By Dawda Baldeh

The Director of The Gambia Immigration Department (GID), Ebrima Mboob, expressed his admiration for the transformation of border security at the Banjul International Airport during a visit on Wednesday.

Director Mboob, who conducted this first official visit to evaluate the immigration changes at the airport since his appointment last year, commended GID airport officials and partners for their collaboration.

The visit’s purpose was to assist the DG in reviewing GID’s ongoing security transformation, which includes a strategic plan to enhance standards and comply with e-border regulations both regionally and globally.

Mr. Mboob, who was given an exclusive tour of the airport facilities, was satisfied with his visit, which he termed successful.

He connected the current border security transformation with adopting e-border security measures, highlighting the government’s commitment to achieving international standards.

He praised Securiport for their partnership in deploying modern security technologies to tackle urgent issues at the airport.

“The government cannot accomplish this alone; we require partners to support our efforts in providing certain services.

“The collaboration with Securiport is proving beneficial,” he stated.

Mr. Mboob further noted: “We have e-border self-service machines that will alleviate the workload on officers, even when capacity is limited.

“At times, when three flights arrive simultaneously, it becomes quite challenging to manage the arrival area, but these new technologies will assist us in addressing that.”

He indicated that the knowledge gained from this experience will aid his leadership in planning more effectively.

Challenges

The GID director acknowledged the challenges associated with utilizing modern technology.

“There exists a gap in the skill set related to information communication technology.

“This is a significant consideration worldwide.

“We have AI, and we are focusing our Human Resources on IT training,” he elaborated.

He added that acquiring knowledge in information technology will be beneficial since many of their ongoing projects are IT-related.

“I encourage all my staff to develop IT skills. We are conducting internal training.

“With the dedication of the office and staff, this gap will be bridged,” he explained.

The GID director informed journalists that The Gambia is performing well in terms of capturing real-time information within the subregion and beyond.

He linked this to the government’s ongoing initiatives to ensure digitization to alleviate travel challenges.

He emphasized that GID will ensure these technologies will serve the Gambians effectively.

He expressed gratitude to the government and partners for their continuous support that has enabled the implementation of modern technologies.

He urged GID staff to maintain their cooperation with partners to uphold professionalism.

“My staff are performing admirably. They are serving the public even during unconventional hours, and we have witnessed their sacrifices. Even if your good deeds go unrecognized, you will be inspired to do more,” he remarked.

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

The Gambia Police Force has confirmed the arrest of Karanta Darboe, widely regarded as one of the country’s most notorious financial criminals. According to Police Spokesperson ASP Modou Musa Sisawo, Darboe is currently in custody at the Anti-Crime Unit in Banjulinding.

“We urge all victims or individuals with pending cases involving Mr. Darboe to come forward and report to the Anti-Crime Unit. Your cooperation is crucial to ensuring justice is served,” ASP Sisawo wrote.

Update
The Gambia Police Force has announced that the case involving Karanta Darboe has been transferred from the Anti-Crime Unit to the Kairaba Police Station. Individuals who previously reported their cases are urged to revisit the Kairaba Police Station for further updates and assistance.

By: Seringe ST Touray

This evening, in an impromptu interview with GRTS, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Seedy Muktar Touray addressed the growing concerns over a series of violent criminal incidents that have unfolded in The Gambia in recent weeks. These events have been marked by a disturbing increase in armed robberies, with today’s robbery at Access Bank in Brusubi serving as the latest in a string of bold, violent attacks.

The Access Bank heist took place earlier this afternoon, where armed robbers, armed with pistols, raided the bank, making off with over 1 million dalasis in just three minutes. The suspects, believed to have fled in a Benz V-Boot vehicle, executed the robbery with alarming precision, further raising concerns about the safety of financial institutions in the country.

