By: The Fatu Network Newsroom

Authorities have opened two separate investigations following the deaths of two men in Brufut and Brikama, both reported over the weekend.

In Brufut, the Gambia Police Force is probing the circumstances surrounding the death of Fabakary Camara, 33, whose body was discovered outside a residential compound on the morning of Saturday, June 7, 2025.

According to a statement issued by police spokesperson Modou Musa Sisawo, the Brusubi Police Station received the report and immediately dispatched a Crime Scene Investigation team. Camara’s body was transported to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, pending a postmortem examination.

Providing an update the following day, Mr. Sisawo said, “Follow-up visits to the scene revealed that the compound is enclosed by a two-meter-high fence topped with barbed wire, typically locked from the outside. It is believed that the deceased may have left his keys inside and attempted to scale the fence to re-enter the compound.”

He added that items found near the deceased, including bread and a flashlight, were consistent with that theory. “A preliminary medical report from Ndemban Referral Hospital indicates a head injury. It is suspected that he may have fallen during the attempted climb. However, this remains inconclusive,” Mr. Sisawo noted.

Meanwhile, in Brikama’s Suba Ward, police are investigating a suspected murder involving a Senegalese national identified as Amadou Ceesay, 39.

The deceased was taken to Brikama District Hospital around 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, with visible injuries. “The police were alerted by the nurse on duty upon the arrival of the body,” said Mr. Sisawo.

Preliminary findings indicate that Ceesay was discovered dead in his room and may have sustained assault-related injuries several days earlier. Crime Scene Investigators from Brikama were deployed to process the location. Two suspects have been arrested and are assisting with the investigation, while a third suspect remains at large.

“The investigation is ongoing, and we urge the public to come forward with any relevant information that may aid in resolving both cases,” Mr. Sisawo added.

Further updates will be provided as developments unfold.

Written by: Seringe ST Touray

The Chinese Embassy in The Gambia hosted its 5th China-Gambia Bantaba last week Wednesday evening at the embassy hall in Bijilo, bringing together Gambian media professionals who recently returned from a two-week seminar in Beijing. The bantaba provided a platform for participants to share their experiences from the China visit with embassy officials and colleagues.

The event featured presentations from Gambian media professionals who had participated in the Beijing seminar, including the four-member Gambian delegation that attended the “Seminar for Senior Media Personnel from English-speaking African Countries” organized by China’s National Radio and Television Administration from May 9-22, 2025.

Speaking at the bantaba about his Beijing experience, QTV Deputy Director General Lassana Tunkara, who served as team leader of the Gambian delegation, described the China seminar as “as educational as it has been moving.” The delegation, which included Seringe S.T. Touray, editor-in-chief of the Fatu Network, Modou Joof, deputy director general of GRTS, Fatomatta Drammeh, manager at Kerr Fatou, and Gibril Jassey from West Coast Radio, joined colleagues from Ethiopia, Gabon, Lesotho, and Rwanda for the program.

“What unfolded next was a whirlwind of lectures, hands-on learning, cultural exploration, and unforgettable memories,” Tunkara told the gathering, which included His Excellency Ambassador Liu Jin and Deputy Head of Mission Zhao Shangsen, along with other embassy officials.

The Beijing seminar covered six major areas, including China’s national conditions and modernization, media integration and innovation, new media platform development, smart broadcasting technologies, and all-media reporting in the digital age. Participants also engaged in case studies and thematic discussions focused on China-Africa media cooperation.

Tunkara highlighted several key sessions, including lectures on constructive journalism by Professor Zhang of Communication University of China, and presentations on smart broadcasting technologies by the Deputy General Manager of China Radio and Television Network. He noted that the sessions encouraged delegates to consider possibilities for media development in their respective countries through new technologies including 5G.

“A particular highlight was the lecture by Professor Zhang of the Communication University of China on the Constructive Journalism Initiative. In a media landscape often dominated by conflict and crisis, this initiative reminds us that journalism can also be a bridge to hope, to dialogue, to solutions,” Tunkara said.

Beyond the technical training, the delegation visited cultural and historical sites including the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, the Olympic Park, and the CCTV Tower. Tunkara described his visit to Tiananmen Square as particularly meaningful, having long wanted to see the historic site where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949.

“As a child growing up and learning about Chinese history, I had long dreamed of standing in front of the Gate of Heavenly Peace in Tiananmen Square, the very heart of ancient Chinese history and the place where Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949,” he told the gathering. “Standing in that vast space, I was overcome with emotion and was smiling like a happy child.”

