Lawyers for businessman Abubakary Jawara have written to former secretary general Momodou Sabally warning him to desist from comments ‘defamatory’ to their client – but also gave him seven days to withdraw his initial comments or be sued.

In a bombshell letter seen by The Fatu Network, Jawara’s lawyer Christopher Mene is seen telling Sabally “it has come to my client’s attention that at various periods during the month of January 2020, you Momodou Sabally by means of a number of social media and media platforms made unfounded statements damaging to my client’s reputation”.

“On or about the 11^th of January 2021, you made a widely shared post on your Facebook page on which you posted a picture of my client and sought to draw a link between my client and the drug seizure,” the lawyer told Sabally in the letter.

The lawyer argued comments from Sabally linking his client to the Banta Keita drug seizure are clearly defamatory of his client as “it disparages the reputation of my client or tends to lower him in the estimation of right thinking members of the society generally or exposes him to hatred, ridicule, scandal, odium, contempt and similar feelings”.

The lawyer then says his client demands that Sabally ceases and desists from continuing to propagate ‘unfounded’ stories about his client.

“You are further given seven days to publish a detailed withdrawal of your post and tender an unreserved apology to my client for the false statements made against him on all social media platforms through which the falsehoods were perpetrated (WhatsApp Voice Notes, Freedom Radio and Facebook). Should you fail to comply with the above request within seven days from receipt of this letter, I have instructions to bring an action against you before the high court of The Gambia for damages, including exemplary damages for defamation without any further warning,” Mene said in his letter.

Sabally confirmed receiving a letter but says he has not read it.

Police have asked members of the public to volunteer information that may be useful to their investigation into the attack on Ousman Camara.

A cruel mob attacked Sierra Leonian Camara and outrage erupted when a video of the savagery was shared online.

Police issued a statement on Tuesday evening slamming the act as ‘barbaric’ while announcing an investigation has been opened.

“Members of the public are urged to volunteer any information that may be useful to the investigation. The cooperation and understanding of the public is highly solicited,” police said.

The army has announced two firing exercises involving troops at its Lance Corporal Bojang Memorial Range.

The first of the exercises began on February 2 and it will last until February 12. A second exercise would begin on February 8 and end on February 26.

In a statement, the army called on those living in towns such as Brikama, Kassa Kunda and Jalanbang to not panic. They’re also asked to avoid the area.

A high court judge has ordered a 14-day blockage of Ecobank and Zenith Bank accounts belonging to wanted Banta Keita and two others.

The Drug Law Enforcement Agency had filed an ex-parte motion at the high court seeking an order from the court to restrain Banta Keita, his privies, servants or agents from ‘disposing of or removing of or otherwise dealing with funds’ at one Zenith Bnk account and three Ecobank accounts for 14 days pending the outcome of the investigation.

The agency also prayed the court to Zenith and Ecobank banks to make a full disclosure of all accounts and the balances therein belonging to Banta Keita and two companies, Circuit Long Trade LTD and La Petite Parisiene By DK Beauty.

Judge Sainabou Ceesay Wadda in a January 28 ruling said her court is satisfied the ‘applicants’ (DLEAG) have shown reasonable and cogent reasons to grant their ‘reliefs’. She proceeded to grant the reliefs.

Banta Keita is wanted by the state following the seizing of nearly three tons of cocaine at the port last month. The cocaine is worth an eye-watering 4.5 billion dalasis. Banta himself has been on the run.

Police say they have opened an investigation into a mob attack on Ousman Camara, vowing to take the law to anyone found wanting.

A video showing a cruel mob attacking Sierra Leonian Ousman Camara has sparked outrage online. The victim himself alleged it’s UDP supporters who attacked him.

But police have now taken up the issue saying in a statement Tuesday evening: “The Office of The Inspector General of Police has learned with dismay, the unwarranted attack on one Ousman Camara a Sierra Leonean national who frequents the West Field Junction area chanting the name of the President.

“In a video circulating on social media, certain unscrupulous individuals are seen jointly hitting, kicking and violently assaulting him causing injury.

“This ugly and barbaric act is totally condemned and seriously frowned upon as it has no place in any civilized society.

“To this effect, the public is hereby informed that an investigation has been opened and anyone found wanting will be strictly dealt with according to law.

“The public is further advised to report matters to the appropriate authorities for redress and never must they take the law into their own hands.

“The Inspector General’s Office wishes to stress that, in a democratic and pluralistic society, individuals are entitled to their opinions, religious beliefs and political affiliations and therefore, no one deserves to be brutalized for such.

“The Gambia has been known to be a peaceful country which has cordial relations with countries within the sub-region and beyond including Sierra Leone which has strong historical ties with The Gambia. Therefore, no individual or group is allowed to treat citizens of other countries in such inhumane manners.

