By Xinhua

Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, the Malian president ousted by a military coup in August, left Saturday evening for Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to seek medical treatment, a local security source confirmed to Xinhua.

On condition of anonymity, the officer said Keita departed Bamako on a chartered flight sent by the UAE, and that he would probably receive treatment for 10-15 days in Abu Dhabi.

According to local media, Keita was accompanied by his wife and doctors.

The 75-year-old former Malian president was hospitalized earlier this week in a private clinic here for a stroke.

The National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), the country’s current governing body, announced on Aug. 27 that it had released ousted Keita, who had been “secured” in a military camp.

The release of Keita was agreed upon by the CNSP and the mediation delegation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which stayed in the country during Aug. 22-24.

According to the agreements, Keita will also be free to seek treatment in the country of his choice, and ECOWAS has vouched for his return to the country if necessary.

An original Africa Cup of Nations trophy mysteriously disappeared from the Egyptian FA’s headquarters in the capital Cairo, the association confirmed.

A statement by the EFA also revealed the loss of an unspecified number of other trophies.

“As the Egyptian FA is currently developing the main headquarters, including changing the entrance to a small museum of Egyptian football, the management was shocked by the disappearance of some old trophies from the storeroom,” the statement said.

An investigation into the incident has been launched by the EFA.

“The EFA is now investigating the trophies’ disappearance to determine if those old trophies were saved after the building was burned … or if they were lost when the building was exposed during this incident.”

The EFA’s headquarters were burnt and looted by Ultras groups in 2013, and a former EFA member, Magdi Abdelghani, said that the cup was lost during that incident.

“After the burning of the Football Association headquarters, some cups were lost, and the matter was investigated,” Abdelghani was quoted as saying during a press conference.

Other explanations had been offered from different quarters resulting in wild speculation about the trophy’s whereabouts.

One claimed that former Pharaohs captain Ahmed Hassan, who led Egypt to victory in 2006, 2008 and 2010, had the trophy. Hassan, however, denied that allegation.

Former Pharaohs assistant coach Shawky Gharib was another person who fell afoul of claims to have the trophy.

Egypt, the record winners of the tournament, was awarded the trophy permanently after winning that specific incarnation of a trophy for a third time in 2010.

Should a team win a particular type of the Africa Cup of Nations trophy three times will own it for good, according to CAF rules.

Algeria, the defending champions, is in possession of the current trophy whose design is similar to the one Egypt was given. (CGTN Africa)

The ministry of health said today fewer number of daily coronavirus tests was ongoing amid low turn-out at COVID-19 sample collection sites.

The ministry said 46 new cases of the disease have been registered taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 3,196. The ministry had newly tested only 202 people. The ministry did not state why daily tests are falling.

According to the ministry, there is also denial, misinformation, stigma and discrimination against COVID-19 affected families in the country.

The government has announced Vice President Dr Isatou Touray will on Monday address the concerns of market businesspeople and vendors, less than 24 hours to their planned sit-down strike.

The Gambia Market Union Task Force Committee had written a letter requesting the Ministry of Health to relax its latest market regulations or they will go on a sit-down strike. The move could cause a major disruption in citizens’ daily nutritional needs.

The government today said no sooner had the Government received the said letter dated 21st August, 2020, than it assigned an interlocutor to meet with the Union officials.

Government spokesperson Ebrima Sankareh said: “On Friday, the assigned government official had significant discussions with the President of The Gambia Market Union Task Force Committee, accompanied by seven other Union officials. The Union officials were briefed on the rationale behind the new emergency regulations and urged to exercise patience as the Government works out strategies and new modalities to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Gambia Government sincerely acknowledges the concerns raised by the Market Union Taskforce Committee and therefore, the Ministerial Committee on the Covid-19 pandemic under the stewardship of Her Excellency, the Vice President, Dr Isatou Touray, will address their concerns on Monday.

“Meanwhile, The Ministry of Health urges all market vendors and members of the public to continue to show understanding and compliance with the emergency regulations for the protection and safety of all Gambians and residents.”

If a deal is not reached, market businesspeople and vendors could go ahead with their sit-down strike.

The government in June backed out of regulations around public transport after the drivers launched a major strike.

The government has expressed dismay over the announcement made by the US government imposing sanctions against Fatou Bensouda, Chief Prosecutor and other staff of the International Criminal Court.

