Rich businessman Alhagie Conteh has written to President-elect Adama Barrow congratulating him on his electoral victory.

Mr Conteh spent the last days of campaign accusing President Barrow’s government of corruption and receiving kickbacks in the TBEA contract.

In his letter seen by The Fatu Network, Mr Conteh insisted he is confident the president will be able to lead The Gambia as a united country in peace and tranquility.

“Those of us in the private sector will continue to do our best to create employment for Gambians and contribute to economic growth with a view to encourage private sector led growth with conducive policies,” Mr Conteh said in his December 7 letter to the president-elect.

He added: “Congratulations sir, and I pray for your good health and prosperity as we forge ahead as a peaceful and united country under your humane and tolerant leadership.”

By: Christian Conteh

The 2021 World Malaria Report has revealed that the African Region accounts for 95% of cases and 96% of global deaths.

The report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates a total of 241 million malaria cases and 627,000 malaria deaths worldwide in 2020, representing about 14 million more cases in 2020 compared to 2019 and 69 000 more deaths.

Approximately two-thirds of these additional deaths (47 000) were linked to disruptions in the provision of malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment during the pandemic.

Between 2019 and 2020, the globally estimated number of malaria cases increased from 213 million to 228 million, and deaths from 534 000 to 602 000, with the African Region having the chunk of the cases and deaths the rate of progress in both cases and deaths has stalled in many countries with moderate or high malaria transmission.

The increase in the number of cases and deaths have been linked to the outbreak of COVID-19, which it (the report) says has disrupted malaria services.

However, the report says the situation could have been far worse in the early days of the pandemic. A projection by the institution said that with severe service disruptions, malaria deaths in sub-Saharan Africa could potentially double in 2020.

Luckily it confirms that many countries took urgent action to step up malaria control programmes, averting this worst-case scenario.

“Sub-Saharan Africa continues to carry the heaviest malaria burden, accounting for about 95% of all malaria cases and 96% of all deaths in 2020. About 80% of deaths in the region are among children under five (5) years of age. The pandemic struck at a point when global progress against malaria had already plateaued.”

By around 2017, there were signs that the phenomenal gains made since the year 2000 including a 27% reduction in global malaria case incidence and a nearly 51% reduction in the malaria mortality rate were stalling.

“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, global gains against malaria had levelled off,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.  “Thanks to the hard work of public health agencies in malaria-affected countries, the worst projections of COVID’s impact have not come to pass. Now, we need to harness that same energy and commitment to reverse the setbacks caused by the pandemic and step up the pace of progress against this disease.”

Delivering Malaria Services Against the Odds

Despite the challenges imposed by COVID-19, about three-quarters (72%) of insecticide-treated mosquito nets had been distributed in malaria-endemic countries as planned by the end of 2020.  Thirteen countries in Africa’s Sahel subregion reached 11.8 million more children with preventive antimalarial medicines during the high-transmission rainy season in 2020 compared to 2019.

Some countries, particularly with a low burden of malaria and relatively strong health systems, even registered gains against malaria during the pandemic. China and El Salvador were certified by WHO as malaria-free in 2021, and the Islamic Republic of Iran attained 3 consecutive years of zero indigenous cases in 2020.

Despite these achievements, the WHO African Region saw a 12% increase in malaria deaths in 2020 over the previous year, highlighting the consequences of even moderate service disruptions in a population at risk of malaria.

“While African countries rallied to the challenge and averted the worst predictions of fallout from COVID-19, the pandemic’s knock-on effect still translates to thousands of lives lost to malaria,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

“African governments and their partners need to intensify their efforts so that we do not lose even more ground to this preventable disease,” Dr Moeti said.

According to the report, 15 countries with a high burden of malaria reported reductions in malaria testing of more than 20% in April-June 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. National Malaria Programmes distributed about 48 million fewer courses of treatment in 2020 compared to the previous year. And, of the world’s 11 highest-burden countries, only India registered progress against malaria. The 10 other countries, all in Africa, reported increases in cases and deaths.

Meeting Global Targets

According to the report, progress towards the 2020 milestones of the WHO global malaria strategy was substantially off track.  In 2020, the global malaria case incidence rate was 59 cases per 1000 people at risk against a target of 35 putting it off track by 40%.  The global mortality rate was 15.3 deaths per 100 000 people at risk against a target of 8.9 putting it off track by 44%.

Reaching the 2030 goals of the WHO malaria strategy, including a 90% reduction in global malaria incidence and mortality rates by 2030, will require new approaches, new tools and the better implementation of existing ones.

