By Alieu Jallow

In October 2024, young Sukai Jangun from Barra embarked on the perilous journey Gambians commonly call the “Backway,” hoping to escape family struggles and unemployment. Months later, she lives with trauma, regret, and the scars of an ordeal that almost claimed her life.

The Fatu Network’s Alieu Jallow met Sukai in Albreda, where she was participating in a three-day youth camp organized by ActionAid International, The Gambia, and its partners, and interviewed her to share her story.

Before her journey, Sukai worked briefly with Wave Gambia as a distributor. From her modest earnings, she saved diligently until she was able to pay D60,000 to an agent who promised her passage to Spain. She told her family she was travelling to Senegal for a scouting program, but instead, she joined others waiting by the Senegalese shore.

After a week of waiting, she and 248 others set out on a dangerous voyage across the Atlantic. For six nights, they battled rough seas, hunger, and thirst. At one point, she recalled women being forced to drink urine due to the lack of water.

Their worst moment came when hope turned into despair. “We got a point in the river, where you are told this is the river of Sirat, which means once you cross the place in a few miles, you get to Spanish waters. So, after we passed the place, we saw lights from a distance and the men started announcing that once we pass the night, we will finally land in Spain. Everyone celebrated and threw away the remaining food, but the next two days, everything faded away, and we were no longer seeing anything, not even the ships we used to see,” she tells The Fatu Network.

Exhaustion and panic soon took over. According to Sukai, some passengers began hallucinating, claiming their parents were calling them from the afterlife. Fear escalated when the captain killed three men on board, including one seated next to her.

“I was just told to move my head a bit, and the captain slaughtered this young man who was confused. I found myself bathed in blood, and he was subsequently thrown into the river. The journey continued until we found a cargo ship which rescued us by giving our captain direction to head home, following the malfunctioning of all the compasses he had,” she revealed.

Their ordeal continued when Mauritanian fishermen escorted them ashore and handed them to the navy. Instead of freedom, they were thrown into prison, where Sukai said migrants were forced to depend on relatives sending money for survival while wardens took their share as commission. She alleged the Gambian embassy in Mauritania was slow to respond, leaving them in harsh conditions for weeks.

Now back in The Gambia, Sukai regrets spending such a large sum of money on a journey that almost cost her life. She blames family stereotypes and societal discrimination for pushing her into the “Backway.” Still, she admits she remains torn between regret and determination.

“Today, if there is a standing boat ready to undertake the journey, I will be among the first people to board. But for some people, the journey is not easy. I have experienced it once, but for others, please do not set your mind on it because the journey is deadly. After days at sea, you might run confused. It is painful for both men and women, so my advice is to stay away,” she advised.

Sukai is currently unemployed and continues to battle trauma and stigma. Despite everything, she hopes that one day she will be given an opportunity to rebuild her life.

By Hadram Hydara

Deputy Head of Mission at the Gambia High Commission in London, Suntou Touray, has dismissed claims made by former army officer Abdoulie Sanyang during a recent appearance on West Coast Radio’s Coffee Time with Peter Gomez.

In a statement, Touray said Sanyang’s assertion that the two met during human rights advocacy meetings in Geneva was false. “I categorically refute this claim. I have never met Mr Abdoulie Sanyang in person, neither in The Gambia, Geneva, nor anywhere else,” he said.

Touray clarified that his only interaction with Sanyang was a brief exchange via Skype many years ago. He detailed his participation in Geneva-based events in 2014 and 2015, stating, “At no point during these engagements did I meet, interact with, or work alongside Mr Sanyang.”

He accused Sanyang of making “exaggerations and fabrications” that undermine the sacrifices of genuine activists. “Public discourse, particularly on matters as weighty as our national struggle, must be grounded in truth, integrity, and sincerity — not in grandstanding or self-promotion,” Touray said.

Responding to Sanyang’s comparison between President Adama Barrow and former dictator Yahya Jammeh, Touray said the remarks were “deeply unfair.” He added, “Mr Sanyang never set foot in The Gambia during the darkest years of dictatorship, yet today he freely visits the country… This is testimony to the open democratic space and freedom of expression under President Barrow’s leadership.”

