Thirteen Gambians have been rounded up in Italy, according to the Gambia Refugees Association -Europe Branch.

“At least 13 Gambian asylum seekers in Cagliari (Italy) were on 9th February 2021 arrested and taken to the Uta prison for questioning following the unexpected raid on them. The clampdown on the Gambian asylum seekers by Italian police in collaboration with Gambian Immigration officers is unacceptable and we condemn it in the strongest terms,” the group said in a press release.

The group also said in its press release: “According to information from Italian police published in their website, the victims were called for identification and some of them are being targetted for deportation anytime soon.

“Information reaching our association indicates that most of those who were arrested had their documents stamped with a Red stamp and that they might be deported anytime soon although they have been released from custody.

“This action by the officers is uncalled for and the Gambia Refugees Association- Europe Branch has strongly condemned it.

“We are calling on the Gambia Government to stop sending Immigration officers to countries like Italy, Switzerland and Germany for identification of Gambians to be deported. This is not what we expect from our government. Our brothers and sisters in Italy, just like those in other countries in Europe and the entire Diaspora, deserve protection, support, guidance and encouragement for a better future.”

A 16-year-old girl has been suspended by her school for explicitly sharing the meaning of sexting emojis.

A Youtuber interviewed the girl on sexting emojis and the girl was explicit in her answers. She got interviewed while in her school uniform.

Alex Akimboyo the principal of Unity Comprehensive Senior Secondary School told Paradise TV the girl has been placed under suspension while they are looking for the ‘so-called’ journalist.

One sexting emoji shown to the girl by the Youtuber is the eggplant which symbolizes the penis and the girl did answer it correctly while insisting a man’s penis should be hard enough, in comments that have shocked her principal.

Goodluck Jonathan’s draft constitution talks have failed to produce positive results after days of talks, pushing the Gambian people’s desire for a new constitution into greater doubt.

Jonathan flew into the country on Monday for a final round of talks with the country’s political leaders including President Adama Barrow.

But the talks have failed to produce a deal as UDP leader Ousainou Darboe continued to stand his ground over the retroactive clause.

The retroactive clause deals with whether President Barrow’s current term should count. The draft constitution says it should but President Barrow and his supporters have disagreed prompting MPs loyal to him to vote against it in September last year.

The last two days, Wednesday and Tuesday, saw Jonathan meet with all of the country’s political leaders but the standoff between UDP and President Barrow’s NPP meant the talks have failed.

Still, at least two political party leaders told The Fatu Network International IDEA now wants to set up a committee that would be given three weeks to find a common ground around the retroactive clause standoff.

By Jaka Ceesay Jaiteh

As part of the Kanifing municipal council’s aim to revive all parks within its vicinity with trees and other facilities the municipality kicked start the project at the buffer-zone park which happens to be the KMC’s Central Park.

The Buffer Zone park is one of the biggest parks in the greater Banjul area and for decades has been used as a center for concerts, a football field among other activities.

The project is set to bring about changes and new facilities such as a well structured football field, wrestling ground, a playground, 120 solar lights, 134trees and also creating employment opportunities for the people of the community

Present at park was the lord Mayo Talib Ahmed Bensouda who expressed delight over the project and its impact. He promised to personally cover the expenses of rehabilitating the park’s football post “I will promise and pledge to the counselor that I will personally contribute to rehabilitating the post and also putting some football nets” said the Lord Mayor.

He added that the same would happen for other parks within the municipality.

Handling the project is the counselor of Tallinding South Karamo Ceesay. He assured that park would be under full supervision and well managed “a number of 10 individuals have been employed to handle park management such as security, toilet management and handling of the trees” he said. He further called on the people make good use of the facility.

Part of the plans is also to fully fence the park as it was some 15 years ago.

The High Commissioner of The Gambia to Senegal with accreditation to Mali and Burkina Faso Hadrammeh M Sidibeh has presented his Letters of Credence to the President of Senegal Macky Sall at a ceremony held at the Presidential palace in Dakar. It came on March 4.

Following the presentation of his Letters of Credence, High Commissioner Sidibeh conveyed a special greeting from President Adama Barrow to President Sall, foreign ministry said in a statement.

