With just eight days until Senegal’s November 17 legislative elections, former President Macky Sall is leading the opposition coalition Takku Wallu Senegal in an effort to prevent the ruling party from securing a majority in the National Assembly.
In an October interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI), Sall explained, “I have accepted to reinforce the opposition to prevent an overpowering majority that could lead the country astray.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef movement, has toured all 14 regions of Senegal, rallying support and strengthening his political base. His nationwide campaign is seen as a critical move to broaden his influence and solidify his party’s grassroots backing.
On November 11, 1994, the dawn of a nightmare unfolded following the brutal execution of soldiers who were allegedly involved in a foiled coup against the army junta of Yahya Jammeh, just a few months after he came to power. This date is now etched in the memories of countless Gambians, with few survivors still battling the trauma as the years have rolled by. The echoes of that fateful day continue to resonate deeply among the survivors and the families of the victims, who recount it as one of the darkest chapters of their lives.
In an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, Isatou Marong, the widow of the late Sergeant Basiru Camara, described her husband’s disappearance as the most challenging part of her life. She shared how she walked alone and in secrecy, searching for her husband from every corner of The Gambia to Casamance, filled with fear and agony. She emphasized that she had to remain unmarried for nearly a decade as she tried to heal from the trauma.
“I went through a lot in life after I lost Sgt. Camara. I had to stay for years without being married, until Yahya Jammeh left The Gambia. It was then that I was lucky enough to remarry. But November 11 is a very hard day to recall, as we lived in fear, especially when you are searching for your missing loved one.”
Madam Marong outlined that the trauma she endured will forever linger in her mind until she joins her late husband. She also urged the government to speed up the justice process to ensure redress for the victims’ families.
“The government should act quickly to serve us justice, as some of the perpetrators are still walking free in town. We deserve to know why our loved ones were taken and finally find relief.”
Omar Camara, a former medic in The Gambia National Army, described the day as “the worst in his life.” He explained that the so-called coup was meant to eliminate a cross-section of the people in the army, most especially the professionals. Camara asserts that he endured all sorts of horrific tortures and was later shot in the hip by Peter Singhateh.
“I was arrested, and all sorts of torture you can imagine were inflicted on me. I was shot in the hip by Peter Singhateh. Life has been very difficult for me since then. I’m with my family, but I can’t do much for my life as I’ve been jobless since the incident occurred,” he said.
Camara lamented that he was jailed for nine years, enduring intense torture, and was later dismissed from the army by the regime. He also alleged that the government hasn’t done enough to support victims in terms of reparations.
“The little compensation they gave us was not enough. They have been offering excuses and stories that are hard to comprehend. They should consider the victims and their families, as there are no jobs. They need to look into the matter so that people who are struggling can have something to sustain their families,” he said.
The victims are urging the government to take concrete steps to address their plight as they reflect on that fateful day when they were subjected to inhumane treatment, living with the trauma for over three decades.
A Cuban national, Dr Enrique Dela Caridad Ángulo Borrero who acquires a Gambian diplomatic passport as the country’s ambassador-at-large poses for a photo with President Adama Barrow
By Binta Jarju
Gambian authorities have issued the national diplomatic passport widely known as the ‘red book’ to non-citizens without any justification, with 5,395 unaccounted passports – 1959 Diplomatic passports and 3,436 Service passports, the National Audit Report 2022 revealed.
‘There is a possibility that these passports (5,395) were issued to ineligible applicants in exchange for cash,’ it stated.This investigation explores the lack of regulation in the issuance of a diplomatic passport to non-Gambians which has implications for the country.
Diplomatic passports are typically issued to officials, diplomats, and envoys representing their country abroad. Their issuance is regulated by national governments in line with international practices established under treaties.
Diplomatic passports are an essential tool in carrying out the Vienna Convention’s principles, as they identify individuals entitled to those privileges. The Convention regulates diplomatic engagement, addresses diplomatic privileges, immunities, and the protection of diplomats.
The issuance or regulation of diplomatic passports is regulated and managed by individual governments. Without a structured system to govern who is eligible for a diplomatic passport, the issuance now becomes vulnerable to manipulation and abuse. The misuse or improper issuance of ineligible diplomats undermines the integrity of a state. It allows individuals not engaged in diplomatic work access the passports; when the red book is meant to be reserved for the country’s high-ranking officials and diplomats.
In The Gambia, the red book is being acquired by non-Gambians under murky and illegal circumstances as Malagen reported in its investigation titled: ‘Investors Who Do Not Invest – How They Access State House, Land, Diplomatic Passport and Even Love’.
This kind of situation, where non-Gambians or ineligible Gambians receive diplomatic passports under suspicious situations violates both national regulations and the spirit of international law as outlined in the Vienna Convention.
A discussion with officials at MoFA revealed that Diplomatic status is accorded to non-Gambians as ambassadors-at-large, goodwill ambassadors and honorary consuls. There is a risk that the above holders are accorded diplomatic privileges, without representing the interest of The Government of The Gambia.
Official records and accessible documents reveal that numerous non-Gambians hold these diplomatic credentials, all displaying Gambian nationality on their passports.
The non-Gambians who acquired the red book include foreign businesspersons referred to as Gambian Ambassadors-at-Large. Leading among them is a Cuban national, Dr Enrique Dela Caridad Angulo Borrero. He was born on September 8, 1963, and is an ambassador-at-large on his Gambian diplomatic passport.
