Nine top officials of the now-defunct Operation Three Years Jotna walked from court today after the state opted out of the case.

A statement by the justice ministry said: “The Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice has taken the decision after careful consideration to put a halt on the criminal proceedings against the accused persons charged with various offences under the criminal code in respect of activities arising from the incident of the 26th day of January 2020 popularly called the ‘three years jotna’.

“Whilst the Honourable Attorney General is under no obligation to state the reason or reasons for his action, the Honourable Attorney General wishes to state that this humanitarian gesture, taken after consultation with the President and within the Ramadan spirit, is predicated on promoting peace and reconciliation among all stakeholders in the political process as we approach the upcoming elections in December this year.

“The Honourable Attorney General would like to seize this opportunity to urge all citizens and residents of The Gambia to be law abiding and to avail themselves of the legal means and mechanisms in place for the redress of grievances.”

The officials have been battling with the state following violent protests they led in January 2020. They were arrested and charged with various criminal offences.

One of the officials Haji Suwaneh shared photos shortly after the development where they are seen making three-finger salutes.

Samsudeen Sarr has said former President Yahya Jammeh’s safe return to the country was just a proposal he made to President Adama Barrow during their meeting on Monday.

The nation’s former deputy ambassador to the UN Sarr met the president on Monday, a meeting he said lasted for an hour.

“…we were able to discuss various subjects but most importantly about a project involving an ecological hazzard in the Kombo St. Mary’s vicinity that requires urgent rehabilitation. I have in the past six months been studying the project which couldn’t be done without government support and blessing. I have at some point even introduced it the KMC mayor, Mr. Bensouda, but not much could be done in the absence of government participation.

“I am therefore glad to say that President Barrow was very receptive to the proposal and has pledged his personal support and that of his government towards the realization of the project. The commencement of the work is now dependent on the project paper he demands from me to introduce it to the relevant ministries and departments.

“We have also discussed the political situation in the country and his party’s desire to forge a reconciliatory trajectory with all political parties and especially with the APRC.

“His willingness to reconcile with President Jammeh and offer him the treatment of a former head of state as one of his cardinal objectives aimed at unifying the Gambian people was satisfactorily discussed. It is wonderful hear his level of political tolerance towards even his adversaries.

“I have in turn assured him my total support to his party and objectives for the general welfare and development of the country and hope to see the safe homecoming of former President Yahya Jammeh as soon as possible. The system of honoring and cherishing our former presidents is a constitutional and cultural imperative that should be respected, no matter what,” Sarr said on Monday.

Gambians reacted variously to his meeting with some suggesting President Barrow was planning to bring Jammeh back hom.

But Sarr told The Fatu Network on Tuesday: “In reality, I suggested it. That that is the route to go to bring and reconciliation in the country. People are misinterpreting it to mean it came from the president. In fact the president has not confirmed it yet. It was only a proposal from me.”

By BBC

Bill and Melinda Gates say they are getting divorced after 27 years of marriage, saying “we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple”.

“After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage,” the pair wrote on Twitter.

The two met in the late 1980s when Melinda joined Bill’s Microsoft firm. They have three children.

They jointly run the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The organisation has spent billions fighting causes such as infectious diseases and encouraging vaccinations in children.

The Gates’ – along with investor Warren Buffett – are behind the Giving Pledge, which calls on billionaires to commit to giving away the majority of their wealth to good causes.

Bill Gates is the fourth wealthiest person in the world, according to Forbes, and is worth $124 billion.

He made his money through the firm he co-founded in the 1970s, Microsoft, the world’s biggest software company.

The pair both posted the statement announcing their divorce on Twitter.

“Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives,” it read.

“We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in the next phase of our lives.

“We ask for space and privacy for our family as we begin to navigate this new life.”

Samsudeen Sarr has announced meeting President Adama Barrow and discussing the president’s willingness to reconcile with former President Yahya Jammeh.

In a statement on his Facebook page, the nation’s former deputy ambassador to the UN said: “I was privileged today, Monday, May 3rd, 2021 to meet His Excellency President Adama Barrow of the Republic of the Gambia. In a meeting that roughly took an hour we were able to discuss various subjects but most importantly about a project involving an ecological hazzard in the Kombo St. Mary’s vicinity that requires urgent rehabilitation. I have in the past six months been studying the project which couldn’t be done without government support and blessing. I have at some point even introduced it the KMC mayor, Mr. Bensouda, but not much could be done in the absence of government participation.

