By Michaella Faith Wright

Momodou Jallow, Secretary-General of the Alliance for National Re-Orientation and Development (ANRD), unveiled an ambitious vision for The Gambia’s future at the party’s bi-annual congress held on December 29, 2024. Addressing delegates, party supporters, and the Gambian public, Jallow emphasized the party’s commitment to security, economic transformation, and inclusive governance.

The congress, held under the theme “Justice, Freedom, and Development,” featured Jallow outlining key priorities aimed at driving systemic change in the country.

“Our challenges demand bold and decisive action. At the heart of our agenda is the security of the state. A secure Gambia is the foundation for economic growth, good governance, and national progress,” Jallow remarked. He pledged to strengthen the nation’s security forces through enhanced training, resources, and tools to safeguard citizens and borders while maintaining peace and stability.

Jallow also highlighted the need for structural transformation in agriculture, describing it as the backbone of the nation. Moving beyond traditional methods, the party intends to empower farmers through mechanized agriculture and value chain development. Key crops such as rice, millet, fruits, and vegetables will be prioritized, connecting farmers to local and subregional markets and making agriculture a viable economic opportunity.

Education was identified as another cornerstone of the party’s vision. Jallow stressed the importance of aligning the education system with the country’s labor force needs, emphasizing technical, vocational, and entrepreneurial training to equip young people with skills for critical sectors such as agriculture, technology, health, and infrastructure.

He also reaffirmed the party’s commitment to inclusive leadership, stating, “We believe in empowering young people not just as participants but as leaders in this transformation. Similarly, women will not be relegated to mobilizer roles; they will hold key decision-making positions.”

Jallow further recognized the critical role of the Gambian diaspora in national development, pledging to create systems that ensure their meaningful engagement.

Concluding his speech, Jallow called for unity, saying, “Unity is our greatest strength. By fostering collaboration, empowering our people, and prioritizing the needs of our nation, we can achieve the systemic change we seek.”

The congress served as a platform to rally supporters around ANRD’s transformative agenda for a secure, prosperous, and united Gambia.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Fatu Network has been informed of an alleged verbal attack on Rohey Malick Lowe, the Mayor of Banjul City Council, during the United Democratic Party (UDP) Congress on December 29, 2024, in Banjul.

A source who identified himself as a UDP member familiar with the incident, and who requested anonymity, confirmed that the mayor was verbally attacked by a woman identified as Madina Deen, the daughter of Yamudow Secka, UDP Deputy Party Leader.

“The mayor was leaving the hall with one Lamin Sanneh, who works at the OIC, when the woman (Madina Deen) started insulting her repeatedly. The mayor asked who she was insulting, but the woman continued,” the source said.

The source described the attack on the mayor as disrespectful, stating that she deserved better treatment from all UDP members and Gambians.

According to the source, this is not the first time the mayor has faced such attacks from UDP-aligned supporters.

“At the congress in Janjangbureh, she was similarly attacked,” the source added.

The Fatu Network has also been informed of other verbal attacks against the mayor by individuals identified as UDP members, including Lamin Dibba, Matty Kanyi, and Alieu Kora.

“This is disrespectful,” said one Lamin Ndow, who was present at the scene. He added, “I am a UDP supporter, but this is unacceptable. The mayor is a very hardworking woman. I don’t know what type of heart she has to endure all this humiliation.”

Lamin further noted that despite the continued criticism and verbal assaults, the mayor has remained committed to the UDP.

“I was in Janjangbureh the last time, and the way she’s being treated is, to me, not fair. She has a proven track record nationally and internationally,” he said.

The source also disclosed that he attended the UDP gala dinner, where individuals were given awards, but the mayor was sidelined despite her remarkable achievements.

“I don’t know what the problem is, but the mayor deserved an award that night. She’s the only female mayor doing tremendous work. In Banjul, she’s uniting people, and she’s the President of REFELA and the Second Vice President of Global Mayors,” the source explained.

“I don’t know why she’s still with UDP when they are not giving her the respect she deserves,” said Malick Cham, a resident of Kanifing.

Malick further suggested that Mayor Lowe should consider leaving the UDP if she continues to face such disrespect. “She’s a brave woman. I don’t know if she’s addicted to UDP or what, but she should consider leaving,” he advised.

The Fatu Network has reached out to Mayor Lowe for comments following these allegations, but she has not responded at the time of this publication.

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

A recent Afrobarometer survey, published on December 23, 2024, revealed that a majority of Gambians hold a negative view of the country’s economic situation, with 77% of respondents believing the country is heading in the “wrong direction.” Key concerns include shortages of food, water, cooking fuel, and cash income, as well as dissatisfaction with essential services such as healthcare, education, and reliable electricity. In response, the Government of The Gambia, in a statement issued on December 26, acknowledged the survey but argued that it represented “subjective opinions and/or experiences rather than comprehensive facts.” The government criticized the survey’s methodology, claiming that “perceptions can be shaped by individual perspectives and misinformation,” and emphasized that the results should not overshadow the positive developments attributed to its policies and initiatives.

