The government said on Thursday the order on compulsory wearing of face mask will return on Saturday amid a rapid surge in Covid cases.

In a statement by government spokesperson Ebrima Sankareh, the resumption of the order is as a result of the “worrisome trajectory of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country”.

The statement said: “…The Government of The Gambia hereby reminds the public of the Order by the Minister of Health on social distancing and compulsory wearing of face masks effective the 8thMarch 2021. The Regulation remains valid and shall be reinforced as of this Saturday 17th July 2021.

“All drivers of motor vehicles and operators of ferries, boats or vessels shall ensure that all passengers wear face masks before boarding their vehicles, ferries, boats or vessels.  All person intending to travel across The River Gambia and other navigable water bodies must wear facemasks from the crossing points onwards.

“All owners or managers of public places or private premises and shops that are accessible to the public shall ensure that persons entering such premises wear face masks.

“Area Councils and Municipal Authorities shall ensure that persons entering markets in their respective localities wear face masks.

“Exceptions to this Regulation: children under the age of two (2) years, those who cannot independently put on or remove a facemask; persons with medical conditions that make it difficult to wear face masks and persons who are hearing impaired or need visibility of the mouth for essential communication are exempted from wearing face masks.

“The police shall enforce the social distancing and compulsory wearing of face masks across all regions of The Gambia and those who violate this Order are liable to pay a fine of one thousand (D1000) Gambian Dalasis.”

Justice Ebrima Jaiteh made a huge judgment on Wednesday when he convicted and sentenced former AFPRC junta topshot Yankuba Touray to death for killing Ousman Koro Ceesay. His name has since on Wednesday been on the lip of many Gambians.

The liberal and progressive-minded justice also pulled off a first by becoming the first Gambian justice to allow his court proceeding to be broadcast live. But who is Justice Jaiteh? The Fatu Network has been digging into his resume.

Justice Jaiteh attended Kuntaur Fulla Kunda primary school from 1977 to 1978. From 1978 to 1984, he studied at Brikama Primary School – and then at Gunjur secondary technical school where he spent four years from 1984. He then studied at Muslim High School from 1989 to 1991. From 1991, he was appointed as an unqualified teacher at Gunjur Secondary Technical School. He spent two years teaching in that school.

He joined the Gambia college in 1993 through to 1995 to do the higher teacher certificate course. From 1995, he taught in a number of schools among them Brikama secondary technical school, Kafuta Junior Secondary School and Albreda Junior Secondary School.

In 1995, he enrolled with St Mary’s University in Canada who were running an extension program in The Gambia and he was part of the first batch of students admitted into that university. He graduated with a double major in geography and international development studies with a minor in English Literature. He then had a short stint with the MRC as a consultant. Justice Jaiteh then returned to the classroom, teaching in Ndow’s Comprehensive Senior Secondary School and at Jamisa Junior Secondary School. Jaiteh then travelled abroad and then returned to the country to continue teaching.

In 2005, he went to the UK and enrolled at the University of Sussex to study law. He graduated with a graduate diploma in law in 2007. From 2007 to 2008, he did his Bar BPP Law School in London and graduated as a barrister at law. He came back to The Gambia in 2010 and he was called and enrolled to the Gambian Bar. Between 2010 and 2011, Justice Jaiteh worked at the Attorney General’s Chambers as a state counsel and between 2011 and 2012, he was lecturer at the Gambia Law School. He then went to Kenya where he worked with the World Bank as a consultant. He spent three years in Kenya and returned to the country at the end of 2014. Justice Jaiteh then became a magistrate in 2015. After having his own fair share of former President Jammeh’s regime, Justice Jaiteh stopped working as a magistrate to become a private legal practitioner. He was elevated to high court judge after the change of government in 2016.

Police have issued a statement that certain sand dealers and truckers are depositing sand and gravel around the Brufut Roundabout (Turntable) and around the Sukuta -Jabang traffic light junction or other diverse areas along the roads and highways thereby causing obstructions.

