Former Chief Executive Officer of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), Sainabou Martin Sonko, has accused KMC of deleting financial records from the system.
Sonko’s allegations came during her testimony on December 16 before the ongoing Local Government Commission of Inquiry.
She reported an incident in which the financial records of the Kanifing Municipal Council were deleted from the system. Sainabou told the commission that she advised the Council that the system developer should be questioned for an explanation regarding the deletions.
At that time, the deputy director of finance, Sheriff Njie, wrote a letter addressing the issue of the deleted financial records. This letter was submitted as evidence before the commission. It indicated that over D297,000 worth of receipts had been deleted and noted that while the monies had been received, they had not been deposited in the bank.
During this incident, Sainabou Martin served as the CEO of the Kanifing Municipal Council and informed the commission that the matter had been forwarded to the Establishment and Appointment Committee of the KMC.
“Sheriff Njie was tasked to engage the system developer. The matter was not resolved until I left the KMC,” she said.
Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez asked Martin: “There was enough time to discuss and address the issue. What was holding you as the CEO to address the issue?”
“I was waiting for the [decision of] Establishment and Appointment Committee,” Martin answered.
Lead Counsel Gomez then told her that “seven months was enough time to address the issue”.
Martin, however, maintained her position that she was waiting for the Establishment and Appointment Committee.
She acknowledged that the issue had never been addressed during her tenure and admitted that she did not take any proactive steps to tackle the matter. She also noted that the Mayor did not take the reported corruption issue seriously.
According to reporting by the Associated Press, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s nuclear, biological, and chemical protection forces, was killed in Moscow on Tuesday by a bomb hidden in a scooter outside his apartment.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility for the attack, which also killed Kirillov’s assistant. The incident came a day after the SBU filed criminal charges against him for allegedly directing the use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine. Russia, which denies using chemical weapons, has labeled the attack as terrorism and pledged retaliation.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG), has arrested one Alieu Njie, a 41-year-old Germany-based Gambian on Tuesday at the Banjul International Airport for possession of prohibited drugs.
Njie who holds a Gambian passport and Germany permit was interrogated at the airport hall upon arrival from via SN Brussels 233.
“He was arrested with ten packs of ecstasy tablets amounting to Fourty Seven thousand and seventy-eight (47078) tablets of Ecstasy by DLEAG/JAITF officer at the arrival hall on the 17 December 2024,” DLEAG said.
Njie’s arrest is among the many cases of the agency continue to make from travelers using the airport to smuggle prohibited drugs from different countries.
President Adama Barrow’s series of recent announcements, all clarifying his intentions of a third term in office, have sparked debate across our political spectrum. During his 2016 campaign, Barrow promised to serve only one term if elected, a pledge that earned him significant support. Many of his supporters saw this as a commitment to break away from the country’s authoritarian past and bring in an era of accountable leadership. Yet soon afterwards, in 2021, Barrow announced his intention to seek re-election, attributing this sudden shift to the desire of his supporters for him to continue leading… This has expectedly led to questions. Is Barrow breaking his promise, or is he simply following the law, or more accurately, the expressed will of his people? The answer is not straightforward, but it is clear that, by the current legal framework also known as The Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, 1997, Barrow simply has every right to run for a third term.
Under The Gambia’s 1997 Constitution, which remains the law of the land, there are no explicit term limits for the presidency. The 2020 referendum that sought to introduce term limits was rejected, and as a result, the current constitutional framework does not prevent Barrow from seeking re-election. Whether we believe his decision aligns with his original pledge or think it may have always been part of his plan, that is a matter of opinion. What is clear is that the legal system does not stop him from running again.
The Gambia’s population was approximately 2,697,845 last year (2023). Regarding voter registration, the most recent available data is from the 2016 elections, with 962,157 registered voters representing about 61.58% of the population at the time. In the 2021 presidential election held on December 4, about 90% of registered voters in The Gambia cast their votes. This relatively high voter turnout shows that Gambians do care about the democratic process; however, the effectiveness of this participation is often times undermined by tribal sentiments where voters tend to prioritize tribal loyalty instead of focusing on progress as well as economic prosperity. This makes the election process less about progress and more about tribal feelings.
The failure to bring a ‘Draft New Constitution’ to the public for a referendum is an important point in this discussion. The Draft Constitution, which included a proposal for term limits for the presidency, was rejected by the National Assembly in September 2020. This rejection was largely due to opposition from several political parties and members of the National Assembly. The bill, however, was particularly controversial due to the infamous clause which proposed a two-term limit for the head of state – at the time, and still currently, Adama Barrow. A majority of Parliamentarians felt introducing a term limit would be overly restrictive. They argued that it didn’t reflect the political realities of the time. The document’s rejection by the Assembly is part of the democratic process, as it reflected the stance of certain political groups in the country who didn’t support term limits. In that sense, it can be argued that this rejection represented a portion of the country’s position against term limits.
