India’s foreign minister Shri Muraleedharan will arrive in The Gambia on Sunday for a two-day official visit, according to a dispatch by the foreign ministry.
Mr Muraleedharan’s visit will see him meet foreign minister Dr Mamadou Tangara on Monday. He will also meet the president
The top Indian official will also on Monday take part in the signing of a cooperation agreement between India and The Gambia.
Dr Babanding Daffeh has completed giving testimony in the rape trial of businessman Bubacarr Keita, telling the high court in Bundung his medical reports did not indicate who the alleged perpetrator is.
Mr Keita, 29, finally returned to court on Wednesday after a three-month break, with Dr Daffeh responding to questions from the businessman’s lawyer.
Returning to the witness box, Dr Daffeh explained his medical reports could help know who the alleged perpetrator is, but Keita’s lawyer Lamin Camara insisted the reason alleged perpetrators do not appear on medical examination reports is that they could not tell one who the alleged perpetrator is.
Dr Daffeh said: “Certainly no because any findings in the medical reports for the victims are in relation to what happened to the victims and not who was the alleged perpetrator.”
“And therefore Doctor, your examinations of the complainant in both Exhibit E and F did not point to who did what but what happened to the complainant right?” Keita’s lawyer asked.
Dr Daffeh said: “Obviously the report does not point directly to who the alleged perpetrator is but if you look at the report and you look at the two fundamental issues I addressed two months ago, that those issues are in record, if you compare with the findings of my investigations as a doctor… The two scannings, the first being Exhibit E and the second being Exhibit F and there is another report which was tendered here before.
“So if you look at the medical reports, the age of the pregnancy [which was] four months-four-weeks and then the scanning that was done initially at family planning on the 6th of November 2019 and the one done at our hospital, which was at four months, five weeks, will definitely address those two fundamental issues and who might be the alleged perpetrator.”
Keita’s lawyer who was clearly not impressed asked again: “Dr Daffeh, my question is simple: did you find who the alleged perpetrator is medically in your reports?” Dr Daffeh replied: ‘No’.
The judge had intervened after the prosecuting attorney Alasan Jobe complained that the defence lawyer should not try to force the witness to a no-or-yes answer.
“We take objection to counsel trying to force the witness to a ‘yes-or-no’ answer.”
“It’s overruled,” the judge quickly interjected, adding “It’s a straightforward answer.”
Elsewhere, Dr Daffeh insisted his investigation as a medical doctor goes beyond medical examination.
“It goes beyond medical examination,” Dr Daffeh said.
“Like what?” Lawyer Camara asked.
“Treatment, counselling, obviously the report that we write, all part of the medical examination,” the witness answered.
Lamin Camara followed up: “Are these three not medically related?”
“They are medically related,” Dr Daffeh responded.
Alagie Conteh’s trouble with authorities has taken a dramatic twist after government turned to the high court for an order freezing his embattled Bloom Bank account.
A temporary blockage of the account was lifted by police on Tuesday as the businessman threatened to go to court.
The Standard reported on Thursday the High Court in Banjul presided over by Justice BA Bakre issued an order for the freezing of the Dabanani Electrical Company accounts at Bloom Bank pending investigations. The investigations are over a financial transaction involving the account.
His UDP comrade Momodou Sabally wrote on Wednesday saying they will be alongside Mr Conteh in the battle.
He said: “The police have obtained a court order to freeze Alhagie Conteh’s account and his bank has no other option but to comply.
“Barrow and his mafia gang that are doing everything to empower and support dubious foreign businesses like the Senegalese dude who gifted him a car are now ready to destroy our Gambian brothers businesses. We will fight this battle together.”
The government has issued a statement discrediting claims by UDP leader Ousainou Darboe it secretly received crude oil from Nigeria.
Mr Darboe while on his tour of the nation said Nigeria gave crude oil to The Gambia but the government was keeping it secret.
In a statement signed by spokesperson Ebrima Sankareh on Thursday, the government said the claims are ‘fatally’ false.
