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APRC To Contest for National Assembly Seats In 7 Constituencies

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 By: Dawda Baldeh

The Alliance for Patriotic Re-orientation and Construction (APRC) has announced that the party will contest in the forthcoming National Assembly election which is scheduled for 9th April, 2022, in Seven (7) Constituencies. The party made the announcement through a press release dated 22nd February 2022.

According to the press statement “The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Alliance for Patriotic Re- orientation and Construction (APRC), under the leadership of Rtd. Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Chairman and Party Leader wishes to inform the general public more specially the militants of the APRC Party that the Party will be contesting the forth coming National Assembly Elections 2022 which is already scheduled to take place on the 9th April 2022.”

The press release stated that the party will put candidates in the following constituencies: Bundung kakunda Constituency- Kanifing Municipality, Jeshwang Constituency – Kanifing Municipality, Foni Jarrol Constituency-West Coast Region, Foni Bondali Constituency -West Coast Region, Foni Kansala Constituency -West Coast Region, Foni Berefet Constituency – West Coast Region and Foni Bintang Constituency – both in the West Coast Region.

The party called on its interested candidates to pick the application forms from the APRC Constituency Chairpersons with a deadline submission slated for 26th February at 12:00noon.

In conclusion, it says the National Selection Committee will be finalizing the selection process on Sunday 27th February 2022 for selection of candidates who shall be contesting under the banner of the APRC Party.

EU Report Recommends Reforms in Gambia’s Electoral Laws

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By: Christian Conteh

The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission (EOM) has as part of its recommendation called on the Gambia to reform its electoral laws to bring them up to speed with international and regional standards. 

Norbert Neuser, Former Member of the European Parliament from Germany is the missions Chief Observer, he noted that, “The EU Election Observation Mission positively assessed the voting and counting process on Election Day. But structural deficiencies and critical procedural and legal gaps require fundamental reform.” 

The EU EOM Final Report, which offers 20 recommendations for the Gambian authorities’ consideration, proposes essential changes to the electoral legal framework. to streamline provisions of the Draft Constitution, the Draft Elections Act, and other Acts relevant to the conduct of elections.

“It is fundamental to increase the Independent Electoral Commission’s capacity and transparency in critical areas, including the establishment of specialised divisions (legal, gender). The EU EOM proposes publishing the complete presidential election results, disaggregated by polling station, on its website.

In addition, for all future elections, the Mission suggests releasing disaggregated results during the tabulation process. Our Mission also recommends that legal provisions are made for continuous registration and updating of the voter register,” Norbert Neuser said.

Of the 20 recommendations contained in the mission’s final report, the Chief Observer noted that seven are considered priority recommendations.

 “The Mission recommends introducing a detailed and comprehensive complaints procedure throughout the electoral process with reasonable time limits for adjudication, regulating matters such as format and venue, including for the implementation of the Code on Election Campaign Ethics.

Furthermore, to formalise clear and coherent procedures for polling, counting, result transfer, and collation, in conjunction with the introduction of improved security measures of result and collation forms.” 

The mission is expected to hold discussions with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders.

 

“I Will Resign As Bank Governor If The Bank Is Found Guilty” – Buah Saidy

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By Amara Thoronka

The Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia, Buah Saidy, has in a joint press conference held in Banjul on 23 February 2022 pledged to resign from his job as Bank Governor if the Central Bank is found culpable in the ongoing D155 million fraud investigation where a staff of the Bank is alleged to have involved.

The Governor also vowed to take legal action against the claimants of the said allegation if the Bank is proven innocent.

“There is no way someone will fraudulently bring D155 million without our knowledge. In addition to our security personnel, we also have CCTV cameras everywhere in the Bank. I have a reputation to protect. I will resign my job as Bank Governor of the Central Bank of the Gambia if the ongoing investigation finds the bank guilt of the said allegations. But if it is proven otherwise, we will take legal action against those making the allegations”

He disclosed that the said staff of the bank who is alleged to have involved in the act has been sent on leave pending conclusion of police investigation into the matter.