Touray ended by urging honesty and constructive dialogue in national discourse, saying, “Our people deserve nothing less.”

Sanyang, who fled The Gambia during the Jammeh regime and has been living in Switzerland, was arrested at Banjul International Airport while trying to board a flight back to Europe. According to police, Sanyang’s arrest was prompted by remarks he made during a recent appearance on West Coast Radio’s “Coffee Time with Peter Gomez” that were related to “national security.”

By Alieu Jallow

Katim Secka, a visually impaired young man, is emerging as a source of inspiration for many at this year’s Federation of Gambia Muslim Youths (FEGAMY) Annual National Youth Camp, also known as the Al Furqan University Youth Camp 2025.

Despite his disability, Katim has dedicated himself to teaching and motivational speaking, using his personal story to uplift others.

Speaking to The Fatu Network on the sidelines of the 9-day camp, Katim shared how he once dreamed of becoming a lawyer but eventually found his calling as a teacher. For him, the shift was not a setback but a chance to inspire change, particularly among persons with disabilities (PWDs).

He emphasised the importance of spiritual healing, adding that FEGAMY’s annual camps have played a crucial role in shaping his leadership skills, boosting his confidence, and deepening his devotion to Islam.

“Since I joined FEGAMY, it has changed a lot in me because I do not stay the entire day without reciting the Quran, plus I am also called upon to inspire others and back at school, I go the extra mile to teach even during my free periods. I believe we all have a role to play in ushering change, so I will not relent in pursuit,” he said. Participants at the camp also echoed similar sentiments about its life-changing impact.

Bintou Jagana, a FEGAMY executive member, reflected on how the association transformed her personally, noting that she once struggled with public speaking and lacked confidence in leadership. Today, she credits the platform for nurturing her growth.

“This is the association that built me into who I am today. I joined FEGAMY when I was about 15 years old, and back then, I could barely even stand in front of people to say anything. It was here that I learned my public speaking skills, developed them, and started gaining confidence in myself. I became able to take on different platforms, lead on them, and especially grow my leadership skills. Right now, if I tell you how many leadership positions I’m holding in school, outside school, and even within FEGAMY, it’s mind-blowing. I never thought years back that I would get to this level. But with the help of the people in FEGAMY, the elders, and the mentorship program, I’ve been able to grow. The youth camp, especially, is a place where you really get to bring out the talent in you,” she reflected.

For 21-year-old participant Jewo Gisseh, who is attending the camp for the second time, the experience has been equally transformative. She explained that the program has motivated her to take on a leadership role among her peers and to inspire other young women in her community.

“When I go back home, I will make it my duty as someone who attended the camp to also pass down the knowledge that I have gathered here to the young people over there”. She states

This year’s camp brings together young people from across the country for an intensive program focused on nurturing leadership, strengthening faith, promoting community service, and fostering peace.

By Alieu Jallow

A prominent Gambian medical doctor based in the United States, Dr. Muhammed Teks Tekanyi, has described The Gambia’s education system as “outdated” and in urgent need of reform.

Dr. Tekanyi, a specialist physician who served for years at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, is calling for a redefinition of the basic and secondary school models to better prepare students for their future careers, reduce costs, and strengthen the country’s human capital.

He outlined five key reforms he believes will reshape the sector. According to him, the number of subjects for examination classes should be capped at six, noting that this would help students prepare better for their graduation exams while also reducing costs for parents, schools, and the Ministry of Education.

“Six subjects will give the student enough time to study and understand the concepts of each subject, not just for passing exams but for their future careers, and it is easier when planned for a day each subject to study with the remaining day to rest and refresh,” he explained.

He recalled that both his father, a professor of engineering, and himself, a specialist physician, achieved their careers without taking nine subjects in school.

“This is true for all, if not many, of you reading this. Why then should one take nine subjects when, for some of them, you will never need them again after graduating from high school?” he questioned.

Commonly known as “Teks,” Dr. Tekanyi also called for a shift from the traditional science, arts, and commerce model toward a blend that integrates practical skills.

