By: Dawda Baldeh

In a shocking report, prominent Gambian migrant activist Ebrima Drammeh, based in Europe, has disclosed that 1,603 Gambians have perished while trying to reach Europe across the Mediterranean Sea in 2024.

Mr. Drammeh, who possesses current information on Gambian migrants, characterized these fatalities as a tragedy.

“One thousand six hundred and three (1,603) Gambian migrants have perished during these perilous journeys to Europe in 2024, with one thousand five hundred and fifty-seven (1,557) dying at sea and forty-six (46) on land,” he stated.

He further revealed that 46 boats carrying Gambian migrants have disappeared without a trace.

In addition to these alarming revelations, Drammeh indicated that 880 Gambian migrants are either dead or missing at sea, while 374 are unaccounted for on land.

He also noted that they have recorded 1,254 Gambian migrants as missing.

Despite these tragic losses, over 5,873 Gambian migrants successfully arrived in Europe in 2024, specifically in Spain, Drammeh informed The Fatu Network.

He mentioned that these arrivals were documented with 151 boats from Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal, and Gambia, carrying 4,217 individuals.

Moreover, a significant number of arrivals in Italy have also been reported from Libya and Tunisia, 152 boats transporting 1,656 migrants in 2024.

Additionally, the well-known migrant activist reported that 4,784 Gambian migrants were intercepted in 2024 across 47 different migrant boats.

“The Gambia had 11 boats, Senegal 13, Mauritania 17, and Morocco 6,” he clarified.

He also noted that 6,149 Gambian migrants have either been deported or returned to Gambia voluntarily in 2024.

“IOM has repatriated one thousand seven hundred and fifty-three (1,753) individuals from Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Niger, Lebanon, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania.

“Four thousand three hundred and ninety-seven (4,397) people have returned voluntarily from nine different countries to Gambia in 2024,” Drammeh recounted.

By Hadram Hydara

Sergeant Lamin Gibba has been dismissed from the Gambia Police Force (GPF).

In a statement on Tuesday, GPF said Gibba has been dismissed “following a thorough investigation into allegations of gross misconduct and discreditable behaviour.”

“The incident, which caused significant public concern, involved allegations that Sgt Gibba forced a couple to strip naked at Lemon Creek beach under the pretext of enforcing public decency. It was further alleged that he recorded the incident, blackmailed the victims for monetary gain, and threatened to release the footage if his demands were not met,” GPF statement added.

GPF said Sgt Gibba’s actions violated the Police Code of Conduct and Ethics and as a result, he has been fired.

“After receiving a formal complaint from the victims, the police immediately arrested the officer and launched a detailed investigation. Upon review, it was determined that Sgt Gibba’s actions were in violation of the Police Code of Conduct and Ethics. Consequently, he has been dismissed from the GPF with immediate effect.”

By Dawda Baldeh

FANTANKA officially screened the film “Living with the Scars” on Saturday to honour the April 10th and 11th, 2000, victims in a move aimed at ensuring justice and accountability.

Funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through Women in Liberation and Leadership following the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TRRC), this documentary recounts the tragic April 10th and 11th student demonstrations sparked by the death of a 15-year-old schoolboy tortured by security officials and the rape of a 15-year-old schoolgirl, calling for action and justice.

At the film screening, Mariama Jobarteh, CEO and founder of FANTANKA, spoke to the audience about the importance of addressing our shared history.

She emphasized the critical need for justice, accountability, and a commitment to preventing such tragedies in the future.

Jobarteh pointed out that the events of April 10th and 11th, 2000, remain a painful memory for many Gambians, representing a sombre chapter in our nation’s past.

“I distinctly remember that day. Like many others, I was studying for exams when the peaceful flow of our lives was interrupted.

“Students, driven by bravery and determination, took to the streets to seek justice for Ebrima Barry, a 15-year-old schoolboy who was tortured to death,” she said.

She revealed that many were unaware there was a schoolgirl’s story that sparked the protests.

