Gambia Democratic Congress has boldly stated The Gambia is crystalising into a narcotics hub alongside a frightening human costs due to crime.

“Make no mistake. Gambia is crystalizing into a narcotics hub alongside a frightening human cost of the surge in crime rate,” GDC said in a statement signed by leader Mamma Kandeh.

The statement added: “The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) view with deep concern the myriad of credible reports about the world’s deadliest illicit drugs gaining inflow into our country cum the growing spate of internal criminal activities such as murder, burglary/robbery with arms among others.

“The issue of massive tons of illicit drugs or narcotics being intercepted here and there in the country as well as at some of our border posts is not just alarming; it is rather deeply disturbing considering the dangerous consequences of the presence of these drugs in our society.

“Recently, officers of DLEAG confiscated more than 2 tons of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $80-million US dollars (4.5 billion dalasis) at Banjul Seaport on 7th January 2021.

“In another development, large quantities of suspicious medicinal drugs being moved from The Gambia were intercepted and seized at the Keur Ayib, Gambia-Senegal border post.

“It is noteworthy, that narcotics of the manner of those gaining entry into the country are capable of engineering violence in our society at an unprecedented rate and, not the least, fostering the breeding of criminal groups, insurgents and terrorists along with the devastating consequences they have on the health and security sectors as has been experienced by some of our sister nations.

“It is a well-known fact that in recent years, the Latin American drug cartels appear to have shifted their attention to supplying the lucrative European market by developing networks in West Africa, and our country is now their focal point with the aid of some local collaborators who they pay in both cash and drugs such as cocaine, while creating a local consumer market for the drug.

“We may not be able to appreciate the social and economic impact as well as the attendant human costs the presence of these drugs in our midst is having on the country’s economy.

“Basically, all the money earned from criminal activities such as drug-trafficking has to be laundered, once  the money-laundering channels are created, it is inevitable that they will be used to conceal the gains obtained from all kinds of criminal activities in the future.

“These economic and financial consequences of the drug trade make any possible economic benefit for the community, other than those the narcotic trade itself may bring, harder to see.

“Presently in the country, at the social level, domestic drug use is growing, with the resultant addiction and violent crime; addiction to cocaine for instance, and especially crack, is reportedly rampant.

“From a long-term perspective, the attraction of the drugs trade for our disenfranchised youth may undermine social control mechanisms that prevent crime and violence. So far, our youth faced with unemployment and few opportunities are being largely drawn to both the drug trade and its attendant use.

“In our present-day society where over 65% of the population live below the national poverty line, and 80% of the poor are between 18 and 35 years old, and unemployment being pervasive makes our youth vulnerable to the evil effects of the growing spate of drug entry into the country. And if this is not properly checked, the future of this nation may be doomed.

“Another very worrying scenario is the stunning growth in violent crimes and lawlessness in the country. The 2020 annual report produced by the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Banjul assessed The Gambia as being a HIGH-threat location for crime. But, what is more troubling is that, since 2020, the growing wave of serious crimes; murder, armed robberies, human trafficking and drug smuggling in the country has grown astronomically far above the rate identified last year. This provokes a serious cause for concern, especially in the effectiveness of the political will of the government in power to combat crimes and insecurity in the land.

“In April and May 2021, there were countless cases of robbery with arms in various locations of the country and it is almost becoming a norm. A few days ago, a burglar invaded a home in broad daylight at 7:30 am. In addition, another armed robber operation was carried out at Kololi in broad daylight too. Murder has also become rife.

“Last April, a grade 12 female student Marie Mendy was gruesomely murdered. In another development, the Gambian Police Force is investigating a case of the suspected murder of one Marang Jaw of Mandinaring Village in West Coast Region which occurred on the 11th May, 2021.

“The rate of crime in the New Gambia is scary. This calls for an awakening of the required political will to track the root of these crimes by empowering the nation’s national security apparatus particularly at the points of entry into the country with the needed infrastructure and morale, strengthening the cooperation of the surrounding sister-nations to enhance a tighter border control mechanism and above all increasing opportunities of employment for our young people which can help in making the crime rate fall.

“Employment opportunities can be increased by opening the doors to small-scale industries for our youth. It will make them gainfully busy in productive work which will decrease their predisposition towards crime.

“There is also a great need to combat the menace of poverty in the country which relates to ear- marking deliberate policies for economic empowerment of the masses.