However, one could also argue that the rejection of the Draft Constitution in the National Assembly deprived the Gambian public of the opportunity to express their will on the matter. If the document had passed through the Assembly, it would have been put to a referendum, where all Gambians would have had the chance to directly vote on it. The fact that this process was cut short in Parliament leaves one to wonder: Did the presidency foresee that the public might vote differently and thus use its influence to ensure the draft was killed in the National Assembly before it could even reach the public? If this is the case, it could be seen as a form of anti-democracy, where the will of the people was circumvented.
But is this situation the result of an undemocratic action, or is it a symptom of our failure as a society to hold our leaders, including National Assembly members and the President, accountable? Could this rejection signal a larger problem of political lethargy – or rather, a lack of meaningful participation in our political process?
For those who oppose Barrow’s third-term bid, simply objecting and calling for him to step down will not change the situation. The truth is, you cannot sit back and expect change without getting involved. If you want term limits – or any other kind of political reform – you must be active participants in the political process. It is not enough to simply oppose; you must work within the system to bring about the change you want.
Democratic processes provide avenues for change. Gambians must vote for National Assembly Members (NAMs) who support constitutional reforms, including term limits – if that is what we in fact want. These representatives hold the power to propose, debate, and vote on changes to the current Constitution. President Barrow, too, has a role in initiating reforms, but any changes must first be approved by the National Assembly and then put to a referendum where we the people can have our say. For those who want constitutional reform, it is important to vote for leaders who are committed to these issues and to actively participate in the democratic process.
Too often, political decisions are influenced by tribal loyalties instead of reality-based policies that truly affect everyday individuals, families, and the country at large. It is time Gambians look beyond tribalism and focus on the actions of our leaders. We must stop blindly following politicians and start holding them accountable for their actions. Leaders must be evaluated on their performance, not on their ethnicity.
If President Barrow chooses to run for a third term, he is within his legal rights. The key question for Gambians, however, is how much we are willing to engage in the political process to bring about the changes we want. Opposing Barrow’s decision without getting involved in the system will not lead to the reforms some people seek. To shape the future of The Gambia, citizens must take an active role in order to elect the right leaders, then hold them accountable for their promises. Politics is not something that happens to us. It is something we must actively engage in and influence. The power to create change lies within us, and it is time we exercise that power, fully.
Pa Modou Bojang, CEO of Home Digital FM, has been awarded D15 million in damages and D200,000 in legal costs yesterday by the High Court in Banjul. The ruling follows his lawsuit against the police and government, stemming from the 2018 Faraba Banta incident. Bojang alleged that he was assaulted, unlawfully detained, and had his equipment confiscated by Police Intervention Unit (PIU) officers while covering a land dispute as part of his work as a journalist.
The judgment has drawn attention to issues of accountability and press freedom, with many considering it a significant development in addressing alleged rights violations by security forces. The outcome is being viewed as a potential precedent for strengthening protections for journalists and citizens alike.
Sainabou Martin Sonko, the former chief executive officer of the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) under Talib Ahmed Bensouda’s mayorship, has told the ongoing local government commission of inquiry that the environment at KMC was intimidating.
“The environment was intimidating. We were made to do things that we did not want to do,” she said.
Sonko told the commission that the KMC officials including the mayor used to remind her of Salama Njie, a former CEO of the KMC, who was removed through a council resolution.
“In fact, [what happened to her] was what happened to me,” Sonko said, adding that the reminders about Njie were done to intimidate her so that she would do things as it pleased them.
Sainabou testified regarding the procurement of 300 bags of rice by the council, a process that did not adhere to procurement rules.
Martin presented receipts that documented donations from various businesses, including banks and financial institutions, which supported the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) in its COVID-19 relief efforts.
Sainabou explained that Mayor Bensouda informed her that his brother, Lawyer Abdul Aziz Bensouda, had negotiated with Shyben A. Madi for the procurement of the 300 bags of rice, and this led to the KMC proceeding with the purchase.
“KMC made the payment from the donations received for the COVID-19 relief,” she said while admitting that “the procurement rules were disregarded”.
Lead Counsel Gomez reminded Sonko that the mayor’s family law firm had represented the KMC and ceased to do so only after his election in 2018 due to a conflict of interest. Subsequently, Senghore’s Law Practice assumed representation.
Sainabou responded: “The mayor informed me that Aziz was his personal lawyer.”
Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez directed the witness’s attention to the Local Government Finance and Audit Act, which stipulates that donations constitute part of the council’s revenue.
Sonko admitted: “It did not follow due process, and the procurement officer queried the request for the purchase of the rice”.
Standards are frameworks that are needed to assure safety of products, to ensure that products and materials are tailored-made for their purpose, facilitate trade by removing trade barriers and promote common understanding of a product. They ensure consistent practices, quality, and efficiency throughout the entire production and distribution chain.
Maintaining and implementing these standards is essential for business and the trade sector. In this strive, The Gambia is not left out. The Government has established The Gambia Standards Bureau (TGSB), a leading quality infrastructure institution in the country. Their main purpose is to standardize methods, processes and products. The Bureau promotes standardization, conformity assessment and metrology in the fields of industry and commerce to support industrial efficiency and development.
Horticulture has a great prospect in The Gambia. It is a key driver of incomes, jobs and poverty reduction, especially among women. However, despite these prospects, women and other actors have been grappling with challenges in the horticultural production sector.