“I am therefore glad to say that President Barrow was very receptive to the proposal and has pledged his personal support and that of his government towards the realization of the project. The commencement of the work is now dependent on the project paper he demands from me to introduce it to the relevant ministries and departments.

“We have also discussed the political situation in the country and his party’s desire to forge a reconciliatory trajectory with all political parties and especially with the APRC.

“His willingness to reconcile with President Jammeh and offer him the treatment of a former head of state as one of his cardinal objectives aimed at unifying the Gambian people was satisfactorily discussed. It is wonderful hear his level of political tolerance towards even his adversaries.

“I have in turn assured him my total support to his party and objectives for the general welfare and development of the country and hope to see the safe homecoming of former President Yahya Jammeh as soon as possible. The system of honoring and cherishing our former presidents is a constitutional and cultural imperative that should be respected, no matter what.

“I will finally take a moment to thank the facilitators of this special meeting, starting with the government spokesman Ebrima Sankareh, the minister of land Hon. Musa Drammeh and the SIS Director General Mr. Ousman Sowe. It was a major breakthrough for me that I will always live to appreciate.”

Dr Ismaila Ceesay has blasted President Adama Barrow’s death comments as irresponsible and dangerous and called on him to withdraw them.

The president while meeting with former MPs at State House said NPP will choose death over shame in the December election. The comments have elicited negative reviews from Gambians online.

Dr Ismaila Ceesay tweeted on Monday: “@BarrowPresident’s statement that ‘NPP will prefer death to shame in ‘21 election’ is irresponsible & dangerous.

“With a fragile transition, the utterance risk adding oxygen to a potentially volatile electoral period. We urge him to withdraw this & be mindful of future utterances.”

By Fatou Camara II

Fish is becoming more and more expensive in The Gambia pushing families to the brink regarding their daily nutritional needs.

From the Greater Banjul Area to the North Bank Region to other regions of the country, the reality is quite grim.

“The price at which fish wholesalers charge us for the fish is very unfavourable and this is why fish became unreasonably expensive in the market. They have doubled the prices of almost every type of fish,” Amie Jallow a fish retailer at Farafenni market tells The Fatu Network.

“The solution would be for them to sell the fish at a reasonable price so that we can get rid of this vagabond price on fish because it makes no sense at all.”

Her colleague Kani Touray says their hands are tied when it comes to pricing of fish.

“It is sad that our customers complain everyday about the fish, but what can we do?” she adds.

But a fish wholesaler Momodou Mboob who came to the market to collect his money from the women fish vendors says they are not to be blamed for the disturbing prices.

“We cannot be blamed for the escalating fish price in the market. There was a time when we would secure fish at a reasonable price but that is no longer the case. Go to Tanje fishing site and ask the fishermen the reason behind the unreasonable price of fish,” Mboob says.

Meanwhile, a fisherman at Tanje fishing landing site concedes to the price increase on fish but discloses fuel cost was driving it.

Alagie Jarju says: “The price of fish is the concern of all regardless of whom or what you are. It is expensive but I can tell you it’s not our fault.

“Fuel is the major problem, it is expensive and this is why our charge on fish had increased. Few years back I would spend D2000 on fuel for an entire day but now it’s doubled.”

National People’s Party will choose death over shame in the December presidential election, party leader President Adama Barrow has said.

Speaking to over 50 fomer MPs who visited State House to assure him of their support, the president said goats and sheep are presently in the same room hence the much talk.

The president said: “There is a lot of talk. All talk will end on December 5. What caused this much talk? It’s because the goats and the sheep are in the same room. It’s because of the afternoon rain but it will end on December 4. We’re not taking the elections lightly.

“This election is worth everything to us. Whatever we should do we will. If you’re going into a fight, you should cast your mind to two things: shame and death. If you get shamed, you should know you have been hit by something of which you must die. The agony lives with you. So you rather choose death over shame. So we (NPP) will take death and not shame.”

The president has now become the second contender to throw the gauntlet to his opponents after UDP leader Darboe.

Darboe last month told The Fatu Network he has what it takes to defeat President Barrow and that he will be declared president-elect on December 5.

