Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Home Blog Page 230

Gambia: Election candidates challenged on their commitment to human rights

Fatu Camara
-
0
Gambia: Election candidates challenged on their commitment to human rights
  • Presidential election is a chance to strengthen respect for human rights to Gambia
  • Amnesty calls on candidates to sign seven-point human rights manifesto
  • Laws restricting freedoms must be overhauled

As campaigns begin and voters get ready to go to the polls in Gambia for December’s presidential elections, Amnesty International calls on all candidates to break with the country’s past by publicly committing to improve the human rights situation in seven key areas if elected.

The organization is launching a seven-point human rights manifesto, calling on candidates to commit to protecting the right to freedom of expression; protecting the right to freedom of peaceful assembly; fighting impunity; ending sexual and gender-based violence and discrimination against women; promoting economic, social, and cultural rights; adopting a law prohibiting torture; and abolishing the death penalty.

The repressive regime of former president Yahya Jammeh was marked by mass arbitrary arrests, rampant torture, extrajudicial killings, and relentless persecution of dissenting voices.

Samira Daoud, Amnesty International’s West and Central Africa Director

“If we have seen substantial improvements in the civic space since assumption of power by president Adama Barrow, next month’s election is a chance for Gambia to see its human rights record significantly improve. Therefore, we are calling on all political parties and candidates to sign our manifesto and publicly commit to protecting the rights of everyone in Gambia.”

The manifesto notably highlights the need to ensure and promote the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly which are still under threat in the country. The criminal code contains several provisions restricting these human rights. This includes criminalization of sedition as related to the president and the administration of justice, imposing stiff penalties including imprisonment, confiscation of publications and printing machines.

Other problematic laws include:

  • The Information and Communications Act, which contains provisions giving national security agencies, investigating authorities and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority the power to intercept communications for surveillance purposes without effective judicial oversight;
  • Section 5 of the Public Order Act, which gives too much discretion to the Inspector General of Police to restrict protests with no review mechanism. Over the past five years, this provision has been used to restrict peaceful protests.

Amnesty International is calling on all candidates to publicly commit to repealing or revising these laws and ensure Gambia’s legislation abides by international and regional human rights treaties the country has ratified.

They must also ensure accountability for human rights violations. Political parties and candidates must ensure that all Truth Reconciliation and Reparations Commission’s recommendations regarding prosecutions and fighting impunity are effectively implemented.

Members of former president Yahya Jammeh’s regime who are accused of grave crimes should be brought to justice and immediately removed from the security apparatus if found guilty. Candidates should also commit to repeal the Indemnity Act of 2001 which gives the president the power to shield security officers from prosecution for any acts committed during an unlawful assembly or emergency. Torture must be absolutely prohibited, and the death penalty abolished.

The manifesto also insists on the need to protect women’s rights.

The Gambian government outlawed Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in 2015 and child marriage in 2016. However, discrimination and sexual gender-based violence against women persist.

Amnesty International calls on all political parties and candidates to commit to taking all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination and violence against women, including supporting their significant participation in the legislative, executive and judiciary fields.

They should also pledge to take progressive measures to promote access to food, education, housing, and health.

People in Gambia deserve what civil society has been campaigning on for years : a country that fully respects human rights. Candidates have a crucial role to play to see this happens. The first step is to sign the manifesto.

Samira Daoud

Background

Presidential elections will be held in the Gambia on 4 December 2021. The campaign kicked off yesterday with six candidates including the current president Adama Barrow who is seeking a second term.

Amnesty International

PAP leader ETM says his party endorses no one but makes it clear he will vote for best candidate come election

Fatu Camara
-
0
PAP leader ETM says his party endorses no one but makes it clear he will vote for best candidate come election

Leader of yet-to-be-registered People’s Alliance Party Ebrima Tabora Manneh has said his party will not be publicly backing any candidate for the December election.

Mr Manneh stated this during a news conference on Thursday.

He said: “There is a section that wants us to be neutral and I am one of those people. Fortunately, we prevailed. Namely that we are going to concentrate on restructuring our party, on building up our party to prepare for the coming elections.

“Therefore we are not going to endorse any political party at the moment. But we’ve told our members and our people that they are citizens of this country and it is their civic duty to participate in the election and to vote for the party or candidate of choice.