Among these challenges are responsiveness to market requirements and the non-compliance of standards by the horticulture value chain actors themselves.
These aforementioned challenges have hindered the sector’s growth and competitiveness. This is where the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) through West Africa Competitiveness Programme – The Gambia (WACOMP-GM) fits in.
The European Union-funded WACOMP-GM project brought a gleaming hope for both horticulture producers and quality infrastructure institutions like TGSB.
The project has supported TGSB to develop 12 national horticultural standards for onion and allied crops. These standards cover, among others, the specification of onions, good agricultural practices, good manufacturing practices, handling, storage and labeling and packaging of horticultural produce.
Not just the development of standards, the project supplied equipment to the Bureau and developed the capacities of their technicians.
“All these capacity building trainings are geared towards strengthening the technical capacity of TGSB and support in the development of relevant national standards,” said Papa Secka, Director General of The Gambia Standards Bureau.
He added that these trainings were mainly related to how to operate and analyze in the laboratory using equipment the project had supplied.
According to Adalberto Carvalho Santos Vieira, UNIDO International Quality Infrastructure Expert, the trainings are directly related with TGSB mandate and are expected to improve technicians’ skills and boost the institutional development by allowing knowledge transfer and best-practices sharing.
Meanwhile, Abdoulie F. Njie is a TGSB Laboratory Technician who works at the National Quality Laboratory in Abuko.
Abdoulie is one of the trainees who later became a trainer that benefitted from numerous WACOMP-GM trainings.
He was one of the trained-trainers hired by the project to train women gardeners across the country on how to assemble and operate the 120 weighing scales procured by the project.
He is now busy at the National Metrology Laboratory where he was meticulously putting into practice the knowledge and skills he gained from the WACOMP-GM trainings.
While he was full of praise for the knowledge he gained from their trainings, Abdoulie said the trainings he underwent have significantly boosted his understanding of laboratory equipment and by extension the weighing scale.
“This project really helped me a lot, I cannot overstate how helpful this project was, but we owe UNIDO through WACOMP a lot for impacting on us the knowledge of assembling and calibrating scales,” he said.
He noted that women vegetable producers are now comfortable using the weighing scales WACOMP-GM provided and have realized that these scales are more effective than their traditional way of weighing.
“Before these scales came, they used pots and other containers to measure, sometimes they run at a loss, but now that is a thing of the past,” added Abdoulie.
As part of the project, WACOMP-GM purchased, among other things, an extensive list of field and benchtop testing equipment, laboratory glassware and furniture for TGSB’s National Food Testing Laboratory.
TGSB also received equipment useful for monitoring the condition/conformity of foods.
The field equipment includes thermometers, pH meters, refractometer and palm oil tester.
Commenting on the relevance of these equipment, Director General of TGSB, Papa Secka, said these they are used in the laboratory to test certain parameters that are related to the quality of products like onions but also test equipment for the quality of palm oil as well as testing for some parameters in fruit juices.
“We received series of trainings on how our laboratory technicians should operate these equipment, we also received training on inspection procedures as well as training on certain standards that are relevant for food safety,” said TGSB Director, Secka.
Currently, the project is working with Government in developing the country’s first National Laboratory Policy. Once fully implemented, this policy will assist in balancing current laboratory capacities and provide guidance on the efficient allocation of the scientific and technical professional staff and other laboratory-related resources within the laboratory infrastructure of The Gambia.
“The policy will address issues such as duplications, wastage of resources, competence issues, sharing expertise and knowledge and amongst many other relevant issues,” added DG Secka.
Speaking with optimism, Secka heaped praise on the EU-funded UNIDO- WAMCOP-GM project, revealing that they are optimistic about the future of testing and standards related to food ahead of the establishment of the first accredited Laboratory.
“The National Laboratory Policy can be a valuable tool for the Government of The Gambia to unite all stakeholders around a common understanding of the current situation and the ways forward, by helping set the objectives for how the laboratory infrastructure should be changed, adapted and upgraded to address the identified needs in an even more coherent and effective way,” Adalberto Carvalho Santos Vieira explained further.
“Certainly, the trainings they provided were timely in the sense that it comes at a time when we started the establishment of a food testing laboratory to address challenges related to food testing and the equipment they provided were not only useful for checking the parameters on the quality of foods and horticultural products, but also very important on our side to be able to do some research for standard development purpose,” added TGSB Director Secka.
Picture: UNIDO WACOMP-GM trained TGSB Metrologist, Abdoulie F, Njie, at a vegetable garden working with women producers to assemble and calibrate the precision weighing scales supplied by the project.
The WACOMP-GM Project Manager, Bernard Bau, and National Technical Coordinator, Joseph Ndenn, meeting TGSB DG, Papa Secka at his office in Kotu.
In the vibrant landscape of The Gambia, groundnut farming has been a cornerstone of the nation’s economy for generations. This agricultural practice has not only sustained the livelihoods of countless farmers but has also played a crucial role as a key cash crop for export, weaving itself into the fabric of local communities.