Meeting global targets will also require robust funding. According to the report, current funding levels (estimated at US$3.3 billion in 2020) will need to more than triple, reaching US$ 10.3 billion per year by 2030.

Source: World Malaria Report 2021. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2021. (WHO Media)

The Gambia Transport Union has issued a statement congratulating President-Elect, His Excellency Mr Adama Barrow for securing a second mandate to steer the affairs of the country.

The statement on Thursday said: “Over the years the transport sector enjoys a fruitful partnership with your government   in many spheres of development and advancement in the socioeconomic environment particularly in the area of movement of people, goods and services.

“We are looking forward to more collaboration and partnership with the government in making the transport sub sector vibrant, efficient, productive, and reliable.

“The National President Executive and entire membership of the Union wishes you all the best in your new tenure of office. We pray for Allah’s continuous guidance and protection for you and entire nation.”

Youssou Ndour has congratulated President-elect Adama Barrow on his re-election by Gambians.

President-elect Barrow won by a landslide in Saturday’s presidential election with 53% of the votes.

Youssou Ndour tweeted on Wednesday: “I congratulate the brotherly people of The Gambia who once again gave the world a great lesson in democracy.

“Also, I warmly congratulate President Adama Barrow on his re-election and appreciate his first words to the Gambian youth.”

Change Party leader Alhaji Mamadi Kurang has called on parties disputing last Saturday’s election to accept the election result.

President Adama Barrow emerged winner of the poll after securing more than half of over 800,000 Gambians who voted in the election. His estranged political father UDP leader has rejected the result as well as GDC leader Mamma Kandeh. A third candidate, Essa Faal, also rejected the result only for him to backtrack later.

Alhaji Kurang said today: “1554 polling stations each party sends 2 polling agents that’s (1554x2x6)=18,648 polling agents plus IEC staff and GPF not a single agent has yet come out to claim fraud? PLEASE ACCEPT THE RESULTS.”

Mr Kurang endorsed PDOIS’ presidential candidate Halifa Sallah following his rejection by IEC and served as Mr Sallah agent at IEC.

Citizens’ Alliance party has announced it is making a U-turn regarding its plan to take the chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission to court for flouting a court order.

A court had ordered the IEC to receive CA leader Dr Ismaila Ceesay’s nomination and allow him to contest the just past presidential election. The IEC however disregarded the court order and CA then asked its lawyers to begin contempt of court proceedings against the chairman of IEC Alieu Momar Njai.

But in a statement today, CA said it is walking back in the interest of unity.

The statement said: “Having regards for the conclusion of the electoral processes and in order to move on and unify the country, the Citizens’ Alliance (CA) has instructed its lawyer not to pursue the contempt proceedings against the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Alh. Alieu Momar Njie, for violating a court judgement and order in the former’s favour.

“CA is conscious of the fact that the penalty for contempt of court is possibly an imprisonment, and that it will not be of national interest or CA’s interest to pursue a criminal proceeding that may possibly lead to the imprisonment of an elderly states man in the person of the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Alieu Momar Njie.

“This decision was arrived at by the CA National Executive Commitee for the sake of the overriding national interest. Meanwhile, CA will continue to institute proceedings for compensatory damages against the IEC’s ill-informed decision against the party and its candidate leading to the non-participation of the party and its candidate, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, in the recently concluded presidential election.”

The National Assembly Member for Old Yundum constituency Abdoulie Ceesay has congratulated President Adama Barrow on his electoral victory.

His statement reads;

“On behalf of the entire Constituent of Old Yundum Constituency, I write to extend a hearty congratulations to you for the resounding and well-placed Victory in the just concluded Presidential Elections held on the 4th December 2021.

“I am indeed excited after you earned the nod to spearhead the next chapter of our country’s development priorities for another five years. I and the entire Constituent are indeed hopeful that your second tenure will bring to fruition our shared aspirations for a remarkable revival and timely transformation that we all love and cherish domestically, and we look forward to working hand in hand with your administration for the good of the Gambia and Old Yundum Constituency respectively.

“I also wish to offer a well-deserved pat on the back to all stakeholders, IEC, Election observers both local and international, membership of the National Executive Committee of all political parties, Candidates, Media personnel, the Security and the entire Citizens for your best efforts in ensuring that a professional, unprecedented and historic election process was held in a truly transparent and democratic manner.