A Cuban national, Dr Enrique Dela Caridad Ángulo Borrero acquires a Gambian diplomatic passport as the country’s ambassador-at-large
Also, another name that surfaced during this investigation is Stephan Karl Morgenstern, a German businessman and a co-founder of the notorious Ponzi scheme FutureNet. Morgenstern holds a Gambian diplomatic passport, numbered D0014194 and issued alongside Ziemian, bestows upon him the same “ambassador at large” despite their limited ties to the Gambia, these diplomatic passports allowed Morgenstern and Ziemian to travel unrestricted across more than 80 countries, according to CoinGeek, allowing their multi-million dollar fraud to flourish unchecked on a global scale.
Born on 7th October 1962, Morgenstern’s diplomatic status seems unusual, as his professional reach spans multiple countries in Europe and not the Gambia. His international dealings, largely outside Gambia, have been overshadowed by his involvement in defrauding consumers of over $30 million according to BehindMLM Report. Morgenstern was initially arrested in Greece in 2022 on an international warrant from South Korea, Morgenstern managed a brief escape to Albania, where he was re-arrested in August 2024. His recent bid for bail on a $20,000 secured bond was denied by the Albanian court, keeping him in custody and likely facing extradition to South Korea.
A German national, Stephan Karl Morgenstern acquires a Gambian diplomatic passport as ambassador-at-large (Photo: Trumpet)
Further digging revealed more notable individuals who have been granted diplomatic privilege. Anstasiia Ziemian-Hortman, a Ukrainian-born economic adviser, holds a Gambian passport numbered D0016169 and issued on 25th July 2019. Her Gambian diplomatic credentials appear linked to her professional ties with Ziemian and Morgenstern.
A Ukrainian national, Anastasiia Ziemian-Hortman acquires a Gambian diplomatic passport as ambassador-at-large (Photo: Trumpet)
Granted the red book too, is Mario Daser, a German boxer and businessman born on 14th November 1988. He is also listed as an ambassador-at-large. His Gambian diplomatic passport numbered D0001423 was issued on July 17, 2019, which grants him the unique diplomatic title.
A German national, Mario Daser, acquires a Gambian diplomatic passport as ambassador-at-large (Photo: Trumpet)
Swiss citizen Nidal Baumgartner, born in Sirnach TG in 1995, is another name in this network. His Gambian diplomatic passport numbered D0013944, was issued on 19th June 2019. According to Future shakes, Baumgartner manages seven real estates. Despite limited connection to The Gambia, Baumgartner also carries the ambassador-at-large title on his Gambian passport.
A Switzerland national, Nidal Baumgartner acquires a Gambian diplomatic passport ambassador-at-large (Photo: Trumpet)
An ambassador-at-large is an ambassador tasked with special duties. They are appointed as charged with special duties in the frame of particular important jobs and missions. Most Gambian ambassadors-at-large are appointed to attract investment and tourism for the country as stated in this article reproduced by The Standard.
While it is not uncommon for nations to confer this status on foreign nationals who serve strategic purposes; selling the red book to unscrupulous individuals has implications.
“A passport, be it ordinary or diplomatic, is a national document to be issued to citizens ONLY. A diplomatic passport accords the holder rights and privileges under the Geneva Convention. If these documents are issued to non-citizens and then abused, that could have profound consequences on the integrity of our nation and other holders too. States may not respect the privileges accorded to holders anymore. That will have an impact on national security too,” Lamin S. Camara, a legal expert explained.
The issuance of diplomatic passports is a sensitive matter that should follow strict regulations to preserve the integrity of diplomatic privileges.
Section 4A (1) of the Immigration Act states that “the Director of [Gambia] Immigration [Department] shall be the sole authority for the issue or replacement of a valid passport” Though this section does not explicitly address diplomatic passports, it indicates that the Director of Immigration has the ultimate authority over passport issuance in general, potentially overlapping with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ role in diplomatic passports.
But there is no law or regulation on the appointment of ambassadors-at-large in the Gambia. The Gambia Foreign Policy, The Scheme for Service for Foreign Service Cadre, and Gambia Foreign Service Rules that regulate the recruitment and appointment of Gambian diplomats do not have any criteria for the appointment of ambassadors-at-large.
The fact that non-Gambians are holding this document and that their Gambian status is documented highlighted a potential loophole within the Gambian passport issuance system and legal framework. This practice could dilute the value of diplomatic credentials and create an avenue for individuals who do not formally represent Gambian’s national interests to exploit diplomatic privileges.
Lack of guidelines and oversight
Gambian authorities have issued the diplomatic passport widely known as the ‘red book’ to non-Gambians (Photo Credit: Standard News Paper)
The 2022 National Audit Report has brought this to light, revealing a lack of guidelines and oversight, which has created a breeding ground for corruption and exploitation. Although the report does not directly mention financial transactions; it warned of the ‘high risks’ involved, including the potential for national security breaches and ‘damage to Gambia’s diplomatic relations.
“There is no policy or guideline for the issue of Gambian diplomatic passports, protocols at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are bypassed and approval was sought directly from the Office of the President. The absence of policy guidelines for the issue of Diplomatic and Service passports has led to the serious abuse of the system,” the audit report revealed.
