Essa Faal’s campaign on Tuesday announced the designation of Malick Jarju popularly known as Dabakh Malick as the campaign diaspora liaison.

A statement said Mr Jarju will be the focal point for the Turnaround team’s diaspora mobilization and coordination of activities in the Diaspora groups.

“Mr. Dabakh Malick is an exemplary youth with outstanding character and care for our beloved country, The Gambia. Dabakh is a prime example of Sobeyaa and homegrown success.

“The business he co-founded currently employs over 50 Gambian youth in the Gambia, expanded operations to 5 African countries, and was nominated as a young trending business in Africa by Harvard University Business School in 2018,” a statement by the campaign said.

The campaign also went ahead to announce the designation of Mr. Musa Jallow as deputy diaspora liaison.

The statement added: “Mr. Jallow has an MBA in Finance from Franklin University in Ohio USA and a BA Hons in Accounting and Finance from the University of Wales, UK. Musa currently works as Assistant Vice President and Service Review Regional Leader at Morgan Stanley an American multinational investment bank and financial services company.

“Mr. Jallow is from Brikama West Coast Region and currently resides in Columbus Ohio with his family. Musa will be working with Dabakh Malick as the focal point of the diaspora engagement and coordination.”

By Sarjo Brito

The National Water and Electricity Company has announced a planned interruption of commercial services as the company sets to implements a new information system.

The planned interruption of services will begin from Saturday the 23rd of October to the 25th.

The company in its press release urged all customers to make adequate power purchase for this period.

NAWEC said: “NAWEC wishes to notify their valued customers of a planned service interruption from saturday 23rd october 2021 at 11am to monday 25th october 2021 at 7am due to the implementation of a new information system.

“During this time NO vending of energy for prepayment customers will be possible. Customers are advised to purchase adquate power for this period. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause.”

Pa Modou Mbowe has insisted former President Jammeh has the power to sack Fabakary Tombong Jatta and his executive members as they were handpicked by Jammeh.

“Yes, obviously. Because the likes of Fabakary, Rambo… Jammeh was the one who handpicked them,” Mr Mbowe told The Fatu Network in an exclusive interview.

Former President Jammeh addressed his supporters last Friday via telephone where he denied approving the APRC executive’s decision to enter into an alliance with NPP. He then fired all the executive members who have protested that Jammeh doesn’t have that power.

But Pa Modou Mbowe who is one of the people Jammeh named as the new leaders of APRC said: “They were not contesting in any kind of shortlisting to be nominated in a congress. Jammeh handpicked them and everybody agreed to what he said.

“So if Jammeh now decides all those who went to NPP without his consent, without him taking the final decision, which according to our constitution he is the chairman. So he had the last word. So if anybody had to do anything within the party, he got the final say.”

The Team has issued a statement condemning UDP leader Ousainou Darboe’s comments against the Sarahules.

Darboe during his meeting in Basse last week accused the Sarahules of trying to transform President Barrow and his National People’s Party into a Sarahule property when they did not vote for the president in 2016.

The Team, a pro-Soninke group said in a statement signed by secretary general Yusuf Tunkara: “We learned with shock and dismay about the baseless and unsubstantive utterances by UDP leader Ousanou Darboe or Abubacarr Darboe and surrogates in URR.

“The challenge of UDP leadership is one of unbridled arrogance and intolerance of opposing views by the leader himself and lack of application of emotional intelligence to the issues. When these three derailing traits are combined, there is no way a leadership can survive.

“The statement made by the leader of UDP, Ousainou Darboe, that NPP is becoming a property of the Serahule tribe is not only false but it cannot stand on any moral or legal legs. It is unfortunate that people like Ousainou Darboe happened to be in position of leadership.

“Just as every Gambians have been observing UDP and its leadership since inception of current dispensation, every Gambian can attest to the constant attacks they launched on other tribes as if this country belongs to them.

“As a matter of fact, in 2018, running up to KMC mayoral election, a lady supporting UDP mentioned unpleasant remarks against Soninkes by insulting the entire tribe and no single person from UDP came out to condemn, neither distance the party from it which civilized political party should do. Since then, the surrogates of Ousainou Darboe and his UDP party have been launching constant attacks on tribes especially Sonikehs as if we are not part of this country, The Gambia.

