Journalist Mustapha K Darboe has ripped into MP Omar Ceesay over his indirect plea for UDP to give up ground over the beleaguered draft constitution.

Political parties except UDP have agreed to let President Barrow have his wish of his current term not counted as his first of two terms under a new constitution.

And in a statement at the weekend, Omar Ceesay who is also the national chairman of GDC called on all opposition parties to compromise on the retroactive clause.

But in a savage put down, journalist Mustapha Darboe said: “I have never read anything more ridiculous! This young man is making an argument that we can grant the President’s wish of taking out the famous retroactive clause because we the people can vote him out anytime we want.

“That is like saying to Alpha Conde ‘oh you committed not wrong by changing the Guinean constitution to enable you to run again. In the end it is the people who will decides whether you get reelected’.

“I am sure we know how that story went. Conde removed the term limit in Guinea’s laws and he also won another term. Okay. My issue with the President is that we agreed in 2016 that there will be 2 terms for every president and that includes him.

“In fact, it was his promise, one that got him elected. And when the CRC went around the country, top on people’s wish-list of what ought to be in the constitution is for everyone to have 2 terms as President.

“If we now achieved a democratic change and that same President is telling us that his first term will not count, that is scary. And it is not any different from presidents who change their constitutions to run again on ‘my people love me’ claims. That shows greed, dishonesty and disregard for social contract that got the elected official elected. Words do matter!!!

“I have heard people say ‘oh the President can win forever. We are better off with 15 years than an indefinite number’. That is incorrect and in fact besides the point. With the daring behavior Barrow showed with this draft, he will change our constitution to run again even if he has 15 years.

“And I can assure you, anyone who does not see anything wrong with his ambition to have 3 terms will not see any problem with him changing the constitution, like Alpha Conde, to run again. The argument is the same: ‘in the end, the people will decide’.

“So, for me, I am not ceding any space to him on this. If the Gambian people voted for him in the next 20 elections, he can be here forever. What is unacceptable for me is the idea that his first that must not count and the whole republic of free people entertain that rubbish.”

President Adama Barrow has commiserated with the family of Basori grand marabout Alhaji Yustapha Darboe who died on Tuesday at the ripe age of 106.

State House in a statement said: “His Excellency, President Adama Barrow extends his condolences to the Darboe family of Basori on the passing of the Grand Marabout Alhajie Yusupha Darboe, today 2nd March 2021at his residence in Kombo Basori.

“In his condolence message to the family, President Barrow, on behalf of the Government and people of The Gambia, said Grand Marabout Alhajie Yusupha Darboe’s demise will leave a void not only in the Darboe family but their community and the country as a whole.

“President Barrow described the Grand Marabout as a father figure, grandfather, confidant, and rock for many Gambians and non- Gambians both in the country and abroad.

“The President prays that the angels of mercy receive his gentle soul in Jannahtul Firdawsi, and Allah grants the family solace during these trying times.”

PPP’s Kebba Jallow has blasted Touma Njai as a ‘problem’ person amid a huge row over the soul of the party.

PPP officials last Saturday met in Brikama-ba to elect a new leader but a row erupted resulting in Touma Njai who was vying for leader of the party storming out. She claimed the process was marred by fraud.

Speaking to The Fatu Network, Kebba Jallow who is celebrating his own victory after the EC of the party returned him as leader of PPP following an election which saw only his supporters vote for him insisted Touma is a ‘problem’ person.

“She also participated in the last election which is still going to court. So I can say very clearly that she’s a problem person. She was one of the people who lured Bakary Darbo into this mess we were in. So if the same person comes again to contest and this happens, who are you going to blame?” Jallow told The Fatu Network.

His comments come amid Touma Njai holding a press conference on Monday where she savaged the election process and then going ahead to declare herself leader of PPP.

Dr. Michael Ryan, the Executive Director of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme, warns that it will be very premature and unrealistic to think that we’re going to finish with this virus by the end of the year.”

However, Ryan said that what countries should now focus on is finishing the hospitalizations, the deaths and the tragedy associated with the coronavirus pandemic.

