By: Dawda Baldeh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Sainabou Sambou 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Christian Conteh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Christian Conteh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Christian Conteh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the names of the people who made the shortlist

1. AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP AWARD

Aji Kumba Daffeh

Alfu M Sarr

Musa Darboe

2. DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT AWARD

Brikama Nema Diaspora Group

Doctor Nfamara k Dapha

Mattie Jacomba Bah

3. EDUCATION PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE

Musa Bah

Starfish International

4. EXEMPLARY YOUTH

Dr Ismaila Badjie

Marr Nyang

Youssou Sisawo

5. TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Adama Sarr

Lamin Ceesay

Lamin Manneh

6. HEALTH SERVANT OF THE YEAR AWARD

Dr Kebbe S Marenah

Dr Abdoulie Keita

Dr Rama Njie

7. ICONIC GAMBIAN AWARD (POSTHUMOUS)

Pa Nderry Mbye

8. GREEN AWARD

Ahmed Manjang

Dawda Cham

Maimuna Jabbie

9. PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR AWARD

Dr Kebba S Marenah

Hamidu Jah

Modou Turo Darboe

10. PERSONS OF THE YEAR

Alasan Senghore

Dr Lamin Sise

Ngilan Senghore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RFI

By: Sarjo Brito

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By: Sanna Jallow 

Three Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) National Assembly aspirants have today 7th March submitted their nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). Among the candidates are Momodou Jane for Serrekunda West Constituency, Momodou I Cham for Jeshwang Constituency and Ebrima Nyang for Latrikunda Sabiji Constituency.

Momodou Jane from Serrekunda West Constituency was the first to tender his nomination papers, unfortunately, his documents were incomplete. The ICE has given him a chance to go back and bring the complete documents before 5 pm tomorrow (8th March 2022).  

“This is not the first time IEC is giving me the chance to go back and put my papers together and submit the completed documents, it happened to me in 2017 during the parliamentary election. I have an agenda for this year, but I will not reveal it until I collect my acceptance letter from the IEC,” he said.

The second candidate to present his nomination papers was Momodou Cham popular known as MC Cham Jr, for Jeshwang Constituency, after submitting his papers he promised that if elected he would support the people of his consistency and take them out of the night mere they are suffering.

“If I win, I will support the women and youth of the Gambia as I will not only be in the National Assembly to represent the people of Jeshwang constituency,” MC Cham said.

Ebrima Ngang who seeks to represent the people of Latrikunda Sabiji said he is trying to join the race for the second time. He noted that if he wins this year’s parliamentary election the first thing he will fight for as a National Assembly Member is to end hate speech among politicians and provide term limits for elected offices.

He indicated that he will also continue supporting the young man and women of Latrikunda Sabiji as he was doing before. 

The Gambia for All Party (GAP) was on the nomination schedule but no member of the party showed up at the IEC.

By: Sanna Jallow 

The First Female Aspirant for Serrekunda West Nenneh Freda Gomez has faithfully promised to be the voice of the people when she gets elected to the National Assembly in April of 2022.

She made this promise after going through her nomination process over the weekend. Nenneh will be running for a parliamentary seat under the ticket of the Citizens’ Alliance (CA) Party. 

“Being the first female aspirant to represent Serrekunda West Constituency is a great achievement for me. Women are underrepresented and it is time for us to fight for our rights,” she said.

She further noted that only the National Assembly has the mandate to approve budgets from taxpayers’ money. Therefore, she will ensure she debates well during budget hearings so that the people of her constituency and by extension, the Gambian people will be well catered for.

Famara Mamburay also submitted nomination papers for Bundung ka Kunda Constituency in the Kanifing Municipality.

He expressed confidence that the people of Bundung ka Kunda Constituency will vote him in when his nomination papers are approved by the IEC because he is ready to work for the people of the community.

The community he says currently faces several challenges including poor road infrastructure and lack of water. The community he further notes has had these challenges for 57 years without any solutions.

The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC) has through its president advised Muslims to remain unified, enhance social harmonisation and Islamic cohesion in the country. This comes at a time when the country is braced up for the 2022 National Assembly Elections, with the nomination process already in progress.

Sheikh Essa Foday Darboe is the council’s president, he was reminding Muslims that Friday 4th March 2022 marked the 1st of Sha’aban, the 8th month of the Islamic calendar 1443H, the month preceding Ramadan.

