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‘My wife has since left’: Lamin Jobe testifies Jammeh’s army of NIA helpers placed live wire on his private parts leaving him permanently impotent

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By Lamin Njie

Lamin Jobe has told the TRRC operatives of the National Intelligence Agency now State Intelligence Service placed live wire on his private parts leaving him impotent.

Lamin Jobe testified at the TRRC on Monday as part of a broad investigation into the human rights violations and abuses that took place during former president Yahya Jammeh’s rule. He was among scores of Gambians who were arrested, detained and tortured by agents of then-National Intelligence Agency.

Mr Jobe told the TRRC, of his detention and subsequent torture: “They placed electricity on my private part and electrocuted me. And that was what Foday (of the agents who tortured him) meant by saying I would be useless to my wife.

“My wife had since left. Counsel, I will not be able to tell you. I am finish[ed]. Because that’s still with me and if we enter a bathroon I can show it to you, the scars.”

A Look At Activism

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There is a type of irreducible rascality that every society need. This cathartic ‘virtue’ can help shake off the lethargies of the ruling class and bring sanity to the complacent masses. This is the essence of activism!

It is a quest, that can build or destroy society, and hence must be undertaken with great prudence. Should be embarked on with knowledge and principle, never on expediency or out of envy.

To paraphrase the wisdom of Confucius;
Before taking on the affairs of the state, one must put his household in proper order; before putting your household in order, first put yourself in order; to put yourself in order, perfect your moral compass; to perfect your moral compass, purify the heart (motives and intentions); to purity the heart, practice self-discipline; to discipline yourself, one must be aware of own ignorance/limitations; to know your ignorance, you must seek knowledge and contemplate much.

Acquisition of knowledge should be the first step in activism. And in practice, to never let conceit creep in – for it will fast corrupt original motives. This base impulse can misled the activist into feeling like he’s on some great heroic quest to save mankind. An individual can be a catalyst, but transformation is always a cumulative effort of many.

It is easier to be moved into action by hate than by love. To be peevish and resentful towards those we disagree with points to an own mind needing better cultivation. This need to be remedied, for one should not be driven to activism solely by the hatred of the ‘other’.

It is part of prudence for an activist to regularly reflect to the ideas he promulgates, his own conducts, and their consequences. He should be sure he’s not just the object of other men’s ideas, which he never understood, much less synthesize. Not to join silly adventures – simply to ‘belong’, to be seen or to make money.

It is noble to join efforts greater than ourselves; life is too great to be consumed by the needs of our one lonely soul. We simply are, because of the people.

Cunning men will cheer on the disgruntled to be vindictive, and the unripe minds to do their bidding. People acting only on selfish and mean motives love to co-opt the unsuspecting activist. They’ll prod people to join foolish ‘exploits’ to divide and sow confusion.

Politicians are quick to use activists as pawns by presenting their political opinions as positions of moral superiority. Beware, for there is a very thin line between activism and politics fanaticism.

Devotion to a ‘higher’ idea is always noble. A stand on principle against evil is a worthy sacrifice. To assume a public or conspicuous position on these based on principle, is true activism.

Be mindful of those that try to cajole you into joining their trifles. Be cautious when empathy is the primary reason offered to join a movement.
Empathy is a fine quality but it is no moral virtue. It’s a physiological reaction to an event or condition. It is not enough reason to start throwing flames, if the underlining reason is not logical or lack real substance.

It is too easy to turn an activist into a mob. To become a ‘joiner’, a herd member and start screaming meaningless slogans. Scream we can, but if it has no root in us, the next wind will blow it away!

We can make the world better not only by preaching or railing against evil, but also by constraining our own malevolence. That alone will solve half of the world’s problems.

We must seek out logical conclusions to the actions we undertake. Mere frenzies of rage, convulsions and letting off dynamites are not enough to change society. Fierce ferocity and superficial arguments are only fleeting, they can’t transform the world.

Our actions gather their own weight when carried on with knowledge and sound principle. The sentiment from which the activism originate, will set its gravity and determine the dignity with which it is received. Action on principle last forever.

Learn and reflect. Be an individual, first. Then an activist, last!

Website: jamaldrammeh.net
Facebook: jamal.drammeh
Twitter: @jamaldrammeh

‘He got excited because a woman sat in front of him’: Bakawsu responds to Imam Fatty after ‘fight’ threat

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By Lamin Njie

Bakawsu Fofana has vowed he would stay true to type if Imam Abdoulie Fatty continued to wrong him.