“He used the opportunity to commend President Sall, his Government and the People of Senegal for the support and solidarity the Gambian people have enjoyed from their Senegalese brothers and sisters.

“For his part, His Excellency Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal extended fraternal greetings to His Excellency Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia. President Sall expressed his Government’s strong commitment to cementing the longstanding relationship and solidarity between Banjul and Dakar. 

“He promised to widen cooperation areas through the Senegalo-Gambian Presidential Council. President Sall said there is no doubt that the cordial relationship between The Gambia and Senegal is a blessing from the Almighty Allah whilst calling for more commitment to strengthen relations to greater heights.

“The two countries renewed their commitment to working closely within multilateral and international institutions in order to pursue the interest of people from both countries,” the foreign ministry said.

Senegalese President Macky Sall declared Thursday a day of national mourning in memory of those killed in recent unrest sparked by the arrest of a rival politician accused of rape.

Sall also announced in a statement Wednesday that a health emergency declaration due to the coronavirus pandemic would be lifted at midnight on March 19.

The declaration had led to restrictions, including a curfew in the capital Dakar — measures which added to frustrations highlighted in recent protests.

Senegal has recorded more than 36,000 COVID-19 cases and 935 deaths.

At least five people were killed in recent clashes between opposition supporters and security forces sparked by the March 3 arrest of Ousmane Sonko, a government critic popular with the country’s youth.

The violence, which the opposition says claimed 11 lives, came as a shock in a country often seen as a haven of stability in an otherwise volatile region.

Tensions only began to ease on Monday after a court freed Sonko from detention.

The 46-year-old was nonetheless also charged with rape, in a case which he claims was part of an effort to smear him.

An opposition collective that includes Sonko’s Pastef party has called for a day of mourning on Friday, urging people to wear white to commemorate protesters who had died.

The collective known as the Movement for Defence of Democracy, or M2D, has also urged supporters to gather for a peaceful demonstration in Dakar the following day to press for the release of what it described as political prisoners.

Sonko came third in 2019’s presidential election and is considered a contender for the 2024 vote. (AFP)

The Gambia Government has decided to reduce the newly imposed COVID-19 test fee for international travellers from D3,000 to D2,500.

Gambians complained after the government announced it would now charge travellers D3,000 for COVID-19 test and certification.

But in a statement by government spokesperson Ebrima Sankareh on Thursday, the government said it is now reducing the fee by D500.

“This decision is consistent with ECOWAS recommendations in harmonizing issues governing the COVID-19 pandemic within the West African sub-region,” the government said in a statement.

The statement added: “Ever since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, The Gambia Government was among only a few countries globally that never charged fees for all COVID-related expenses including until very recently, exorbitant hotel expenses for mandatory quarantine.

“However, because of the rising costs of medical equipment, supplies and attendant logistical and financial burdens, The Gambia Government found it logical to share some of these costs with intending international travellers.”

Lamin Kaba Bajo has accepted sharing false information to the government of Ghana regarding the country’s citizens who were murdered in 2005.

Bajo was the nation’s foreign minister when the Ghanaians who were trying to reach Europe were rounded up and killed on the orders of former President Yahya Jammeh.

Bajo wrote a letter to his Ghanaian counterpart at the time telling him his citizens were only cautioned and released on humanitarian ground.

He appeared before the truth commission on Thursday where he told Essa Faal when it was put to him that he gave false information: “Yes I fully agree, 100%, based on what I learnt recently.”

“But Mr Bajo you sent this letter this letter to your counterpart in Ghana, you accept that is completely false information that was provided?” Essa Faal then asked him.

Bajo in his response said: “I learnt the reality of the facts based on the outcome of the TRRC.”

Essa Faal then press further: “How do you feel knowing that the letter you sent to your counterpart who is today the president of Ghana is completely false, it’s a cock and bull story?”

Bajo said: “I feel very bad, very embarrassed and I felt deceived.”

When Essa Faal asked him if he was actually misled or he just allowed himself to be “used to submit false information to a sister republic, friendly to this country”, Bajo disagreed.