This means that there is an absence of clear rules in the issuance of the diplomatic passport. The red book is issued at the discretion of officials, creating a high risk of misuse. The absence of regulation not only leaves room for administrative errors but has also opened the doors to deliberate exploitation by government officials.
Implications
The implications of this are grave. A diplomatic passport offers a holder numerous privileges, including visa-free travel, protection of communications, and diplomatic immunity, making them highly desirable. By issuing these passports to ineligible non-Gambian individuals, Gambian authorities risk allowing foreign nationals to exploit these privileges for personal gain, possibly even engaging in ‘illegal activities’ under the guise of diplomatic protection.
“The implications are huge. It means such people would be illegally in possession of our national documents. So, it erodes the government’s revenue because they wouldn’t be paying for the residence permits; also, everywhere around the world nationalities enjoy certain privileges. There is no assurance that such people act in the interest of the Gambia,” said Muhammed Lenn, a diplomatic protocols and foreign policy analyst.
He said that providing national documents like ID cards and passports to non-Gambians would open the way for their participation in national politics. The diplomatic protocols and foreign policy analysts warned that a potential danger of granting diplomatic passports to ineligible non-Gambians is ‘putting the country’s image at risk’ because when they commit crimes, it’s attached to the Gambia.
‘In the case of the Gambia, issuing diplomatic passports to ineligible persons is costly. It can subject our diplomats and documents to ridicule, restrictions, searches etc. because it becomes difficult to trust who is the real diplomat and who is not, if anyone can get a diplomatic passport. In other words, it reduces the value of the document and the holder even if he/she is not told,’ he added.
The ineligible holders of diplomatic passports are not only corrupting the image of the country but are also depriving the government of potential revenue from residence permits.
Official records seen by Malagen revealed that just 271 diplomatic passports were in use by the time President Yahya Jammeh was forced out of office in 2017. However, in under seven years of being in office, President Adama Barrow had issued a record number of at least 2000 diplomatic passports.
“The diplomatic passport is approved by the President of the Republic of The Gambia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and issued by the Director General of Immigration. The issuance of the ordinary passport is solely a mandate of the Director General of Immigration as encapsulated in the Immigration Act,” Siman Lowe, spokesperson of the Gambia Immigration Departments explained the process.
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Editor’s note: This story is produced with support from the PRJ investigative reporting fellowship, with funding from USG through USAID, and implemented by Freedom House. The content of this report does not in any way reflect the views of the US government, USAID, or Freedom House. It is the sole responsibility of the author and publisher.
The 50 million dalasi civil suit filed by Environment Minister Rohey John Manjang against The Alkamba Times reporter Kebba Ansu Manneh is set for a possible out-of-court settlement. The case was mentioned in the early hours of Tuesday, November 12, at the Banjul High Court, presided over by Justice Sonia Akinbiyi.
In her originating summons, the plaintiff is seeking damages for libel and slander, and an order directing the defendant to issue a written apology. Rohey John Manjang also seeks a perpetual injunction restraining the defendant, along with any associates, agents, or contacts, from making further defamatory statements against her in any form or manner.
Additionally, the plaintiff requests an order for the defendant to remove all defamatory statements about her from his social media platforms, including his website and Facebook page. She also seeks damages of 50 million dalasis as special damages, an administrative cost of 500,000 dalasis, with an interest rate of 15% per annum until judgment.
The plaintiff claims that on May 22, 2024, her orderly received a call from the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, Babucarr Zaidi Jallow. He informed her orderly that Lower River Region Forestry Officer Lamin Bajo had requested her to return his call. The plaintiff responded to this request and was informed of the confiscation of two illegally felled timber logs by individuals from Kaif village, Kiang East District.
Mr. Bajo also informed the plaintiff that the Lower River Region Governor, Seedy Lamin Bah, alleged that the plaintiff instructed the logs to be transported to the governor’s office. The plaintiff refuted this allegation and instructed Mr. Bajo to ensure that the logs were neither moved nor sold. The plaintiff asked Bajo about the cost of disposing of confiscated logs, to which he responded that, per the Forestry Act of 2018, each log is valued at 20,000 dalasis.
The plaintiff instructed Mr. Bajo to identify a buyer so that the proceeds, amounting to 40,000 dalasis, could be deposited directly into the National Forestry Fund bank account, with a receipt issued as per protocol.
On or about May 23, 2024, the buyer reached out to Mr. Bajo to facilitate the sale. However, Mr. Bajo declined to proceed, informing the buyer that “the minister has no right to sell confiscated logs.”
On May 24, 2024, the plaintiff sent an email to Permanent Secretary Ebrima Jawara, expressing serious concerns about the ongoing forest depletion and the alleged inaction of Regional Forestry Officer Lamin Bajo and the Director of Forestry. She stated that she had instructed the Director of Forestry to ensure Mr. Bajo complied with the proper disposal of the logs, warning that failure to do so could result in disciplinary action.
On June 16, 2024, Permanent Secretary Ebrima Jawara reportedly received a text message from the defendant, reading:
“Good evening PS, this is Kebba Ansu Manneh of The Alkamba Times. Would you mind shedding light on the minister’s attempt to sell an illegally felled mahogany tree at Kiang Kaif? Is it true that the minister personally sold that tree? We also understand that the minister conspired with Bakary Fatty and sold the mahogany to Lamin Jassey.”
