By: Yerro Mballow

As part of its Community Outreach Support the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) has donated 36 pairs of tracksuits to the Gambia Volleyball Federation ahead of the commencement of the sub-regional volleyball tournament slated for Saturday 15th January 2022 in Banjul.

Handing over the donated items, Sunkaru Jarju Acting Director, Department of Corporate Services and Business Development assured the GPA’s commitment to the promotion of sports in the country and maintained that the donation is in line with GPA’s community services.

Receiving the items, Alagie Ceesay, Technical Director of the Gambia Volleyball Federation expressed gratitude for the donation given by the GPA. He assured them that the donated items will be put into good use.

By: Yerro Mballow

Ahead of upcoming indoor competitions courtesy of the Senegalese Athletics Association one of Gambia’s finest female athletes and winner of the national award in the 200m, Gina Bass has started training in Dakar Senegal.

Gina is under scholarship provided by the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) to enable her participate fully in the incoming indoor competition.

Gina has expressed gratitude for the gesture.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The National Team of The Gambia known as the Gallant Scorpions has set a record in Cameroon as they defeated Mauritania 1-0 in their median appearance in the 2021 African Cup of Nations.

Gambian Midfielder Ablie Jallow gave the Scorpions the lead barely ten minutes after kick-off. Jubilant crowds danced and sang songs of adoration for the team

The early goal from Ablie Jallow helped the Scorpions earn three points in their median encounter

Citizens Alliance (CA) Party in The Gambia has expressed its condolence to the bereaved families of victims of the New York fire disaster

In a statement on Wednesday, the party notes that with shock and sadness it received news of the fire incident that occurred in The Bronx, New York, USA, on 9th January 2022, an incident that claimed many lives, including Gambians while leaving many with excruciating injuries. This the party says is an irreparable loss to Gambians both at home and in the Diaspora, particularly to the bereaved families.

“On behalf of the party’s National Executive and the entire membership, we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire Gambian populace for this tragic loss.

We pray that God, The Almighty, have mercy on the departed and rest their souls in Jannah. We also pray that God grants their family members the faith and strength to bear the loss and to breeze through these trying times. To those in the hospitals battling for their lives, we pray for healing mercies for them,” the party statement read.

Germany on Wednesday reported a record-breaking 80,430 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily case count for the country since the start of the pandemic. The previous daily record was set on Nov. 26 with over 76,000 cases, according to Reuters

The seven-day case rate in the European nation was also up to 407.5 per 100,000 people on Wednesday compared to 387.9 on Tuesday, Reuters added.

Just under 75 percent of Germany’s population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, a lesser rate than some other parts of Europe, the news service added.

Last month, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced that the country would move to limit private gatherings to 10 people and close large events like soccer games to spectators in order to combat a spike in COVID-19 cases fueled by the highly contagious omicron variant.

Throughout all of Europe, the World Health Organization has said that over half of Europe’s population may be infected with omicron, which was first detected in South Africa at the end of last year, in the upcoming weeks.

“At this rate, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation forecasts that more than 50 percent of the population in the region will be infected with omicron in the next six to eight weeks,” the regional director for WHO in Europe, Hans Kluge, said at a press conference on Wednesday.

By Yerro Mballow

A five-member commission of inquiry has been constituted and sworn in by the Local Government Minister on Tuesday, 11th January 2021 to look into the allegations of fraud and malpractice at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC). 

It can be recalled that a team of inspectors and auditors from the internal audit department was set up to look into the serious allegations by the mayor of KMC and the counter allegations by the CEO of the said council of the malpractices and fraud amounting to 12 million dalasis. 

The newly set up commission of inquiry will look into all the matters surrounding this allegation and come up with recommendations according to the Minister of Local Government Musa Drammeh. 

The commission is chaired by Chief Magistrate Omar Cham, assisted by Momodou YM. Sallah and Mam Sait Jallow. 

The commission also appointed a secretary and the Justice Ministry will support the commission with a lead counsel and other technical support staff. The commission will also have backup security personnel from the inspector general of police.

The commission is mandated with the powers to investigate the circumstances surrounding the loan facility given by AGIB bank to the staff welfare Association of the KMC in the sum of 12 million dalasis.

The commission will further identify the persons and group of people involved directly or indirectly in securing the loan, Minister Drammeh revealed. 

He disclosed that the commission shall complete its findings within three months from the date of its establishment and submit its report. Meanwhile, senior state counsel, Momodou D. Mballow at the Ministry of Justice is appointed as the lead counsel for the commission.

The composition and terms of reference of the commission were published in the Gambia Gazette No.58, Vol. 138 as of 31st December 2021 in accordance with the law

According to the BBC, a prominent opposition lawmaker and barrister in Cameroon from the opposition Social Democratic Front (SDF) has been gunned down in Bamenda city in the north-west.

