Fabakary Tombong Jatta has announced that over 40 gele gele vans came from Foni to convey APRC supporters for President Adama Barrow’s nomination.

The APRC leader made this announcement during President Barrow’s rally held at Buffer Zone on Thursday evening following his nomination earlier in the day.

Mr Jatta said: “We all went today to nominate President Adama Barrow in a fashion that has never happened in this country.

“Before today, there was a lot of talk, but I believe the talk is now over. There has been a lot of talk but Alhamdoullillahi APRC is one family.

“Your Excellency, I want to tell you that in the past days, almost 70 to 80% of those disagreeing have now joined us. Even in Foni, the gele geles that came is more than 40  gele geles.”

Independent candidate Papa Faal has said that when he is elected President of The Gambia, he will be required by international law to drop his dual citizenship. A statement which suggests he still holds on to his dual citizenship.

“The dual citizenship is not an issue. International law does not allow dual citizens to make decisions at the top international level. Therefore, when I become president, I will be required by international law to drop my dual citizenship,” Papa Faal said.

The Gambian-American Presidential Aspirant was answering to questions touching and concerning his dual citizenship status after officially filing his nomination to run for President of The Gambia in the December 4^th, 2021 elections.

He noted that his manifesto contains five points necessary to move the country forward. These include citizens orientation, welfare, tax reform and civil service reform and combating corruption

“When we are elected, we will hit the grown running with those policies. We have to set an example our self as leaders, we must have zero tolerance for corruption. It is necessary to put in place strong deterrence to ensure development and progress of the country” Papa Faal said

He further informed the press that he has already declared his assets to the IEC, whilst describing the previous government as tyrannical noting that elections were never credible

“It was a tyrannical government, there was no press freedom, Gambian people tried through elections, but it didn’t work. So, when tyrants are holding on to power, we cannot negotiate,” he said.

Papa Faal was born in 1968 in The Gambia and moved to the United States in 1991, becoming a dual citizen. Faal enlisted in the US Army in 2009 and became a technology specialist, serving a tour of duty in Afghanistan before he was dismissed in 2012.

Faal aided businessman Cherno Njie in plotting the 2014 Gambian coup attempt and purchased M4 assault rifles, which he shipped to The Gambia in 50-gallon barrels. On 30 December 2014, Faal led an attack on the State House in hopes of getting elements of the Gambian Army to join the coup.

However, the Gambian army overwhelmed the rebels with heavy fire, and he returned to the USA. On 1 January 2015, the FBI found semiautomatic rifle training instructions and Google satellite images of the Gambian capital of Banjul in his house, and on 5 January 2014, he was arrested. He faced charges of violating the Neutrality Act of 1794, which prohibited Americans from waging acts of war on other countries.

Veteran politician Omar Amadou Jallow has extended early congratulations to President Adama Barrow for winning next month’s presidential election.

Massive crowds of supporters showed love to President Barrow on Thursday and assisted him file his nomination at the IEC. The citizens later accompanied the president to Buffer Zone for  huge rally.

Speaking at the rally, OJ said: “Anyone who went to Kanifing today will know Adama Barrow has been president already. What’s now left is for us to come for celebration come on the 5th of December 2021.

“I have seen women and youth and women and youth form 70% of the Gambian population. So Mr President, congratulations on your second term as president of the Republic of The Gambia.”

The Gambia Transport Union has issued a statement pushing back at Essa Faal’s claims he entered into a contract with the union to transport his supporters to IEC on Thursday for his nomination.

An angry Essa Faal told reporters on Thursday they contracted the Gambia Transport Union at Brikama and paid for 200 minivans.

“Guess what they (NPP) did, they went to the garage while these people were preparing to go and they (NPP) came and doubled the money. So that the drivers will refuse to transport our people and they succeeded,” the politician claimed.

But in a statement, GTU said the claims made by Mr Faal do not represent the reality of the arrangements.

