By Yerro Mballow

Justice Basirou V.P.Mahoney has dismissed application made by Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) to suspend proceedings of the Commission of Inquiry recently set up by the Minister of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs.

The said Commission of Inquiry was formed to probe into corruption allegations at the Kanifing Municipal Council under the leadership of Mayor Ahmed Talib Bensouda.

In his ruling on the application made by KMC in the ongoing case, Justice Mahoney said the court cannot grant such application.

“The 1^st Respondent (the Minister) exercised his power under the Local Government Act, rightly or wrongly, and is presumed to be regular until determined otherwise in the main suit. The Commission of Inquiry was established and gazetted. Going by the Supreme Court decisions in Ya Kumba Jaiteh v The Clerk of the National Assembly and Gambia Participates v The Clerk of the National Assembly, no court can restrain the power exercised by the State. It is noteworthy that in the instance matter, although the application is for a stay of proceedings of the Commission, its effect is to restrain the performance of the official act of the 1^st Respondent which going by the above mentioned Supreme decisions, cannot be granted and is hereby dismissed,” the ruling stated.

Citing precedents, Justice Mahoney noted that the court is bound to follow the decisions of the Supreme Court in the case of Ya Kumba Jaiteh versus Clerk of the National Assembly; and that of Gambia Participates versus The Clerk of the National Assembly which affirm that no court can restrain the performance of power exercised by the State.

It should however be noted that the said ruling is just for application (motion) made by KMC for the court to restrain the Commission of Inquiry from continuing with its proceedings. The ruling is not for the substantive (actual) case which challenges the legality of the establishment of the said commission.

The hearing on the substantive case comes up on 31st January 2022.

By Sarjo Brito

Gambian President Adama Barrow in a press statement dated January 26, 2022, says he has set up a Presidential taskforce effective immediately, to investigate Monday’s incident in Foni where Senegalese soldiers clashed with elements of the separatist group MFDC. The exchange between the two groups on Gambian soil claimed the lives of two Senegalese soldiers and displacing many of the civilian population living around the border villages.

‘’Given the urgency of the situation, President Barrow has immediately constituted a Presidential Taskforce to thoroughly investigate the incident. For a more inclusive and transparent investigation, the Presidential taskforce draw membership from key Government institutions and the ECOWAS Permanent Mission in The Gambia’’

The Gambian leader in his press release says he sympathises with the people of Foni after a threatening situation which has disrupted their daily activities and forced many to flee for safety.

‘’Mr Barrow is particularly touched by the pain and suffering of the people of the satellite villages of Kampant, Kappa, Ballen and Buginga and assures them of his government’s unflinching commitment to ensure lasting peace and security within their communities. Therefore, the people of Foni and the people in general are urged to go on their normal business as the situation is under control and Government wishes to ensure all, that it has no plans to use The Gambia launchpad for cross border attacks’’

President Barrow also shared his condolences to the ECOMOG Command, The ECOWAS Community, and the bereaved families of the fallen Senegalese soldiers.

The Gambia Government has in a press release dated 26 January 2022 refuted publications on the parliamentary summons of the Minister of Tourism Hamat Bah Over Corruption allegations at Gambia Tourism Board.

“The Gambia Government strongly believes that story which was subsequently reproduced across various Social Media platforms was false and malicious calculated to defame the character of the Honourable Minister and bring the Government into disrepute as Hon Bah was never given the opportunity to respond to the summons allegations. Minister Bah is one person who has never hesitated to answer queries from journalists and does not shy away from public scrutiny,” the release stated.

“As echoed by the rejoinder from the Clerk of the National Assembly dated 25^th January 2022, the Petitions Committee is investigating the claims by the staff of The Gambia Tourism Board (GT Board) and fair hearing will be granted to all  those who are adversely mentioned,” it clarified.