While about half of respondents commended the government’s efforts in maintaining roads and bridges, fewer than half gave positive ratings for its performance in areas such as providing reliable electricity, addressing educational needs, delivering water and sanitation services, and preventing or resolving violent conflict. Health care was identified as the top priority for government action, followed by the rising cost of living and concerns about crime and security.

In its rebuttal, the government highlighted significant progress in various sectors. It cited its ambitious road construction program, which has seen nearly 1,000 kilometers of roads refurbished nationwide since 2017, aiming to improve transportation and economic activity. The government also pointed to upgrades in healthcare facilities, stating that hospitals and regional health centers have been expanded to improve access and service delivery.

On the economic front, the government referenced a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) review under the Extended Credit Facility, which praised the administration for “significant achievements in strengthening economic recovery.” The review, published in late 2024, projected GDP growth of 5.8% for the year. Additionally, a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), published in July 2024, noted a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) from $18 million in 2017 to $249 million in 2021, with investment levels remaining strong in 2022 at $236 million.

The government also addressed ongoing challenges related to economic hardships and security concerns, stating that reforms in security services and increased resource allocation have helped fortify national safety measures.

In its response, the government emphasized its commitment to democratic principles, stating that The Gambia has “embraced a culture of openness and free speech, ensuring citizens’ voices are heard.” It also pointed to various interventions to ease the cost of living, such as subventions in the energy and agricultural sectors.

While acknowledging the concerns raised by the survey, the government urged Gambians to critically assess the findings. “If truly the country was heading in the wrong direction, recent data would not indicate that The Gambia’s progress in electricity and water supply, access to healthcare and education services, and investments in agriculture and infrastructure far surpasses the cumulative interventions and investments of previous governments,” the statement asserted.

President Adama Barrow’s administration reiterated its commitment to serving the nation and valuing the feedback of the public. “President Barrow’s administration values the feedback of Gambians and views surveys like this as an opportunity to strengthen its resolve in serving the nation,” the government concluded.

The contrasting narratives presented by the survey and the government’s response highlight the ongoing national debate about the country’s progress and challenges.

By Michaella Faith Wright

The Secretary-General and Party Leader of the Gambia Action Party (GAP), Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, has raised concerns over recent allegations of electoral malpractice during the 2021 presidential election, describing them as a potential threat to national peace and stability.

Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, Secretary General and Leader of the Gambia Action Party (GAP) has urged caution following claims made by Mbemba Drammeh, an alleged former supporter of the National People’s Party (NPP), alleging electoral malpractice in the 2021 presidential election. Batchilly warned that such unverified allegations could undermine national peace, sow division, and erode trust in the country’s democratic institutions.

In a statement, Batchilly emphasised the importance of exercising freedom of speech responsibly, particularly on matters of national importance like elections. He stressed that misinformation and baseless accusations can exacerbate political tensions and destabilise the nation.

“The integrity of elections is a cornerstone of democracy,” Batchilly said. “Questioning the process without credible evidence undermines public trust and threatens national stability. The relevant authorities must investigate these claims thoroughly and take legal action if they are proven baseless.”

The GAP leader also called on political stakeholders and media outlets to act responsibly in their dissemination of information. He urged media platforms to avoid sensationalizing unverified claims and encouraged political parties to caution their supporters against making inflammatory statements that could incite unrest.

“The stakes are too high to allow individual grievances to destabilize the hard-earned peace of the nation,” Batchilly stated.

Batchilly further urged citizens to remain vigilant and reject attempts to sow discord through false narratives or propaganda. He called on all Gambians to uphold the principles of democracy by addressing grievances through lawful and constructive means.

“As Gambians, it is our collective responsibility to protect our country from the dangers of misinformation and division. Let us champion truth, accountability, and peace as we navigate the challenges of nation-building,” he said.

The National People’s Party (NPP) has issued a statement addressing allegations made by Mbemba Drammeh, who claims to be a former supporter of the party. Drammeh alleged in a recent interview with Kerr Fatou that the NPP rigged the 2021 Presidential elections through the involvement of seven individuals, including himself.

In a press release on Wednesday, the NPP described Drammeh’s claims as false and unfounded, emphasizing that he has never held any formal role within the party. The statement also noted that records indicate Drammeh was not in The Gambia during the period surrounding the 2021 elections.

The NPP called on Drammeh to provide evidence to support his claims, including identifying the individuals he alleged were involved. The statement suggested that failure to substantiate the accusations could lead to legal action under Gambian law.

Separately, speculation has arisen regarding Drammeh’s reported arrest, with some linking it to his remarks about the elections. Police Public Relations Officer Cadet ASP Modou Musa Sisawo, when contacted by The Fatu Network, said, “I cannot confirm this case because I don’t have any information about it [at the moment],” but assured that inquiries would be conducted.

Further updates on the matter are expected as more information becomes available.

Pictured: Seedy S.K. Njie, Deputy Spokesperson, NPP (Left) and Member Drammeh (Right).