UDP leader Ousainou Darboe has said his party will strive to make the December election about the Gambian people and their urgent priorities.

“We must all strive to make the elections about the Gambian people and their urgent priorities. We at the United Democratic Party intend to do just that,” Mr Darboe said in his Eidul Fitr message.

According to Mr Darboe, the December election offers Gambians another opportunity to choose among ‘clear and contrasting’ candidates and visions.

Mr Darboe added: “We’re only 204 days away from a defining and consequential national elections, the first since the birth of the New Gambia in 2016. The Gambian people will again have an opportunity to choose among the clear and contrasting candidates and visions and it is the responsibility of every citizen to engage fully in the entire process, that is free, fair and transparent from registration to voting. “This will assure validation of the exercise and enjoy the confidence of all stakeholders whatever the outcome. The real winners in such a contest would be democracy itself as the outcome would be as good as processes that produced it.

“We must all there commit ourselves as individuals, political parties, CSOs and government officials to the proposition that only qualified citizens should be registered legally, at home and abroad. That candidates and campaigns would engage voters as stipulated by law and that polls would be conducted freely and fairly.”

A self-proclaimed Imam Nanfo Diaby in Kankan, Guinea Conakry, was arrested after leading Eid-ul-Fitr prayers in his local Madingo language instead of Arabic, DW reported on Friday.

According to DW, Guinea’s Office of Religious Affairs has previously warned Nanfo to refrain from the practice described as blasphemy.

Angry protesters attacked his mosque, and the police arrested him along with some of his followers, DW said.

The religious department banned him from leading prayers in his compound and anywhere in the country, the outlet added.

President Adama Barrow has said some people are taking his government’s efforts in promoting freedom and other democratic values.

In his Eidul Fitr message, the president opined disregard for the rule of law is disruptive.

The president said: “In the past four years, my government has consistently promoted freedom and other democratic values that would bring back our smiles in a peaceful and stable environment.

“Unfortunately, some people are taking these values for granted, and are conducting themselves in ways that undermine our security.

“Disregard for the rule of law is disruptive. As a result, I ask all citizens and residents of the country to act responsibly in order to advance peace and development.”

Momodou Sabally has responded to Seedy Njie execution comments, in an escalating war of words between the two rivals.

NPP deputy spokesman Njie insisted Sabally would have been executed for economic crime if he was in China. Sabally had sarcastically wondered if ‘Seedy Njie of Equatorial Guinea’ had been the one speaking about him and that Njie is paid to lie.

Sabally has now returned fire in an audio message obtained by The Fatu Network.

The former secretary general said: “I want to warn President Barrow who is someone we respect. It’s important we warn one before we enter into anything.

“President Barrow, it’s me who criticizes you and your government and I will continue doing it, I will not stop. Whatever I say, I base it on evidence. You called for violence in the nation’s politics and I asked you to stop since it wasn’t wise. Now, you have allowed people to speak on your behalf and making violence-provoking comments.

“They said if I go to Gambisara they will break my legs. One of your puppies also came forward making death comments. That some people should be killed. President Barrow, speak to your herd to stop saying things like these.

“Because I’ve raised myself above responding to comments by a dog. But I asked you to speak to your puppies that are barking. If you want to send people to me to get personal with me, I can do that too.

“But I look down on the dogs and I will turn to you. If you want us to investigate your nephews, Njaga Sanneh and Amadou Sanneh, in terms of how much is in their account and what amount they target before your rule ends, we can also talk about that.

“So Your Excellency this is the warning. Sabally is untouchable. I Momodou Sabally will hold you to account, with respect according to law. But if you want to send puppies to instigate violence, I know where to hit you.”

Gambia Action Party has greeted Gambians on the occasion of Eidul Fitr.

The party’s statement reads;

“As today marks the fasting of thirty days in Muslim calendar, we wish to extend our sincere greeting to our Muslim brothers and sisters both in The Gambia and abroad. Ramadan is such a special occasion that connects the muslims together and enjoin in prayerful nature for the benefits of all mankind. During this period, The Gambians upheld and demonstrated mutual support for the less privileged people and reaffirmed our societal values and beliefs in absolute caring and sharing.  May all the fasting and prayers be answered towards the common good of all the people.

“We would like to take this rare opportunity to call for the maintenance of peace and stability around the country with continuous action against violence and its related scenarios cognizant of the fact that our collective efforts are needed for the safety of all people irrespective of our diverse backgrounds. Our nation is facing tumultuous challenges posed by perpetrators who on daily routine disregard for the precious souls of the nation’s assets as many people are announced dead in all parts of the country. We beckon the Gambia Government to restore primary focus on protection of the lives of our people in the most dignified and secure manner.

“We wish to extend our gratitude to the frontline workers who during this difficult month rendered effective services in our hospitals as we continued to struggle with COVID-19 influenza and other medical complications. On the other hand, The Gambia Action Party salutes our women in civil and public service sectors to have coped with other commitments during this month. Whilst Allah stays aloof and watches, may He bless them all.

“On behalf of my family, the Executive Committee of Gambia Action Party,  general membership and the Muslim community by extension, I wish everyone a joyous Eid Ul Fitr and many more years in peace, stability, steadfastness and loyalty to the nation coupled with the achievement of the socio-economic development agendas of our great nation, The Gambia.”

National People’s Party was more than 1,000 votes behind UDP in an online poll put up by NPP man Dimansa Kujabie.

Kujabie was seeking to sound NPP’s popularity online but it misfired as the party bagged a sorry 374 votes to UDP’s 1,550 votes in one poll.

Kujabie later commented: “In the online Facebook polls, our southern brothers and sisters emerged victorious. Do you know I have an argument with someone that UDP’s strength is only on social media and their noise doesn’t resonate with the reality on ground here.

“It’s also a showcase of how desperate people (our southern brothers)are to seeing themselves in power.

“They have mobilised themselves quickly to come and vote, like in the UDP TV and media what’s app platform, the message came asking themselves to go and vote later they started sending messages of screenshots celebrating how powerful they are(southern brothers). One person affirmed he used all of his 3 Facebook accounts and voted.”

President Adama Barrow has used his Eidul Fitr message to address the Sanyang incident expressing alarm the nation’s youth could take the law into their own hands and burn down a police station.

The president said in his Eid statement on Wednesday: “I cannot fail to seize this opportunity to address some pressing national issues of security and public safety. As we all know, peace and stability form the bedrock for development. It is regretted, therefore, that there have been disturbing reports of domestic violence in our communities and criminal acts of drug abuse, theft, destruction of property and other forms of crimes.

“These crimes pose a threat to peace and stability, and can hamper our development efforts. The incident reported in Sanyang is a case in point. It is alarming that Gambian youths can take the law into their own hands to the extent of destroying a police station, looting businesses and displacing law-abiding persons who had amicably integrated themselves into the Gambian community.

The impact of that incident affected the lives of a whole community. It dislodged people who had investments in the country and were peacefully earning their livelihoods in the area.

“I am also aware of cases of domestic violence, leading to the death of two young persons in one instance. Crimes that were unknown in the country, such as kidnapping and daylight robbery, are gradually becoming common news headlines. Yet, the TRRC has been set up for reparation and reconciliation, as reflected in their ‘never again’ slogan. There are legal ways of expressing our views or taking action against any offence or perceived injustice, and they are meant to be followed.”

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.