“…the council takes this auspicious opportunity to kindly advise the Gambia Muslim community to remain unified in their ranks and [make] efforts to enhance social harmonization and Islamic cohesion in the country.”

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, which begins with the sighting of the new moon. During this month, Muslims worldwide are obligated to abstain completely from food, drink and sexual relations from dawn to dusk, culminating in a release of restrictions at sunset. The fast, as per the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is broken with dates followed by a meal which varies from culture to culture.

Fasting is observed as an act of obedience to God, one for which He has reserved special blessings. The fasting person is rewarded manifold for all good deeds. In addition, according to a saying of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), whoever fasts and prays during Ramadan with pure intentions will have their past sins forgiven.

By: Sarjo Brito

Lamin Waa Juwara, former leader of the National Democratic Action Movement and veteran Gambian politician has died, his family has confirmed. The Niamina Dankunku native, known to many as Mbarodi was 79. 

“I announce, with a heavy heart and great sadness, the passing of my uncle and stepfather Lamin Waa Juwara (Mbarodi). The Gambia has lost a great politician who sacrificed everything for his country and Niamina has lost a true son. May Allah grant him Jannah.”

The career politician was born in the country’s Central River Region in 1943. His political career began in 1977 when he contested the Sabach Sanjal Parliamentary seat as an independent candidate in the first republic. 

He lost to former Vice President Saikou Sabally. Juwara staged a return in 1992, contesting in his native Niamina Dankunku where he won his first National Assembly bid. He served as a National Assembly member until 1994 when Jammeh came to power. 

The fiery politician formed the then National Democratic Action Movement and led coalition talks which gave birth to the opposition National Alliance for Democracy and Development (NADD). 

After the collapse of the coalition, Waa Juwara decided to join Jammeh’s APRC. Under Jammeh, Waa served as Minister for Local Governments and Lands. He would later be dismissed by Jammeh and jailed for six months. 

Lamin Waa Juwara’s falling out with the former authoritarian ruler was fully documented during his appearance before the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission where he gave detailed allegation of torture meted on him by former Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh. 

Sometimes described by his critics as a Jammeh enabler for joining the APRC, Waa Juwara has always defended his decision, insisting it was part of a bigger plan to unseat the former Gambian President.

By: Christian Conteh

His Excellency President Adama Barrow has pledged his government’s commitment to providing accessible quality education countrywide.

The president made this commitment as he delivered a statement over the weekend at the 14th Convocation Ceremony of the University of the Gambia.

President Barrow noted that the key objective of taking this approach is to break the existing social and economic barriers that hinder progress and quality living conditions.

“My government will remain committed to providing accessible quality education countrywide. A key objective for taking this approach is to break the existing social and economic barriers that hinder progress and quality living conditions.

Another major objective, of course, is to enable the youth to realise and unleash their full potential,” President Barrow said.

The theme for the convocation was, “national unity, patriotism and nation building.”

The president noted that the findings of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TRRC) provide enough evidence, indicating that there is an urgent need for Gambians to engage in deep self-examination, and for them to commit themselves to unite the nation and build on their diversity and strengths for the welfare of all citizens.

Education he said must be at the centre of efforts to moderate behaviour, change attitudes and contribute positively to national development and peaceful coexistence.

In the process, he calls on all Gambians to value and sustain the noble tenets of good governance, democracy and the rule of law. All these he said make it necessary to recognise education as a basis for national development.

Formal education plays an important role in nation building, it facilitates access to knowledge and skills, irrespective of socio-economic background and personal circumstances.

Institutions of higher education, in particular, contribute most significantly to character building, besides producing the trained and educated bulk of a country’s workforce.

Nigeria has said it will not allow its nationals to be enlisted to fight in Ukraine where Russian forces are bombing cities and rattling neighbourhoods with gunfire.

This follows reports of alleged recruitment of volunteers in the country to fight on the side of Ukraine.

Nigeria’s foreign ministry said the Ukrainian embassy had denied any role in the alleged exercise.

But the embassy confirmed that a number of Nigerians had approached it indicating willingness to join the war, according to a ministry statement.

The embassy also distanced itself from claims that it was requesting $1,000 (£800) from each Nigerian volunteer for an air ticket and visa.

“Nigeria discourages the use of mercenaries anywhere in the world and will not tolerate the recruitment, in Nigeria, of Nigerians as mercenaries to fight in Ukraine or anywhere else in the world,” the ministry’s spokesperson said.

It comes days after Senegal warned against volunteers enlisting to fight against Russians in Ukraine.