“We hope that the government of The Gambia will listen to the growing list of outcries from among our people over the painful and pathetic situation that we face today as a people.”

President Adama Barrow got a little casual on Saturday when he treated National People’s Party executive officials to a lunch.

The NPP officials were feted at a massive lunch at State House on Saturday with Jaliba Kuyateh entertaining.

In a video posted by Barrow Media Empowerment, the NPP officials including Vice President Dr Isatou Touray rained money on Jaliba. The president himself approached Jaliba clapping in the air as his wife helped him dance.

The United States has concluded The Gambia has again proven to be a leader in religious tolerance.

On May 12, 2021, Secretary of State Antony Blinken released the 2020 International Religious Freedom Report, an annual publication documenting the status of religious freedom in every country.

The report covers government policies violating religious belief and practices of groups, religious denominations and individuals, and U.S. policies to promote religious freedom around the world. The U.S. Department of State submits the reports in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

The US Embassy Banjul said in a press release: “This year’s report on The Gambia details a climate of broad religious tolerance and acceptance and constitutionally-provided freedom of religious choice.

“The report includes information about the U.S. Embassy’s engagement with religious communities. The report notes that the country continues to build on its longstanding traditions of tolerance. As in past years, The Gambia has once again proven to be a leader in religious acceptance and freedom of religious choice.”

The full report, including The Gambia country narrative, can be found online at: https://www.state.gov/reports/2020-report-on-international-religious-freedom/gambia/

President Adama Barrow has asked a particular politician to eschew comments that are not pleasant on the lip of a political leader, falling short of mentioning his name.

President Barrow while meeting with Banjul Muslim elders on Eid day said the politician called him and his aides bandits.

The president said: “We have seen one politician who recently held a press conference saying we’re bandits and we should be removed. Those are bad statements. If you’re an elder and a leader, you don’t say certain things.

“We were all born in this country. We all know each other. So it’s not necessary for us to say things like that to each other. If we were bandits and criminals, no one would choose us and put us in leadership.

“However you want to be president, it’s Gambians who can make you president. So certain statements are not statements that should come from a leader. Let’s speak on peace. I always speak peace in my politics.

“Gambians are the ones who choose. Whomsoever they want is who they will choose. But whoever God chooses is the one who would get chosen and I believe it’s God who chose me and I believe my time will end.”

Senegalese President Macky Sall met with the Chinese Ambassador to Senegal Xiao Han on Friday to exchange views on Senegal-China ties and cooperation.

Thanks to the joint care and leadership of the two countries’ heads of state, mutual political trust between China and Senegal has increased significantly in recent years, and the breadth, depth and activeness of pragmatic cooperation are unprecedented, Xiao said.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two countries have worked together to combat the pandemic and demonstrated high-level friendly relations, the Chinese ambassador said.

“China is willing to work hand in hand with Senegal to implement the consensuses reached by the two heads of state, give full play to the role of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and constantly advance China-Senegal and China-Africa cooperation,” Xiao said.

Sall expressed his sincere gratitude to China, saying Chinese vaccines have provided important protection to the Senegalese people and brought hope to Senegal to overcome the pandemic.

“Chinese vaccines are safe and effective, are deeply trusted and welcomed by the Senegalese people and have made a great contribution to Senegal’s response to the pandemic,” said the Senegalese president.

“Since the start of the pandemic, China has provided solid support to Senegal in various ways, and the Senegalese government is deeply grateful for the support of the Chinese government and people. The Senegalese side is willing to work with China to bring bilateral cooperation and the construction of the FOCAC to a new level,” he added.

Earlier Friday afternoon, another batch of vaccines offered by the Chinese government arrived in Dakar and was welcomed by Xiao and Senegalese officials at the airport.

The vaccines were carried back by Senegalese national flag carrier Air Senegal to the Blaise Diagne International Airport from Beijing, China.

Air Senegal said in a statement that it executed the world’s longest commercial flight on Friday with an Airbus 330neo, nearly 16 hours, to carry the Chinese-donated vaccine from Beijing to Dakar.

In February, China was the first country to supply Senegal with COVID-19 vaccines, from Sinopharm, making Senegal the first West African country to launch its national vaccination campaign.

Since March 2, 2020, Senegal has recorded 40,806 COVID-19 cases, including 39,529 recoveries and 1,122 deaths. (XINHUA)

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.”