Bakawsu and Imam Fatty are two imams who hold each other in great contempt, with Imam Fatty over the weekend threatening to fight Bakawsu wherever they met.

“He’s a kid. I am older than him. He can go ahead and tell people he’s a great marabout, not me.

“He’s a coward. Wherever I meet him, if he says these things, I will beat him. Even in future, I can beat him and I can tie him. Billahi Wallahi. Kawsu doesn’t know me, I will not take nonsense,” Imam Fatty told Kerr Fatou’s Fatou Touray.

Bakawsu in an audio message responded saying the top imam lost control of himself after a woman sat in front of him.

He said: “Your imam got excited [after] a female journalist sat in front of him. [But] if you know you’re not strong, women should not make you do certain things. A female journalist sat in front of him, asking him about Bakawsu and he was having a go at Bakawsu to the point of beating his chest and saying if ‘I meet with him, I will tie him up’.”

Bakawsu then addressed Imam Fatty directly: “It’s the same Bakawsu. The Bakawsu that you cried over his the same Bakaswu. If you do not trust in yourself, don’t go ahead to fight. You and I began [fighting] since 2008 to this year 2020 [that’s] 12 years.

“You cried last Monday saying Bakawsu destroyed your life, destroyed your power, destroyed your influence. [That] he made people withdraw their respect for you and ridicule you. It’s that same Bakawsu.”

Bakawsu then added: “When that happened [TRRC incident], I then said I would leave him alone. Because I am one person who doesn’t wrong people. It’s only when you wrong me that’s when I respond. Abdoulie Fatty has started and now I would wait for you to do it a second time. You would see what would do to you.”

Man dies after his car crashes into power pole – but investigation sees police recover cannabis from doomed car

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By Lamin Njie

A man has died after his car slammed into an ‘electric’ pole as he drove on the busy Kairaba Avenue. The incident happened early Tuesday.

Police said in a statement: “On Tuesday 25th February 2020 at 0600hrs, a Mercedes Benz C Class Motor vehicle with registration number Bjl 1141 Q, driven by Pa Modou Njie of Latrikunda Germany, crashed into an electric pole while speeding along the Kairaba Avenue Road. Pa Modou lost control of the vehicle when he tried to turn at the Junction opposite LG Samsung.

“A 40 year old female pedestrian was hit and sustained a broken leg injury. She has been admitted and currently receiving treatment at the Serrekunda General Hospital.
The driver Pa Modou Njie was equally taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

“Preliminary investigations into the accident has led to the recovery of 5 bags of suspected cannabis from the vehicle. This exhibit has been handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigations.

“Meanwhile, Police accident investigations continue into the matter.”

The Meaning of the Illegal Closure and Opening of the Radio Stations

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The only reason the Gambia Government decided to withdraw from its violation of the law by allowing the re-opening of Home Digital and King FM radio stations is because they have no case and indeed the Gambia Press Union and citizens stood their ground that the radio stations must be opened. This is what we must recognize as the only truth. The action of the Gambia Government is a clear violation of the rule of law and freedom of the media which did not happen by mistake in anyway. It was a deliberately calculated attempt to close down these radio stations with a view to suppress freedom of expression hence limit the ability of citizens to hold the State accountable.

 

A Government is not an association of children. Rather the Government is occupied by well educated and well experienced adult men and women who have all the requisite capacity and resources to make the right decisions at the right time. Hence the idea that the Government could make a mistake especially in closing down a radio station is a farce! It is clear that if GPU and citizens did not stand their ground this Government will not open these radio stations at all.

 

Therefore, let us not be so naïve to buy false narratives that seek to celebrate the Government for fixing the law and rights that they deliberately broke when they are not supposed to do so in the first place. The Government has all the means to respond to any media reportage they do not agree with yet this Government refused to do that but instead decided to use power illegally to clampdown on these radio stations.

 

Even when the Minister of Information Ebrima Sillah said the police were investigating it is now 30 days and there is no report yet about that investigation.  What is clear is that there has been no investigation at all. The fact is the Government was just buying time to see if GPU and Gambians will just forget about this issue so that the radio stations shall remain closed forever! Let us learn from our lessons with Yaya Jammeh!

 

At this stage the Gambia Press Union must be commended for standing their ground and pushing the Government back to the rule of law. As indicated by its President Sheriff Bojang Jnr there must be accountability for this blatant abuse of power. Citizens must continue to demand to know who ordered this illegal act and there must be adequate compensation for the damage caused to the radio stations and their journalists.