Yet, the impacts of climate change loom large, casting a shadow over this essential sector. Farmers now confront an array of unprecedented challenges, from erratic rainfall patterns and rising temperatures to increased pest infestations. These factors threaten to disrupt the delicate balance that has supported groundnut farming for so long, putting both the economy and the way of life for many at risk.
Erratic Rainfall Patterns
The most striking consequence of climate change on agriculture in The Gambia is the emergence of erratic weather patterns that have profoundly affected the farming landscape. Groundnut farmers, in particular, have found their traditional farming methods upended by this unpredictability.
During some seasons, the heavens unleash torrential downpours, transforming thriving fields into waterlogged swamps, while in stark contrast, other seasons are marked by debilitating droughts that leave the soil parched and barren. Groundnuts, which rely on a delicate equilibrium of moisture for healthy growth, stand as particularly vulnerable victims of these climatic extremes.
Farmers who once depended on the reliable rhythm of rainfall to meticulously plan their planting cycles now grapple with the uncertainty that looms over their cultivation practices. Fields that were once seen as dependable sources of nourishment have become contentious and unpredictable, and crops that were once cultivated with confidence now often meet with failure, casting a shadow of doubt over the future of their yields.
Farmers’ Frustration
The frustration of farmers is evident. Once abundant harvests that provided steady income have dwindled, leaving many with little to show for their efforts.
Hamadi Jallow, a seasoned farmer from Sinchu Baya in the Central River Region, expressed his concerns about the poor harvest this year, attributing it to the erratic weather.
The struggles of farmers have become increasingly palpable, revealing a landscape of worry and despair. Once, their fields overflowed with bountiful harvests that provided a dependable source of income, but now, those days seem like a distant memory. Many are left with just the remnants of their labour, feeling disheartened and exhausted.
Hamadi Jallow, a seasoned farmer from the vibrant village of Sinchu Baya in the picturesque Central River Region, voiced his deep-seated concerns about this year’s meagre yield. He attributes this decline to the erratic and unpredictable weather patterns that have disrupted the natural rhythms of farming. It’s a heartfelt reminder of how the very elements that sustain life can also bring profound challenges.
Picture of groundnuts
“This year, the groundnut harvest is very poor. We are worried because it’s our main source of income,” Jallow said.
He described how the initial rains were followed by a 21-day drought, which severely impacted crop growth.
“When it rained [for the first time] twice, we sow our seeds, but then there was a drought. This affected the growth of the groundnuts because they could not withstand the long drought,” he told The Fatu Network.
Ebrima Jobe, a farmer from Njayen Sanjal, stated that this year’s harvest was the worst they had experienced in five decades.
“We don’t have anything. The quality of the seeds is poor. We applied enough fertilizer to the crops, but nothing better comes out of it,” he lamented.
The ripple effects go beyond farmers to local markets, where groundnut prices are rising due to the limited supply.
Hassan Sarr, a groundnut vendor in Wassau, observed the increasing prices.
“It’s very challenging for us as groundnut vendors to get quality seeds like previous years. Now a bag of groundnuts costs D1,500, and after removing the shells, we need three bags to make up one bag of groundnuts. The price for that will rise to D6,000 before the next rainy season, which is not sustainable,” Sarr said.
Government Response
In response to the mounting challenges, the Gambian government has taken steps to address the issue.
The Ministry of Agriculture has launched several initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change on farming. These initiatives include distributing drought-resistant seed varieties, providing grants to farmers to promote mechanized farming, and offering training sessions on sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr. Demba Sabally, the Minister of Agriculture, emphasized the importance of mechanization in adapting to unpredictable rainfall patterns.
“We cannot continue to rely on rain for our farming. We are now mechanizing farming,” he said.
President Adama Barrow has echoed this commitment, reaffirming the government’s dedication to supporting farmers.
Despite the poor harvest, Barrow announced during his 2024 Meet the People’s tour that the government would maintain the same groundnut prices as the previous year.
“We want to support farmers by maintaining the same price [for groundnut]. Every ton the government purchases from farmers at D38,000 will be sold at D20,000,” he said.
The president also mentioned that plans are underway to develop experts to assess the situation and explore ways to subsidize farmers further, as they represent the largest portion of the population.
Economic Impact
The economic ramifications of diminishing groundnut yields are significant and far-reaching. Once hailed as a dependable cash crop that bolstered the livelihoods of many, groundnuts are now increasingly viewed as an erratic source of income. Current projections paint a concerning picture: export revenues generated by groundnuts are anticipated to continue their downward trajectory.
This decline poses a threat not only to the farmers whose livelihoods hinge on these crops but also to the wider economy that relies heavily on the groundnut trade.
In The Gambia, the difficulties confronting groundnut farmers illustrate a pressing need for sustainable strategies to mitigate the detrimental effects of climate change. As farmers grapple with the challenges of erratic weather patterns, pest infestations, and soil degradation, there is a growing realization that collaborative efforts are essential. Government officials, agricultural experts, and environmental activists are coming together to explore innovative solutions aimed at revitalizing groundnut production.
However, as discussions and initiatives unfold, the future of groundnut farming in The Gambia hangs in the balance, marked by uncertainty and the urgent need for action.