The delegation also visited Yucun Village in Anji, Zhejiang Province, the birthplace of the concept “Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains Are Invaluable Assets,” where they observed China’s approach to environmental protection and economic development. “In Yucun Village—the birthplace of the concept ‘Lucid Waters and Lush Mountains Are Invaluable Assets’—we saw firsthand how green development and economic growth can walk hand-in-hand. The people of Anji are not only preserving nature; they are thriving with it,” Tunkara explained.

Tunkara spoke about personal connections made during the visit, including meeting a family from Jilin Province, leading to an ongoing friendship with their young son who maintains contact through daily voice messages. “That little connection, that spark between strangers-turned-family, is the very essence of what President Xi Jinping calls a Global Community with a Shared Future—a civilization of respect, exchange, and mutual learning,” he said.

During the presentation, Tunkara discussed the broader context of China-Africa relations and international cooperation. “In an uncertain era, where some global powers have adopted policies rooted in confrontation and short-term gain, Africa and China must stand shoulder to shoulder,” he stated. He referenced President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative, describing it as providing “practical frameworks for action in a world increasingly marked by division, inequality, and geopolitical uncertainty.”

The QTV Deputy Director General announced his collaboration with Professor Zhang to establish a Gambian chapter of a global constructive journalism network, building on similar initiatives being developed by media colleagues in Tanzania for a Pan-African network.

During visits to digital media companies including Alibaba’s Youku platform, delegates observed LED virtual production techniques and other technologies used in content creation.

Tunkara expressed appreciation to the Chinese hosts, particularly the Research and Training Institute team including Mr. Gao, Jade, and Yefei. He noted that his Chinese colleagues gave him the nickname “Lao Di Gae” (Big Brother) during the visit.

The bantaba concluded with a reception dinner, providing opportunities for continued dialogue between the media professionals and embassy officials about China-Gambia relations and media cooperation.

The seminar was part of China’s initiative to strengthen media cooperation with developing countries under the Belt and Road Initiative, having trained 6,740 government officials and media professionals from 163 developing countries since 2005.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Ghanaian troops on the ECOWAS mission in The Gambia, stationed in Barra within the North Bank Region, made a donation of rams and food items to local imams on Thursday. This act of goodwill is part of their ongoing civil-military cooperation efforts aimed at enhancing their relationship with the local populace.

During the presentation, Lieutenant Colonel Ronne Agbemafle, the Commander of Ghancoy 9, explained that the donation is meant to assist the imams in their Eid celebrations. “Tobaski is a time that emphasizes unity and generosity. Therefore, we seized the opportunity to give back to the communities,” he remarked. Colonel Ronne expressed hope that this gesture would make the Tobaski celebration memorable for the imams and encouraged the community to support the Ghanaian troops in their missions. He also noted that the event provided an opportunity for his team to engage with the authorities in the North Bank Region.

Over the years, the Ghanaian troops have gained special recognition in the North Bank Region for their continuous support of community development. They have consistently provided communities with food items, medical assistance, facility renovations, school supplies, and other essential goods.

Dembo Samateh, the Deputy Governor of the North Bank Region, who represented the governor, characterized the gesture as timely and genuine. “Supporting imams means supporting the entire Muslim community. This gesture is timely, and we are thankful,” he remarked. The Deputy Governor also clarified to the communities that the rams are designated for the imams only, while the other food items are for the community. He commended the Ghanaian ECOMIG troops for their generosity towards the region’s residents.

Imam Foday Sonko of Essau Central Mosque expressed his joy regarding the gesture, calling it wonderful support. “Only Allah can reward the Ghanaian troops for this assistance,” the imam stated. The Imam of Kerewan village noted that this gesture is unprecedented in their village. “We are very happy because this has never occurred in the village before,” he mentioned.

The donated items, valued at an undisclosed amount of dalasis, included two rams, bags of rice, cooking oil, onions, prayer mats, and other goods for the imams of Essau Central Mosque and Kerewan.

Today, June 4, 2025, the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC) launched the Competition and Consumer Protection Ambassadors Club at Kotu Senior Secondary School, a pioneering initiative to empower young Gambians as champions of consumer rights and fair competition. The vibrant event, held in the school, brought together students, teachers, and GCCPC representatives in a dynamic celebration of youth leadership, marking a significant step toward a fairer marketplace in The Gambia.