“Remember, you cannot eat your cake and have it. You cannot insult all Soninkes and say except your supporters.

“We are all witnesses to the fact that some part of LRR and North bank have constantly been supporting Ousainou Darboe and his UDP party. No politician has ever considered that as if they own UDP neither call them names; instead parties do their best to win their support and sell their agendas to them but of course that cannot be Ousainou Darboe because his politics is based on tribalism, bitterness, anger and like we said earlier, on lack of application of emotional intelligence to the issues around him.

“As Julius Nyerere said, ‘Leaders who are politically and intellectually bankrupt, normally seek refuge in ethnicity and religion as their major source of mobilisation’.

“We are calling on the International Community especially US, EU and AU to keenly observe the upcoming Presidential elections with utmost care as activities of UDP unfold .They have started attacking tribes and launching personal attacks on ethnic groups. We hold the views that this is a sheer strategy of Ousainou Darboe and his cohorts intent to continue with and we all know what that means. Such comments could create electoral violence and if anything happen to any of our team members, we will hold Ousainou Darboe and UDP accountable.

“Your statements are very petty and pointless and we do not expect such from a layman not to speak of a political leader.

“We expect you to merchandise your five points campaign programmes to the Gambian people and not instigation and calling tribes names which can potentially cause chaos and upheavals before, during and after elections.

“People who are seeking the highest office of our country should be unifiers, truthful and peaceful.

“We hereby condemn your pointless and baseless allegations in the strongest mannerd possible.”

President Adama Barrow has insisted UDP leader Ousainou Darboe is battling old age and vowed to retire a man he calls ‘father’.

Darboe and President Barrow calling each other father and son dates back to 2016 when the UDP leader was released from prison.

But relations between the two have since soured following Mr Darboe’s sacking by President Barrow in 2019. The two have been going after each other amid the December election which Darboe will contest.

But speaking in Sukuta over the weekend at a rally, President Barrow vowed to retire Darboe from politics.

He said: “I know my father is battling old age now because some the statements he make are only made by someone who fell from a cart. But I want to warn him that I had said we will retire him on the 4th of December. It will not fail, we have taken the decision in Sukuta. We will retire him.

“One elder came to me and said ‘there are two things you can never take from your: being lawyer and being an opposition, he will die along with these two things’. When this elder told me this, I analysed it and I know you cannot take these two things from him. We cannot take being a lawyer from him and we can never take being an opposition from him. Since he opposed Jawara, opposed Yahya Jammeh and now opposing President Barrow. So he will die as an opposition.

“I don’t think he will get the honour, that there would be another person who would give him the honour that surpasses the honour I have given him. For 20 years he was in this country as an opposition. I joined him as an opposition, he never for once gave me a dime instead I was the one taking my money and putting it into my politics. And if he needs money for his politics, I take my money and put it into it.

“We were in that struggle until 2016. He was arrested and it was us who stood during his trial. It was us who mobilised the vehicles, we were the ones mobilising the people to go to court and prison. We fought that fight until he was jailed. We continued the fight until I became the candidate and won the election.

“I then took him out [of prison], I made him minister of foreign affairs and then later made him vice president. Who can do that for Ousainou Darboe? So someone who did all of these for you… In the world, who has ever done all of these for Ousainou Darboe? In the next world, who will do this for Ousainou Darboe? Even his own kids did not do this for him. It’s me President Barrow who did it for him.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWZjelgk76s

The ‘Turn Around Sobeyaa’ movement for the election of Essa Mbye Faal has announced a 22-member campaign strategy team.

The members comprise distinguished Gambian professionals at home and abroad, a statement by Mr Faal’s campaign on Monday said.

“The strategy group doubles as the board of directors of the campaign. It is responsible for the strategic vision of the campaign, and implementing the required blueprints to win the December 4th Presidential elections. The Strategy Team is independent of the Campaign Executive Team who are responsible for the day-to-day administration and operation of the campaign on the ground.

“Due to the nature and sensitivity of their jobs both at home and abroad, some members of the Campaign Strategy team cannot be named,” the statement said.