A Call for Resilience
“The struggle of groundnut farmers is more than an agricultural issue — it is a matter of resilience, community, and the fight for a sustainable future in an increasingly uncertain climate,” said Mustapha Njie, a climate activist.
Njie added that “Gambian farmers are not merely battling poor harvests, [but] they are fighting for their livelihoods and the future of their families.”
Their challenges highlight the need for continued innovation, support, and a collective effort to combat the effects of climate change and ensure the long-term sustainability of agriculture in The Gambia.
Despite his official removal from office last week, Barthélemy Dias declared on December 16 that he considers himself the Mayor of Dakar until 2027, pending the outcome of an appeal. Dias made the statement after authorities prevented him from visiting construction sites and restricted access to Dakar City Hall for municipal staff and officials.
Dias condemned these actions as a deliberate attempt to paralyze the city’s administration and set the stage for the installation of a special delegation, which he argues would undermine the will of Dakar’s voters. Reiterating his legitimacy as mayor, Dias vowed to fight any efforts that threaten the city’s institutions.
Dias’ removal, stemming from a 2011 manslaughter conviction upheld by Senegal’s Supreme Court in 2023, has sparked debate over whether it was legally justified or politically motivated. Dias has just under 10 days to file an appeal, which will be a crucial step in determining the next phase of his legal challenge to the dismissal.
President Barrow on Sunday joined his counterpart Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS member countries in Abuja at the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Summit.
During the session, the Organisation approved the establishment of a Special Tribunal for The Gambia along with a statute for the tribunal. The decisions will redress the massive human rights violations committed during the former Jammeh regime, from 1994 to 2017.
President Barrow thanked the ECOWAS regional body for approving the long-awaited decision, as his administration commits to addressing human rights violations by ensuring justice prevails for the victims of the past government.
He highlighted issues like poverty, women empowerment, irregular migration, and youth unemployment that impede development and integration. He stressed the need for more practical and coordinated approaches to tackle these challenges.
In his welcoming statement, the Chairman of ECOWAS and President of the Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Bola Tinubu, outlined ECOWAS’s significant strides in supporting democratic governance, strengthening regional integration, and facilitating the free movement of goods and services. He reiterated his commitment to remain steadfast in achieving the objectives of the organisation. However, President Tinubu noted the sub-region is facing challenges despite numerous successes.
The President of ECOWAS, Dr Omar Touray, highlighted the organisation’s success stories, particularly the political maturity of its member states. He referenced the general and parliamentary elections in Ghana and Senegal as examples of how smooth elections can reinforce democratic principles.
On the economy, he highlighted that progress has been achieved in regional economic integration, as member states have shown resilience amid regional and global challenges.
The Chairperson of the African Union, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, urged ECOWAS countries to enhance cooperation within the region and the continental organisation. He emphasised the need to develop innovative strategies to address the financial challenges faced by member states. Additionally, he called on member countries to prioritise peace and security to eliminate emerging threats on the African continent.
At the end of the Summit, the President of the ECOWAS Commission delivered a communiqué acknowledging the notification of withdrawal from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. These three countries will officially cease to be members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on January 29, 2025.
Samba Secka, a resilient stone miner from The Gambia, has been in the industry for over seven years, overcoming significant challenges to make a living and remain independent. His story of hard work and determination serves as an inspiration to Gambian youth.
Born and raised in The Gambia, Samba Secka ventured into stone mining as a means of survival. He explained, “I chose this work because there was nothing else to do, and I didn’t want to depend on my family or children for support. That’s why I’m doing it.”
Secka shared the difficulties of selling stones, explaining that it can take up to ten days to secure a sale. “Sometimes we use hand gloves to protect ourselves, which we have to buy from Senegal. Selling stones is very difficult,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Secka remains committed to his work. “It’s not easy, but it’s better than waiting for someone to give you money. I believe in hard work and commitment,” he emphasized.
In addition to sharing his experiences, Secka offered advice to young Gambians, urging them to focus on building their lives instead of relying on political promises. “Election is coming, and my advice to the youth is not to allow anyone to mislead you. Most politicians don’t have their children here. Believe in your work and stop focusing on them,” he cautioned.
Secka’s determination and message serve as a reminder of the value of self-reliance and perseverance in the face of challenges.
ECOWAS has approved the establishment of a Special Tribunal for The Gambia to hold accountable those responsible for severe human rights abuses from July 1994 to January 2017.
This decision marks the first collaboration between ECOWAS and a member state for an international tribunal.
The Tribunal will combine local and international legal systems to ensure justice. It is based on recommendations from The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), which called for prosecutions of key offenders identified in its 2018 report.
With both Gambian and international judges, the Tribunal will address both international offenses and serious breaches of Gambian law, operating with judicial autonomy and the ability to conduct hearings abroad if needed.
The Gambian government has expressed gratitude to ECOWAS and reiterated its commitment to justice and reconciliation.
