The Minister of Trade Seedy Keita told reporters on Wednesday two Gampetroleum bosses, the general manager and operation chief, are helping police in their investigation of the recent fuel shortage in the country.

The two officials are Saihou Drammeh and Lamin Gassama.

Below is the trade minister’s statement in full, as transcribed;

During the week of week ending 31st of October 2021, the country witnessed shortage of gasoil at majority of the gas stations across the country. In contrast to the reports received from Gampetroleum for that week, dated 25th of October 2021 indicating the stock balance of 6,711,514 metric tons which would have lasted eight days for the national demand. This prompted a stock verification visit on the 31st of October to the depot comprising the state security, PURA, ministry of trade, Major Oil Marketing Companies and the management of the depot mainly the general manager and the operations manager. It was found that tanks D1 to D4 were all empty while tank D5 contained 50,000 litres of mixed diesel and water. The total capacity for the five tanks is 20,000 metric tons.

Taskforce

The timing of the stock-out could not have come at a worse time and it resulted in adverse economic and social impact nationwide. This prompted His Excellency the President Adama Barrow to establish a multi-sector taskforce comprising PURA, Gampetroleum board, ministry of trade, ministry of petroleum and security services on the 1st of November to review the matter and recommend courses of action to redress the matter in its entirety. The taskforce began work immediately with the major oil marketing companies namely OMCs, to find solutions to restore supply in order to ensure fuel availability. This involved the lifting of fuel from Senegal to The Gambia over land in order to address the fuel shortage. In this regard, we extend our gratitude to the presidents of the two countries and the customs authorities thereof, who assisted in expeditiously dispatching the oil tankers. This stop-gap measure reduced the shortage a bit while the GNPC through the support of the petroleum ministry worked hard to place order that will meet national demand for the short to the medium term.

Investigation

The team commenced investigations to determine the cause of the shortage. This took the form of discussions to the Gampetroleum management, PURA management and the relevant stakeholders. Gampetroleum management have not provided any credible documentary evidence to explain the shortage and as a result this prompted a visit to the depot. In order to review the information in their IT systems and understand better the situation, it was found that the software acquired to manage the depot operation is not being used and rather the depot operations were maintained on excel file. Also, management did not have a single account for each trader or OMC but transactions were maintained in excel sheets according to vessels that delivered the fuel stock. The hard copy of the transaction files were locked in the General Manager’s office. This prompted the taskforce to use circularization, which is to write to the OMCs and traders to request their details of transactions with the Gampetroleum depot. There were three major international oil traders namely [Trafilgura, BSTV and Addax] whose stock were held at the depot as a bonded warehouse and responses were received from eight OMCs namely Castle, Petrogaz, Speed, Jah Oil, NP, AfriOIl, GNPC and GACH. The compilations of the responses received indicated that 9,643 metric tons BMS or otherwise called petrol, 16,543 metric tons of diesel, 3,445 metric tons of jet fuel, 17,793 metric tons of HF4 belongs to international traders and 1,111 metric tons of BMS, 3,711 metric tons of diesel and 684 metric tons of jet fuel belongs to the local OMCs. After accounting for the closing stock, 9,843 metric tons of petrol, 20,246 metric tons of diesel, 17,793 metric tons of F4 belongs to the traders and the local OMCs’ net. As can be seen, the majority of the stock belongs to the international traders. Two OMCs have negative balances. It that it is meant, they took stock from the depot that does not belong to them, of 2, 016 metric tons of petrol, 5,249 tons of diesel. These are the OMCs that responded to the circularization request.

Outcome

International traders were concerned about the disappearance of their stock and a number of them flew from Europe to meet the taskforce. These has big economic implications for the country, as failure to settle them will have negative economic impact. Gampetroleum and the taskforce assured them that they will be paid their stock and the conditions to fulfill this are being discussed. Following the initial assessment, it was discovered that more than half of the fuel stock that should have been at the depot could not be accounted for. This prompted an official investigation into the matter which is ongoing. The focus of the ongoing investigation by the security forces is to determine to whom and under what condition the missing stocks were allocated. Since this whole saga began, the taskforce has discovered some questionable management practices which have given rise to a need for a further review of the standard operating procedures of the depot.

