proceedings of which have been held and published in accordance with the relevant law) to be incompetent to hold public office by reason of having acquired assets unlawfully or defrauded the State or misused or abused his or her office, or willfully acted in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the State, and the findings have not been set aside on appeal or judicial review.”

Sabally who was adversely mentioned in the Janneh Commission Report has since appealed the IEC’s decision and is waiting for the outcome of his appeal.

Meanwhile, he has promised to carry on with his campaign as he accuses the IEC of being used as a tool to oppress him.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The management of the Gambia Ferry Service has warned fishermen to desist from placing their fishing nets along the ferry navigation area making it clear that such an action can cause potential damage to the ferry.

The call was made during a press conference organised by the GFS at the Banjul Ferry Terminal on Friday 11th March 2022. 

Lamin Jawara, General Manager of the Gambia Ferry Service said the activities of fishermen along the ferry navigation have become their major challenge asking fishermen to desist from such activities.

 “Their activities along the navigation areas are causing a lot of challenges for us,” he said.

Adding that they have invested over thirty million dalasis (D30m) for the maintenance of the ferry. 

He revealed that the fishing nets can cause damage to the engines of the ferry if they come in contact with it.

 “We are warning the fishermen to stop placing their nets along the navigation area,” he said. 

Pa Dawda Sanyang, Operational Manager said such activities should be avoided adding that its impact can lead to economic losses. 

“Three new engines had to be installed onto the ferry that came in contact with a net,” he said. 

According to GFS management, if the fishing activities continues taking place along the navigation area it can affect the Ferry service delivery. “We want the public to know the challenges we are encountering at the ferry. If the ferry parts are damaged it will take time before they are replaced and they are not available in the country,” Pa Dawda Sanyang said.  

Yankuba Manneh, Public Relation Officer of the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) also called on fishermen to avoid the fishing activities within the navigation area, adding that if the ferry is affected many businesses within and outside Banjul will be affected. 

By: Christian Conteh

Momodou Sabally the United Democratic Party (UDP) nominee for Busumbala constituency in the upcoming National Assembly Elections has blamed President Adama Barrow for his rejection by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

Momodu Sabally made these allegations whilst speaking to UDP supporters and Gambians through an audio message shared on social media. 

He said the country’s first gentleman and his people have ‘touched the untouchable’ and he is prepared to fight like a jin (a spirit that appears in human form).

He called on his people to calm down, promising them that he will get nominated and will be the next Member of the National Assembly representing Busumbala.

“We will get nominated by Allah’s will and I will be an MP in Busumbala constituency if it so pleases Allah,” he assured his people. Meanwhile, he said his campaign will continue unabated.

Momodou Sabally’s nomination bid was yesterday rejected by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on the grounds that his name had been adversely mentioned in a Commission of Enquiry.

His party leader Ousainou Darboe has challenged the IEC decision saying it is illegal. This prompted a wave of violent clashes between the police and UDP supporters in Brikama, an incident that left many people injured and some hospitalised.

The National Human Rights Commission has condemned police brutality but encouraged citizens to be law-abiding and use legal means to seek redress.

By: Christian Conteh

The country’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decried police brutality against a civilian describing it as unacceptable. 

This is in direct response to an incident that occurred yesterday 10th March 2022 where a group of Police Intervention Unit Officers in full riot gears were caught on camera as they kicked and beat an unarmed, non-threatening civilian with batons all over his body.

The Commission notes that it wishes to state in no uncertain terms that,

“no person, in particular law enforcement officers, has the right to torture, beat, injure or harm another regardless of the provocation. The Commission has also contacted the Office of the Inspector General of Police to raise its concerns. The actions of these Police Officers are condemnable, inhumane, degrading and, above all, a flagrant violation of human rights.” 

A Police Officer it further states is not only a guardian of the law but is also expected, as a duty bearer, to respect and protect the human rights of all people, including those who are even suspected of breaking the law. 

“By the adoption in 2020 of the Guidelines on Policing Public Assemblies in The Gambia, the Gambia Police has placed upon itself the obligation to put in place mechanisms and standards for the peaceful management of assemblies and demonstrations. Having a group of officers acting contrary to the spirit of the Guidelines is both disheartening and disturbing,” the press release reads. 