She credited this revelation to the TRRC which enabled people to know about the tragic rape story of a 15-year-old schoolgirl.

“At that time, her suffering was largely downplayed, reflecting societal views on sexual violence.

“However, this film ensures that her narrative, along with those of numerous others, is not overlooked.

“Creating this film has been a significant challenge,” she told the audience.

Despite these obstacles, Ms. Jobarteh revealed that true to FANTANKA’s approach to transitional justice, the film was made possible.

According to her, they encountered considerable hurdles, from limited resources and equipment to stakeholders’ reluctance to permit them access to filming locations.

“Fear still holds many in its grip — institutions were hesitant to be linked with events from the dictatorship era, and some actors withdrew their consent after being discouraged by friends and family who feared retaliation.

“These obstacles illustrate the enduring effects of fear and silence in our society, even after many years.

“Despite these challenges, we persisted,” she explained.

She further explained she remained committed to telling this story as truthfully and authentically as possible.

“This production stands as a testament to the resilience and bravery required to confront our past and amplify the voices of survivors.

“The film also sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by children and youth in The Gambia today.”

The film outlined the following statistics as alarming:

• 1 in 3 girls in The Gambia encounters sexual violence before reaching 18 (UNICEF).

• Reports of corporal punishment, sexual harassment, and exploitation in schools remain disturbingly high.

• Almost 30% of girls are married before they turn 18, truncating their education and opportunities.

These statistics represent real lives, genuine dreams, and actual futures that have been disrupted.

They highlight the urgent need to strengthen child protection systems in The Gambia and ensure that justice and safety are not merely ideals but tangible realities.

She also stressed the need for strengthening child protection, saying it is not just a policy but “it is a lifeline.”

They also say this necessitates:

1. Establishing secure, confidential communication channels for students to report abuse without fear.

2. Training educators and caregivers to identify and respond to trauma.

3. Enforcing laws like the Children’s Act 2005, which remains underutilized in many areas.

The TRRC’s recommendations advocate for accountability, prevention, and open dialogue.

“This film is part of that initiative—serving as both a memorial and an educational resource to inform and inspire change.

“I encourage you to reflect deeply on the shared responsibility we all carry. It is insufficient to simply say “Never Again.”

“We must strive tirelessly to ensure that the systems protecting our children are strong, inclusive, and effective,” Jobarteh said.

She urged people to elevate the voices of survivors and hold offenders accountable.

“Consider your role in protecting our children and advocate for a Gambia where every child can grow, learn, and thrive, free from fear and violence.

“To everyone here tonight, your solidarity and bravery in facing the truths of our past are invaluable,” she reiterated.

By Dawda Baldeh

At the Abuko Central Abattoir, which is operated by the Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency (GLMA), 21 out of 40 staff members, including the manager, have expressed concerns regarding the “suspicious” termination of their contracts, along with allegations of misconduct and corruption within the management of GLMA.

However, GLMA has remained silent in response to the claims.

Maddy Kuyateh, the Abattoir Manager, shared his grievances with journalists, accusing GLMA of terminating their contracts without due process.

Kuyateh, appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2022, detailed the positive changes he implemented at the abattoir, including structural reforms and financial improvements.

However, he was taken aback when he received a letter from GLMA’s director stating his contract had ended, with only a two-month extension provided to vacate his position.

“I was appointed by the Ministry of Agriculture in 2022, and I also appointed my staff on a yearly basis.

“Every year our contracts are renewed, but unexpectedly, GLMA notified me that my contract was over and that they were offering us just two months to leave. But GLMA didn’t appoint me,” Kuyateh said.

While he expressed no issue with contract termination itself, Kuyateh emphasized that such decisions should come from the Ministry or its designated representatives, not from GLMA, as he was appointed by the ministry.

He accused the GLMA management of having a vested interest in the abattoir’s operations, citing the improvement he brought to the facility as the reason for their interference.

“I took over a dilapidated place, and now GLMA is interested in it. The director of GLMA seems to think he can control everything here. I’ve suffered because of this,” he said.