Gunmen forced Senator Henry Kemende to get out of his car and then shot him in the chest, party communication secretary Denis Nkelemo told the BBC.

The motive for the killing is unclear, Mr Nkelemo added.

Bamenda is the main English-speaking city in Cameroon, and at the centre of a political crisis that has led to armed conflict between separatists and the military.

According to the International Crisis Group, the fighting has killed more than 6,000 people and displaced about one million since 2017.

The separatists are opposed to what they see as domination by French-speaking Cameroonians.

Cameroon is currently hosting the Africa Cup of Nations, with the government assuring teams and spectators that they will be safe.

Credit: BBC

By: Yerro Mballow

Police prosecutors in Banjul have prepared a charge sheet against, General Saul Badjie,
the former top military aide to ex-president Yahya Jammeh and two other scary junglars in the persons of Major Landing Tamba and Warrant Officer Musa Badjie.

The trio are charged with killing Deyda Hydara and two U.S citizens in the persons of Mamut Ceesay and Ebou Jobe.

It could be recalled that in their recommendation, the Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TRRC) recommended the prosecution of Saul Badjie and co on allegations of committing murder, serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity.

From Paul Osuyi, Asaba (Nigeria)

No fewer than ten worshippers were feared dead in the rubbles of a collapsed building housing the Salvation Ministry at Okpanam in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, scores of persons including women and children were also trapped.

It was said to have caved in during yesterday’s evening service.
The building was undergoing another phase of reconstruction when the mishap occurred.

A church member, who simply identified herself as Grace, said service was ongoing when the building collapsed with a thunderous noise.

“We were clapping and praying when suddenly we heard the cracking and the building swallowed the children section with some children in Bible class.”

According to her, the church was observing its New Year 21-day fasting, adding that members had come to break Tuesday’s fasting with a communion service.

Men of the Delta State Emergency Management Agency, fire service and the state police command formed the rescue team as trapped children were crying under the debris of the collapsed building.

Reports have it that over eight persons had been rescued unhurt, while four persons were rushed to the Asaba Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

As at the time of filing this report, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Patrick Ukah, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ononye Mordi, a team of Red Cross officers, and firefighters were on the ground during the rescue mission

Following Sundays New York Fire incident the Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has reported that other Gambians are still missing but efforts are underway to locate them.

This was made known as the Government issued a statement expressing how deeply saddened the nation is to inform the general public that eleven (11) Gambians, including six (6) children, have died in the fire that broke in Bronx, New York on Sunday 8, January 2022.

The apartment building ravaged by the fire the statement said is reported to have been predominantly occupied by Gambian immigrants.

“Latest information from our Permanent Representative in New York, and Ambassador in Washington indicate that others are still missing but efforts are underway to locate them. Both the Permanent Mission and the Embassy in Washington are working with the authorities in the City of New York with a view to locating survivors and also assisting the injured. They have also been in touch with the families concerned.”

Some it says have already been found and reunited with their families.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Gambia Government, sends its heartfelt condolences to the grieving families for this tragic loss. and prays for God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness on the departed souls.

President Adama Barrow has officially empathised with families of the New York City Fire victims with specific reference to Gambians and people of Gambian descent.

In a Facebook message on Tuesday President Barrow said It is with profound sadness that he learned about the involvement of Gambians and people of Gambian descent, in the devastating fire incident in a Bronx, New York apartment building on Sunday.

He says his government is keenly following the developments through the Embassy in the United States.

“I extend my condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” Barrow said

Reports indicate that the Bronx apartment building fire incident has claimed the lives of about 14 Gambians including six children with the death toll expected to rise in the coming days.

In what appears to be the most anticipated moment in Gambia’s football history the Scorpions have vowed to set a record in Cameroon in their median game against Mauritania at Limbe Stadium on Wednesday.

The Scorpions left the shores of The Gambia on Friday to participate in the AFCON, bringing joy to many Gambians. The team began training on Saturday 8 January 2022.

Omar Colley, Gambian defender and assistant team captain expressed the team’s readiness to fully take part in the competition. He assured Gambians that they will surprise their opponents, noting that they will give it their best to raise the country’s flag to the highest level.

“We are ready both physically and mentally to represent our country in the competition. We will fight for our country. Playing in the AFCON is a dream come true for me and the entire team,” Omar Colley said.

“The fans support in Douala is part of the motivation and that is enough to keep us going. We are really happy. We came here without knowing that we will find such a welcome in Douala.”

He called on Gambians to continue their support while pointing out that this is what the country has been working to achieve for many years.  Adding that the team is excited about the warm welcome accorded them by Gambians residing in Cameroon.

