All presidential candidates have a busy day on Tuesday as campaign for the presidential election intensifies.

Tuesday will see National People’s Party of incumbent President Adama Barrow speak to voters in Baja Kunda, Sare Ngai and Kuwonku Ba all in the Upper River Region.

Gambia Democratic Congress will be alive in Bay Ediba and Janjangbureh in Central River Region while PDOIS will be in Ndungu Kebbeh, Fass Chaho, Pakau Njogu, Albreda, Sare Amadou, Kerr Omar Seaine and Munyagen in the North Bank Region

Elsewhere, United Democratic Party and leader Darboe will engage voters in Firdausi, Kunting and Janjangbureh in the Central River Region.

The independent Essa Faal will be Nyakoi Taibatu, Sutukonding, Yorobawol, Barrow Kunda, Foday Kunda and Basse in Upper River Region while National Unity Party will be in Kuntaur Fula Kunda, Kunting (Niani) Sami Pachonki and Raneru Wollof in Central River Region.

The complainant in the rape trial of Bubacarr Keita began giving testimony on Tuesday in a testimony that is being kept from the public and the media.

Mr Keita is being kept at Mile 2 for the alleged rape of his former wife’s 15-year-old sister. He denies the charge.

At least seven people have testified in the trial which started last year – trial which has seen the high court grant the businessman bail only for the court of appeal to revoke the bail and ordered that he be remanded in prison.

The complainant’s testimony is coming after a top doctor testified in the trial who testified that DNA test is best way to know paternity of child when there is a dispute. The complainant’s mother also testified in the trial who said her daughter told her Mr Keita forcefully slept with her.

Prosecutors are seeking to convince Judge Momodou SM Jallow that Mr Keita raped the complainant which resulted in a pregnancy. They alleged the incident happened in 2019.

By Lamin Njie and Christian Conteh

Judge Amina Saho-Ceesay on Tuesday dismissed the prayer of the Independent Electoral Commission for a ‘short’ adjournment of hearing in the case involving Election House and Citizens’ Alliance.

Citizens’ Alliance has sued the IEC at the high court over Election House’s rejection of its nomination. The IEC said CA could not collect 200 signatures from Banjul in line with the law around nomination signatures.

On Tuesday, the case came up at the high court in Banjul presided over by top judge Amina Saho-Ceesay.

Kebba Sanyang, representing the IEC began by saying Election House ‘vehemently’ opposes the lawsuit against it by CA. He then prayed for a short adjournment of the matter so they could prepare themselves.

However, experienced attorney Chris Mene rejected the application insisting the case needed to be treated with urgency taking into account the presidential election which is only two weeks away.

“We vehemently oppose the adjournment of this matter because my learned colleague knows was a pressing urgency having regard to the fact presidential election is scheduled for a little over two weeks time,” Mene said.

“Time is of the essence,” he insisted elsewhere. He also said the respondent was served since last Friday and had all weekend to file any affidavit if they so wished. Mene then asked the court to proceed as scheduled.

Intervening, Judge Amina Saho-Ceesay said the matter was of great public significance and so she would not entertain any adjournment. She however then raised the issue of whether the attorney general was joined in the matter as the attorney general represents the public interest.

“The IEC is not a government department as in their name ‘independent’. [It’s] not an agency of government and its independence is recognized by the constitution. But that does not preclude the AG (Attorney General) from applying to join this matter if they so pleases,” Mene who equipped himself with two other lawyers said.

Independent Electoral Commission’s attorney Kebba Sanyang insisted that while IEC’s name implies independence, it is a creation of the constitution – a constitution that operates throughout The Gambia.

“Its decisions, policies, programmes [and] activities affect all within the country and that is why it is mandated by law to organize public elections and referendum. And to say the Attorney General has nothing to do with the IEC as my learned friend’s submission suggests… We believe that the AG is a necessary [party] because he is the principal legal adviser to the government of The Gambia,” Sanyang countered.

Mene took offence at the charge that he was suggesting the attorney general has nothing to do with the IEC.

“I never said what my learned friend ascribed to me. I said if the AG wishes to join, he can apply to join. I said the action was properly constituted without the AG but if the AG wants he can intervene,” Mene fired back.