“In this regard, all such sand dealers are advised to remove their heaps of sand and gravel from the roadsides with immediate effect.

“Individuals who fail to do so until the commencement of the operation on the 26th July 2021, will face penalties in accordance with the laws,” police said in a statement.

Police had earlier announced a new operation dubbed ‘Operation Clear the Roads’ to free the country’s roads of ‘objects’ that obstruct the free flow of traffic. The operation will begin on Monday.

The lawyer for Yankuba Touray who has been sentenced to death after being found guilty of murdering Ousman Koro Ceesay has said he will speak to his client and that they will file an appeal.

“Am going to file an appeal, simplicita. I’m going to talk to my client. Hopefully we will file an appeal,” Abdoulie Sissohor told The Fatu Network on Wednesday shortly after Mr Touray was handed the death sentence for killing Koro Ceesay.

Mr Touray, a former local government minister and military member of the AFPRC ruling council in the mid-1990s, was standing trial for the murder of fellow cabinet member Ousman Koro Ceesay.

Mr Ceesay was battered to death in the house of Mr Touray in June 1995 and on Wednesday the high court found Mr Touray guilty of the murder.

Judge Ebrima Jaiteh said Mr Touray did not only participate in the murder of Koro Ceesay but also took part in the cover up of the act by burning his body.

President Macky Sall has elevated two army officers to the rank of general. They are Daouda Diop, Governor of the palace and Colonel Meissa Cellé Ndiaye.

The two men are said to be experienced and justice-loving servicemen, according to Senego, relying on sources.

Daouda Diop was until then Governor of the palace and Colonel Meissa Cellé Ndiaye, Aide-de-camp to Macky Sall.

Tamsir Jasseh has confirmed he will throw his hat into the ring for the December presidential election.

The former director general of the Gambia Immigration Department first announced running for the highest office in the land on July 1.

Mr Jasseh who is the national president of Gambia Action Party has now confirmed to The Fatu Network he will seek the Office of President in December.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Mr Jasseh asked Gambians for their support while announcing his bid.

“To all my Facebook friends, please be informed that Insha Allah I intend to seek the Office for the President of the Republic of The Gambia in the upcoming general elections. I kindly ask for your support,” he wrote.

Mamma Kandeh has donated D100,000 to the National Disaster Management Agency for onward delivery to victims of last week’s deadly windstorm.

Ten people died last week Wednesday while hundreds of people are still without shelter after the powerful windstorm swept the nation.

Mamma Kandeh presented D100,000 to NDMA as response to calls by President Adama Barrow for Gambians to come forward in helping the victims, MC Cham Jnr told The Fatu Network.

Mr Kandeh presented the cash to the disaster agency on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Health said today The Gambia is currently experiencing a rapid increase in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19, ‘which is a cause for concern’.

“The data from this week’s situational report showed an overall 13% new case increase in comparison to the preceding week data, with significant increase in admissions,” the ministry said in a statement.

It added: “This current trajectory is worrisome and should it continue its course, the country’s response capacity will likely be challenged which could lead to more transmissions and severe case.

“The public is therefore urged to take COVID-19 prevention and control measures seriously by meticulously observing social distancing, wearing of face mask, avoiding overcrowded places, avoiding handshaking, frequent hand sanitizing and washing hands with soap and clean water.

“If these measures are strictly followed by all, transmission will decline and the Ministry will be in position to quickly control the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”

Four students of the Senegalese School have left their families in a complete state of shock after drowning at Leybato beach on Wednesday.

The students, two boys and two girls, drowned after entering the sea on Wednesday afternoon, a witness told The Fatu Network. A fifth person survived after being pulled from the sea.

Police spokesman Lamin Njie could not immediately comment on the tragedy.

The family of Ousman Koro Ceesay have issued a statement following the conviction and sentencing of Yankuba Touray on Wednesday.

The High Court on Wednesday found Mr Touray guilty of killing Koro Ceesay and sentenced him to death by hanging.