Babucarr Trawally in a joyous mood called on Gambians to believe in the team and pray for them to achieve their ultimate goals in Cameroon.

“Everyone is ready and motivated to take part in the median competition. “Am urging Gambians to keep praying and supporting us,” Babucarr Trawally said. “Even though most of them are not with us but their support back home will take us further in this competition.”

For Modou Barrow, a Gambian Forward player, taking part in the competition is what they have been yearning for over the years.

“The feeling of taking part in the competition is good and we are excited,” Modou Barrow said. “We are all looking forward to the AFCON, we have been fighting for many years, now we are in the competition, we will do all it takes to go further. We will surprise the world by showing them what we can do.”

He further noted that they will surprise bigger nations as they are set to battle with Mauritania on Wednesday at Limbe Stadium in Cameroon.

On his part, Lamin Kaba Bajo, President of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) expressed hope that the scorpions will set a record in the competition while appealing to Gambians to continue supporting them.

“It’s not only participating in the competition, but we also want to go home with respectable results,” GFF President Lamin Kaba Bajo said. “I trust the boys so much and I know they can do it. I call on Gambians to keep supporting them.”

He also thanked the government of The Gambia for supporting the national team adding that the median game is very significant in the history of the nation.

Ebou Faye, second Vice President of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) and others are also optimistic that the Scorpions are in the right direction to face any team in the competition. This marks the 33 African Cup of Nations and it is featuring 24 different African Countries.

By: Christian Conteh

Sierra Leone introduced itself on the African Cup of Nations staged in Cameroon after 25 years of absence from Africa’s topflight Cup.

Considered the underdogs, the returnees held defending champions Algeria to a goalless draw.

Djamel Belmadi’s side who have enjoyed a successful run since 2018, lifting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in 2019 and going 33 consecutive matches unbeaten were pinned down by John Keister’s boys cladded in Green.

The desert foxes dominated possession for the better part of the game. Leone Stars had some really juicy opportunities in the opening half at the Japoma Stadium in Douala.
Alhaji Kamara hit a low strike that beat the near post. In the second half, Kamara ruffled the net but the goal was slashed out for offside.

Algeria had several chances but Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara guarded the goal with exceptional fury and earned the man of the match status.

The protector of Sierra Leone’s den, Kamara, excelled in repelling the attacks and preventing them from shaking the net.

Algeria won the cup for the first time in 1990 when it hosted and clinched a second in 2019. As defending champions, they are among the favourites to repeat the success.

By Matty Senghore

Former soldier Lamin Darboe, a husband of two and father of five, reportedly died after a brick was thrown at him while performing ablution at the Fajikunda Mosque which allegedly led to his death.

A friend of the deceased, Musa Darboe told TFN that he spoke with Lamin around 12pm on Sunday 9^th January, some hours before the incident.

“Lamin called me around 12 mid-day asking of my whereabouts, and I told him I was at home. He informed me that he would be going to the barbing shop and would subsequently go to the mosque for prayers. At around 5 in the evening, I received a call that Lamin had an issue with one young man at the mosque who hit him with a brick. At first, I thought it was not that serious until I received another call informing me that he had died due to the incident.”

Daboe explained that he had been living with the late man in Fajikunda for over 20 years, adding that Lamin spent most of his time in the mosque especially on weekends. He narrated what ensued at the mosque leading to the fatal occurrence:

“I was told that Lamin came to pray when he met a young man opening the tap. Lamin was said to have asked the person to turn off the tap but that the alleged killer continued. That was how an argument started between them, but they were however dispersed. After the embittered uproar, Lamin was performing ablution when the young man came back with a brick and hit him on his head, resulting to unconsciousness and collapse.  He fell to the ground and was rushed to Fajikunda Hospital and later  Ndemban Clinic in Bakau where he died”

First wife of the deceased said she was shocked to be told that her husband was being rushed to the hospital due to the effect of a brick that was thrown at him.

“Lamin together with our last child left home for prayer at the mosque. Few moments later someone came to me and said they are taken my husband to the hospital. Lamin was a very religious man, a loving husband and a caring father. He has left me with the children and I know it is not going to be easy. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

It could be recalled that a man was beaten to death last week at Brikama Sanneh.

The chief executive of Pfizer has announced it could launch a vaccine targeted at the Omicron variant in March. Albert Bourla told CNBC the company is “already starting manufacturing some of these quantities at risk”.

He said Pfizer could be ready to file for US regulatory approval for a redesigned vaccine and launch it as soon as March.

Current vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic infection two to four weeks after a booster ranged from around 65 to 75% down to 55 to 70% five to nine weeks on, and down to between 40 and 50% from 10 or more weeks after the third dose, according to research from the UK Health Security Agency.