“Not at all, I don’t agree with that. The story was not my own story,” Bajo said.

Two thieves on a motorbike smash the front window of a man’s car, grabbed a bag containing D350,000 and fled.

The owner of the bag pulled at Traffic Lights from the bank where the thieves carried out the brazen act, a witness told The Fatu Network. The thieves are said to have followed their victim.

The incident happened on Thursday.

The Fatu Network could not immediately reach the victim and police are yet to respond to a request for comment.

Former Presidential Affairs Minister and top UDP member, Momodou Sabally has provided a trophy and financial package for a tournament to be held in the Niani area of the Central River Region (CRR).

Sabally unveiled this initiative during a political event held at the town of Niani Sukuta, Sunday March 7, 2021.

Presenting a giant trophy to youth leader Morro Dampha in the presence of the Niani Constituency NAM, Honourable Alhagie Sillah, Sabally emphasised the need for young people to come together as one and help one another in developing their potential.

He stated that the tournament is non-partisan and all youths of Niani are free to participate regardless of political affiliation.

The tournament will be named after ancient king of Niani Mansa Kimintang Camara, with a view to revive the glorious past of the area.

In another side event, held at the village of Barajally, Sabally donated D40, 000 to the Islamic Institute of Barajally as token support towards the effective running of the school. He urged potential donors to come to the aid of the school since tuition fees are free for all students and the school plays a critical role in the development of the young people of that town.

The Federation of ECOWAS Business Women’s Association (FEBWA) presented medical items to His Excellency President Adama Barrow at a ceremony held at the State House in Banjul on Wednesday, 10th March 2021, according to State House.

In a statement, State House said: “The delegation was led to the presidency by Aja Ndey Conteh–Jallow, who commended President Barrow for the massive improvement in the country’s health sector, adding that the donation is to complement his government’s efforts. Mrs. Conteh–Jallow said the Barrow government has created an enabling environment for women to explore existing opportunities and upgrade their economic status in the country.

“President Adama Barrow thanked the Federation for supporting his government’s agenda in improving the health sector in The Gambia. He said the upgrading and improvement of the health sector is a priority for his government.

“The President shared his government’s plan to construct and renovate fifty (50) health facilities as well as introduce community ambulance services across the country, as previously announced during his last dialogue with the people tour.”

Mamma Kandeh has suggested a showdown between the two most powerful men in the country – President Adama Barrow and UDP leader Ousainou Darboe.

The nation’s political leaders have been holding talks over the beleaguered draft constitution but a deal has so far proved elusive.

Former Nigeria leader Goodluck Jonathan has been fronting the talks but they are now headed for complete collapse amid a huge standoff.

Darboe has continued to stand his ground that no changes should be made to the draft constitution including the so-called retroactive clause, a political leader who attended Wednesday’s talks at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre told The Fatu Network.

At Wednesday’s meeting, GDC leader Mamma Kandeh proposed that President Barrow and Darboe face off over the draft constitution, another political leader who attended the talks said.

The talks have now entered a final day.

President Adama Barrow on Wednesday became the first Gambian to get a dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at State House and a raft of citizens including ministers, health workers and journalists quickly following suit.

President Barrow on Wednesday launched The Gambia’s National Vaccination Campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic at State House– where he assured citizens of the safety and effectiveness of the inoculation.

In launching the COVID-19 vaccination campaign, the president said priority will be given to those who are highly at risk and the most vulnerable segments of the population.

“These are the frontline health workers, those aged sixty-five (65) and above, and people with health conditions. With the arrival of more vaccines, the campaign will be expanded to include other segments of the population,” President Barrow said.

The Gambia recently received 36,000 doses of AstraZeneca Vaccine under the Covax package. President Barrow branded it as ‘remarkable’.

“Let me reassure you that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for the prevention and control of COVID-19,” the president said.

With the nation also receiving 10,000 doses of the Sino-Pharma vaccine from Senegal, the president also expressed appreciation to Senegal.

“I thank my brother, His Excellency, President Macky Sall, for this kind gesture,” the president said.