“These acts constitute gross interference on the mandate, independence and impartiality of the Court in the fight against impunity for perpetrators of the most serious crimes of international concern,” the foreign ministry said in a a statement.

The scanty statement on Friday added: “The Gambia stands in solidarity with the Court, its Chief Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, an upstanding citizen of The Gambia, and all other officials of the Court targeted by these sanctions.

“The Gambia continues to value and support the important work of the Court in upholding world peace and security. It therefore urges the US Government to reverse the sanctions imposed on the Officials of the Court.”

America has imposed sanctions against Fatou Bensouda and at least one of her top aides after it accused the court of “illegitimate attempts to subject Americans to its jurisdiction”. The sanctions include visa restrictions.

By Lamin Njie

Alasan Ceesay otherwise known as Alasan Gent Ceesay has been dragged to court by a business partner over 19.2 million dalasis he owes the businessman.

Mr Ceesay and his company Rahma Gambia Limited took thousands of drums of oil and thousands of bags of USA and Pakistani broken rice from EM KAY Stores worth 21,210,000 dalasis but failed to pay within two weeks of taking delivery of any consignment, according to a complaint by lawyers for EM KAY Stores.

According to a June 4 agreement between Mr Ceesay and EM KAY Stores, an advance payment of two million dalasis was made by Mr Ceesay and his company referred in the agreement as the ‘Traders’.

Mr Ceesay and his company Rahma Gambia Limited on 4 June 2020 entered into an agreement with limited liability company EM KAY Stores for the supply of goods (rice and cooking oil). The latter agreed to ‘sell, supply and deliver’ goods to the traders (Alasan Ceesay and Rahma Gambia Limited) at the price of 21,210,000 dalasis.

For securing the payment of the price of the goods, the traders (Alasan Ceesay and Rahma Gambia Limited) have instructed their bankers, Ecobank Gambia Limited to pay to the sum of D19,210,000 to the company (EM KAY Stores) upon the bank receiving funds from the government of The Gambia, and the bank has acknowledged the said instructions by letter and agreed to act on the instructions of the traders (Alasan Ceesay and Rahma Gambia Limited) upon receipt of the said funds which letter is incorporated into this agreement by reference herein, Provision G of the June 4 Agreement states. The Fatu Network could not immediately establish what the government had to do with the business deal and what role Ecobank played.

Elsewhere in the agreement, it’s said EM KAY ‘may’ supply and deliver the goods at various intervals to Alasan Ceesay and Rahma Gambia Limited (the traders) at various intervals to the traders who shall accept and take delivery of the goods and “the traders shall at all material times pay for any consignment of goods supplied and delivered within a period of 14 days of the date of such delivery”.

Mr Ceesay took 9,000 drums of 20 litres vegetable oil at D990 per drum from EM KAY Stores costing D8,910,000, according to the June 4 agreement. Two thousand drums of 10 litres vegetable oil costing D1,040,000, 6,000 USA 100% broken rice in 5okg bags costing D6,780,000, 4,000 Pakistani 100% broken rice in 50kg bags costing D4,480,000 were also taken by Mr Ceesay and his company, according to the agreement.

Also, the agreement states if the traders (Alasan Ceesay and Rahma Gambia Limited) fails to pay for the price of the goods or any part thereof within 14 days, they shall pay a penalty of 25,000 dalasis per day for each day that the price of the goods shall remain unpaid.

The strict agreement states further that if the price of the goods or any part thereof remain unpaid for a period of one month from the due date, EM Kay Stores shall be at liberty to terminate the agreement, and “reserves the right to take such action as it deems necessary to recover the price of the goods together with any other monies due and outstanding”.

However, lawyers for EM KAY Stores last month filed a lawsuit at the high court against Alasan Ceesay for failing to abide by the letter of the agreement, according to bombshell documents seen by The Fatu Network.

According to a motion filed at the high court, lawyers for the plaintiff (EM KAY Stores) asked the court to place into custodia legis (in law’s custody) all the food items in Mr Ceesay’s possession pending the determination of the case. The lawyers further prayed the court to summon Mr Ceesay and his company (the defendants) to ‘provide’ and ‘furnish’ sufficient security to the satisfaction of the court to the plaintiff’s claims until the determination of the suit and until execution of any decree that may be passed against Mr Ceesay and Rahma Gambia Limited or until further orders of the court. The lawyers then asked the court to make any further or other orders as it may deem fit.