The statement added: “The other members include: Mr. Alagie Sanyang of Kantora, URR. Alagie lives in New York City and has a Master of Science (MSc) from Columbia University. He currently works as a Senior Executive at a multinational company in New York City. Mr. Sanyang serves as Chairperson of the Campaign Strategy Team.

“Mrs. Haddy Jallow-Coulibally of Brikama Sateba, WRC. Haddy lives in Atlanta, and has a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Haddy currently works as a Senior Vice President of Operations at a supply chain financing company, and is the current President of AGERA. Mrs. Jallow Coulibally serves as Vice Chairperson of the Campaign Strategy Team

“Mr. James Bahoum of Gunjur WCR. Mr. Bahoum currently lives in Kololi, KMC and has an LLM in law. He currently works as a Corporate Services Director of a Holding Company. He is also the Campaign Manager of the “Turn Around Sobeyaa” movement for Essa Mbye Faal.

“Mr. Lamin Touray of Latri Kunda, KMC. Lamin lives in Los Angeles, California, and has a BSc in Finance and Accounting. He currently works as a Vice President for Development Financial Service at a Private Equity Firm in Los Angeles.

“Mrs. Mariama Jobarteh-Darboe of Bansang, CRR. Mariama lives in Brufut and has a Master of Science (MSc). She is also an expert in sexual and gender-based violence, as well as sexual and reproductive health.

“Dr. Lamin HAN Mbye of Banjul. Dr. Mbye lives in Houston, Texas and has a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Dr. Mbye is a Harvard-trained Neuroscientist, and served as a Governing Board Member of the Harvard Medical School Post-Doctoral Association from 2008 to 2010.

“Mr. Mohamed Gillen of Brufut, WCR Gambia is a fellow member of ACCA, U.K. Mr Gillen formerly worked as Accountant General, Pioneer of GTBank, Ecobank and MD/CEO of Skye Bank Gambia. He currently works as an International Consultant

“Mr. Bakary Kamateh of Foday Kunda, Wulli, URR. Mr. Kamateh lives in New Jersey and is currently a MBA candidate at NYU Stern. He currently works as a Senior Network Engineer with a global ICT firm.

“Dr. Edrisa Sanyang of Mayork, Foni, WRC. Dr. Sanyang lives in Bowling Green KY and has a PhD in Occupational and Environmental Health. He currently works as a Professor and Director of EOHS graduate programs at Western Kentucky University (USA) and a former Senior Lecturer at the UTG.

“Mr. Tijan Davies of Bakau, KMC. Tijan lives in London and has BA in International Development and NGO management. Mr. Davis is also an expert in Non-profit and Youth Development.

“Mr. Alhagie Jallow of Lamin Koto Badala, CRR. Alhagie lives in New York City and has a BA in Political Science. Mr. Jallow is a Businessman, Restaurant Owner and Community Leader in the Greater New York area.”

Former President Yahya Jammeh spoke to his supporters from his hideout in Equatorial Guinea on Friday, using the address to rubbish the APRC-NPP alliance, sacking the party’s executive and naming new leaders.

Below is full text of the former dictator’s address;

Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim. There is a lot of noise on the line. Okay if you are hearing me clearly okay.

Audhubillah Minasaitani rajim, Bismillahi Rahmani Rahim. Alhamdullillahi Rabil Alamin, Alhamdoullillahi Rabil Alamin, Alhamdoullillahi Rabil Alamin. As Salamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Tala Wa Barakatu. All patriotic Gambians, APRC, everybody that is there, I am greeting you, each by your name.

I want to thank all the patriotic Gambians, every Gambian who is development oriented. As from today, I want to make it very clear that I have taken full leadership of the APRC party as stated in the constitution of the APRC as supreme leader. I’m the flagbearer and I’m the party chairman and I want to make that clear.

The APRC party is here to maintain development… the development of the country, the peace and security where all people irrespective of tribe, whether you’re rich or poor, where you child can go to school free of charge, from primary school to university and that is what is going to continue. We will not allign ourselves to any party, or any movement that is taking Gambia backwards and destroy the infrastructure that have taken 22 years to build, it’s not going to happen. There is no alliance with any party that has destroyed The Gambia for the past four years.

