By: Alieu Jallow

The National Assembly Member (NAM) for Wuli West, Nfamara Sabally, has strongly denied allegations circulating on social media that he was involved in the ritualistic slaughter of 50 goats for personal gain. Speaking in a telephone interview with The Fatu Network, the lawmaker described the claims as false and politically motivated attempts to tarnish his image.

According to Sabally, the goats were part of a charitable initiative by HMD, a humanitarian organization that provides food aid to underprivileged families. He explained that the initiative, now in its second year, aims to support vulnerable communities with rice, sugar, cash, and meat, especially during religious celebrations. “The organization expanded its support this year, reaching seven communities. Many families struggle to afford basic necessities, including meat. So, in collaboration with HMD Charitable Organization, we arranged for these goats to be distributed to the needy,” he said. Sabally’s claim was confirmed by the charitable organization.

He clarified that the animals were placed under the care of local alkalos (village heads) before being slaughtered and distributed to families, stressing that they refrained from handing the goats directly to the beneficiaries out of concern that they might sell them. “If you sell the goat and keep the money, the family won’t benefit. That’s why we ensure the meat is given directly to them,” he added.

The legislator alleged that his accuser, Lamin Fatty, was politically motivated, claiming that Fatty, who belongs to the opposition PDOIS party, was deliberately trying to damage his reputation. “This same individual, whose wife I personally helped with food supplies during Ramadan, is now leading this smear campaign,” he stated. He also highlighted HMD’s contributions to the constituency, including building six houses for families displaced by disasters, asking, “Why are these good deeds not being mentioned?”

Dismissing claims that foreigners were involved in the process, he reiterated his commitment to serving his people. “Today, I am a National Assembly Member, but tomorrow, only God knows what will happen. My focus is to finish my term in peace and continue working for my people.” The lawmaker called on the public to disregard the allegations, emphasizing that his only intention was to assist those in need.

By: Dawda Baldeh

As gambling increasingly becomes a popular pursuit among young people seeking quick wealth, concerns have emerged regarding its detrimental effects, which are linked to family conflicts, financial losses, addiction, and crime among the youth.

The opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP) has called for an immediate ban on betting, citing its harmful effects on the younger population. In a statement, GAP leader Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly urged the government to reinstate the ban to protect the youth.

“I urge you, President Barrow, to take swift action to address the alarming and damaging consequences of betting and gambling on our society, especially on young people,” he stated.

Batchilly criticized the legalization and spread of betting establishments, noting that they are rapidly eroding moral values, increasing crime rates, harming families, and negatively affecting academic performance.

On March 2, 2015, former President Yahya Jammeh prohibited all forms of gambling in the country. “All operators of these services and establishments are hereby directed to cease operations from the effective date,” a statement from the State House indicated. The government condemned the gaming industry as “exploitative” and stated that the ban would safeguard the youth from becoming “a generation of compulsive and addicted gamblers.”

However, in March 2017, just months after taking office, President Barrow lifted the ban on betting. GAP characterized this decision as a grave mistake that must be rectified immediately.

“Now even children under 18 are actively participating in betting and other forms of gambling,” Batchilly remarked. “This poses not only a threat to their future but also to the stability and progress of our nation. The increase in crime rates, financial irresponsibility, and addiction among the youth is linked to betting,” he added.

Batchilly further linked the rise of gambling to the growing number of school dropouts. “Betting and other forms of gambling are significant contributors to crime, theft, and indiscipline,” he contended, stressing that the get-rich-quick mentality is causing parents to lose control over their children and fracturing families.

Despite arguments that gambling generates employment and economic benefits for gamblers and revenue for the government, GAP contended that its long-term negative effects far outweigh any short-term economic gains. “A nation’s advancement is determined by the strength and integrity of its people, not by an industry that thrives on exploitation and despair,” Batchilly asserted.

Recently, the National Assembly Members for Basse and Serrekunda also expressed concerns over the growing number of betting companies in the country and called for government intervention to prevent gambling from harming the youth.

“The government must prioritize the well-being of its citizens, especially the youth, by enacting strict laws to shield them from this destructive habit. The time to act is now before we lose an entire generation to the dangers of gambling,” one of them explained.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Mama Kandeh, leader of the opposition Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), has declared that he will not address accusations of corruption within President Adama Barrow’s administration. Instead, he urged journalists to engage him solely on his party’s plans for the nation.

Kandeh expressed these views during his recent annual Eid gathering with the GDC council of elders in Ketty. A vocal critic of President Barrow’s government, he stated that he currently has no time for the administration.

“I’m focused on formulating solutions for the country,” he remarked, emphasizing that his efforts are directed towards future objectives. “I don’t have time to speak about President Barrow; I don’t have time to discuss corruption. My time is dedicated to addressing the nation’s issues. The only topic I am willing to discuss is how I can contribute to the development of this country. Please do not ask me about corruption or Barrow,” he stressed.

Kandeh contended that everyone in the country is aware of what he refers to as the pervasive corruption within the government. “We all recognize the challenges we are facing,” he stated.

In response to the U.S. government freezing USAID to several countries, the GDC leader remarked that this serves as a wake-up call for all leaders to take action and initiate self-reliance. “Many people are crying over Trump’s decision to freeze aid to us. This is an opportunity for us to become self-sufficient and develop our nation. America was not built by chance; it was built by people, and we can achieve the same,” he argued.