Next Step

Gampetroleum is a private limited liability company but the government will ensure that the needed guarantees for the traders are met by the Gampetroleum so that confidence can be restored for the oil supplies by these traders to resume. The Gampetroleum board has taken the needed steps including reporting the matter to the police for the needed actions to be taken to account for the unaccounted or missing stock. As it is, that is as we speak, the general manager of Gampetroleum and the operations manager are helping the police in their investigation and the government of The Gambia keenly awaits the outcome of the investigation and assure the general public that needed actions will be taken according to law. The public is hereby assured that all measures will be taken to ensure smooth and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products.

Ahead of the 4^th December polls Amnesty International, a global movement campaigning for the protection of human rights has urged the six presidential candidates to commit themselves to a charter seeking the promotion and protection of human rights in The Gambia.

The call for candidates to publicly commit to improving the human rights situation in seven key areas once they are elected comes amidst rising political tension predominantly between the incumbent Adama Barrow of the National People’s Party (NPP) who is seeking re-election and former Vice President Ousainou Darboe of the United Democratic Party (UDP).

Amnesty International’s human rights manifesto calls for commitment in seven key areas:

1. Respect, protect, promote and fulfil freedom of expression
2. Respect, protect and ensure freedom of assembly
3. End impunity
4. End sexual, gender-based violence and discrimination towards women
5. Promote economic, social, and cultural rights
6. Adopt a law prohibiting torture
7. Abolish the death penalty

Samira Daoud is Amnesty International’s Director for West and Central Africa, she said,

“The repressive regime of former President Yaya Jammeh was marked by mass arbitrary arrests, widespread torture, extrajudicial killings and persecution of dissenting voices.”

While the organisation believes that the situation has improved significantly under the watch of President Adama Barrow, it is of the view that next month’s election is an opportunity for The Gambia to see its human rights record improving.

As a way of facilitating that Amnesty International has called on all political parties and presidential candidates to break away from the past by making human rights top of their agenda. Urging them to prioritise and commit to the recommendations stated above and making a pledge (by signing the human rights manifesto) to deliver these commitments if elected.

By: WHO Media

Today the World Health Organization (WHO) joins advocates around the world to commemorate a landmark Day of Action for Cervical Cancer Elimination and welcome groundbreaking new initiatives to end this devastating disease, which claims the lives of over 300,000 women each year.

As with COVID-19, access to lifesaving tools is constrained, with women and adolescent girls in the poorest countries deprived of clinical screening facilities, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and treatments which those in affluent places take for granted.

The disparity between deaths from cervical cancer in high-income compared with low-income countries tells a stark story, similar to that we have seen during the pandemic, with 9 in 10 deaths from cervical cancer happening in low and middle-income countries.

Over the last decade, manufacturers have tilted supply toward wealthier locations. In 2020, just 13% of girls aged 9-14 years globally were vaccinated against HPV – the virus that causes almost all cases of cervical cancer. Around 80 countries – home to nearly two thirds of the global cervical cancer burden – are yet to introduce this lifesaving vaccine.

During this special day, WHO’s Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, together with celebrities, First Ladies, cancer survivors and health and community organizations, will help raise awareness and mobilize action – one year after WHO launched its landmark global initiative to eliminate cervical cancer.

WHO is also highlighting important new breakthroughs to prevent and treat the disease, including the prequalification of a fourth vaccine (Cecolin from a third manufacturer, Innovax) for HPV, which is expected to increase and diversify vital vaccination supply.