The launch featured inspiring speeches, a student-led play, a lively debate, and a shared vision for change. Under the theme of fairness and empowerment, the event positioned Kotu’s students as the heartbeat of a growing consumer protection movement.

A Movement Ignited

Muhammed Lamin Drammeh, GCCPC’s Advocacy and Communications Officer, set an electrifying tone with his address. “Today, we’re not just starting a club; we’re launching a movement, and you, the students, are at its heart!” he proclaimed to a packed hall of enthusiastic students. Drammeh emphasized the GCCPC’s mission to transform students into advocates who will educate their communities about consumer rights and the benefits of fair competition. He envisioned a Gambia where businesses thrive ethically and consumers are empowered to demand fairness, a vision the students are now tasked to realize.

Drammeh highlighted the club as a “launchpad” for leadership, offering opportunities to develop public speaking, critical thinking, and advocacy skills through workshops, mock trials, and community campaigns. He also announced an exciting incentive: the top two graduating club members will secure paid three-month internships at the GCCPC, opening pathways to careers in law, business, or public policy.

Empowering Young Watchdogs

Fatou Nyang, GCCPC’s Consumer Protection Officer, connected with the audience by asking, “Have you ever bought a defective product or felt unfairly treated when paying for a service?” Her engaging speech outlined the Consumer Protection Act of 2014 and the GCCPC’s efforts to protect consumers, from resolving complaints through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to conducting market studies on issues like rising education costs. Nyang highlighted the Commission’s recent study on schools, addressing transparency and the treatment of vulnerable students, which resonated with the audience.

She urged students to embrace their roles as “watchdogs for fairness,” encouraging them to educate peers, identify unfair practices. “You’ll grow into responsible consumers and leaders who demand quality, fairness, and transparency,” Nyang said.

Students Take Center Stage

The launch was a vibrant showcase of student talent and potential. A student-led play, performed with humor and heart, brought consumer rights to life, depicting real-life scenarios of unfair market practices and demonstrating how to submit complaints to the GCCPC. The performance, both educational and entertaining, drew cheers and laughter from the audience, reinforcing the importance of knowing one’s rights and the Commission’s role in addressing grievances.

A lively debate followed, with students passionately arguing consumer protection issues, showcasing their critical thinking and eloquence. These activities underscore the club’s hands-on approach, where students will learn through mock trials, debates, and community outreach initiatives, equipping them to advocate effectively.

Competition as a Catalyst

Mr. Basiru Njie, Chief Economist at GCCPC, spoke on the importance of competition law, explaining how it fosters innovation and choice in the marketplace. His remarks highlighted how understanding competition issues empowers students to advocate for a fair economy, aligning with the club’s mission to nurture future champions.

A Commitment to Excellence

The event concluded with Sulayman Camara, Head of Humanities Department at Kotu Senior Secondary School, delivering heartfelt closing remarks. He expressed gratitude to the GCCPC for selecting Kotu as the home for this transformative initiative and pledged that the students would be exemplary ambassadors, carrying the Commission’s mission forward with dedication and pride.

A Strategic Investment in The Gambia’s Future

The Competition and Consumer Protection Ambassadors Club, launched by the GCCPC at Kotu Senior Secondary School, is a strategic investment in the nation’s future. As outlined in the club’s concept note, students will engage in interactive workshops with GCCPC experts, lead community campaigns, and develop leadership skills that will shape their careers and communities. The initiative aims to foster a culture of consumer awareness and fair competition, creating ripples of change across The Gambia.

The GCCPC’s commitment was evident, with pledges of resources, mentorship, and logistical support to ensure the club’s success. Kotu’s dedicated teachers, praised for their enthusiasm during prior GCCPC engagements, will guide the students, while the Commission’s partnership with the school lays a strong foundation for this movement.

As the event wrapped up with a lively group photo, the students’ enthusiasm was infectious. For them, the club is an opportunity to make a difference, to educate, advocate, and lead. One student ambassador shared, “I want to help my community know their rights and stand up for fairness. This club is our chance to shine.”

With the GCCPC’s launch of the Competition and Consumer Protection Ambassadors Club at Kotu Senior Secondary School, a seed has been planted for a legacy of empowerment, fairness, and opportunity. The students of Kotu are ready to lead, and The Gambia is watching.

Women in Liberation and Leadership (WILL), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) The Gambia, is implementing a comprehensive series of peacebuilding initiatives in the Foni region. These efforts aim to enhance community relations, foster social cohesion, and promote inclusive dialogue that challenges harmful social norms. By facilitating collective healing, the interventions seek to mitigate local tensions and cultivate trust among residents.

