Citizens’ Alliance leader and presidential candidate Dr Ismaila Ceesay has issued a statement thanking ‘every’ Gambian over their efforts in maintaining peace in the country, in an Eidul Fitr statement.

Dr Ceeesay’s Eidul Fitr message reads;

“As we mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan by celebrating the Eid ul-Fitr, I extend warm greetings and send my very best wishes to all Muslims in The Gambia and worldwide.

“The ending of the Holy month of Ramadan is a moment of thanksgiving to Allah as families and friends join together to celebrate and reflect on our month-long journey of prayers, fasting, and sacrifice.

“Significant national and global challenges will overshadow this year’s Eid ul-Fitr celebrations, and I know it has been difficult for many of us. We, however, remain hopeful that our prayers and commitment to our faith will help us overcome our many trials. I, therefore, urge you all to increase our supplications and strengthen our dedication to the will of Allah while we seek his blessings.

“Throughout this Holy month and before, Gambians have strongly demonstrated the very best values that unite us as Muslims and Gambians. The values of tolerance, respect, selflessness, and compassion. I take special delight in knowing that the spirit of giving and solidarity to the less fortunate in our society has not faded with our many challenges. We see Gambians in every sector of society helping people in need.

“Sadly, some of our Muslim brothers and sisters will not enjoy this year’s Eid celebrations with their families as war, diseases, and poverty ravage their societies. I urge every Gambian to join me and pray for them so that Allah can ease their hardship. Finally, I take this opportunity to thank and recognize the efforts of every Gambian in maintaining peace in our beloved nation.

“In particular, I thank all Gambian workers in all sectors whose sacrifices contribute significantly to our national development. Special recognition and thank you to our health care workers who courageously and selflessly continue to sacrifice their lives despite all odds as they care for the sick and help to contain the surge of the coronavirus. I pray that Almighty Allah accepts our fasting, prayers, worship, and good deeds in the blessed month of Ramadan. I also pray for peace and security to continue to reign in this country.

“On behalf of my family, the Citizens’ Alliance Executive and Membership and on my own personal behalf, I wish every Gambian at home and abroad and every resident of the Gambia a very happy and peaceful Eid Ul-Fitr.”

The government of Sierra Leone will move to end the death penalty in the country.

AFP reports that Deputy justice minister Umaru Napoleon Koroma said on Wednesday, “once the legislation goes to parliament and gets approved, that ends the story of the death penalty.”

On May 6, Sierra Leone Telegraph reported that the President of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, Eddinia Michaela Swallow, took part in a roundtable discussion on the abolition of the death penalty in Sierra Leone, held at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Freetown, Simon Mustard.

In his opening address, Simon Mustard said that there are thirty countries that are yet to abolish the death penalty.

He spoke about the need for the abolition, adding that there is no proven justification that death penalty can deter crimes of the same nature. (With Input from Agencies)

Dr. Mamadou Tangara met the President of Guinea Conakry Alpha Conde at the presidential palace in Conakry.

Foreign Minister Dr Tangara was received at the foot of the aircraft by his Guinean counterpart Ibrahima Khalil Kaba, before being escorted to the presidential palace in Conakry.

The Minister’s trip which came on May 6 was to deliver a special message to President Conde on behalf of his principal President Barrow.

The foreign ministry said in a statement: “After delivering the Special Message, Foreign Minister Tangara used the opportunity to thank President Conde, the Government and the people of Guinea Conakry for the solidarity shown to The Gambia during the 2016 political impasse.

“Minister Tangara hailed the crucial role played by President Conde in the reopening of borders within the sub-region. The two exchanged views on how to strengthen substantive cooperation in trade and other areas of mutual interest to the bilateral cooperation of both countries.

“Still as Special Envoy of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, the Gambian Foreign Minister was on 8 May 2021, received by His Excellency President Macky Sall at the presidential palace in Dakar.

“The two sides agreed on possibilities of making The Gambia and Senegal a role model for regional and continental integration, and agreed to make various related efforts down the road. Further discussions centred on bilateral, regional and global affairs.”

President Adama Barrow has pardoned 57 prisoners on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

In a statement by State House, the pardoned inmates include 16 non-Gambians.