“We need to focus on what our targets are, we should be targeting getting our hospitalization down to the lowest number possible, targeting getting deaths down, targeting getting cases down.” Said Dr. Ryan.

Adding that “when we get to those low numbers, we will be in control of the virus”

Globally, 114 million people have contracted coronavirus. 64.6 million have recovered, while unfortunately, 2.45 million have died. (CGTN Africa)

UDP leader Ousainou Darboe said ‘nobody loves this nation more than me’ as he finally addressed the issue of the draft constitution.

Darboe was among the nation’s political leaders who met with former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja as the fate of the draft constitution continued to hang in the balance.

Darboe declined to comment on the Abuja trip upon his return to the country but he on Sunday addressed the issue.

Speaking at the UDP’s Manjai office on Sunday, Darboe touted his love for his country and how it made him take on Jammeh in 1996.

Darboe said: “Those people talking about national interest, who among them had his son or brother arrested? I was jailed. Lang Marong was jailed and he died shortly after leaving jail all for the national interest. Gambians say they want this constitution and they do not want anything altered from it. That’s the national interest and that’s what I stand for.

“If that is not national interest, then I don’t know what national interest is. The reason I say this is because there is a lot of gibberish over national interest. Nobody loves this country more than me. The reason I accepted to challenge Yahya Jammeh in 1996 was because I love my country.

“I have heard statements from places like Star Radio and elsewhere that UDP are the problem. UDP is not the problem. When this constitution came, we said we must try to pass it. So tell those who blocked it to look at the interest of the nation.

“We never said we do not want this in the constitution. Those who said they do not want it in the constitution are those you should ask to look at the interest of the nation. Anything in it, from the first word of the constitution to the last word was supported by UDP. So they must give us reason why we should allow for any change to be made to us.”

Two men have been caught on CCTV entering a house in what appears to be a night-time stealing operation.

The footage shows the moment the two men entered the house and looking around for items that could be carted away.

Ali Hydara who shared the video said: “Please help identify these thieves, they went to my friend’s house last night around 2:40am and stole mobile phones, tablets, bag etc.

“Luckily he woke up and chased them otherwise they would have steal more valuables, They ran away and throw away his car keys. The thieves went away with the items mentioned and left their knife and shoes at the house.

“Please stay vigilant there are lots of thieves around.”

Watch video below;

Three Years Jotna officials will return to court on Tuesday, the first time since their re-arrest.

The officials were discharge by the high court in Banjul last month after the state withdrew from the case. The state then filed fresh charges against them.

Yankuba Darbo one of the officials wrote on Tuesday morning: “We are back at the High Court today at 12pm to begin the second trial of the same charges against us, 3 Years Jotna leadership! The matter is now before Justice Achibonga of the High Court! The same charges were before Justice Bakre from 2020 to 2021, which the State withdrew at a point of replying to Defences’ No Case to Answer Submissions, on 10 February 2021.

“Now that same State has brought back the same charges for a new trial before a new Judge! Catch the full details of what will transpire in a dedicated chapter on this matter in my future book publication!

“Three Years Jotna – the struggle continues to remind and hold President Adama Barrow of his 3 Years pledge to the Gambian people!!!”

Basori top cleric Alhaji Yusupha Darboe has died. He was 106.

A source close to his family said the foremost Islamic leader died on Tuesday.

This story is developing…

Senegal opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has is scheduled to come before a judge on Wednesday as his rape rigmarole festers.

According Senegalese outlet Leral.net on Monday, lawyer Khoureychi Ba announced the summons of his client Sonko. The MP will be before the 8th Cabinet examining magistrate on Wednesday at 9 a.m, the outlet said.

It comes even as Sonko claimed the removal of his constitutional immunity was illegal and then going on to reject the summons.

Sonko has in the past weeks been trying to dig himself out of allegations by a woman that he repeated rape her at a massage parlour in Dakar.

The Interior Ministry of Spain has pushed the deportation of dozens of Senegalese of March 10, departing from its February 24 date.

