The Government announced the dispatch of an official delegation to the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which was set to begin on Monday, November 11.

The summit focuses on supporting Palestine and Lebanon amid rising tensions in the region. The delegation representing The Gambia includes Dr. Momodou Tangara, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Momodou Sabally, the President’s Special Adviser, Yankuba Dibba, CEO of the OIC Secretariat, and Ambassador OJ Sallah.

Dr. Tangara emphasized the summit’s significance, stating, “This summit is crucial in addressing the urgent needs of Palestine and Lebanon.” The Gambia’s participation underscores its commitment to supporting these countries during this critical time.

By Alieu Jallow

The National Coordinator for The Gambia’s Victim Centre, Adama Jallow, has called on the government to intensify efforts in the search for the remains of the soldiers who were massacred on November 11, 1994, during the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh.

This tragic event, part of a broader context of violence and human rights abuses during Jammeh’s rule, remains a painful chapter in The Gambia’s history.

As part of the event marking the commemoration of 30 years since the horrible incident occurred, Mr Jallow leveraged the opportunity to draw the government’s attention to the issue of justice and renewed efforts to intensify the search for remains of fallen soldiers who were not given a befitting burial.

“We would want the government to push on when it comes to the 11th of November. The victim centre and other victim-led organizations are taking this opportunity to remind and urge the government through the Ministery of Justice and other relevant stakeholders such as the National Human Rights Commission who are charged with the responsibility to monitor the implementation of the TRRC report and the government White Paper to continue searching for the remains of the soldiers who were improperly buried at the Yundum barracks and elsewhere so that they can be received by their families for befitting burial,” he said.

Jallow stressed that the government must take concrete steps to locate the remains of those who lost their lives and to ensure that proper memorialization efforts are undertaken.

“We would also like the government to fulfil its promise to build a state-of-the-art forensics laboratory for the identification of exhume bodies. We would also like to remind the government to ensure that the remains of those exhumed that are currently lying at the mortuary be identified and returned to their families”.

This call to action highlights the ongoing struggle for recognition and redress among victims of political violence in The Gambia, as well as the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the historical injustices faced by individuals and families affected by the regime’s actions.

The Spanish Diplomatic Antenna in Banjul and The Gambia Government have issued clarifications regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Circular Migration signed between The Gambia and Spain on August 28, 2024. These statements aim to prevent public confusion and unauthorized recruitment practices.

The Spanish Diplomatic Antenna expressed concern over certain media reports suggesting that private agencies had received licenses to recruit workers for the Spanish program. The note highlighted that such reports conflict with the MoU’s guidelines, specifically Article 3, which mandates that “the signatory Ministerial Department of The Gambia will carry out a system of pre-selection of candidates under the control of the public authority… through the Network of Employment Services.” Additionally, the Antenna cautioned against agencies charging fees for recruitment, stating that “some private agencies (ex: Help Them In The Gambia) are allegedly charging up to D50,000 for recruitment for the Spanish program.”

In response, Ebrima G. Sankareh, The Gambia Government Spokesperson, reiterated that “no Private Recruitment Agency is licensed to recruit workers for deployment to the Kingdom of Spain,” and warned the public against engaging with such agencies for employment opportunities in Spain. Sankareh further noted that the “Public Employment Services Unit of the Department of Labour… has been designated as the competent authority to coordinate and facilitate the recruitment process under the MoU.”

The government also clarified that a recent letter mistakenly referred to the Spanish program when it should have addressed manpower agreements with Saudi Arabia. Sankareh expressed regret, stating, “the inclusion of the MoU on the Spanish Circular Migration Programme, signed by the Government of The Gambia and the Kingdom of Spain… was unintentional, and we extend our profound apologies to the public for the inconvenience this error may have caused.”

The Ministry emphasized that only the following agencies are authorized for recruitment under the Saudi agreement, free of charge: Outsource Recruitment Agency, Mbaye Consultancy Agency, Gamjobs Recruitment Agency, Tokey Recruitment Agency, and Cruise Ship The Gambia. Sankareh reiterated, “The Public is further advised that there is No Cost attached to the recruitment processes.”