President Adama Barrow has reacted to claims by his critics he goes about sleeping while on the job.

Critics have continued to say the president dozes off even while he is standing, with some suggesting he is suffering from a medical condition.

But the president said while meeting with over 50 former MPs: “You know they ridicule me that I’m a president who sleeps.

“But a sleeping president has built Banjul and Hakalang, and Niani and Saloum, and Sandu and he is sleeping. So whenever he wakes up, you will also flee this country. But it’s all because of hypocrisy.”

MP Omar Ceesay has reacted to the non-selection of ‘Dou Sanno and co’ into the NPP national executive where he said it was a clear manifestation of their inability to man executive positions in NPP.

Ceesay who is a top GDC member wrote today: “The incapability of the officious advisers who are most often than not expressing adulatory language to President Barrow is finally exposed.

“The so-called political elites serving as advisers to President Barrow should now remain mute as they are not considered first, second, or third choice in the NPP’s national executive members. Or could it be that they will contest in forthcoming parliamentary election?

“It would surprise one to know that these are the so-called advisers claiming to be in charge of the political directives of the President. Or could it be that they are battling to occupy the position of the deputy party leader?

“One may be baffling the advisers politically, as politicians who recently joined the NPP are prioritized and given positions in the executive while Dou and the Co. are not. Or could it be that they sacrificed their positions to maintain the new members in the party?

“The failure to accommodate adviser Dou Sanno and his compatriots in the recently structured executive in the party is a clear manifestation of their inability to man executive positions in the party. Or could it be that they will be overseeing the executive?

“Dou and his acquaintance should challenge the selection of the executive and prove the public wrong by handling positions in the executive. Or could it be that they want to quit the party for good? The calamity within the NPP could lead to fragmentation among members.”

Dr. Mamadou Tangara, has held an audience with the ambassador of China Ma Jianchun in his office in Banjul.

Ambassador Ma was at the Foreign Ministry to present his country’s proposed initiative on partnership for Africa’s development within the context of the United Nations Security Council, the foreign ministry said.

According to the ministry, the initiative would be launched during China’s presidency of the United Nations Security Council and it is meant to support Africa’s development and post-COVID reconstruction.

“During her one month presidency for the month of May, China would use its presidency to call on the international community to support Africa in areas such as trade and investment, environmental protection, debt relief, food security, wealth accumulation, agriculture, agro-industry, sustainable development, infrastructure, energy and transport, scientific and technical cooperation, digitalisation and industrialisation.

“The initiative was presented to Foreign Minister Dr. Mamadou Tangara during a diplomatic demarche by Ambassador Ma and his team. Honourable Minister warmly welcomed Ambassador Ma and used the opportunity to extend heartfelt felicitations to his Chinese counterpart His Excellency Wang Yi,” the foreign ministry said in a news release.

The release added: “Minister Tangara hailed the initiative and expressed the commitment of the Government of The Gambia in strengthening bilateral cooperation with the People’s Republic of China for the mutual benefit of Africa and China. He described China as a dependable and reliable partner that always supports its partners in times of need.  The new initiative, the Honourable Minister indicated, would be crucial in boosting economic recovery efforts in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic that brought the world economy to its knees. The Honourable Minister said Africa and China would take stock of the framework that encompasses Forum for China – Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in its next meeting in Dakar, Senegal.

“Minister Tangara recalled that since the outbreak started, the Government of China firmly supported Africa in fighting the pandemic. He added that this is evident with the multiple batches of medical supplies and anti-pandemic experience shared with African medical practitioners in containing the pandemic. He congratulated the People’s Republic of China for its victory against the pandemic.

“For his part, Ambassador Ma commended the Government of The Gambia and assured that China would continue to support the development needs of Africa and The Gambia in particular. He said greater cooperation would be done during the forthcoming Forum on China – Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting due to be held in Dakar.”

Ahmad Gitteh has shot back at his critics who have been basking in news of his exclusion in the NPP national executive.

Gitteh said in a reaction today: “To the oppositions and adversaries that are making noise about my exclusion in the executive NPP, well I was in a political party where in fact most of you knew my participation before the formation of NPP.

“You never knew me in any official role but an ordinary member. I was very determined, serious and active participant. That’s me. You need to do a bit of search about me and content.