Below is a statement by Mr Ceesay’s family;

Justice Delayed Isn’t Justice Denied in the case of Late Minister of Finance, Mr. Ousman Koro Ceesay.

“And among those We created is a community which guides by truth and thereby establishes justice. (Quran 7:181)

It has been 26 years since the death of Ousman Koro Ceesay, and today, on what would have been his late father’s 90th birthday, justice is served with the pronouncement of a guilty verdict for Mr. Yakuba Touray in the murder of our beloved brother. We wish our parents, Mr. Seni Sise and Mrs. Fatoumatta Sise were here to witness this before they passed, however, we hope they are looking down and grateful for this day.

Although it has taken more than two decades, we know Allah’s timing is perfect. Today, the court has shown us that no one is above the law.

We would like to sincerely thank the people of the Gambia who have stood with us from the first day, who rallied, petitioned, prayed, and supported our family; this judgement is for all of us. You lifted us, walked with us, and served as our voice. You never forgot Koro! You kept his name and pictures in the media to ensure the world would not forget him. You remembered his love for country, people, integrity, and patriotism, you stood alongside our family in demanding for justice from every corner of the globe. We extend our gratitude to the Gambia justice system, the TRRC (everyone who was involved in Koro’s case), the Gambia Bar Association and the attorneys who wrote the amicus brief in support of the case. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you.

In line with Koro’s vision to transform his country and her people, our family founded the

Ousman Koro Ceesay Foundation (OKC Foundation) in 2014, a non-profit, non-political organization that supports equitable access to quality education and healthcare for disadvantaged Gambian citizens. In the past six years we have partnered with individuals and organizations to offer scholarships to outstanding students with financial needs, as well as provide free educational supplies for students and teachers. Additionally, in collaboration with health institutions in the United States and local medical professionals, the Foundation has donated over 5 tonnes of medications, medical supplies, and equipment. Through the OKC Foundation’s medical missions, the most recent one being June 2021; highly skilled doctors and nurses have delivered impeccable medical diagnosis and treatment, conducted community training, promoted principles of prevention and contributed to improving the overall health and well-being of underserved and disadvantaged communities and citizens in the Gambia.

Koro was a man of discipline, integrity, and service, with a fantastic sense of humor and love for his family. Today marked the beginning of a new dawn with one conviction, we trust that by the grace of God, the rest of the people who took part in the murder will be brought to justice. Justice delayed is not justice denied.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, on Wednesday morning signed a Joint Commission with the Internal Affairs Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Mr. David Panda Noah, in his office in Banjul.

The signed Joint Commission is meant to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the areas of economic development, trade and investment policies, financial services, information and intelligence sharing, education, health, tourism and culture, infrastructure development, security and military, agriculture, agro-processing, forestry and livestock development, fisheries and maritime resources, science, technology and innovation, youth and sports, local government and issues of traditional Leaders, migration and settlement of the nationals of the two countries.

Prior to the signing of the Joint Commission, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mamadou Tangara welcomed the Sierra Leonean delegation to the country and assured them of the commitment of H.E President Adama Barrow and his counterpart President Julius Maada Bio in developing their countries. He said the Sierra Leoneon delegation’s coming to The Gambia is an indication of the excellent bilateral ties between Banjul and Freetown.

Minister Tangara informed the delegation that President Barrow’s intention and focus is to leave a legacy that would be the envy of the world. This he added is based on consolidating democracy and improve the socio-economic status of Gambians.

The Honourable Minister used the opportunity to return gratitude to Sierra Leone for the immense contribution it made to the development of the human resource base of The Gambia through education. Many Gambians in the past decades did their studies in Colleges and Universities in Sierra Leone through scholarships.

For his part, the Internal Affairs Minister and Head of Delegation, Honourable David Panda Noah thanked the Government and the people of The Gambia for the warm welcome. He said the trip was possible as a result of the shared opinion of the two Presidents in developing their respective countries. “It is time to put words into action,” he posited.