It said: “We wish to make it crystal clear that  neither the Union nor the drivers had entered into any contract with Mr Essa Mbye Faal. Furthermore, no amount of money was paid to the Union or drivers by Mr. Faal.

“However, on Tuesday 2nd November 2021, agents of Mr Faal visited our brikama office to arrange for vehicles at a cost of D2500. They promised to pay drivers an advance payment to be completed after the exercise. This advance payment was never made.

“Today Thursday 4th November 2021, agents of Mr Faal arrived at the garage once again to scout for vehicles to transport their people to the nomination venue. Due to the constraints of fuel shortage, only few drivers were found at the garage. They offered to pay drivers D2500 and coincidentally agents of NPP also arrived at the garage for the same purpose. They offered the few drivers found at the garage an amount of D3000. Consequently, the drivers opted for the better offer.

“The management of the General Transport Union wishes to unequivocally state that, it strives to represent the welfare of its members in an apolitical and non-partisan environment.

“To this effect, we provide transport services to individuals and groups based on agreed business terms and conditions without discrimination, or ill will against any person or groups. In light of the above, we solicit the usual cooperation and partnership of the public at all times.”

Kebba Lang Fofana was mean to Essa Faal on Thursday evening when he wrote that the Turnaround leader should now be given his ‘gele gele’ vans.

Mr Faal filed in his nomination on Thursday morning but his big event didn’t go as planned as his supporters could not accompany him to IEC.

A livid Essa Faal charged that the 200 ‘gele gele’ vans he had a deal with refused to convey his supporters after entering into a better deal with NPP. He also said the fuel dealers were selling fuel only to drivers on NPP nomination mission.

Mr Faal told reporters that it was the worst political sabotage in the political history of the country.

But NPP stalwart Kebba Lang Fofana wrote Thursday evening after everything was all over: “Please TURN AROUND and give Esaa Faal his Gele Geles.”

A UDP pickup truck was on Thursday pictured carrying NPP supporters, sparking silly reaction online.

Alhagie Jobe sharing the photo online wrote: @Even the UDP drivers support NPP and President Barrow. They helping transporting supporters to Buffer Zone as thousands continue to trek to the ground.”

Mohammed Sumareh said: The photo of the day: UDP pickup transporting NPPians to President Barrow’s nomination at IEC. When Allah bless you even your enemies will surrender to you. Barrow is blessed.”

But one UDP supporter Alieu Sanneh wrote: “Following the teachings  and preachings of lawyer Ousainou ANM Darboe. UDP and NPP are not enemies but opponents. We are each others keepers.

“The UDP supporters are following this preaching always. Due to shortage of fuel and vehicles, UDP pickup Driver decided to give them free transportation. See it for yourself.”

The National People’s Party has issued a statement saying President Adama Barrow is profoundly shocked and saddened by a ghastly auto accident in Kiang that claimed ‘six’ lives.

NPP supporters travelling from Basse for President Barrow’s nomination got into an accident, leaving six people dead. Their gele gele van collided with a truck in Kiang.

NPP in a statement signed by deputy spokesman Seedy Njie said: “His Excellency, The Secretary General and Party leader of the National People’s Party, President Adama Barrow, all party leaders, membership and supporters of the Grand Coalition regret to announce with heavy heart, a tragic accident which occurred on Wednesday night, 3rd November, 2021. The fatal accident, around Kwinella village in the Lower River Region, involved members of the NPP who were traveling from URR to attend Thursday’s nomination of His Excellency President Adama Barrow when their passenger vehicle collided with a truck claiming six lives. Several others sustained injuries and are currently hospitalized. The President is profoundly shocked and saddened by this tragic accident.

“This devastating news is extended to all Gambians on behalf of the Grand Coalition. President Barrow has earlier dispatched a high level delegation led by the Hon Minister of Regional Governments and Lands to the bereaved families and to visit the injured.

“President Barrow extends heartfelt condolences to the families of these patriotic citizens who were on a journey to exercise their inalienable rights and appreciation to a leader who ushered in unprecedented development in their areas.