The statement said: “Following widespread allegations orchestrated and bandied about by the leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Mr. Ousainou Darboe, President Adama Barrow wishes to make it abundantly clear to all citizens, members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps, that his Government has never, ever, lifted a single barrel of crude oil from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The allegation that has since been amplified by opposition elements and a section of the news media with reporting styles anathema to all ethical standards of journalism, is fatally false, malicious and without a scintilla of truth. In actuality, negotiations for The Gambia Government to resume benefitting from Nigerian crude oil began in June 2018 while Mr. Ousainou Darboe was Foreign Minister and later, Vice President. The Nigerian Government granted approval in June, 2019 barely two months after Mr. Darboe’s exit from the corridors of power.
“Between August and September 2021, The Gambia Government embarked on a thorough examination of the offer based on international standards of due diligence and serious expert evaluations of its costs, benefits and ramifications.
“When Cabinet convened on the 6th October, 2021, this matter was discussed under ‘Any Other Business’ (AOB), and not even as a Major Cabinet paper. Following exhaustive evaluation, Cabinet concluded that while the opportunity represented goodwill and generosity on the Nigerian Government, it was costly. Cabinet therefore, quashed the entire programme and not a single barrel of crude oil was ever lifted either directly or indirectly by the Barrow Government.
“President Barrow therefore, finds it puzzling that a malicious story premised on falsehood and cheap political propaganda is what some politicians and their media apologists use to caricature and allege corruption and lack of transparency in his Government.
“In fact, the ongoing court cases over the Diplomatic Passport saga and the recent arrest, remand and trial of the former Ministry of Fisheries Permanent Secretary, shows the seriousness with which the Barrow Government takes issues of corruption in all places regardless of status or position.
“However, judicial processes could be long and cumbersome and as a true believer in the Rule of Law, the principle of Separation of Powers and the independence of the Judiciary, President Barrow does not interfere with judicial processes.”
UDP supporters online have asked sympathisers of the party to ignore a fundraiser that appears to have been set up in the party’s name.
A flyer bearing UDP’s logo and suggested the party is seeking donation of up to seven million euros for its operational budget, with the name and picture of three people put on the flyer.
Alert supporters have now raised the alarm and are calling on their unsuspecting compatriots to disregard the fundraiser.
Two Nigerians are in hot water after getting arrested for breaking into people’s cars and stealing their properties.
Gambians have in recent months been victims of robbery from men riding motorcycles. They usually station themselves near banks to monitors users.
In March, two men on a motorbike smashed an Indian businessman’s car glass and snatched a bag containing D350,000.
Police said they will do a crime report on Thurday on the two Nigerians arrested in connection with breaking and stealing from vehicles.
They specialize in the use of motorcycles to conduct their unscrupulous activities, police said.
One of the leaders of Alliance for Change 2021 Mai Ahmad Fatty has said the alliance is confident of victory.
Fatty along with CA’s Dr Ismaila Ceesay and APP Dr Ibrahim Jagne signed an understanding that has now brought them together under a united front. Two other parties were supposed to append their signature to the Alliance for Change 2021 MoU but their absence has raised questions regarding the future of the alliance.
However, speaking after the signing of the MoU, GMC leader Mai Fatty insisted the alliance is confident of taking State House.
Mr Fatty said: “We are confident of victory. You know why we are confident of victory? Because the people of this country are no fools. Nobody can deceive the Gambian again.
“They will dance and follow you, they will follow your convoy but they know where their bread is buttered.”
By: Christian Alpha Conte
Five Opposition Parties have on Wednesday 27th October 2021 officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding giving rise to a coalition known as the Alliance for Change 2021. The signing of the memorandum took place at the Penchami Hall Paradise Palace, Serrekunda, The Gambia.
Presenting the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Gumbo Ali Touray former Leader of the All People’s Party noted that since independence in 1965 The Gambia continues to confront challenges of socio-economic development. This he says is amidst the fact that the country has consolidated genuine democracy and implemented some of the most successful economic reform programmes.
He blames corruption, abuse of office and misplaced priorities as key things that have negatively impacted the country’s pace of development.
It is based on these challenges and its view that the President Adama Barrow led administration has failed to introduce meaningful reforms that some opposition parties have decided to commit themselves to form an alliance to contest the 2021 presidential elections under a unified banner and single candidate.
“Efforts to promote or build strong, disciplined, inclusive national institutions to facilitate consensus and compromise around national policy development and implementation, protection of human rights and the rule of law within a unified nation have failed.