As a democratic party, we cannot prevent anybody from… No matter what your rank, position is, we cannot prevent you from going and allying yourself with any other party. In that case, you have already removed yourself from the APRC. So all those who are with the NPP, I am not approving it, we are not going to allign with NPP, we are alligning ourselves with GANU party.

Let me make it very clear why I kept quiet for so long: what we call paswarr (winnow) in local language was what was going on and if I have spoken the traitors would not have been known. That is why I kept quiet so long. And those people who left the party never had my blessing, never had my consent or permission to talk about an alliance with any party. Those who have left the party for other parties… Members of the executive who have left the party and went to join another party, I have no problems with that but they’re hereby being replaced by the following people: Honourable Abdou Jarju, Honourable Bakaray Saibo Sanneh, Muhammed Lamin Jammeh, Yahya Bamba, Honourable Jerrending Sanyang, Honourable Matarr Kujabi, Honourable Ebou Sambou, Honourable Omar Mamburay, Pa Modou Mbowe, Regina Williams, [and] Habib Secka. These team will work with the GANU team on everything. We will work together as a team.

I want to make it very clear: APRC, the A stands for Alliance, Patriotic, Reorientation and Construction. I want to apologise to all the party militants, all the Gambian people for keeping quiet for so long. But as I said the process of winnowing was not complete, because it didn’t reach the APRC party. Because everybody has to be winnowed, we winnow everything and take what is good. And so now that the party has also been part of the winnowing including Kanilai, my hometown, not is time for me to talk and that is why I am talking. But I am sorry for the silence, it has created a lot of problems, many people were confused. I am sorry about that.

As from now, APRC my party, our party, your party, is with GANU and no other party. I want to thank everybody who stood up for the truth, who stood up for the national development, national security, national prosperity, national happiness, [those] who stood behind me all along including those in the diaspora who have been defending me. I want to assure you that as from now even their meetings, I will be joining the meetings.

I want to appeal to all Gambians, all parties… The abominable insulting of people and their mothers is not blessing the country but it’s a curse because the Almighty Allah doesn’t like anybody who believes in Him, who worships Him to be insulting people for whatever reason including insulting people’s mothers. That is very abominable, that is unacceptable in the APRC and GANU party. When we conduct our campaign, we are not going to insult anybody, we are not going to castigate anybody, we are going to focus on the development of the country as has happened in the past 22 years that I was in power. We focus on development, don’t be distracted by insult. Anybody who insults you, just ignore him if you can. Please I am appealing to you. But insulting each other’s mother does not bring peace. The Almighty Allah, as Muslims is Haram, as Christians it’s Haram. So please even if they insult you, don’t insult back. Please for the sake of the Almighty Allah and our religion. Insulting people will bring Allah’s anger upon the country and that is not good. That is why people are suffering in The Gambia today.

We have to fight to regain our country and develop our country as it was done under 22 years of my rule.

My final note to you is, to make it very clear: there cannot be any development in a country that is not secured, where there is no security, there is no peace, people are divided, people are insulting each other’s mothers, people are saying abominable things – heinous language. This is unacceptable. For the APRC… And those who want to come to the APRC and GANU, you’re welcome. Come and join but there will be no insults allowed.

What is happening in the country… The country is sinking faster than the titanic and we have to save the country. For us to save the country, we need the hands of all people, patriotic Gambians, for us to work together and get rid of what is happening in our country.

Let me make it clearer what has been obvious throughout: I’m not a tribalist, I’m a citizen and my party is not a tribalist party. I have seen from my performance, I didn’t kick anybody out of office because he is from another tribe. I will never be a tribalist, I’m a Muslim and tribalism is Haram in Islam. We’re all created by the same Almighty Allah. I’m a citizen, not a tribalist. APRC is a patriotic party and it cannot be a tribal party, so also GANU. So, let’s work together and make sure that we unit all Gambians for the benefit of all Gambians.

