UDP leader Ousainou Darboe has told his supporters he has carried out their order to show President Adama Barrow a red card.

Mr Darboe appeared at the Independence Stadium brandishing a red card in the air. In sport, a red card means dismissal.

He told his supporters: “What Gambians showed today is that they do not want the current government. It’s you the Gambians who gave me a red card and said I should show it to Adama Barrow and that’s what I have done today.”

Mr Darboe presented his nomination credentials to the IEC on Monday accompanied by thousands of supporters.

He declared that change is coming shortly after filing his nomination even as he also thanked his supporters for the massive show of support.

Independent presidential aspirant candidate Mamadou Bah has vowed to build a ‘long fence’ between Gambia and Senegal to combat drug trafficking.

Mr Bah made the pledge after completing filing his nomination papers to officials of the IEC on Tuesday.

He said: “No political party is talking about the Gambian-Senegal border. You can see a lot of people are being arrested.

“Dealing in drug and then my first 100 days in office, I am together with the Senegalese government we are going to have a long fence between Gambia and Senegal so that drug smugglers will never engage our young people in drug trafficking.”

He was last to file his nomination on Tuesday after Mamma Kandeh, Dr Ismaila Ceesay and Mamadi KS Camara.

Citizens Alliance National Mobiliser Raffie Diab has said the party’s standard-bearer Dr Ismaila Ceesay has presented to IEC officials a certificate showing his Swedish citizenship has been finally scrapped.

Mr Diab told The Fatu Network Tuesday afternoon as Dr Ceesay filed his nomination: “He has gone through all of that process and eventually the letter was sent to the Swedish consulate in Gambia where he went and submitted his Swedish passport and they gave him the certificate which he presented today at the IEC.

“But one thing is missing there: they need him to go and translate that document from Swedish to English so that the general population in Gambia will understand it.

“So this is something that we will do and get it notarized, that’s an official translator to translate that document so that we can also present that and the official documents from Sweden to show everyone that he is not anymore a Swedish citizen.”

The leader of the Citizens’ Alliance (CA) has said that when he becomes president of The Gambia, he shall prioritise Governance and Financial Reforms.

Dr. Ismaila Ceesay was speaking to the press immediately after presenting his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) at Election House.

“We need serious economic reforms in this country, we must get the governance right and we will get everything right in this country,” Dr Ceesay said.

He further noted that the 2021 election is about the life and livelihoods of children yet unborn. For that reason, CA he said does not only focus on the immediate challenges but those that may come up in the future.

He revealed that The Gambia has about 2.5 million people, but can barely provide adequate food, electricity, pipe born water and decent jobs for its citizens. “What will happen when the country grows to 5 million people,” he asked.

“We will reach 5 million people in 25 years based on predictions, what will happen when we would have reached  5 million people in 25 years when we cannot even adequately cater for the small number of people we have now,” Dr Ceesay said.

He revealed that in almost every hospital in the country on a daily basis there is a man standing outside waiting to be told if the wife survived childbirth, and a young man thinking where to find a job.

We asked about the coalition for change 2021 alliance formed by five parties including the Citizens’ Alliance he said they have not decided on the fate of the alliance but will make their decision public when they decide.

We emphasised that he would ensure all public officials declare their assets as stated in his party’s manifesto.

“We will call for the lifestyle audit of all the public officials. This will show we are serious about corruption, transparency and accountability,” he said.

Aside from governance and financial reforms he also mentioned job provision and education as other priorities. He used the moment to express his support for all calls which seek justice for victims of heinous crimes.

“We shall punish violators of human rights and ensure victims are fully compensated. Making sure dictators and perpetrators of heinous crimes pay for their crimes is a must. It is not only about Yaya Jammeh it is about anybody who has committed crimes. No Gambian should be immune from justice, that is the only way we can have true reconciliation and stability,” Dr. Ceesay said.

Dr. Ismaila Ceesay was born in November 1974 in Brikama West Coast Region. He did his basic education at Brikama Primary School and secondary education at Albert Academy Secondary School in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He speaks diverse languages including English, Mandinka, Wollof, Swedish and Aku.

Dr. Ceesay holds a PhD in African Studies from the University of Edinburgh.