 

In this regard I completely disagree with the Minister of Justice Abubacarr Tambadou, in seeking to legitimize this illegal act on the basis that there is no perfect democracy or perfect government. What does the Minister mean by that? Who is asking for ‘perfect; democracy? We are a democratic republic that is governed by laws which are to be enforced by the State. Therefore, what we need is for that State to act according to the law so that democracy can flourish. Thus the issue of ‘perfect democracy’ is meaningless.

 

Secondly his claim that there have been shortcomings on the part of both the Government and the media and therefore lessons are learnt is equally a farce. What is the shortcoming the media committed in this situation? Clearly if Home Digital and King FM radio stations violated the law they must be held to account without compromise. But what law did they violate in their reporting?

 

Therefore, if there is any shortcoming and lesson to learn it is the Gambia Government that committed those shortcomings from which it must learn to respect the law and protect fundamental freedoms. This is what the Minster should have said than to seek to disparage the media with the false narrative that some journalists are not well educated or lack capacity. That is not the issue here in anyway.

 

What happened is caused by the Gambia Government and they must own their own violations. It is disingenuous for the Minster to seek to share that misconduct with the media or anyone else. Since inception GPU has been working to build the capacity of is members which shall continue. However, the illegal closure of these media houses has nothing to do with media capacity.

 

Thirdly we cannot continue to hide behind the 22-year dictatorship yet we continue to deliberately violate rights. If we are going to make progress, we should continue on that path only. But we cannot be claiming that progress only to perpetuate, rationalize and defend abuse.

 

Therefore, I wish to call on citizens to refuse to be naïve, misguided and misinformed by these high sounding self-righteous statements by Government officials. This country is governed by laws and the State is mandated to enforce that law without fear or favour. Therefore, we must not accept the abuse of that law only for Government to put up a drama as if they are doing us a favour.

 

The re-opening of these radio stations and the dropping of bogus charges against the journalists is not a favour from the Government. Rather it is a confirmation of the blatant abuse of power by the State for which they must be held accountable. The Government only withdrew from that violation simply because GPU and citizens stood their ground.

 

For The Gambia Our Homeland

 

…………………………………………….

Madi Jobarteh

Skype: madi.jobarteh

Twitter: @jobartehmadi

LinkedIn: Madi Jobarteh

Phone: +220 9995093

OIC project gains delight Saudi Fund top official amid Gambia trip

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The head of the visiting delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development, Special Adviser Eng. Yousef I. Al-Bassam has expressed delight at the state of progress of the ongoing project implementation works for the 2022 OIC Heads of State and Government Summit in The Gambia.

Special Adviser Yousef I. Al-Bassam made the remarks on Tuesday during a courtesy call on the Management of the Secretariat in Brusubi to acquire first-hand information on the ongoing infrastructural works for the Summit.

The Saudi Fund for Development is one of The Gambia’s foremost partners for the OIC projects providing financing for the building of a VVIP Lounge at the Banjul International Airport, the construction of the 20 secondary urban roads, and the Electricity Network Enhancement Project and Rehabilitation of Water and Sanitation Networks Project – all of which are overseen by NAWEC.

Heads of the implementing agencies of the various OIC projects like the National Road Authority, Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, and NAWEC were present to give a detailed presentation on the status of projects being supported by the Saudi development agency.
Chief Executive Officer of the Secretariat, Mr. Yankuba Dibba warmly welcomed the delegation and thanked the Saudi Fund for their immense support to the country’s bid to hosting a successful Summit. ‘’We cannot thank you enough for all you have done for us for the summit. We are quite grateful’’, he said.

Director of Water Services at NAWEC also thanked the Saudi Fund for coming to their aid in supporting the improvement of their generation and distribution capacities in both water and electricity components. He said the projects could not have come at a better time and will go a long way in improving the living conditions of the Gambian people. The shortlisting of consulting firms has been completed and soon the responsive bidder will be selected, and works will begin for the design phase.

Similar comments were made by the Managing Director of the National Roads Authority as well as the OIC Project Manager of GCCA, who stressed that they are on course to complete the building of the Presidential Lounge in time for the 2022 Summit.
CEO Dibba later led the delegation on a conducted tour of the facilities of the newly commissioned Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center.

The Saudi Fund delegation is in the country to sign a $12 million grant for the Airport Expansion Project.

Basse Area Council chairman slam market thieves as ‘bad’ people who he says are still kept in custody

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By Adama Makasuba

Police in Basse are keeping nabbed thieves of Monday’s Basse market fire that destroyed almost the entire market in custody.