Just hours later, another robbery occurred at a Western Union bureau in Kunkujang Badjie Estate, where three men—one armed with a pistol—held up the establishment, making off with D77,275 after tying up the employees. These incidents have prompted immediate action from the Gambia Police Force (GPF), which is now leading investigations into these attacks, urging the public to come forward with any information that may assist in tracking down the perpetrators.

During his interview, IGP Touray expressed his deep concern over the recent surge in criminal activity. He highlighted that these incidents are not confined to the Greater Banjul area but are spreading across the country, with similar attacks occurring in different regions. The IGP also referenced earlier violent incidents, including an armed attack on GPF officers at the GNPC in Farafenni earlier this month, where a gunfight resulted in the injury of Sergeant Bojang, who the IGP confirmed is recovering well.

Moreover, IGP Touray shared alarming details about a recent attack in Wassu, Central River Region, where armed men crossed the border and robbed a shopkeeper, stealing valuables, including an unspecified amount of money.

The most pressing of these attacks, however, was today’s bank robbery at Access Bank. IGP Touray described this as a direct challenge to the country’s security, emphasizing the audacity of the criminals who chose to target a bank during peak banking hours. He stated, “This is a very big concern to all Gambians, non-Gambian residents in the country, and internal security elements of the country.”

IGP Touray also highlighted some common traits among the assailants involved in these recent robberies, stating: “The assailants were all in masks. They wear caps. They wear dark glasses.”

IGP Touray called on all Gambians to support the investigation and assist in bringing the criminals to justice. He stressed that the security of the nation is a collective responsibility, and the cooperation of the public is crucial to ensuring that those responsible for these brazen acts of violence are apprehended.

As the investigations continue, the GPF has pledged to keep the public updated with any new developments. The recent wave of robberies serves as a stark reminder of the growing need for vigilance and heightened security measures to protect the safety and well-being of all citizens.

By: Alieu Jallow

Graduates from Gambia College have expressed growing frustration over the lack of employment opportunities with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE), despite having completed their studies in education-related fields. The graduates, many of whom are from the School of Education, claim they have been left in limbo as the ministry struggles to address the issue.

Speaking to The Fatu Network, Ensa Badjie, a recent graduate who pursued an advanced diploma in secondary education at the Gambia College School of Education with a major in Agricultural Science and Core Science, outlined that upon completion three months ago, he submitted an employment form to the ministry through its regional office in Brikama. However, it was subsequently rejected, citing that the regional office had not received instructions from the ministry to that effect. Mr. Badjie appealed to the ministry and the Personnel Management Office (PMO) to consider their plight.

“My message to the ministry, the Personnel Management Office (PMO), and the government is to consider the poor parents’ children who are paying their taxes, putting in, and sacrificing everything they have to see their kids through school. It is said that every child has the right to education, but what’s the essence of education without employment? This unemployment causes frustration, stress, and self-trauma, which the future contributors to this country are facing,” he appealed.

Essa Jallow, another graduate with an Advanced Diploma in Education, who completed his studies in July 2024, said that since his completion, he has faced one of the most discouraging and frustrating experiences of his life—being left unemployed by the Ministry of Education.

“As someone who dedicated time, resources, and effort to earn an Advanced Diploma in Education, I feel abandoned and neglected by the very institution responsible for supporting and employing qualified individuals like me. The ministry’s failure to provide employment opportunities has left me deeply disappointed and disheartened. After enduring financial and personal struggles as a self-sponsored student, I expected recognition of my hard work and a pathway to serve my country. Instead, I have been met with silence and inaction, which has made me question the value placed on education and the sacrifices we, as graduates, make to better ourselves and our communities.”

The Personnel Management Office, which oversees staffing in government institutions, has reportedly placed a freeze on hiring across various sectors due to budgetary constraints and efforts to streamline public sector employment.

In an exclusive interview, Adama Jimba Jobe, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Programs at MoBSE, acknowledged the concerns raised by the graduates but cited a moratorium imposed by the Personnel Management Office (PMO) as the primary challenge. The moratorium, according to MoBSE, has limited their ability to recruit new staff, including teachers.