He served as Senior Lecturer and the Head of Political Science department at the University of The Gambia (UTG)

Dr. Ceesay’s research interests include African politics, information and communications technology and the intersection of security and youth issues. He has authored numerous articles on these topics in peer-reviewed journals and other esteemed publications such as ‘African Renaissance’, ‘African Foreign Affairs’ and the ‘African Election Series’ of the London School of Economics. Dr. Ceesay has led many international research projects as a consultant.

GDC leader Mamma Kandeh has said the No Alliance Movement is not registered as a political organization, dismissing talk of a coalition involving registered political parties.

Former President Yahya Jammeh’s No Alliance Movement has been using APRC’s name in their dealings and Mr Kandeh could run into trouble if he should claim partnership with APRC as the APRC the IEC recognizes is that one led by Fabakary Tombong Jatta.

When as by reporters about this on Tuesday as he filed his nomination, Mr Kandeh said: “This is not a registered group. So I think that is clear. That is why I am nominated under the ticket of GDC.”

The founding leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) political party, Mamma Kandeh has today officially presented his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).

Speaking immediately after the nomination process Kandeh told pressmen that the GDC was going to fight corruption to the latter.

“Since the current admin came to power, we haven’t heard anyone dismissed for corruption even though we know it’s rampant,” Mama Kandeh said.

He further noted that the health sector, education and agriculture are key areas he would improve when he becomes president of The Gambia.

When asked about his message to Gambians Kandeh said, “my message has always been peace because without peace we cannot develop. Gambians are divided, we cannot develop this country without unity,” he said.

He expressed his support for the TRRC an independent Gambian institution with a mandate to conduct research and investigations into human rights violations committed under the presidency of Yahya Jammeh.

When questioned about a coalition with other parties he stressed that he was nominated under the ticket of GDC.

Mamma Kandeh was born on the 12^th of July 1965 in Sare Birom in Jimara in the Upper River Region. He attended St. George’s Primary School in Basse, Mansjang and later moved to the town where he attended Crab Island Secondary Technical School.

Kandeh proceeded to Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI

Kandeh was a member of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) where he served in the committee on trade, Customs and Immigration Matters; Vice President of the West African Caucus of PAP and head of the delegation of 27 members of PAP to Libya.

Kandeh is the founding leader of the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) political party, which he formed in the summer of 2016. He ran as a candidate in the Gambian presidential election of 2016 and received eighty-nine thousand, seven hundred and sixty-eight (89,768) votes which amounted to 17.07% of the total votes.

Speaking to The Fatu Network a member of the APRC noted that as a party they think about Gambians, therefore they will not support the NPP and President Adama Barrow

He however suggested that as a party they have decided to throw their weight behind Mama Kandeh since his party the GDC has no legal wrangling.

Mamadi KS Camara appeared at the IEC on Tuesday with a backpack containing his documents as he filed his nomination for president.

Mr Camara, 63, plans to contest the December presidential election – and was first to file his nomination on Tuesday.

He told The Fatu Network shortly after completing filing his nomination that he intends to run for president to end injustice in the country.

Mr Camara was during former President Yahya Jammeh’s rule accused of stealing 1000 bags of rice and he said he was wrongly victimized.

“I want to be president… That injustice that was on, I want to eradicate it. Not only myself but the entire Gambia,” he told The Fatu Network, his voicing shaking.

Wallidan FC players have arrived in Saudi Arabia for a two-week training camp ahead of the upcoming domestic first division league campaign. They will be based in Jeddah.

The club announced on its official Facebook page on Sunday: “The club wish to announce we have embarked on a training camp to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“The 40-man delegation is headed by the club president Mr. Alieu Ceesay and will stay at the Saudi kingdom for a two week period.

“The training camp is meant for the club to get ready for the upcoming national league season and the club will also have series of tests matches with teams there.

“We seek for your prayers for a successful camp ahead.”

UDP leader Ousainou Darboe insisted ‘change is coming’ as he spoke after submitting his nomination papers for vetting at the IEC on Monday.

Darboe is the first heavyweight leader to come before IEC officials.

He wrote on his official Facebook page on Monday afternoon: “A nation united in disappointment hoping for a better future. The Gambian Youths unwilling to subcontract their future to an incompetent incumbent.