The Permanent Secretary did not respond to this message or forward it to the plaintiff, as he considered it fabricated and did not wish to ruin her Eid ul-Adha holiday. The message was later shared with the plaintiff on June 18, 2024, when work resumed after the holiday break.
Upon receiving the message, the plaintiff requested that the Permanent Secretary call the defendant and place him on speakerphone. The Permanent Secretary invited the defendant for an interview, but the defendant, claiming to be in Kaur, could not attend. The defendant allegedly proceeded to make unsubstantiated allegations, accusing the plaintiff of selling an illegally felled mahogany tree for 200,000 dalasis and receiving $150,000 into her personal account from the sale.
The plaintiff claims that on June 19, 2024, the defendant falsely published defamatory statements on The Alkamba Times website under the title, “Environment Minister, Former LRR Governor Accused of Involvement in an Illegal Transaction of Seized Logs.” These statements included:
“An inquiry uncovered signs of corruption involving the Environment Minister, Rohey John Manjang, and ex-Governor of Lower River Region Seedy Lamin Bah, implicating them in disposing of remnants from an illegally felled mahogany tree in Kiang East District.”
“The mahogany tree was allegedly purchased for 200,000 dalasis, with 150,000 deposited into an account reportedly belonging to Minister Rohey John Manjang, while the remaining 50,000 was paid into Bakary Fatty’s account, a well-known local politician in the area.”
The plaintiff claims that the publication of these false statements has severely harmed her credit and reputation, bringing her into public scandal, odium, and contempt. She alleges that the defendant’s defamatory actions have caused the public, including her family, friends, and online followers, to question her integrity, viewing her as an unethical and corrupt minister involved in unlawful activities.
Modou M. Drammeh, representing the plaintiff, informed the court that they had been served with the statement and would need time to file a reply.
Court: “In the interest of justice, this case is adjourned to December 12, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. for mention and settlement.”
One Purpose Charity Foundation, a non-profit organization founded on May 19, 2022, is committed to providing essential support to vulnerable communities across The Gambia. Despite financial hurdles, the foundation continues to spearhead projects aimed at aiding the needy, with a mission to expand its impact through local and international partnerships.
One Purpose Charity Foundation was established to aid the less fortunate in The Gambia. In a short time, the organization has launched several impactful projects but faces significant financial challenges that hamper its efforts. Fatima M. Idiareh, Vice President of One Purpose Charity Foundation, noted that while dedicated members of the organization work tirelessly to fulfill their mission, financial resources remain a primary obstacle.
The foundation’s current projects encompass both major and minor initiatives. Among their ongoing smaller projects is a mosque-cleaning campaign, which began in October 2024. This initiative started at Brikama Masjid and continued to Farato, focusing on larger mosques along the highway, with plans to expand further into areas such as Lamin. This effort reflects the foundation’s commitment to supporting and enhancing community spaces.
In addition to the mosque-cleaning initiative, One Purpose Charity Foundation has undertaken several major projects to provide aid to the community. These projects include:
Ramadan Packages for families in need,
Mosque Renovations to improve worship spaces,
Hospital Visits with donations of fruits and food items, scheduled for December 1, 2024,
Market Visits to assist women vendors with supplies like aprons,
Garden Visits supporting female gardeners with tools and manure,
Support for Orphans and Madrasa Students by providing school supplies, and
Water Aid Projects, particularly in provincial areas.
Reflecting on the foundation’s efforts, Idiareh shared that the Ramadan package and mosque-cleaning projects left a significant impact on the community. She emphasized that these initiatives reflect the foundation’s dedication to serving vulnerable populations despite limited resources.
A key priority for the organization is partnering with media houses to increase its visibility and reach potential donors. By sharing its story with a wider audience, the foundation hopes to attract additional support and resources to sustain and expand its projects.
Looking to the future, Idiareh expressed a vision for One Purpose Charity Foundation to “stand firm on its ground” and continue to grow in capacity to assist those in need. As the foundation approaches its upcoming hospital visit project on December 1, the organization remains hopeful about the potential for a positive impact on the community.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), Louis Moses Mendy, has responded to the concerns raised by the Gambia Teachers Union regarding unpaid School Improvement Grants (SIG) and the alleged lack of textbooks for students in various grades.
In an interview with The Fatu Network, PS Mendy acknowledged the delay in SIG payments, stating that the Finance Ministry has allocated the necessary funds and that payments will be processed shortly.
Regarding concerns about the lack of textbooks for students in various grades across the country, PS Mendy told The Fatu Network that shipments of books meant for grades 1-9 are on the way to Banjul. Hopefully, they will arrive here by the end of this month as per the schedule.
“As we speak the shipment of books supply for the various grades up to grade nine is underway and we are expecting them before the end of the month (November),” he said.
He also added that for the new grade ten students affected by the book shortages, the necessary steps have been taken and printing of the textbooks commenced and their supply to school will be done soon. “Only the new grade 10s are affected and we are printing the books,” he said.
Mendy reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to addressing the needs of students and teachers to ensure proper education service delivery takes place for the country’s progress.