“Cervical cancer causes immense suffering, but it’s almost completely preventable and, if diagnosed early enough, one of the most successfully treatable cancers,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“We have the tools to make cervical cancer history, but only if we make those tools available to everyone who needs them. Together with our partners in the WHO cervical cancer elimination initiative, that’s what we aim to do.”

The risk of cervical cancer increases six-fold for women living with HIV, but many have not had access to vaccination or screenings.

Dr Tedros applauded countries that have adopted innovative ways to increase access to technologies and services that can stop cervical cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the past year, the HPV vaccine was introduced in seven countries – Cameroon, Cape Verde, El Salvador, Mauritania, Qatar, Sao Tome and Principe, and Tuvalu – bringing the total to 115.

Some countries trained healthcare workers with newer, portable devices to thermally ablate precancers.  Others expanded the use of self-sampling for cervical abnormalities – endorsed in recently published WHO guidelines — to allow women to collect their own swab. This option can reduce stigma for women, provides access to those living far from health facilities, and helps congested health centres maintain safe services while respecting COVID-19 safety measures. The self-collected sample can be run on the same laboratory platforms that countries have been investing in to support PCR testing for COVID-19.

But setbacks have occurred. Access to screening services has fallen for many women and in a recent survey, 43% of countries reported disruption to cancer treatment. Meanwhile HPV vaccination rates globally fell from 15% in 2019 to 13% in 2020, amidst health service disruptions and school closures.

“There has been important progress towards cervical cancer elimination even over this unprecedented year,” said Dr Princess Nono Simelela, Special Advisor to the Director-General on Strategic Priorities, including Cervical Cancer Elimination.

“While we have seen major advances in new technologies and research, the critical next step is to ensure these are designed for and accessible in low- and middle-income countries, and that the health and rights of women and girls everywhere are prioritized in the recovery from COVID-19.”

New technologies, investments and research to aid the fight against cervical cancer

Adding to important milestones achieved over the course of the past year, today WHO is releasing new recommendations to guide research into artificial intelligence (AI)-based screening technologies. This first-of-its-kind guidance supports developers to bring cervical cancer screening into the future, and ensure pre-cancers are detected as early as possible.

The first designated “WHO Collaborating Centre for Cervical Cancer Elimination” was also announced at the University of Miami, which will be an important centre of research and technical assistance to help countries achieve targets for cervical cancer prevention and control.

The Day of Action will encompass a major global event and press availability, organized from WHO headquarters in Geneva. It will feature performances and remarks from cancer survivors and renowned artists such as Angelique Kidjo, as well as community efforts to promote vaccinations and screenings. 100 world monuments are being illuminated in teal – the colour of cervical cancer elimination – to mark the day, from the Temple of Heaven in Beijing to city skylines across Australia and Canada’s Niagara Falls.

“We have the tools and knowledge to eliminate cervical cancer. What we do with that is up to us,” said H.E. Neo Jane Masisi, First Lady of the Republic of Botswana, who is participating in the day’s events. “We can make choices that condemn women to a painful, avoidable death. Or we can prioritize their health, so that a future generation of women and their families look back with pride at the choices we made today.”

Several partners also announced important global commitments and investments during the day’s events.

WHO ‘s Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Problem was launched a year ago today and outlines three ambitious targets to be achieved over the next decade, including 90% girls getting vaccinated against HPV, 70% women screened for pre-cancerous lesions, and 90% of those who need it having access to treatment and palliative care. Together, these measures could reduce new cases of the disease by more than 40% and prevent 5 million related deaths by 2050.

By Dawda Baldeh

Papa Faal an Independent Presidential Candidate whose nomination was rejected by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is the latest candidate who endorsed the National People’s Party (NPP) after a lengthy discussion with President Adama Barrow.

On Tuesday night, Papa Faal pledged support to President Barrow during his campaign at Kuwonku, Wuli West. Papa Faal was also speaking to the press immediately after meeting with President Barrow at his residence in Mankamang Kunda.

