By: Christian Alpha Conteh

The Free Quality Education Programme was officially Launched by President Julius Maada Bio on August 20^th 2018. This was in line with his top campaign promise which targets developing the human capital of the country through education, skills training, health and the provision for and protection of vulnerable Sierra Leoneans. This good initiative has over the years been met with its own fair share of challenges including:

Limited teaching staff

There is currently a high number of unqualified teachers.  Data suggests that in total 48,761 teachers representing 58.7% have the required minimum qualification to teach at the various school levels, which should inform us that a lot more teachers currently in the classroom are untrained and unqualified.

Surprisingly, and sadly amidst the fact that government allocates 21% of the National Budget to education, households still contribute significantly to schools. Data puts the resources going into schools from households at more than one fifth.  Moneys collected from parents with children in pre- schools, accounted for 70% of the resources flowing into schools from households.

In primary, despite the FQSE, parents’ contribution accounted for 24% of the total resources, indicating that even with FQSE, some schools are still charging some levies. Only two thirds to three quarters of the resources flowing into junior and senior secondary schools come from the government.

Overall, salaries and wages account for the highest spending item for schools at 45.4% followed by rehabilitation at 30% and acquisition of learning materials at 20% which are the key inputs to any functioning school.

School growth and infrastructure

Another challenge the School Census Data brought to the fore is that the expansion in school infrastructure has not corresponded with the growth in student population. The number of schools increased from 10,747 to 11,180, an overall increase of only 4%.

Only 52.3%, 53.2%, 64.6% respectively of classrooms in pre-primary, junior secondary and senior secondary are solid and in good condition.

6.7% of the classrooms in basic and senior secondary are makeshifts with grass, wood, palm fronds and other local materials.

Although the average class size with all classrooms considered for approved schools are 25, 34, 38 and 46 in pre-primary, primary, junior and senior secondary respectively, further analysis reveals that the average class size in more than 40% of approved pre-primary schools is 50 if only solid classrooms are considered.

In primary, JSS and SSS, the average class size in more than 60% of approved schools is more than 50. A considerable number of basic and senior secondary schools do not have access to any source of water and a majority do not have access to piped water.

Hygiene and Sanitation

1 in 3 pre-primary schools, 4 in 10 primary schools, 3 in 10 junior secondary schools and 2 in 10 senior secondary schools do not have access to any source of water. A significant share of schools (58% in pre-primary, 54% in primary, 45% in junior secondary and 42% in senior secondary) rely on boreholes and wells.

Some Districts fare abysmally with water provision. In Koinadugu District only 7.7% of the schools in primary and 18% in secondary have access to safe water (piped and borehole).

In approved schools, the results show that the toilet ratios when considering only toilets in good conditions are unbearably high (47 learners for every toilet in pre-primary, 124 in primary, 108 in Junior secondary and 157in senior secondary).

About 47,965 pupils in the four levels of education are children with special needs (67.4% of them in primary, 22,2% in Junior secondary and 6.2% in senior secondary). A majority of these children, accounting for 27.6% suffer from learning disability, followed by visual, hearing, speech and physical disability (19.4%, 18.0%, 17.8% and 17.2% respectively).

Despite this state of affairs, only 1 in 10 schools reported having ramp and special latrine for pupils with disabilities, and only 6% of schools said they provide special cubicles for girls during menstruation.

Laboratory, Electricity and ICT

Another shocking revelation the School Census unearthed is that nationally, only 2% of the schools have a functional science laboratory, while 6% have a functioning library. A majority of these are in senior secondary schools.

It is clear from available data that access to electricity, computers and internet services in schools is a big challenging as indicated nationally by only 22%, 4% and 1% of schools respectively that have access to electricity, computer and internet facilities.

Further analysis by levels shows that 2%, 16% and 9% respectively of primary, senior and junior secondary schools have access to computer services. Only 7%, 3%, 1% and 1% respectively of Senior, Junior, primary and pre-primary schools are connected to the internet.

Amidst these challenges the government of Sierra Leone has increased its expenditure on national exams (NPSE, BECE, and WASSCE) and tuition fees by over 400 %

The FQSE programme has also resulted in a tremendous increase in student enrolment nationwide. The number of learners enrolled in schools increased by almost 700,000 due mainly to the commencement of the FQSE.

The education sector data reveal a significant increase in the number of schools approved for Government support. 53.4% of pre-primary, 78.7% of primary, 76.7% of junior secondary, and 80.4% of senior secondary schools are now approved- meaning they can receive tuition subsidies, textbooks, and other learning interventions. In 2018, less than half of the schools across basic and senior secondary were approved to receive government support.

The Gross Enrolment Rate (GER) in the primary has increased by 30 and 34 percentage points for boys and girls respectively between 2018 and 2019.

Data at the Ministry of Finance show that the annual teacher’s wage bill has also now increased from Le 474.16 billion in 2019, to 636.62 billion for 2020; this includes additional costs of up to 4000 new teachers that were recently brought on the payroll. A new set of 1,000 teachers have been recruited for 2021 further expanding the teaching wage bill.

“The support we’ve got for education in the last couple of years is unprecedented. We have large government commitments, have the largest multi-donor trust fund ever at USD 72million with five major development partners, and now see some private sector contributions as well. Recently, we became eligible for up to $40m GPE transformation grant because of the work we have done,” Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education Dr. David Moinina Sengeh said.

UDP second vice president Rohey Malick Lowe has called on all supporters of UDP to come out in their large numbers to welcome leader Ousainou Darboe.

Mr Darboe will return home on Thursday from his tour of the nation.