In an age where collaborative governance is more crucial than ever, Lamin K. Saidy, the Presidential Youth Adviser of Gambia took centre stage at a prestigious ministerial workshop held at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Science aimed at enhancing the capacities of presidential advisers in developing countries. The workshop, attended by representatives from various nations, aimed to foster dialogue and exchange innovative strategies for national governance in the face of contemporary challenges.
Saidy, recognized for his impactful initiatives in empowering the youth within the Gambia emphasized the pivotal role young people play in shaping modern governance. During his address, he outlined a vision where youth engagement transcends traditional governance models, proposing instead a collaborative framework that harnesses the unique perspectives and energy of the younger generations.
” Mr. Chairman, as Presidential Adviser on Youth, my role is very critical as it relates to over 57% of the population. My role includes advising His Excellency on issues affecting youth especially relating to job opportunities, irregular migration, access to capital and financing, etc
The workshop brought together Presidential Advisers from 7 African countries (West Africa, East Africa and Southern African countries. Saidy acknowledged that The Gambia has a lot to learn from China, especially in harnessing the power of digital technology and innovative leadership to drive progress and development in our nation.
“In an increasingly interconnected world, digital public infrastructure has emerged as a cornerstone for effective governance, citizen engagement, and service delivery. China’s remarkable journey in building robust digital infrastructure and leveraging technology for governance and public service delivery serves as a beacon of inspiration for nations around the globe, including The Gambia.
From e-governance initiatives to digital identity systems, China has demonstrated exemplary leadership in harnessing the potential of technology to enhance transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in governance”. He outlines
The Presidential youth adviser underscores the significance of the training noting it serves as an opportunity to draw a wealth of knowledge and experiences from the experts and speakers lined up as they seek to explore innovative strategies and best practices that they can adapt and implement within their national context to strengthen governance structures and improve service delivery for their citizens.
“As we engage in enriching discussions and interactive sessions throughout this workshop, let us seize this opportunity to deepen our understanding, broaden our perspectives, and forge meaningful connections with counterparts from other developing countries. It is worth noting that China-Gambia relations have been long-standing and the Government of The Gambia has in many ways benefited from support from the Chinese Government- ranging from education scholarship packages, health support, agriculture and technical support, access to financing of critical projects, to name a few. We remain grateful”. He outlines
In this special feature of The Fatu Network, we highlight Corporal Modou Badjie, a resident of Tamba Kunda Village in Foni Bintang Karenai, who is making notable advancements in the construction sector while balancing his police duties and sports activities. Badjie, who comes from a disadvantaged background, joined The Gambia Police Force in 2014 after completing high school, following years of hardship and countless sacrifices.
Before finishing high school, Badjie shared the challenges he faced in his education, stating, “I used one uniform from grade 10 to 12, and I went to school without eating anything most of the time.” This sacrifice helped him develop resilience, especially after losing his father at a young age. Driven by a desire for success, Modou also took on skills work to support his family, alongside his brother, who has served nearly two decades as a soldier. After joining the police, he chose to learn construction and carpentry to further provide for his family.
“With my current salary, I cannot assist my family. That’s why I also engage in construction work to earn additional income,” he explained, noting that the skill is a fulfilling endeavor. “Sometimes, I have my own contracts. I construct houses and handle roofing. As a police officer, I go on night patrols, and in the morning, I head straight to the construction site. If I don’t have my own contracts, I work for others during the day and get paid,” he elaborated. Badjie has been doing this for nearly a decade since joining the police and celebrated his 10th anniversary in the force on November 10, 2024.
Balancing his police work with construction has its challenges, but Badjie mentioned that he has a supportive boss who understands his work schedule and side projects. “Sometimes my boss allows me to leave for construction work if I have specific contracts,” he stated.
In addition to his construction and police work, Modou is also involved in sports and aspires to excel as a referee. He began his refereeing career in 2016, two years after joining the police, and finds inspiration in a well-known Gambian referee, Papa Gassama. “At that time, I was managing a video club owned by my brother. One day, while watching a match featuring Holland, I saw Papa as the central referee. The commentator’s introduction about him motivated me to start, and I hope to emulate him one day,” he shared.
Currently, Badjie is an active referee in the West Coast Region Elite B and aims to become a professional referee. “On days when I have a match to officiate, I work on construction until 2 PM, then I shower and head to the field. This journey has been challenging. Sometimes my colleagues tease me about my constant work. I always smile and respond, ‘Yes, in the country we live in, we must work hard.’” He added, “I aspire to be an international referee and a FIFA badge holder to elevate The Gambian flag. Recently, I have a mentor, Abdoullah N. Jammeh, whose games I follow closely.”
Badjie’s story is genuinely inspiring, and he is reaching out to others for assistance with contracts to help him realize his dreams.
The Government announced the dispatch of an official delegation to the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which was set to begin on Monday, November 11.
The summit focuses on supporting Palestine and Lebanon amid rising tensions in the region. The delegation representing The Gambia includes Dr. Momodou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Momodou Sabally, the President’s Special Adviser, Yankuba Dibba, CEO of the OIC Secretariat, and Ambassador OJ Sallah.
Dr. Tangara emphasized the summit’s significance, stating, “This summit is crucial in addressing the urgent needs of Palestine and Lebanon.” The Gambia’s participation underscores its commitment to supporting these countries during this critical time.