On this note, I want to thank all of you who have come from far and near. All those who have been insulted, please forgive. Let us stop the insult, let us work together with good people. Those who don’t want to work with you, don’t mind them. Let us work for the development and peace, security and stability of the country and for the prosperity of all Gambians. On this note, may you go back in peace [and] in safety. May the Almighty Allah give you his blessings and protection.

On this note, I don’t want to take too much of your time, it is a little bit long because I have to clarify everything. But as from today, it’s APRC and GANU in the country and make sure that everybody sleeps in peace. The security of life and property is sacrosanct, it’s sacred and it is our duty to make sure that we establish peace and security in the country for everyone, where education will be free for everyone. In The Gambia, when I was there for 22 years, even the son of a beggar or the daughter of a beggar can go to university because I was there for everybody and I will always be there for everybody. Everything has crumbled. Gambia today is the most dangerous country but we will make it the most peaceful country on earth again, within a week or two.

Police have announced arresting eight people during patrols and stolen items recovered from the suspects.

Police said today: “The Police Anti Crime Unit (ACU) and Police Intervention Unit (PIU) conducted intensive patrols over the weekend.

“Patrols covered areas such as Lamin CDC, Farato, Brikama, Brusubi, Mariama Kunda, Youna Dalaba Estate, Bijilo Kololi, Manjai Kunda, among others.

“Eight suspects were arrested during the patrols and several stolen items including mobile phones, music sets, and fake bank notes were also recovered. The suspects are currently helping with investigations.

“Members of the public are encouraged to volunteer information about unusual criminal activities within their communities.”

The December presidential election is now just weeks away but the past months have seen over two dozen Gambians express interest in the country’s top job. The new boys who stepped forward will certainly go to war with a number of the old guard along with President Adama Barrow who is set to defend his seat.

However whether some of the candidates will qualify to run in the election remains very much in doubt. Below are nine candidates who may not end up not meeting the criteria to run…

Ousainou Darboe

UDP leader Ousainou Darboe has more than two decades under his belt as a politician. He was former President Yahya Jammeh’s biggest nemesis during the former dictator’s 22 years rule. UDP has tapped Mr Darboe as their standard-bearer for the job but whether the 73-year-old will qualify has been a subject of much debate. There is yet to be any clear verdict regarding the politician’s conviction, his sacking from public office as well as the issue of tax evasion.

Essa Faal

Essa Faal has managed to become the surprise package among the candidates seeking the presidency. Since announcing his presidency bid at the end of August, the man has quickly won the hearts of a lot of voters. But whether he is qualified to run remains unclear. It’s said he doesn’t meet the five years residency requirement. There are also reports the Turnaround advocate holds citizenship of both The Gambia and Senegal.

Mai Fatty

Mai Ahmad Fatty is another candidate who wants to be president of The Gambia in December. However, the GMC leader may not be in a position to qualify if his sacking from public office is anything to go by.

Dr Ismaila Ceesay

CA leader Dr Ismaila Ceesay is another new boy who wants the job of president. The 46-year-old worked as a political science lecturer at the University of The Gambia for more than a decade. He became leader of CA this year following the formation of the party. Ceesay is said to be a citizen of both The Gambia and Sweden and this could present a problem for him at nomination.

BB Darbo

BB Darbo is one of the candidates who is relying on his experience to take State House. He served as finance minister as well as vice president in previous governments. He became leader of Gambia For All following his unceremonious departure from PPP. He is said to be a citizen of the United Kingdom, and if this is true, ‘Demba is OK’ may not qualify to run.

Sheikh Tijan Hydara

Sheikh Tijan Hydara has all of a sudden become a key force to reckon with. This is a man who was until recently struggling in terms of support from even his hometown, Brufut. But the decision by former President Yahya Jammeh not to work with NPP has seen a lot of APRC supporters flock to the Gambia Alliance for National Unity leader. But Mr Hydara is said to have been sacked from public office and this could present a problem for him at nomination.

Tamsir Jasseh

Tamsir Jasseh is another citizen who is interested in taking State House in December. The Our Homeland leader may not qualify if his conviction for treason is anything to go by.

Papa Faal

Papa Faal announced his presidency bid in November last year but his campaign has been largely lifeless. He is a US citizen and that could get in the way if he should go to Election House on October 30.