“Thirsty for empowerment and employment and yearning for a capable state, their cries of Ahjindi fill the air. All they want is a better Gambia. The weight of the nation rests on my shoulders. #ChangeIsComing.”

UDP’s commando Momodou Sabally has reacted after proudly matching to the IEC compound and delivering Darboe’s nomination documents.

“It’s signed, sealed and delivered. The Lawyer is ready,” Mr Sabally wrote alongside photos showing his walking to the IEC compound shortly before Darboe’s arrival.

Mr Darboe submitted his nomination credentials to officials of the IEC on Monday morning as nomination for president continues.

The UDP leader was accompanied to Election House by thousands of his supporters who chanted ‘Darboe has become president’.

United Democratic Party supporters showed their seriousness regarding State House when they turned up in their thousands at the IEC to see their leader Darboe submit his nomination papers to IEC officials.

UDP leader Darboe was at the IEC to present key documents for vetting in line with the electoral laws of the country.

He left the IEC optimistic of getting cleared by Election House, challenging his opponents to declare their assets as he would be doing so – while expressing gratitude to his loyal supporters.

UDP supporters are now heading to the Independence Stadium where the party would hold a rally that will last till midnight.

The Leader of the Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) Hon Mai Ahmad Fatty has successfully presented his nomination papers to the country’s electoral Commission the IEC. Shortly before he arrived Dr Bai Biran Jagne leader of the All Peoples Party presented a letter to the IEC suggesting his party’s withdrawal from the presidential race. He could later be seen accompanying Hon Fatty who came to the nomination with his mother.

Speaking to pressmen after the nomination exercise, Hon Mai Fatty noted that he is determined to lift the people of Gambia out of poverty.

“Your man is back, and I will make sure you get what you deserve to do your work. This is the beginning of the end of hunger in this country, This is the beginning of real civil service reforms,  and this is the beginning of reforms in the medical sector,” Hon Mai Ahmad Fatty said.

When asked about the recently signed MOU with four other parties including the CA, GFA, APP and NUP he noted that he is focusing on his nomination as the GMC presidential candidate in the 2021 election.

“Five parties signed an MOU, but the time is too tight for us to select a flagbearer. What is important to me is how we lift our people out of poverty. I am focusing on the bread and butter issues,” he said.

The leader of All People’s Party has elected not to file his nomination for president, appearing before IEC officials on Monday afternoon and giving them a letter.

Dr Ibrahim Jagne declined an interview request by The Fatu Network but a letter showed the APP leader pulling out of the race.

The party advanced the coalition pact with CA and GMC as the reason for why they would not be sponsoring a candidate in next month’s election.

GMC leader Ma Ahmad Fatty has lifted the lid on why he held a UDP flag in his hand while travelling to the IEC for his nomination on Monday afternoon.

Mr Fatty said: “On my way to the nomination this afternoon,  my convoy encountered UDP returnees from nominating their Party Leader. They happily rushed towards my vehicle to shake hands. I permitted them way.

“They handed me a UDP flag which I accepted to wave briefly, in the spirit of political tolerance and national unity. GMC, being the most disciplined political Party in The Gambia, politics to us, is a source of goodness, not division and acrimony.”

GMC leader Mai Ahmad Fatty filed his nomination papers on Monday afternoon and went ahead to state next month’s election is not about crowd.

The various political leaders have been taking a lot of pride in the crowd of supporters that follows them wherever they go to.

But the GMC leader told reporters Monday afternoon after completing filing his nomination documents: “This election is not about crowd. This election is about wealth. It is not about fame. It is about you the ordinary Gambians. It is about your health, it is about your education, it is about your security, it is about our stomach.

“This election is about energy security. This election is a contest of ideas and not a contest of crowd, as important as that may be. Crowd is not going to govern this country. It is intellect, it is policy, it is raw gut to put an end to the cascading crime rate in this country. To ensure our law enforcement agencies have what it takes to protect our people so that Gambia’s development trajectory to be expedited.”

Mr Fatty came to election house with a small crowd compared with UDP leader Ousainou Darboe.