“Our world has changed, and its growing impact on society requires that we also adjust to meet its demands. Many employers no longer want a full-time office employee but one that can roll his/her sleeves and step out of the office to demonstrate what s/he wants colleagues to do to solve a particular work-related problem,” he said.

He suggested that students could study science while also learning a trade such as agriculture or carpentry, enabling them to create alternative income streams in the future.

Over the years, teachers have consistently called for salary increases to meet the skyrocketing cost of living. Dr. Tekanyi stressed that quality education is impossible without motivated teachers.

“There’s no explanation enough to give reason why a doctor, lawyer, or engineer can have a comfortable take-home and not the teacher when all are professions contributing to national growth. Ku buga akra fogmu nyem’meng kaani!”

Dr. Tekanyi further argued that schools must be equipped with the right resources to produce strong results.

“Equip the labs for the science students, and provide enough resources for the rest of the students to prepare them well for the exams, and the results will be pleasing.”

One of the major challenges facing reform in The Gambia’s secondary and senior schools, he noted, lies in weak policies, poorly equipped institutions, and leadership gaps. Against this backdrop, he called for leadership reforms within the Ministry of Education and schools.

“Plan and provide a system of succession plan for outstanding classroom teachers and provide them with the prerequisite training opportunities for them to grow and climb up the ladder from being a classroom teacher to PS and even minister of basic and secondary education. It is this approach that brings desired results, builds institutional memory, maintains quality, and overall promotes the retention of teachers,” he suggested.

Dr. Tekanyi said such measures would ensure that the education system is not only effective but also responsive to the country’s long-term development needs.

By Hadram Hydara

Gambian women’s rights activist Fatou Baldeh has described the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) death of a one-month-old baby girl in Wellingara as a “tragic reality” of gender inequality, following the charging of three women in connection with the case.

“I commend the Gambia Police Force for taking decisive action in charging three women in connection with the death of a one-month-old baby girl following the performance of female genital mutilation (FGM),” said Baldeh, founder of Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL).

Speaking about accountability in this case, Baldeh did not absolve women from blame, even though they are the victims of FGM.

“While accountability is vital, this case painfully highlights the tragic reality that women remain both victims and enforcers of a deeply violent tradition rooted in gender inequality,” she said.

She pointed to the gendered nature of the tragedy, noting that both the infant and the accused are female.

“The infant who lost her life was female. The three individuals now facing charges are also female. This is no coincidence; it reflects the extent to which entrenched gender norms compel women to inflict harm upon their own daughters, nieces, and sisters. These women are not merely perpetrators; they are products of a system that teaches from birth that pain and sacrifice are intrinsic to womanhood.”

Baldeh called for a shift in approach, urging society to look beyond punishment.

“We must move beyond punishment alone. What is needed is transformation. FGM is not solely a woman’s issue; it is a societal failure. Until we dismantle the structures that pressure women into performing this act, we will continue to witness such heartbreaking tragedies.”

She added: “The law must be enforced, certainly. But it is the culture that must be changed. Only then can we truly safeguard our girls.”

Fatou Camara, one of the suspects in connection with the case, has been charged under Section 32A of the Women’s (Amendment) Act, 2015, which prohibits female circumcision and carries a life sentence. She has been remanded in custody by Magistrate Sambou at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court.

Oumie Sawaneh and Hawa Conteh are charged as accomplices under Section 32B. Both have been granted bail.

Written by: Mama A. Touray

A senior lecturer at the University of Science, Engineering and Technology (USET), Lalo S. B. Conteh, has voiced strong concerns about staff welfare, institutional expectations, and leadership transitions at the University, saying that remaining silent in the face of systemic mistreatment is no longer an option. Mr Conteh made these remarks in a statement shared with this medium, expressing frustration over what he described as ongoing and deep-rooted issues within the institution.

Explaining why he chose to speak publicly, Mr Conteh said, “As a private citizen and long-serving staff member of GTTI/USET, I feel compelled to speak out and expose the unethical and unprofessional treatment endured by staff because remaining silent in the face of systemic mistreatment is no longer an option.” He added that the situation has deteriorated to a point where it demands immediate and decisive intervention.