“I will exercise my right when it’s time for elections to vote for whoever I think will make the best candidate as a presidential candidate coming this election.”

U.S. top diplomat Blinken to visit Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya

Fatu Camara
-
0
U.S. top diplomat Blinken to visit Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya

By CGTN Africa

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal from November 15-20.

According to a statement by the U.S. State Department, Blinken will meet with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi to discuss topics including cooperation on ending the COVID-19 pandemic and regional security issues such as Ethiopia, Somalia, and Sudan, the department said in a statement.

Blinken will further travel to Abuja to meet with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari to discuss cooperation on global health security, expanding energy access and revitalizing democracy, it said.

In Dakar, Blinken will meet with Senegalese President Macky Sall “to reaffirm the close partnership between our two countries,” the statement said.

Victims Centre issues statement over November 11 slayings

Fatu Camara
-
0
Victims Centre issues statement over November 11 slayings

The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations has issued a statement amid the 27th anniversary of the November 11 events.

On November 11, 1994 execution of eleven officers of the army after they were accused of plotting a counter coup against the new junta government of Yahya Jammeh.

In a statement, Victims Centre called on the government to ensure the swift implementation of the TRRRC recommendations once they are out.

“Once received by the president, we call on the government to swiftly implement the recommendations of the TRRC without fear or favour, because justice delayed is justice denied,” the centre said.

Junta Number 2 Sanna Sabally told the truth commission in April last year he was the commander on the ground and gave the orders. At least six of the soldiers were lined and shot at point-bank range.

Aggrieved CA takes IEC to court, hires top lawyers

Fatu Camara
-
0
Aggrieved CA takes IEC to court, hires top lawyers

Top lawyer Chris Mene has been hired to lead a team of lawyers to do battle for Citizens’ Alliance in court against the IEC.

CA leaders Dr Ismaila Ceesay told reporters this morning they think their rights were violated regarding the IEC rejecting their nomination.

He said lawyer Chris Mene and a team of lawyers are now fronting the matter at the Supreme Court.

The case will be heard on Tuesday.

More follows…

Unhappy UDP quits GRTS, blames IEC

Fatu Camara
-
0
Unhappy UDP quits GRTS, blames IEC

United Democratic Party has issued written a letter to the IEC accusing Election House of interpreting media laws relating to use of G.R.T.S to include stifling of a candidate’s right to review and criticize the incumbent’s policies, programmes and conduct.

UDP made the accusation in a letter to IEC boss Alieu Momar Njie on November 11.

UDP’s letter signed by communication chief Amadou Scattred Janneh reads: “The United Democratic Party looked forward, with great anticipation, to finally and effectively use the very little airtime provided to it on the Public broadcaster, GRTS.

“This is in accordance with the Independent Electoral Commission’s Media Rules and other regulations governing the use of public media during the electoral cycle.

“The United Democratic Party, as a responsible and law abiding organisation, has always subscribed to principles of fair play and all the precepts of democratic practice.  It is our contention, therefore, that political expression protected by the Constitution of The Gambia and reflected in various legal documents, must be upheld especially during the political campaign period.

“In this context, it is perplexing to say the least, that the I.E.C would interpret media laws relating to use of G.R.T.S to include stifling of a candidate’s right to review and  criticize the incumbent’s policies, programmes and conduct.  This is both impractical and inconceivable in a democratic environment.

“We believe such a limitation is not in line with the letter and spirit of the law and relevant regulations.  The IEC’s denial of the UDP’s right to political expression through the public broadcaster is unacceptable.

“Therefore, the UDP is not submitting any new content merely to fill airtime on GRTS.  The party would rather continue to use other media than to forfeit its right to use the public broadcaster without undue hindrance.”

‘It’s high time we came out of this madness’: General MA Bah explains why he endorsed President Barrow

Fatu Camara
-
0
‘It’s high time we came out of this madness’: General MA Bah explains why he endorsed President Barrow

General MA Bah has confirmed endorsing President Adama Barrow and has called on Gambians to forgive each other.

General Bah met President Barrow on Thursday and officially threw his weight behind him.

He told The Fatu Network: “We have to self-assess. We are seriously divided as a country. It is high time we all came out of this madness. Let us forget about all happened in the past. We are one family and Gambia is too small for conflict.