Preliminary police investigation has disclosed that the claimants [Ansumana Bah and Co] were lured by an organized criminal syndicate to form a charity organization in The Gambia in a bid to secure a £2.5 million (equivalence of D155) fund from a philanthropist in the United Kingdom.

The fraudsters are said to have convinced the claimants  that the funds were smuggled into the country and put in boxes and kept safely in one of the houses of their partners in The Gambia; adding that the said British Pounds were converted into local currencies equivalent to D155 million partly mutilated which needed to be changed to new notes at the Central Bank; saying that some workers in the bank were asking for D11.1 million bribe to be paid through a staff of the bank, Abdou Ceesay.

The said preliminary investigation further disclosed that throughout the period, the claimants never engage the Bank but were however banking on the persuasive statements of the fraudsters.

Investigations are ongoing.

Rather Than Wait for Presidential Appointments GDC’s Mc Cham Encourages Political Leaders to Go for Parliamentary Seats

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By Sarjo Brito

The National Youth President of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) has encouraged political leaders to join the race for seats at the National Assembly rather than wait for presidential appointments.

Mc Cham Jr also called on Gambians to support party leaders contesting the forthcoming National Assembly elections. 

His comments came following Mai Ahmad Fatty’s announcement that he will be contesting the Wuli West seat. Cham said people like Mai must be encouraged as many of his colleagues who registered political parties continue to run after the incumbent, hoping to be rewarded with a position in cabinet.

“This is something that should be welcomed by every well-meaning Gambian. It is high time all these people registering political parties started looking into parliament too. Just look at the 2021 elections, a lot of political parties abandoned their parties and went to join Barrow for a so-called coalition, and we all know the reason why.

Today, most of those political leaders are just hanging around waiting for the incumbent to offer them positions. They should not wait. Let them go back to their constituencies and contest parliamentary seats under their parties,” Mc Cham Jr said

He added that being in parliament has far greater advantages than serving in Cabinet because parliament is where holding the incumbent accountable begins.

Cham challenged all the party leaders, especially those who supported President Barrow in his re-election to go back to the various constituencies and contest the National Assembly elections.  

“Major decisions taken by the Executive cannot happen if not approved by parliament. All the budgets that go into our various Ministries are agreed upon and approved by the National Assembly. That means there is a lot of power that comes with being a parliamentarian. Senegal is a classic example where we have political leaders like Ousman who was in parliament before becoming Mayor in his constituency.

I implore people like General Lamin Bojang and Musa Yalli Batchilly to go back to their constituencies during this election and show their people what they can do for this country now that the Presidential election is over. Mai Fatty’s decision is commendable,” he said.

African Sports Management Association Holds 5th African International Conference

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By: Maimouna Bah

The African Sports Management Association (ASMA) has on Wednesday 23rd February 2022 commenced its 5th African International Conference. The three-day event started with a press conference at the Paradise Suite Hotel.

The theme for the conference is: investing in grassroot sports, surest way to achieving excellence in sports.

Marchel Mendy is the Executive Director of the National Sports Council, he welcomed the guests and members present while introducing the delegation from the Republic of Nigeria and some local coaches from the Gambia.

He highlighted the importance of sports and spoke about the national team performance at the just concluded AFCON in Cameroon. He revealed that their performance has motivated those in sports management. He said that despite the challenges some athletes face they are able to deliver well at the national level.

He further noted that during the three-day conference they will be able to delve more into the positive and negative aspects of sports.  He used the opportunity to thank President Adama Barrow for accepting the request of hosting such an event in The Gambia.

He also pleaded with the president to invest more in sports, saying that it will help in the reduction of unemployment in the Gambia. He urged particularly students to participate in sports activities.

Senegal: Fifty Thousand Capacity Stadium Named After Former President Abdoulaye Wade

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By Amara Thoronka

Senegalese Government has named the newly constructed and officially inaugurated 50 thousand capacity stadium after the country’s former President Abdoulaye Wade.

Born on 29th May 1926, erstwhile President Wade ruled the Republic of Senegal from 2000 to 2012. He was defeated by incumbent President Macky Sall in the 2012 presidential election.