The thieves whose number is not yet known by The Fatu Network were arrested during Monday’s blaze. They were reportedly acting as if they were also trying to fight the fire.

“Those thieves are still kept in custody as they help the police in their investigations. Those bad people because as people were in trouble trying to put off the fire, they were busy stealing people properties,” chairman of Basse Area Council Foday Danjo said.

Government cancels charges against journalists – as it also discontinues closure of radios

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By Omar Wally

The state has dropped charges against four journalists who were arrested during operation three Years Jotna protest last month.

Two radios stations, Home Digital FM and King FM, that were shut while broadcasting the protest would also resume operation today, says Justice Minister Tambadou.

The broadcast houses were closed by security personnel without following due process. And authorities came under heavy criticism for the way and manner it handled the issue.

Breaking: Pandemonium in Basse: Fire breaks out at market resulting in traders crying as others scramble to save their goods

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By Lamin Njie

Traders at Basse Market scrambled to save what’s left of their goods late Monday following a fire outbreak.

The Fatu Network has gathered firefighters have raced to the scene to battle the fire which has at this hour began to spread. The cause of the fire could not be immediately established.

A Gambian journalist in Basse told The Fatu Network thieves have also joined in piling misery on traders after they began stealing people’s properties. The police have arrested some of the thieves, he added.

More follows…

Thousands of Serahule men and women in West Africa gather to search solution for ‘back way’

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By Adama Makasuba

Thousands of Serahuleh men and women across the West African sub-region have gathered at Paradise Suites Hotel to proffered practical solution to the perilous ‘back way’ journey to Europe.

The summit comes as part of the group’s biannual Festival International Soninke that brought together more than 5000 participants from France, Spain, Mali, Senegal, Mauritania, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, and The Gambia.

It is also The Gambia’s first time to host the biannual festival after Senegal last hosted it two years ago where the tribe men and women gather to rejuvenate and promote their culture and discuss practical ways to addressing various social and continental challenges.

Meanwhile, its official opening on Friday showed the presence of Gambian president Adama Barrow and former Malian interim leader Dioncounda Traore along with top elderly men and women of the tribe.

Speaking to The Fatu Network in an exclusive interview, Oumie Batchilly the group’s media chief said: “Theme here at the conference is to talk about migration because we all know that migration has been a big issue over the last few years in Africa countries especially youths taken the ‘back way’ to Europe including women’s as well.

“And I think also Soninkes have the largest migrants because Serahules have been travelling all over the world for a very long time, but now with the illegal migration we thought one of the main areas of focus with really needed to address with this festival, is the issue of the ‘backway’ illegal migration.”

‘He doesn’t know me, I will not take nonsense’: Imam Fatty vows to fight fellow Imam Bakawsu wherever they meet

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By Lamin Njie

Top imam Abdoulie Fatty has vowed he will beat fellow imam Bakawsu Fofona wherever they meet.

Imam Fatty stated this on Kerr Fatou, during a chat hosted by Fatou Touray.

“He’s a kid. I am older than him. He can go ahead and tell people he’s a great marabout, not me.
“He’s a coward. Wherever I meet him, if he says these things, I will beat him. Even in future, I can beat him and I can tie him. Billahi Wallahi. Kawsu doesn’t know me, I will not take nonsense,” Imam Fatty said.

Imam Fatty and Bakawsu do not see eye-to-eye and last week the former cried as he told the TRRC how Ba Kawsu caused him great trouble.

Ba Kawsu was the first to come before the TRRC where he called out Imam Fatty and said he was the man who orchestrated his ordeal during Jammeh’s rule.

Three Years leaders put Mile 2 life behind them as court grants them bail – but activists get further respite as state drops charge that carried life imprisonment punishment

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By Omar Wally and Adama Makasuba

The high court in Banjul on Monday granted the beleaguered leaders of Operation Three Years Jotna bail after an arduous battle that lasted nearly a month.

Nine leaders of Operation Three Years Jotna had been held at Mile 2 since 26 January following an anti-Barrow protest that turned violent.

They were granted bail at the high court in Banjul after four sessions spanning three weeks.

The accused were initially arraigned at Kanifing Magistrates court but the case was later transferred to high court in Banjul.

The eight men and one woman were finally granted D200, 000 bail each with two Gambian sureties. They were also ordered to deposit their travel documents.

Also, Count 3 which alleged the embattled activist rioted and demolished structures which carried a life imprisonment punishment was dropped.

The case will continue on 25 March 2020.