Imagine sitting in your Paris apartment, thousands of miles from home, where you were living while studying, when your sister’s call shatters your world. Her voice, broken by uncontrollable sobs, delivers the words that will forever divide your life into before and after: “They have killed dad.” For Baba Hydara, this wasn’t just a nightmare – it was December 16, 2004, the day he learned his father, Deyda Hydara, a fearless critic of Yahya Jammeh’s regime and co-founder of The Point newspaper, would never write another word. Hours passed as the young man tried to process the unthinkable. His father, a journalist who championed press freedom and refused to be silenced, had been murdered. (According to TRRC testimony in 2019, former member of the “Junglers” hit squad, Lieutenant Malick Jatta, testified that former President Yahya Jammeh had ordered Deyda Hydara’s assassination in December 2004.)
Now, consider this: must one experience the loss of a loved one, suffer extrajudicial killings, torture, or corruption, to understand the full extent of Yahya Jammeh’s crimes? Is it necessary to experience his atrocities firsthand to empathize with the victims of his rule or to understand why longing for his return only deepens the wounds of a nation struggling to rebuild itself? For some, nostalgia for Jammeh’s rule may reflect dissatisfaction with the present rather than an honest appraisal of the past. For others, could nostalgia hint at a deeper and more troubling connection – do they see aspects of themselves in Jammeh? Moreover, is the longing for his era rooted in a desire for stability, or does it stem from an unwillingness to confront the harsh truths of his regime?
Dissatisfaction with our current government – marked by economic challenges and allegations of corruption throughout the system – undoubtedly and in part fuels this sentiment. President Barrow’s leadership is perceived by some as lenient towards the corruption of his loyalists, creating a contrast with Jammeh, who, despite documented evidence of his own corruption, was known to publicly punish misconduct from others, including officials from within his own inner circle. Many view Jammeh’s era as one where “just one person” was corrupt, as opposed to the widespread malpractice they see today.
But should dissatisfaction with the present lead us to wish for a return to a Jammeh-like era? Instead of revisiting a painful past, shouldn’t we aspire to something better? Given the documented harm he inflicted on countless Gambians, wishing for his return feels like a betrayal of the victims of his rule. Our frustrations should push us toward demanding progress, whether from current leaders or emerging ones who can guide The Gambia toward a brighter future.
Jammeh ruled for 22 years (1994-2016), a period marked by fear, oppression, and atrocities that must never be forgotten. While some reflect nostalgically on his era, it is crucial to confront the harsh realities of his rule through documented accounts and testimonies. Many argue, “I like Jammeh, except for the killings,” attempting to separate his reign’s positive elements from the brutal atrocities. However, this mindset overlooks the profound suffering experienced by countless Gambians under his leadership. As the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) revealed, Jammeh’s crimes were not isolated; they were systemic, impacting not only the victims directly harmed but also the fabric of the nation itself. Acknowledging the past, no matter how uncomfortable, is essential for healing and moving forward as a country.
Jammeh’s regime was defined by human rights abuses. Extrajudicial killings targeted political opponents, activists, and journalists. According to Human Rights Watch’s 2006 report, nine prisoners were executed without fair trials in 2005, reflecting the impunity of his administration. Similarly, Solo Sandeng, an opposition leader, was arrested after leading a peaceful protest in 2016. According to TRRC testimony, he was tortured to death in custody, with witnesses implicating Jammeh’s direct orders.
Torture, unlawful detentions, and enforced disappearances were common tools of his governance. According to local and Amnesty International reports, journalist Chief Ebrima Manneh disappeared in 2006 after being arrested and was never seen again. During TRRC hearings between 2019 and 2021, survivors of detention centers like the notorious NIA headquarters provided detailed testimony of systematic abuse.
Corruption was extensively documented under Jammeh’s rule. The 2019 Janneh Commission report revealed that Jammeh misappropriated over $1 billion during his presidency, using these funds to finance his lifestyle while ordinary Gambians suffered economic hardship. Despite all the evidence showing he stole from the country’s coffers, Jammeh maintained a public image of zero tolerance for misconduct within his ranks, which some nostalgically interpret as discipline.
During Yahya Jammeh’s tenure, freedom of expression was severely restricted. According to Reporters Without Borders’ annual reports, The Gambia consistently ranked among the most dangerous places for journalists, with media outlets often shut down and journalists subjected to arrest, torture, or even death. These actions were widely documented by multiple international press freedom organizations. In 2016, under Jammeh, The Gambia ranked 143rd in the World Press Freedom Index, reflecting the dire situation for the press. However, after his departure, the country saw a notable rise in rankings, reaching 50th in 2022, a reflection of significant improvements in the protection of journalists and media freedoms.
One of the most documented episodes of Jammeh’s rule was his witch-hunt campaign. Between 2009 and 2011, according to Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International reports, hundreds of Gambians were accused of witchcraft, detained, and tortured. Victims were forced to drink hallucinogenic concoctions, leading to severe illness and, in some cases, death. These events were extensively documented by human rights organizations and later corroborated by TRRC testimony.
Multiple allegations of predatory behavior toward women emerged during and after Jammeh’s rule. Former beauty queen Fatou “Toufah” Jallow, in a 2019 BBC interview and subsequent TRRC testimony, detailed allegations of rape and sexual assault. Her testimony contributed to mounting evidence presented before the TRRC regarding allegations of systematic sexual violence under his regime.