On Thursday September 3, high court judge Momodou SM Jallow ruling on EM KAY Stores lawyers’ application agreed at an in-chambers session at the Bundung High Court Annex that the defendants (Alasan Ceesay and Rahma Gambia Limited) be called upon to provide adequate security for the ‘claimed’ sum of D19,210,000 “which constitute goods taken by the defendants on credit which the afore-said defendants failed to pay for at the prescribed two weeks period of payments agreed by the afore-said defendants, their default being reason for request for prayers 2 of the motion paper dated 18/8/20 which is granted for both defendants to provide adequate security for D19,210,000.00”. The judge could not grant lawyers for EM KAY Stores first prayer which is for the goods to be placed in custudia legis due to lack of space for such ‘voluminous perishable’ items, according to court documents.

In his order after his ruling, the judge ordered that Alasan Ceesay and Rahma Gambia Ltd “provide adequate security for the principal amount claimed by the plaintiff’s for which adequate depositions by the applicants suffice for the grant of prayer 2 of the provision of adequate security of D19,210,000.00 as herein-before granted in cash deposit to the Sheriff of the High Court of The Gambia”. The judge ordered further that “in the alternative for 2 Gambian sureties required who must deposit their Gambia National Identity Cards with the courts’ registry, with landed properties in the Greater Banjul Area, the title deeds of same covering D19,210,000.00 be deposited with the I.D Cards.

“It is required that the defendant Mr Alasan Ceesay be arrested and brought to court at the next adjourned date to show cause why he should not be kept in detention until he has provided adequate security to cover the claimed principal sum of D19,210,000.00, requiring no further or other orders on the fore-going than attendance of the parties for proceedings to proceed on the 10/09/20 upon service of all court processes to the afore-said defendants at 11am; to which afore-said date and time, this case stands adjourned,” the judge ordered further, according to a September 3 order.

On Friday September 4, the Sheriff’s bailiff alongside police officers travelled to Alasan Ceesay’s Fajara Water Front residence and escorted him to the Sheriff’s office at the high court in Banjul, multiple sources told The Fatu Network. Two title deeds have now been left with the Sheriff with a valuation officer set to value the properties on Monday and see if it matches the D19,210,000 ahead of the case’s return on 10 September.

Mr Ceesay’s communication team told The Fatu Network the businessman is not involved in a legal battle ‘anywhere’ in The Gambia.

A statement by Picasso Global Communications said: “The allegation that the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Rahma Gambia Ltd – one of the few Gambian-owned companies in the food commodities sector, was taken to court in relation to a D19 million loan is entirely false and unfounded. Nothing is farther from the truth. We have contacted our client and can confirm that neither Rahma Gambia Ltd nor its CEO or any other agent acting on its behalf is engulfed in any court case anywhere in The Gambia. As of the close of business on Friday, 4th September 2020, neither the Executive Management of Rahman Gambia Ltd nor its legal representatives have been served any legal process. Besides, to the best of our knowledge, the Superior Courts of The Gambia are currently on vacation.

“According to our client, the only financial transaction that he is aware of is in respect of another business that is not related to Rahma Gambia Ltd. Mr. Alasan Gent Ceesay, the CEO of our client, Rahma Gambia Ltd, in the spirit of brotherhood and support for Gambianness, served as a financial guarantor in a business transaction for another Gambian owned enterprise some time ago. The said business defaulted in its agreement with a creditor, and an informal meeting, not a court case, was called today, Friday 4th September 2020 at Picton Street in Banjul, to find a way forward. At the end of that meeting, the issue was amicably resolved, and both parties were left satisfied.

“As a Gambian-owned business, when our client ventured into the food and commodities business – a sector dominated by non-Gambians, it expected a strong pushback and resistance from the current market players. What we did not expect though is that anybody will go as low as fabricating falsehood and unfounded allegations just to achieve that.

“The false allegations are nothing short of a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing the image and reputation of a Gambian owned company that is dedicated to providing Gambians with affordable and quality food. Currently, Rahma is the only company selling a 50kg bag of rice and other basic commodities directly to the consumers at a much more affordable price, making it the preferred choice for many in the country.

“We would like to take this opportunity to strongly encourage Gambians to stay alert to such efforts in the future as they will not relent.

“In conclusion, we would also like to reassure Gambians that their favorite provider of affordable and quality food commodities is here to stay and will continue to serve them.”

The bombshell development comes three weeks after Gambians clapped for Mr Ceesay for gifting his star employee a car worth 1.3 million dalasis.