Funded by the UN Peacebuilding Fund, the initiative encompasses community dialogues, town hall meetings, and the establishment of safe spaces that unite diverse societal groups, including women, youth, elders, and traditional leaders across five districts in Foni. These engagements provide participants with a platform to share experiences, articulate common concerns, and develop collaborative strategies for peaceful coexistence.

A key aspect of the program is the inclusion of women and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), whose perspectives are often marginalized in conventional peacebuilding efforts. By fostering a secure and supportive environment for open discourse, the initiative empowers these voices, ensuring their lived experiences contribute to broader reconciliation processes.

Additionally, the community sensitisation and educational efforts focus on addressing stigma, discrimination, and harmful social norms. These measures are designed to reduce prejudice, instill mutual respect, and reinforce a culture of peace throughout the region. Reflecting the essence of the initiative, a prominent women’s leader shared the following message during a community dialogue:

“While past events may have created divisions and altered perceptions, we firmly believe that open discussions and community engagement are vital for healing. These conversations enhance mutual understanding, prevent discrimination, and challenge stigma.”

Ultimately, these efforts aim to establish inclusive spaces where communities collaborate to rebuild social bonds, prevent future conflicts, and contribute to long-term peace and stability. By prioritising the voices of those most affected, WILL is fostering the emergence of a more cohesive and resilient society in Foni and beyond.

Written by: Alieu Jallow

In the bustling market town of Wassu, Central River Region North, 25-year-old Ebrima Ndow stands out. Born blind in the quiet, remote village of Njokudawen, about 4 kilometres off the main road, Ebrima defies the odds every day, choosing hard work over handouts.

The Fatu Network’s reporter, Alieu Jallow, met him by chance while he was loading heavy goods onto a truck. Sweat lined his brow as he worked with quiet determination, relying on instinct built over years of experience.

“I don’t want to beg. I live on my sweat, and I want to avoid being disrespected or labelled as a liability. I could have done as others do by begging every day, but I’d rather earn something with my hands,” Ebrima said.

Ebrima works as a “hacker,” a local term for men who help load goods from shops onto trucks. Each day, he hitches a ride from Njokudawen to Wassu in search of work. His income fluctuates widely: some days he earns D300 or D250; on slow days, he makes as little as D40. Despite the unpredictability, he saves a small portion for a long-term goal.

“My plan is to mould blocks and build a modern house for the future,” he said.

He currently lives in a thatched hut shared with eight other people. Ebrima worries about safety and privacy, and he dreams of building a proper house where he and his siblings can live with dignity.

Ebrima also supports his married sisters, who receive little help from their husbands.
“I share my earnings with my sisters, both older and younger, after I gather a little, and I depend on what I make here. That’s why I keep coming back,” he said.

Still, he knows the physical work won’t be possible forever. With no formal education and no sight, he hopes to start a small business—something that can give him steady income and a future beyond carrying loads.

“All I need is a push to start something of my own,” he appealed. “I’m not asking for much—just the chance to work with dignity. Whatever amount I get, I don’t overlook it.”

For those moved by Ebrima’s story and wishing to offer support, he can be reached via Wave on (+220) 2047777. Ebrima’s story is one of quiet determination, a reminder that even in the toughest conditions, some people choose effort over pity, dignity over dependence.

By Dawda Baldeh

The Gambia Mangrove Redd+ project, an essential effort for the restoration of the country’s mangrove ecosystems, is encountering major difficulties after the Ministry of Environment suggested it might assume control of the initiative.

The suspension of this project, which directly supports over one hundred and twenty-four communities, has triggered concerns about economic distress.

As attempts to resolve the current predicament unfold, beneficiaries have convened district chiefs, village leaders, and project officials to discuss the future of the project. During a meeting in Jarra Soma, Lamin Jobarteh, Executive Director of the West African Bird Studies Association (WABSA), characterised the project as successful, emphasising its positive impact on 134 communities that benefit directly. Mr. Jobarteh highlighted the importance of dialogue with the government to resolve the issues at hand.

“We have made significant progress, and it is crucial to engage in dialogue with the Ministry of Environment to tackle the problem. We operate under the ministry, and communication is essential,” he stated, expressing a desire for the project to continue.