Dr Amadou Kanteh

Civil Democratic Party leader Dr Amadou Kanteh announced his bid for the presidency way back in 2019. His campaign has however struggled and the fact that he has not been able to even register his party is a grim indictment. The Bwiam native is however a US citizen and that could see him denied a spot in the December election.

GDC National Youth President MC Cham Jnr has said majority of APRC supporters will now not vote for President Adama Barrow in December.

Former President Jammeh this past Friday addressed APRC supporters from Equatorial Guinea telling them not to support the National People’s Party.

MC Cham Jnr speaking in an interview with King FM which he shared with The Fatu Network argued: “We have seen an example. You have seen the number of people who turned out at the Somita meeting supporting GANU. What Barrow wants is to have the entire APRC to support President Barrow.

“But right now, the good things is that the majority of APRC are not going to vote for him. Barrow is going to be the loser. The support base of APRC is not in the hands of the executive committee, it’s under Yahya Jammeh.

“I was in APRC, I know how APRC operates. Jammeh has the final say and he has the voice. He is not in The Gambia but he called the entire APRC to Kanilai and they converged there.”

Tourism Minister Hamat Bah has said enemies went all over the world lying against President Adama Barrow and his government regarding the NPP-APRC alliance.

Citizens mostly from the opposition accused President Barrow of granting a secrey amnesty to former President Jammeh after the president’s party entered into a political alliance with APRC. But Jammeh last Friday shocked the nation by rubbishing the alliance and saying APRC will not work with President Barrow’s NPP.

Hamat Bah said: “I received three international calls telling me Adama Barrow is vindicated. When we went into an alliance with the APRC, our enemies went all over the world lying against Adama and our government.

“When they call me, I told them what I believe that was the right thing that Adama has done and that APRC are citizens [and] they have a right to support, they have a right to belong to any coalition they may wish to belong to and that President Barrow would not do anything that would harm the interest of Gambia and Gambians.

“There are people who are vicious. They hate this country. Not Barrow but they hate The Gambia only for their own interest. But we will never relent in making sure we do the right thing. Whatever we do, Gambia comes first because that’s what our leader believes and that is what his government stands for.”

The rape trial of businessman Bubacarr Keita returned to court on Monday after a three-month pause but was quickly adjourned.

Mr Keita, 29, is standing trial for allegedly raping his wife’s 15-year-old sister. He has denied culpability.

The courts had been on vacation since August which saw a halt in the businessman’s much followed trial.

The case was supposed to resume last week at the high court in Bundung but suffered a blow as the judge did not sit.

And on Monday, the absence of the prosecution saw the case adjourned to the end of the month.

According to the court clerk, the state’s attorney called to say his witness was not available.

By: Christian Alpha Conte

The Federal Government of Nigeria through the presidential steering committee has announced that effective December this year no civil servant will be allowed into their offices until and unless they can provide evidence of vaccination or a COVID-19 negative test a statement dated Wednesday, October 13, 2021read.

All tests it further notes must be taken within 72 hours and will apply to Nigeria’s foreign embassies as well as offices.

The African country joins other nations around the world whose governments are mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for civil servants.

Just last week, Canada’s Justin Trudeau, announced that civil servants who are not fully vaccinated by the end of October would be placed on unpaid leave.

Similarly, the US has also ordered all its federal workforce to be vaccinated or face sanctions.

Professor Marycelin Baba is a Medical Virologist at Nigeria’s University of Maiduguri. He said the directive was a positive step in preventing the disease from spreading further.

Speaking to the Nigerian news site PUNCH, she said: “For the first time, the federal government is right. This is a welcome development. Starting with the civil servants is commendable. From there, let them move to private organizations. This is a pandemic, and it is not just any type of outbreak,” Professor Baba said.

She added that “It is not just about one person, but the whole world. Some individuals cannot endanger our lives. Nigerians only understand the language of enforcement.”

On the contrary Olumide Akintayo, Joint Health Sector Union spokesperson said the new rules overlook the government’s failure to produce enough vaccines to cover the national population.

“How is it even possible to compel people to go for compulsory vaccination when the government has yet to make available the requisite doses?”  Olumide told PUNCH.