The judge in her ruling ruled that the Independent Electoral Commission is part of the public service and ordered that the attorney general be joined in the matter.

The case returns on Wednesday.

UDP leader Ousainou Darboe has vowed to take the verbal war to President Adama Barrow as the political row between father and son festers further.

President Barrow speaking in Farafenni last week had said UDP leader was the chief executive officer of the proscribed Three Years Jotna movement.

Responding to the claims during his own rally in Farafenni over the weekend, Darboe said the claim is not true.

He said: “You said I am CEO of Three Years Jotna. Adama you know, between you and God, that in cabinet when OJ said when the three years is over, the government should step aside and if it didn’t he will resign. It was said in cabinet.

“Adama, I was the one who told you ‘leave them with me and I tell show them what the law says’. When Halifa Sallah said Adama should leave power in three years, I told him (Adama Barrow) ‘leave them with me and I will show them what the law says’.

“It’s today you (Adama Barrow) will say I am their CEO. But if at all I am their CEO, It means I committed aiding and abetting and so why you didn’t charge me and take me to court? A president should not stand and say things that are not true. But since it’s verbal war that you want, I am ready and I will destroy you.”

By Dawda Baldeh, in Basse

Henry Gomez Leader of Gambia Party for Democracy and Progress (GPDP) said no presidential candidate will take this country through the backdoor, insisting if anyone want to be president the person must come through the front door.

He said Darboe want to use the back door to become president but he will not succeed because they will deal with him.  “We have the government through the front door,” Henry Gomez said.

Mr. Gomez challenge the opposition leaders to use the front door if they want to rule this country particularly the United Democratic Party (UDP) Leader Ousainou Darboe If they are confident.

He further stated that no candidate will jump through the fence and windows to rule this country. Adding that there is democracy in the country and it cannot be misused.

Mr. Gomez stressed that anyone who don’t want to see this government succeeding the person should go for exile.

He recalled that when the government came into office in 2017, he said Ousainou Darboe told Gambians that; “Barrow is our David, Masayaa, Moses, and so on.

Gomez said how can Darboe tell Gambians that anyone who talk about “Three Years Jotna” he will take the person to court.” Why is he turning his words now discriminating Barrow?.

“If anyone who want to fight the government the person must be ready because we will deal with him,” he said.

“Barrow is a peaceful leader who brought peace to everyone but some people are taking him for granted.”

Gomez who endorsed the NPP said Barrow will continue to lead this country so that he can complete the work he already started. He is the type of leader Gambians has been searching for.

He said in those days, traveling was a major problem as people spend hours to reach their destinations within the country.

“People can travel freely anytime they want. He constructed bridges, roads, health facilities, schools among other things.

“If someone give u breakfast and he promised you lunch and dinner you should not doubt the person but if he or she has done any of this before and promise to do so, that person is trying to fool you,” he said.

By Matty Senghore, in Farafenni

Former President Yahya Jammeh was among the speakers at Gambia Democratic Party’s rally at Farafenni on Monday night where he told citizens himself and Mamma Kandeh will be the best team The Gambia has ever had.

“Remember that an alliance between a master and the slave is always a good alliance. Myself with Mama Kandeh will be the best team Gambia have ever had,” Mr Jammeh told a huge crowd comprising GDC and his own supporters.

GDC and former President Jammeh’s supporters under the banner of No Alliance Movement a few weeks ago formed a pact ahead of the presidential election.

According to former President Jammeh, Gambians have been suffering for the past four years.

He said: “I know the suffering you have been going through. My heart and soul are with you especially my fans at Farafeni, Ngain Sanjal and Sabah Sanjal all those places. All those from far and near.

“I feel sorry for what have been happening in the past four years, especially my women, the children, my children, the young boys and girls who were going to school free of charge. Everything has gone down , from electricity, education especially North Bank women working in their farms.”

Jammeh ruled The Gambia with an iron fist for 22 years from 1994 to 2016. He lost power in the December 2016 election and has since been living in exile in Equatorial Guinea.

His Excellency President Adama Barrow, Secretary General and Leader of the National People’s Party (NPP received thunderous and tumultuous welcome in Central River Region (CRR) North as his Presidential re-election campaign progresses through the third and four day of the nationwide interface with voters.