These challenges coupled with mismanagement of economic resources have been accentuated by self-serving political conduct, where personal and partisan interests override national interests. Consequently, The Gambia now faces a near existential threat, which requires urgent redress to avert potential civil strife,” Gumbo Ali Touray said.
Making a statement on behalf of the All Peoples Party Dr Bai Biran Jagne said they as party leaders have put aside their individual political party aspirations and have now decided to work together as a united front.
“This is the beginning of the Alliance for Change, a result of our nine weeks of intense engagement and consultation. This is the beginning of the work of opposition parties that have come together to remove the government of President Adama Barrow,” Dr Bai Biran Jagne said.
Dr Ismaila Ceesay represents the Citizens’ Alliance (CA) he said as political leaders they realized that the country is at a stage where they have to put aside their egos to ensure the nation is saved from the doldrums of decadence.
“Today is a historic day, a historic day for Gambia’s democracy, and a historic day for Gambia’s development. The death warrant for President Barrow and his government has just been signed today. The framework that will lay the foundation for unprecedented socio-economic and inclusive prosperity has been signed today,” Dr Ismaila Ceesay said.
He agrees that building a Coalition always comes with challenges, but he is optimistic that other parties will subsequently join them.
Hon Mai Ahmad Fatty is Leader of The Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) he said the signing of the MOU marks a new distinction in Gambia’s match to genuine democracy.
He revealed that they have spent nine weeks of critical decision making and have now decided to restore sanity in the country’s body politics
“Today marks a new distinction in our match to genuine democracy, we are experiencing lots of challenges, mountains we must leap over, the economy is on the brink of collapse, making a living has become a difficult task. We have come together after nine weeks of critical decision making, we intend to restore sanity in our body politics,” Hon Mai Ahmad Fatty said.
He further admonished Gambians that the 2021 election is not about the contest of a crowd or buying of votes, but It is about the citizens’ health, education of their children and empowerment of young people.
“It is about changing our system of governance that has crippled our body politics. It is about changing a system that is deeply rooted and must be uprooted, it is about reforms and putting food on the table,” Hon Fatty said.
The event was climaxed by the symbolic signing of the MOU by party leaders followed by a question and answer session.
By Dawda Baldeh
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder of Africell Ziad Dalloul on Tuesday 26th October 2021, visited the Africell Branch in The Gambia where he held a brief meeting with the staff and partners of the company at Coco Ocean.
The purpose of his visit was to familiarise himself with Africell staff and partners to enable him gather firsthand information on operational matters and to strengthen their existing relationship.
Mr. Dalloul and his delegation arrived in Banjul on Monday night. He was on a tour to visit all Africell branches within Africa to assess their challenges and pave a way forward for the growth of the company.
The visit brought together senior officials from Africell, partners and other stakeholders who graced the occasion many described as fruitful. The places visited include Sierra Leone, Uganda, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and The Gambia.
Waka Jagne, Senior PR and Events Manager of Africell noted that the CEO’s visit to The Gambia was important noting that it will further strengthen their existing relationship.
“We are very delighted to receive the CEO and Founder of Africell Ziad Dalloul, his visit will further strengthen the bond between the staff and partners of the company. This will also assist the CEO to gather the right information as he will interact directly with the staff and better understand what needs to be done to move the company forward.” Waka Jagne said.
Mr. Jagne also confirmed to The Fatu Network that the gathering at Coco Ocean was fruitful. He added that it gave them the chance to interact with the CEO. He also underscored the significant role that Africell is playing in the area of rapid development of the country.
Africell has been at the forefront in sponsoring many activities in the country ranging from youth development, sport, entertainment, religious events among others.
By Dawda Baldeh
The 2021 World Health Summit (WHS), one of the world’s most important strategic forums for global health, comes to a closure.
On 25 October 2021, the second day of WHS, the Defeat-NCD Partnership at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research organised a high-level panel discussion on “Addressing Non-Communicable Diseases During the COVID-19 Pandemic”.
The event brought together stakeholders from governments, multilateral development banks, the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the private sector with a strong call-to-action on the way forward in prioritising non-communicable disease (NCD) care to strengthen epidemic resilience and preparedness through global cooperation.
Panellists and speakers highlighted the intersection of COVID-19 and NCDs and reflected on practical solutions and the role of partnerships to leverage COVID-19 response efforts to support better health outcomes for NCDs.