“President Adama Barrow prays that Allah in His infinite mercy, forgives their short comings and admit them in the highest of Jannah and grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. The President also prays for the speedy recovery of all those who sustained injuries in the accident.”

By XINHUA

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Wednesday that 357 irregular migrants were intercepted at sea and returned to Libya.

“357 persons were returned last night to Tripoli (90) and to Zawiya (267) in two separate operations. 54 women and 22 children among them,” UNHCR tweeted.

“The boat returned to Tripoli with 90 onboard was in distress at sea for two days. UNHCR & IRC provided medical aid & assistance to all survivors,” it said.

According to UNHCR, nearly 28,000 migrants have been intercepted at sea and returned to Libya so far this year.

Intercepted migrants are detained inside overcrowded reception centers across Libya, despite repeated international calls for closing those centers.

By Lamin Njie, Editor-In-Chief

The National People’s Party has responded strongly to UDP in terms of crowd by producing a never-before-seen crowd during President Barrow’s nomination on Thursday.

One person reacted: “Wow beyond massive. The UDP pretenders shall be buried.”

President Barrow took his turn to file his nomination papers for president Thursday morning accompanied by an unprecedented crowd – but also his two wives, government officials and NPP coalition partners.

Ebrima Sillah Information Minister told The Fatu Network: “We’re extremely very happy today, having come in large numbers. Tens of thousands of NPP supporters have come out to show solidarity, and to come and nominate their presidential candidate, His Excellency President Adama Barrow who is going to win with landslide in this election on the 4th of December.

“We have presented more than a 100,000 nomination forms to the Independent Electoral Commission. That shows the power that the NPP has come with today.”

“We’re happy. Despite the challenge of fuel scarcity, people have come, you have seen the crowd. You have seen it. The ones you have not yet seen are going to Buffer Zone,” Ahmad Gitteh said.

UDP leader has declared his assets as part of his push for the presidency showing the UDP leader having D774,000 in his Trust Bank account and owning a leased property on Kairaba Avenue worth D10M.

Mr Darboe had on Monday challenged his opponents to an asset declaration vowing that he would declare his own assets.

He has now come good on his vow by publishing everything he owns for transparency purposes.

Darboe’s assets include a leased property on 57 Kairaba Avenue acquired in 1975 approximately worth D10,000,000. He also has undeveloped plots of land in Kembujeh, Serekundanding, Tanji Batosilokang, Tanji Salanding, Sanyang, Gunjur, Sukuta and Bansang (kongko santu).

Elsewhere, Darboe also has a 2-living room property in Kotu approximately worth D600, 000. Regarding cars, he owns a Toyota 4 runner valued at D850, 000; Toyota Highlander valued at D700, 000; Toyota Prado valued at D1, 500, 000; Mercedes Benz valued at D350, 000; and ford F150 valued at D150, 000.

Darboe also has some money his bank accounts with his Trust Bank LTD account having D774, 237. 23. His Access Bank LTD account has a balance of D6, 555. 06 while his Guaranty Trust Bank account is with a balance of D12,403,73. Darboe also has some money in US where his Bank of America balance is US$11, 942. 56.

PDOIS leader Halifa Sallah has dropped a huge hint that he will bow out regarding Gambian politics, telling reporters he has reached the pinnacle.

Mr Sallah is the country’s most experienced political leader contesting the December presidential election. He has not achieved much in terms of votes in past elections.

He however warned on Wednesday that he was on his way out of Gambian political process.

Mr Sallah said: “I have reached the pinnacle of my participation in your political process. I am going to be honest, I am going to be direct and I am going to help you to know that this is the final battle of ideas.”

The veteran politician filed his nomination papers with the IEC on Wednesday, in a crowded race of over two dozen candidates.

GANU leader Sheikh Tijan Hydara has addressed the issue of his short-lived alliance with former President Jammeh’s supporters.