These statements aim to ensure that Gambian citizens receive accurate information and are protected from unauthorized or exploitative recruitment practices.

The Gambia Armed Forces commemorated Remembrance Day on November 10, at McCarthy Square in Banjul, with Vice President Muhammed BS Jallow presiding on behalf of President Adama Barrow.

The event honored fallen soldiers with a Guard of Honour, a match-past by the Gambia National Army, Navy, and Republican National Guard, and included members of the Gambia Legion, Boy Scouts, and Girl Guides.

Highlights included the piling of drums, religious prayers, and wreath-laying to remember those who sacrificed their lives in wars abroad and for peace.

High-ranking officials and members of the diplomatic corps attended, marking the solemn occasion with tributes and military music.

By Dawda Baldeh

Panellists from ‘Giss Giss,’ a popular weekly show on The Fatu Network, have called on the Gambian government to thoroughly examine the circular migration agreement between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Spain and to implement all necessary safety measures to protect citizens from potential harm.

The show’s panellists raised concerns following the surge of excitement among the young population, who seem to be extremely excited about the project.

Commenting on The Gambia-Saudi Arabia deal, Nancy Jallow, a gender activist cited alleged sexual harassment, and exploitation in Saudi as a worrisome issue that could potentially lead to sexual harassment of the citizens if the Gambia government does not take any serious measures.

She rejected the Saudi deal, saying the country has a history of sexual harassment of women.

“This is a country that has a high level of security exploitation and trafficking. For me, it’s not a good idea. Every day our girls are being sexually abused in Saudi all in the name of job offers,” she said.

Despite acknowledging that the deal could have potential benefits, Nancy remains unconvinced about the outcome of the deal.

“For me, Saudi is not a good place for our young people,” she added.

When questioned about the Spain circular migration project, Nancy stated that the government has not provided any tangible explanation thus she will reserve her comments.

Doudou Jah, a prominent actor in Gambia’s political landscape, said the deals are good but noted that proper screening needs to be put in place for the safety of the citizens.

“This is a good initiative, but the government should make sure that all measures are in place so that these people are not put into harmful situations.

“Government should assess the work situation, duration of work hours, food the beneficiaries eat, places they sleep, health conditions, pay and so on,” he said.

Jah also mentioned that the job requirements have raised concerns about the difficulty of the jobs that citizens will undertake in Spain and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Dabakh Malick, a businessman and social commentator, said the intention of the government is good but stated that the excitement should not overshadow the need to do a proper assessment.

He added that the government should provide an enabling environment for all to strive and achieve their goals.

The businessman called for robust implementation of measures to help the citizens get good jobs that could help change their lives.

Over the past weeks, the number of Gambians especially the youths applying for passports has significantly increased with many recently queuing at immigration offices.

This has also raised concerns about Gambians’ desire to travel.

By Alieu Jallow

Bakary K Badjie, the National Assembly Member for the Foni Bintang Karanai constituency, expressed deep dissatisfaction in an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network regarding what he views as selective awarding in the distribution of rural electrification projects, particularly questioning the integrity of the process in communities like Jakoi Bintang, which were not on the initial list.

In August 2023, the community expressed concerns over the lack of electricity on The Fatu Network, leading the Public Relations officer and the MP to visit and engage in productive discussions.

The rural electrification initiative, aiming to improve electricity access throughout The Gambia, has been met with criticism. Nonetheless, the Foni Bintang NAM has claimed that the distribution of resources within the constituency is biased, indicating a pattern of favouritism and neglect. This undermines the equitable development assured by the ex-NAWEC Managing Director, Nani Juwara, who has since been appointed as the Minister of Energy.

The National Assembly Member for Foni Bintang highlighted specific cases where certain communities received electricity installations, while others did not, a decision he finds incomprehensible. Likewise, the NAM mentioned that he had followed up with the former Director of NAWEC, Nani Jawara, who confirmed that all villages in his constituency would benefit from the electrification project.