According to the 2020 report by the Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations, land confiscation was another documented feature of his government, with cases of lands being seized without due process to benefit Jammeh’s allies or for his personal use, leaving families displaced and powerless.
Political dissent faced severe repercussions, according to multiple human rights organizations’ reports. Opposition leader Ousainou Darboe of the United Democratic Party (UDP) faced documented cases of arrest and harassment. International media outlets, including The Guardian and Reuters, regularly reported on these repressive tactics throughout Jammeh’s rule.
Electoral integrity was consistently questioned. African Union and Commonwealth observer missions regularly reported concerns about electoral irregularities, documenting instances of opposition member arrests and voter intimidation during multiple election cycles.
These incidents, documented by reputable organizations and corroborated by individuals who testified before the TRRC, form a clear pattern of governance that prioritized power over people. Nostalgia for Jammeh’s rule ignores the extensively documented evidence of harm inflicted on thousands of Gambians and the nation as a whole.
Such nostalgia thus and once again raises the broad and important question: is it driven by ignorance of his crimes, or are we willing to overlook justice and human dignity for a false sense of order? History holds the answers, and it is our responsibility to remember. Dissatisfaction with the present does not justify longing for the past. Instead, we must channel our frustrations into demanding better governance and greater accountability from those in power.
The Gambia-Senegal Economic, Trade, Investment Forum and Cultural Gala Dinner, themed “Harmonization of Friendlier Business Environment,” will take place on December 19-20, 2024, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.
Jointly organized by GIEPA, the Gambian High Commission in Senegal, and APIX S.A., the event will be graced by Senegalese Prime Minister H.E. Ousmane Sonko and over 10 Senegalese cabinet ministers, as well as The Gambia’s Vice President H.E. Muhammed B.S. Jallow and members of his cabinet.
The forum aims to strengthen bilateral ties, promote trade and investment, enhance the ECOWAS free movement protocol, and foster knowledge sharing between the two nations. Key highlights include panel discussions, high-level meetings, and a cultural gala dinner with an awards night.
Mai Fatty of the Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) is set to join the National People’s Party (NPP) Grand Alliance ahead of the 2026 Presidential Election. The announcement, which marks a significant political shift, will be made live this Sunday, December 15, at the NPP headquarters in Serrekunda. Fatty’s move is seen as a boost for President Adama Barrow’s NPP, as the party strengthens its position ahead of the upcoming elections.
President Adama Barrow arrived in Abuja, Nigeria, on Saturday for the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit. He was received by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya.
After settling into his residence, President Barrow met with members of the Gambian community in Nigeria. Attendees expressed their gratitude and praised the President for his leadership and development initiatives in The Gambia.
One resident, Mr. Saikou Juwara, highlighted the expansion of vocational and technical education in The Gambia, which helps students develop skills and create employment opportunities.
Also speaking at the gathering, Kaduna State Representative Mr. Sarjo Jamana advocated for the institutionalization of diaspora voting within the electoral system. In response, President Barrow expressed his desire for all Gambians, including those living abroad, to participate in the electoral process. However, he noted that the decision ultimately rests with the National Assembly.
The Gambian consular representative in Togo, Ansumana Tunkara, requested that the government provide machines to collect fingerprints and create a database for identity cards and passports. Similarly, the Gambian Consul in Ghana, Mr. Eddy, urged the government to expedite the appointment of an honorary consul in Ghana.
In response, the Honorable Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mamadou Tangara, stated that the Ministry had already requested the appointment and is awaiting approval from the Ghanaian government.
The Gambian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Muhammed Papa Njie, expressed gratitude to the President for making time to engage with Gambian citizens in Nigeria. To enhance communication within his jurisdiction, Ambassador Njie encouraged community members to register for the digital platform the embassy is developing.
In his closing remarks, President Barrow urged the youth to work hard and invest in their country to become agents of change. He also announced plans for the country to issue inclusive identity cards for all citizens.
During his inaugural visit to Kenya to attend the 61st Independence Anniversary celebration of the Republic of Kenya, President Adama Barrow participated in Jumu’ah prayers at a Nairobi mosque on Friday. He was accompanied by his delegation and the Kenyan Minister of Mines, Ali Hassan Joho E.G.H.
President Barrow received a warm welcome from the Imam and congregation, expressing his gratitude for being honored as a member of their community. As a practicing Muslim, he emphasized the importance of attending Friday prayers wherever he travels. He also thanked President William Ruto for inviting him as the Guest of Honour for Kenya’s Jamhuri Day celebration.
Following the prayers, President Barrow enjoyed a traditional Kenyan Nyama Choma lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, the Gambian leader visited the Ken-Gen Geothermal Power Plant, recognised as the second largest in the world, located approximately a twenty-minute flight from Nairobi. The plant has a production capacity of 800 megawatts.