It emphasized, “While remaining committed to public scrutiny, The Gambia Government encourages media practitioners and social media content creators to verify their stories consistent with standards of journalistic fairness”

According to a release from the President’s Office, President Adama Barrow will tomorrow 27 January 2022 swear-in a new cabinet in accordance with Section 71 (3) of the Constitution of the Gambia. This comes a week after the President took oath of office at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.

‘’The public is hereby informed that in accordance with Section 71 (3) of the Constitution, the swearing-in ceremony of Cabinet will be held tomorrow, 27th January 2022 at the State House in Banjul. The ceremony which will be graced by His Excellency President Adama Barrow will take place at the State House Grand Tent at 10:00 AM,’’ the release noted.

A day after his second inauguration as President of The Gambia, President Adama Barrow constituted a caretaker cabinet which he said will administer the affairs of the country until further notice.

Gambia Police have revealed findings of preliminary investigation of a missing girl who reportedly missing at Manjai Kunda some days ago.

The missing girl is Khadijatou Jallow commonly known as Angela, an 8-year-old child who has lost both parents.

According to police findings, Khadijatou was under the care of Marie Jarjue, her grandmother who is believed to be mentally unstable, adding that due to numerous reports of abuse, she was officially placed under the care of Mr. Momodou K. Jallow of the Jallow family at Manjai Kunda.

Khadijatou was subsequently enrolled at Cherno Baba Memorial School where she is currently attending school at grade two.

The police preliminary investigation disclosed that on Thursday 20th January 2022, the grandmother of the child, Marie Jarjue went to the school without authority, picked up the child and left with her to an unknown destination.

The police are currently conducting a search to trace the whereabouts of the girl and are therefore urging members of the public to volunteer information that may be useful to the investigation.

The public is encouraged to call the toll free 117 hotline for any information.

By Sarjo Brito

Gambia’s former Minister of Interior and now leader of Gambia Moral Congress Party, Mai Ahmad has spoken on the ongoing saga involving foreign forces in the Foni area and the separatist rebel group MFDC based in Cassamance.

Mai Fatty describes the incident which left two Senegalese soldiers dead and displacing many “a violation of Gambia’s sovereignty.” The former Interior Minister and onetime Presidential Adviser called on Gambians to put their political differences aside at a time like this and unite to expel the invaders.

‘’We must put all political differences aside and unite to defend our Sovereignty against foreign rebel incursion. That is what all civilised Nations do. An armed attack from Cassamance rebels against foreign forces present at the legitimate invitation of our country, is a military attack against our country. We must not let our strong feelings against ECOMIG presence, or troops from Senegal under separate bilateral Agreement, disable our Republican civic duty to protect our country against unprovoked rebel aggression on Gambian soil’’

Monday’s exchange of gunfire between the Senegalese forces and the separatist group resulting to the loss of lives have raised eyebrows on how it happened on Gambian soil. The statement of the Senegalese leader Macky Sall that the Senegalese forces were on an operation against illegal timber trafficking sparked further questions on the mandate of the mission in the country, accusing Senegal of using the ECOMOG as a cover up to pursue their own geopolitical interest.

Mai Fatty said despite the MFDC’s heavy presence in the Foni’s, there has never been a been a military attack launched by Senegalese forces from The Gambia against the MFDC. Despite that no attacks were directly launched from The Gambia; Mai says no troops must use their presence in the Gambia to advance their geopolitical interest.

‘’Having said that, it is illegal for any troop contributing State to use their presence in The Gambia, as pretext to advance their strategic geopolitical interests, contrary to our national economic, political and security interests. It is illegal and unconstitutional for any foreign force present in The Gambia, under any guise, to interfere in the implementation of our domestic laws, including alleged smuggling of any nature, and in our general internal affairs’’

Military leaders on Monday detained Burkina Faso’s President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, later announcing they had ousted the leader, dissolved the government and suspended the constitution.

“I came here this morning to support the putsch. We expect the military to deal with the corruption in the country”, said one of hundreds of people gathered in Nation Square, Ouagadougou, on Tuesday.