Gambia’s President Adama Barrow was among five leaders who graced the official opening of the stadium.

Also in attendance were the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan; President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo; President of Liberia, George Weah; and the President of football world governing body (FIFA), Gianni Infantino.

African football legends Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o also graced the ceremony.

The Stadium was completed in two years and is estimated to have cost more than 200 million Euros.

The Abdoulaye Wade Stadium is to host the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics.

Gambia’s Yusupha Njie Earns 100 Caps for Boavista

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By: Dawda Baldeh

The Gambian soccer player Yusupha Njie a playmaker at the Portuguese top league, Boavista has been awarded a commemorative victory after he played his 100th Cap for his Portuguese club.

Yusupha Njie is the son of the late Gambian Soccer legend Alhaji Momodo Njie also known as Biri Biri. He was a Gambian footballer who played as a right-winger. He most notably played for Sevilla FC in Spain and Herfølge Boldklub in Denmark during his career.

The term Cap in Soccer is used to describe how many international matches a player appeared in. Players’ match games are awarded for each game played.
The Gambian international left Winger expressed during an online interview.

“It is an amazing Journey to achieve my100th Cap with my club Boavista,” he said.

“I am so proud of this Milestone achievement in my football career,” he said.

The son of the late legend Biri Biri poured out words of appreciation and support for his club management and teammates for collective success.
‘The Going Never Stops’, he further said with a strong voice and confidence that he is physically and mentally fit to achieve his goals in better shape than now.

Yusupha said that his love for sports is part of his DNA and he continues to set an everlasting legacy and serve his club and at the national level

Mai Ahmad Fatty to Contest for Wuli West Parliamentary Seat

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By: Sarjo Brito

Former Interior Minister and leader of The Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) Party Mai Ahmad Fatty has announced his intention to contest the Wuli West seat in the forthcoming National Assembly elections slated for 9th April, 2022.

According to the GMC leader, his decision to run for Parliament came following an overwhelming amount of request from his party supporters in his home district of Wuli West, Upper River Region.

In an official message shared on his social media handle, Mai said if elected, he will serve and protect the interest of all demographic groups in the Country.

‘’If elected, I shall serve as National Assembly Member of the Republic of The Gambia, committed to securing fundamental national interests, while also advancing the local cause of my district constituents. I shall protect and defend the legitimate interests of all Gambians, Christians, and Muslims alike, as well as all other demographic groups.’’

The former Interior Minister and onetime Presidential Adviser further stated that his focus shall be more on enhancing and consolidating the oversight functions of parliament over institutions, public finance management to promote transparency and accountable governance, balanced budget, eliminating waste, distortions and corruption, human capital development and social inclusion, strengthening national sovereignty and territorial integrity and restoring domestic control over national endowment and economic resources, llegislation to empower Gambian businesses through preferential treatment to spur growth, generate jobs and create wealth, among others.

Mai Fatty will be running against Honourable Sidia Jatta of the People’s Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism, who currently occupies the Wuli West seat. Another contender is Mai’s own former party executive member Tida Kijera who will be contesting under the ticket of the United Democratic Party.

Tida was a vocal member of GMC until his fallout with Mai Fatty which led to her cross-carpeting to UDP.

Climate Change Threats: Nyu Wahtan Holds Consultative Engagement On Gambia’s Preparedness

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By Dawda Baldeh

Wyu Wahtan has on Tuesday 22 February 2022 held a consultative forum with stakeholders on climate change at Kairaba Beach Hotel in Senegambia. The forum brought together members and advocates on climate change to discuss the way forward in mitigating threats posed by climate change.

Wyu Wahtan is a Wolof (Gambia’s major local dialect) term which means “let us discuss.”

“We cannot afford to wait to act against the threats of climate change. We must work together to protect our planet and people and ensure a greener, resilience future for us all,” says David Belgrove, British High Commissioner.

“The Gambia has made a significant contribution to the conference and it set and example to the world. The Gambia has been singled out as the only nation with adequate plans to avert a climate catastrophe,” he added.

According to him, the Cop26 conference focuses on: mitigation, adaptation, finance and collaboration among others, adding that the progress was made on all the four of those goals and keeping the goal of limiting the temperature increase to just 1.5 degree Celsius.