A huge welcome is being prepared for him from Brikama to his residence in Pipeline.

And Rohey Lowe who is also the mayor of Banjul wrote on her official Rohey Malick Lowe Second Vice President of United Democratic Party Facebook page said: “Tomorrow Thursday is the historic welcoming of our party leader and flagbearer, Hon Ousainou Darboe.

“Comrades and party sympathizers come out in your large numbers and be part of history making event.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that government has signed a joint communiqué on the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between The Gambia and Burundi.

The joint communique was signed by officials of the two countries on the margins of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union held on 14th and 15th October, 2021 in the African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a statement by the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

It added: “The Joint Communiqué was signed by H.E. Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad and his distinguished counterpart, H.E Ambassador Albert Shingiro, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of the Republic of Burundi.

“The two Ministers applauded this momentous development and described it as a strong commitment to jointly pursue opportunities both bilaterally and through the joint membership of multilateral institutions, for the benefit of the peoples and governments of the Republic of The Gambia and the Republic of Burundi.

“The two Ministers agreed to put in place the requisite political and institutional mechanisms towards the realisation of a vastly expanded bilateral relationship between the Republic of The Gambia and the Republic of Burundi.

“The signing ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Ambassador Jainaba Jagne, Permanent Representative to the African Union.”

By Dawda Baldeh

As part of the country’s preparation in hosting the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in 2022, the project work has begun at the Banjul International Airport for the construction of a nine million dollars new presidential lounge to be built by AREZKI.

During last Friday’s demolition exercise of the old airport, Aymen Marsaoui, the contactor of the Presidential Lounge project promised that the construction can to be done on time.

“I will make sure that the contract is done on time,” Aymen Marsaoui said. “The new building will be different from the old presidential lounge. It will be in accordance with modern technology. The quality and convenience is up to standard. If you are inside, you will not hear the noise that is coming from outside.”

Kabirou Jammeh the Project Manager for the construction of the New Presidential Lounge at the Banjul International Airport said the presidential lounge will be built in accordance with modern technology. He said the project cost of the 9 million dollar for the building and it is expected to be completed in 12 to 14 months.

“This new presidential lounge will be in accordance with modern technology,” Kabirou Jammeh said. The project manager at the airport said he is optimistic that the contractor can meet the stipulated time.

Nfally Fadera Head of Brand and Communication OIC Gambia Secretariat revealed government is committed to the OIC project.

“The presidential lounge will be the first welcoming place were the guest coming to attend the summit,” Fadera said. “We want to make sure that Gambia is rank as the best country for hosting international summits.” Fadera also stated that the benefits of the summit are huge.

GANU leader Sheikh Tijan Hydara has said God it’s God who is behind his party’s alliance with the No Alliance Movement APRC.

“It’s an alliance that has come about because of God and it’s that God who will protect us and it’s that God who will support us, and it’s that God who will put us in State House come come [2021 December election],” Mr Hydara told a meeting of ‘APRC’ and GANU supporters in Foni.

His comments come as former President Jammeh addressed his supporters last Friday asking them not to support the APRC’s alliance with NPP.

Jammeh insisted the leadership of the APRC entered into the alliance with NPP without his approval.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said Tuesday that 216 migrants were rescued off Libya’s western coast.

“Last two nights, 2 boats with a total of 216 persons aboard were returned to Zawiya and Tripoli,” UNHCR tweeted.

No missing persons were reported, and medical care, food and water were provided, it said.

Almost 400 migrants were rescued off the Libyan coast and returned to Libya in the past week, said the International Organization for Migration (IOM) also on Tuesday.

Libya has been suffering insecurity and chaos since the fall of its leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, making the North African country a preferred point of departure for migrants who want to cross the Mediterranean Sea to European shores.

So far in 2021, a total of 26,705 migrants, including women and children, have been rescued, while 493 died and 686 went missing off the Libyan coast on the Central Mediterranean route, according to the IOM. (XINHUA)

Four people have been arrested over cocaine seized by the Senegalese military on Tuesday off Senegal’s Atlantic coast.

Local media reported on Wednesday 44-year-old Gambian-Senegalese Makha Gaye is the leader of the alleged traffickers. He is said to have been born in Guédiawaye.

He was arrested alongside Senegalese Pope Madiop Dieye, Sierra Leonian Marrah Foday and Bissau-Guinean Quecuto Bajo.

Senegal seized more than two tonnes of pure cocaine from a ship off its Atlantic coast, the navy said on Tuesday, in the West African country’s largest-ever cocaine bust.

The 2,026 kg of cocaine was found on a ship 363 km (226 miles) off the coast by naval forces backed by air support from the French air force, the navy said in a statement.

The ship had five crew members aboard, it added.

Drug smugglers typically use West Africa as a transshipment point for cocaine en route from South America to Europe

In January, authorities in neighboring Gambia seized nearly three tonnes of cocaine from a shipment of industrial salt originating in Ecuador.

Morocco police on Monday seized one tonne and 335 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a container ship in Tangier Med Port. (Reuters)

The director general of Gambia Prison Service Ansumana Manneh has been sent on administrative leave over jail breaks that have rocked Mile 2.

A number of jail breaks occurred at the maximum security detention facility over the past months with the latest being the escape of eight people. Alleged killer Buba Drammeh also escaped from Mile 2 in December last year.

The Personnel Management Office wrote to Mr Manneh on October 18 informing him of a decision to proceed on a two-month administrative leave. He was asked to hand over to his deputy Momodou Jarju.

Mr Manneh could not be reached for comment but a prison official said he was not at work on Wednesday.

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.”