Mr Conteh described leadership transitions at the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology as a “tale of missed opportunities”. He recalled the 2013–2016 period as the “Tigress Era”, saying that although the leader was intimidating, she ensured financial stability and fair treatment. However, her downfall came from poor staff relations, leading to a sit-down strike.

He referred to the 2016–2020 period as the “Hyena Era”, noting that initial hope quickly gave way to disappointment. The leadership team, composed largely of long-time insiders, “quickly revealed conflicts of interest”. He accused them of financial mismanagement, holding excessive meetings with lavish allowances, and making broken promises. “A promised 100% salary increase resulted in only 25%, with the rest lost to corruption,” he claimed.

On the 2020–2024 period, which he called the “Ghanaian Era”, Mr Conteh said it marked the transformation of the Gambia Technical Training Institute into the University of Science, Engineering and Technology. Although there were fewer controversies, he argued the period lacked tangible improvements, noting that the Vice Chancellor’s contract was not renewed.

Regarding the current “Nigerian Era” from 2024 to the present, he alleged that promises of new appointment letters and backdated pay scales to January 2025 have not been fulfilled for all staff. Some employees, he claimed, were quietly upgraded while others remained in limbo. A second sit-down strike in June 2025 followed broken promises and delayed salaries, and despite assurances, July salaries were again paid late, with no adjustments or arrears.

Mr Conteh concluded that until all staff are treated equally at USET, “the transformation remains superficial, mere branding on paper, walls, and vehicles. The hardworking majority continues to be left behind”. He commended the resilience, dedication, and professionalism of his colleagues and others who, he said, continue to serve with patience and integrity despite increasingly intolerable conditions.

By Mama A. Touray

The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) has suspended 631 candidates over suspected examination malpractice, following the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ministry said: “Results of 631 candidates flagged for suspected examination malpractice have been withheld pending the outcome of the Council’s adjudication process.”

MoBSE said the move reflects its firm stance against academic dishonesty.

The ministry also reported a notable rise in participation, with 20,247 candidates from 156 senior secondary schools registered for the exam—a 12.22% increase from the 18,042 candidates in 2024. Of those, 37.56% were male (7,604) and 62.44% female (12,643).

Out of 18,819 candidates with complete records, 961 students (5.11%) achieved credit passes in five or more subjects, including English Language and Mathematics. Of this group, 44.22% were male and 55.78% female.

While MoBSE described the results as a “commendable effort,” it acknowledged that “there remains substantial room for improvement in foundational subject mastery.”

The ministry highlighted that 457 students (2.43%) earned credit passes in nine subjects, while 588 (3.12%) achieved the same in eight subjects—figures it said demonstrate high-level performance across a broad range of disciplines.

Additionally, 1,799 students (9.03%) secured credit passes in three subjects, and 806 (4.28%) secured credit passes in six subjects. According to MoBSE, this indicates “a promising foundation for many,” and with targeted support, these students could improve further.

The ministry noted that the majority of students—around 17% and above—achieved credit passes in at least one subject, describing this as “a crucial base, demonstrating engagement and potential that can be nurtured.”

The statistics are based on 18,819 candidates (92.94%), with 797 incomplete records still under review.

Despite signs of progress, MoBSE acknowledged persistent challenges in core subjects. “While the percentage of candidates obtaining credit passes in both English Language (19.8%) and Mathematics (7.3%) remains unacceptably low,” the statement read, “the overall results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), 2025, provide clear evidence of students’ remarkable capabilities in several key disciplines.”

The ministry said candidates performed exceptionally well in select subjects, with credit pass rates exceeding 50%.

Looking ahead, MoBSE pledged to invest in high-performing subjects, expand support for technical, scientific, and vocational education, and intensify efforts to strengthen foundational learning in English and Mathematics.

“These collective actions,” the ministry stated, “will help build an education system that not only addresses its weaknesses but also maximizes its strengths, driving The Gambia towards a future where every student thrives, and the country’s economic and social advancement is secured.”