They also highlighted and showcased practical examples of several developing countries’ leadership including The Gambia and Rwanda and their clear commitments to ensure better access to NCD care.
Makiko Toyoda, Head of Global Trade Finance Programme at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), shared IFC’s model and role in supporting trade and financing development in low-income countries.
She also elaborated on the innovation trade financing pilot in support of the Defeat-NCD Partnership’s Marketplace, which will ensure access to fairly priced medicines, diagnostics, and supplies for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Mohammad Mirzaei Kahagh, Senior Cooperation Specialist at the Islamic Development Bank, shared the Bank’s commitment towards joining the governance mechanism of the Defeat-NCD Partnership, implementing the joint action plan to scale-up NCD services in member states and beyond, and financing cancer care programmes in collaboration with the Defeat-NCD Partnership.
“The way forward is through strong partnerships. It is by joining our collective knowledge, skills, and resources that we will be able to build healthy, productive, and resilient communities,” said Mukul Bhola, Chief Executive Officer of the Defeat-NCD Partnership at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research.
Henrik Finnern, Boehringer Ingelheim’s Global Head of More Health-Sustainable Development, set the tone of the event by emphasising on how the current deadly challenge that NCDs represent has worsened in the context of COVID-19, and on the urgency of building future resilience from lessons learnt from the pandemic.
“We must take forward important lessons from the pandemic and incorporate them into the way that we tackle NCDs”.
This statement was supported by Praveen Pardeshi, Member of the Capacity Building Commission of the Government of India, who presented the results of the study produced by the Defeat-NCD Partnership and the Economist Intelligence Unit, that shows a clear correlation between COVID-19 case fatality rates and NCD mortality rates.
“The amount spent globally on COVID-19 response in one year is 4.5 times what is required to achieve all Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 goal targets and indicators by 2030,” he said.
The eye-opening figures served as a wakeup call on re-evaluating global health spending priorities, especially in order to be able to achieve SDG 3.
Dr Ren Minghui, Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage/ Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases at the World Health Organization, presented further data highlighting the timeliness of the NCD challenge.
“Only 35 countries have implemented 10 of the commitments made for prevention and control of NCDs made at the United Nations General Assembly. Only 14 are on track for achieving SDG 3.4 for 2030. No countries are on track to achieving all nine targets agreed in 2013 for 2025”, said Dr Minghui.
Also speaking on the high-level panel, Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health of the Gambia, provided a concrete example of political commitment to ensure better access to NCD care, as the country recently developed a new five-year national NCD strategy and costed action plan.
“Our biggest and more ambitious response to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on NCDs and vice versa was the development of the first ever national multi-sectoral strategy and costed action plan for NCD prevention and control in the Gambia through the technical assistance of the Defeat-NCD Partnership.”
The urgency to build the resiliency of global health systems through better NCD services was further emphasised by Dr Debra Houry, Principal Deputy Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States of America.
“What we are seeing during the COVID-19 pandemic should not be a surprise. NCDs make nations less resilient when outbreaks occur. It has never been more important to address NCDs at a global scale.”
Aligning with Dr Debra Houry and elaborating on the research study presented by Praveen Pardeshi, Dr Chrissy Bishop, Associate in the Health Policy and Clinical Evidence Team at the Economist Intelligence Unit, presented the ways we need to build and strengthen the quality of analysis on COVID-19 and NCDs to develop a comprehensive understanding of the link between the two health challenges.
“A deep dive into the current healthcare financing landscape in LMICs and policy recommendations on how to improve access to UHC is needed.”
Dr Bente Mikkelsen, Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases in the division of UHC/Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases at the World Health Organization, reflected on how COVID-19 has engineered change in global health systems, through shifts towards digital tools, and how this can be used to support stronger NCD services. “We need to control NCDs as we are building back better.”
The time to act and tip the scales in our favour is now. “The tools are there. WHO is playing a critical role setting the standards and formulating guidance on the most effective and efficient ways to address NCDs.
The private sector is investing more and more in research and development in support of low-resource countries and improving access to quality supplies and care. Resources do exist as the research of the Defeat-NCD Partnership and the Economist Intelligence Unit highlighted.