The Independent Electoral Commission has gotten a new deputy IEC chairman in Joe Colley its erstwhile communications director.

The IEC has been combing for a new deputy chairman since the resignation of Malleh Sallah last year.

The appointment of Oreme Joiner last year backfired after it emerged he was a member of President Barrow’s National People’s Party.

The country’s electoral body now has a new deputy chairman in Joe Colley.

Colley confirmed his appointment to The Fatu Network and said it came on Tuesday in a letter. His appointment came from the president.

Prominent anti-FGM campaigner Jaha Dukureh has joined PDOIS, a development that came three days after the party’s impressive congress.

Jaha Dukureh is well known around the world for her stance against female genital mutilation, with her work taking her to as far as the United Nations.

The Safe Hands for Girls chief reacting to her decision on Wednesday by sharing PDOIS’ Facebook public group statement with the caption: “It’s about putting Gambia first and national interest.”

President Adama Barrow will be out of office amid a two weeks vacation, State House said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the presidency said: “The Office of the President informs the public that His Excellency, Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of The Gambia will begin fourteen (14) working days leave, effective Friday, 12^th March 2021. He will resume work on Tuesday, 6^th April 2021.

“While on leave, President Barrow will stay at his residence in Mankamang Kunda. The Office of the President wishes him a restful and enjoyable vacation.

“Prior to the start of his leave, President Barrow will travel to Dakar, Senegal on Thursday, 11^th March 2021 on a day’s private visit.”

By Ousman Jatta

Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly leader of the Gambia Action Party has called on former President Yahya Jammeh to return back to country and apologise to every Gambian especially the victims of his regime.

Speaking in a Star FM interview, the GAP leader said Jammeh should be willing to accept he did wrong Gambians.

Batchilly said: “Because Jammeh was the servant of the nation, he was elected by Gambians. Whether good or bad you should always take responsibility.

Batchilly then addressed Jammeh directly: “President Jammeh if at all you are listening to me; I did not support you. I respect you because you are our leader, Gambians are our boss and they were the ones you affected in your regime.

“Whether it happen under your instruction or not, but it occurred under your government, Jammeh you should return and repent, you tell people to forgive you, and tell people that you take the entire blame.”

By Lamin Njie

Bubacarr Keita’s ex-wife told the high court in Bundung she never insulted the mother of the businessman rather Keita himself in a text message.

“I did not insult his mother, I have never insulted his mother. I told him ‘you bastard’. I can remember it,” the woman told judge Momodou SM Jallow when Keita’s lawyer looked to suggest she insulted the businessman’s mother.

Keita’s rape trial resumed at the high court in Bundung on Wednesday following a setback on Tuesday amid the absence of an interpreter.

At the return of the trial on Wednesday, Keita’s ex-wife who has been giving evidence as the first witness in the trial disagreed with Keita’s lawyer Lamin Camara that the proceedings of February 12, 2020 at the Cadi court was initiated with regard to the custody of her children.

“No, it’s not correct. It was part of the final judgment. Because when the Cadi dissolved the marriage, they addressed the man with regard to his duties to his children and his rights,” the woman said.

She also rejected any suggestion by Camara the Cadi court told her she was already granted divorce at home by her ex-husband.

“The court did not tell me that. They asked me if I would consider reconciling with him. I told them I cannot marry a man who has raped my sister,” the woman told the court. She said she has all the Cadi court documents – both order and judgment – when asked if she could provide them.

During the session, Keita’s lawyer also asked the witness about a D100,000 per month maintenance money she asked the Cadi court to slap on Keita.

The witness however said: “This is not about child maintenance, it’s my own iddah maintenance that I charge D100,000. Because he owes me a lot of money and I told the Cadi for him to pay back the money he owes me.”

“Therefore, it is correct to say that you were actually divorced on the 6th of November 2019 at home and not on the 12th of February 2020 at the Cadi court?” Keita’s lawyer Camara asked her.

She replied: “My marriage ended on the 12th [of February] 2020. I far as I can remember, that on the 6th he is talking about, I spent the night in his house. The day they took him to police, I slept in his room and I took him to police because of him raping my sister and that’s why the marriage ended.”