The Gambian High Commission in Sierra Leone negotiated and facilitated the delegation’s visit. The delegation to the country comprised the following officials: Mr David Panda Noah, Minister of Internal Affairs & head of Delegation, Dr. Edward Hinga Sandy, Minister of Trade and industry & Head of Delegation, Ms. Mamadi Gobeh Kamara, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs & Internal Cooperation, Mr. Henry Nyandemoh, Deputy Director, Africa, Mr. Emmanuel Konjor, Technical Director, Minister of Trade, Mr Alimu Barry, Businessman-Pavefort & Works, Mr. Hamza Hashim, Businessman- Sierra Juice Company, Mr. Krish Sabharval, Businessman- SL Co. Ltd & Pee Cee & Sons.

UDP spokesman Almamy Taal has confirmed the party’s former Upper Fulladu chairman Amadou Manneh has returned to the party.

Mr Manneh over the weekend met President Adama Barrow in Mankamang Kunda as NPP officials confirmed he has joined NPP.

But Manneh has left NPP and has returned to UDP, according to Almamy Taal.

The High Court in Banjul on Wednesday sentenced former AFPRC junta member Yankuba Touray to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering former finance minister Ousman Koro Ceesay.

Mai Ahmad Fatty has vowed not to take blame for the killing of Kanilai native Haruna Jatta during a rare protest.

Mr Jatta was murdered in 2017 as the people of Kanilai took to the streets to demand an end to the presence of ECOMIG forces in the village.

Mai Fatty, interior minister at the time, went on GRTS saying one must obey the law or be consumed by it. Claims soon after abounded he is responsible for Mr Jatta’s death.

But in a strong rebuttal today, Mr Fatty said: “It has been made abundantly clear that the late Haruna Jatta did not lose his life under my watch. He died allegedly during and as a result of confrontation between protesters in Foni against ECOMIG forces. ECOMIG was not under my command as Interior Minister. I had no control or jurisdiction over ECOMIG and they were not answerable to me or my Ministry. The sad event occurred while I was in Monrovia, participating at ECOWAS regional security meeting. I cut short my visit, returned home to expeditiously tackle the ensuing internal security complexities created by the protest.

“My Ministry intervened to comprehensively restore law and order in Foni, after the tragic event had already occurred. Assets under my Ministry were not involved during the fatal scuffle against the military in Foni. ECOMIG soldiers who allegedly shot the late Haruna Jatta, were under the direct coordination and supervision of the Ministry of Defence at Office of the President, and NOT the Ministry of Interior. That explains why the investigation into the incident was led by the Ministry of Defence at State House and supported by Ministry of Interior.

“I am willing to take responsibility for the Ministry of Interior, which excluded ECOMIG forces in Foni and elsewhere. Every State Minister must own up to his/her responsibilities. I will not assume liabilities for another Minister or Ministry and I will not accept blames for things outside my authority and duty. This does not vitiate the principle of collective responsibility in Cabinet. Therefore, it is utter falsehood, to continue to allege that the late Haruna Jatta was “killed” under my watch. It happened under the watch of the Ministry of Defence, NOT Interior. I have NEVER had personal issues with Foni. Those who peddle such falsehood do so out of malevolent political motives.

“Yet, no nation is viable without respect for the law. My pronouncements and actions  on the unfortunate incident at the time, were based on intelligence reports, detailed security briefings and expert advice availed to me as Minister, from relevant agencies, and this is normal in all democracies. That I asserted and enforced obedience to the law or be consumed by the law, is a cardinal principle of democracy.

“I have no regrets about this in particular and will not change my beliefs about the sanctity of law and respect for the rule of law. Lastly, I am very proud of the GPF. Based on my work experience, the GPF could be one of the best in the Region if their basic professional requirements are provided

Facts have been made abundantly clear to all. Those who are NOT interested in the truth will continue their futile attempts to discolour the reality.”

The Gambia remains on Tier Two Watchlist – signifying that The Gambian government does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so, according to the newly-released 2021 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report.

The report, produced annually by the United States Department of State as required by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), ranked The Gambia just above the lowest possible ranking.  