The Commission used the opportunity to as usual reiterate its unequivocal position against impunity and every form of human rights violation. Police brutality it says has no place in a democratic dispensation. Due process and rule of law are expected to be followed when a person breaks or is suspected of breaking the law. 

The Human Rights Commission went on to call on the Inspector General of Police to immediately identify and bring to book the Police Officers who are in the video assaulting the civilian. Indicating that they have violated the law and should therefore be punished accordingly. 

While the commission reminds all law enforcement officers that they have a duty to respect and protect human rights and that they would be held accountable for any human rights violation committed whether under command or not, it also urges everyone to always be law-abiding, uphold the rule of law and follow due process when aggrieved. 

By: Christian Conteh

Dr Ismaila Sesay of the Citizens’ Alliance Party (CA) has openly condemned the high handedness of The Gambia Police Force. His condemnation came after police officers manhandled supporters of the United Democratic Party (UDP) during yesterday’s nomination exercise.

UDP supporters attempted to force their way into the electoral body’s premise in Brikama an attempt which the police reacted to with tear gas and beating. 

The Gambia politician however, encouraged citizens to always be disciplined and law-abiding and follow legal processes where they feel injured or that their rights have been violated.

“We condemn all forms of police brutality regardless of perpetrator or victim. We urge The Gambia police to always exercise restraint and act within the confines of the law when maintaining public order. We advise all citizens to always be disciplined and law-abiding and follow legal processes where they feel injured or that their rights have been violated. Trust in the judicial process is the bedrock of a peaceful society,” Dr Ceesay said.

Dr Ceesay was the flagbearer for the Citizens’ Alliance Party (CA) but could not participate in the December 4th 2021 Presidential Election after his nomination was rejected by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

He went to court to challenge the decision. The court ruled in his favour and set a very important judicial precedent in the country’s electoral history.

By: Christian Conteh

Another legal mind in the person of M. Robertson Roberts Esq has agreed with lawyer Ousainou Darboe Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) that Momodou Sabally’s disqualification was not in line with constitutional provisions, thus making the process fundamentally flawed.

Lending his legal opinion Lawyer Roberts said the procedure adopted to disqualify Momodou Sabally Is flawed and he thinks it must be set aside.

“Indeed, the Returning Officer has abused and outstripped his mandate by leaps and bounds. The procedure adopted by the returning officer is so flawed that any decision that emanates thereof should be set aside like rotten meat,” he said.

He further noted that no returning officer has the right, power or legal mandate to reject the candidacy of a Parliamentary contestant outrightly by stating that that person has been adversely mentioned in a Commission of Enquiry.

This he emphasises is certainly not what section 90(1) (E) of the country’s constitution states.

Infact, he maintained that the Returning Officer went on to state that this was his decision and not the decision of the IEC. And gave Momodou Sabally 48hrs to write to the IEC to challenge this decision.

“This is preposterous nonsense and the law deals with procedures and forms, and this should be the basis of a challenge at the courts. Who is this returning officer and what makes him think he possesses such a right to disqualify a candidate on his own accord, on the spot and based on his own individual understanding of the Constitutional provisions of Section 90 of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia,” Lawyer Roberts opined.

The learned counsel further noted that when Mr. Sabally quizzed him (the IEC Returning Officer) he said he made the decision on his own accord,

“No No this is my decisoin”! (I refer you to the video on the Fatu Network). 

“Who are you Mr. Returning officer to make such a decision?” Lawyer Robert asks.

He stressed that the event of yesterday Thursday 10th March 2022 must be the basis of a legal challenge in the courts.

“Let the courts tell us if this is how the law must be applied and interpreted. That an unknown returning officer sitting under the blazing heat in Brikama can now make pronouncements on such constitutional matters of his own volition.”

“If you a returning officer possesses such monumental powers then what powers have the courts? Why then is an appeal pending in our courts when you Mr. Returning officer with absolutely no legal qualifications can give a blanket interpretation of a constitutional provision linking it to the findings of a constitution,” he further asked.

The matter continues to generate heated debate across the political divide, with various lawyers lending their legal opinion to the issue.

By Sainabou Sambou

The United Democratic Party (UDP) yesterday submitted nomination papers for several candidates contesting in the April 2022 National Assembly Elections.

At Kanifing the aspiring candidates promised to fight against corruption in the Gambia when they get elected to the house of representatives.

