Nigeria has lifted its ban on Twitter – seven months after clamping down on the social networking site.

Nigeria’s government suspended Twitter last June after the company deleted a tweet by President Muhammadu Buhari about punishing regional secessionists.

Authorities accused the social media firm of siding with the secessionists.

But the government said it was reversing the ban after Twitter agreed to conditions including opening a local office in Nigeria.

According to the Nigerian government, Twitter has agreed to: register in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2022, appoint a designated country representative, and comply with tax obligations in Nigeria

Enrol Nigeria in its portal for direct communications between government officials and Twitter to manage prohibited content that violates Twitter community rules

Act with a respectful acknowledgement of Nigerian laws

Twitter did not say if it had agreed to the government demands but tweeted that it was “pleased” to be restored in the country and was “deeply committed to Nigeria”.

The move allows millions of people in Africa’s most populous nation to use the platform again.

Many Nigerians had continued to access the site after the suspension using virtual private networks (VPNs) but most corporate organisations, including many media outfits, had obeyed the government’s order.

Analysts believe the ban has cost the Nigerian economy millions of dollars, especially the small businesses which use the platform to reach their customers.

The move last year by Nigeria’s government sparked an international outcry over freedom of speech.

The social media company’s decision to register itself in the country showed it was committed to Nigeria, the country’s information technology development agency said.

The government had ordered internet providers to block Twitter, alleging it was being used to undermine “Nigeria’s corporate existence” through the spreading of fake news that could potentially have “violent consequences”.

This came after Twitter removed President Buhari’s post referring to the 1967-70 Nigerian Civil War and to treating “those misbehaving today” in “the language they will understand”.

Twitter is popular with many Nigerians, and the platform has been used as a mobilising tool. Activists used it to rally support during protests against police brutality under the hashtag #EndSars, which gained global attention.

Despite the ban many Nigerians continued to tweet and some are now taking time to recognise the VPNs that enabled them to do so.

User Ugegbe tweeted that she didn’t want to delete her VPN, as it would feel like a betrayal.

BBC

By: Christian Conteh

Two prominent Civil Society organisations AdvocAid and Purposeful have expressed their dismay at the fact that only five (5) women out of 160 incarcerated people  were pardoned during the New Year’s Day Presidential pardons.

The organisations further expressed frustration that no women imprisoned in Correctional Centers in the provinces were pardoned.

It also highlights that neither two girls incarcerated at the Approved School nor a number of women who are imprisoned with young children were considered for a Presidential Pardon. The CSO’s maintained that apart from Presidential Pardons international and regional standards stress that alternatives    to imprisonment should be preferred in many cases.

Examples include a scenario in Bo Correctional Centre where there is a young woman with a baby serving a three year sentence and in Freetown Correctional Centre a woman with a young baby who is serving a seven year sentence.

These facilities where the women are held the CSO’s say do not have the appropriate medical, educational or support services for such children who are at risk during detention.

The statement from the CSO groups went on to catalogue several examples of women that could have been considered for release. These include

A young woman who is currently imprisoned in Kabala Correctional Centre with twins, detained since October 2020, while pregnant. She gave birth in the Correctional Centre. She was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for wounding with intent and did not have adequate legal representation during the length of her trial and a 15-year-old survivor of child marriage and gender-based violence detained at the approved school.

The organisations raised concern that several men were pardoned for serious offences, such as murder, when   women and girls convicted for lesser offences were not considered for pardon.

They urged the Government to review the pardon process, calling for it  to be open and transparent with key criteria for when a pardon will be considered. This they say should be open to submissions from legal representatives and civil society organisations.

Further the CSO groups call on the Government to review the cases of all women and girls currently detained in police stations and detention facilities across the country and to consider them for early release measures and alternatives to incarceration.

This they point out  is especially urgent for women and girls who are pregnant or detained with young children, in light of the tragic case of a baby who died in a police cell in Makeni whilst detained with its mother in December 2021.

By: Kemo Cham

Journalists in Sierra Leone are demanding a probe into alleged harassment and intimidation of a reporter by officials at the country’s Lungi International Airport.

Amadu Lamrana Bah, who works for the Freetown-based Africa Young Voices (AYV) television, said he was maltreated by airline officials while waiting to board a plane as part of a delegation that was headed to Cameroon for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2021) tournament.

Bah was on a reporting assignment, under the sponsorship of his media. He said after going through the necessary check-in processes, his name was repeatedly announced via the airport public address system, requesting him to report to the Air Maroc check-in desk. He said when he arrived, his tagged luggage was thrown at him and he was told that his name was not on the list of passengers.

The journalist said he was only allowed to board the plane after the intervention of a senior fellow journalist who was traveling on the same flight.

“I felt humiliated as other passengers were looking on as I continue to ask what is happening,” he lamented in a posted on his facebook page shortly before boarding the flight.