Thousands of residents of the Lower and Upper Saloums, Nianija , Niani and Sami gathered in Kaur, Fass, Paleilei, Wassu and Karantaba Wollof to show gratitude to President Adama Barrow for the roads  he is constructing throug Kaur to Jimbala, Janneh Kunda to Simbara, Kerr Gibbi-Chamen Nianija to Nyanga Bantang.

Satisfied residents of these previously-neglected communities described President Barrow as a man of his words who fulfilled his promises to them with the life-changing regional roads project.

Several speakers underscored the President’s city state policy as possibility citing key infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity and health care that will continue to be provide by an NPP-led government.

With the unprecedented turnout in CRR North, the region sends an emphatic message that come 4th December 2021, President Barrow will win the region with an overwhelming majority.

The elated President, in all the constituencies of CRR North assured of his commitment to building a strong and vibrant democracy post December 2021 that will stand the test of time.

President Barrow further explained his manifesto, programs and policies on infrastructure, health, water provision, education, energy, youth and women empowerment and employment, fisheries, skill, agriculture, rice production and productivity, protection of people’s fundamental human rights,justice and rule of law among other priorities.

He commended the people of CRR North for the rousing welcome and urged Gambians to vote for the NPP led-Alliance that will continue to promote National Reconciliation, National Security, Peace and Tolerance as opposed to oppression, anti democracy and divisive party that had no agenda for Gambians beside revenge, insults and intimidation.

President Adama Barrow who is confident of a landslide victory invites all Gambians to his December 5th Presidential election victory celebration.

The National People’s Party’s led Grand Alliance will on Tuesday 16th November 2021 hold mass political rallies in Wuli Baja Kunda, Sarre Ngai and Kuwonku Ba while on Wednesday 16th November 2021, the president will hold meetings in Fulabantang, Jahanka and Janjanbueh .

The President is expected to return to the Kombos on Sunday 21st November 2021 where over two hundred thousand Gambians are expected to receive him in Kalagi and Abuko bridges as thousands others line up the streets.

Gambians will go to the pools on 4th December, 2021 and President Adman Barrow observers say is expected to be re-elected with an overwhelming majority credited to his unprecedented development over the last five years and democratic nature.

The former Vice President of The Gambia Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang has called on Gambians to avoid ethnic-based hate speech, fake news, and political violence.

She made this call while delivering her Peace Message to the nation on Monday. Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang noted that her message speaks to the preservation of the country’s national heritage, democracy, unity, stability, and peace for the advancement of the Gambia

“This peace message is drawn from my religious obligation combined with my responsibility as a senior citizen and commitment to promoting our national heritage for democracy, unity, stability, and peace for the advancement of our country The Gambia,” Madam Jallow-Tambajang said.

She further noted that as a Senior citizen of the Gambia, a peace mediator and human rights defender she feels obliged to advise every Gambian to keep the peace and nurture the globally respected image of the Gambia.

Whilst appealing to Gambians to exercise their democratic right in a matured manner and respect the rule of law and human rights.

“Fellow Gambians in exercising your constitutional and political rights to vote for the president of the Gambia, you must do so in a matured and peaceful manner. Please vote peacefully and massively for the leader of your choice,” she said.

She called on all citizens to be alert to ensure a free, fair and transparent process, whilst entreating them to respect the outcome of the election.

She used the opportunity to commend the IEC for creating the enabling environment for peaceful nominations of candidates for the December 4^th election. And the media for covering events and informing the public about happenings leading to the election.

WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW -With Amara Thoronka

Have you ever heard or thought about the existence of a whole community only inhabited by women? It sounds strange right? Well, there is one in Kenya, an east African nation.

It is called Umoja Village, a village on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River in Samburu National Reserve, around 380km from Nairobi [Kenya’s capital]. The village is inhabited by members of the Samburu tribe.

The strikingly unusual thing about this village is that it is only made up of women and some children who are growing up in the village. Men can visit on permission, but they are strictly prohibited to inhabit the village.

They welcome visitors to the village with clapping and singing. The women perform a number of ritual songs and dances by thrusting their chests and shoulders forwards, causing their necklaces to jump up and down. The wording of their songs portrays independence and freedom from harassment and bullying.