He said that they have agreed to support President Adama Barrow to contribute in the development of the country.

“I have endorsed President Barrow because of the respect and honor he has for my late grandfather (Former President Jawara),” he said.

Faal added that his coming to join the president and his grand coalition will help immensely in the development of the country. He said they have been working tirelessly to ensure the legacy of their late grandfather is protected. He assured their timely support to the president as he confirmed that supporters have agreed.

Seedy Njie, Deputy Spokeperson of the National People’s Party (NPP) welcomed Papa Faal to Party while noting that his coming will add value in the party. He said Papa Faal didn’t come to NPP just to see the president win the election but to transform the country to the next level.

Njie urged all the candidates who endorsed the party to feel comfortable while awaiting victory in December. “Welcome to the party and feel free,” he ended.

Independent Presidential Candidate for the 4^th December election Essa Mbye Faal has refuted claims that he is yet to finish his work with the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) before going to the political arena to vie for president

His clarification came during a campaign rally at Wassu Garage. Essa told his supporters that those claims were baseless and far from actuality and truth. Noting that they were inspired by his political opponents to derail his presidential aspiration and make him look bad.

“I have done my work and I am done with the TRRC. I have even been issued with a letter of appreciation for the job well done. I am just waiting for them till I hear that again and I will show out the letter to everyone to see,” Essa said confidently.

Adding that: “They are telling you, don’t vote for Essa Faal because he is not yet done with the TRRC is all due to politics. I have done my work with the TRRC. All of you have seen the work that I did there. I have not done any work in an improper way. I was not also working as someone unprofessional. I don’t think I would have the nerve to stand here and ask you for votes had I not done what was required upon me.”

Speaking about his agenda for the Gambian people ESSA accused the Barrow led government of taking over power for five years and not bringing any substantial change to the Gambian people.

He explained that he will change the current situation in the health, agriculture and security sectors among other areas where he claims President Barrow’s NPP has failed to deliver.

Momodou Sabally has slammed the National Human Rights Commission over the commission’s statement condemning United Democratic Party leader Ousainou Darboe’s threat to destroy President Adama Barrow.

National Human Rights Commission on Tuesday issued a statement condemning both President Barrow and UDP leader Darboe over the former’s tear gas comment as well as the latter’s threat to destroy President Barrow.

An unimpressed Momodou Sabally said: “President Barrow has been attacking Darboe and UDP unnecessarily for almost three years. And the Human rights commission has always remained mute.

“Would there be a need for the Human Rights Commission to issue such a condemnation if Darboe did not respond to President Barrow? Where was the Human Rights Commission when Darboe and UDP became the attractive subject of abuse, defamation and attack by Barrow and his morons.

“The NHRC should have made a statement to condemn Barrow immediately he gloated about attacking 3 years jotna with tear gas. But no; they had to wait till DARBOE rightfully responded to the now clearly oppressive ADAMA Barrow before they issue this malicious and hypocritical statement…”

It’s another busy day for all of the country’s six presidential candidates regarding campaign.

President Adama Barrow and his National People’s Party have finished with Upper River Region and would now turn their attention to Central River Region with rallies in Fula Bantang, Jahanka and Janjangbureh.

Gambia Democratic Congress will be in Sare Bojo in Upper River Region while People’s Democracy for Independence and Socialism will be in Njawara, Kerr Pateh Korreh, Kerr Ardo, Waruril wan, Salikenye, Illiassa, Farafenni and Ngayen Sanjal all in the North Bank Region.

For United Democratic Party, the party will be alive in Sotuma Sireh and Basse in the Upper River Region while National Unity Party will seek votes in Nyakoi, Saragubu, Darsilami, Jah Kunda, Gunjur Kuta, Chamoi Bunda and Diabugu Batapa all in the Upper River Region.

The Independent Essa Faal will also be in the Upper River Region with meetings in Passamas Fula, Fatoto, Kantel Kunda, Koina, Sabusireh, Jiroba Kunda and Dampha Kunda.