“My Constituent wishes the National People’s Party-led Administration under HE Adama Barrow all the best, as you endeavour to continue on our collective game-changing dreams into tangible realities for the betterment of all facets in the Gambia. We acknowledged your appetite to develop our country infrastructurally as a well-appreciated investment and hopefully, all Gambians will support you.

“We pray that God the almighty protect and guide you in your endeavours.”

Imam Bakawsu Fofana has spoken for the first time since last Saturday’s election which saw the candidate he endorsed UDP leader Ousainou Darboe lose the election.

Imam Fofana led UDP in prayers as the party set out for presidential campaign in early November. At that meeting, the top Imam confidently said Darboe would win the election.

Speaking to King FM on Wednesday, Imam Fofana said: “There are two issues in the country. What the marabouts have said is still standing since there are two reports saying it’s Darboe who has won or Adama who has won. Darboe’s victory has been said and Adama’s too has been said.

“In the counting, it’s Darboe’s victory that is being said but Adama’s victory is also being said on the papers. They (UDP) have not accepted yet so what the marabouts have said still stands.

“They are still disputing it so people should not be in a hurry. But however it goes, anyone who wins should thank God and be humble and the one who is defeated should accept it.”

President Adama Barrow won the election by 53% of the vote to Darboe’a 27%.

Police today said they have arrested Lamin Darbo the man who released a WhatsApp audio calling for civil war in The Gambia.

Darbo’s audio emerged in a UDP platform prompting citizens to say he is a UDP supporter. UDP leader Darboe on Wednesday issued his own audio disowning the man and said he is the worst citizen ever.

Police said: “Officers of the Police Special Investigations Unit on Tuesday 8th December 2021, launched a swift investigation into a viral audio in which a man who later became known as Lamin Darbo alias Kani Kunda, 47, was heard calling for post-election violence.

“In the viral audio he was heard calling for people to make explosives and burning of the country which resulted in widespread fear and concern among the general public.

“Four other names mentioned as accomplices belonging to the same group Santamba Kangkilling Kafo at Busumbala Westcoast Region, were equally arrested and currently helping police in their investigations.

“The police wish to once again warn all that we will not allow this country to fall into a state of lawlessness and any individual or group found wanting will be dealt with strictly according to Law.

“We continue to thank members of the public for collaborating with the police in the sharing of vital information at all times.”

Democracy thrives on norms and one of those norms is a concession by the losing candidates — accepting the will of the majority. Thus, in 2016, a myriad of Gambians including many ardent UDP supporters were aghast when Jammeh reneged on his promise to accept the election results. In essence, Jammeh was, as Natta Mass noted in his opus — “Usurped — Stealing a Country” — trying to usurp the will of the people.

Fast forward to 2021, many of these UDP folks have not conceded defeat, nor have they come out to denounce the self-serving and irresponsible actions of their party leader and his two stooges — Faal and Kandeh. Mind you, Jammeh lost by 18,000 votes; Darboe, on the other hand, lost by over 200,000 votes. This election wasn’t even close — it was a landslide. It’s hard to accept defeat, especially when those around you and your supporters place you on the perch of hagiography. However, in politics, sometimes the people beyond your bubble are just not into you.

Our heroes are flawed beings. It’s hard to defy or tell them the truth but in some instances, we have to. We should not strip them of their humanity, in that, we should be willing to call them out when they’re in the wrong; specifically, when their actions could jeopardize the wellbeing of the country. We are faced with a choice, my friends: to compromise our principles, defend our heroes to the hilt, or bring them down to our level — reality.

UDP and devotees of Ousainou Darboe should accord and extend humanity to their hero and leader. The hero, Darboe, lost the elections by a long mile, but he’s trying to pull a Jammeh on us — a sore loser — by trying to usurp the will of the majority — chasing a lost cause.

Darboe has every right to deny reality — that he lost — the same way he could deny the existence of the sun, but that doesn’t mean that the sun doesn’t exist. Chasing a lost cause is an exercise in futility. Darboe knows this, his devotees know this. The only reason his devotees stormed Kairaba Avenue was because he made them believe that the elections were stolen from them. This led to a small but unfortunate post-election violence. By the time he came out — preaching for peace and whatnot, the paste was already out of the tube. He unleashed the mob and couldn’t control it. Darboe and his stooges’ self-serving actions should be condemned by all, including his devotees. No one politician is bigger than the country, hero or not.