“I realized we should throw our weight behind Barrow, support him and re-elect him and for him to unite us. Let’s forgive each other. Things have here and everyone was affected. We all created the former regime directly or indirectly.”

More Defections: APP Deputy National Youth Mobilizer and Others Join NPP

Christian Conteh
-
0
More Defections: APP Deputy National Youth Mobilizer and Others Join NPP

By Dawda Baldeh

Modou Lamin Gaye, Deputy National Youth Mobilizer of the All People’s Party (APP) and Mamadou Alieu Bah a key figure of the ‘No to APRC/NPP Alliance Movement’ have officially defected to the National People’s Party after meeting with President Adama Barrow.

“I come here to form an alliance with the president because his mission and vision for the country are very clear. As a good citizen, I should not be selfish to join a party that is working hard to develop the country,” Modou Lamin Gaye told journalists after he met President Barrow.

Gaye believes NPP is not only the winning party but also the party that aims at unifying Gambians.

“Our party has been rejected so the best thing is for me to join a party that serves the best interest of the people,” he explained.

Mamadou Alieu Bah alias MA Bah a key figure of the breakaway APRC movement also renewed his loyalty to President Barrow. Bah told journalists that he renewed loyalty to President Adama Barrow come after he has realized Barrow’s vision for the country.

“I came to pledge my firm support to President Adama Barrow because I realized that he is the type of leader Gambia needs,” he said.

He stated that President Adama Barrow’s main target is to reunify the citizens. Bah further stated that citizens are divided into different groups which if not properly handled can cause chaos.

Seedy Njie Deputy Spokesperson of the NPP expressed the party’s appreciation to MA Bah and Modou Lamin Gaye for joining the NPP. Njie described their coming as a clear manifestation of NPP’s victory.

“This is an indication that every Gambian is behind the President,” Njie said.

He said all the candidates who have endorsed the president have seen the right path. Adding that some are very influential in the political field and having them in the party is a big plus.

“These people have decided to fight for President Barrow to help him win the election for a better Gambia.”

While welcoming the endorsement, Njie assured the candidates of a better change.

“I want you to feel free this Party is for all Gambians who are in for development,” he ended.

Sierra Leone Association of Journalists Raises Concern Over Sudden Indefinite Suspension of Auditor General

Christian Conteh
-
0
Sierra Leone Association of Journalists Raises Concern Over Sudden Indefinite Suspension of Auditor General

By: Christian Conteh

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has raised concern over what it describes as the sudden indefinite suspension of the Auditor General of the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), Mrs. Lara Taylor-Pearce, and one of her deputies Mr. Tamba Momoh.

The association says this action is particularly worrying because, in the estimation of SLAJ, Audit Service Sierra Leone under the leadership of Lara Taylor Pearce has a hitherto unblemished track record of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of its duties spanning over ten years and two political administrations.

A statement from the association says while it (SLAJ) respects the authority of His Excellency the President to hire, suspend, or fire, it urges that in line with constitutional provisions, in Sections 119, sub-section 9 and Section 137 respectively, the Attorney General immediately makes public the composition of the Tribunal along with clearly stated Terms of Reference, and a short timeframe as would be most appropriate for the Tribunal to function.

“Already the action has created a level of uncertainty within the local governance circles which we understand is being closely monitored by not only our international friends but also the donor community whose contribution to our fledgling economy cannot be underestimated,” The SLAJ statement reads.

It further noted that while the association waits for the outcome of the tribunal, which is expected in the shortest possible time it regrets that considering the recent impressive statistics on control of corruption in the just-released MCC Scorecard, government can by this action seek to overturn all those gains in less than 24 hours.

“SLAJ is concerned that given the severe economic constraints facing most citizens, decisions are being taken that are creating undue disaffection, confusion, and distrust. We urge the government to maintain the independence and integrity of our institutions and continue to give hope to the people of Sierra Leone,” The statement signed by the Acting Secretary General, Alhaji Manika Kamara maintains.

 

 

“We Are Not Going to Endorse Any Political Party” -Ebrima Tabora Manneh.

Christian Conteh
-
0
“We Are Not Going to Endorse Any Political Party” -Ebrima Tabora Manneh.

Disqualified Independent Candidate Ebrima Tabora Manneh has revealed at a press conference on Thursday 11th November 2021 that he will not endorse any political party or candidate for the 4th December Presidential Election.