Kuyateh also highlighted financial management improvements under his leadership, including opening an account for the abattoir, which had previously lacked one.

However, he believes GLMA is now trying to take control of the abattoir’s finances, adding that the staff were not guilty of any misconduct or corruption.

“If they want to investigate us, let them go ahead. We will provide all the information they need because they are our supervisors,” he added.

In a shocking revelation, Kuyateh accused the GLMA Director General, Momodou Darboe, and other senior officials of receiving illicit monthly allowances at the abattoir.

He revealed that Darboe receives D7,000, while two other officials, Sang Marget Mendy (Director of Technical and Field Services) and Fatoumata Sonko (Finance Officer), receive D6,000 and D5,000 respectively.

These monthly allowances were confirmed through a payment voucher obtained by this medium.

The staff’s accusations have raised serious concerns regarding financial transparency at the GLMA.

The affected workers, including the Abattoir Manager, security officers, revenue collectors, and administrative staff, are now seeking redress, labelling the contract terminations as unfair and arbitrary.

Binta Jatta, the Head of Finance at the Abattoir, Abdou Colley, a revenue collector, and Adama Jarju, a senior security officer, all expressed shock and outrage over the decision.

“We are shocked because this is not right. You cannot terminate the contract of 21 staff members without proper consultation,” Jatta said.

Colley questioned the authority of GLMA to terminate their contracts, especially since they were not directly appointed by them.

“Who are they to terminate our contracts when they didn’t appoint us?” he asked, expressing frustration over what he sees as unfair treatment.

The GLMA’s management remains silent on the damming corruption allegations, leaving the affected staff to contemplate taking legal action.

Speaking to journalists on the alleged contract termination, Sang Marget Mendy, Director of Technical and Field Services said the aforementioned staff contacted have ended and they were found wanting of misconduct such as alleged usage of NAWEC cash power and incompetence.

Here are a few questions we put to GLMA.

Journalist: Your office is accused of receiving allowances at the abattoir, what’s your take? Sang: “I can’t comment on this…,” he replied.
Journalist: We have the receipt of these payments. Sang: “I can’t say anything about this.”

Journalist: Why do you terminate the contracts of these 21 staff?
Sang: “This is not termination because their contracts ended, and the positions are vacant.

“They can reapply and if they meet the requirements they will be employed.”

Journalist: You said they were found wanting of misconduct, can you elaborate?

Sang: “They were using D60,000 on cash power which we discovered to be exorbitant. And there were illegal electrical connections to some stores.”

The staff are determined to challenge their terminations in court, with many vowing not to comply with the deadline to vacate the premises, which is set for February 29, 2025.

Kuyateh, who was instrumental in the abattoir’s transformation, pointed to the abattoir’s revenue sources, including cattle slaughter fees, rents from butcher shops, and the sale of animal waste, as evidence that the facility was financially self-sustaining.

He also listed the improvements he spearheaded, such as the purchase of a Toyota pickup, a standby generator, and the installation of solar panels.

With tensions escalating, the next steps in the dispute could lead to a legal battle over the alleged mismanagement, unfair terminations, and corruption within GLMA.

The outcome remains uncertain, but the staff is resolute in their demand for justice and accountability.

By Alieu Jallow

The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Public Relations Manager, Lamin Dibba, has strongly denied reports this week alleging a recurrence of power outages at Banjul International Airport, describing them as ‘baseless’ and ‘misleading’. 

In a telephone interview with The Fatu Network, Dibba said the airport enjoys a consistent and uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the day, noting that whenever the National Grid (NAWEC) experiences an outage, the airport’s backup power system activates within a standard transition time of 15 seconds, ensuring that the power supply at the airport remains stable.

“Any assertion to the contrary is clearly nothing but the trumped-up insinuations of detractors bent on deliberately misleading the public,” Dibba said.