Bah, who is the President of the Sierra Leone Reporters Union, heads the Digital Media department at AYV.

He told ManoReporters that he believed the attempt to stop him from traveling to Cameroon, a trip that was paid for by a GSM company, might have something to do with a post he had made on social media lamenting an uncomfortable experience they went through at the airport.

The incident which happened on Monday, 10^th January, sparked public outrage, especially among media practitioners.

Although no one knows who exactly was behind it, as the airline officials told the journalist that they were acting on the “orders of someone above,” the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) holds the management of the Sierra Leone Airport Authority and Air Maroc responsible for the incident.

“SLAJ vehemently condemns the behavior of the airport officials, including Air Maroc, and finds it unfortunate that the journalist was targeted because of his opinion,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

“This is outright intimidation and harassment and constitutes a serious attack on free speech and press freedom,” SLAJ President, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, was quoted in the statement.

Journalist Bah onboard an Air Maroc flight after a failed attempt to prevent him from boarding

Bah, who is now in Cameroun, said he still didn’t know who was behind his experience, but he was convinced that they were politicians.

“Those who were at the airport are from the Ministry of Sports, the Minister, his Deputy, the Leader of Government Business who is SLPP [governing party] and others,” he said, noting that no one had reached out to him after the incident.

Meanwhile, while reiterating its call for the safety and security of journalists, SLAJ said it is waiting for an official explanation and apology to Bah from the airport authority. It also calls for a “speedy investigation into the circumstances leading to their action and to expose whosoever gave that order to drop the journalist from the list of passengers.”

For many journalists, the incident serves as a reminder of the constant trouble they have to deal with in the hands of Sierra Leonean politicians who use their power to stifle free speech.

President Julius Maada prides himself as a pro-free speech president. And his government has used every opportunity to boast about actions taken in fulfillment of campaign promises geared towards this, including the removal of laws that criminalized free speech.

But campaigners say the president needs to go beyond passing laws and making statements, and act to contain his officials.

“No journalist, or individual for that matter, should be targeted for expressing their views. Authorities must learn to accommodate genuine criticism as part of their responsibility to the public,” said Mr Nasralla.

By Sarjo Brito

Gambia’s Civil Aviation Authority has dismissed Ebrima L Dampha, a staff member of the institution following an opinion piece he wrote on Facebook exposing alleged internal corruption.

Ebrima in his piece published a few weeks ago expressed that the newly introduced airport levy paid by incoming and outgoing passengers at the Banjul International Airport was just another strategy being applied by the officials of the institution to steal from the Gambian people.

‘’I want to state here unapologetically, and in equivocal terms, that the 20 Dollars that is obtained from incoming and outgoing passengers in Banjul International Airport is a complete daylight robbery! For the record, such charges, whether called Airport security charges, Airport tax or service fees are all levied on the ticket that passengers buy. Hence, if you bought a ticket, you have paid all these charges. Therefore, no name qualification can justify this illegal means of obtaining money,” Ebrima said.

The Civil Aviation Authority reacted to the allegations by firing Dampha for what they described as a violation of the Institution’s code of conduct which provides that no employee should contribute to any publication relating to the functions and activities of the institution. The sacked Human Resources officer’s dismissal was made known through an official letter dated January 4th, 2022.

‘’The decision was premised on your violation of the provisions of SSR (0713) which states that no employee should contribute to any publication of any matter that reasonably can be regarded as relating to the functions and activities of the Authority. Additionally, the same provision states that no employee without the expressed permission of the Director-General will express an opinion for publication on any matter affecting the organization or work of the Authority”.

Speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network, Ebrima L. Dampha confirmed his dismissal. Dampha said he knew the implications of his publication and will do it again if he could in the interest of the country.

‘’ I am sad yet honoured that my service was terminated on the basis of having an opinion on a wrongful practice. As indicated, their decision is not based on any incompetence, corruption, or malpractice, hence, I am vindicated.  But notwithstanding, I am afraid for the future of our public sector, especially for the young people. I believe this is not about me, this is kidnapping the future of the young people of our country, and this is about normalising corruption by caging anyone who wishes to speak up. This is a clarion call for every meaningful Gambian to stand up and resist, legally and professionally,’’ Ebrima said.

Asked if he will take any legal action, this is what he had to say:

‘’ Yes Sarjo, Immediately and unhesitatingly, I am going to the courts to seek redress. Leaving this matter unchallenged will be the worst precedent one could set, and don’t want to be associated with that side of history. And even further to that, I am a Human Resource Officer both in practice, learning and teaching, what will I tell my students regarding unlawful dismissal, policy opportunism and abuse of office if I did not challenge this rhetoric’’

The Gambia government last year introduced a 20USD tax levy on inbound and outbound travellers at the Banjul International Airport. The move sparked wide condemnation and disapproval from both travellers and players in the Tourism industry who believe it was bad for business, especially because airport levies on passengers are generally known to be included in ticket costs.

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