As the crowds waved flags and sounded vuvuzela horns, some hoped the new leaders would tackle security concerns including jihadi attacks which have killed millions in the country. “We are tired of this situation. We are tired of crying, we are tired of always suffering because our brothers are killed”, said another.

The West African country is now in the hands of the Patriotic Movement for Preservation and Restoration (MPSR), the name of a junta led by Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba.

Source: France24

The Senegalese army says two of its soldiers have been killed and nine are missing after clashes in The Gambia, a country almost totally surrounded by Senegal.

The troops were part of the West African peacekeeping mission that has been deployed in The Gambia for the past five years.

Senegal’s military says the men clashed with southern Senegalese separatists illegally smuggling timber.

It said the separatists were probably holding the nine hostage.

One of the insurgents also died.

Source: BBC

By Sarjo Brito

The Deputy Managing Director at The Gambia National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Yero Jallow has replaced Saihou Drammeh as the new Managing Director of Gam-Petroleum. Yero’s appointment came following the release of the findings and recommendations by the taskforce which was set up by The Gambia Government to investigate Gam-Petroleum after the discovery of a massive corruption scandal late last year. The task force according to a government press release recommended the restructuring of Gam Petroleum Company, including the constitution of a new board of directors, immediate appointment of an interim management amongst others.

Yero Jallow specialises in accounting, international business, and management. His experience in these sectors spanned for a period of thirty years, working across many industries.

In 2014, Yero served as Treasury Manager at Elton Oil Gambia Company ltd. He left the company that same year and started working as a freelance management consultant, providing services on strategic management procedures, writing policy and procedures manuals etc.

After providing consultancy services to business entities as a Freelance Management Consultant since January 2010, Yero decided to set up the YBJ Business Management Enterprise in January 2016 with the main objective of helping Gambian-based Small and Medium-size Enterprises (SMEs), as well as Government Agencies to improve their strategic management, financial management, and administration capabilities.

In October 2016, Yero would later move to TAF Africa Global, one of the leading real estate companies in the Gambia and the sub region. Jallow worked for the real estate company under the capacity of Assistant Financial Controller. He was sent to Nigeria to take up this job in its special purpose vehicle (SPV) company (RivTaf Nigeria Ltd), which was set up in partnership with the Rivers State Government to develop the RivTaf Golf Estate in Port Harcourt.

In October 2020, Yero Jallow became the Deputy Managing Director of the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation before his recent appointment as Managing Director of Gam-Petroleum.

Yero graduated from the University of East London and holds an MBA, International Business.

The Drug Law Enforcement Agency of The Gambia (DLEAG) has made several arrests in the Kanifing Municipality in connection with possession of prohibited drugs and also for obstruction of DLEAG’s operatives from performing their duty.

DLEAG apprehended seven (7) persons for obstructing their operatives and willfull damage to property. The suspects were said to be involved in the stoning and obstruction of the operatives when one Ablie Demba was arrested on Saturday 22 January 2022 at Tallinding Sicap. The patrol team indicated that Ablie was taken into custody after operatives discovered seventeen (17) parcels and one hundred and seventeen (117) wraps of suspected cannabis sativa wrapped with white papers and concealed in multi colour nylon bags in a specific compound in Tallinding Sicap.

The suspect Ablie Demba then started shouting, creating commotion and calling for his people not to let the officers take him into custody. This resulted into a serious confrontation as those he sought help from obstructed the officers and insisted that he will not be arrested. Some started throwing stones at the patrol team resulting to the vandalisation of the windscreen of one of the patrol vehicles.

All seven suspects identified to be involved in the obstruction alongside Ablie Demba and another suspect (Lamin Sanneh) earlier arrested in the same compound with 13 kg 400 grams  of suspected cannabis sativa were arraigned in court and remanded accordingly.

It is however disappointing and disheartening that people especially relatives will be aware about their kinsmen involvement in illicit activities and wouldn’t make any effort to address it. On the contrary, they will do everything humanly possible to ensure that such people are shielded and not brought to book. We must understand that it is our collective responsibility to ensure that our societies are safe and secure.