Mr Ceesay had also last week donated medical equipment to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital worth D500,000.

State House said today President Adama Barrow will leave the country on Sunday for Niamey, Niger to take part in 57th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Niger’s leader Mahamadou Issoufou is currently the chair of Ecowas leaders and he will officiate the meeting with the President of the African Union Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for West and Sahel Region, H.E Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas invited as special guests, according to a statement by Statement.

The summit comes amid political uncertainty in Mali following a military coup that sent Ibrahim Boubacarr Keita packing.

According to State House however, the summit will review “amongst other issues security, economics and the impact of COVID on the region”.

It will be the first time the president is flying out of the country since coronavirus hit back in March.

The government late Friday said travellers that arrive into the country with a valid medical certificates taken 72 hours pre-departure evidencing that they are Covid Negative are exempted from mandatory quarantine.

According to the Government spokesperson, Ebrima G. Sankareh, “first, one has to be an arriving passenger and second, must be in possession of the certificate showing negative COVID-19 test results confirmed at least seventy-two (72) hours before boarding any flight(s) to Banjul International Airport.”

Anyone who arrives in The Gambia without fulfiling these mandatory pre-departure Health requirements shall be tested on arrival and undergo the mandatory 14-day quarantine, according to government senior information officer Prince Bubacarr Aminata Sankanu.

Equally, those in violation shall be responsible for their own quarantine expenses, he added.

By Sarjo Brito

Following the ministry of tourism’s announcement to open the forthcoming tourist season in October, they are now also amending its guidelines on the health and precautionary procedures on the prevention of COVID-19 for visitors.

The ministry through a memo to the Gambia Tourism Board stated that visitors will no longer be subjected to quarantine and that arriving passengers in possession of a negative COVID-19 test of not more than 72hrs will not be tested in The Gambia.

The Gambia’s tourism sector has been heavily hit by the coronavirus pandemic and even though it is not clear what this season will look like, subjecting its visitors to a mandatory two weeks quarantine could have a huge impact on the number of visitors as most tourists visiting the Gambia mostly stay for two weeks.

The virus pandemic has triggered an unprecedented crisis in the tourism economy, given an immediate and immense shock to the sector. According to reports, COVID-19 impact point to 60% decline in international tourism in 2020 and could surge to 80% if recovery is delayed until December.

Gambians that work in the tourism sector and lost their jobs as well as other sector workers are set to be given 50 dollars each, according to the ministry of tourism.

The tourism ministry in a statement on Wednesday announced UNDP ‘agreed’ to support government to extend assistance in the form of a one off cash transfer to all those who participated as respondents in the said Rapid Response Assessment.

The statement said: “The Participants were divided into 2 groups; the first comprised individuals working in the informal sector of the tourism industry and the second, employees laid off from tourism institutions.

“Realizing the urgent need to provide assistance to the hard-hit tourism industry workers it was agreed, after protracted discussions that a one-off cash transfer of $50 will be made to all the identified beneficiaries who could be reached within the prescribed time and who could come up with valid Africell mobile numbers. Although the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MoTC) upon verification of the list of identified beneficiaries in the Rapid Response Assessment Report held the view that a good number of Tourism industry workers were left out in the assessment that should be considered. But further discussions between UNDP and GBoS did not change the situation.

“Africell, the agency identified by UNDP to make the cash transfers through AfriMoney was to do so for beneficiaries with phone numbers initially totaling 6572 beneficiaries, but according to an Africell number verification process only 6427 numbers were useable when they were ready to kick start the transfer exercise. Upon the Hon Ministers entreaty, a few extra days were granted to try and get individual/correct telephone numbers for the beneficiaries whose numbers had been identified as problematic.

“Five working days were allowed for this process, thereafter, a final list of 6455 beneficiaries was submitted and forwarded to Africell for disbursement of a one-off cash transfer through Afri-Money. The efforts of the staff of GTBoard, Gambia Hotel Association(GHA) and GBOS to reach out to all those who participated in the assessment must be mentioned and acknowledged. Unfortunately, it was not possible to reach some of the participants to get their phone numbers within the prescribed timelines and they will therefore not be able to benefit from the one-off cash transfer.