The investigation into the death of Moustapha Ba, former Senegalese Finance Minister, has deepened following recent interviews and statements, as disclosed by local sources. After a preliminary autopsy raised questions about the nature of Ba’s passing, Senegalese authorities have postponed funeral arrangements to conduct further inquiries.
Ba’s widow, Yassine Sall Ba, was interviewed by the Division of Criminal Investigations (DIC) in Senegal. According to L’Observateur, investigators questioned her about the circumstances in which she discovered her husband’s body. Ba reportedly fell ill while en route to a pharmacy in Paris and was later taken to a hospital, where he spent several days in a coma before his death on November 4.
Yassine Sall Ba informed investigators that her husband had left Dakar in good health despite having chronic kidney issues that required medication. She explained that she traveled to Paris after several days of silence from her husband and unsuccessful attempts to reach him by phone. Yassine was accompanied in her search by family friend and former cabinet aide Babou Diédhiou, who also spoke to investigators about their time in Paris.
Meanwhile, Senegal’s chief prosecutor, Ibrahima Ndoye, has met with Ba’s family, represented by their attorney, El Hadji Diouf. Diouf stated that the prosecutor reassured the family that they would regain custody of Ba’s body soon. “Only a few formalities remain,” Diouf added, with expectations that the family could recover Ba’s body within the coming days.
The former cabinet aide Diédhiou, who assisted Ba in international travel logistics, did not accompany Ba on his final trip to France. Diédhiou later joined Yassine in Paris to help locate Ba. Both returned to Dakar on Saturday with Ba’s remains, which are expected to be released for burial after the final investigative steps are completed.
The police have indicated that the inquiry could yield “surprising answers and unexpected conclusions” in the days ahead.
The National Coordinator for The Gambia’s Victim Centre, Adama Jallow, has called on the government to intensify efforts in the search for the remains of the soldiers who were massacred on November 11, 1994, during the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh.
This tragic event, part of a broader context of violence and human rights abuses during Jammeh’s rule, remains a painful chapter in The Gambia’s history.
As part of the event marking the commemoration of 30 years since the horrible incident occurred, Mr Jallow leveraged the opportunity to draw the government’s attention to the issue of justice and renewed efforts to intensify the search for remains of fallen soldiers who were not given a befitting burial.
“We would want the government to push on when it comes to the 11th of November. The victim centre and other victim-led organizations are taking this opportunity to remind and urge the government through the Ministery of Justice and other relevant stakeholders such as the National Human Rights Commission who are charged with the responsibility to monitor the implementation of the TRRC report and the government White Paper to continue searching for the remains of the soldiers who were improperly buried at the Yundum barracks and elsewhere so that they can be received by their families for befitting burial,” he said.
Jallow stressed that the government must take concrete steps to locate the remains of those who lost their lives and to ensure that proper memorialization efforts are undertaken.
“We would also like the government to fulfil its promise to build a state-of-the-art forensics laboratory for the identification of exhume bodies. We would also like to remind the government to ensure that the remains of those exhumed that are currently lying at the mortuary be identified and returned to their families”.
This call to action highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition and redress among victims of political violence in The Gambia, as well as the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the historical injustices faced by individuals and families affected by the regime’s actions.
At today’s Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman demanded an immediate halt to Israel’s military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, condemning the attacks as a “massacre” against Palestinians and Lebanese people.
Leaders, including Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, convened at this extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address escalating violence and the recent collapse of Israel-Hamas peace talks, following Qatar’s withdrawal as a mediator due to what it described as bad-faith negotiations.
With Lebanon facing an “existential crisis,” Prime Minister Najib Mikati warned of dire consequences if the conflict continues. The summit aims to gather support for de-escalation, focusing on immediate security concerns and long-term diplomatic strategies.
The Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, Fatou Kinteh, has praised Moth Sarr, known as Njie Charakh, the CEO of Njie Charakh World Market, and expressed her ministry’s interest in collaborating with him to empower women.
Minister Kinteh made these remarks during her recent visit to the Njie Charakh School of Business and Entrepreneurship, where she witnessed the inauguration of 200 new entrepreneurs enrolled in skills training.
Speaking to reporters at the school, Mrs. Kinteh commended Njie for his initiative, saying it aligns with her ministry’s core mandate.
“I want to thank Njie Charakh for the initiative, for taking it upon himself to help young women by training them in entrepreneurship,” she said.
She described business as a rewarding career, noting that SMEs play a vital role in nation-building.
“It’s the responsibility of all of us to promote and empower SMEs. What Njie is doing is marvelous, training young entrepreneurs and providing them with loans to start their businesses,” she added.
Minister Kinteh acknowledged that, despite women being the majority of the population in the country, they remain among the most vulnerable. For her, empowering women economically grants them independence.
“Njie is creating employment and reducing poverty in the country. I want to assure the women that, with Njie Charakh, the sky is the limit. Let them be committed. I’m very impressed because Njie is helping me in my work.”
She continued, “This is why I embrace Njie, and I’m ready to work with him. We visited his shop in October, and we were impressed.”
According to her, the visit to Njie’s shop in October left a deep impression, affirming that her ministry will collaborate with Njie to support women.
“This is the fifth batch he has trained. Njie is doing a great job and deserves commendation and support,” Kinteh told reporters.
For his part, Moth Sarr (Njie Charakh) shared that supporting young entrepreneurs is his passion. He revealed his intention to expand his entrepreneurial training to benefit more young people in the country, though he cited ongoing challenges as obstacles.