State House said: “As a long-standing custom for the President to grant prerogative of mercy on deserving convicted prisoners, His Excellency President Adama Barrow, pursuant to the powers vested in him under Section 82 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia granted pardon to fifty-seven (57) prisoners in commemoration of the Muslim feast of Eid/ul- Fitr 2021 locally known as ‘Koriteh’.

“The pardoned prisoners include: 41 Gambians, 10 Senegalese, three Conakry Guineans, two Nigerians, and one Indian. All Non-Gambians shall be deported immediately upon release.”

Dr Ismaila Ceesay has expressed shock at President Adama Barrow’s decision to declare Wednesday a public holiday.

The president declared Wednesday a public holiday amid the Muslim Eidul Fitr festival to be marked on Thursday.

Dr Ceesay said in a tweet on Tuesday: “Gobsmacked that OP declared Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th May as Public Holidays in observance of the Feast of Eid-ul-Fitr before any confirmation of the sighting of the moon.

“Now that Thursday is confirmed, Friday will also be a public holiday. Total waste of public funds.”

At least 10 bodies of Europe-bound migrants washed up ashore in western Libya on Tuesday, a U.N. migration official said, after two shipwrecks this week left some 30 people presumed drowned.

The bodies were found near the western Libyan towns of Zuwara and Garaboli, said Safa Msehli, a spokeswoman for the International Organization for Migration. They are believed to be migrants who drowned earlier this week while trying to reach Europe, she said.

A boat carrying over 65 migrants capsized off Libya on Monday, leaving at least two dozen presumed dead. That followed the death Sunday of five people, including a woman and a child, after their boat capsized.

The shipwrecks were the latest disasters in the Mediterranean Sea involving migrants seeking a better life in Europe. They came amid a spike in crossings and attempted crossings from Libya in recent weeks, with smugglers taking advantage of the calm sea and warm weather. (AP)

Ahmad Gitteh’s attack on UDP leader Ousainou Darboe is showing no sign of abating as he today brands the politician the nation’s worst foreign minister.

Taking to his Facebook in a space of 24 hours in lashing at UDP, Gitteh said: “They said we are desperate. I laughed and said OK. Two people started searching for something that both wants so badly. One got it within three months and the other failed and failed and failed for 25 solid years and will continue to fail anyways Inshaa-Allah. Who is DESPERATE? The one that wanted it and got it in 3 months or the one that wanted it and failed to get it for 25 years?

“Tell UDP team that there is no group of politicians that is as desperate as UDP and its leader to get to number 1 Marina Parade. When he was in government he acted with impunity thinking he was invincible and that without him the coalition government will crumble like bombed cement  house. Well he got sacked with his entire team and nothing came out of it.

“As a matter of fact , the worst minister of Foreign Affairs is Lawyer Darboe . It was under him that the worst passport scandal in Gambia’s history occurred and he was a part of it since he printed two passports for himself with the different NAMES.

“Their next line of action, make the country ungovernable as the leader himself said. This too won’t work as the 3 years jotna plot they relied on to achieve that failed after they spent so much money to support the group.”

Seedy Njie has fired back at Momodou Sabally after the former secretary general shot at him that he is paid to lie.

In an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, the NPP deputy spokesman countered: “There are over a million Gambians who could talk about corruption, who could talk about governance but not Momodou Sabally. He was secretary general and head of civil service. He was found wanting. Momodou Sabally has no credibility when it comes to governance.

“There are so many Gambians who are accusing him of being responsible for their arrest, their detention and their bogus trial. He said Seedy Njie of Equatorial Guinea. I went up to Equatorial Guinea with the former president. Every Gambian knows that. I am proud to say that I’m a politician, I am loyal, I don’t play double standard.

“In fact Momodou Sabally’s posture is against the teachings and tenets of the Holy Quran and the Holy Prophet Muhammad. Islam detests arrogance pomposity. When you speak, people must see humility in you. With President Barrow and NPP, when we speak, we speak with humility, we speak with respect, we speak with honor and dignity.

“What Momodou Sabally has done if he was in the Arab world, he would have been executed for embezzling millions dollars and hundreds of millions of dalasis  under his leadership when he was secretary general. He would have been executed if he was in somewhere else, in China or in other countries. If it was in the West, he would have been serving jail by now.

