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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.”
The Secretary General and Party Leader of the National People’s Party, His Excellency President Adama Barrow, began his Presidential campaign on Tuesday 9th November, 2021. The presidential motorcade rolled out of State House in a spectacular fashion with President Barrow adorned his Party’s grey attire in the company of thousands of members and supporters of the Grand Alliance comprising of 17 parties and former Independent aspirants for the 2021 election. A colourful crowd of jubilant supporters file past Hagan Street with motorists honking their horns in a simmering November afternoon.
President Adama Barrow arrived in Barra where tens of thousands accorded him a befitting welcome resonating a grateful nation.
In Fass Omar Saho, Ndungu Charreh and Kuntair in Upper Niumi, Lower Niumi and Jokadu constituencies respectively, residents assured President Adama Barrow of a landslide victory thanks to his visible infrastructural development projects throughout these constituencies.
The massive construction of the infamous, once pothole-riddled Hakalang laterite road that witnessed countless accidents since independence received so much praise. The road that runs across the Niumis and Jokadou Districts was invoked by several speakers as a milestone project under President Barrow and the NPP candidate was eulogized by many Tuesday night.
A very appreciative President Barrow thanked the people of the area for their kind sentiments, massive crowds and tumultuous welcome. He assured them of a continuous infrastructural development programme that will eventually turn The Gambia into a city state.
The Candidate of Gambia’s biggest Political Alliance commended Gambian Alkalolu for their selfless spirit of voluntarism to Gambians and broke the pleasant news that effective January, 2021, all village heads across the country will be put on a paid Gambia Government Salary in appreciation for their community service.
A local political observer confidently asserted that the crowd seen on Barrow’s first day of campaign in the North Bank Region is unprecedented in the political history of the area and indicative of a NPP huge victory in NBR.
The President’s team will today, Thursday hold meetings in Ngain Sanjal, Kaur and Fass.
On Friday 12 th November, 2021, President Barrow is expected to hold mass rallies in Paleilei Nianija, Niani Wassu and Sami Karantaba Wollof.
President Adama Barrow is contesting the December 4th Presidential election with five others. He has on several occasions expressed his optimism that his Grand Alliance will win with a huge majority.
Police announced on Wednesday evening they have provided each candidate a platoon of officers whose duty would be VIP protection and public order management.
In a statement, police said: “As part of our proactive policing strategies, The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has on Tuesday provided political parties on the campaign trail with detailed security to help mitigate and manage any potential security concern that may emerge.
“To this effect, each presidential candidate has been provided with a platoon of police personnel from the PIU during their campaign throughout the country. They will execute duties in VIP Protection and Public Order Management.
“This is in line with the context of a well-defined elections security operational plan, which details activities before, during and post elections.
“Activities before the elections, included several trainings and orientations provided for personnel in a bid to develop their skills in elections security, crisis management, critical incidents response and public order management, among others.”
One of the presidential candidates for the December 4th, 2021, Presidential Election has today Wednesday 10th November 2021 Launched his ‘Blueprint for A National Turnaround’ Manifesto. Essa Mbaye Faal Launched the Manifesto at his Bijilo Residence.
Speaking to pressmen Essa noted that the ‘Blueprint for A National Turnaround’is a comprehensive breakdown of action points his presidency will work on when elected in December 2021.
He stated that for the positive transformation of The Gambia there is a need for competent heads, able hands, appropriate tools, and an abundance of result-oriented Gambians supported by leadership with ideas to turn around the country for prosperity.
He further noted that the Gambia is not in need of yet another long and policy document as many of such exist, what the Gambia needs he says is an action plan, which would serve as a blueprint for development.
His first 100 days as President Essa promised to lay the foundation of a progressive state. He said he would then go on to double the country’s GDP in 10 years and tackle the scourge of youth unemployment in 5 years.
He also promised to address the issue of corruption, build the health care system, and ensure Gambian troops are capacitated to take over the security of the Gambian people when elected president.
You may win a contract, but you may be unsuccessful in the execution of the project. You can also win an election, but fail in governance. Both of them are common. So winning is not everything. You’d still have to deliver to be successful.
Selfishness, greed, thirst for power and sycophancy have saturated our politics, so I am not really convinced that anyone who wins the elections will be able to govern the country successfully. We have succeeded in creating a poisonous environment of insults, attacks, intimidation, misinformation and false accusations. We have virtually normalized those behaviors, and most of our leaders are also complicit in them – implicitly and explicitly. The mentality of winning at all costs will push our society to the brink, if we are not very careful.
With such culture, it will be extremely difficult for any government to be able to successfully rule the country, and it will have much to do with the corrosive toxic culture we have created for ourselves. A toxic culture creates unnecessary conflict, excessive tension, abusive behavior, and mistrust. We see those things happening on a daily basis. The most toxic among us are celebrated and rewarded, and that says a lot about our new values.
This focus on victory at the expense of our society is about to sink us, and our leaders are an integral part of the destruction movement. At this critical moment, The Gambia needs a progressive and inclusive leader who can bring us together. We are deeply divided on many lines, and the country will not move forward if these divisions persist. If we don’t improve, we could end up with our own January 6th insurrection, just like the US, or even worse. And with our limited resources and weak institutions, we may never be able to recover from it.
United Democratic Party is brimming with confidence that next month’s election is its to take with leaders of the party all the time insisting that change is coming.
The party chose Darboe as its standard-bearer and the veteran politician was cleared by the IEC over the weekend offering him the chance to finally show what he is made of.
Presidential campaign officially started on Tuesday November 9 but UDP spent the day different from its rivals.
The party and leader Darboe were busy making courtesy visits to respectable homes in Brikama, Sanghajor and Farato.
APRC leader Fabakary Tombong Jatta has called on supporters of the APRC to vote for President Adama Barrow come December 4.
“[I call on] all APRC supporters wherever you may be [to] vote for President Adama Barrow on the 4 of December,” the longtime politician told citizens at the president’s rally in Fass Omar Saho on Tuesday.
According to FTJ, there is every indication President Barrow will win the election but warned against complacency.
He said: “There is hope President Barrow will win. But sometimes what happens, people sit and say ‘the president will win’ and on Election Day there don’t go out to vote.
“If you don’t vote and the next person doesn’t vote and the next person also doesn’t vote, who will vote then? If we want a better future, let’s all go out and vote for President Adama Barrow.”
Momodou Sabally of the United Democratic Party has declared that UDP is the winning camp as the battle for State House gathers extraordinary pace.
The former secretary general has proven to be one of UDP’s most trusted officials in getting the party to State House.
He wrote on Wednesday: “It’s a battle no less than that of tanks and canons but a battle more profound: a battle of ideas and conviction…
“Across rivers and mountains, armed with the truth, we shall destroy their ramparts and conquer their forces. We are the #winning team.”
Mr Sabally is UDP leader Ousainou Darboe’s right hand man and he was the one who carried the veteran politician’s papers during his nomination last week.