By Christian Conteh

UDP leader Ousainou Darboe has submitted his nomination papers to officials of the IEC, showing at Election House with charms fastened to his left hand and hand-fan.

Mr Darboe could not speak due a disorganized crowd of reporters.

The Former vice president and opposition strong man Darboe drove into the Election House with thousands of his supporters cladded in the party’s traditional yellow, fanning himself with his hand-fan in a Range Rover air-conditioned car . The United Democratic Party is Gambia’s Biggest Opposition Party.

A.N.M Ousainu Darboe  was born in 1948, in the village of Naini Dobo (Central Gambia), he attended Bansang Primary School before proceeding to St. Augustine High School and Gambia High School in Banjul where he successfully completed his GCE O Level and A Level certificates respectively. He then left for Nigeria having won a commonwealth scholarship to study law.

Darboe graduated from the University of Lagos with an honours degree in law (LLB Honours), and was called to the Federal Bar of Nigeria and subsequently to The Gambia Bar in 1973, after successfully completing the required training at the Federal Law School in Lagos. He also obtained a master’s degree in law (LLM) from the University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

By Amara Thoronka

The Governments of Sierra Leone and The Gambia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the reciprocal waiver of residence permit fee for citizens of both countries.

In a video address over the weekend, First Lady of Sierra Leone Madam Fatima Bio said she was pleased to announce that the challenges of Sierra Leoneans in securing residence permit in The Gambia are over.

“Sierra Leoneans living in The Gambia have been complaining for far too long about the fee and processes in having a residence permit in The Gambia. My husband President Julius Maada Bio has had several engagements with his brother, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia on the said issue; and after several engagements, the brothers [Presidents] have finally agreed to waive residence permits,” Madam Bio explains.

First Lady Fatima Bio emphasized that the MOU now allows for Sierra Leoneans to live in The Gambia and for Gambians to live in Sierra Leone freely without residence permits. Adding that other African countries should emulate Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

“We are all Africans and we don’t need to travel to one another’s country and be greeted by very difficult protocols and taxes,” she said.

First Lady Fatima Bio thanked both Presidents for doing what she called “necessarily needful” in promoting and strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Sierra Leoneans living in The Gambia and Gambians living in Sierra Leone have taken to social media and some conventional media to express their appreciation on what many called “foreign burden alleviation.”

Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Madam Fatima Bio, is said to have played a pivotal role in realizing such agreement as she is a citizen of both countries, a Sierra Leonean by birth and a Gambian by descent.

National People’s Party has reacted to a letter written by a group saying the party has not fulfilled the requirements to have its candidate get nominated.

The group, R2K, argued NPP has not held a congress as per the electoral laws of the country.

But NPP spokesman Seedy Njie said in a statement on Sunday evening: “The National People’s Party led Grand Coalition wishes to remind the public that His Excellency the President, Secretary General, Party Leader and Presidential candidate, President Adama Barrow, will be nominated on Thursday 4th November, 2021 at the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Headquarters at Bertil Harding Highway, Kanifing by 11:00am.

“Therefore, all members and supporters of our grand coalition are to receive President Adama Barrow at Sting Corner by 9:00 am and escort him to the IEC.

“The President’s motorcade will, after nomination, drive through the Fajara Traffic Lights, Fajara, Kairaba Avenue, Westfield, Serrekunda, Bundung Highway, Latrikunda Kaw-Junction and Buffa Zone where fifty thousand Women will hold a massive endorsement rally for President Adama Barrow.

“The public is urged to ignore the garbage and trash from the stupid, ignorant and irresponsible anonymous political “ususu” group calling itself R2K. Their letter to the IEC belongs to the dustbin and represents nothing but a futile and desperate attempt to campaign for their failed candidates.

“The R2K group comprising mostly of angry and vindictive ignoramuses masquerading as civil society. They are nothing but a shameless bunch of pseudo-politicians and half-baked academicians

“All that R2K said about President Barrow and the NPP is nonsensical garbage intended to confuse the public.

“The National People’s Party is not due for the biennial  Party Congress and besides, Congress is not among the requirements for nomination.

“Let it therefore, be known to all and sundry that our great leader, His Excellency President Adama Barrow, has met all the nomination requirements for the upcoming presidential election of The Gambia as established by law.”