We are loosing youths with high potentials and prospects to drugs. Youths as young as 12 years old sit in joints within our communities abusing drugs all day long. No one dare address them for fear of the disrespect they will receive from them. The agency continues to receive countless number of complains and reports from the public regarding drug related activities and open drug abuse.  It is our expectation that if we embark on implementing control measures to abate this menace, all meaningful and sincere Gambians and residents should support us and not the contrary.

We assure the populace that we will not be distracted in fulfilling our mandate as provided for in law. We will employ all lawful means to ensure that our communities are safe and drug free so that our youths can grow to realize their potentials.

We also use this opportunity to remind heads of households and those concerned in the Management of premises that it is an offense to knowingly permit drug related activities in their premises.

Section 40 of the DCA 2003 frowns at and prohibit those concerned with the Management of premises from knowingly permitting producing, supplying, preparing, smoking or otherwise using a controlled or prohibited drug. It also bars them from knowingly permitting anyone to attempt  any such activity.

Section 40 subsection 2 further provides that except proven otherwise, anyone found engaged in drug related activities on any premise shall be presumed to have been permitted by the person, persons or entity concerned in the management of such premise or premises.

On that note, we call on them to be alert and vigilant. Henceforth, the agency shall strictly apply this provision for those arrested in places notorious for the dealing or open abuse of drugs. And unless the contrary is proven by investigations, charges will be preferred accordingly.

In a similar but separate development, DLEAG’s Kanifing Field Station arrested one Yankuba Jammeh, an adult male Gambian National on the 22 January 2022 With eleven (11) bundles and thirty one (31) wraps of suspected cannabis sativa in Lamin (WCR).

DLEAG’s Sanyang Field Station arrested one Ebrima Barry, an adult male Gambian and a resident of Jabang Layout with one (1) bundle and two (2) wraps of suspected cannabis sativa. He was arrested on the 23 January 2022 around 18:25 GMT onwards at Jabang Layout

DLEAG’s Jareng Field Station took into custody Bakary Bayo, a 37 years old farmer and Lamin Nyabally, a 21 years old student for possession of suspected prohibited drugs.

The duo were nabbed on the 19 January 2022 around 13:30 GMT onwards at Jareng village with three (3) parcels and six (6) wraps of suspected cannabis sativa.

By Patric Ridge

Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has called for an immediate investigation into an incident at Olembe Stadium that resulted in the deaths of eight people, while he confirmed upcoming Africa Cup of Nations matches would be relocated.

Eight people died and a further 38 were injured after a stampede outside the stadium in Yaounde during Monday’s match between tournament hosts Cameroon and Comoros.

CAF has started an investigation, while FIFA offered its condolences in a briefing on Tuesday (January 25). In a media briefing, CAF president Motsepe confirmed the quarter-final tie due to be hosted at Olembe Stadium on Sunday, which will take place between the winner of Ivory Coast’s clash with Egypt and the victor of Morocco v Malawi, would be moved to Yaounde’s Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium.

“I’ve been given lots of feedback and had lots of discussions until very early this morning,” Motsepe said on Tuesday. “The first thing that I’m going to ask the organising committees, the next match that’s supposed to take place at the Olembe Stadium should not take place.” Motsepe also confirmed CAF had requested a report on the incident be completed by Friday (January 28).

“I spoke to the senior person in the government, and it’s correct out of respect for our partners, to indicate that there must be an immediate committee set up to investigate what happened,” he said.

“In that context, to find out who was supposed to do what and who did not perform their responsibilities. “We want that report by Friday but as I said the game that is scheduled for Olembe Stadium on Sunday is not going to take place and it’s going to take place at Amadou. There will be other changes that will be made.”