Mr Hydara’s political fortune boomed but only briefly after Jammeh changed his mind regarding his supporters backing Mr Hydara.

Speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network, Hydara said he is not bothered by the break up of the alliance as it could be God who changed his mind.

He said: “Even God changes his mind, what is the problem? You said I said in the rally that it’s God that destined the alliance with APRC. What about if God changes his mind, if God decides that that is not the best for me.”

The President of The Gambia and Presidential Candidate of the National People’s Party (NPP) Adama Barrow has said that he is a democrat and he believes in the principles of democracy and the rule of law, indicating that he has been in office for five years and has brought development to this nation, promising to continue in that direction.

President Barrow was speaking after successfully presenting his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) at Election House

He started his address to the media by extending his condolence to the bereaved family of party supporters who died yesterday as they made their way to the nomination venue at Election House.

“I am a democrat and I believe in the principles of democracy and the rule of law. I have been in office for five years and I have brought development to this nation, and I will continue in that direction,” President Barrow said.

He further noted that where there is no infrastructure there is no development. Therefore, he will continue his infrastructural development.

“I have already fulfilled all requirements, we play by rules and regulations and it is now left with the IEC to do their job,” President Barrow said.

He maintained that they (NPP) are in alliance with the APRC in the best interest of the country, national security and development.

He went on to advise the IEC to be independent. “You are the referee, and you must be independent, and it makes the job easy for the players and it makes it easy for all the players to accept the results”.

Adama Barrow was born in Mankamang Kunda, a village near Basse Santa Su on 15 February 1965 and is the third and current President of The Gambia. He attended Crab Island Secondary School and the Muslim High School.

Barrow was then chosen as the UDP candidate in the 2016 presidential election. It was later announced that he would stand as an independent with the backing of the opposition group Coalition 2016 (a coalition supported by the UDP and six other parties).

Barrow won the 2016 presidential election with 43.34% of the vote, defeating long-time incumbent Yahya Jammeh. Jammeh initially accepted the result, but later reneged on this, and Barrow was forced to flee to neighbouring Senegal. He was inaugurated at the Gambian embassy in Senegal on 19 January 2017, and Jammeh was forced to leave the Gambia and go into exile on 21 January. Barrow returned to The Gambia on 26 January.

Five supporters of the National People’s Party died after they van they were travelling in to Kombo for President Adama Barrow’s nomination got into an accident in Kiang.

The supporters were from Basse in the Upper River Region on Wednesday when the accident occurred.

President Adama Barrow will file his nomination papers at the IEC this morning.

Essa Faal has filed in his nomination credentials but it will be remembered for the lawyer going on an extraordinary tantrum.

Mr Faal arrived at the IEC at 9am today but he was visibly upset that he did not come with his crowd due to what he called political sabotage.

“This is the worst political sabotage that has happened in Gambian political history as far as I know it. You see, we can be opponents in the political field but we should also be gentlemenand women. So to behave in such criminal conduct really is… Is conduct not befitting any government official in any country,” Mr Faal alleged.

According to Mr Faal, they hired 200 gele gele vans only for their deal with fuel dealers to be scuppered by NPP. The drivers allegedly changed their mind after the NPP offered them a better deal.

Mr Faal said: “Otherwise today Gambians will see. But they cannot stop this, this has taken root in people’s hearts already. I am more determined today. I am more confident today and my trust in Gambian youth can never be shaken. They know what is going on. See how happy they are.”

One of the Independent candidates in the 2021 Gambian presidential election Essa M. Faal has said that youth empowerment is fundamental to change The Gambia.

He was speaking immediately after presenting his nomination documents to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) at Election House.

“Today is historic for several reasons, the young men and women are speaking loudly they want change. Everywhere in the country people are shouting that they want change and are expressing their distrust for this government,” Essa M. Faal said.

He further alleged that the NPP of President Adama Barrow sabotaged their nomination by paying double for the vehicles they had already paid for.