“I went to Nani Juwara, the then director [of NAWEC] and I told him this is the situation at hand. He showed me a list and he told me that they were supposed to have and also gave me numbers to contact. I contacted [the numbers] but in the end, they never picked up my calls,” he said.

The Foni Bintang NAM expressed disappointment over the absence of electricity in other villages in his constituency, noting that he engaged the minister [about the issue] during the questions and answer session at the National Assembly.

“I am disappointed because I spoke about this at the National Assembly and the minister said by 2025 all the villages in Foni will have electricity, so I am waiting to see [if that will happen],” he said.

Badjie stated that following the meeting with the Public Relations Officer and residents in Jakoi Bintang and two other villages, his subsequent follow-ups with the relevant authorities have been fruitless. He attributes this to what he perceives as NAWEC’s failure to honour the commitments made to his community.

“Nothing has changed. There was no change that has happened. Jakoi Sibirik, Bitta, Gilembeh, Jakoi Bintang, and Sikicon are big communities, and they do not have electricity. I don’t know the reason. I have been making constant follow-ups with them.

As the rural electrification project progresses, the ambiguous NAM emphasized his commitment to ensuring that promises made are promises kept, and that no community is overlooked in the stride towards progress.

By Mama A. Touray

After reports that board schoolteachers had not received their October salaries, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Louis Moses Mendy, denied the non-payment of board school salaries while admitting that the payment was delayed.

PS Mendy confirmed this during a recorded telephone interview with The Fatu Network.

When asked about the accusation that teachers in board schools across the country have still not received their October salary, Mendy replied: “This is not accurate. I will accept and acknowledge that it was delayed and it’s not from our end but the process. The salaries are paid. Some people may not be able to access it through their banks yet but that is different from it not being paid at all”.

He added: “We have to know that some processes do take time at banks and that is not our fault. Anyone dealing with banks knows this, and salary is never held without being paid”.

Teachers in board schools are urging the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to pay their October salaries. They report that the delay has not only affected their financial stability but has also raised concerns about morale and motivation in the classrooms.

“The delay has sparked frustration and financial constraints among teachers, many of whom rely on their monthly income to support their families,” The Fatu Network was told.

When TFN contacted the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, he acknowledged the delay but denied the claims that the salaries had not been paid.

By: Mama A. Touray

The Public Relations Officer at Brusubi Roundabout Garage, Abdou Jagne, in an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network, blamed drivers for the continuous traffic congestion at Brusubi Roundabout.

When asked about the persistent traffic congestion, Jagne said, “The traffic congestion is usually caused by the drivers. It’s not easy to say, but that’s the truth. You’ll see a driver coming from Serrekunda heading to Tanji, and instead of going inside the garage, he’ll stop right on the road.”

He continued: “The next driver who needs to pass won’t have space; you know that’s the fault of the driver. And when the police confront the driver about it, he’ll start calling the officer names, even though he knows he’s in the wrong.”

PRO Jagne believes that if drivers would enter the garage to pick up and drop off customers, traffic congestion would become a thing of the past.

“I believe that if drivers enter the garage instead of parking on the road to pick up passengers, the road will be free from congestion and avoidable accidents. If everyone wants to park on the road, we’ll continue to face traffic congestion,” he emphasized.

However, Abdou also shifted some blame to passengers, stating, “Passengers too—you can’t understand them. They’ll see a car in the garage but won’t board it. Instead, they’ll go outside to the cars parked on the road, saying they’re in a hurry.”

Highlighting one of the challenges the garage encounters due to poor road and traffic conditions, he said, “We lose many of our drivers due to the fare issues. You’ll carry seven people in a vehicle, but only five will pay the correct fare of D10, even though they know that’s the fare. Our drivers go to the traffic light in Bakau because they charge D25 per passenger, and that road is faster and free, unlike the Tippa Garage road,” he lamented.