Heroes face several issues in the political arena. For example, in the political arena, the citizenry does not owe anyone a vote, not even their heroes. In addition, a good many of the citizenry — outside the bubble of the hero — might not cut the hero any slack. Also, it is obvious that being a victim of the state is not enough to convince the masses that you’re capable of running a country. It’s also obvious that running on the hero and victim message did not resonate with the masses. And, whenever a hero enters politics, they’re going to be challenged and, therefore, interrogated by their opponents.

It is also evident that even our heroes are not immune to the old adage that winning is the most important thing in politics. The picture of the “unholy alliance” of Darboe — a victim of Jammeh and the lead counsel who spearheaded the effort to bring Darboe’s oppressors to book, sitting side-by-side with Jammeh’s anointed candidate — Kandeh — was arresting and cutting.

Finally, selfless politicians are usually gracious in victory and in defeat. Barrow has taken the high road, gracious and measured in victory, while Darboe and his “unholy alliance” are trying to usurp the will of the majority. This is a sad end to the political career of one of the most towering figures in Gambian politics. In the end, the judgment of history depends on who writes; however, Darboe’s hubris and reckless actions in rejecting the will of the people would forever live in infamy.

He should do the honorable and selfless thing: GRACIOUSLY CONCEDE!

A better, selfless, inclusive, and progressive Gambia is ours for the asking —

Sulayman Njie, Ph. D.

Dallas, Texas

12.8.21

Sierra Leone has officially announced that the country has recorded its first positive case of the COVID-19 Omicron Variant.

The announcement was made through a joint statement from the National Covid-19 Emergency Response Centre (NaCOVERC) and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.

It says on the 25^th November 2021, samples were obtained from inbound passengers, one of which turned out to be positive by PCR for Covid-19 which later proved to be positive for the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529).

The reported case is from a passenger who travelled from Nigeria to Sierra Leone on 25^th November 2021.

“The detection of the first Omicron case demonstrates our unflinching commitment to testing and surveillance, as well as our country’s genomic sequencing capabilities. NaCOVERC and MoHS will remain vigilant at points of entry (including the Freetown International Airport), and hereby call on everyone to bear personal responsibility for health and safety especially at this crucial festive season,” the NaCOVERC statement reads.

The statement ends by calling on everyone to remain calm and report all suspected cases of COVID-19 to 117.

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated President Adama Barrow of The Gambia over his re-election for a second term of five years in office.

A statement by Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said the Nigerian president also praised the country’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for dutifully handling the electoral process.

Mr Buhari also commended Gambians for their high sense of civility, maturity and patriotism.

“President Buhari assures President Barrow and all Gambians of Nigeria’s commitment and partnership as they collectively work on making the country better and stronger for posterity,” the statement said on Monday.

Mr Barrow won the country’s presidential election held on Saturday, December 4. (Premium Times)

The Kanifing Municipal Council has emulated Banjul City Council by also issuing a statement congratulating President-elect Adama Barrow.

A statement shared on the council’s official Facebook page Wednesday said: “Please accept the Kanifing Municipal Council’s warm congratulations on your victory in the just concluded Presidential elections.

“The Council under the leadership of the Lord Mayor convey our best wishes for your success as you prepare to take up the responsibilities and challenges of the Presidency.

“Please accept the assurances of our highest consideration and fraternal esteem.”

Mayor Talib Bensouda’s role in the statement is not clear as he is UDP’s organizing secretary and his party has been denying President Barrow’s victory.

The Gambia Press Union has said it received official reports that freelance photojournalist Lamin Dumbuya was physically assaulted by supporters of the United Democratic Party (UDP) at the residence of the party leader Ousainou ANM Darboe in Pipeline.

The supporters who assaulted Dumbuya also confiscated and damaged a number of his equipment including two cameras, the GPU said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement continued: “UDP supporters and sympathisers gathered at the residence of Mr Darboe to supposedly show their dissatisfaction with the result of the 4th December presidential election as announced by the Independent Electoral Commission.

“As a photojournalist, Dumbuya was at the scene to photo-document the incident.  In the process, he was compelled to take refuge inside the residence of Mr. Darboe after some officers of the Gambia Police Force fired teargas in an attempt to forcefully disperse the crowd.

“It was at this time of taking refuge that some UDP supporters claimed the photojournalist was a sympathiser of the National People’s Party thereby physically assaulting him.  His professional camera was also confiscated and damaged.

“The GPU condemns in the strongest terms the actions of UDP supporters responsible for the assault of Mr Dumbuya and the destruction of his camera.  These actions by the UDP supporters continue the unfortunate trend of assault on journalists by political party supporters.