The People’s Alliance Party Leader was one of the candidates who presented his nomination papers to the countrys Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) with hopes of running for president of the Gambia.

After the nomination process, he was disqualified after the Commission discovered he submitted a symbol in the name of an unregistered political party and did not comply with section 42 subsection 2 (a) of the country’s Elections Act by submitting support of nomination by less than five thousand registered voters.

Ebrima Tabora Manneh noted that although he has had discussions with most political parties, he will not endorse any political party or candidate.

“In terms of endorsement, I have told you that the message that went out was fake news, it was all propaganda. Yes, I have seen the President, I have met the people from the UDP, I have met GDC, as well as NUP and PDOIS and what I have told them is I will revert to my people. I have done that, and we have discussed …,

We are going to concentrate on restructuring our party to prepare for the coming elections, therefore we are not going to endorse any political party at the moment,” Ebrima Tabora Manneh said.

However, he said the party members can freely vote for a candidate of their choice.

“But we have told our members and our people that they are citizens of this country, and it is their civic duty to participate in the elections and to vote the party or candidate of their choice,” he said.

He ended by praying that the best candidate wins the December elections, whilst noting that they would build their party after the elections process.

As She Cross-Carpets to NPP; GDC Wishes its Former Executive Member Good Luck

Christian Conteh
-
0
As She Cross-Carpets to NPP; GDC Wishes its Former Executive Member Good Luck

The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) has wished one of their executive members good luck as she decides to pitch tent with President Barrows National People’s Party (NPP).

Aji Ndey Njie the former Second National Women’s President in the GDC made her decision to support the NPP after a meeting with President Adama Barrow.

Although her defection would be felt by her party, GDCs National Youth President MC Cham Jr said they wish her good luck and as a party, they are unstoppable and are looking forward to winning the December election.

“She left GDC today after meeting with President Barrow. GDC would like to wish her good luck. However, we are unstoppable and are looking forward to winning the election in December,” MC Cham Jr said.

Aji Ndey Njie is the latest high-ranking GDC official to join the NPP. This comes a few weeks to the presidential election where NPPs President Barrow is seeking a second term.

 

 

100 Years After its Discovery, Insulin Still Out of Reach for Many Living with Diabetes

Christian Conteh
-
0
100 Years After its Discovery, Insulin Still Out of Reach for Many Living with Diabetes

A new report published by WHO in the lead-up to World Diabetes Day highlights the alarming state of global access to insulin and diabetes care, and finds that high prices, low availability of human insulin, few producers dominating the insulin market and weak health systems are the main barriers to universal access.

“The scientists who discovered insulin 100 years ago refused to profit from their discovery and sold the patent for just one dollar,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Unfortunately, that gesture of solidarity has been overtaken by a multi-billion-dollar business that has created vast access gaps. WHO is working with countries and manufacturers to close these gaps and expand access to this life-saving medicine for everyone who needs it.”

Insulin is the bedrock of diabetes treatment – it turns a deadly disease into a manageable one for nine million people with type 1[i] diabetes. For more than 60 million people living with type 2 diabetes, insulin is essential in reducing the risk of kidney failure, blindness and limb amputation.

However, one out of every two people needing insulin for type 2 diabetes does not get it. Diabetes is on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, and yet their consumption of insulin has not kept up with the growing disease burden. The report highlights that while three in four people affected by type 2 diabetes live in countries outside of North America and Europe, they account for less than 40% of the revenue from insulin sales.

The expansion of WHO’s prequalification programme to include glucose monitoring devices, test strips and diagnostic tools, and the inclusion of additional forms of insulin and other diabetes medicines in the latest update of the WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines are expected to lead to improved access in countries where demand is currently unmet.

Efforts to increase access to life-saving diabetes medicines is just one of the workstreams of the Global Diabetes Compact, launched in April 2021. The Compact is bringing together national governments, UN organizations, nongovernmental organizations, private sector entities, academic institutions, philanthropic foundations, people living with diabetes and international donors to work towards a world where all people at risk for diabetes or living with diabetes can access the care they need.