The witness’ lawyer here took to his feet and complained that the defence lawyer was putting words into the mouth of his witness by making inference the witness was saying her marriage collapsed on November 6, 2019.

“The witness never said the 6 of November was when the marriage ended, she never said she was divorced on the 6 of November. What she said is the reason for her divorce is the fact that the husband was accused of raping her sister,” Alasan Jobe complained.

Lamin Camara then bit back: “I take exception to his statement that I’m putting words in her mouth. I did not put words in her mouth. I asked her a question on specificity. If she answers a question regarding on the 6 [November], we need to get that.”

The judge intervening said the defence lawyer could only put a statement in question form. Matters then became a little chaotic when Camara asked the witness to share the day she left her ‘matrimonial’ house.

“When did you leave the matrimonial house, that’s all I want. My lord this kind of thing, it’s wasting the court’s time with explanation. Give us a day and we move on,” Camara complained when the witness said she left the following day [Nov 7] and then went ahead to explained that she had woken up and realized that Keita’s mother and sibling got information she had taken Keita to the police.

“I want to say when I left and why I left,” the witness insisted but Camara said she could not speak on things until he asked questions about them. There, the judge told the interpreter to tell the witness she was obliged to answer questions and not frame her own questions. He however said she could extrapolate but only on what she’s been asked.

“When did you leave the matrimonial house?” Camara asked again.

“Before I can answer that, can I say something?” the witness said but the judge told her to answer the question. The witness replied she left the house the following day [Nov 7].

Keita lawyer then asked the witness if it was correct she received a text message from the accused person on November 6, 2019 in the morning that she was granted a divorce and that she should leave the house. The woman said the accused sent her a message because she insulted him.

“Did you receive a message to say you have been granted a divorce and you should leave the house? Simple question?” a frustrated Camara reacted.

The witness’ lawyer Jobe interjected by telling the judge his witness should be given the opportunity to clarify.

“My Lord I understand the defence counsel wants simple answers from the witness but she should be given the opportunity to clarify and give context,” Jobe said.

“Nobody is saying that she is not supposed to give context,” the judge replied.

In her response, the witness said the issue of Keita divorcing her through a text message was not accurate.

“That is not correct, he did not divorce me. He only told me to leave his house. He sent me a message that I should leave his house because I sent him a message and insulted him. I insulted him and the reason I insulted him is because I received a call and found out that my sister was pregnant and it was him who impregnated him. That’s why I insulted him,” she said.

Camara then asked her: “It is correct that in your text message to the accused person, you actually insulted his mother in your text message and not him?” The witness in her response said she ‘I did not insult his mother, I have never insulted his mother’.

“I told him ‘you bastard’. I can remember it,” she added.

The witness then told the court she would not be able to produce the text messages between herself and the accused because she no longer used that mobile phone, after Keita’s lawyer asked her if she could. But the moment saw the state counsel making an objection to the defence counsel’s claim the state has transcripts of the text messages but the defence counsel standing his ground that they have a right to say the state has it because ‘they have it during the course of the investigation’.

Still, Keita’s lawyer continued questioning the witness by asking her if she knew a person named Pa Modou Jobe. The witness said she knows Pa Modou Jobe.

“Who is he?” Camara then asked her and the witness said he is a friend to the victim. When the lawyer asked her what his relationship with the victim was, she said the victim said he was her boyfriend.

Keita lawyer then asked the witness if Pa Modou Jobe was arrested in connection with the case in which the witness said he was called by police for questioning. She however said she doesn’t remember when Pa Modou was detained when asked by Keita’s lawyer.

Meanwhile, Keita’s lawyer also asked the witness if she made any complaint against Pa Modou Jobe at the police on the night of November 6, 2019. She witness said she did not.

Elsewhere, the top attorney asked the witness whether the ‘minor’ was already 22 weeks pregnant on the night of November 6, 2019. The witness in answering said: “Yes, between 21 to 22 weeks.”

The case was then adjourned to Thursday as Keita’s lawyer applied for the witness to produce the cadi court proceeding documents.