“I have many ideas that, if implemented, could help create jobs for thousands of young people, but I lack the financial resources to do it alone. What I want for myself is what I want for others—that’s why I choose to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs,” he said. Njie also wants to expand his entrepreneurial journey to include diverse activities.
“For young boys, I want to start something special for them, and by the time I am ready, they will see the benefits. We can create as many jobs for young people as possible. For example, if you buy 200 tricycles and employ 400 young people to work in shifts—200 in the morning and 200 in the afternoon—you create 400 jobs, directly supporting 400 families daily,” he explained.
Njie stated that he aims to create employment for more than five thousand young people in the next five years or more.
“If I have the support, I will empower young people and ensure they create employment for themselves. For those in carpentry, I want to empower them by providing the tools and materials they need so that when they produce furniture, they can bring it to me to sell, and we will all benefit,” he noted.
In his view, some have the skills but lack resources, while others have resources but lack skills, underscoring the need for partnerships.
The Spanish Diplomatic Antenna in Banjul and The Gambia Government have issued clarifications regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Circular Migration signed between The Gambia and Spain on August 28, 2024. These statements aim to prevent public confusion and unauthorized recruitment practices.
The Spanish Diplomatic Antenna expressed concern over certain media reports suggesting that private agencies had received licenses to recruit workers for the Spanish program. The note highlighted that such reports conflict with the MoU’s guidelines, specifically Article 3, which mandates that “the signatory Ministerial Department of The Gambia will carry out a system of pre-selection of candidates under the control of the public authority… through the Network of Employment Services.” Additionally, the Antenna cautioned against agencies charging fees for recruitment, stating that “some private agencies (ex: Help Them In The Gambia) are allegedly charging up to D50,000 for recruitment for the Spanish program.”
In response, Ebrima G. Sankareh, The Gambia Government Spokesperson, reiterated that “no Private Recruitment Agency is licensed to recruit workers for deployment to the Kingdom of Spain,” and warned the public against engaging with such agencies for employment opportunities in Spain. Sankareh further noted that the “Public Employment Services Unit of the Department of Labour… has been designated as the competent authority to coordinate and facilitate the recruitment process under the MoU.”
The government also clarified that a recent letter mistakenly referred to the Spanish program when it should have addressed manpower agreements with Saudi Arabia. Sankareh expressed regret, stating, “the inclusion of the MoU on the Spanish Circular Migration Programme, signed by the Government of The Gambia and the Kingdom of Spain… was unintentional, and we extend our profound apologies to the public for the inconvenience this error may have caused.”
The Ministry emphasized that only the following agencies are authorized for recruitment under the Saudi agreement, free of charge: Outsource Recruitment Agency, Mbaye Consultancy Agency, Gamjobs Recruitment Agency, Tokey Recruitment Agency, and Cruise Ship The Gambia. Sankareh reiterated, “The Public is further advised that there is No Cost attached to the recruitment processes.”
These statements aim to ensure that Gambian citizens receive accurate information and are protected from unauthorized or exploitative recruitment practices.
The Gambia Armed Forces commemorated Remembrance Day on November 10, at McCarthy Square in Banjul, with Vice President Muhammed BS Jallow presiding on behalf of President Adama Barrow.
The event honored fallen soldiers with a Guard of Honour, a match-past by the Gambia National Army, Navy, and Republican National Guard, and included members of the Gambia Legion, Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides.
Highlights included the piling of drums, religious prayers, and wreath-laying to remember those who sacrificed their lives in wars abroad and for peace.
High-ranking officials and members of the diplomatic corps attended, marking the solemn occasion with tributes and military music.
Could “Emergency” Meeting in Saudi Signal Failing Negotiations Between Israel and Hamas? What Role Could Senegal Play?
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye departed Dakar this morning for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he will attend the Extraordinary Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on November 11.
The summit, which many are calling an “emergency” meeting, will focus on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict and the situation in Lebanon.
This comes amid growing tensions, with Qatar recently suspending its role as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas talks, citing a lack of good-faith negotiations from both sides, according to CNN.
The Public Prosecutor’s office of Senegal has announced that former Finance Minister Moustapha Ba’s death was not due to natural causes, with autopsy findings revealing suspicious elements, as reported by Seneweb. According to a press release from the Parquet du Procureur de la République (Prosecutor’s Office), the autopsy results indicate that the death was not natural, and further investigative actions are required. As a result, the arrangements for the removal and burial of his body have been postponed.
Moustapha Ba served as Minister of Finance and Budget under President Macky Sall’s administration from September 2022 until his recent passing on November 5, 2024. He worked closely with Prime Minister Amadou Ba and was recognized for his significant role in managing Senegal’s fiscal policies.
The full press release issued by the Prosecutor’s office reads:
“The results of the autopsy ordered to determine the causes of death of Minister Mamadou Moustapha Ba revealed several elements which are likely to attest that the death was not natural. For the purposes of investigations which require additional investigative actions, the formalities relating to the procedure for removing the body and burial are postponed to a later date.”
(Fait au Parquet, November 10, 2024). This investigation continues as authorities seek to determine the full circumstances surrounding his death.