SOURCE: WHO

On Re-election: Barrow Promises Traditional Gambian Village Chiefs D3000 Monthly Salary

Christian Conteh
-
0
On Re-election: Barrow Promises Traditional Gambian Village Chiefs D3000 Monthly Salary

By: Dawda Baldeh

Adama Barrow leader of the National People’s Party (NPP) has on Wednesday 10th November 2021 promised to pay traditional Gambian village chiefs (Alkalo’s) the sum of 3000 Dalasis monthly if re-elected as president.

Barrow made this announcement at Farafenni during his campaign meeting on Wednesday night. The incumbent who is seeking re-election said since The Gambia attained independence, Alkalo’s has never been paid.

The Alkalo is the traditional Gambian village Chief of the founding family however, today they are elected.

The Alkalo’s duties and responsibilities include tax collection, liaison between the village and local councils, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and land allocation as well as the mediation of disputes at the village level.

“If the President, Ministers, Governors, Chiefs and Councillors are being paid, why are Alkalo’s not being paid?” the president asked. “I will put that to an end come January 2022,” he added.

“I will start paying Alkalo’s salaries across the country where each will receive 3000 Dalasis per month,” he said. The NPP leader added that Alkalo’s are working closely with the government, and they cannot be neglected. According to him, this is part of his commitment to strengthening democracy in the country.

Barrow was speaking on a range of issues during his campaign at North Bank Region. He promised to empower citizens in the country particularly the youth.

The initiative if implemented will help to minimize the burden on Alkalo’s.

Barrow further revealed that he will end opposition in the country through his development goals. “Come 2022, I will end opposition in this country due to my government’s commitment to serving the best interest of the country,” he said.

As part of his campaign promises, the NPP leader said Gambians have already decided to vote him in. “On the 5th of December 2021, I will break the banks and invite you all to the State House for a party.” President Barrow said, sounding rather optimistic

He also spoke about projects his government has embarked on, citing the Hakalang, Sabal Sanjal, Saloum-Nianija and  Kiang Keneba Roads among others.

President Barrow continues his campaign today

Sierra Leone’s Jeremiah Thoronka Wins $100, 000 Global Student Prize

Christian Conteh
-
0
Sierra Leone’s Jeremiah Thoronka Wins $100, 000 Global Student Prize

By Amara Thoronka

Jeremiah Thoronka, a student from Sierra Leone who invented a device that uses kinetic energy from traffic and pedestrians to generate clean power, has been named the winner of the Chegg.org Global Student Prize 2021. The prize is a One Hundred Thousand United States Dollars ($100,000) award given to an exceptional student who has made a real impact on learning.

Thoronka grew up with his mother in a slum camp for displaced people on the outskirts of the capital Freetown, having to burn charcoal and wood for lighting and heating. He wished to work on climate advocacy.

At the age of 17, when studying at the African Leadership University in Rwanda, he launched a start-up called Optim Energy that transforms vibrations from vehicles and pedestrian footfall on roads into an electric current.

Actor Hugh Jackman, who announced the winner of the Chegg.org Global Student Prize, said: “Students everywhere are fighting for their very future. They are part of a generation that is on the frontline of the greatest challenges of our time – from climate change to global inequality. So, we must listen to their voices and shine a light on their stories.”

The 21-year-old Jeremiah Thoronka was selected from over 3,500 nominations and applications from 94 countries across the globe.

In congratulating the young innovator, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio in a twit said:

“Congratulated Jeremiah Thoronka, from Sierra Leone, for winning the 2021 Global Student Prize. Jeremiah’s example reminds us that there is a wealth of new ideas, brilliant minds and untapped potentials in Sierra Leone and across Africa.”

The President’s congratulatory note is among thousands of people across the world who are celebrating Jeremiah for such invocation and achievement.

President Barrow Calls for National Unity Ahead of December Election

Christian Conteh
-
0
President Barrow Calls for National Unity Ahead of December Election

By: Dawda Baldeh

President Adama Barrow leader of the National People’s Party (NPP) has called for National Unity ahead of the forthcoming presidential election in December. The head of state was speaking at a campaign in Farafenni North Bank Region (NBR), where he called on citizens to embrace unity.

Addressing thousands of party supporters, Barrow says his campaign agenda is based on national interest and development.

“I will end opposition by unifying Gambians come December 4, 2021,” he said.

Barrow express appreciation for the candidates who endorsed his party and described their contribution as significant in the unification of the nation, urging citizens to rally behind him for national development.