The United Democratic Party has issued a statement saying it has learned with ‘utter’ dismay the false political propaganda information trending on Senegalese social media platform Buzzsenegal that the party has threatened to remove Senegalese including those living in The Gambia to return to their country.

“The United Democratic Party would like to debunk this as utterly false,” UDP said in a strong statement on Tuesday.

The party added: “Under normal circumstances, the UDP would not have dignified this false information with a response. However, given the sensitivity and the close relationship that exist between the two countries, the UDP deems it fit to clarify and expose the untruth.

“The UDP believes in the spirit of Senegambia. That we are the same people with one common goal of having a progressive African continent and share the same origin, divided by colonialism. The relationship between The Gambia and Senegal has been cordial and the United Democratic Party intends to maintain that strong friendship and family tie.

“The party leader of the UDP is Senegambian and has relatives in Senegal like every other Gambian and Senegalese who have relatives across the border. The UDP would like to assure all Gambians and Senegalese that a UDP government will safeguard the ties and relationships shared between these common people from time immemorial. We will respect the rights and freedoms of everyone who lives within the confines of The Gambia.

“The UDP would like to caution everyone to avoid such irresponsible statements that could compromise and dent the beautiful relationship these two countries share.

“Finally, the party leadership would like to encourage everyone to embrace and promote peace and unity as prescribed in our party values and principles.”

Opposition Strongman Ousainu Darboe has urged Gambian voters to resist attempts by the NPP and other political parties to buy their votes.

The United Democratic Party (UDP) leader told a crowd of supporters that have gone out in May, June and July to get their Voter cards they should ensure they are fully involved in the process of choosing the next president of The Gambia on 4th December.

“I am pleading with you all not to sell your voter’s cards to anyone; don’t allow yourselves to be deceived by anyone giving you money to vote for them. I want to let you know he who truly wants to work for you and solve the daily problems in this country would not give you money and ask you to vote for him,” Darboe said.

He was speaking at a rally at Bati Ndara, Upper Saloum. He urged the people to vote for the UDP since he said neither the APRC nor the other parties have delivered any development to that part of the country.

He used the opportunity to dispel the rumour which claimed that the tractor given to the people by former president Yahya Jammeh was taken away by him

“I was not the president, nor the minister of agriculture so how and why would I take that tractor from you? Hamat Bah has told you all these lies only to stain my name,” Darboe said.

He further explained that the government could not give them back that tractor because they sold it and said that the commission gave them the authority to do so. Adding that the minister of Tourism and Culture, Hamat N.K. Bah sold his party NRP to Adama Barrow for his selfish interest and pocket.

Appealing to the people to vote him in as president in the 4^th December election.

President Adama Barrow has promised to send opposition leader and close contender for the presidency Ousainu Darboe on retirement when he would have won the December 4^th, 2021, elections.

According to Barrow his ‘father’ (Darboe) has failed to recognise his several developmental projects rolled out across the country.

“My father [Ousainu Darboe] is saying all these developments I brought to Basse he was the one who signed them in China, forgetting that I was the one who released him from prison, appointed him Minister of Foreign Affairs and later Vice President. But all these will end after December because I will send him into retirement,” President Barrow said.

He was addressing a meeting in Koina as he continues his campaign tour across the country. He described his opponents who are reluctant to acknowledge what he described as ‘tremendous achievements’ in the past five years, as hypocrites

“I built markets, bridges, roads, schools and provided tractors for farmers. Why are they refusing to acknowledge these things? But this is all hypocrisy because no matter how much you hate someone, you should acknowledge his good deeds,” Barrow said.

Adding that the people of Basse have shown him that he hails from there (Basse) whilst sending a strong signal to the opposition that the area is a no-go area for them.