“As a ministry, we are working to address that. Sooner or later, until PMO lifts the moratorium, we cannot make appointments because we have gaps in our schools. We will go ahead once the moratorium is lifted. Otherwise, please give us time to ensure that we work through these issues. It’s related to data, and for the data to be accurate, it’s not something that can be done overnight. You have many individuals who may have left the system or gone through informal channels, and it takes time to get those reports. The process starts from the school level, moves to the cluster, then the region, and finally to the headquarters. You can’t just suspend someone’s salary or put it on hold without verification. These verifications take time. I agree that if you have a vibrant, up-to-date system in terms of data handling, it shouldn’t take that long. However, there are other challenges that are bigger than what we might only be considering.”

Mr. Jobe seized the opportunity to appeal to these young people for patience.

“I know it’s difficult and unfortunate, but it has to be a gradual process. People must also keep in mind that it’s no longer business as usual, where immediately after graduating from a college or university, one should get a job right away.”

These young graduates are calling on the government to find a sustainable solution to the recruitment challenges, as most of them are currently unemployed, making life increasingly unbearable with growing demands.

By: Dawda Baldeh

In a shocking report, prominent Gambian migrant activist Ebrima Drammeh, based in Europe, has disclosed that 1,603 Gambians have perished while trying to reach Europe across the Mediterranean Sea in 2024.

Mr. Drammeh, who possesses current information on Gambian migrants, characterized these fatalities as a tragedy.

“One thousand six hundred and three (1,603) Gambian migrants have perished during these perilous journeys to Europe in 2024, with one thousand five hundred and fifty-seven (1,557) dying at sea and forty-six (46) on land,” he stated.

He further revealed that 46 boats carrying Gambian migrants have disappeared without a trace.

In addition to these alarming revelations, Drammeh indicated that 880 Gambian migrants are either dead or missing at sea, while 374 are unaccounted for on land.

He also noted that they have recorded 1,254 Gambian migrants as missing.

Despite these tragic losses, over 5,873 Gambian migrants successfully arrived in Europe in 2024, specifically in Spain, Drammeh informed The Fatu Network.

He mentioned that these arrivals were documented with 151 boats from Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Senegal, and Gambia, carrying 4,217 individuals.

Moreover, a significant number of arrivals in Italy have also been reported from Libya and Tunisia, 152 boats transporting 1,656 migrants in 2024.

Additionally, the well-known migrant activist reported that 4,784 Gambian migrants were intercepted in 2024 across 47 different migrant boats.

“The Gambia had 11 boats, Senegal 13, Mauritania 17, and Morocco 6,” he clarified.

He also noted that 6,149 Gambian migrants have either been deported or returned to Gambia voluntarily in 2024.

“IOM has repatriated one thousand seven hundred and fifty-three (1,753) individuals from Libya, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Niger, Lebanon, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania.

“Four thousand three hundred and ninety-seven (4,397) people have returned voluntarily from nine different countries to Gambia in 2024,” Drammeh recounted.

By Hadram Hydara

Sergeant Lamin Gibba has been dismissed from the Gambia Police Force (GPF).

In a statement on Tuesday, GPF said Gibba has been dismissed “following a thorough investigation into allegations of gross misconduct and discreditable behaviour.”

“The incident, which caused significant public concern, involved allegations that Sgt Gibba forced a couple to strip naked at Lemon Creek beach under the pretext of enforcing public decency. It was further alleged that he recorded the incident, blackmailed the victims for monetary gain, and threatened to release the footage if his demands were not met,” GPF statement added.

GPF said Sgt Gibba’s actions violated the Police Code of Conduct and Ethics and as a result, he has been fired.

“After receiving a formal complaint from the victims, the police immediately arrested the officer and launched a detailed investigation. Upon review, it was determined that Sgt Gibba’s actions were in violation of the Police Code of Conduct and Ethics. Consequently, he has been dismissed from the GPF with immediate effect.”