To the Government of The Gambia,

I respectfully suggest that the government prioritize assistance and employment opportunities for individuals who attempted irregular migration and returned, as well as those facing prolonged unemployment. The government should work with international organizations for migration (IOM) to provide data on Gambians who have returned from “the back way.” This could include 50% of returnees from irregular migration and 50% of unemployed youth in The Gambia. By creating structured pathways for employment both domestically and abroad, including legal work programs with countries like Spain, we can address the root causes of migration, reduce unemployment, and promote economic stability.

Such programs could include vocational training, language skills, and job placement support in collaboration with international partners. Not only would this alleviate youth unemployment, but it would also provide viable, dignified alternatives to irregular migration.

This approach would demonstrate a commitment to the well-being and development of Gambian youth, encouraging them to contribute positively to the nation’s future.

Through my own observation, many people are applying for visas to Spain while they already have jobs in The Gambia. They are using family connections and positions to obtain these visas, despite being employed.

The government should strictly monitor the visa acquisition process, with priority given to returnees from irregular migration and unemployed youth in our beloved country.

I apologize for any inconvenience caused.

“Let justice guide our actions.”

Sincerely,
Sarjo Jassey (zookeeper)

By Mama A. Touray

Although significant improvements have been made to road infrastructure in The Gambia, commercial drivers at the Brusubi roundabout are frustrated by what they consider a poorly constructed highway from Airport Junction to Turntable.

While there have been improvements, with many roads constructed and others maintained, the slow pace of development for certain roads is disappointing. The Bertil Harding Highway is considered a major advancement in transforming The Gambia’s road infrastructure, offering promises of economic growth, better connectivity, and an enhanced quality of life for citizens. Nevertheless, drivers and commuters continue to encounter considerable challenges when travelling on these roads.

Dodou Badjie, a taxi driver with eight years of experience, lamented the poor quality of road construction.

“Gambia needs to invest in road infrastructure. [For example], if you are driving from Coastal Road towards Sukuta/Jabang Traffic Light, [there should be a place to turn before reaching] Traffic Light. [Currently, you have to drive] up to Traffic Light and turn [around] just to get to your destination, and the fuel you will use to get there with no feeder road is costly”.

Badjie stated that building roads through the centre of a village without any diversions or turning points is disadvantageous, especially given the high cost of fuel, saying they cannot impose high charges on customers due to the substandard construction, as “We are all aware of the country’s challenging conditions.”

“Before Senegambia, you have a roundabout at Kasumai Junction and before Traffic Light you have a roundabout at Senegambia, so why is the Coastal Road Highway different from the Bakau Traffic Light Highway,” he questioned.

Musa Jallow, also a taxi driver, shared similar sentiments with Dodou.

“The main highway [Bertil Harding Highway] does not have a turning point at certain places; you can only turn at roundabouts. Sometimes, you are in haste and want to go to other places, but you cannot unless you go up to a particular roundabout and when you reach that roundabout as well you usually find that it’s congested”.

Jallow called on the government through the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure to construct feeder roads and create better turning points for drivers.

The Vice President of the Brusubi Roundabout Garage, Ablie Jallow, has expressed that the frequent issues stem from the poor design of the roundabout, which often leads to considerable delays due to regular congestion.

He mentioned that the free traffic on the highway ends at Airport Junction en route to Brikama, and the road from Yundum to Brikama is congested, often resulting in longer travel times for drivers.

“If you go to Brikama before you return it takes time especially if you have a van or small vehicle. [The number of passengers] you carry and [the money] you make out of that is not profitable. [This is why] most drivers do not carry direct Brikama passengers. It favours ‘gele gele’ drivers, not the van or small car divers,” he said.

He expressed that extending the highway to Brikama would benefit drivers, as travelling to Brikama and back to the turntable would be quicker if the road were free-flowing and wider.

“The poor road condition brings a waste of time because the road is not good, and drivers can’t move fast. From Coastal Road to Serrekunda, most drivers are not using the road because it’s full of portholes. A vehicle does not know how long a distance is, all it knows is good road condition then it will go anywhere you want it to go. All these traffic congestions that we are complaining about are due to poor roads,” Jallow said.