“I have never seen such low play in politics of this country, I never thought I would witness a day in which democracy will be circled by a very unpopular government. Come December 4 we will  change that.

He noted that youth empowerment among several other things is fundamental to changing The Gambia complaining that doing business in The Gambia is becoming more difficult as the years go by.

“If The Gambia continues in this direction many Gambian’s will continue to invest abroad. I want to make this country a safe and competitive place,” Faal said.

Commenting on accusations that he holds a Senegalese Citizenship he said,

“That is the most nonsensical accusation, that I have dual citizenship. What can a Senegalese citizenship do for me that a Gambian citizenship cannot do for me? If I had I would have renounced it,” Faal said angrily.

Essa Faal was born on the 13th of March 1966 in Banjul. He has extensive knowledge and experience in international criminal law and international human rights law.

He started his legal career as a State Counsel at the Ministry of Justice in The Gambia in 1994 and during this period he served as Counsel to the Commission of Inquiry into the Financial Activities of Public Corporations.

He has worked for the International Criminal Court (ICC) serving as Counsel for Charles Ghankay Taylor (former President of Liberia) before the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone and Counsel for Saif Al Islam Gaddafi at the ICC.

In September 2018 soon after the establishment of the Gambia truth commission, Essa Faal was appointed lead counsel, a job he just completed after three years of probing and bringing to light, the true extent of the 22- year reign of terror of former president Yahya Jammeh.

One of the candidates for the presidency of The Gambia Tamsir Jasseh has called on all Gambians to work together to solve the country’s problems since every Gambian has in one way or the other contributed to creating the problem

He was speaking after his nomination process at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)

“We all contributed to creating this problem so we must work together to change this situation. We must get the change that we voted for. There is nothing in this nation but hopelessness, poverty and disease, but we have a lot of potential in the youth. We need a leader that will come forward and harness this potential,” Tamsir Jasseh said.

He further noted that his party is willing to look beyond tribe or religion and implement the law as it is in the country’s law books. He revealed that there is a lot of poverty in The Gambia because the people are corrupt

But how does he intend to fight corruption?  He said the laws must be enforced and those who violate the laws must be held accountable. Speaking about his citizenship status he confirmed that he does have American citizenship but the process of dropping it has begun.

Tamsir Jasseh is the first Gambian presidential candidate to possess dual citizenship in the Gambia and the United States of America. He is also the first Gambian war veteran to seek the office of the president of the Republic of the Gambia. He served in the United Nations Navy and was a veteran of the first Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) and the first Gambian to serve as policy adviser for the Gambia Police Force.

He served as deputy inspector general of the Gambia Police Force, and director-general of the Gambia Immigration Department. He holds a Master of Science degree in terrorism and homeland security, a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice, and a graduate certificate in public administration, and a second graduate certificate in justice studies.

President Adama Barrow will be at the Independent Electoral Commission on Thursday for his nomination.

The president is seeking re-election and will battle it out with over two dozen challengers.

His sport minister Bakary Badjie is ready for the president’s nomination posting photos of the president along with the caption, “President Adama Barrow: to be Nominated 4th November – to be Elected 4th December.”

The president’s nomination is set for 11am on Thursday and a huge crowd is set to assist the president in filing his nomination.

A photographer proved helpful to Sheikh Tijang Hydara on Wednesday when he gave the GANU leader D10,000 in exchange for the politician’s rejected 200 dollars.

Mr Hydara filed his nomination papers at the IEC on Wednesday but he showed at the IEC with insufficient dalasi cash.

Mr Hydara had dollars on him but his dollars were turned down by officials of Election House when he wanted to use it to settle his D10,000 deposit.

The politician dismissed the issue when asked by reporters saying he came with Gambian dalasi but it was simply not enough and that he thought he could use his dollars instead.

During the moment of mild drama, a photographer accepted to take the politician’s 200 dollars in exchange for his D10,000 which Mr Hydara ended up giving to IEC officials.