Dibba further emphasized that the airport’s primary source of electricity is the main grid provided by NAWEC. He said whenever NAWEC experiences a power outage, standby power systems activate within seconds, in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

He also highlighted the importance of accurate reporting and cautioned against spreading unverified information, as it could diminish public confidence in critical national infrastructure.

“All well-meaning and objective Airport users would realise the transition. However, those choosing to mislead would capitalise on the seconds of transition to take pictures and not videos as the latter would prove their subjective intentions,” he said.

He further outlined to The Fatu Network the institution’s commitment to improving the airport’s power supply, which is in line with the authority’s commitment to providing seamless services to travellers and airport users.

“GCAA has entered into a strong and viable agreement with NAWEC through which a dedicated substation is being built for the Airport. This initiative, coupled with the imminent delivery and installation of two brand new stand-by generators are part of GCAA’s plans to make the power issue a thing of the past,” he told TFN.

By Alieu Jallow

Concerned staff members of Gamcel, The Gambia’s leading state-owned telecommunications company, submitted a petition to the management early Monday morning to express serious grievances over unresolved issues affecting their welfare and livelihoods.

In the petition addressed to the company’s leadership, the employees highlighted a range of pressing concerns, including delayed salary payments, unaccounted deductions, and poor working conditions.

According to Pierre Njie, who read the petition on behalf of the staff, employees reported prolonged delays in receiving their salaries, leaving them financially strained and unable to meet their basic needs.

“Since September 2022, there have been multiple delays in the payment of staff salaries. Salaries due at the end of April 2024 were paid on 24th May 2024. In pursuance of the need to urgently address this issue, Gamcel management must take immediate steps within a reasonable time to address the following: Salaries due for the end of December 2024 have still not been paid. We demand that this be paid immediately and within a week at the latest,” he outlined.

The petition also highlighted unexplained credit union deductions. The staff alleged that deductions were made from their salaries for the staff credit union, but they have been denied access to their contributions, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.

“Staff are being deducted for Credit Union payments but have not been able to access them for over two years now. We demand that these payments be reconciled and information provided on how to access them within the next three weeks.”

Similarly, the petition raised concerns over the suspension of insurance payments, claiming that management has stopped paying insurance premiums for staff, leaving employees and their families vulnerable during emergencies.

“Staff medical insurance has been stopped for almost three years without any explanation. We demand a written explanation and its immediate resumption within three weeks,” he added.

The petition also highlighted unpaid taxes despite deductions being made from salaries. Staff claimed there is no evidence of these payments being submitted to the relevant authorities, which could have legal implications.

“Staff personal income taxes are being deducted but appear not to be paid, which is affecting staff from accessing other services, such as clearance for vehicles. We demand an explanation of where these deductions are being paid and for all outstanding payments to be deposited into the appropriate accounts so that staff can access other services. An explanation of this is required within a week, and all payments must be regularized within three weeks.”

Additionally, employees reported a lack of access to their social security information, sparking fears that these vital funds may not be accounted for.

“Staff Social Security information has not been accessible to those who have lodged inquiries with the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC). We demand an explanation of why we can’t access this information and call for immediate access to it, either from SSHFC or Gamcel, within two weeks.”

The petition further outlined issues such as poor sanitation in the workplace, insufficient and unpaid cash power at cell sites, poor maintenance leading to worn-out parts, lack of investment, and lack of mobility—all of which have hampered the smooth delivery of services. Poor communication about the closure of outlets has also caused challenges for staff and customers.

Receiving the petition, the Managing Director of Gamcel, Lamin Tunkara, acknowledged receipt of the document and assured the concerned staff that their welfare would be addressed.

“Well, please understand that we are one family, and we can sit together and discuss whatever issues you have,” he stated.

The petition comes at a time when Gamcel faces growing competition in The Gambia’s telecommunications sector. The concerned staff members are calling on management to urgently address their grievances and restore confidence in the company’s operations.

This developing story raises critical questions about employee welfare and corporate accountability in public institutions. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on Gamcel’s management to take decisive action to resolve the impasse.