“Whatever you do you should be transparent and that has reflected on our recent campaign,” Barrow said. Adding that Gambians are behind him. “No opposition can challenge us in this election.”

He said the opposition parties are now joining his party simply because they want the betterment of the country. Barrow promised to bring more development projects after the December presidential election.

“Many years have passed, and the capital was in a mess, but my government has changed it completely. Now you can walk in the streets of Banjul without any obstacles. My government is here to work and not just to give empty promises,” he emphasized.

However, he said the government cannot do it alone and called on citizens to contribute their part in developing the nation.

“I want us to join hands together and develop this country for the future generation,” President Adama Barrow said.

Hamat NK Bah minister of tourism and culture also described the president as a development-oriented leader. Bah added that Gambians should rally behind President Barrow for a better Gambia.

At Farafenni thousands of supporters turned out to express their support for the president.

The Devil Called Patriarchy!

Christian Conteh
-
0
The Devil Called Patriarchy!

By: Christian Conteh

The sociologist Sylvia Walby defines patriarchy as “a system of social structures and practices in which men dominate, oppress, and exploit women.” Patriarchy is generally a social system in which men hold primary power and dominate roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property. Some patriarchal societies are also patrilineal, meaning that property and title are inherited by the male lineage.

It is usually associated with a set of ideas, a patriarchal ideology that acts to explain and justify this dominance and attributes it to inherent natural differences between men and women. Historically, patriarchy has manifested itself in the social, legal, political, religious, and economic organisation of a range of different cultures, particularly on the African continent.

Marcella Samba Sesay is the Executive Director of Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) and Chairperson for National Elections Watch (NEW) in Sierra Leone she says that amidst the strides made over the years and successes achieved the country’s (Sierra Leone) dominant political culture and socialisation is bedeviled by patriarchy.


Marcella Samba Sesay, Executive Director, Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) and Chairperson for National Elections Watch (NEW) in Sierra Leone

“As a country (Sierra Leone) we live in a society where the dominant political culture and socialisation is bedeviled by patriarchy. There is an orchestrated and organised plan to ensure that women have a hard time when they are in leadership. Even though men have their challenges in leadership but there has not been that systematic undermining of men’s leadership as it is with women’s leadership,” Marcella Samba Sesay says.

Similarly Gambian women rights activist now Vice President of the small West African country Dr Isatou Touray says amidst the huge progress made in the advocacy for women’s rights the country is far from ending its culture of male dominance.

“I have been advocating for the protection of the rights of women in this country for the past three decades and I can tell you that we have made huge progress. Many believe that the country is far from ending its culture of male dominance in all spheres of life despite having five women in parliament, woman vice president and 3 female ministers,” Dr Isatou Touray says.

Frustrations with regards to the advancements of the rights of women in The Gambia are high but the gains are equally visible and Dr. Touray is more optimistic today than ever.

“The Gambia has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Committee on Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and other human rights protocol to advance the human rights of women and, internally, put some laws in place to address the issues affecting women [but] it should now move to what we call formal equality. What we were having is informal equality because virtually everything is just in the law,” Dr Touray says.

CGG’s Marcella Samba Sesay revealed that in the past six to eight months as civil society actors they have been going around the country talking about the issue of gender equality and women’s empowerment. Amidst this hard work, she noted that no one should ignore the socio-economic context in which gender laws have to flourish. She is continuing her call for the change of mindset when it comes to women’s empowerment. As it stands, she said that the mindset of both men and women is: are we ready for women leaders?

“The majority of Sierra Leoneans believe that women should not be given a seat at the table and women should not take the lead in public life. The enormity of challenges women face when they are leaders is unbelievable,” Marcella notes.

Adding that “when we examine the socio-political context we notice that among ourselves there is unnecessary competition. Most of the work we do that should ensure unity of purpose ends up being competition and separation.”

She called on women to seek alliances and partnerships that position them for leadership. She maintains that when a young girl sees a woman in a position that girl aspires to be like that woman.

“But how many women are in positions as mentors for girls to look up to them? How can we encourage young girls to step in our shoes when the space is so toxic?” she asks.

Dr Boro Susso is a gender specialist and lecturer at the Stratford College of Management, she says,

“It is time for women to seize their rights. Issues like political participation, being given leadership positions and ending violence against women are basic fundamental human rights that must be given to them.”