The country’s most serious shortfall is in completing prosecutions of traffickers consistent with the due process and speedy trial rights of the accused, the US Embassy in Banjul said in press release.

The release added: “The country did not complete a single criminal case against a defendant accused of trafficking during the 12-month period covered by the report. For the fourth consecutive year, no traffickers have been convicted. Punishing traffickers convicted in a fair trial is an essential component of obtaining justice for trafficking victims.  

“The efforts made by the Government of The Gambia include adopting a new national referral mechanism (NRM) and training government officials and service providers on its implementation. The government identified more victims and continued efforts to raise public awareness of trafficking and to train law enforcement and government employees on trafficking. However, the government did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts compared to the previous reporting period, even considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity. Government agencies charged with combating trafficking continued to lack resources and training, and victim services remained inadequate.  

“A country can remain at Tier 2 Watch List for only two years and must address identified deficiencies to progress fully to Tier 2 or be automatically downgraded to Tier 3. A downgrade to Tier 3 negatively impacts assistance funding from the United States. We encourage the Gambian Government to expand the work undertaken over the past year and redouble efforts in the following critical areas: increase efforts to investigate, prosecute, and convict traffickers, including allegations of child sex tourism; direct and fund law enforcement to investigate all reported trafficking cases, including those brought forward by civil society; ensure human trafficking cases are resolved through the judicial system rather than extra-judicial or administrative means. 

“Human trafficking represents a threat to international peace and security.  It undermines the rule of law, robs millions of their dignity and freedom, enriches transnational criminals and terrorists, and threatens public safety and national security everywhere.  It is the United States’ sincere desire to continue to partner with the government and the people of The Gambia to ensure that trafficking victims are cared for, and the government of The Gambia uses its rule of law mechanisms to fully enforce Gambian law and bring the perpetrators of such exploitation of human beings to justice.  In this regard, the United States continues to support the work of the Gambian government to combat trafficking via grants to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) which bolster the work of the Gambian government in combatting trafficking. 

“The full Trafficking in Persons report, including The Gambia country narrative, can be found online at: https://www.state.gov/trafficking-in-persons-report/.”

The Independent Electoral Commission has revealed registering 987,484 Gambians in the just ended voter registration exercise.

In a statement on Monday, the IEC said 559,996 female and 427,488 male formed the provisional total number of registered voters.

According to the IEC, the provisional list of voters shall now be displayed at the various registration centres where they were compiled for 10 days. It shall be followed by the establishment of the revising courts to decide on the objections and appeals on provisional lists.

Police have announced a new operation dubbed ‘Operation Clear the Roads’ to free the country’s roads of ‘objects’ that obstruct the free flow of traffic.

In a statement signed by their spokesman Supt Lamin Njie, police said: “The Office of the Inspector General of Police in collaboration with National Road Authority, Banjul City Council, Kanifing Municipal Council, Brikama Area Council and Physical Planning will launch ‘Operation Clear the Roads’ on Monday 26th July 2021.

“The aim of this exercise is to ensure that, all objects that obstruct the free flow of traffic most especially during rush hours are cleared.

“Therefore, all wrongly parked vehicles, derelict vehicles, car tyres, vendors, stalls, building rubbles and other materials along the sides of the highways and roads, whether for private or commercial purposes, as well as shops encroaching into the highways and roads must be removed by owners with immediate effect.

“Consequently, the public is further informed that starting Monday 26th of July 2021 the police together with relevant partners will embark on the operation to clear the roads using towing vehicles to remove all vehicles wrongly parked along the roadsides. Vehicle owners who fail to remove their vehicles will attract fines to regain their vehicles.

“For shop owners on the highways, Physical planning in consultation with relevant authorities will verify boundaries and if they are found to have encroached into the road, they will be removed with immediate effect.

“In a bid to improve road safety and allow free flow of traffic, the Inspector General of Police urges all individuals to comply in clearing the roads of all obstacles causing traffic obstructions. The cooperation of the public, particularly vehicle and business owners is highly solicited.”