“He has grudges against the president. He talks about the lead counsel [of Janneh Commission] but he falls short of mentioning Amie Bensouda. She was the lead counsel of Janneh Commission and Momodou Sabally in the Janneh Commission report, they indicted him for economic crime and for embezzlement of public funds and they recommended for his prosecution and for forfeiture of all his assets and also they recommended for him to be banned for life. The son of the lead counsel he is accusing, insulting every day is a senior executive member of the United Democratic Party and by default she is a member of the United Democratic Party.

“We want Momodou Sabally to come back to his senses. People who banned him for life, people who want him prosecuted, people who want him jailed are now the people inviting him to open doors for them and [for him] to be going around, using him as maid, as a mad person. Because they say, ‘he is metally-ill person, let’s take him for him to be going round insulting people’.”

By Sarjo Brito

The Gambia Police issued a statement on Wednesday May 12, 2021 following rumours of a suspected murder case in the village of Mandinaring, West Coast Region. While investigations into the case is still open, police reveal the motive could have been money after family members confirmed the victim identified as Marang Jaw had paid a sum of D10,000 to the alleged suspect for a trip of sand which was never fulfilled. According to the victim’s family, she has been following on the suspect also identified as one Mario Mendy, but all efforts to get her money back prove futile.

Police said: “The office of the Inspector General of Police hereby informs the public that it is investigating a case of suspected murder which occured on the 11th May, 2021 at Mandinaring Village, West Coast Region.

Preliminary investigations established the deceased to be one Marang Jaw, 37, of Mandinaring Village.

“One Mario Mendy, a 41-year-old Senegalese national is currently the lone suspect and is helping police investigators.

“Mendy had allegedly received an amount of D10,000 from the deceased’s family for a trip of sand which he never fulfilled.

“The deceased lady’s family revealed that she had been following up on Mendy to settle the money received, but to no avail.

“However, yesterday, 11th May, 2021, the suspect allegedly called the deceased’s mother and sister and told them that he had paid the ‘sand money’ to the deceased and was on his way home.

“Moments later, Marang Jaw was found death in the family house with injuries over the body and a pestle believed to be the murder weapon.

“Following intense efforts by Police, the suspect, Mario Mendy was arrested and is currently helping Police with investigations.

“Members of the public with any relevant information or clues about this tragic murder are encouraged to come forward to assist police efforts to fix this puzzle.

“The Office of the IGP solicits the usual cooperation and understanding of the public.”

Top imams at the nation’s top Islamic body the Supreme Islamic Council said on Tuesday evening the moon has not been sighted in The Gambia – now pushing the Eid festival to Thursday.

The officials including Imam Ibrahim Jarju appeared on GRTS moments ago where they made the announcement.

The Gambia government has broken its silence over reports of the seizure of drugs in a truck in Keur Ayib, Senegal from The Gambia.

A statement by the ministry of health said: “The Ministry of Health and partners are following with keen interest, developments surrounding the reported seizure of suspected medicinal products by the Senegalese Custom Border Officers at Kerr Ayub of a Senegalese refrigerated truck with registration number TH 6650 D carrying a cargo of fish and what is believed to be an assortment of medicines. The medicinal products were transported from Southern Senegal (Cassamance) across The Gambia to Northern Senegal.

“Contrary to the social media reports and press statements by some individuals, the refrigerated truck on which the said medical drugs were found was only transiting through The Gambia from the Southern Province of Cassamance.

“Under the ECOWAS protocols, The Gambia is bound by the sub-regional treaty to enhance movement of transiting vehicles through its borders unhindered. It is therefore totally disingenuous to even remotely link The Gambia with the seizure of a Senegalese registered vehicle which loaded its goods from Southern Senegal.

“The general public is hereby notified that the Ministry of Health has requested through the normal diplomatic channels, more information from the relevant Senegalese authorities on the seized medical drugs, their type and quantity.

“As part of its due diligence, the Medicines Control Agency under the Ministry of Health ensures that a detail record and inventory of medicinal products imported into the country are kept and maintained in a government database.

“For avoidance of doubts, the Ministry of Health wishes to inform the general public that there are appropriate regulatory requirements in place for importation and distribution of medicinal products in The Gambia.  These regulatory requirements are enforced and implemented by the Medicines Control Agency which is mandated to ensure compliance to the Law.

