President Adama Barrow slipped up on Monday when he called Fakebba Colley as Fabakary Colley while offering condolences on the demise of the fallen MP.

“I extend my condolences to the family, friends and the entire Gambian nation on the passing away of Honourable Fabakary Kolley, National Assembly Member of Kiang West. I knew him as a humble and committed person to democracy and freedom. May Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal peace,” the president had wrote on his official Barrow PORG Facebook page.

Later on Monday, the president corrected the error on the same post after Gambians had jumped at him with one calling him ‘wicked’ for forgetting the name of the MP.

Coach-Pasamba Jow had commented: “The name of the deceased is FAKEBBA COLLEY. How can you get his name wrong?”

Police have been asked by civil society organisation Centre for Research and Policy Development to distance themselves from comments by President Adama Barrow he would ban all political activities after the December election.

“In the same vein, the CRPD has also called on the Gambia Police Force to distance itself from such reckless remarks and unlawful directives,” CRPD said while condemning the president’s comments on Monday.

It added: “We urged the Police to remain in the service of the nation following the dictates of the law and constitution. The participation of political of parties and citizenry in the political process is central to democracy and therefore any attempt to limit or control this participation would undermine Gambia’s democratic consolidation.

“Members of thePolice are expected to protect life and property and should not, in anyway, allow themselves to be an impediment to the growth of democracy in the country. It is also time for The Gambia Police Force to unequivocally conduct itself as professional, a pro-democracy rule of law institution that respects and upholds the rule of law.”

The National People’s Party chieftains have said 217 supporters of UDP in Banyaka village have defected to the party.

NPP deputy spokesman Seedy Njie told The Fatu Network the over 200 people defected to the president’s party on Sunday in Jambanjelly.

A press statement shared by Mr Njie said: “The huge announcement was made by the group’s leader, Mr. Morro Barrow in a massive political rally in Jambanjelly, Kombo South. An elated Mr. Barrow said they, in appreciation of the unprecedented development strides of His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, decided to defect to NPP and work tirelessly for his re-election in December, 2021.

“While assuring his team’s unflinching loyalty and support to President Barrow and the NPP, he commended Kebba Madi Bojang, the NPP National Youth President for his relentless efforts and major contributions which ultimately ultimately led to their defection. Mr. Barrow also asked Government to consider their road network for construction.

“In welcoming them to the NPP, the Minister for Information and Communication Infrastructure, Mr Ebrima Sillah, commended Morrow Barrow and the youth for a wise and timely decision. Sillah assured them of President Barrow’s resolve to usher in development in the area and that West Coast Region will benefit from the Government OIC Road Projects. The rally was attended by several thousand National People’s Party supporters among them NPP Executives.”

The Centre for Research and Policy Development has issued a statement blasting President Adama Barrow over his threat to ban all political activities after the December 4 presidential election.

President Barrow during a meeting with the Serer Community from Jeshwang Ndagen over the weekend said he will give instruction to the Inspector General of Police to deny Gambians a permit to hold political meetings.

But in a statement, civil society group Centre for Research and Policy Development said: “In recent months, President Barrow has used the State House grounds to make inconsiderate and ill-advised remarks that are not only exacerbating social tensions in the country but also threatening to undermine the democratic gains made so far. Some readers would recall that on 28th July 2021, President Barrow was streamed live by the Barrow Media Empowerment during which the President revealed how he was part of a group that buried amulets and fetishes locally called Jujus under the head of dead bodies in graveyards, in order to spiritually expedite the release of UDP leader Ousainou Darboe, Barrow’s political godfather at the time, who was languishing in jail in 2016. As the Presidential Election gets closer, President Barrow has been inviting to State House members of the various ethno-linguistic groups in the county to rally support for his bid for re-election. And most of President Barrow’s political rhetoric and rants have been directed at his former Party, United Democratic Party (UDP).

“The CRPD is dismayed and also troubled by President Barrow’s statement and therefore, calling on him to adhere to democratic principles and the rule of law. President Barrow must be reminded that among other things, he was elected on the basis of ending self-perpetuating rule and to return this country to a functioning democratic state.

“Consequently, his latest threat to restrict and regulate the democratic space after the forthcoming Presidential Election is undemocratic and against the very principle under which he was elected in 2016. President Barrow’s remarks are regrettable as they pose a risk for Gambia’s fledgling democracy. Therefore, we call on President Barrow to be mindful of his seemingly populist statements and instead focus on bridging the social divide in the country. His latest statement will undoubtedly further exacerbate the political polarization and divisions in the country, ahead of the December Presidential Election.

“As a civil society organization, the CRPD states that it is ever ready to defend, through civic actions and legal means, the democratic space in the Gambia against any threat that has the potential to undermine or compromise the Gambia’s democratic process.”

Momodou Sabally said Monday ‘the game is over’ as he reacted to her sister’s NPP decamping.

Ramou Sabally on Monday announced she was leaving NPP and joining UDP – where she would be uniting with his brother Momodou.