Madi responds in kind: Top activist brands Abubakar Darbo an embecile amid brutal attack from UTG lecturer

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By Lamin Njie

Madi Jobarteh has responded to Abubakar Darbo a few hours after the UTG lecturer launched a scathing attack on the top commentator.

Mr Jobarteh sparked huge controversy on Sunday by commenting if a wealthy country like Saudi Arabia were led by the Ahmaddi, the Muslim Ummah and the world would have been a ‘far better and peaceful and just place’. He had earlier argued there is no Islamic sect that is as peaceful, productive and beneficial to humanity as the Ahmaddiya.

The fearless commentator’s comments continued to draw flaks but it’s Abubakar Darbo who Madi reserved special response.

Mr Darbo had earlier said: “Nothing on earth is furthest from the truth than the irresponsible, ill-advised and ill-researced nonsense by Madi Jobarteh, claims speciality for the Ahmadis over all other sects. Through his post, it became very clear that Madi has arrogated to himself the role of an expert in a subject that is very difficult to Master.

“It is therefore puzzling how dare could he open his eyes and says such a diabolical lie, giving his huge religious ignorance and limited knowledge in Islaam. What does Madi know or researched to justify his flimsy claims? Is that how you argue on such highly technical and spiritual subject; just like that. I am really disappointed in you Madi, and if you have any regard for intellectualism, truth or honesty, then withdraw your irresponsible statement or present your facts!!.

“If I may ask you Madi, what is your success nay, development indicator as far as religion is concerned. Have you studied the activities of the Mouride Sect, the Sufis, the Tijanis, the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamah, and the other sects who for centuries contributed to not only establishing peace, communion, education and development all over the world, but were the pillars of ingenuity and research discoveries across civilisations. Most of these Muslim experts existed and contributed exponentially towards humanity well before the founding of the Ahmadiya Group, which was born less than 200 years ago. So how dare you discredit all these groups and claim such an ungodly statement. I think it is time you stop tripping on issues and put yourself on gear when issues arise before tribling glibly on cases of such sensitivity and importance.

“Let me advise you to desist from such irresponsible statements and be measured in your utterances, as well as avoid igniting sensational debates that will further aggravate the wounds of our people. What is most important for everyone is that regardless of religion, Islam sees humanity first; thus the reason why Allaah Azza wa Jal addresses his servants as “Ya ayyuha Nas” in many places in the Qur’an. However if people with jurisprudential underpinnings collectively give their position on the Ahmadiyya, what expertise or authority do you hold in Islam to claim otherwise. Humans are equal before the law in all social dealings, but religion is a special domain guided by divine rights. Just like not everyone can just comment on health or prescribe medications for people, thesame way not every samba, pateh or yorro can talk about religion. I call on you once again to desist from such sayings and indulge yourself in issues that engender peace and harmony amongst people, regardless of our differences. Aodhu biLlahi mina shaitaani rajim!!”

Madi Jobarteh responded to Mr Darbo in kind, writing: “Now that imbeciles like Alhaji Abubakar Darbo decided to formally expose his bigotry, ignorance and dishonesty the time therefore has come for an all out offensive against such imbecility. To claim the name of Allah or to perform the hajj and to dress like a Muslim is not the only qualification for a true Muslim. The Munafiqq do that too! Indeed, the very reason that Muslims are yet to achieve the very essence of Islam, i.e. to ensure justice, peace, freedom and prosperity within the Ummah is because of individuals who pretend to be Muslim yet exhibit only hypocrisy and anti-Islamic attitude. Abubakar is one such person.

“In the world today the most oppressed, exploited and impoverished and wretched population is the Muslim Ummah. Yet Islam is one of the most enlightened, scientific and just religions in the world, if not the leading. But the very and only reason why Muslims are the wretched of the earth is squarely because the Ummah is led by political leaders and clerics who are the most corrupt, dishonest and oppressive. The paradox of this fact lie in the fact that Muslim dominated and led societies are the most endowed societies in natural and mineral resources and wealth. Yet these leaders backed by their clerics have failed to justly exploit and invest the wealth of their nations in the Ummah.

“Yet ignorant and dishonest so-called Muslims like Abubakar Darbo have no issue with that but would want to pontificate about the faith even when they see filth, indecency and oppression all around the Ummah perpetrated by corrupt leaders and their counterpart imams. Was it not these kinds of imams who exalted Yaya Jammeh here even when he was killing and maiming Muslims and their leaders like a pagan leader. Yet Abubakar and his ilk continued to protect and celebrate those imams as if they did not see the attack against Muslims and Islam by a despot.