“It is illegal and against the Medicines and Related Products Act 2014, for any unlicensed entity to be engaged in importing medicinal products either through overt and covert means. Any individual or entity found to be engaged in such activities will face the full force of the law.”

State House on Tuesday said President Adama Barrow acting under section 76 of the 1997 Constitution is ‘pleased’ to declare Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th May 2021 as Public Holidays throughout the country in observance of the Feast of Eid-ul-Fitr to mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan.

President Barrow wishes all Gambians at home and abroad a happy and joyous Eid Celebration, State House said in a terse statement.

It comes as Saudi Arabia announced Eid will be on Thursday in the country after astronomers failed to sight the moon.

Gambia For Years secretary general Ebrima Sori Bah announced Tuesday his organization will lodge a complaint with police against two officials of the organization who flipped to UDP.

Abdul Willan and Omar Sanyang announced their defection to the UDP from the group on Monday.

But Gambia For Five Years pushed back at their move on Tuesday saying the duo misrepresented facts by appearing to act on behalf of the organization and saying that the entire executive was cross-carpeting to the UDP.

Ebrima Sori Bah told Barrow Media Empowerment: “We will brief the group’s lawyer so that we can start legal action against them. We will take them to police. Not because they joined UDP but because of them mentioning Gambia For Five Years.

“The statement [they made] was the entire registered [members] are cross-carpeting. So we’re going to rely on that and take them to the law with immediate effect. Let no one be surprised and if it means taking them to court we will.”

The organisation’s Godmother Binta Sabally said it was wrong for the duo to say the entire executive had left the group when it was just the two of them out of 11 officials.

UDP online warrior Bubacarr Sidiqi Jammeh has labeled Ahmad Gitteh a Senegalese immigrant amid Gitteh’s comments he was putting his life on the line in order to thwart UDP leader Darboe becoming president of The Gambia.

Mr Gitteh, a strong NPP supporter in a strong statement on Tuesday said he was ready to do anything legally acceptable to prevent Darboe from becoming president. He also blasted the UDP leadership as violent.

US-based Bubacarr Sidiqi Jammeh quickly leapt forward to lead UDP’s fightback, writing: “When we say let’s safeguard our National Documents this exactly what we’re trying to avoid. Here is A Senegalese immigrant, with both parents Senegalese who never legally nationalized but somehow managed to fraudulently acquire our national documents.

“He then went on to take  advantage of thousands of dollars in our scholarship Money under jammeh for being the same brown nosing fanatic he is to barrow today, hiding behind Adam to throw all sorts of vitriol attacks at our respected  leaders at any opportunity he has.

“Here he is echoing the words of his new master Adama vowing to rather “Die” than see Darboe President.

“These death vows in politics are foreign to us and unGambian. We need to stand up and get rid of these weirdos in December. Enough of the foolery.”

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Monday said that 7,096 migrants have been rescued off the Libyan coast so far this year.

The rescued migrants include 546 women and 336 minors, IOM said, adding that 157 migrants died and 349 others went missing on the Central Mediterranean route so far in 2021.

In 2020, 11,891 migrants were rescued and returned to Libya, 381 died, and 597 others went missing on the Central Mediterranean route, according to IOM.

“The situation cannot be ignored and states must live up to their responsibilities and redeploy search and rescue vessels,” Federico Soda, IOM’s chief of mission to Libya, tweeted.

The state of insecurity and chaos in Libya following the fall of its long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 has encouraged thousands of migrants to cross the Mediterranean Sea towards European shores.

According to IOM and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), migrants and refugees in Libya continue to be subjected to arbitrary detention, ill-treatment, exploitation and violence, conditions that push them to take risky journeys with fatal consequences, especially sea crossings.

Rescued migrants end up inside overcrowded reception centers across Libya, despite repeated international calls to close those centers. (XINHUA)

Ahmad Gitteh issued a strong statement today swearing by Allah to die if that’s what it takes to stop UDP leader Ousainou Darboe from becoming president.