Later that day, President Barrow met with Honourable Julius Migos Ogamba, the Kenyan Minister for Education, and his team at the hotel. Their discussions focused on potential collaborations in the education sector. With the necessary political will, President Barrow directed his team to engage in further discussions with experts to advance this partnership. The Gambia’s Honorary Consul in Kenya, Ambassador Dr. John O. Kakonge, was present and assigned to follow up on the development of a Memorandum of Understanding.
Additionally, the Consul accompanied representatives of the Gambian student body in Kenya for a courtesy call on President Barrow. This group was led by Abdou Rahim Jallow, a PhD student in Civil Engineering, along with Muhammed Lamin Kebbeh and Nyima Touray, who are studying in various fields. President Barrow commended the students for representing The Gambia positively. Currently, an average of thirty Gambian students are enrolled in Kenyan institutions.
Before his departure on Saturday, President Barrow visited a model affordable housing scheme designed for low-income earners and residents of slums. He was led on a tour by Honourable Alice Wahome, the Minister for Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, to observe the ongoing construction of high-rise buildings initiated by President Ruto.
The construction site employs approximately 3,000 people each day. Reflecting on the visit, President Barrow expressed appreciation for the project’s potential to improve the lives of disadvantaged citizens, considering it a source of inspiration.
President Barrow’s official delegation to Kenya included Honourable Mod K. Ceesay, Minister and Chief of Staff; H.E. Jainaba Jagne, the outgoing Gambian Ambassador to the African Union; and Ousman Sowe, Director General of the State Intelligence Services of The Gambia.
Manchester City’s season is falling apart. Last Wednesday’s 2-0 loss to Juventus in the Champions League only added to their struggles, with just one win in their last 10 games.
City currently sit 5th in the Premier League, nine points behind Liverpool. This afternoon, they face a challenging Manchester United side in the derby. Today could be the moment Pep Guardiola comes to terms with the reality that Manchester City’s title hopes are slipping away. Or, will he manage to turn things around and break their bad luck?
Guardiola has pointed to the congested fixture schedule as a key factor in his team’s struggles, stating during a press conference on December 13, “This calendar has more games than ever, and we have more injuries than ever.”
Barthélémy Dias has been officially removed from his position as the Mayor of Dakar following a decision by the Prefect of Dakar (the administrative head responsible for overseeing the city’s governance). The removal is based on legal provisions in Senegal’s Electoral Code, which outlines the eligibility requirements for public officials.
Dias was convicted in 2017 for his involvement in the 2011 killing of Ndiaga Diouf, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison. However, he served only six months before appealing the conviction. In 2023, the Supreme Court upheld his conviction, confirming that it made him ineligible to hold public office. According to Senegal’s Electoral Code, anyone convicted of serious crimes, like manslaughter, can be removed from public office.
The Prefect of Dakar initiated the legal process to remove Dias from his post as mayor, citing his conviction as the legal grounds. While Dias has consistently argued that the conviction was politically motivated, the legal process followed the rules outlined in the Electoral Code.
The situation took a dramatic turn when police arrived at the Dakar Town Hall while Dias was addressing journalists and removed him from office. His dismissal has sparked debates, with many questioning whether the move was politically driven or a legitimate application of the law.
A Gambian educator and passionate promoter of the N’ko script has published the first volume of his highly anticipated N’ko book. A UK-based Gambian, Abdoulie Saibou Dampha, is widely recognized for his commitment to teaching N’ko online and for making the language accessible to a global audience. This new publication is a landmark achievement as it is the first book of its kind authored by a Gambian in the Mandinka dialects spoken in The Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau.
The book is a comprehensive guide for both beginners and advanced learners of N’ko, covering the alphabet, diacritics or tonal marks, and essential grammar rules. It provides practical exercises and detailed explanations, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in mastering the script. Dampha’s efforts aim to promote literacy and preserve the cultural heritage of the Mandinka people.
Dampha expressed pride in contributing to the preservation and dissemination of N’ko. “This book is for all those who want to connect with our linguistic heritage. It’s a tool for understanding and advancing the N’ko script within the Mandinka-speaking communities and beyond,” he said.
The second volume of the book is expected to be released early next year and will delve deeper into advanced aspects of N’ko, building on the foundations established in the first volume.
N’ko, a script devised by Guinean scholar Solomana Kante in 1949, was designed to provide a unified writing system for African languages including the Manding languages such as Mandinka, Bambara, and Dyula. It has since been adopted across West Africa as a medium for recording literature, philosophy, history, and other aspects of Manding culture.
While N’ko initially gained prominence in Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire, it has seen increasing adoption in The Gambia in recent decades. Efforts to introduce N’ko literacy have been spearheaded by grassroots educators and linguists, many of whom have worked tirelessly to promote its use alongside Arabic and Latin scripts.
With growing interest in cultural preservation and regional integration, N’ko is now recognized as an important linguistic and cultural asset for Mandinka-speaking populations.
Dampha’s work is particularly significant because it bridges a gap in educational materials tailored to Gambian Mandinka speakers. The publication of this book not only enriches the resources available for learning N’ko but also affirms the importance of Gambian contributions to the wider N’ko movement.
As interest in the N’ko script continues to grow, initiatives like Dampha’s are vital for empowering new generations to connect with their cultural and linguistic roots.