“The sum of D16,837,867.50 (sixteen million eight hundred and thirty seven thousand, eight hundred and sixty seven dalasis and fifty bututs) was remitted by UNDP directly to Africell’s account on the 28th August 2020 and the list of beneficiaries sent to the latter for necessary action. The cash transfer will commence within the next few days and the beneficiaries referred to above will receive the one-off payment of $50.This operation is a Gambia Government owned endeavour and the Government of The Gambia is extremely grateful to UNDP for providing this support through an MOU with Africell.

“Africell will call all the listed beneficiaries for the necessary details concerning their payment.

“Those without Africell numbers will be provided with an Africell sim card to enable them to receive the transfer through Afri-Money.

“A minimum fee(not exceeding one hundred dalasi) will be deducted as a service charge from each beneficiary when receiving the cash from the agent.

“There is no condition attached to the use of the funds. It belongs to the beneficiary and can be used to address any personal needs.”

Businessman Ali Hydara was left frustrated on Thursday after thieves smashed the glass window of his car in an attempt to steal valuables.

Mr Hydara who lives at London Corner told The Fatu Network he has since 2007 been parking his car on the highway and had never come under an attack by thieves.

“My car and other three cars were smashed. They took two MP3 players from my car. They opened the bonnet thinking it where the battery is. It’s definitely the curfew bro. [From] 2007 to 2020, it has never happened,” Mr Hydara said.

State House said on Thursday President Adama Barrow ‘joins’ the Catholic Community in The Gambia and abroad to mourn the demise of Bishop Emeritus Michael Joseph Cleary, commonly known in the country as Bishop Cleary, who passed away on Thursday in Ireland at the age of 95.

According to State House, Bishop Cleary spent most of his life in The Gambia as a teacher and a Bishop.

“He first arrived in the country in 1953, and served as a missionary in Fula Bantang and Basse. He then taught at St. Augustine’s High School for quarter of a century and served there for 17 years as Principal. In 1981, he was appointed the Bishop emeritus,” State House said in a statement.

State House said further: “One of the historic events, Bishop will also be remembered for is the hosting of his holiness the late Pope John Paul II, now Saint John Paul II, when he visited The Gambia in February 1992.

“The love Bishop Cleary had for The Gambia was further manifested after his retirement, he stayed in The Gambia for nine years before finally leaving for his country of origin, Ireland. May his soul rest in peace.

“In the same vein, President Barrow has dispatched a letter of condolences to the family of Mr George Gomez, a fervent and devout Catholic, who passed away on Tuesday. In his message, the President said the demise of Mr Gomez is a great loss to his family, the sport and entertainment fraternity as well as the entire Nation.

“He will be remembered for his initiative in promoting peace and harmony through the May Day Sports, as well as strengthening the ties between Banjul and Ziguinchor in particular, and The Gambia and Senegal in general through his BANZIG exchange programme and later the Senegambia Marathon. The condolence message concluded with prayers for his soul to rest in eternal peace.

“President Barrow also joined the football fraternity expressing his condolences to the family and friends of Papa Sarr Corr, and to Real de Banjul on the demise of their former club mate and pray that his soul rest in eternal peace.

“As the country is going through trying moments with the loss of many lives, President Barrow calls for all citizens to pray for all departed souls and pray that Allah console their families and loved ones.”

Commander of police anti-crime Gorgi Mboob has had his suspension extended, according to The Point.

The Point reported on Thursday Mr Mboob, who is one of the nation’s top police officers has had his suspension extended for an additional 14 days as investigations into his alleged torture continue.

According to the paper, the Information Minister Ebrahim Sillah on Tuesday told West Coast Radio that the panel looking into the allegations is still investigating.

“Well he is still on administrative leave; it is extended for two weeks because the panel is still under investigation. The Inspector General and his team hope that probably the panel should be able to finish their investigation in this time frame,” the paper quoted Mr Sillah as saying while relying on West Coast Radio.

Gorgi Mboob was in July placed on administrative leave over claims he attacked 26-year-old Ebrima Sanneh on his genitals. He has denied the claims.

Guinea’s octogenarian President Alpha Conde said on Wednesday he would be the candidate of young people and women in October’s election, confirming his party’s announcement that he would seek a third term.

Conde’s candidacy has drawn fierce criticism from his opponents, who say he is violating term limits. They called for fresh protests after his party announced on Monday that he had accepted its nomination to run.

Demonstrations over the past year – both before and after a March constitutional referendum – killed at least 30 people. Conde says the new constitution acts as a reset button on the two-term limit, entitling him to two more six-year terms.