Boro however said The Gambia has made some considerable progress in the protection of women’s rights but argued that much of what the Government has promised to do in their protection turns out to be “mere political rhetoric”.

Most of Africa including The Gambia and Sierra Leone are very conservative, male-dominated societies with a higher rate of illiteracy. And until now, having an audience to talk about abandoning female genital mutilation, wife battering, and other menaces affecting the progress of women has been difficult.

New laws are however gradually changing the narrative as women’s rights have been recognised and guaranteed in all international human rights instruments, notably the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and its Optional Protocol.

All other international and regional conventions and covenants relating to the rights of women are considered inalienable, interdependent, and indivisible human rights.

The big presidential debate: the candidates who confirmed participation

Fatu Camara
-
0
The big presidential debate: the candidates who confirmed participation

The Commission on Political Debates will organize a big debate featuring the candidates for the December presidential election.

The debate will take place on November 20.

Six candidates are going up against each other in the December 4 presidential election.

According to CPD, the Independent Essa Faal and NUP leader Abdoulie Jammeh have confirmed their participation in a debate to be held at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara conference centre.

IEC appoints date for replacement of lost voter’s cards

Fatu Camara
-
0
IEC appoints date for replacement of lost voter’s cards

The Independent Electoral Commission has announced that replacement of lost, stolen or damaged voter’s cards will be conducted between November 15 and November 21.

The replacement exercise will take place in IEC’s regional offices in Banjul, Kanifing, Brikama, Kerewan, Mansakonko, Janjangbureh and Basse, IEC said in a statement on Wednesday.

Replacement of a voter’s card will attract a fee of D100, IEC said.

No new voter’s card will be issued during the exercise, IEC said.

‘Because our country is standing at a crossroads’: Essa Faal launches manifesto and repeats why he is running for president

Fatu Camara
-
0
‘Because our country is standing at a crossroads’: Essa Faal launches manifesto and repeats why he is running for president

Army announces recruitment exercise

Fatu Camara
-
0
Army announces recruitment exercise

The Gambia Armed Forces is inviting applications from citizens for recruitment into the army.

“Prospective candidates fulfilling the stipulated requirements as could be read below would be recruited into the GAF as soldiers and officer- cadets respectively. Consequently, potential soldiers/ratings applying must tender at least a Grade 9 GABECE result with at least two (2) credits and three (3) passes whilst a Bachelors degree is required for consideration for the potential officer cadet slots,” the army said in a statement on Wednesday.

​It added: “Please, kindly note that special consideration for prospective female candidates with special professional skill sets will be observed. These skills may be but not necessarily limited to the following areas: diploma in Information Technology, AAT level II, diploma in Communication or related fields, diploma in Engineering or related fields, Nursing, Midwifery, any recognized technical skills in mechanics and so forth.

“Candidates shall be subjected to rigorous vetting process and successful applicants would be subjected to a Basic Fitness Test (BFT). The Recruitment Board’s dates of activities for vetting/selections at various locations will be communicated through GAF’s facebook platform on “gambiaarmedforces” and via local community radios.

“Candidates who have successfully passed through the selection process would be able to read their names published at the notice boards of various selection centers. Subsequently, Basic Military Training at the GAF Training School for a prescribed period will be initiated. In this regard, prospective candidates must meet the following additional conditions: all potential applicants must be Gambian by birth; Candidate must be between the ages of 18 and 25 years; Candidates for officer-cadets must submit at    least a Bachelors degree in any recognized field of study; Candidates for general recruitment must   possess at least two (2) credits and three (3) passes at the Gambia Basic Education Certificate examination- GABECE; Potential recruits must be certified medically and physically fit by competent medical practitioner; Male recruits must be at least 1.65 meters in height weigh at least 60Kg while female recruits must be at least 1.63 meters and weigh at least 55Kg; Candidates must not have been convicted by any court of law; Candidates must be prepared to undergo Basic Military Training.

“Candidates must be recommended by at least two recognized referees who must attest to the applicant’s character and integrity.”

 

 

1...229230231...759Page 230 of 759

2025 © The Fatu Network - Site by DigiTech Solutions

Reset password

Enter your email address and we will send you a link to change your password.

Get started with your account

to save your favourite homes and more

Sign up with email

Get started with your account

to save your favourite homes and more

By clicking the «SIGN UP» button you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Powered by Estatik