“Developing countries like the Gambia and Rwanda are taking the lead and setting an example for other countries with their commitment and advancements in tackling NCDs in an effective, health system wide, and multi-sectoral approach”, said Mukul Bhola in his closing remarks.
President Adama Barrow has laid the foundation stone for the 20 roads that are set to be constructed in the Greater Banjul part of the country.
At a massive ceremony held in Brufut on Wednesday, the president insisted the development of “these busy roads will solve the difficulties of schoolchildren, patients, business persons and the numerous commuters who struggle daily to board the few vehicles that ply these congested areas”.
“Through such projects, access to schools, hospitals and other social amenities and services will be enhanced gradually throughout the country,” the president added.
According to President Barrow, citizens we will all remember the occasion as “another major milestone in the development process of the necessary infrastructure for the successful hosting of the OIC Summit in 2022”.
The president said elsewhere: “The occasion doubly strengthens our hopes for a better and up-to-date highway and a sustainable road network to facilitate movement and economic activities within the Greater Banjul Area and the West Coast Region (WCR).
“When completed, the project will vitally expand our urban road network to accommodate the increasing volume of road traffic, address the need for more effective road safety measures and set up an efficient drainage system within the Greater Banjul Area. It is obvious that the construction of good roads, where they are needed most, can boost commercial engagements and improve the image of urban settings.”
Leaders of three political parties met at the Paradise Suites Hotel on Wednesday to put pen to paper regarding a deal that now makes them a united force ahead of the December presidential election.
Leaders Dr Ismaila Ceesay, Dr Ibrahim Jagne and Mai Fatty have agreed to work together as a united front in the crucial election.
Leaders of two other parties, Gambia For All and National Unity Party were supposed to sign the MoU on Wednesday but they were a no-show, sparking speculation that the alliance is on the brink of collapse.
Citizens’ Alliance had issued a statement on Tuesday saying UDP and GDC withdrew earlier on in talks that featured 11 parties. CA said the parties withdrew after a standoff over the method for the selection of a flag-bearer.
The Fatu Network have now gathered the two parties pulled out after rejecting the voting method which is prone to fraud.
A source said: “These people wanted to play with us. These are parties with no supporters. What they wanted is a voting method while UDP and GDC wanted the consensus method where the candidate of the biggest party would automatically lead.
“But they were insisting on the voting method which could see them rig the vote in favour of a particular candidate as has happened in 2016. The bigger parties will not accept that.”
The Independent Electoral Commission has released the nomination schedule which will see a massive 26 people file in their nomination beginning on Saturday.
The schedule, seen by The Fatu Network, shows nomination for president will take place between 9:30am and 2:30 daily beginning on Saturday October 30.
On the first day of nomination on October 30, independent candidate Joseph Joof will raise the curtains on the exercise when he would come face to face with officials at Election House at 9:30am. Marie Sock, Alhaji Kurang and Mathew Gomez will share the day with Mr Joof.
Sunday will feature Ebrima Tabora Manneh, Momodou Bah (1), Bankole Ahadzie, and Lamin Bojang’s ANRD.
No-nonsense UDP will have to wait until Monday when their candidate Darboe would face officials at Election House at 11am. Election House will begin the day with BB Darbo and his GFA. Monday afternoon will see candidates of GMC and APP appear before Election House officials.
Tuesday November 2 will also be a busy day at Election House as independent candidate Mamadi KS Camara, GDC, CA and Momodou Bah (2) will also file in their nomination.
GANU, PDOIS, GAP and Tamsir Jasseh will have their turn on Wednesday while Thursday will feature Essa Mbye Faal, NPP and Matarr Nyang.
On Friday November 5 which will be the last day of nomination, Papa Faal has been handed a 9:30am date to be followed by NUP at 11am. Yusupha Doumbouya and his Democratic Party will be the last to file in their nomination.
Super rich businessman Alagie Conteh has said he will speak with his lawyer and will prepare to go to vourt over the blockage of his Bloom Bank account.
Police allegedly blocked Mr Conteh’s account after building suspicion around a financial transaction involving the account.
The blockage was lifted yesterday Gambians mostly UDP supporters bashed the government for targeting Mr Conteh.
Mr Conteh himself said his account was blocked for ‘political reasons’.