One of those other changes is reportedly moving Sunday’s other quarter-final from Douala to Limbe. A media release attributed to the Cameroon team was released on Tuesday, bearing the name of captain Vincent Aboubakar, was retweeted by the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and appeared to question the behaviour of supporters in a statement that has received widespread criticism

By: Christian Conteh

“As I prepare to depart The Gambia after nearly three years, it is difficult to say goodbye and leave the Smiling Coast of Africa. But I leave this beautiful country with a sense of optimism, inspired by the passion of the Gambian people who press for completion of promised democratic and economic reforms, including justice and accountability,” were the words of the United States Ambassador to The Gambia, Carl Paschall bidding Gambians an emotional farewell as he prepares to bow out.

According to the US diplomat his optimism is grounded in the strong will of the Gambian people. He said when he arrived in the small west African country in March of 2019, it was a thrilling feeling to sense the excitement of a citizenry who, just over two years earlier, demonstrated to the world their commitment to democratic values by peacefully voting for change despite intimidation and repression.

“That Gambian passion for democratic change, for justice, and accountability has not waned. Indeed, nearly 90% of registered Gambian voters cast their marbles in December – with extremely high percentages of women and youth actively, energetically participating in the democratic process,” Ambassador Paschall said.

He further expressed delight at representing America’s President Biden at the recent inauguration of President Adama Barrow noting that he suspects that President Barrow, like his government, is attentive to the passion of the Gambian people for continued progress in democratic reform, transparent and accountable governance, and justice, as documented in the AfroBarometer surveys in 2017 and 2021.

He expressed his government’s desire to continue to invest and work to realize these goals. However, he noted that the achievement of all the country’s aspirations require Gambian ownership, Gambian leadership and Gambian accountability.

He used the opportunity to express how ‘infinitely grateful’ his wife Jane Ellen and himself were for the many opportunities they have had to meet wonderfully warm, welcoming, hospitable Gambians from all walks of life

“Jane Ellen and I want to simply say “thank you” – thank you for welcoming us and thank you for sharing with us Gambian culture and traditions. We will treasure and hold in our hearts forever this remarkable place,” he said.

The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has said a report into a stadium crush in the Cameroonian capital of Yaoundé will centre on who closed the gate at the Olembe Stadium.

At least eight people were killed and 38 injured in Monday’s incident during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) game between Cameroon and Comoros. The crush occurred at the south entrance of the stadium as fans attempted to watch the round of 16 match, which ended in a 2-1 victory to Cameroon.

“If [the gate] was open, [spectators] would have walked through and it was closed for inexplicable reasons,” CAF president Patrice Motsepe said during a press conference on Tuesday.

“If that gate was open as it was supposed to we wouldn’t have had this loss of life.”

Motsepe also vowed that such an incident will “never happen again” at an AFCON tournament, adding that “there were things that should have been foreseen.”

He said: “There is zero tolerance, absolute zero tolerance in the circumstances which could result in people being injured at a stadium or losing their lives.

It was also confirmed at the press conference that the AFCON quarterfinal due to be played at Olembe Stadium on Sunday will be moved to Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé, subject to approval from CAF’s executive committee.

A statement from the government of Cameroon said 31 people were lightly injured and seven were seriously injured in the crush.

“Facing this tragedy, the seriousness of which has provoked emotion and consternation, the Head of State [Paul Biya] sends his saddest condolences to the badly hit families, as well as his wishes of a speedy recovery to the injured, to whom he sends the profound compassion of the entire nation,” the statement added.

The deceased were taken to the Yaoundé Emergency Centre, while the injured were divided between four health facilities in Yaoundé.

In a statement on Tuesday, FIFA football’s global governing body sent “deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims who lost their lives.”

It added: “The thoughts and prayers of the global football community are with the victims, the ones who have been injured in this incident, and all the staff of both CAF and the Cameroonian Football Association at this difficult moment

By: Christian Conteh

Hot, dark and uncomfortable are words that best describe the current facility housing Sierra Leone’s Law Reform Commission at the Special Court premise, New England Ville in Freetown.

The Commission which was set up by an act of parliament in 1994 and amended in 1996 has as its core function reviewing all the laws of Sierra Leone and recommending reforms to expunge obsolete provisions and to generally modernise the country’s laws. It started operation in 2003.