By Dawda Baldeh

FANTANKA officially screened the film “Living with the Scars” on Saturday to honour the April 10th and 11th, 2000, victims in a move aimed at ensuring justice and accountability.

Funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through Women in Liberation and Leadership following the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TRRC), this documentary recounts the tragic April 10th and 11th student demonstrations sparked by the death of a 15-year-old schoolboy tortured by security officials and the rape of a 15-year-old schoolgirl, calling for action and justice.

At the film screening, Mariama Jobarteh, CEO and founder of FANTANKA, spoke to the audience about the importance of addressing our shared history.

She emphasized the critical need for justice, accountability, and a commitment to preventing such tragedies in the future.

Jobarteh pointed out that the events of April 10th and 11th, 2000, remain a painful memory for many Gambians, representing a sombre chapter in our nation’s past.

“I distinctly remember that day. Like many others, I was studying for exams when the peaceful flow of our lives was interrupted.

“Students, driven by bravery and determination, took to the streets to seek justice for Ebrima Barry, a 15-year-old schoolboy who was tortured to death,” she said.

She revealed that many were unaware there was a schoolgirl’s story that sparked the protests.

She credited this revelation to the TRRC which enabled people to know about the tragic rape story of a 15-year-old schoolgirl.

“At that time, her suffering was largely downplayed, reflecting societal views on sexual violence.

“However, this film ensures that her narrative, along with those of numerous others, is not overlooked.

“Creating this film has been a significant challenge,” she told the audience.

Despite these obstacles, Ms. Jobarteh revealed that true to FANTANKA’s approach to transitional justice, the film was made possible.

According to her, they encountered considerable hurdles, from limited resources and equipment to stakeholders’ reluctance to permit them access to filming locations.

“Fear still holds many in its grip — institutions were hesitant to be linked with events from the dictatorship era, and some actors withdrew their consent after being discouraged by friends and family who feared retaliation.

“These obstacles illustrate the enduring effects of fear and silence in our society, even after many years.

“Despite these challenges, we persisted,” she explained.

She further explained she remained committed to telling this story as truthfully and authentically as possible.

“This production stands as a testament to the resilience and bravery required to confront our past and amplify the voices of survivors.

“The film also sheds light on the ongoing challenges faced by children and youth in The Gambia today.”

The film outlined the following statistics as alarming:

• 1 in 3 girls in The Gambia encounters sexual violence before reaching 18 (UNICEF).

• Reports of corporal punishment, sexual harassment, and exploitation in schools remain disturbingly high.

• Almost 30% of girls are married before they turn 18, truncating their education and opportunities.

These statistics represent real lives, genuine dreams, and actual futures that have been disrupted.

They highlight the urgent need to strengthen child protection systems in The Gambia and ensure that justice and safety are not merely ideals but tangible realities.

She also stressed the need for strengthening child protection, saying it is not just a policy but “it is a lifeline.”

They also say this necessitates:

1. Establishing secure, confidential communication channels for students to report abuse without fear.

2. Training educators and caregivers to identify and respond to trauma.

3. Enforcing laws like the Children’s Act 2005, which remains underutilized in many areas.

The TRRC’s recommendations advocate for accountability, prevention, and open dialogue.

“This film is part of that initiative—serving as both a memorial and an educational resource to inform and inspire change.

“I encourage you to reflect deeply on the shared responsibility we all carry. It is insufficient to simply say “Never Again.”

“We must strive tirelessly to ensure that the systems protecting our children are strong, inclusive, and effective,” Jobarteh said.

She urged people to elevate the voices of survivors and hold offenders accountable.

“Consider your role in protecting our children and advocate for a Gambia where every child can grow, learn, and thrive, free from fear and violence.

“To everyone here tonight, your solidarity and bravery in facing the truths of our past are invaluable,” she reiterated.