Spain was supposed to send back scores of Senegalese living in Spain illegally on February. But according to Senego, there has been a change of date with the deportation now set to go on, on March 10.

The February 24 date was abandoned after Senegal refused to accept the flight over Spain’s management of the coronavirus in the Canary Islands, Senego reported on Monday.

This will be the first return flight of migrants from the Canary Islands to Dakar organized since 2018, when at least 150 Senegalese were transferred to their country in four planes departing from Gran Canaria (one, with 40 people) and Tenerife (three with a total of 110), according to Senego.

The Gambia Press Union said Monday evening it is deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the demise of veteran journalist Ba Trawally, the first treasurer of the Union.

The veteran journalist died on Monday at the age of 90. The burial is scheduled for 11am Tuesday.

Ba, as he was fondly called, began his remarkable journalism career in 1961 with the establishment of his newspaper, ‘New Gambia’ – one of the first renowned independent newspapers in The Gambia, GPU said. He dedicated pages of his tabloid newspaper to giving voice to the voiceless and holding the governors accountable to the governed, GPU added.

GPU said: “A hallmark of Ba’s professional life was selflessness and sacrifice for the development and independence of the Gambian media.  And as a unionist, his commitment and dedication to the welfare of journalists is indelible.”

Speaking of Ba, GPU President Sheriff Bojang Jr said: “The history of the Gambian media is incomplete without mentioning Ba Trawally.  He lived for the good of journalism and press freedom, and his legacy of standing for all that was right for journalism would be long remembered.”

As a well-deserved tribute and honour to his dedication, service and mentorship to journalism, the GPU, at the celebration of the 2017 National Journalism Awards Night awarded Mr Trawally in recognition of his role in the development of journalism in The Gambia, GPU said.

“As family and loved ones mourn his death, the GPU also celebrates Ba’s legacy as a professional and progressive journalist who despite the challenges of journalism of his time never relent.

“We pray that God bless his soul and give him the highest place in Jannatul Firduas.

“The GPU will lead a delegation of journalists at his funeral on Tuesday,” GPU said.

Veteran broadcaster Ba Trawally whose journalism career spanned well over five decades died on Monday, his family announced. He was in his 90s.

Gambian journalists began reacting as soon as news of his passing emerged.

Fatou Touray Kerr Fatou boss said: “Rest In Peace Uncle Ba Trawally and thank you for your service and dedication to this noble profession. My sincere condolences to my friend Jamil Trawally , ST and the rest of the family.”

Sainey MK Marenah commented: “Woke up to the news of the passing away of Ba Trawally, doyen of the Gambian Media and stanch advocate of Media freedom in The Gambia.

“Baa Trawally was like a father figure to me and many other promising young Journalists in the country and beyond having inspired and supported me along my Journalism career. Big Tree has indeed fallen.

“Baa, a trained Journalist of more than 40 years experience will be remembered as someone who fought for media freedom and independence. Until we meet again, sleep well Dad.”

Baboucarr Ceesay said: “Inna lilahi wa inna ilaihi rajihoun. Veteran journalist Ba Trawally was a great friend and mentor. He was our invited guest at the launching of the first ever Scouting Magazine pioneered by me and my team of Boy Scouts in the year 2000 under the leadership of then Chief Scout Commissiiner Alieu Momar Njie, the current IEC chairman. Ba Trawally was a knowledgeable and religious elder who was fond of young people. May Allah grant him Jannahtul firdaus.”

Gambia have been knocked out of the AFCON U-20 Championship in Mauritania after a 1-0 defeat by Ghana.

Ghana forward Boah blasted a free-kick into the top right-hand corner in the 34th minute from just outside the box. Gambia never recovered.

Gambia beat Ghana in the group stage 2-1 and Monday’s game was the second time the two countries faced each other in the competition.

Ghana have now reached the competition’s final.

The Independent Electoral Commission on Monday cleared Democratic Party as a ‘bonafide’ political party of the country.