Samburu women dressed in colourful robes, beaded necklaces and headwear.

Before their habitation in the village, the women are said to have endured a lot through the years – with little access to education, forced marriages (in some cases to much older men) and regular beatings.

The village was started by a Samburu woman called Rebecca Lolosoli in the early 1990’s as a safe haven for the women who had undergone (or were about to) undergo forced marriage and initiation, humiliation and beating.

The word “Umoja” actually means ‘unity’ in Swahili. The women work as a cooperative, selling their jewellery to passing tourists. They have since inspired other women to do the same.

They maintain their traditional mud houses by smearing wet cow and elephant dung onto the outside walls. The huts are said to be surprisingly cool inside and offer a wonderful respite from the dusty heat outside.

There are campsites for tourists adjacent to the village. The campsite is a perfect base for visiting the village as well as taking a game drive in the Samburu National Reserve. The camp has bar and restaurant facilities and you can also experience a traditional campfire dinner with more singing and dancing.

An Imam in Guinea has been banned from speaking in the name of Islam amid the cleric’s defiance to continue praying and spreading the word of God in his native tongue, Malinke known in Gambia as Mandinka.

Imam Nanfy Diaby was recently released from prison for leading congregational prayers in Mandinka in Guinea.

The religious affairs council of Guinea has now issued a ban to the cleric which forbids him from speaking on behalf of Islam in the country.

The move came on November 4.

In Islam, all prayers are done in the Arabic language.

The country’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has informed the public that it will be defending its position in the High Court on Tuesday. This is in direct response to a petition filed by disqualified presidential candidates Ismaila Ceesay of Citizens’ Alliance and Joseph Henry Joof respectively.

It may be recalled that the two presidential aspirants were among the 15 applicants whose Nomination Papers were rejected by the commission for not fulfilling all the nomination requirements.

“The Independent Electoral Commission wishes to bring to the attention of the general public that in relation to the recently concluded nomination of candidates for Presidential Election of 4^th December 2021, two court petitions were filed at the High Court by Ismaila Ceesay of Citizens’ Alliance and Joseph Henry Joof respectively.

Accordingly, the IEC has instructed its lawyers Kebba Sanyang and Malick HB Jallow to litigate the above-mentioned petitions at the high court on its behalf and will respect and abide by the outcome of the judicial process,” a statement from the IEC signed by the Chairman and Returning Officer Alieu Momarr Njai read.

It further states that in the meantime the commission remains committed to conducting, free fair and credible elections and solicits the usual corporation of all political parties, candidates, stakeholders and the general public.

Presidential campaign has entered the seventh day with candidates locked in serious trips in canvassing for votes.

On Monday, all six candidates have a busy schedule with National People’s Party still in Upper River Region for two rallies in Koina and Kulari.

United Democratic Party will be in the Central River Region for rallies in Sarakunda, Arafat, Bakadaji (Nianija) and Batti Ndarr.

Gambia Democratic Congress who only set out on Sunday for campaign will be in Njomen Bantaba, Gengi Wollof, Nioro Tukulor, Conte Bantaba and Wassu in Central River Region.

People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism, PDOIS, will be in Banjul while Essa Faal will be in the Upper River Region in Numyel, Nafuggan, Sarre Jatta, Demba Kunda Kuta and Koto and Koba Kunda.

For National Unity Party, the party will be in Wellingara, Bakadagi and Wassu in Central River Region.

UDP leader Ousainou Darboe has warned President Adama Barrow against any attempt at destroying UDP, as the political row between father and son deepens.

Speaking in Farafenni on Sunday, Mr Darboe said: “You said we are hypocrites and you will wipe out United Democratic Party in this country. But the person who said that which is Adama Barrow… Because he called me by my name and said, ‘my father Ousainou Darboe, I will end United Democratic Party’. And he said it in Farafenni here.

“Adama Barrow I want to remind you the day myself, Lamin Dambung Dibba, Aji Yam Secka and your Karamo Jadama at State House at 5 o’clock, the day I told you we would show anyone who wanted to disintegrate UDP that he cannot do it.