Lack of electricity, no water supply, lack of adequate office equipment’s and administrative squabbles make work almost impossible for most members of staff.

In a letter dated 24th January 2022 staff members of the commission wrote to the Secretary to the President appealing for intervention. This they say comes after exhausting all internal mechanisms to resolve the problem between the secretary and the chairman of the commission.

According to them the crisis at the commission has pushed the commission to the brink of total collapse.

“We have decided to write you because we, as members of staff have exhausted all internal mechanisms to resolve the problem between the Secretary of the Commission and the Chairman of the Commission.

Sir as we write to you today, 24th January 2022, the Commission has gone without internet for at least four months and electricity since early December 2021. This has made it impossible for us to carry out our official functions,” a press statement from concerned workers read.

The members of staff noted that in August of 2021 they wrote a memorandum to the secretary after many verbal attempts calling for a review of their grading system failed.

In December of 2021, they said they also engaged the secretary on issues including but not limited to the constant lack of electricity a state of affairs the secretary blamed the accountant for.

In January of 2022 upon resumption of work to the dismay of workers their challenges have not been addressed.

Idrissa Kargbo is Principal Legal Research Officer at the Law Reform Commission, speaking in an interview he said recent events are an existential threat to the Law Reform Commission.

“What we are facing now is an existential threat, there is a threat to the existence of the commission. The crux of the problem is the lack of corporation between the Secretary and Chairperson of the commission,” Kargbo said.

He further noted that the lack of corporation between the Chairman and the Secretary has made it impossible for them to work. For this reason, they call for intervention from the Office of the President.

“There is no electricity in the office, there is no water, even to use the toilets. Government is pouring hundreds of millions on this commission, and we have to assist government to actualise its projects and programmes,” he said.

By Christian Conteh

The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) Report is still fresh on the minds of Gambians and non-Gambians alike, its shocking revelations are still a discussion in every community, marketplace and office.

One of the several recommendations call for the banning of ten senior judges which it (TRRC) referred to as “Mercenary Judges” from holding government office.

This call according to the commission is in direct response to their (the judges) alleged roles in facilitating ex-president Yahya Jammeh’s use of the justice sector institutions to strengthen his grip on power and entrench his dictatorship.

The commission said the government should review the law on refusal to obey court orders by public officials, with a view to putting in place a more stringent regime that would ensure compliance.

It further recommends that government should study the implications of the fusion of the two positions of Attorney General and Minister of Justice and consider the potential benefits of separating the two functions for more effective administration of justice.

The commission also recommends that both former and present agents of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) be banned from holding any office with the government for their alleged roles in torturing detainees and perpetrating other human rights abuses.

The TRRC was established to investigate crimes committed in The Gambia under the leadership of Yahya Jammeh between 1994 to 2017 when he was at the helm of affairs. The report is a product of a three-year-long investigation during which the commission heard hundreds of testimonies from witnesses on different issues.

Jammeh stands accused of murder, torture, forced disappearances and rape among other crimes against humanity. There is already a rallying call for his trial by an international tribunal.

By Sarjo Brito

The President of Senegal Macky Sall has released a statement on Tuesday, January 25th 2022, confirming the death of Senegalese soldiers following an exchange of gunfire between the ECOMIG forces and elements of the separatist rebel group MFDC.

Macky’s statement confirmed that the incident in fact happened on Gambian soil and that the soldiers who are supposed to be on peacekeeping mission in the Gambia were on an operation against timber trafficking.

‘’I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of our brave soldiers who died during a security operation against timber trafficking in South Bwiam as part of the ECOWAS mission in the Gambia. May their souls rest in peace. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured’’

Macky’s statement has been met with strong reactions from Gambians, with some accusing the Senegalese government of using The Gambia to pursue their interest. His comment that the soldiers were on an operation against timber trafficking has also triggered questions regarding the mandate of the ECOMOG forces as this many believe is contrary to the mandate of their mission in the country.