“Whoever is coming up with this kind of policy must have a rethink. By the time you compel a group of people or all Nigerians to be vaccinated, where are you going to get all the doses needed?” Olumide asked.

Mustapha, chair of the presidential steering committee on COVID-19, had previously stated that compulsory vaccination would apply to civil servants because many are required to travel on behalf of the federal government.

Dr. Osagie Ehanire is Nigeria’s Minister of Health. He said that new coronavirus mutations in some countries meant the government would continue to monitor and respond appropriately to changes.

Nigeria currently has more than 200,000 confirmed infections and almost 3,000 deaths attributable to COVID-19. Just 2.2% of the population has received the vaccine so far, though the country continues to administer Moderna and AstraZeneca doses provided through the COVAX scheme, the country has also been slow to test for COVID-19.

According to the African news site AllAfrica, the government estimates that around 3.1 million Nigerian citizens have been tested since the first outbreak of the virus in 2020, which is less than 2% of the population.

By: Christian Alpha Conte

Feminist and youth activist, Chernor Bah, has called for the lowering of what he described as the ‘outdated youth age in Sierra Leone’.

Chernor says his recommendation suggests a progressive reduction in the official designation of youth starting with lowering it to 30 years in the next review with a goal to ultimately reduce it to 24 years since there is evidence to show that 24 year-olds are currently leading the world.

He, however, noted that they (those who worked on reviewing the country’s youth policy) did not succeed in reducing the age but they succeeded in including the language that laid the foundation for this.

“The current age keeps the door shut on young leaders until you have graduated while providing, often crumbs. For a country whose median age is 19.4 years, it is ridiculous that we confine so many opportunities to those who have graduated beyond 35yrs,” Chernor Bah said.

He also suggested the reduction of the eligibility age for the presidency from 40 to 21. Chernor noted that the country’s life expectancy at birth is around 55 years and Sierra Leone has one of the youngest and most vibrant populations in Africa with over 60% of its population below the age of 35.

“How do we justify keeping old people in power and structurally shutting the door on young leaders with archaic, colonial age requirements of our highest office. I will take David Sengeh, Francis Kaifala, Yakama Jones, Ndeye Koroma, and other young vibrant leaders any day over the crop of over year olds who have bankrupted our country over the years and paid no attention to the future of our environment,” Chernor Bah said.

Chernor was making a presentation during the Concord Times 2021 Summit in Freetown with the theme Fresh Answers.

Chernor emphasised that changing the youth bracket will send a message to young people that ‘we value and judge you by the content of your character and your contribution to society, not just by the number of years you have lived’.

“We must have a redefinition of youth to be more inclusive and reflective of the internal diversity of young people. Not just in our documents- which we have done with the National Youth Policy- but also in the outlook starting from youth councils, political parties, church and community groups,” Chernor said.

He further noted that the exclusion of females from this cohort has real consequences, in that girls have essentially no transition period, they are either a child or after puberty, marriage, or childbirth – which happens for too many between 15-22- they are women.

He used the opportunity to narrate his journey as lead consultant for what he described as ‘the most extensive and inclusive review of a national youth policy in our history’ sharing a story about a man who was visibly above the youth age but stayed on as youth leader for over 20 years.

“We traveled the length and breadth of the country trying to garner the views and inputs of youth leaders in every single chiefdom. In more than a few communities, we spoke with a well-built man, coarse voice, likely unmarried but with children who would beat his chest and declare: ‘I have been a youth leader in this community for over 20 years’. I would gently smile and keep the conversation going knowing that even the most extensive official definition of youth by our policies restricts the category to a maximum period of 20 years,” Chernor Bah said.

Politicians, he said, have created a new category known as the “youth man dem” who are groups of often disgruntled or easily mobilizable males, typically unemployed, often on drugs.

He noted that each political party worth its salt has a significant cohort of this group and some even invest in organising them and providing token “benefits” to keep them content enough to be available for “mobilization” but not transformed enough to ensure real socio-economic mobility.

This he said is, “just the beginning of the conundrum when it comes to this big, complicated, complex, highly loaded term called Youth.”