On finance, he notes that billions and trillions have been mobilized, “develop countries have made progress towards delivering the $100 billion climate finance goal and will reach it by 2023 at the latest.”

He said working together to deliver Glasgow Breakthroughs will accelerate collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society to deliver on climate goals faster. Adding that collaborating with councils and dialogue in energy, electric vehicles, shipping and commodities will help deliver on commitments.

The Cop26 target the following: to ensure all parties commit to revisit and strengthen their NDCs in 2022, as well as develop and implement long term strategies.

It also focuses on ensuring that all countries put in place stronger policies and plans to meet or surpass these targets, including on coal, cars, trees, and fossil fuel financing…

Environment Minister, Hon. Lamin Dibba, said the objective of the meeting is to share with the public on actions that need to be taken after the Cop26 meeting.

“We know that climate is changing and it’s changing against our favour. We need critical actions to combat climate change.”

He said climate change is real and urged Gambians to take it very seriously, adding that the country has been facing challenges on climate change over the years. “We need to take actions now.”

He further stated that less developed countries are the most vulnerable to climate change.

He added that for the country to achieve these goals it needs the supports of partners and that nobody should be left behind in fighting climate change.

The Gambia Wahtan Dialogue is United Kingdom’s effort to support Gambia’s high ambitions at COP26 by further supporting campaign actions that brings people together to share stories, build empathy about vulnerability and assessing current climate action with the intention of seeking concrete solutions to tackle climate change.

“We Are Our Worst Enemies”- Touma Njie Blames VP Touray and House Speaker for Refusing to Support Bill Seeking Increased Women’s Representation in Parliament

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By: Sarjo Brito

A war of words ensued between National Assembly Member Touma Njie and Gambia’s Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray following the stalling of the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill seeking to give women sixteen seats in Parliament.

The Bill which failed to proceed to its third reading because of a lack of quorum angered the National Assembly Member for Banjul South, Touma Njie who wasted no time in accusing the Vice President and the Speaker of the National Assembly (both women) of refusing to throw their weight behind the Bill to see it come to fruition. 

“My expectations, the Speaker being a female should have stood her ground to decide otherwise and give this an opportunity for it to be considered. We also saw the Vice President in the gallery when this was done. She is also a female but as I said, am beginning to believe now that we (women) are our worst enemies” – Touma Njie told reporters 

The Vice President while outside offering words of encouragement to a group of women who were at the National Assembly premises to show their support to Touma’s Bill heard the Banjul South member of parliament repeat her statement to reporters. The VP quickly reacted and told her(Njie) to stop pushing such a narrative.

During the brief war of words, the country’s Vice President cautioned the women to not be used as tools to score political points by individuals. 

Touma Njie whose Constitutional Amendment Bill was thrown out of Parliament for failing to meet the required threshold needed for voting to happen said she will not relent and is committed now more than ever to make sure the Bill comes back to Parliament. 

The Banjul South National Assembly Member who is seeking re-election as an independent candidate told reporters she will not be intimidated and promised to not give up until Gambian women are fully represented in all works of life.

Network of Locally Elected Women of Africa Elects Mayor of Banjul to Serve as its Vice President in West Africa

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By: Christian Conteh

The Network of Locally Elected Women of Africa (REFELA) has elected Madam Rohey Malick Lowe Mayor of Banjul to serve the organisation as its vice president for the West African subregion.

The Friday 18th February 2022 election took place in Ivory Coast and was contested by all female Mayors from West Africa.

“It is with a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude that I announce to my fellow citizens especially women of our beloved country The Gambia of my election as Vice President of REFELA in West Africa,” Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe announced.

She emerged winner after a Mayor from Cape Verde voted for her breaking the deadlock that followed a tie between herself and the candidate from Mali.

“I am honoured and particularly want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the West African female Mayors because we are all winners. In the same vein I wish to seize this opportunity to congratulate the women and youths of The Gambia for their invaluable and consistent support to me as Mayor of Banjul. This laudable achievement is indeed your making and I wholeheartedly dedicate it to you,” Mayor Lowe said.