Meanwhile, the country’s Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has in a press statement noted that it is extremely concerned about the statements uttered by President Adama Barrow at his recent political campaign in Farafenni when he seemingly took pride in the use of tear gas by the paramilitary unit of the Gambia Police Force to forceful dispersal a protest of the Three Years Jotna movement.

Similarly, the commission said it is equally perturbed by the remarks of Mr Ousainou Darbe, the UDP leader and presidential aspirant, to the President’s reference to him as the “CEO” of the 3 Year Jotna Movement by threatening to “ destroy” the President

The commission says that such statements by political leaders have the potential to threaten the peace and stability of the country, as well as instigate violation of the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, and political participation as guaranteed by the 1997 Constitution of The Republic of The Gambia and other regional and international human rights instruments ratified by The Gambia.

The Commission reminded all political leaders, their supporters and in particular the presidential aspirants, about the IEC Code on Election Campaign Ethics Order as well as their commitments under the Jangjanbureh Peace Accord which they have all signed and are obligated to abide by in both letter and spirit. Urging all the presidential candidates to make their campaigns issue-based and preach peaceful-co-existence, mutual respect and tolerance of diversity as embodied in the country’s National Anthem.

Gambia Moral Congress has issued a statement announcing the sacking of co-opted member Fatou Faal.

GMC has sued the Independent Electoral Commission following the rejection of the nomination of leader Mai Ahmad Fatty.

While this is going on, the party has now announced the sacking of one of its officials.

A statement on Tuesday said: “Following the recent interview by Fatou Faal with King FM in which she alleged the mass resignation of Executive members, GMC National Executive wishes to inform the general public, GMC supporters and sympathizes that the entire Executive remains united and solidly behind our Leader. None of the Executive members resigned contrary to the rumours spread by Fatou Faal. The misinformation campaign being propagated by Ms. Faal and her associate, is  false, intentionally malicious and aimed at scandalising GMC, its National Executive under the illustrious leadership of Hon. Mai Ahmad Fatty.

“Ms. Faal and her sponsors chose such a sensitive political and challenging moment to execute their betrayal of the highest order so as to weaken the Party. They have failed in their evil intentions.

“GMC National Executive urges Party supporters, sympathisers and the general public to disregard and ignore the malicious and fabricated utterances of Ms. Fatou Faal.

“The Mandate of the National Executive at this time, is to seek to enforce the entrenched constitutional right of our Party’s candidate to contest. This is the principal focus of the Party at this time, in the pursuit of which a case has been filed against the IEC at the Banjul High Courts. That case will be heard on the 19th November 2021. The Party will focus exclusively on this legal matter until final determination of our rights.

“GMC National Executive urges all supporters to remain patient and calm while the legal process takes its course.

“Lastly, Ms Fatou Faal is hereby expelled from GMC with immediate effect for malicious activities inimical to the general interests of GMC and the welfare of its supporters. Finally, we thank the general membership for giving support to the party during the most difficult times.”

The First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow made a strong case for her husband telling a rally that President Adama Barrow is a patient man who can endure anything one does – and went ahead to ask citizens to vote for him for his second term.

“President Barrow is named ‘President No Stress’. You can do anything and he will be patient and endure it. God made him that way.

“He has shown who he is in the last five years. This gathering is impressive as well as the nomination [of President Barrow]. Let’s turn it all into votes,” the First Lady told citizens at a rally held in Sanchaba on Monday.

The First Lady along with her co-wife Madam Sarjo Mballow Barrow have been meeting voters in the Greater Banjul and West Coast Region amid the presidential election in two weeks’ time.

In Sanchaba, the First Lady promised to bring support to the community’s health centre since health is dear to her heart.

“You have spoken about your health centre. My second home has been the hospital since I became First Lady. We will see what we can do in your hospital InshaAllah,” the First Lady said.

President Adama Barrow has warned opposition Gambia Democratic Congress leader Mamma Kandeh against inviting the exiled former President Yahya Jammeh to his platforms – and has called on the Independent Electoral Commission to intervene.