He however told King FM: “I have not kept secret the party I am supporting. I think that is my constitutional right. I have done it openly and I am supporting UDP. The president called me at State House. We were in good terms then. He asked me to support him. I told him I could not leave UDP. I told him I would help him if he was in UDP but outside UDP I cannot.
“On that day, he said if I don’t support him, he will tell his government I am his enemy and he will fight me and make sure they bring me down financially. I told him I have heard him but not God. Billahi Wallahi may I lose everything I am looking for in this world the president said this and there are witnesses. And that’s what they are doing.
“They have barred me from getting government contracts and I don’t say anything about it. But this latest one is too much. I am talking to my lawyer today and I think we will prepare to take the matter to court because I am Gambian citizen.”
Press release
Ambassador of Japan to The Gambia, Tatsuo Arai, paid a visit to the Gambia Immigration Department (GID)’s headquarters and handed over a set of equipment to reinforce the country’s border management efforts.
The donated equipment included items to strengthen document security, a Migration Information Data and Analysis System (MIDAS) mobile kit, and a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser to support border patrol.
“This equipment will contribute to capacity building of Gambian administrations at all levels to perform smoothly their duties while assuring safe cross-border activities,” emphasized H.E. Ambassador Arai.
The Ambassador also toured the central server room of the MIDAS system, which is a user-friendly and customizable Border Management Information System (BMIS) with the capacity to collect, store and analyze traveler information in real time, in compliance with international standards.
With MIDAS installed at the GID Headquarters and in four border posts, the system allows the Government of The Gambia to have real-time information on movement across these four checkpoints, better facilitate cross-border movement and understand mobility patterns, which form the basis for planning migration-related policy. The Gambia is one of over 20 countries worldwide that has operationalized the use of MIDAS.
Furthermore, the visit served as an opportunity for the Ambassador to engage GID on the latest updates in border management interventions, funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Since 2018, the Government of Japan has provided critical financial support in the area of border management through a series of projects, totaling nearly USD 2.6 million. The current project, Strengthening Operational Capacities for Gambian Authorities to Manage Borders, Respond to Health Crisis and Socio-Economic Impacts of COVID-19, looks particularly into managing borders within the context of the pandemic, including health and humanitarian border management activities to strengthen the capacity of frontline border officials to conduct infection prevention and control at key ports of entry. The project also has a component on assessing the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on informal cross-border traders, and based on that assessment, providing direct livelihoods support to this group of beneficiaries.
“This project aims to strengthen maritime and border management, health emergency preparedness and response at ports of entry, and address the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 on cross-border traders,” explained H.E. Ambassador Arai.
Other key achievements of the series of projects funded by the Government of Japan include a comprehensive border assessment report; support to border coordination and governance platforms; construction of new border posts in Sabi and Nyammanar; installation of solar panels and boreholes at select border posts; donation of patrol motorcycles; donation of hygiene items and personal protective equipment (PPE); capacity building for border officials on migrant protection and combatting cross-border crime; and sensitization activities aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence at border communities.
“Over the years, the department has been grappling with a weak border management system,” remarked Seedy Touray, GID Director-General, on the need for the projects to help attain the Global Compact for Migration (GCM)’s 11th objective: “manage borders in an integrated, secure and coordinate manner.” “Now, most of our major land borders are renovated, one newly constructed and one under construction, equipped with modern furniture and state-of-the-art office equipment,” coupled with “a series of trainings for our border personnel.”
“IOM’s border management projects funded by the Government of Japan have evolved to address the most pressing and urgent needs,” adds Fumiko Nagano, IOM Chief of Mission in The Gambia. “Strong border management systems and operations are the cornerstone of the migration governance architecture to facilitate safe, orderly and regular migration.”
A man has been arrested by agents of the DLEAG on suspicion of trafficking in drugs.
Ebrima Sonko officials say wore military clothes when he was arrested by agents with suspected drugs on Tuesday in Brikama.
A statement by DLEAG said: “Ebrima Sonko, an adult male Gambian and a resident of Opart Foni was dressed in a military-liked camouflage trousers and a camouflage cap. He was onboard an ash color C class Mercedes Benz with registration number KM 2613 D.
“The said suspected drugs were each wrapped in a cement paper, covered with black nylon bags, placed in four bags and concealed in the booth of his car. Three (3) bags contained ten (10) bundles and one bag contained eleven (11) bundles. He is presently in custody while investigation into the matter continues.