She went on to thank the two REFELA Executive members who represented her at the meeting – Councillor Bintou SM Jaiteh and The Coordinator of REFELA The Gambia chapter – Madam Isatou Njie for their illustrious campaign strategy which was tactically implemented to secure her winning of the election. 

She used the opportunity to thank the brave men behind the women for their tremendous support, she went on to congratulate the women and youths of The Gambia.

“Despite our size and limited resources, we as a nation and people are steadfast in our resolve to set this country on the path of success. May Allah continue to bless our undertakings and guide every step we take in our search for a prosperous nation,” she said.

Gambia Armed Forces Cautions Media Platforms About Reporting on Sensitive Security Matters 

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The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has in a press statement cautioned media platforms including newspaper publications, radio and television programmes about reporting on sensitive security matters.

The GAF notes that these issues especially when not accurately and carefully presented have the potential to shake the country’s national security fabrics, an action which it says will not be in the interest of the nation. 

“The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) observes with great concern, the recent upsurge in the context of publications, radio and television programmes on sensitive security matters which have the potential to shake our National Security fabrics, especially when not accurately and carefully presented,” the statement read.

It further establishes that “national security pillars exist for the common good and for all and sundry. Therefore, persons with platforms reporting on security-related matters should ensure factual and balanced reporting in order to champion the ideals of good and professional journalism and its inherent ethical values that we so cherish.”

The institution maintains that it has on several occasions clarified salient issues with the required time and effort necessary for highlighting verifiable facts in order to avoid premature narrations and/or conclusions. It encourages media practitioners to alongside the exercise of their freedom of expression ensure they maintain peace and tranquility

Constitutional Amendment Bill Seeking to Reserve 14 Seats For Women And 2 For Persons With Disability Stalls In Parliament 

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By: Sarjo Brito

The Constitutional Amendment Bill tabled by the National Assembly Member for Banjul South, Touma Njie, has failed to proceed to its third reading in Parliament. The bill, which was tabled before Parliamentarians on February 10th, 2022, sought to amend section 88 of the 1997 Constitution by enlarging the composition of the National Assembly and the reservation of fourteen (14) seats for women and two (2) persons with disabilities. 

The highly debated bill sought to impose an obligation on political parties to promote gender equality in the selection of candidates to contest Parliamentary elections. 

The failure of the bill to proceed to the voting stage was due to the lack of a quorum. 42 Members of Parliament are required to be present for voting to happen, as per section 226 of the Constitution. 

Only thirty-five Parliamentarians were present in the National Chambers at the time of voting (February 21st, 2022), failing to meet the required number of 42-Members. 

Touma Njie in her reaction soon after parliamentary proceedings told reporters she had won anyway, despite the outcome of the bill. Touma further stated that she is following International Conventions and protocols that The Gambia has signed to provide for 30% of female representation in all works of life.

‘’for me, I have won anyway. Gambian women have won because this has never happened. It is the first-ever attempt and for me, I am following international conventions and international protocols that we have signed to provide 30% of female representation in all works of life. It should start with parliament. You can see we only have three elected members of parliament and that is a total disgrace when we have a majority of our population who are female.’’

The Constitutional Amendment Bill has since its first reading generated a lot of debate amongst Gambians. While advocates agree with Touma on the bill, critics on the other hand view the bill as tokenism, arguing that no Member of Parliament should be given a free seat by virtue of their disability or gender.

Mali Approves Military Rule For Up To Five Years

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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.

Tributes Pour In For Fallen Gambian Ambassador To United States

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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.

Gambia Police Force Receives Equipment Worth D20M Dalasis From German Police Support Team 

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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.

Anthony Elanga: FA Investigates After Man Utd Striker Hit By Object

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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

“The Dilemma of African Countries Remains the Attainment of Economic Independence,”- President Adama Barrow 

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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. 

 

 

‘Nigerian Air Strike’ Kills Seven Children In Niger

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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

Escaped In USA: Cruise Ship Crew Gambia On A Man Haunt For Jamanty Sanneh

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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.

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