Former President Jammeh is living in exile in Equatorial Guinea following the dictator’s shock electoral defeat in 2016. Since the start of this electoral cycle, Jammeh has been calling regularly and inciting his supporters against the Barrow administration amid his supporters agreeing to back Mamma Kandeh in the upcoming presidential election.

And speaking on Jammeh’s actions for the first time during his rally in Sare Ngai in the Upper River Region on Tuesday, President Barrow said: “I am warning Mamma Kandeh. We want peace in this country. Yahya Jammeh is on asylum. The asylum doesn’t give doesn’t give him any right to participate in Gambian politics.

“If you want to facilitate that, for him to be speaking at your platforms, platforms that can bring conflict in this country, we are warning the party leaders. We are warning them seriously. We are also calling on IEC to notice Mamma Kandeh.”

By Dawda Baldeh

President Adama Barrow Leader of National People’s Party (NPP) has warned Mamma Kandeh the Leader Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) to stay away from inviting Ex-President Yahya Jammeh to his campaign platforms while accusing him of creating chaos in the country.

The president made this warning at his meeting in Sare Ngai, Wuli West District on Tuesday.

“I am warning Mamma Kandeh to stay away from inviting Yahya Jammeh in his campaign platforms and I will tell the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to notify Kandeh before we take any action,” the president warned.

President Barrow stated that former President Yahya Jammeh has not been authorized to take part in campaign anywhere in the country. He accused Kandeh of facilitating that and urged him to be careful. He further said no one is above the law.

“If Kandeh thinks he can do anything he want, we will let him know that this country is governed by a law. No matter how frustrated you are, you should know what to do. If someone is drowning in a river even if you give the person a cutlass the person will grab it. If this happens again, he will know that this country is govern by laws,” the president said.

The National Human Rights Commission has issued a statement over some statements by President Adama Barrow and UDP leader Ousainou Darboe.

NHRC’s statement which was issued on Tuesday Nov 16 reads: “The NHRC is extremely concerned about the statements uttered by President Adama Barrow at his recent political campaign in Farafenni when he seemingly took pride in the use of tear gas by the paramilitary unit of the Gambia Police Force to forceful dispersal a protest of the Three Years Jotnamovement.  In that same vein, the NHRC is equally perturbed by the remarks of  Mr Ousainou Darbe, the UDP leader and presidential aspirant, to the President’s reference to him as the “CEO” of the 3 Year Jotna Movement by threatening to “ destroy” the President  Such statements by political leaders have the potential to threaten the peace and stability of the country, as well as instigate violation of the rights to freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, and political participation as guaranteed by the 1997 Constitution of The Republic of The Gambia and other regional and international human rights instruments ratified by The Gambia.

“As an organ established by the State to promote and protect human rights in The Gambia and nurture a culture of respect for human rights, the Commission wishes to express in the strongest term its displeasure with such statements and to state categorically that utterances which would encourage and or glorify human rights violations and violence have no place in our society.

“We wish to remind all political leaders, their supporters and in particular the presidential aspirants, about the IEC Code on Election Campaign Ethics Order as well as their commitments under the Jangjanbureh Peace Accord which they have all signed and are obligated to abide by in both letter and spirit. These instruments expect political leaders/presidential aspirants to be well measured in their speeches and avoid inflammatory, provocative and inciting statements.

“As the country moves towards the December 4th 2021Presidential election, we urge all the presidential candidates to make their campaigns issue-based and preach peaceful-co-existence, mutual respect and tolerance of diversity as embodied in our National Anthem. It is only under a climate of tranquillity, tolerance, and respect for human rights and the rule of law that a peaceful free, fair, transparent and credible Presidential elections can be conducted. We cannot afford a reversal of the democratic gains we have made since 2017.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Lamin Njie and Christian Conteh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The case returns on Wednesday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Dawda Baldeh, in Basse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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