“Members of the public are urged to volunteer any information that may be useful to the investigation. The cooperation and understanding of the public is highly solicited.”

The Sierra Leonian man who claimed UDP supporters attacked him is mentally unstable and goes about verbally abusing women, according to one person.

There was huge public uproar on Tuesday after a video was shared online showing a man being beaten by a mob. The man spoke in the video saying it was UDP supporters.

One woman who says she had an encounter with the man said he abused her when she sat near him at Westfield.

“He cursed me and said all kinds of bad things to me when I sat near him waiting for someone, I didn’t know he was unstable mentally. It was people who told me he is mentally unstable,” the woman told The Fatu Network.

According to the woman, she knows another woman who the man goes about verbally assaulting whenever he goes past her store.

“I have seen reports that he attacked a lady which caused the boys to beat him. I will not rule that out,” the woman said.

The Gambia suffered a general internet outage on Tuesday causing distress to internet users across the country.

The outage which began early Tuesday afternoon lasted until around 6pm. Service provider Africell sent messages to its customers saying there was a fibre cable cut. The cut apparently caused all services to go down.

One internet user told The Fatu Network: “We’re in the 21^st century yet you have a country that could go for hours without internet which is in fact life.”

Another said: “It was depressing for me. I was always wondering what must have happened online while Gambia was in a complete blackout.”

UDP leader Ousainou Darboe has said no one but him will be declared president-elect in December’s presidential election.

Speaking to his supporters over the weekend in New Yundum, Darboe said he has never made such comments.

“I want to assure you this… Wallahi this is not a [political] platform statement. In the past I only say let’s campaign and ensure we win. But what I’m telling you today is that… Anyone who believes the statement fine but also who doesn’t believe it you can leave it but you will see it. On the 5th of December this year, president-elect is going to be Alhaji Lawyer Ousainou Darboe and nobody else,” Darboe said.

But Darboe however called on all UDP supporters to get registered and make sure they vote in the December election.

“Like I told you during the closing of the congress that each and every one of us should look for a voter’s card. When we get it, we should also go after others to make sure they also get a voter’s card and also make sure on the day of voting, the vote is cast for the UDP candidate,” Darboe said.

Three people have died from coronavirus while 49 people tested positive for the disease, the health ministry says.

In its latest report on COVID-19, the health ministry says the country’s coronavirus fatalities has gone up to 131 following the deaths of three people. They’re all men.

According to the ministry, all three had their samples collected and processed posthumously. They’re aged aged 65, 68 and 78 years and had comorbid conditions.

This as the ministry also disclosed 49 new cases were registered bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases ever confirmed in the country to 4,139.

According to the ministry, all three had their samples collected and processed posthumously. They’re aged 65, 68 and 78 years and had comorbid conditions.

This as the ministry disclosed 49 new cases have been registered bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases ever confirmed in the country to 4,139. The cases were discovered at various dates beginning January 29.

UDP has issued a statement dismissing claims its supporters descended on a man in one particular act of cruelty.

A video of a man being kicked by a cruel mob was posted to Facebook by Barrow Media Empowerment amid claims it is a UDP mob. The man himself spoke in the video saying ‘I swear it’s UDP people’.

But UDP in a statement said: “It has come to our attention that a video making the rounds on social media purportedly shows an individual being beaten for exercising his democratic right to support a political figure.

“We strongly condemn the unlawful behavior exhibited on the viral video and urge the relevant authorities to mount a thorough and complete investigation into the matters surrounding the incident.

“The UDP also vehemently objects to any insinuation or allegation that the act was politically motivated by supporters of the party. Neither the party nor its supporters have anything to do with the illegal act. The accusation is far from the truth.

“The United Democratic Party is a disciplined organization that has since its inception attached paramount importance to the rule of law, civility, and tolerance in all its activities. No amount of smearing or falsehood can tarnish the good image and record of our party.”

A Sierra Leonian man who is a constant at Westfield, wears President Barrow’s t-shirt and shouts his name in support of the Gambian leader has been attacked by a cruel mob.

In a video that has emerged online, a mob is seen kicking the man as he rolled on the ground in pain. The man later spoke in the video alleging it’s UDP people who attacked him.

“I swear to God they’re UDP,” the man says in the video which was shared online by Barrow Media Empowerment.

Watch video below;;

National Assembly Member for Banjul Touma Njie has announced her candidature for the coveted role of secretary general and party leader of People’s Progressive Party.

PPP announced over the weekend it will hold a congress later this month to choose its new set of leaders.

And Touma Njai in announcing her candidature on Monday said: “I shall be running for the SG and party Leader of the PPP. Vote for change.”