Yahya Sanyang an aspirant for Latrikunda Sabiji said he is optimistic that he will be accepted by the IEC because he has fulfilled all the criteria that the IEC asked for.

He said the Gambia is at a very sad stage right now and he feels that people like him must step up and play a role in changing the situation. He expressed optimism about winning the April election.

“I will fight corruption if I win because there is 100% corruption in this country, and we need to stop that,” he said.

Assan Touray an aspirant for Bakau said he has brought a lot of development to his community and if he is re-elected, he will continue to bring the same development in his constituency and the Gambia at large.

“I am very sure that when I will have been re-elected into office for the second time, I will fight corruption and make sure that the Anti-Corruption bill is tabled in the National Assembly” he stated.

Ya Kumba Jaiteh an aspirant for Serekunda said if she is re-elected into office, she will make sure that the laws are put into order and also ensure she supports a new constitution for the Gambia.

Madi Ceesay an aspirant for Serekunda west, Musa Badjie an aspirant for Tallinding kunjang, Bakary Njie for Bundungka Kunda constituency and others made similar commitments.

Opposition Leader Ousainou Darboe has accused the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of deliberately and illegally rejecting the nomination papers of one of its National Assembly picks Momodou Sabally.

Darboe was speaking at a presser held on Thursday evening. He alleged that the IEC rejection of the nomination papers of Sabally is a calculated ploy to help the governing National People’s Party (NPP) win the National Assembly Elections slated for early next month.

“We want to put this out to the world and to say that IEC is at it again. IEC is at it again to help the NPP win and there could be no clear indication of that than what this returning officer has done,” Darboe said.

The decision is already a topical issue of debate across the country.

By Sarjo Brito

Momodou Sabally’s rejection by the Independent Electoral Commission has ignited a debate on selective justice in The Gambia. Momodou Sabally’s National Assembly bid was cut short during the filing of his nomination papers in Brikama West Coast Region where officials of the IEC told him the reason for his disqualification was because he was adversely mentioned in the Janneh Commission report. The decision of the IEC has since been met with different opinions, with some accusing the Barrow government of cherry-picking people who the commission’s recommendations apply to and not.

‘’A government white paper is not Law. It is a policy document. Only the courts can give it the force of law. It is for that same reason that the courts rejected the legality of the selling of Jammeh’s assets by the Ministry of Justice and deemed it illegal. If the IEC is now rejecting Sabally then it means they have acted outside the remit of the Law. If lawyer Darboe was accepted as a presidential candidate there is absolutely no reason that sabally should be rejected. Both were found wanting by a Commission of Inquiry. You cannot accept Lawyer Darboes nomination and reject that of Momodou Sabally’’ – Melville Roberts argues

‘’What’s good for the goose, is good for the gander. If Sabally Momodou is disqualified, then the president should do himself a favour and dismiss some of his cabinet ministers named in the Janneh Commission report. Some people might see this partisan but we’re treading in dangerous waters. The President is there for all Gambians and should not be allowed to score political points by people’’—Dawda Ceesay

Momodou Sabally and his supporters alike have accused the Independent Electoral Commission of using Janneh Commissions adverse finding to target him while having other people serving Ministerial positions who have equally been found wanting by a commission. while his supporters come to his defence, others believe Sabally’s disqualification is clearly justified in the 1997 Constitution.

‘’Section 90(1)e of the Constitution is very clear with regards to Sabally’s disqualification. It states: No person shall be qualified for election as a member of The National Assembly if he or she

“has been found by the report of a commission or committee of inquiry (the proceedings of which have been held and published in accordance with the relevant law) to be incompetent to hold public office by reason of having acquired assets unlawfully or defrauded the State or misused or abused his or her office, or wilfully acted in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the State, and the findings have not been set aside on appeal or judicial review”.

‘’There’s no ambiguity in this provision. Sabally isn’t qualified. Public office means any national, state, or local governmental position of public trust and responsibility, whether elective or appointive, which is created or prescribed or recognized by constitution, statute, or ordinance’’—PDOIS’S Sulayman Bokar Bah wrote.

By Sarjo Brito

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

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

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

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

By: Christian Conteh

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

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

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

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

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

By: Sainabou Sambou

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Christian Conteh 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Sainabou Sambou

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Amara Thoronka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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