Saikou Janko, Chairman of the Kombo Foni Forestry Association (KOMFORA), shared similar views regarding the project, describing the obstacles it faces as misunderstandings between the project consortium and the Ministry of Environment. He pointed out the project’s benefits to the communities, asserting that discussions with chiefs and village leaders will be vital in addressing the issue, especially since funding has been paused.

“I am optimistic that the ministry will reconsider its decision and permit the project to move forward,” he remarked. “If there are concerns, they should be resolved through dialogue to ensure the project’s continuation.”

Speakers highlighted the substantial impact of this mangrove planting initiative in their respective communities. “The project funders visited and expressed their satisfaction with the initiative; who are we to take any action to stop it?” he questioned.

After a meeting with district chiefs, village leaders, and project officials, a committee consisting of chiefs, village heads, and project beneficiaries has been formed to facilitate discussions with the Ministry of Environment.

Sheikh Sadibou Bondi, a resident of Joren Bunda Kunda in the Foni Jarol constituency and a project supervisor, stated that halting the project would adversely affect their economic activities.

“During the rainy season, many families depend on this project, and it has greatly improved our lives. Imagine earning D700 daily as a labourer,” he said. He urged the government to allow the project to proceed. “Through this project, we have established gardens, constructed houses, and paid school fees for our children,” he added.

Meanwhile, Edrissa Njie of Katamina village and Babucarr Fofana of Jarra Sankuya expressed similar sentiments regarding the project’s impact on their communities. “In Jarra Sankuya, we managed to raise D1.2 million from this project in just one year. We built our women’s garden and even maintained our road. Some individuals constructed houses and started small businesses. Every day of work means payment, and if this stops, we will suffer as we lack formal employment,” Mr. Fofana lamented.

Mariama Sora, another direct beneficiary of the project, expressed her dismay upon learning of the project’s suspension. “I had planned to build my house this year after saving some money from this project. Now that it’s halted, I won’t be able to finish my house. This is disappointing, and we are urging the government to let the project continue,” she pleaded.

The Gambia Mangrove Redd+ project, which aims to restore biodiversity and protect the environment, is facing serious challenges following allegations of fund mismanagement and threats of ministry takeover.

However, an audit by donors (Orsted) found no evidence of wrongdoing, and in a publication last month, Orsted stated they were satisfied with the project’s results.

By Alieu Jallow

The Chief of Fulladou East, Muhammed Krubally, has urged authorities to provide travel allowances for district chiefs, implement urgent reforms to the District Tribunals Act, and enhance logistical support for tribunal court members, including the provision of uniforms and mobility support for Bart messengers.

Chief Krubally made these remarks during an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network’s Alieu Jallow on the sidelines of a community engagement led by Activista The Gambia in Basse. The session was part of a three-day capacity-building initiative aimed at promoting inclusive representation and assessing the effectiveness of the District Tribunals Act.

He highlighted that many chiefs across the country often have to rely on their own limited resources to travel for official functions, attend tribunal matters, or respond to community crises, a situation he described as “unsustainable and demotivating.”

“[As the] chiefs of URR, sometimes [we] travel to Banjul for a meeting without a dime. They don’t give us any allowances. We have to fuel our cars from back home. That’s a big challenge for us, to be honest. If you go to the High Court, you’ll see that they don’t work on weekends. But we work every day, even on Sundays, Saturdays, and sometimes at night. So, the government should consider us and see how best our welfare can be improved,” he added.

Regarding tribunal court operations, Chief Krubally stressed the importance of equipping Bart messengers with proper uniforms and transport to improve the efficiency and professionalism of court processes. He also reiterated the need to revise the current tribunal laws to align with present-day realities and ensure fairness for all parties.

“The government should look into how it can reform the District Tribunal Act, because times have changed, and the current fines no longer reflect today’s realities.

Concerning our Bart messengers, we’ve long been raising the issue that they don’t even have uniforms. They need to be identifiable, but up to now, nothing has been provided. We’ve taken this concern to the higher authorities, but we haven’t seen any action.

“We also appealed to them to at least provide one motorbike to help ease the process of delivering messages. Sometimes, the messengers face real difficulties travelling to the villages to deliver letters, messages, or sermons,” he appealed.

Activista The Gambia’s community engagement brought together traditional leaders, youth representatives, women’s groups, and civil society actors to discuss the importance of inclusive governance and access to justice in rural Gambia.

Chief Krubally’s remarks add to growing calls from grassroots leaders for systemic reforms to strengthen local governance and improve service delivery.