Covid vaccines could eventually be an annual shot for most people, Bourla said, adding that some high-risk groups might be eligible to receive shots more often than that.

The chief executive of Moderna, Stephane Bancel, told CNBC on Monday the company is soon starting clinical trials for a booster shot that targets Omicron.

Bancel has previously said that people may need to get a fourth vaccine dose against COVID this autumn as the efficacy of the booster jabs wanes.

Source: Evening Standard

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Gambian community living in Douala, Cameroon has on Monday 10th January 2022 welcomed their compatriots to the host country of the African Cup of Nations.

Douala is the largest city in Cameroon and the country’s economic capital. Home to Central Africa’s largest port and its major international airport, Douala International Airport (DLA), it is also considered the commercial and economic capital of not only Cameroon but the entire CEMAC region comprising Gabon, Congo, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic and Cameroon.

Speaking to The Fatu Network the Gambian people noted that Cameroon is an amazing country where business is very viable. They used the opportunity to strongly advise their countrymen to avoid the risk zones in Cameroon. These zones predominantly in Limbe, south of the country where the delegation will be staying are always prone to terrorist attacks.

Sisawo Jammeh is Head of the Gambian Community living in Douala, he said they are living peacefully in Cameroon noting that there is peace in the country.

‘Cameroon is a place where farming is very productive, and we Gambians are very excited to welcome the Gambian Delegation in Douala.

“We are very happy to see our people coming here, since morning we have been at the airport waiting for Gambians to arrive,” he said.

Adding that “we want you to stay where you are asked to stay. Please don’t go out roaming because that area is not safe. I am very happy to be part of the Gambian people to witness this historic moment. We live happily here and we are ready to give all we could to our people,”. Sisawo Jammeh said.

Jammeh who has been in the subregion for nearly three decades predicted that The Gambia will win the giant trophy and take it home.

Fatoumata Drammeh and Aja Fatoumata Drammeh are both Gambians residing in Douala they said their living conditions are generally good as the Subregion has been peaceful. Both expressed delight at Gambia’s median AFCON participation.

They told The Fatu Network that they will keep supporting the Gallant Scorpions in all their matches while praying for them (Scorpions) to win the giant trophy and take it home.
“The Scorpions will set a brilliant record in the AFCON,” Aja Fatoumata Drammeh said.

As the delegation landed in Douala International Airport, Gambians residing in Douala, converged at the Airport premises dancing and singing showing their excitement as they welcomed the delegation

Masalieu Sowe is also a Gambian living in Cameroon he urged Gambians to remain disciplined so they can continue raising the country’s reputation to a higher level.

“I can’t tell how happy I am to see Gambians in Douala today,” she said. “Today I feel like am in The Gambia.” Sowe also prayed for the scorpions to win the trophy and take it home.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Monday that he had Covid-19 for a second time and was experiencing mild symptoms, as the hard-hit country battles another wave of infections.

“I inform you that I am infected with Covid-19 and although the symptoms are mild, I will remain in isolation and will only do office work and communicate virtually until I get through it,” he tweeted.

Lopez Obrador said that Interior Minister Adan Augusto Lopez would replace him at his usual morning press conference and other public events while he recovered.

Hours earlier the 68-year-old president had appeared in front of journalists without a face mask speaking with a hoarse voice, prompting accusations from his critics of irresponsible behaviour.

He said he planned to get tested for Covid-19 but believed he had the flu.

Some social media users wished Lopez Obrador a speedy recovery, while others criticized him for being reckless.

“If he falls seriously ill, he will have the best doctors at his service,” political analyst Viri Rios said in a Twitter post that was shared hundreds of times. “Many journalists in the audience, however, do not even have (health) insurance.”

Lopez Obrador overcame a first bout of Covid-19 in early 2021.

He has received the AstraZeneca vaccine including a booster on December 7.

Like many countries, Mexico is in the grip of a new wave of coronavirus infections following the emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant and traditional year-end family gatherings.

On Friday, Mexico’s official Covid-19 death toll — the fifth highest in the world — surpassed 300,000, although daily fatalities remain far lower than during previous waves.

The country of 129 million people has reported a total of more than 4.1 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

The real figure is believed to be much higher due to the low level of testing.

One of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Mexico has kept its borders open during the pandemic and does not require any tests or vaccination passes from arriving travelers.

FRANCE24

The Rwandan national, Salima Mukansanga is set to make history at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Cameroon, by becoming the first woman to referee at the men’s tournament.

The 33-year-old Rwandan is making her officiating debut on Monday.

Salima Mukansanga was born in1988 and she is an international football referee from Rwanda. She was an official at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

She has officiated at the Olympics, FIFA Women’s World Cup, Africa Women Cup of Nations and CAF Women’s Champions League.