“We take this opportunity to reiterate the call for non-serving members of the Armed Forces to desist from wearing Military paraphernalia including clothes, trousers, bags etc. The Gambia Armed Forces has on several occasions issued statements warning people to desist from selling, buying and or wearing military or military-like kits, materials and equipment. Anyone found wanting would be dealt with accordingly.
“For Mr. Ebrima Sonko, he will be investigated and prosecuted for the drug related offense. Subsequently, he will be handed over to The Gambia Armed Forces for appropriate actions.”
Citizens’ Alliance has issued a statement regarding a deal that has been reached by five of the nation’s political parties for a ‘grand’ opposition coalition.
An agreement document will be signed by the five parties today among them Citizens’ Alliance.
In a statement, CA explained: “The Citizens’ Alliance (CA) wishes to bring to the attention of its esteemed members and the general public that it had initiated a coalition talk among all opposition parties back in September 2021. This initiative was meant to set the basis for a formation of a grand alliance meant to avert a possibility for President Adama Barrow’s re-election and by extension initiate and implement the much needed reforms for sustainable socio-economic growth.
“Apart from the parties that have already thrown their weight behind Barrow, all other opposition parties responded to the clarion call except the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS). Therefore, insightful and progressive talks started among ten parties. Citizens’ Alliance (CA), Gambia For All (GFA), All People’s Party (APP), National Unity Party (NUP), Gambia Moral Congress (GMC), United Democratic Party (UDP), Gambia Democratic Congress (GMC), Alliance for National Reconstruction and Development (ANRD), Gambia Alliance for National Unity (GANU), and Gambia Action Party(GAP).
“Two parties (GANU and GAP) later quit on reasons best known to them. Based on a disagreement on the method for the selection of a flag-bearer for what would have been a grand alliance, the UDP and GDC withdrew from the coalition talks insisting that the flag-bearer of the alliance must be selected using the consensus model only, without a fall back option of voting by party delegates in case the consensus model failed to produce a candidate. Subsequently, ANRD walked away after disagreeing to the bringing into context Jammeh’s twenty-two years of rule in a bid to situate what the Barrow led government should have addressed but failed to do so.
“Based on the foregoing, only five parties (CA, GFA, APP, NUP and GMC) remain in the talks. These five parties have reached an agreement to form a common front under what would be referred to as “Alliance for Change 2021”. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the framework on which a flag-bearer will be selected, will officially be signed by the leaders of these parties on Wednesday 27th October 2021.
“CA wishes to unequivocally inform its members that the flag-bearer is yet to be selected. However, the party leaders of the five political parties that will sign the MoU will meet immediately after the signing ceremony to select the flag-bearer for the Alliance. In line with the MoU, the consensus model will first be used and in the unlikely event that it fails, a voting process by delegates will be applied. While maintaining a spirit of optimism that the like-minded people involved in this Alliance will succeed in choosing a flag-bearer that will be nationally electable, we wish to inform our members that in the event of a deadlock in nominating a flag-bearer, CA intends to proceed with the nomination of its candidate on 2nd November 2021.”
By Amara Thoronka
Social media is obviously the easiest and most powerful platform to connect people, do marketing and social engagements across the world. Notwithstanding its huge benefits, many people use it to incite violence, blackmail people and cause mishaps in society. Social media also known as the newest media in the broader mass communication world, has the potential to break society when misused and on the other hand make society when used in accordance with acceptable social norms and ethical standards.
Recently, in Sierra Leone, a very emotionally appealing video went viral on social media. The said video depicts an extremely feeble and emaciated dying seven-year-old boy with a broken decomposing left foot. In the video, one can vividly see the broken bone which sticks out and the flesh gradually peeling off.
The boy lives with his parents at a hard-to-reach village, far from the country’s second capital, Makeni City northern Sierra Leone. According to the parents, they are so poor that they could not afford the medical bills of their son when they first brought him to the capital, Freetown for medical attention. They had to return to the village and accept anything that would happen.
While they gave up hope and left everything in the hands of fate, one day a man from the city was passing by the village and saw the boy coming from the farm together with his parents. He was shocked to see a very young boy in such condition, so he went close and did a video with an audio calling on the attention of government and people to come to the aid of the dying seven-year-old boy.