“Abubakar claims the Ahmadiyya are not Muslim. I challenge you to state with objective fact how the Ahmadiyya are not Muslim. Your ignorance of the reality of the Ahmadiyya is once again symptomatic of your naivety, dishonesty and bigotry against this group of Muslims. Who proclaimed that the Ahmadiyya are not Muslim?

“Anyone who knows history would know that the attack on the Ahmadiyya has nothing to do with Islam or religion. Rather it was a political issue in Pakistan backed by their corrupt leaders in Saudi Arabia. When the Ahmadiyya emerged in Pakistan several decades ago apart from teaching Islam they were also educating and organizing the masses to reject the corrupt political leadership backed by their corrupt clergy. In response the political and religious leaders of Pakistan decided to declassify them as Muslims. With the power of the State and the Ummah on their side they banished the Ahmadiyya out of their own country. Since then the Sunni majority in Pakistan and their collaborators in Saudi Arabia, hence the rest of the global Sunni community continue to attack the Ahmadiyya as non-Muslims.

“So to see a Gambian like Abubakar swallow and vomit such dishonest and obnoxious propaganda only testifies to his utter ignorance and dishonesty. Until today no one has brought out any objective evidence to justify that the Ahmadiyya do not believe in Allah or His Holy Prophet as the Seal of all Prophets and the Messenger of Allah. Rather what you see are people like Abubakar who spread false generalities and rationalizations in their unjust attack against the rights of the Ahmadiyya. They are fighting a fight they know nothing about hence they are pawns without knowing it.

“Yes, there have been various Muslim sects well before the birth of Ahmadiyya movement. But who can deny the fact that this sect provides far better and more social and economic benefits to Gambians than any other Islamic sect in this country. Not only that, one will find that Ahmadiyya members in general are far well disciplined, honest and educated about Islam and therefore more Islamic in words and conduct than most other Muslims. Look around your Ahmadiyya families, friends and colleagues and tell me how you see their attitude and sense of humanity. You will find far more sense of responsibility, justice and honesty in them than anyone else.

“Even here one can see that the only persons who insult with utter rudeness and stupidity like Abubakar are not Ahmadiyya even though it is the Ahmadiyya who are under unprovoked attack. One would have expected that the Ahmadiyya would be very angry and violent yet they exhibit the highest levels of tolerance, peace and politeness.

“Therefore, it is utterly justified to claim that the Ahmadiyya are far more peaceful, productive and beneficial to humanity than any other sect they found in place. Let Abubakar deny that with facts if he has.

“Abubakar, rest assured Madi Jobarteh will not let any human being to perpetuate injustice and bigotry for any reason for even a second just to destroy people’s inalienable rights. People like you pride yourselves that this country is a Muslim country yet you do not care to see the gross and widespread injustice, oppression and corruption in our homes, streets and work places. Certainly when you have ‘Muslims’ like yourself that society can never reap the benefits of Islam. Your belief only stops at defending and perpetuating the status quo so that you continue to enjoy those usual unjust privileges and benefits while poverty, oppression and exploitation characterize the lot of the Ummah. That is anti-Islamic and disgraceful.

“If there is anyone who has caused the failure of Muslims to enjoy the benefits of Islam surely it is individuals like Abubakar Darbo. You are nothing other than a disgrace and an obstacle to the flowering of Islam in our society and the world.”

Gambians in UK to take to the streets over holding in Mile 2 of Yankuba Darbo and his Three Years compatriots

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Gambians in UK will take to the streets on 27 February to show their dismay over the continued detention in Mile 2 of Yankuba Darbo and his Three Years Jotna compatriots.

Nine Three Years Jotna leaders including UK-based Yankuba Darbo have been held at Mile 2 since 26 January.

Gambians in UK say they will stage a protest over the continued detention of the eight men and one woman.

The ‘concerned’ Gambians said in a statement signed by Ebou Juwara: “Concerned Gambians in UK and Diaspora hereby call on all Gambians and friends of the march to show our dismay with which Human Rights Lawyer and Advocate Lawyer Yankuba Darboe and 8 other members of the 3 Years Jotna Movement are being reprimanded in Mile 2 Central Prisons of The Gambia since 26th January 2020 with continuous adjournment by Judge Amina Saho Ceesay and illegal closure of Home Digital and King FM radio stations.

“They got arrested for merely exercising their democratic rights to peacefully protest after being granted valid permit to do so; thereby violating their fundamental rights, guaranteed by the constitution.”