“The GPU also condemns the use of teargas and other forms of violence to disperse the crowd by officers of the Gambia Police Force.  The teargas has led to the hospitalisation of two other journalists who had inhaled the toxic fumes.

“We would like to call on the Gambia Police Force to cease from the use of undue force in the performance of its duties, and exercise restraint in dispersing crowds,” GPU President Muhammed S. Bah said.

“The GPU would also like to call on the leadership of the UDP to facilitate the return of Mr. Dumbuya’s confiscated equipment and to encourage its supporters to refrain from assaulting journalists in the line of duty.”

“The GPU is committed, ready and willing to continue engaging state authorities and political party leaders with a view to promoting an enabling environment for press freedom, especially with regards to the safety of journalists.”

An angry Ousainou Darboe lashed out at a man who called for civil war in The Gambia and asked him to quit UDP if he is a supporter of the man.

The man whose audio message first emerged from a UDP WhatsApp group chat, is heard asking citizens to rise up should the court dismiss UDP’s case get dismissed.

Darboe said: “If you’re a member of UDP, make sure you leave UDP. Because we do not want conflict in UDP. We want people who advocate for peace and stability in this country. Who told you we have gone to court? That’s a lie.

“You are making irresponsible statements, destroying my party’s name and destroying my name. I don’t know who you are but you’re the worst citizen ever. You are Gambia’s enemy and you should be arrested.”

Police have confirmed they are aware of a video where two police officers are seen celebrating the crack down on UDP supporters on Monday.

A viral video shows two PIU officers expressing joy over how they dealt with UDP supporters in Pipeline. The officers fired tear gas on the UDP supporters as they continued to gather at leader Ousainou Darboe’s house.

Police spokesman Lamin Njie told The Fatu Network the police management is aware of the video of the two officers.

He said: “The police management is aware of the video and have commenced an investigation into the conduct of the officers through the human rights and professional standards unit… appropriate actions will follow in due course.”

The video has angered many Gambians online and calls have been relentless for the two officers to be punished.

Lower Baddibu MP Alhagie Jawara has written to President-elect Adama Barrow congratulating him on his electoral victory.

The IEC declared President Barrow winner of last Saturday’s election after securing an impressive 53% of the vote.

The president won in MP Alhagie Jawara’s constituency, Lower Baddibu, and the MP is has thrown his full weight behind the president since he was fired by UDP has now written to the president to congratulate him.

He said in his letter: “I have the honor to avail myself and my Constituency the opportunity to extend to you Your Excellency heartiest congratulations on your historic landslide re-election. This victory is a testimony of the enormous trust and confidence the Gambia people have vested in you.

“This election – the process, participation, conclusion- is a testimony of the positive trajectory that our democracy is shaping into. The Gambian people have given a resounding verdict to your leadership by granting this huge and unprecedented seal of approval to your agenda for national development. Your government’s commitment to the rule of law, democracy, national unity, and development is ably reflected in your actions and roadmaps that you have demonstrated over the years and committed to for years to come.

“I am happy to commend the resolute and diverse NPP team and allies for our peaceful campaign process and all other stakeholders including the opposition for a credible, free, and fair elections. We now have a nation to build and unite, and no one can do that better than a unifying figure like you. I am ready to offer you all support necessary both in my capacity as a National Assembly Member and a Gambian to move our smiling coast to security, reconciliation, unity, development, and prosperity.

“While I thank you for nurturing this beautiful democracy for The Gambia, please be assured of my highest consideration and esteem. Congratulations once again to you, the first family, NPP and The Gambia at large.”

UDP leader Ousainou Darboe has issued an audio message calling on the police to investigate and arrest a man who is calling for civil war in The Gambia.

The man in an audio asked citizens to rise against President Adama Barrow’s government in comments that have shocked many. The man is said to be a UDP supporter.

But Darboe said Wednesday: “I heard an audio on Santangba UDP group from an enemy of The Gambia, someone who hates Gambia and is bent on destroying this country. I want everyone to ignore this man’s statement whether you are a Gambian, a UDP supporter or not. This man wants to cause harm in this country, a country where only peace is known.

“Saying people should make bombs and go out is the most irresponsible statement ever. Only a bad citizen would say such. But the police can investigate this, they can trace the person’s number and arrest him.

“The person he is talking to too, Sarjo Jarju, can also be traced with advanced technology. Anyone calling for what happened in Rwanda should be investigated. But I also want to believe this is not a UDP supporter. Some people are using UDP as cover to say they would set this country on fire.”

The Fatu Network understands the man is from Gunjur and based in the United Kingdom.