By: Alieu Jallow

The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP-The Gambia) has expressed deep concern over the rising tensions between the neighboring communities of Gunjur and Berending in the Kombo South District, West Coast Region. The long-standing land dispute, which dates back to the 1980s, has resurfaced following a recent government announcement regarding boundary demarcation.

The Ministry of Lands, Local Government, and Religious Affairs recently issued a letter detailing plans to mark the border between the two communities, reigniting friction. In response, both Gunjur and Berending held rival press conferences asserting their respective land claims, further heightening tensions.

WANEP-The Gambia, a leading peacebuilding organization, has urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid inflammatory actions, and embrace dialogue as the only viable solution.

“Tension and aggression are never the answer. We must work together to find peaceful and constructive ways to address our differences,” WANEP stated in a press release.

The Gunjur-Berending land dispute has primarily involved the Sanyang Kunda family of Berending and the Jammeh Kunda, Darboe Kunda, and other clans within Gunjur. The conflict, which has simmered for decades, turned deadly seven years ago when violent clashes erupted. Despite a government-formed task force investigating the matter, key recommendations, particularly the proposed boundary demarcation, remain unimplemented.

WANEP notes that tensions have been exacerbated by the delay in implementing these resolutions. As part of its commitment to conflict prevention and resolution, WANEP-The Gambia has initiated several interventions, including:

• Community Dialogue Sessions and Alternative Dispute Resolution Trainings under its Research and Action for Peace (REcAP) Project, funded by the European Union (EU).
• Shuttle Diplomacy with local leaders to foster calm and mutual understanding.
• Legal Research to clarify land ownership under national laws and traditional customs.
• In-Depth Community Consultations to ensure all stakeholders have a voice in the peace process.
• Dialogue and Mediation efforts aimed at trust-building and sustainable conflict resolution.

WANEP has urged the Gambian government to expedite the implementation of the task force’s recommendations, particularly the transparent and inclusive demarcation of the disputed boundary. The organization also calls on civil society, local communities, and international partners to support peace efforts in Gunjur and Berending.

“Through collective effort and a commitment to non-violence, we can overcome our differences and build a brighter future for both communities,” WANEP emphasized.

While tensions remain high, WANEP believes that dialogue and peaceful engagement are the only paths toward a lasting resolution. The coming days will be crucial as stakeholders navigate this sensitive issue in a bid to prevent further conflict.

By: Momodou Ndow

The NAMs have done it again by revealing their dirty hands. They’ve voted down diaspora voting by a 25 to 14 margin – a clear landslide. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and the NAMs have certainly found a way to deny us our right to vote. Congratulations to them!

Diaspora voting is a powerful way for individuals living abroad to maintain a connection with Gambia and contribute to the political process. By ensuring our right to vote, you empower us to be able to influence policies that may directly affect our lives.

It will also a way to acknowledges our significant contributions to the economy, through remittances and investments, as well as the cultural and social ties we maintain. Enabling diaspora voting ensures that our voices are heard in a tangible way, making us active participants in shaping Gambia’s future.

Moreover, diaspora voting strengthens democratic values and promotes inclusion and representation. Representation matters deh! It guarantees that diasporans who may be temporarily or permanently living abroad, still have a stake in our country’s governance.

In this way, diaspora voting will enhance the democratic process, ensuring that all Gambian citizens, regardless of we live, are equally represented.

Remittances play a crucial role in Gambia’s economy, often providing a lifeline for families and communities. There’s no doubt that our remittances have significantly reduce poverty by supporting basic needs such as food, medical care, and education.

For many households fofu nonu, remittances are the primary source of income, given the high unemployment rate. Beyond individual households, remittances contribute to the national economy by increasing the flow of foreign currency.

Our remittances were $775 million last year, and we deserve a seat at the table. This Sara yaadi mbam business must end!

By: Alieu Jallow

In a strongly worded statement yesterday, Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe debunked recent claims that the Banjul City Council misused funds provided under the EU-funded Banjul–Ostend City Partnership. The allegations, originally raised by Councillor Maxim Dock, have been firmly rejected by the Mayor, who maintained that all funds had been managed with full transparency and in strict compliance with EU guidelines.

Addressing a room of journalists at Banjul City Hall, Mayor Lowe asserted, “I have not stolen any funds and was not involved in handling any finances; all funds were managed by the EU.”

Councillor Maxim Dock had raised serious concerns that the funds allocated under the EU-funded Banjul–Ostend City Partnership project were not managed as intended.

In response to these allegations by Councillor Dock, Mayor Lowe suggested they were politically motivated, stressing that Maxim Dock believes the city of Banjul only deserves old clothing, outdated bicycles, ambulances, and other materials.

By: Michaella Faith Wright

Although the Gambian diaspora is often referred to as the “8th region” of The Gambia, it lacks formal representation in the country’s decision-making processes. Aisha Tambajang, a Policy and Planning Specialist, has raised concerns about the exclusion of Gambians abroad from important national decisions, despite their contributions to the economy and society.

The diaspora plays a significant role in the nation’s development, contributing remittances, investing in businesses, and supporting national progress. However, they do not have a seat at the table when it comes to governance and policy-making.

“How can a region exist without representation?” questioned Tambajang. “We acknowledge the diaspora’s contributions, but when it’s time to decide who leads and shapes policies, we are excluded.”