The protest is scheduled to take place on Thursday 27 February 2020 with 12:30 to 13:30 appointed assembly time. The procession will begin at 13.30 and end at 17.30pm. The assembly point is Parliament Square, Westminster, Central London.

The ‘concerned’ Gambians added the procession will commence from Parliament Square where they will walk to “House of Parliament and Foreign and Commonwealth Office, use train (tube) to Human Rights Commission and finally to Gambia High Commission office”.

“We urged all Gambians irrespective of political affiliations to turn out in large numbers to make this protest and demonstration a success,” the statement said.

They finally have their man: Buba Drammeh who allegedly murdered Buba Jammeh by shooting him from point-blank range is arrested by police after a manhunt that lasted nearly a year

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By Lamin Njie

Police have arrested Buba Drammeh, the man who allegedly shot and killed Gunjur native Buba Jammeh.

Violent clashes last year erupted between the people of Gunjur and Berending over land resulting in the death of Buba Jammeh. He was allegedly shot and killed by Berending native Buba Drammeh. Mr Drammeh has since been on the run.

Police said in a statement today: “Police at the Anti Crime Unit have arrested Buba Drammeh, suspect in the Gunjur-Berending shooting incident which led to the death of Buba Jammeh.

“The suspect is currently under police custody helping in investigations.

“The office of the IGP wishes to commend efforts of members of the public for providing vital information leading to his arrest.

“The public will be duly informed about the outcome of investigations and individuals with relevant information about the incident are encouraged to come forward to assist with investigations.”

Mr Drammeh’s arrest comes two months after the chief of Kombo South Lamin Darboe who is a native of Gunjur made the bold claim Buba Drammeh had been sneaking into Gunjur.

TFN Heroes Awards: Awards Committee officials face reporters days after a bruising nomination phase that ended with the shortlisting of 43 candidates of individuals and organisations

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By Lamin Njie

The vice chairperson of the Awards Committee of The Fatu Network Heroes Awards said on Saturday her committee was looking for people who best fit the criteria for the various categories that are up for grabs.

“I don’t believe we have any politician but we weren’t looking for politicians. We were looking for people that best fit the criteria,” Neneh Cham told reporters at a press conference held at The Fatu Network offices on Kairaba Avenue.

The TFN Heroes Awards is established by The Fatu Network, the leading online news provider in The Gambia with the aim of recognizing and celebrating Gambians who have offered invaluable service to the country and to their communities.

The committee shortlisted 43 candidates of individuals and organisations for the 2019 Awards out of 1527 entries, the chairperson of the committee Fatou Amirah Mambouray had earlier said.

She explained: “We had a total of 1527 nominations. The diaspora was responsible for 51.8 percent of those nominations and The Gambia 48.2 percent of those nominations. And going into the categories, from the greatest to the least, we had Exemplary Youth 26.2 percent (400 nominations); We have the Philanthropist of the Year which was 14.4 percent of the nominations (219);

“Man of the Year (195 nominations); the Green Award (181 nominations); Woman of the Year (154 nominations); Agricultural Leader (108 nominations); Education Prize for Excellence (85); Health Servant of the Year (70); Diaspora Engagement (62); Iconic Gambian which our Posthumous Award (45) and our TrailBlazer Award (7).”

Pastor Forbes a member of the committee on how the candidates were nominated said there was a list of criteria put out which was specific for each category.

“Fortunately a lot of people answered according to the category requirements,” he said.

The general public would now have the opportunity to vote the nominees of their choice from Monday, 24 February to Sunday, 8 March, 2020 via Africell text message and the Awards online platform (tfnheroes.com).

Sabally harps on positive use of technology

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Former Presidential Affairs Minister and International Speaker, Momodou Sabally, has called on young people to develop the right positive mindsets so that they can use technology productively to the benefit of their communities and the nation at large.

Sabally made these remarks, February 20, at the American International University West Africa, where he was guest speaker alongside National Assembly Members Honourable Madi Ceesay and Honourable Halifa Sallah. The occasion marked the official handing over of the leadership of the university’s student union from the outgoing executive to the newly elected team.

Sabally commended the students for showing the nation a bright example in the matter of responsible governance and hitch-free transfer of power.

Speaking on the topic “Prospects and challenges of young people in the changing face of technology” Sabally asserted “Like fire, technology is a good servant but bad master. What will it constitute for you? ‘Dess na si yow!’ Are you gonna use technology to fan the flames of hatred and tribalism or love and unity?