“So if you said you are going to wipe out UDP, I can tell you, you don’t have the competence, the prayers and the intelligence. I can assure you also anyone who wants to wipe out UDP in this country will be wiped out himself. Yahya Jammeh tried it and we saw how he ended.”

The Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured presidential candidates and by extension the Gambian people that the December 4^th 2021 presidential election will be free and fair.

Alieu Momarr Njai gave this assurance after the six legible presidential hopefuls agreed to a 14-point code of conduct initiated by the country’s Ministry of Justice and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, IDEA.

The process is aimed at getting the candidates to sign up to a code of conduct that will ensure a peaceful election.

Halifa Sallah of PDOIS, Ousainu Darboe of UDP, Abdoulie Jammeh of NUP and Essa Faal independent, signed by themselves, while Mamma Kandeh and Adama Barrow were represented by GDC deputy leader Abdoulie Kah and trade minister Seedy Keita respectively.

Mohamed Ibn Chambas the former UN envoy to West Africa was selected as the eminent person to the process assisted by local facilitators Elizabeth Renner and Ousman Yarbo.

The agreement committed the candidates to adhere to the following:

1. to run issue-based political campaigns.
2. to publicly condemn violence, intimidation and political thuggery.
3. to refrain from and condemn the use of religious, sectarian, ethnic and tribal politics in campaigns.
4. to refrain from making or causing others to make in their names or in the name of their parties any public statements, pronouncements, declarations or speeches that have the potential to incite any form of ethnic, tribal or religious sentiment.
5. to strongly condemn all acts of electoral violence whether perpetuated by themselves, their supporters or their opponents.
6. to cooperate with the IEC and other political parties and candidates in ensuring the orderly scheduling of political activities to avoid clashes of political processions, meetings, rallies and other activities.
7. to not engage in vote-buying.
8. to take all reasonable steps necessary to ensure the safety and protection of electoral officers from any form of threats, abuse or violence and to assist in the protection of election materials from wilful damage.
9. to cooperate with the IEC and law enforcement institutions to act professionally and impartially in investigating electoral disputes whether at the polling station or in the community;
10. to accept the results of the election as announced by the chairperson of the IEC;
11. to restrain their supporters from resorting to violence in the aftermath of the elections.
12. to resort to judicial processes to address disputes which may arise from the elections.
13. to commit themselves, their parties and supporters to the monitoring of adherence to this code of conduct by a committee of eminent statesmen and women, traditional and religious leaders; and
14. to take the responsibility of communicating the tenets of the code of conduct to all their followers.

Gambia Radio and Television Services has issued a statement saying it has finalized a programme for coverage of the presidential election in consultation with IEC.

The statement reads: “The Management of the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) wishes to inform the leaders of all political parties and the general public that the state broadcaster has finalised a programme for coverage of the 2021 Presidential Election in consultation with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the organiser and referee of the upcoming presidential election.

“During two meetings with representatives of all the candidates in the Election, in the presence of IEC officials, the GRTS Management outlined a fair and equitable programme for coverage of the election campaign.  Each party was allocated 10 minutes of party political broadcast and 20 minutes of campaign highlights. In the presence of party agents, GRTS conducted a ballot of the sequence of broadcasts.

“During our meeting with political party representatives, Management gave them the contact numbers of GRTS staff assigned to supervise the recording and editing of all political material.

“We also informed them the Party Political Broadcasts should be recorded in our studios between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon from Monday and Friday, and will be aired in two slots – 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

“Campaign Highlights will be broadcast from 8:45 p.m. to 9:55 p.m. and a second lot to be broadcast from 10:45 p.m. – 11:50 p.m.

“In addition to the Party Political Broadcasts and Campaign Highlights, GRTS reporters accompanying the various presidential candidates, have been filing in regular reports on the engagements and statements of the candidates both in our news bulletins and  on Radio programmes such as “The Gambia This Morning” and The Gambia Today”.

“Management also wishes to inform party leaders that for coverage of the election campaign, GRTS deployed extensive resources for coverage of the campaign of each candidate, including a vehicle, a driver and requisite fuel, a reporter, a cameraman, a video editor and a sound recorder plus night allowance for the duration of the campaign. Coverage and broadcast of all material on GRTS is also at no cost to candidates or their parties.