As stated earlier, the video went viral and caught the attention of many people including the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Brigadier (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio who instructed his Minister of Heath and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby, to locate the boy together with his parents and bring them to Freetown for proper medical attention.
According to the Press Secretary to the President, Yusuf Keketoma Sandy, the boy is now undergoing series of medical checkups and is now said to be in a better condition.
This is a bright example for nations across the globe, particularly developing countries, on how social media can be used to save lives, constructively critic duty-bearers, expose ills in society and inform/educate people on pertinent issues bordering on national building.
The United Democratic Party said on Tuesday it views with ‘serious’ concern the ‘illegal’ deployment of personnel of the Gambia Police Force to forcefully enter the private residence of Jerending Sanyang, disrupt a press conference he was hosting and hauling him off to Banjuluding Police station.
A press conference by former President Yahya Jammeh’s supporters got disrupted by police on Monday when they arrested Mr Sanyang over the gathering.
A statement signed by leader Ousainou Darboe said: “The conduct of the police were a flagrant violation of the rights of the citizens they victimized including the unprovoked physical assault on Lamin Fatty, a reporter on assignment to cover the press conference and subsequent arrests that ensued in the illegal conduct of the police officers on the scene.
“No Gambian should have their constitutionally guaranteed rights violated including their freedom of speech and assembly .
“UDP also condemns any effort that attempts to use the instruments of government particularly the security services to subvert our hard earned democracy.
“The harassment of citizens in their own homes exercising their rights is anti democratic and abuse of office. It is the responsibility of the government to both respect and enforce the law at all times .
“Deploying security forces on errands that turn them into law breakers undermines trust and confidence in the very people charged with ensuring our individual and collective security .
“The demand to the government of The Gambia is a simple one that is to follow and respect the law.
“The trumped up charges against Jerending must be dropped and no further steps should be undertaken to violate his rights and freedoms including holding a press conference in his residence or elsewhere he and his associates chose to talk to the public.
“UDP also demands that those officers who assaulted the journalist Lamin Fatty be held accountable for their conduct as provided for under police procedures.
“Further we demand that those police leaders who gave the orders for this illegal act to be held accountable in order to deter others from doing the same again.
“Finally UDP reiterates the fact that the security forces should not be used as political instruments in any democratic society.”
The account of businessman Alagie Conteh allegedly blocked on the orders of the Inspector General of Police has been unblocked, a close person to the Mr Conteh, Momodou Sabally has said.
Mr Conteh appeared in the news on Monday over his account with Bloom Bank allegedly blocked. Some reports suggested it was blocked over money laundering issues.
Momodou Sabally wrote on Tuesday Mr Conteh’s account has now been ‘unfrozen’.
Mr Conteh had told The Standard earlier on: “The money concerned is an advanced payment for a contract I signed with KEI of India, one of five companies that won an Ecowas contract for electrification projects in The Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Mali. Almost all the companies who bid for the project wanted to work with Dabanani because of our experience and record in this type of work. I signed an agreement with my Indian partner KEI that should they win the contract, I will be responsible for installation at a fee of $10 million. So when they eventually got the contract, and because I sensed the politically motivated unfriendly climate towards my company in the Gambia, I made sure we signed a contract for the work proper so that they would not be pressured to dump my company after partnering them to prepare the bidding process. They then asked me to provide a performance bond and an advanced payment bond, both of which I secured from the Bloomberg Bank.
“According to law, banks are obliged to send a report to the FIU whenever a transaction in a corporate account is up to D2 million. My bank did that but normally, if the FIU doesn’t have any problem with the transaction, they don’t even respond. But in this case, at some point, the government took interest and the IGP sent a letter to the bank signed by one Alieu Jawara requesting the bank to provide all information regarding this transaction. And they were even very forceful because somebody came to the bank and said they will not leave until they get all the information which the bank provided.
“Soon after that, the FIU replied to acknowledge receipt of the Bank’s report on our transaction but surprisingly asked the bank to block the account. The bank then told the IGP that they have not seen any problem in the transaction and that even if they are going to block the account, they are only going to do so for ten days as required by law unless they, the police, call me over the matter. And as I speak to you this evening [yesterday], my account remains blocked.”