She could be running against current interim leader of the party Kebba Jallow.

By Ousman Jatta

Police chased and apprehended a man after he started a fire at the Bakoteh dumpsite, authorities say.

The unidentified man was arrested on Saturday at around 5:30pm, municipal police commissioner Malamin Ceesay told reporters on Monday.

“He went to a certain point and sat down, took matches and light the area when we were focusing [towards] where the smoke was. After a while, the fire sparked and the suspect ran away. The police chase after the suspect and he was apprehended,” Ceesay told reporters.

Ceesay spoke on Monday alongside KM mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda over the situation of the Bakoteh dumpsite.

According Mayor Bensouda, it has become clear that the Bakoteh dumpsite is a problem “without borders”.

“Last week’s fire reveals that the Bakoteh dump site is a national problem, and if not contain it will cause a big problem in the country,” he said.

The Malaysian High Commissioner to The Gambia Dr Shazelina Zainul Abidin presented copies of her Letters of Credence to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr Mamadou Tangara in his office in Banjul on Monday.

According to a statement by the foreign ministry, the Government of The Gambia and the Government of Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation for the mutual interest of both countries.

The statement said: “Following exchange of diplomatic pleasantries, Minister Tangara welcomed the Malaysian Diplomat to The Gambia and extended felicitations and best wishes from the President of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Adama Barrow, to the Prime Minister, Government and people of Malaysia.

“The Honourable Minister used the opportunity to assure Ambassador Zainul Abidin of Gambian support and collaboration in strengthening the excellent bilateral relation between the two countries. The Foreign Minister expressed Gambia’s appreciation to the numerous support rendered to The Gambia especially in the field of education. He informed the Malaysian High Commissioner that The Gambia withheld its hosting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit in 2019 due to the situation of the country at the time.

“For her part, the Malaysian High Commissioner to The Gambia Dr. Shazelina Zainul Abidin expressed Malaysia’s resolve to continue strengthening bilateral cooperation with The Gambia in a host of areas notably in capacity building for junior Diplomats and Gambian students aiming for University education in Malaysia. Ambassador Zainul Abidin expressed Malaysia’s readiness in helping The Gambia host a successful OIC summit in 2022.”

Two Gambian women who live in Sweden have been named in a tie-dye fabric scam.

The women whose names are withheld for now allegedly duped African fabric Gambian businesswoman 14 pieces of the ‘Thiob’ tie-dye fabric costing up to $3,000.

One of the women got in touch with the businesswoman over a month ago and told her she is interested in her fabric. She later told the businesswoman her friend is also interested in the fabric. Both later signed papers of receiving the fabric after it got delivered by DHL.

However, the owner of the fabric later got a notification that the women who were supposed to pay with their credit cards filed a claim with their banks saying they did not purchase anything. The women have since black-listed the businesswoman.

“I have not been able to be in contact with any of them,” Basen Jobe, the businesswoman told The Fatu Network.

Attempts to reach the women proved futile.

Jobe’s Dakar-based BelleAfricCreation helps Africans who live in Europe and elsewhere and need African clothing. Customers usually purchase the material online and it gets shipped to them.

The management of singer ST through its publicist Picasso Global Communication has issued a statement over the resolution of the row between the artist and authorities at the Independence Stadium.

The statement reads;

We are pleased to announce that the Dinding Mansa Album launching will proceed on February 6th, 2021 as planned. The challenge we had in relation to the venue – the Independence Stadium, has been resolved amicably following candid and fruitful engagements with relevant stakeholders.

We would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation to the Management of the Stadium, the Ministry of Youths and Sports, and the entire Gambia government for their cooperation and support.

Special thanks to the fans, well-wishers, fellow artists of ST for their solidarity throughout this difficult period. It means a lot and is hugely appreciated by ST and his management.

The massive public support is demonstrative of the fact that ST is truly a Gambian pride and man of the people – a love affair that stems from years of fidelity to the values of excellence, community service, and selflessness.

It goes without saying that part of the proceeds from the album launching and all other shows are plowed back into our communities through the ST Foundation for Community Development and other private endeavors.

Musician ST met the general manager of the Independence Stadium Ebou Faye on Monday as a bitter row came to a dramatic end.

ST and Ebou Faye have been at war over the past days over the musician’s plan to hold his album launch there this coming Saturday.

“We are pleased to announce that the Dinding Mansa Album launching will proceed on February 6th, 2021 as planned. The challenge we had in relation to the venue – the Independence Stadium, has been resolved amicably following candid and fruitful engagements with relevant stakeholders,” ST’s management said in a statement Monday afternoon.