“GRTS, wishes to work with all political parties to ensure equal access to all candidates.  An internal mechanism will be in place in the coming days to channel concerns regarding our coverage of the elections and this will be communicated to party leader.”

Gambia’s Environment Minister has called for a more realistic global plan to end climate change. Lamin B Dibba was addressing the just concluded Conference of the Parties (COP-26) in Glasgow

“It’s important we shift the paradigm from ‘business as usual’ to a more realistic plan for the entire globe. If the richer countries don’t, what will happen? Yes, we will suffer, and the Gambia only emits 0.01% of greenhouse gases. But the consequence, the economic damage, the cost to society … you quantify this,” Dibba said.

He entreated richer countries to finally honour funding commitment made 12 years ago at the Copenhagen Climate Summit (COP-15) in 2009.

“Rich countries must hit their $100bn climate finance target in the last week of COP- 26 or it will be catastrophic for the poorest nations suffering the most from the climate crisis,” the Gambian environment minister warned.

He further noted that the world’s least-developed countries bear the biggest brunt of the impact of climate change even though their contribution to overall climate change is minimal.

The leaders of the wealthiest countries had committed to providing $100bn(£75bn) to finance the fight against climate change.

Poor countries were given about $80bn (£60bn) in climate finance in 2019, the latest year for which full data is available, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Although the small mainland country has been praised for its plans to tackle the climate crisis, Dibba said that without a hefty injection of climate finance and other support it would be difficult for the nation to respond properly.

The Gambia has over the years continued to suffer the impact of climate change. Its farmers have seen crop yields decrease due to irregular rainfall; its tourist industry is grappling with beach erosion; and many residents, particularly the poorest, face regular flooding and other natural disasters.

Dibba calls for greater investment in resilience and adaptation programmes to build the capacity of vulnerable communities to withstand extreme climate events.

Opposition party spokesman Karamo Njie has questioned President Adama Barrow’s decision to pay alkalo’s, claiming that it will compromise their independence. The UDP North Bank Region spokesperson was speaking after President Barrow announced the allocation of salaries to alkalo’s (village heads).

He noted that such a promise which comes a few weeks to the presidential election is tantamount to ‘political inducement’. President Barrow on Tuesday while on campaign tour announced that from January 2022, all village heads will be put on a paid government salary in appreciation of their community service.

“Since he was elected in 2016, he has never mentioned this till today just less than one month before the election. This is a clear case of political inducement. Jawara did not do it. Jammeh did not do it. Barrow did not do it until a few weeks to the election. The question is why now? Gambians are not sleeping,” Njie said

He called on the president to focus on more pressing matters like improving the standard of living, health, education and security sector reforms among others. He used the opportunity to canvass citizens to vote for the UDP led by Ousainu Darboe who he says, “has all the needed experience to lead The Gambia into a better future.”

Gambia Action Party has tapped Jalal Camara as the interim leader of the party as the suspension of Ayatollah Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly continues.

GAP announced on Saturday it has agreed to back GDC for the December election. Leaders of GAP, GDC and former president Jammeh’s No Alliance Movement met on Sunday to put pen to paper.

New GAP interim leader Jalal Camara signed on behalf of GAP. He was appointed by the party last week.

The party’s leader Batchilly was suspended after he publicly endorsed President Adama Barrow without his party’s consent.

Two children of the same family have died in a fire incident in Bakary Sambouya village leaving villagers in a state of utter shock.

Fire broke out in Sambou Kunda on Friday November 12 between the hours of 8 and 10pm, village development committee secretary Samba Manneh told The Fatu Network.

Ellen Sambou, a two-and-a-half year of girl and James Gomez a one-year old boy were caught in flames resulting in their tragic demise.

Emitting Jassey, a widow and mother of a single parent family of ten children (four males and six females) and Omar Sanyang, a fifteen year old boy also sustained injuries.

The devastating fire also led to the loss of valuable materials such as clothing, food stuff, cash, certificates and results.

The police in collaboration with the Fire and Rescue Service are investigating the cause of the fire.

Funeral services and burial for the killed toddlers is expected to take place on Monday, 15th November, 2021.