He also mentioned that if elected, he would revitalize the agricultural sector to ensure food production for the country. “I will not promise anyone that I will lower the price of rice imported from other nations. We can only reduce prices if we cultivate our own rice and consume it. We will modernize the agricultural sector to attract farmers,” he pointed out.

Kandeh further asserted that conflicts in Ukraine, Palestine, or elsewhere should not be a reason for Gambians to suffer from hunger. “We have the land and water available to grow what we need to eat,” he explained.

He noted that although Gambia is quite small, no one is homeless. “America is a developed country, yet it has hundreds of thousands of homeless individuals. Do we question why they are providing us with funds while leaving their homeless citizens behind? They have an agenda that needs to be scrutinized,” he argued.

He cautioned that Gambia should not continue to depend on donors for its development.

By: Michaella Faith Wright

On Coffee Time on April 1st, Minister of Information Dr. Ismaila Ceesay delivered President Adama Barrow’s Eid message, extending warm greetings to all Gambians. He prayed for peace, prosperity, and the acceptance of supplications by Almighty Allah, while also reminding citizens of their responsibility to uphold national unity.

Speaking on behalf of the President, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay emphasized the significance of peace and stability in The Gambia, noting that while the country enjoys harmony, many nations—particularly Muslim-majority ones—face challenges that disrupt their celebrations.
“The President’s message is a reminder to every citizen of their responsibility to maintain the peace we have. There are other countries that could not enjoy their Eid day, and most of them are Muslim nations,” Dr. Ceesay stated.

Addressing concerns about the inclusion of different religious groups in national events, Dr. Ceesay reiterated that The Gambia is a secular state and, as such, all religious groups are treated equally.

“Last year, the Ahmadiyya community was included in the program, alternating with the Lebanese delegation,” he explained. “There is no policy that marginalizes any religious group. At the Office of the President, invitations are sent out, and it is the invited organizations that determine their representation.”

He also noted that while women-led groups may not have been in the initial delegations, they are part of the broader national representation and may be included in subsequent engagements.

Dr. Ceesay described the President’s Eid message as one of his most significant, urging Gambians to appreciate the peace and unity they enjoy and to remain committed to strengthening the country’s social cohesion.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Gambian President Adama Barrow visited markets in Brikama, Latrikunda, and Serrekunda on Tuesday to assess the impact of several fire incidents that have reduced hundreds of shops to ashes. The visit is part of ongoing efforts to gather information on the damage and identify solutions to support victims and address the issue. Internal preliminary findings report an estimated damage of forty million dalasis (D40m).

Speaking to reporters at the scene, President Barrow acknowledged the extent of the destruction caused by the fires and expressed his sympathy for the victims. He was informed that the damage in Brikama market is estimated at fifteen million dalasis (D15m), five million dalasis (D5m) in Latrikunda, and twenty million dalasis (D20m) in Serrekunda market, respectively. Despite these preliminary estimates, President Barrow noted that his government is awaiting the official report from the investigation.

“The best way forward is to relocate the ‘Sandikas’ because the markets are congested. Accessibility is a problem in the markets,” he stated. The head of state also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to addressing such incidents. “The people affected are Gambians, and we cannot just stand by. My government will do everything possible to support them,” he added.

President Barrow further urged the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures against such occurrences. “The markets are not organized at all, and that falls under the responsibility of the local councils; they are selling food items. This is not the best approach,” he stressed, noting that the long-term solution is to modernize the markets. “We will need to modernize the markets to meet international standards,” he said.

He also called on local government councils to work together with the central government for the country’s progress. This visit comes in the wake of repeated fire incidents in Brikama, Latrikunda, and Serrekunda that have left many shop owners in distress. During the visit, store owners and market leaders highlighted the urgent need for support for the victims.

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has reiterated that it is not responsible for the fire that erupted at the Serrekunda Sandika Market early Monday morning, stating that the location where the incident occurred has no NAWEC services.

In a follow-up statement issued on Monday, NAWEC addressed the claims made by the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), which had initially stated that an electrical spark caused a vendor shed to catch fire, affecting 13 sheds known as “Mbarr.” KMC also announced plans to engage NAWEC regarding the matter.

However, NAWEC has firmly denied any involvement. In an earlier statement, the company asserted that its initial assessment found no faults or irregularities in its network at the time of the fire. Now, in its latest communication, NAWEC has gone further, confirming that the affected area does not even have NAWEC services.

“KMC, fact-check before apportioning blame,” NAWEC stated, while also expressing sympathy for those affected by the fire.

As investigations continue, further details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Following the fire that erupted at the Serrekunda Sandika Market early Monday morning, The Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has denied claims that the incident was caused by an electrical spark from its infrastructure.

In the early morning hours, after the fire had started, the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) stated that an electrical spark had ignited a local vendor shed, affecting 13 sheds known as “Mbarr.” The Council confirmed that emergency responders had extinguished the blaze, and announced plans to engage NAWEC regarding the incident.

However, in a subsequent press release, NAWEC pushed back against any claim that it was at fault for the fire. The company stated that its initial assessment found no faults or irregularities in its network at the time of the incident. “Our systems were functioning normally, with no reported power surges or irregularities in the area,” NAWEC said, adding that the allegation that its infrastructure caused the fire was “unfounded.”

The utility provider expressed willingness to work with KMC to determine the true cause and improve fire safety measures. As investigations continue, more details are expected to emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Pictured: Gallo Saidy, NAWEC MD.