In a statement on Facebook today, Gitteh said: “I can 100% assure Momodou Sabally that he will wake up to a very sad reality on December 5th  Inshaa-Allah. I am sure UDP guys will no longer come accusing me of insulting Lawyer Darboe when actually all that former SG Sabally does at any given opportunity is to rain insults on President Adama Barrow and no one, not even Ousainou Darboe cautions him on insulting the president. Everyone of them is very happy with what Momodou Sabally is doing. This is a battle that I Ahmad Gitteh will not take lightly.

“By Allah the creator, I am putting my life on the line. I will do everything and anything legally OK to prevent and stop Ousainou Darboe, Momodou Sabally’s new boss from ever entering number Marina Parade with a single title for the rest of his life.

“To all of you NPP supporters let no one make any single mistake. This election is not a joke. We must not allow our country to fall into the hands of violent, egocentric, divisive and spiteful leadership. This is exactly what UDP leader represents. The battle line has been drawn long long ago. See you all at the polls.”

Momodou Sabally said Seedy Njie is lying for saying he hold grudges against President Adama Barrow – returning fire to the NPP deputy spokesman.

Njie had blasted Sabally for ‘vomiting venom’ from his mouth against President Barrow due to personal grudges and vendetta.

But Sabally shot back on Monday: “He is lying. Seedy Njie of Equatorial Guinea? Seedy can say whatever he wants to say. He is paid to lie, he will continue to lie.

“I don’t have any grudges against Barrow but I’m uprooting him for his incompetence, his corruption and his selling away of the sovereignty of this country and I will make sure that happens.”

The ministry of health has said the plunging of coronavirus cases in the country does not mean the disease has disappeared calling on citizens to wear face masks amid the Koriteh festival.

Muslims in The Gambia are preparing to mark the end of Ramadan and they spend the period worshipping Allah and visiting family and friends.

The health ministry in a statement said: “As Muslims in The Gambia and in many other countries celebrate or observe the Eid Fitr commonly known as Koriteh on or around Wednesday the 12st day of May 2021, the Ministry of Health hereby informs all intending travellers and volunteers who want to be tested for COVID-19 continue to report at the sample collection site at the Independence Station in Bakau.

“The COVID-19 sample collection site around the Ministry of Petroleum in Brusubi will be closed on the Koriteh day and a day after. The closure of the Brusubi site for two days is due to limited number of health workers on duties for sample collection as a good number of the worker will be celebrating the feast and enjoying the presumed public holiday.

“Citizens and others residing in The Gambia are further urged to follow all the precautionary measures recommended for the prevention and control of COVID-19, especially: wearing face mask preferably made of fabric; [and] hand washing with soap and running water or use hand sanitizer

“The Ministry wishes to clarify that, the reduction of reported cases in the past seven days does not suggest that, the coronavirus has disappeared in this country, thus it is vital that we continue to remain committed and maintain the efforts.

“Meanwhile, the Ministry further appeals to the general public to visit health facilities to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Those that have their first dose of vaccine and are due for the second are particularly encouraged to get the second jab. The public is also encouraged to call the Ministry of Health Toll-Free Number 1025 for information regarding COVID-19. The Ministry of Health wishes all a successful and safe Eid celebration.”

The Supreme Islamic Council issued a statement today reminding Muslims in The Gambia that the sighting of the Crescent Moon of Shawwaal will be Tuesday evening, Tuesday 29.

The council said Tuesday marked the 29th day of Ramadan. Eidul Fitr could therefore be marked on Wednesday.

“Therefore, the Council urges all Muslims to carefully sight the Crescent Moon and inform the Council or its Regional Representatives/Committee Heads of any information about the Crescent Moon.

“We ask Allaah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aalaa) to accept all our Ibaadaat during the Blessed month. May HE continue to guide and protect us all from all evils and evil-doers,” the council said.

Police on Monday confirmed arresting a 36-year-old man who allegedly uses the ‘marabout’ profession as cover to ply his cannabis trade.

Police anti-crime raided the fake marabout’s shrine on May 3.

Police spokesman Lamin Njie told The Fatu Network: “The Anti Crime Unit during patrols on the 3rd May 2021, arrested Mass Joof, 36 year old Senegalese at Sanyang Village, Kombo South.

“He was found to be a fraudulent marabout involved in dealing with suspected cannabis. Bundles of suspected cannabis were recovered from his possession.

“He is helping with investigations.”