The party met the requirements for registration under Section 105 of the Elections Act 2009 as amended, IEC said in a statement. The clearance of Democratic Party brings the country number of political parties to 17.

The party’s leader is Yusupha Dumbuya, a US-based 44-year-old Gambian. The Fatu Network understands he is an accountant.

Tens of thousands of syringes have arrived in the country ahead of the arrival of COVID-19 vaccine in a major leap in the fight against the deadly disease.

In a statement by the Ministry of Health, UNICEF AND WHO, the global collaboration for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, COVAX, has delivered more than 37,000 syringes to the Ministry of Health of The Gambia, through UNICEF.

“The first tranche of syringes was shipped from the Gavi-funded stockpile at UNICEF’s humanitarian warehouse in Dubai and arrived at the Banjul International Airport late Sunday night. The shipment also includes 375 safety boxes for the safe disposal of syringes,” a statement said.

“The arrival of these syringes is a springboard that better prepares us for the task ahead – the equitable administration of vaccines to Gambians,” said Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health of The Gambia. “We are finalizing preparations for the vaccine rollout and our priority is to give the first injections to frontline health workers and other vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. Global partnerships and solidarity are taking us further in this journey and we commend all COVAX partners and donors for supporting this worthy cause.”

The Ministry of Health has been leading and coordinating efforts to prepare for the delivery of COVID-19 syringes and vaccines to The Gambia, including facilitating the required documentation for the importation of the vaccines and guaranteeing the readiness of the cold chain system for the safe storage of the vaccines.

The Gambia is among the first countries to receive syringes from the COVAX facility. The arrival of the syringes sets the ground for inoculations once the vaccines arrive, expected in a few days.

“After more than a year of uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic, hope is now on the horizon,” said Gordon Jonathan Lewis, UNICEF The Gambia Representative. “With the delivery of these syringes, we have taken an important step to prepare for a historic vaccination programme in The Gambia. Like all other countries, The Gambia also must have equitable access to sufficient syringes and vaccines to protect its people, especially the most vulnerable groups, from COVID-19.”

“I am delighted with the arrival in The Gambia of the first consignment of syringes from the COVAX facility. The COVID-19 vaccination is safe and effective, it reduces the risk of disease among all vulnerable population groups and saves lives. We look forward to supporting the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccinations, once the vaccines arrive in country in the coming days.” Dr Desta Alamerew Tiruneh, World Health Organization Representative in The Gambia stated.

COVAX is co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, and the World Health Organization (WHO), alongside key implementing partner UNICEF, working to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for all countries.

The 0.5 ml syringes delivered to the Ministry of Health on Sunday are of the auto-disable type, which means they cannot be used again after a single dose of vaccine has been administered. This reduces the risk of infection from blood-borne diseases as a result of syringe re-use.

By Matty Senghore

Fatoumatta Njai on Monday announced an ‘alternative’ PPP executive of which she declared herself leader and secretary general of PPP.

Njai refused to take part in an election at PPP’s congress on Saturday after she claimed fraud had discredited the process. The election went ahead all the same with delegates that stayed voting for Kebba Jallow.

In a news conference on Monday, Njai maintained that the process was fraudulent and she was rejecting it.

“To this effect, we the undersigned reject the constituted executive and demand for fresh elections to be held. Meanwhile, we’re here to tell you that we have established an alternative executive pending proper free and fair elections. And to that effect, I declare myself the party leader and the secretary general of the PPP,” she said.

According to Njai, lack of trust is hindering the growth of People’s Progressive Party.

“I therefore strongly believe that a responsible leader should not wait to be asked for such. As a political party and a government in waiting one must be seen to be transparent and ready to be held accountable, demonstrating responsible leadership whilst at the same time building trust. Absence of trust, as we all know, does enable growth and I am convinced that this is what holds this party back,” she said.

“The lack of trust has been manifested at the just concluded congress and has demonstrated that the love our people have for this party has been lost in transition. This is epitomized by lack of genuineness and sincerity in leadership. Leaders should inspire and not be timid to talk to delegates,” she also argued.