‘’I was rifling through the ECOWAS charter in respect of their mandate on Peacekeeping Missions. I could not lay my hands on any part of their peacekeeping mission, where ECOMOG forces (ECOWAS’ Military Force), were granted a mandate, by law, to enforce any country’s domestic law. Investigating wood loggers/deforestation should have been the job of The Gambia Police Force/Gambia Forestry Dept’’

‘’Therefore, I was baffled when I read the tribute of the Senegalese President, Macky Sall, where he praised his force’s bravery in the deadly fight over logs of woods being transported by vehicles on Gambian soil. Who gave the Senegalese Army or the ECOMOG, authority to investigate and confiscate logs of wood transported within The Gambia, a practice they have been engaged in since 2017?’’ – Lamin Tamba, a UK-based Gambian who originated from Foni told this medium.

Senegalese forces clashed with members of the MFDC on Monday following an alleged attempt by the ECOMOG forces to confiscate a truck carrying timber logs. The truck driver reportedly changed course and headed to nearby Cassamance, the southern region of Senegal where the separatist group MFDC are based. The decision of the ECOMOG forces to cross into Cassamance was met with deadly consequences as gunfire ensued, killing two of its soldiers and displacing many in the surrounding border villages.

By Sarjo Brito

One Abdou Jammeh who works under the Criminal Investigation Department of The Gambia Police Force, and currently posted in Kanilai has reportedly gone missing amid tensions between Senegalese forces and elements of the separatist rebel group in Cassamance (Movement of Democratic Forces of Cassamance).

In an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, a cousin to Abdou who identified himself as Yusupha Colley said his family has been restless since yesterday and that all efforts to find out their brother’s whereabouts from both Gambian authorities and Senegalese security officials seems to prove futile so far.

The aggrieved family member alleged that his cousin was captured by Senegalese security forces while trying to do his job as an officer following a distress call from a villager in Kapa.

‘’Abdou happened to be my cousin and he is an agent of the police force. We were together on Monday when suddenly, his telephone rang. The person he was speaking to was telling him that there was an exchange of fire between the Senegalese soldiers and MFDC forces. He has been posted here for a very long time and the place the call was coming from is within his area of responsibility’’

‘’he told me he was going to the scene to get first-hand information on what’s happening. I told him to be careful because live ammunitions were involved, and he was not armed. He also spoke to his Station Officer at Bwiam to put him in the picture. He went to a village called Kapa, which is about 100 or 200 meters from Kampant. When they got there, he realized the information he got was true, that were was an exchange of fire indeed.  That’s when he decided to notify his Station Officer in Bwiam.

‘’On his way coming home from Kampant with a vehicle, they were stopped by some Senegalese soldiers who were also trying to enter the bush as re-enforcement. They were stopped and questioned on where they were coming from. Abdou identified himself as an officer of the Gambia police and why he was in the area. He was with two other guys who travelled to the area to recue their sister and her two children. The Senegalese soldiers asked them to park and step out of the vehicle. Abdou stepped out of the vehicle and appealed to the soldiers to allow him to get the civilians he was with back to safety, especially the lady and her two children who were already in a state of panic because of the crossfires. Whilst the vehicle driver tried to move to get the car to a safer place, the Senegalese soldiers started to fire at the vehicle. Abdou had already alighted the vehicle’’

According to Yusupha Colley, the vehicle driver who was with Abdou told them that Abdou was immediately taken into custody by the Senegalese Soldiers.

‘’What I cannot confirm is if Abdou had his police identification documents on him or not. But all I know is they arrested a Gambian officer, doing his job, in his country.

Asked if Gambian authorities have been notified about his missing cousin, this is what Yusupha Colley said:

‘’We are just coming back from the station. We went to see the Station Officer to tell him that our brother is missing. The people he was travelling in the same vehicle have been released but Abdou is nowhere to be found. We were told they are following the situation and will keep us updated accordingly’’

The armed struggle in Casamance was ignited in March 1982. The conflict which has been described by analysts as neither war nor peace has claimed thousands of lives in the region and displacing many others since its beginning. Villages around the border are unfortunately inhabited by civilian populations who continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict between the Government of Senegal and the (MFDC).