“We can’t do anything in Guinea without women. I will be the candidate of young people and women,” Conde told a video conference of female political activists on Wednesday.

Conde, 82, was a leading opponent of Lansana Conte, who ruled Guinea after coming to power in a 1984 coup until his death in 2008. Conde was first elected president in 2010, raising hopes for democratic progress.

His opponents, however, accuse him of cracking down on dissent and following in the footsteps of other African leaders who have altered constitutions in order to stay in power.

Neighbouring Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara will also stand for a third term in October, relying on a recent change to that country’s constitution.

Conde’s supporters say he needs more time in office to pursue his agenda of modernising the country, Africa’s largest producer of the main aluminium ore, bauxite.

France’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday it was concerned about possible violence during the election in its former colony, but stopped short of criticising Conde’s decision to run again. (Reuters)

A former GDC member turned President Adama Barrow supporter has walked back his love for the Gambian leader and returned to GDC, the party’s MC Cham Jnr has told The Fatu Network.

Abdoulie Cham, the head of our former Policy, Strategy and Research Committee who left GDC a year ago has wholeheartedly rejoined the party – as he met Mamma Kandeh on Wednesday.

According to the party’s MC Cham, Abdoulie had been supporting President Barrow after he left GDC.

The Fatu Network understands the president had once given Abdoulie rice to distribute to the people of Nema.

Audacious Touma Njie has announced she has made a decision to go for the leadership of her party, the People’s Progressive Party, which could see the Banjul South national assembly member depose Papa Njie.

Mrs Njie made the announcement on her official Touma Banjul South NAM Facebook page on Wednesday.

She wrote: ” From seclusion trying to heal, I made decision . Serving my people is a conviction.

“I have taken the decision that women need to take that bold step. I have thus decided after discussion with family members and friends that I’ll go for the leadership of my party the PPP.

“I have the determination, I have ability and by the grace of the Almighty I’ll have the necessary support of the people.”

If she makes good on her decision, it could make her the second woman to publicly interest interest in running for president.

A 65-year-old Ebo Town imam was arrested last Thursday during a curfew time patrol by police.

Imam Abdoulie Jammeh, the chief imam of a mosque in Ebo Town says he was in his house when police came and arrested him.

He explained: “I was in my house, I was not outside and the police came and said I should explain what happened outside. How can I explain something that happened outside while I am inside my house?

“I was inside my house and they want me to tell them about  the person that ran into the compound. How can I say anything on that? They said if I do not talk, they will arrest me.

“They said they found a birthday party here [in the house] but I as an Imam I was in bed. In fact my wife’s father had died and we were in mourning. How can we organise music or a birthday party?

“They then arrested me. I didn’t have any shoes on and took me up to Banjul. I couldn’t do anything about it but Allah could. They arrested me summarily without no reason.”

The imam was released the following day but police while confirming his arrest have told The Fatu Network he was arrested during a routine patrol.

Police spokesman Superintendent Lamin Njie said: “The police were on routine patrols during the curfew when they came across a milling machine operating at Ebo Town with people crowded in there, and they were without face masks.

“They approached the operator, disperse the crowd and eventually got him arrested .

“Some youths came out obstructing the police resulting a clash with the youths. Moments later some elderly people also joined in the obstructions.

“Reinforcement was called in leading to the containment of the situation. A thorough Arial scan was conducted when it was discovered that a nearby compound was throwing a birthday party with musical sets and crowds.

“The music set was taken in as evidence and organizers arrested including the man you mentioned as imam.

“Eleven people were arrested and are currently being processed for prosecution.”

A man and a woman have become the latest coronavirus fatalities, according to the ministry of health.

The ministry said today two new COVID-19 related deaths recorded, bringing the total number of deaths, to date to 99.

Both deceased cases (a male and a female) were known COVID-19 cases admitted at the treatment facilities – one at MRC and the other at the Sanatorium, according to the ministry.

Besides their advanced ages (82 and 62), both had a comorbidity, the ministry said.

Kotu Manjai was on Tuesday rocked by a suicide incident after a 16-year-old girl drank sniper insecticide and died.

Police spokesman Lamin Njie told The Fatu Network: “We can confirm a suicide incident involving a 16 year old girl.

“This came following a domestic dispute which left the girl angry then resorted to drinking an insecticide (sniper insecticide).

“She developed stomach complications and was rushed to the Kanifing hospital where she passed away.

“The family is helping the Police in investigations.”