“NPP is my party. Some of us are very proud that we have built a party with less than the number of executives of some other parties and within two years we grew so large that even Gitteh that everybody talks about in the party does not need to have an official role for the party to function effectively and successfully.

“I would have felt terribly bitter, sad, disappointed and despaired if you had come to my Facebook wall to tell me that “YOUR PARTY CANNOT EVEN PRODUCE ENOUGH PEOPLE TO FILL YOUR EXECUTIVE POSITIONS “. Democracy and politics are purely based on NUMBERS and that you all will agree NPP has.

“I am a proud comrade and founder of NPP. The Baraka in the party is limitless and Inshaa-Allah we shall bring the trophy back home on December 4th 2021.

“Congratulations to this great executive team. You have our utmost respect and full support and we are available at all times should you need any assistance from us. We must continue with this positive mass movement to dreamland.”

US-based Alhassan Darboe today went home with a master’s degree in communication from Arizona State University.

Darboe had been pursuing the top academic echelon for the past two years. He has now gotten to the mountain top.

He reacted: “Despite a very busy life as a realtor and actor, pursuing higher education has never been more important to me. A true testimony that whatever a man believes and pursues with commitment and confidence, he can achieve.

“Throughout this journey, I have had a lot of support from friends and family. And for that, I am very grateful. So far beyond this modest tribute, I owe them much more. I send you all every word of appreciation, and with it, a kiss of gratitude and love.

National People’s Party has finally put together its national executive with President Adama Barrow emerging as secretary general and party leader while Vice President Dr Isatou Touray is appointed to assist Dembo By-Force Bojang as deputy national president and national president respectively.

According to a list seen by The Fatu Network, NPP appointed up to 20 people into its national executive where Mambanyick Njie was handed the role of administrative secretary and Saikou Bah as his deputy.

Elsewhere, Lamin Queen Jammeh got the role of spokesperson to be assisted by Seedy Njie.

The party also appointed a national campaign manager in Lamin Cham while Maimuna Baldeh got the nod for national women’s mobilizer. Her deputy is Kaddy Fofana.

Others who make up the NPP executive include Minister Musa Drammeh (national treasurer); FaboU Sanneh (national organising secretary); Kebba Madi Bojang (national youth president); MP Fatoumatta Jawara (national female youth president); Ramatoulie Bah (deputy national female youth president); Suku Singhateh (social and fund raising chairman); Momodou Bojang (deputy social and fund raising chairman); Kaw Barry (deputy national treasurer); Lamin K Saidy (deputy national youth president); Maimuna Ceesay (diaspora secretary); and Lamin Jawara (deputy diaspora).

National People’s Party on Sunday warned its supporters against politics of insults insisting they ran counter to the party’s principles.

In a statement signed by new party spokesperson Lamin SI Jammeh, NPP said: “The leadership of the National People’s Party (NPP) has learned with utter disappointment and dismay that some people who claim to be supporters of our great party are engaged in constant and unabated vitriolic attacks on some Party officials, Members and other Gambians on social media platforms.

“The Party wishes to make it abundantly clear that it does not subscribe to politics of insults, character assassination, mudslinging, hate and or tribalism.

“Therefore, those engaged in such behaviours must desist from it forthwith as they are against the core values and principles on which the National People’s Party is founded.

“Since its establishment in December 2019, the party’s leadership has tasked itself to transform and change the political landscape of the country from politics of personality attacks, triviality, insults and character assassination to politics of good and sound policies, ideas and programmes as part of a broader agenda to transform the country to an economic super power in line with the tenets of democracy and principles of good governance.

“The Party also reminds all its members and supporters to uphold and demonstrate highest standards of political maturity and decency and exercise restraint even in a situation where one is on the receiving end of the harshest of criticisms and violent verbal attack.

“The Party enjoins all to jealously safeguard and be guided by the tenets of democracy, political pluralism and maturity, tolerance and respect for divergent views and opinions necessary in a democratic society.  The government of President Adama Barrow ushered in a new Gambia where civil liberties and personal freedoms are assured. Therefore, all party supporters are urged to uphold the mantra that “politics is about contest of progressive ideas on how to improve the livelihoods and conditions of the citizenry for this generation and generations yet unborn and not the opposite.”