Her brother, Momodou Sabally wrote: “The deal is done. The game is over. It’s time for Barrow to face the realities of our local politics.

“She has left. My good sister and lifetime politician Ramou Sabally has quit the sleeping bus and joined the mighty UDP.

“She was the National PRO of the NPP’s Women’s Wing; and also Founder and Chair Lady of the nationwide women’s movement Barrow Sisters. Didn’t I tell you that we are #winning.”

NPP women wing spokeswoman Ramatoulie Sabally has announced she has left the president’s party, in an extraordinary move.

“I came today to declare relinquishing all my roles in NPP to join United Democratic Party. I have come to support His Excellency Honourable Ousainou Darboe. I am here to join your family today Monday. I thank all UDP members and Alagie Conteh and Momodou Sabally,” she said in an audio message obtained by The Fatu Network.

Ramou’s swapping NPP for UDP comes two days after she threatened to leave the president’s party.

“I will leave NPP on Monday. Even if my mother, Kaddy Jammeh Mabintou and Lamin Sabally who gave birth to me emerge from the grave cannot stop me, so let’s see who in this country can stop me [from leaving],” she had threatened.

While Ramou had said she had no issues with President Barrow who has huge respect for her, she called out Maimuna Baldeh in a sign of bad blood between her and the NPP woman leader.

“There would be a lot of talk, they will insult me and all of that. If Maimuna Baldeh is not ashamed of going out in Gambia, I will be a masquerade who would walk outside proud with my head held high.

“Let them try and insult me and what they will see. You know they are looking for Maimuna Baldeh’s naked video. The video will come out,” she said in an initial audio where she appeared speaking to someone on her decision to leave NPP.

UDP leader Ousainou Darboe said Fakebba Colley loyalty to UDP is unquestionable – as the UDP leader joined hundreds of people at the National Assembly for the laying-in-state of the late MP.

“Fakebba Colley was an accomplished person. [He] was a man of integrity, sincere to what he does. He is loyal to his conscience. I won’t talk about him in the past, I would always speak of him in the present. He is committed to his nation and his loyalty to the United Democratic Party is unquestionable,” Mr Darboe told The Fatu Network.

MP Colley died on Saturday at his house in Nema Kunku. He is survived by nine children.

UDP leader on Monday fought back tears as he took to the floor of the National Assembly to remember Colley.

Mr Darboe said: “In every capacity he served in the party, he worked hard. He was selfless in the pursuit of the objectives of the party and had an excellent team spirit.”

Covid-19 has caused the death of eight people, the Ministry of Health has said in its latest situation report on the disease.

According to the health ministry, the death of the eight people has now taken the number of people who have died from the virus in the country to 271.

The ministry also said 122 new cases of Covid-19 has been registered. The country has now registered over 9,100 cases of the diseases.

Opposition GDC has issued a statement to condole with the family of Fakebba Colley amid the Kiang West MP’s demise on Saturday.

GDC in a statement signed by spokesman Omar Ceesay said: “The Gambia Democratic Congress under the leadership of Hon. Mamma Kandeh wishes to extend heartfelt sympathy and condolence to the family of the late Honourable National Assembly Member Fakebba Colley through the leadership of United Democratic Party Hon. Ousinaou Darboe.

“This is a great loss not only for the family, the National Assembly, and the UDP but a loss for the whole Nation.

“The late Hon. Member is known to be an exceptional leader and role model to the people of Kiang West, UDP, and The Gambia at large. He was a man who has The Gambia at heart and participated immensely to brought change during the impasse.

“While we mourn with the family of the late Honourable Member for the loss and extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, we pray that Allah SWT grant the departed soul the highest Jannah. May he equally grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”

Zambian President Edgar Lungu has declared Thursday’s presidential and parliamentary election “not free and fair” after incidents of violence in three provinces.

Lungu is trailing his main contender Hakainde Hichilema in early results from the electoral commission.

Lungu says the Patriotic Front party that he leads is consulting on its next course of action. However, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, COMESA, says it has not noted any irregularities in Zambia’s presidential election.

The regional bloc sent an observer mission for the polls. 20 percent of constituencies have been processed so far.

The mission commended the efforts made by the Electoral Commission of Zambia to plan and organise the 2021 elections amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It says it appreciated the transparency identification process, however it lengthened the voting process.

Despite the generally peaceful environment during the voting, the mission noted that there were isolated cases of violence.

COMESA officials also called for the allowance of equal opportunity in public media for all candidates and parties to engage with the public for future elections. (CGTN Africa)

President Adama Barrow vowed Sunday to put an end to all political meetings requiring police permit after the December presidential election.

Speaking to Gambians at State House, the president said: “Since I took over in 2017 you have people who are still doing politics. The politics cannot end. Every day they are beating drums, they are blocking roads. Every day they are on the social media, every day they are insulting people.

“That will end on December 4 after the victory. We will give instruction to the Inspector General of Police and anyone who applies for a permit will not get a permit. Because we want to continue working. The meeting you’re having, blocking roads does not benefit the country in any way.”