The statement added: “We would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation to the Management of the Stadium, the Ministry of Youths and Sports, and the entire Gambia government for their cooperation and support.

“Special thanks to the fans, well-wishers, fellow artists of ST for their solidarity throughout this difficult period. It means a lot and is hugely appreciated by ST and his management.

“The massive public support is demonstrative of the fact that ST is truly a Gambian pride and man of the people – a love affair that stems from years of fidelity to the values of excellence, community service, and selflessness.

“It goes without saying that part of the proceeds from the album launching and all other shows are plowed back into our communities through the ST Foundation for Community Development and other private endeavors.”

GMC supremo Mai Ahmad Fatty has said the nation is ready for a Gambia Moral Congress leadership.

Fatty while welcoming NPP to the political arena following the party’s launching said Gambian democracy is growing ‘without a reverse gear’.

“We congratulate, once more, the sovereign decision of Gambians for the expansion and consolidation of the democratic space. The birth of the NPP plus new entrants, demonstrate this growing trend.

“It was the turn of the NPP to officially launch their own last Saturday. We welcome them into the arena and further congratulate them for conducting a peaceful event. Now, let us level the playing field and make it a contest of competitive ideas, not a confrontation. The Gambia will be better and our democracy shall be the winner,” Mai Fatty wrote on Monday.

On GMC, he said: “GMC is ready to lead, and The Gambia is ready for our leadership. Together, it’s possible. Thank you Gambia for embracing our politics of morality, to restore the balance. Thank you Gambia for keeping us leading.

“We stretch our hands of friendship and solidarity to all, as many of you genuinely respond to our message of progress, compassion and inclusion. A new dawn is imminent – a revolutionary era of reforms, rectification and sustainable prosperity!”

UDP leader Ousainou Darboe over the weekend vowed to peddle claims President Adama Barrow is working with drug dealers if the Gambian leader failed to speak on 10 cars shipped to The Gambia on his name.

Darboe addressing UDP supporters in New Yundum on Sunday said they have seen documents pointing to President Barrow owning 10 new cars that were shipped into the country.

Darboe said: “We have seen a document of 10 High Lux 4×4 vehicles. [The] consignee is H.E, Le President Adama Barrow, President of the republic of The Gambia, notified party [is] HE le President Adama Barrow, President of the republic of The Gambia. The ship that brought it is Grand Sao Paolo and those that shipped it are called Grand World Export.

“Mr President I want you to tell me how much those 10 High Lux cars cost. Number two, they were consigned to you as a person, not to any institution, not to NPP. I want to know how much you paid for them and the source of funding.

“And President Adama Barrow if you do not do that, I will tell Gambians that you are dealing with drug dealers and they gave you money and you bought those vehicles. So I put the burden on you to extricate yourself from all the things that are being said.

“If you do not tell us the source of these vehicles and where the money came from and show us documents, that is the conclusion and I will invite every Gambian to conclude that President Adama Barrow… You have been dealing with the criminal world and that criminal world gave you money to buy these vehicles.”

In what has been hailed by many as an unprecedented event in the history of the district, the people of Sabach Sanjal Constituency, NBR, under the leadership of their National Assembly Member, Honourable Ousman Touray, held the finals of the third edition of their district football tournament on Saturday January 30, 2021.

In a thrilling encounter witnessed by thousands of spectators across the region, Kani Kunda had to wait for prolonged post match penalty shootouts before vanquishing the hosts of the final, Sara Kunda.

The tournament was named after former Presidential Affairs Minister and Youth empowerment enthusiast Momodou Sabally, who is the founder of Sabally Leadership Academy, (SLA). Sabally, who has been the official sole sponsor of the tournament from its genesis, took the kickoff amid great fanfare.

Addressing the youths of the region, Sabally advised them to remain united and forget about tribalism, regionalism and adhere to the ethos of national unity. “We are all Gambians. Politics is important but it should come second to our unity as a country; unity of a people that are diverse; but that diversity is supposed to enrich our social strata.” He asserted.

After lambasting the Barrow administration for allowing a foreign artiste to use the national stadium pitch without limitation while denying local artistes the same opportunity, Sabally used the occasion to call on The Gambia Government to allow the nation’s top artiste ST, to perform his upcoming album launch at the same pitch.

The final was attended by several dignitaries including the National Assembly Members for Badibu Central, Upper Badibu, and the Presidential aspirant for the Citizens Alliance Party, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay.

Sabally later proceeded to Yalall Tankonjalla village, the same night, to attend a wrestling gala organised by the non-partisan group, Upper Badibu Development Association, where he presented the organisers with trophies and medals; and commended the initiators for their laudable efforts in trying to foster unity in that region beyond political and ethnic lines.