Tambajang emphasized that the issue extends beyond voting rights, highlighting the need for Gambians abroad to have a voice in national affairs. She noted that countries such as Senegal, Kenya, and South Africa have incorporated their diaspora into governance, demonstrating that such inclusion is achievable. “We are not reinventing the wheel,” she added. “We are simply asking for what is fair.”

With increasing calls for diaspora representation, many hope The Gambia will take steps to give its 8th region the representation it seeks.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, leader of the opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP), has cautioned that allowing external influence in the adoption of a new constitution is not only unnecessary but also “an insult” to the nation.

Batchilly was responding to speculation that ECOWAS should engage the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) in The Gambia’s constitutional development. “This is not only unnecessary but also an affront to the intelligence and sovereignty of the Gambian people,” he stated. He believes that the drafting and adoption of a national constitution should be managed by Gambians themselves rather than dictated by foreign entities.

“Repeatedly, external interventions in African matters have primarily served to promote the interests of outsiders instead of the people they claim to support,” he noted, asserting that The Gambia must firmly oppose any external influence attempting to dictate its governance. According to him, African nations, including The Gambia, have long been perceived as incapable of managing their own affairs, resulting in a dangerous dependency on foreign entities.

“It is regrettable that rather than resolving our internal political disputes through sincere dialogue and compromise, some individuals seek international mediation as an easy solution,” he elaborated. Batchilly emphasized that the country’s political leadership must acknowledge that The Gambia’s future rests in the hands of its citizens, not foreign diplomats or organizations.

“If we persist in allowing outsiders to dictate our governance frameworks, we risk losing our national identity and our ability to shape our own future,” he warned. He pointed out that the current constitutional stalemate should not be used as justification for inviting foreign intervention. “It is the duty of Gambian political stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground for the benefit of the nation,” he stressed.

“A constitution is the highest law of a country, and it should embody the aspirations, values, and will of the Gambian people rather than the interests of foreign parties. Political parties and leaders must prioritize collective interests over personal and partisan agendas to work towards a consensus that guarantees a democratic, just, and progressive Gambia.”

The Gambia Action Party (GAP) firmly denounces any efforts to compromise national sovereignty by allowing external forces to dictate the constitutional process. While recognizing the importance of international collaboration in areas like economic development and security, Batchilly asserted that governance and constitution-making should remain domestic matters.

He cautioned that no foreign entity should be permitted to interfere in establishing the country’s legal framework, emphasizing that The Gambia possesses the human resources, intellectual capacity, and experience necessary to draft and implement a constitution that serves the best interests of its people without foreign interference.

“As a sovereign nation, The Gambia must fully own its democratic processes. Our leaders must exhibit political maturity, patriotism, and a commitment to national advancement by ensuring that the constitution-building process is led and owned by Gambians,” he explained, adding that the collective interests of the Gambian people should always take precedence over partisan advantages.

“Our destiny is in our hands, and we must resist any attempts to relinquish our authority to foreign entities.”

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Lands and Regional Government Minister Hamat Bah criticized area councils for not taking adequate responsibility in waste management, stating, “they need to buckle up and assume their responsibility.”

Speaking at the National Assembly on Monday during the second reading of the Waste Management Bill, he acknowledged some progress in Banjul but questioned its sustainability. Bah emphasized that his remarks were based on national interest, not politics, and urged lawmakers to ensure better collaboration between councils and the NEA.

The bill, aimed at regulating waste control and disposal, has been referred to the Assembly’s Business Committee for further review.

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the United Democratic Party, has urged the Inspector General of Police to immediately arrest Babucarr Bahoum for his controversial remarks regarding the people of Kiang.

Darboe argued that statements made by Mr. Bahoum are seditious and can ignite violence. “IGP, I ask you to arrest Mr. Bahoum and subject him to proper interrogation,” he said, adding that a “mere apology is not enough.”

The UDP leader noted that if the police let Bahoum walk free, it might lead to chaos. “We are watching, and what you did to Binta is unfair. We learned that she had been transferred to a different province station, which was wrong.

She simply stands against what was wrong, and she doesn’t deserve to be punished. The person who deserves to be punished is Bahoum,” he added.

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Ousainou Darboe stated during a press conference that a UDP-led government will address what he called a “wasteful” use of national resources.

Speaking at an ongoing press conference, Darboe said: “When a UDP government come into power, we will reduce all wasteful expenditures and invest in productive areas to improve the quality of life of our citizens.”

He added that the current government is wasting resources on issues that are not beneficial to the country. “Currently, the government has luxury vehicles that are wasting fuels,” he said, adding that if he’s elected [president], he will make sure that will be history.

“Before the OIC, every government institution has good vehicles but they now share the OIC vehicles among themselves. If I become president, those vehicles will be taken from the ministers [ and given] back to the OIC. We will be using them to generate revenue for the country,” Darboe explained.

Darboe added that such vehicles should be utilized to generate funds, not to waste them. “We will rent them to people if they have events, and at the end of the day, we will have income,” he said.

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

According to Madi Ceesay, the Member of the National Assembly for Serekunda West from the United Democratic Party, the ruling National People’s Party, the National Reconciliation Party, and several nominated and independent members have voted against Diaspora voting. The results of the vote were 25 against and 14 in favour.

With the 2026 presidential election approaching, this decision means that Gambians in the Diaspora will be disenfranchised.