It also ordered the Ukrainian ambassador to take down a Facebook post that had called on Senegalese volunteers to enlist to the war.

BBC

By: Sarjo Brito

The Gambia Ports Authority has in a press statement dated 4th March 2022, said the institution has launched an investigation following damning reports of allegations of corruption involving its staff at the rating unit.

In a report that made the rounds on social media, some of the institution’s employees at the rating unit have been allegedly duplicating paying receipts, resulting in the loss of millions of dalasis.

The Gambia Ports Authority has since reacted to the news, announcing an investigation is underway and that four of its employees suspected of carrying out the dubious activity have been interdicted, pending the outcome of the investigation.

“The GPA Management expresses concern over the trending allegation making rounds on social media that allegedly involved certain staff at the Rating Unit, who are said to have duplicated payment receipts resulting in a loss of revenue,” the statement read.

It further informed members of the public that whistle-blower information raised an issue about signals of the likelihood of leakages. Subsequently, the matter was raised and discussed at a management meeting held on Monday 28th February 2022.

On Tuesday 1st March 2022, a memo was issued constituting a three-member committee, excluding the affected Department, to investigate the drop in shore handling revenue covering from 2020 and 2021 and report back on Wednesday 16th March 2022.

“Apparently, on Thursday 3rd March, an alleged ‘multi-million-dalasis scandal’ broke indicting the Authority. This remains an allegation until proven by the outcome of the investigation. However, four staff suspected of the allegation have been interdicted pending the investigation outcome.”

“Meanwhile, it is instructive for the public to know that the GPA Management has since early 2021 stopped all cash collection at the Ports and all importers have been paying at the Bank (GT Bank). Further to that, arrangements are underway to have the Bank produce the Delivery Order (DO), which is the source document.

This is being discussed with the shipping agencies who normally authorize releases on the DO before payments are made. The Port digitalization project also envisages online payments to eliminate all associated risks.”

“The Management assures the general public of its resolve to get to the bottom of the allegations swiftly and then take the next appropriate steps.”

By: Sarjo Brito

One of the nation’s top Imams, Imam Abdoulie Fatty has reacted to the first-ever appointment of female Cadi’s in the history of the country, describing the move by the country’s Judiciary as a mockery to Islam. The two female Shariah Judges, Fatoumatta Sowe and Mariama Jatta will be hearing matters relating to inheritance, marriages and divorces involving Muslims.

While women rights advocates praised the Judiciary for the historic move, scholars and religious leaders have been divided on the matter. Imam Abdoulie Fatty during his recent Friday sermon called the appointment of the women judges un-Islamic, urging the Judiciary to rescind its decision. 

“If you leave your matters in the hands of women, you will never win. Why would we have to sit here today and allow our Judiciary to willy-nilly appoint women Cadis instead of men? You are laughing at Islam and anyone who laughs at Islam will see the consequences,” the Muslim cleric said.

“Fear God. Those women should fear God and reject those positions if Islam is what they truly studied. Their parents should fear God and ask them to forego those positions. If they are married, their husbands should ask them to reject those positions. Let’s go back to the teachings of the Quran. I call on everyone to speak out against this. Muslim groups, Supreme Islamic Council etc everyone needs to speak out,” he said.

“It is said in Islam that if you cannot correct something with your hands then correct it with your tongue. It is the Judiciary who can correct this with their hands since they always tell us that they are independent. No interference from the president, military, or any other person. 

That whatever decision they take, is what we should all accept. That is where the problem of democracy begins. This is your job Judiciary, to use your hands and remove these women from these appointments. We have men who are more versed in Shariah than these two women. Give them the positions.”

The appointment of female Cadi’s has always generated divided opinion even in other countries, with some schools of Islamic thoughts ruling that the appointment of a woman to judgeship is prohibited.

The leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Lawyer Ousainou Darboe has confirmed that the UDP will not be boycotting the National Assembly Elections scheduled for April 2022 as speculated, but rather will be part of the political parties contesting for the National Assembly seats.

He was answering to questions posed by pressmen during a press conference at the Office of the Secretary-General and Party Leader on Kairaba Avenue.

Lawyer Darboe noted that they will participate in the electioneering process as their nonparticipation will be a disadvantage to the party and its political ambition.

“We cannot boycott the National Assembly Elections, if we do our political presence will dwindle and you cannot sit for five years and not have your political activity ongoing,” Darboe said. 

When they participate and win, he said they will have candidates in governance at the local level to oversee their activities.