“Whilst we renew our fervent hope and commitment to this country and to deepen the democratic gains, the Party unequivocally condemns such behaviours and all NPP members and supporters are urged to adopt civil and polite language in their political discourse.”

By Sarjo Brito

Two women security cameras caught shoplifting at a store in Serrekunda have been arrested by police.

The Fatu Network this week broke the news of two women wearing veils and the Muslim Abaya dress entering a family store and stealing a bag containing money.

On Sunday, police issued a statement that the suspects have been arrested.

Police said: “Following shocking media reports of a viral CCTV footage of two veiled women shoplifting in a clothing store at Serrekunda market, the Inspector General’s Office hereby informs the public that there is a breakthrough. The suspects have now been identified and arrested.

“On Saturday 1st May 2021, Police received a complaint that over D200,000 was stolen from a garment shop at Serrekunda market. The complainant alleged that CCTV surveillance captured two unidentified women in veil believed to be the suspects. Police swiftly opened up an investigation into the matter.

“Preliminary investigations revealed the two  veiled suspects to be Kumba Secka and Mai Baldeh. During investigations, Police also recovered some One Hundred and Twenty Eight Thousand Fifty Dalasis ( D128, 050. 00) and several new clothes bought by the duo probably from the stolen money.

“They are currently helping Police in their ongoing investigations to recover the rest of the stolen items.

“The public is further informed that appropriate actions will follow in accordance with the Laws of The Gambia.

“The Inspector General of Police urges people to desist from stealing and all forms of crime particularly as we draw closer to the Koriteh feast.

“Meanwhile, Police detectives and patrol officers are deployed all over and any individual found wanting will be prosecuted.

“The IGP wishes to convey his gratitude to the general public for the show of solidarity in solving crime.”

Police announced they are investigating a false information case in the matter of one Muhammad Darboe, a Bissau Guinean following a false complaint to police that he was kidnapped and robbed by individuals in a taxi.

Police said: “According to the complainant, On Thursday 29th April 2021 at 19: 30 hrs, he hired a Taxi at the Giboroh border post to the Banjul Airport to board a Dubai-bound flight. Darboe alleged that the taxi driver drove to an unknown location around  Kuloro quarry where he was violently robbed of 1, 500, 000 CFA, his Bissau Guinean Passport, Visa card, ID card, and a mobile phone. He also alleged injuries as a result of the violent robbery, he suffered from his alleged assailants.

“Preliminary investigations revealed, the complainant did not pass through any of the official borders in The Gambia as alleged. Also, investigators visited the alleged crime scene but no evidence linking to the crime was discovered. Curiously, even the flight manifest to Morocco found in his possession doesn’t even bear his name.

“Further investigations revealed that he actually stole money from his father in Guinea Bissau on the pretext of traveling to Europe through the back way. The stolen money has been entrusted to someone in The Gambia (name withheld). Police investigators are making efforts to recover the stolen money.

“The IGP’s office wishes to strongly advice the public to desist from spreading false information about imaginary crimes that never happened. Any individual found wanting of such will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the Laws.

“Similarly, online newspapers and bloggers are urged to verify facts relating to crimes in The Gambia and desist from spreading false information intended to cause panic and fear among the public. The cooperation and understanding of the public is highly solicited.”

Police have arrested three people for allegedly being in possession of cannabis.

The men were arrested on April 28 on the Sukuta-Jabang highway after their red Mercedes Benz C-Class, with registration number BJL 6693 T was intercepted. They were arrested by Police Intervention Unit’s VIP Platoon.

“Quantities of suspected drugs were found in the vehicle resulting to the arrest of three suspects namely: Alieu Jarju, Ousman Jatta and Mamodou Jallow.

“They are handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Agency for necessary actions,” police said.

Amie Bajo’s kidney transplant in India is on track after a fundraiser set up in her name raised nearly one million dalasis.

The Fatu Network advised the 21-year-old to set up a fundraiser after she was led to the outlet’s office by her colleagues at the university.

Her fundraiser has now raised nearly one million dalasis of the 1.2 million dalasis nearly for her to undergo kidney transplant in India.

The Fatu Network understands businessman Abubakary Jawara donated D100,000 while Arab Gambia Islamic Bank donated D75,000.

Amie is still seeking support and anyone who wishes to help save the life of the young girl can reach out to her family or colleagues at the university.