On Monday 24 January, Justice Alameh, the presiding judge in the case between The Sates and General Badjie set 4 February 2022 as date for ruling on whether the former security aide to ex-president Yahya Jammeh should continue to be remanded or charged and tried.

Justice Alameh revealed that the state made an ex-parte (one party) application to detain the General within 90 days at the Mile 2 Central Prison pending investigation into his alleged crimes.

The decision of making a ruling on the 90 days application came when defense counsel Sheriff Kumba Jobe rose to object to the said application to remand General Badjie without trial. The defense counsel maintained that the continuous remanding of his client without trial is unlawful.

It could be recalled that the Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TRRC) report recommended for General Saul Badjie and others to be tried for their alleged horrendous crimes.

However, journalists and some alleged victims have complained about the space of the courtroom, saying that it cannot fully accommodate the press and some alleged victims leading to members of the press standing outside throughout the proceeding.

It was therefore suggested for the hearing to take place in a bigger courtroom that would accommodate more people as the case is one of public interest.

The next sitting is on Friday 4 February 2022 for ruling on the 90 days application.

By Amara Thoronka

A newly established fitness, nutrition and care center for women in The Gambia [Phenomenal Women] was officially launched on 21 January 2022 at the center’s address at Bartil Harding Highway, opposite Kotu Hospital.

In her statement, Fatima Jallow, CEO of Fatima & Co public relations firm (organizer of the launching ceremony) said the center focuses on women particularly on fitness, nutrition and care.

“The Center offers women in The Gambia a safe environment. They offer services to women such as Yogo, Zumba, aerobics/cardio exercise, kids Zumba classes, beauty salon, steps/TRX workout, massage/jacuzzi/steam, kids play area (nanny services) and nutrition classes,” she highlighted.

Making an opening remark, a member of Phenomenal Women, Laila Traboulsi said the center is a product of a discussion between her and Phenomenal Women chief executive Fatu Njie on a safe environment where when can exercise and receive trainings on their wellbeing.

“We were chatting on a safe environment where women can put on their sport gears, a place exclusively for women. Women have so much to offer but are not giving the opportunity to prove themselves. Our work here is not only to exercise and offer nutrition and care services, but also to help women and young ladies unleash their potentials.”

Madam Traboulsi encouraged women to take advantage of the opportunity by coming to the center and make use of its services.

Speaking on reason for establishing Phenomenal Women center, Chief Executive Officer of the center Fatou Njie said she has travelled to many countries and has discovered that most countries have similar centers for women, but not in The Gambia.

“Other countries have centers like this where women exercise and are taught on how to take good care of themselves, their children and their families in general. We need such in the Gambia and that is where the idea came from. We are the mothers, and we are the ones who give birth to the Presidents, Ministers and all. Women are the foundation of a better country and a better world”

She said the center has a safe and conducive environment for women to exercise and discuss their challenges with workable solutions.

Jeun Francois Normand, husband and partner of Madam Fatu Njie thanked all the people that have been working with them to realize the establishment of the center, noting that his wife always think about her fellow women and has always been trying to do something to make women in the Gambia feel confident, healthy and good looking.

Keynote speaker of the ceremony Saliou Taal, President of Gambia Bar Association praised Madam Fatu Njie, her husband and all those who contributed in realizing the establishment of the center.

“Fatu Njie always want to bring to the Gambia the best she has seen in other countries. This center has the high standards you can find in other parts of the world. I believe this is a showcase of love and passion for this nation because if it is about money Fatu and her husband would have invested in real estate and other stuffs.”

Mr. Taal assured that he will encourage his wife to visit to the center regularly, calling on other men to allow and encourage their wives and sisters to take advantage of such opportunity.