Panellists from ‘Giss Giss,’ a popular weekly show on The Fatu Network, have called on the Gambian government to thoroughly examine the circular migration agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Spain and to implement all necessary safety measures to protect citizens from potential harm.
The show’s panellists raised concerns following the surge of excitement among the young population, who seem to be extremely excited about the project.
Commenting on The Gambia-Saudi Arabia deal, Nancy Jallow, a gender activist cited alleged sexual harassment, and exploitation in Saudi as a worrisome issue that could potentially lead to sexual harassment of the citizens if the Gambia government does not take any serious measures.
She rejected the Saudi deal, saying the country has a history of sexual harassment of women.
“This is a country that has a high level of security exploitation and trafficking. For me, it’s not a good idea. Every day our girls are being sexually abused in Saudi all in the name of job offers,” she said.
Despite acknowledging that the deal could have potential benefits, Nancy remains unconvinced about the outcome of the deal.
“For me, Saudi is not a good place for our young people,” she added.
When questioned about the Spain circular migration project, Nancy stated that the government has not provided any tangible explanation thus she will reserve her comments.
Doudou Jah, a prominent actor in Gambia’s political landscape, said the deals are good but noted that proper screening needs to be put in place for the safety of the citizens.
“This is a good initiative, but the government should make sure that all measures are in place so that these people are not put into harmful situations.
“Government should assess the work situation, duration of work hours, food the beneficiaries eat, places they sleep, health conditions, pay and so on,” he said.
Jah also mentioned that the job requirements have raised concerns about the difficulty of the jobs that citizens will undertake in Spain and Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Dabakh Malick, a businessman and social commentator, said the intention of the government is good but stated that the excitement should not overshadow the need to do a proper assessment.
He added that the government should provide an enabling environment for all to strive and achieve their goals.
The businessman called for robust implementation of measures to help the citizens get good jobs that could help change their lives.
Over the past weeks, the number of Gambians especially the youths applying for passports has significantly increased with many recently queuing at immigration offices.
This has also raised concerns about Gambians’ desire to travel.
Bakary K Badjie, the National Assembly Member for the Foni Bintang Karanai constituency, expressed deep dissatisfaction in an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network regarding what he views as selective awarding in the distribution of rural electrification projects, particularly questioning the integrity of the process in communities like Jakoi Bintang, which were not on the initial list.
In August 2023, the community expressed concerns over the lack of electricity on The Fatu Network, leading the Public Relations officer and the MP to visit and engage in productive discussions.
The rural electrification initiative, aiming to improve electricity access throughout The Gambia, has been met with criticism. Nonetheless, the Foni Bintang NAM has claimed that the distribution of resources within the constituency is biased, indicating a pattern of favouritism and neglect. This undermines the equitable development assured by the ex-NAWEC Managing Director, Nani Juwara, who has since been appointed as the Minister of Energy.
The National Assembly Member for Foni Bintang highlighted specific cases where certain communities received electricity installations, while others did not, a decision he finds incomprehensible. Likewise, the NAM mentioned that he had followed up with the former Director of NAWEC, Nani Jawara, who confirmed that all villages in his constituency would benefit from the electrification project.
“I went to Nani Juwara, the then director [of NAWEC] and I told him this is the situation at hand. He showed me a list and he told me that they were supposed to have and also gave me numbers to contact. I contacted [the numbers] but in the end, they never picked up my calls,” he said.
The Foni Bintang NAM expressed disappointment over the absence of electricity in other villages in his constituency, noting that he engaged the minister [about the issue] during the questions and answer session at the National Assembly.
“I am disappointed because I spoke about this at the National Assembly and the minister said by 2025 all the villages in Foni will have electricity, so I am waiting to see [if that will happen],” he said.
Badjie stated that following the meeting with the Public Relations Officer and residents in Jakoi Bintang and two other villages, his subsequent follow-ups with the relevant authorities have been fruitless. He attributes this to what he perceives as NAWEC’s failure to honour the commitments made to his community.
“Nothing has changed. There was no change that has happened. Jakoi Sibirik, Bitta, Gilembeh, Jakoi Bintang, and Sikicon are big communities, and they do not have electricity. I don’t know the reason. I have been making constant follow-ups with them.
As the rural electrification project progresses, the ambiguous NAM emphasized his commitment to ensuring that promises made are promises kept, and that no community is overlooked in the stride towards progress.
After reports that board schoolteachers had not received their October salaries, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Louis Moses Mendy, denied the non-payment of board school salaries while admitting that the payment was delayed.
PS Mendy confirmed this during a recorded telephone interview with The Fatu Network.
When asked about the accusation that teachers in board schools across the country have still not received their October salary, Mendy replied: “This is not accurate. I will accept and acknowledge that it was delayed and it’s not from our end but the process. The salaries are paid. Some people may not be able to access it through their banks yet but that is different from it not being paid at all”.
He added: “We have to know that some processes do take time at banks and that is not our fault. Anyone dealing with banks knows this, and salary is never held without being paid”.
Teachers in board schools are urging the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to pay their October salaries. They report that the delay has not only affected their financial stability but has also raised concerns about morale and motivation in the classrooms.
“The delay has sparked frustration and financial constraints among teachers, many of whom rely on their monthly income to support their families,” The Fatu Network was told.
When TFN contacted the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, he acknowledged the delay but denied the claims that the salaries had not been paid.