Police have confirmed retrieving the dead body of Sheriff Hydara who was allegedly beaten to death in Farafenni. Hydara was allegedly beaten to death on Friday night.

Police spokesman Lamin Njie said: “We can confirm the suspected murder of a 17 year old boy by the name Sheriff Who was found dead in Alagie Bambo’s compound at Farafenni Mouritani.

“The body has been moved to Farafenni General Hospital for further examination.

“Investigations are on going as some supects are arrested helping with investigations.”

Three people were placed under police custody on Saturday for allegedly beating a 17-year-old to death in Farafenni.

The victim, Sheriff Hydara allegedly entered a burglar-proof home on Friday night where he was caught and beaten to death, one person familiar with the issue told The Fatu Network.

The incident happened at Farafenni Mauritanie, the person said, adding the body of the victim was being transported to Banjul for examination.

The National Assembly Member for Kiang West Fakebba Colley has died, sources close to the lawmaker have confirmed to The Fatu Network.

Mr Colley died less than an hour ago, one person who was on his way to the lawmaker’s house said.

Mr Colley was a prominent member of the UDP who got arrested and jailed in 2016.

He is the second MP of the Barrow era to have died following the death last year of Demba Sowe.

Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta on Friday began sending back some 800 unaccompanied migrant minors to Morocco three months after they arrived en mass, an official said.

The minors were among up to 10,000 migrants who flooded across the land border into Ceuta over several days in May as Moroccan border guards stood aside.

This was widely seen as retaliation over Spain’s decision to host Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, a movement demanding Western Sahara be independent from Morocco, for medical treatment.

Local daily El Faro de Ceuta published images of minors being escorted by police to the Moroccan border on Friday.

Contacted by AFP, a source at the central government’s representative office in Ceuta, who refused to be named, confirmed the evictions had started.

Police have announced they have arrested 11 people and recovered suspected stolen properties.

In a statement, police said: “West Coast Region combined security task-force, during routine patrols within WCR recovered several suspected stolen properties including solar panels, generators, motorcycles, flat screen TVs, water pumping machine, mobile phones amongst others.

“The mobile phones were recovered from Farato Village while four solar panels, a flat screen TV and water pumping machine were recovered from Ba Nyaka Village.

“Three motorcycles without registration numbers are equally recovered from Kampassa Village in Foni and one motorcycle from Tubakuta Village. Solar panels and a generator were also recovered from Jambur Village. Eleven suspects were arrested and are currently helping the Police in their investigations.

“Residents of the areas mentioned above whose properties were stolen can visit the New Yundum Station to help in identification and establishing ownership. Members of the public are encouraged to volunteer information about criminal activities within their communities.”

President Adama Barrow has for the first time spoken about the 35 million dalasis money that landed into the First Lady’s foundation’s account in 2017 only for the money to disappear from the account.

Chinese electromechanical manufacturer TBEA paid 700,000 dollars into the account of the First Lady’s foundation in December 2017 but mystery has since surrounded the money and Gambians have been relentless in knowing what happened to the money.

While speaking to NPP reporters at State House, President Barrow explained: “We tried to travel to China. We asked for plane cost but the cheapest was one company in Portugal which was 700,000 dollars. Where would Gambia government get that money? And that was a very important trip. It was in that trip we signed the all these bridges and the Basse roads. We got that money from that China trip.

“We were searching all of us including the secretary regarding where we could get a plane. I travelled to China twice. It was the Qatar government that gave me a plane in one of the trips. We had searched everywhere.

“So this one too we searched everywhere and one day I was in a meeting when the secretary general knocked the door. He came in and told me the China issue had been solved. I asked him is it solved, he said it is solved, that there is someone who will finance it.

“In the afternoon, he came to me and said those people said they will send the money in cash form. He said it cannot be paid into the consolidated fund account and the money needs to be paid in that weekend and asked what we are going to do. We brainstormed as to which personal account we could use or which businessman’s account we could use. I told him let’s see if we could use the First Lady’s foundation’s account. Dawda Fadera coordinated it.

“He spoke with the First Lady’s foundation and they transferrred the money there. When the money landed into that account, it was a bank transfer that was made directly to Portugal. And the purpose was there… To hire a plane for the president and the delegation. All of us where in that delegation. Ousainou Darboe was in that delegation, Amadou Sanneh was in that delegation and all these people were in that delegation and all of us knew about it.”

TBEA has since won a bid from the Gambia government through NAWEC for a transmission infrastructure project worth over one billion dalasis.

Imam Bakawsu Fofana has said he would advise President Adama Barrow not to seek re-election in December if the president consulted him.

Imam Fofana stated this during an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network.

The imam said: “If he asks me, I will tell him not to stand. He would not want to hear that but that will augur well for him.

“A political leader always expects a lot of talk but Adama enjoyed a lot respect and trust. It would have been best if he had stopped at three years. He would not be disrespected and he would not have experienced as these acts of disrespect and people disobeying him.

“A lot of things are now being said about him. You have a president who speaks and his statement gets disregarded. And even when you sleep, they put it out and ridicule you.”