“Are you gonna use technology to spy on people and share nude pictures and hate speech or are you gonna use that mobile phone to help monitor the wheather for farmers or help check the blood pressure of your patients?

“The power of technology can help us leapfrog the development process but that can only happen if you, the young people, decide to build informed and positive mindsets as opposed to trivial and superficial mindsets, competing in the number of Facebook likes and which version of camera 360 you should use to enhance your profile pictures.

“We are in the era of #coding and that is a huge opportunity for you, the young ones, to use your creative energy to come up with tech solutions that will be of benefit to your communities and nations. But your coding skills, like tech itself, could be a good servant or a bad master…

“And that is why when I spoke at the Confederation of West African Youths’ youth forum in Freetown on this subject, I asserted that before we teach our youths the science of coding, we must make sure we give the the right code of conduct.

“The technology that gave us the computer, is the same knowledge that gave us the atomic bomb. Let us build the right mindsets for our skillsets to be of benefit and not harm to our societies.”

Sabally also advised the students to spend more of their time in study and introspection, “What You the youths need to do is to be a bit more quiet; read extensively and intensively; search for meaning and learn to be authentic in what you think, do and say; this is what will move your lives forward and the country upwards.”

And he’s 80 years old! Lesotho Prime Minister goes on the run on the day he was due to be charged with murdering his then-wife before marrying another woman (who has also been accused)

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The 80-year-old Prime Minister of the tiny African country of Lesotho failed to appear in court of Friday where he was due to be charged with the murder of his ex-wife.

Thomas Thabane was a no-show at Maseru Magistrate’s Court on Friday, a day after police announced he would be charged over the fatal shooting of wife 58-year-old wife Lilopelo in June 2017.

Secretary Thabo Thakalekoala said Thabane had gone to South Africa, but denied he had fled justice and insisted that he had gone for a ‘routine’ doctor’s appointment.

Thabane left the mountainous and land-locked country of Lesotho on Thursday night, just hours after police announced their intention to charge him.

On Friday morning, just hours after he departed, his office announced that he will stand down as Prime Minister in July due to his age.

Police are now investigating his disappearance, and say that if it can be proved he is trying to escape justice then an arrest warrant will be issued.

Maesaiah Thabane, 42, Thabane’s current wife who he married just two months after Lilopelo’s death, has already been charged over the killing.

Lilopelo was gunned down outside her home in the capital Maseru in June 2017, just two days before he took office and following a bitter divorce battle.

Sitting alongside the premier at his inauguration was Maesaiah. He then gave a speech during which he described the death of his wife as a ‘senseless killing’.

Police said Thursday that the premier is suspected of ‘acting in common purpose’ in Lilopelo’s murder.

Her death shook the tiny mountainous kingdom of Lesotho, which is entirely surrounded by South Africa.

Police investigations found that communications records from the day of the murder included Thabane’s cell phone number.

Deputy Police Commissioner Paseka Mokete told AFP that the 80-year-old prime minister ‘will be formally charged with… murder’.

‘It does not necessarily mean he was there but that he was acting in common purpose,’ Mokete said.

The Prime Minister’s current wife Maesaiah Thabane was charged under the same terms on February 4.

‘She was charged under common purpose even though she did not pull the trigger, but people she was acting in consent with pulled the trigger,’ said Mokete by phone.

Sporting a bright yellow outfit complete with a matching headscarf, she sat straight-faced, next to the prime minister during his inauguration that was held at a stadium in Maseru, two days after the murder.

The long unresolved case had plunged the PM’s leadership into question, forcing his All Basotho Convention (ABC) party to ask him to resign.

The ABC had given him until Thursday to step aside but he snubbed their deadline, instead saying he will only go by July 31. (DailyMail)

Rambo dismisses claims Jammeh ordered his 2006 arrest

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By Omar Wally

The first deputy leader of former ruling APRC Ousman Rambo Jatta has dismissed claims that his arrest in 2006 was ordered by former President Yahya Jammeh.

In 2006, while a member of UDP; Jatta was arrested and detained for a year for protesting against suspected misconduct in the presidential election of 2006.

Jatta later left UDP and joined APRC and served in various capacities; including permanent secretary and managing director of defunct Daily Observer newspaper.

The APRC deputy party leader said part of the reasons why he joined APRC was that he is a ‘development oriented’ person.

“Jammeh send Solo Bojang who approach me and told me Jammeh wanted me to join him and work,” Jatta said.

“After joining Jammeh, I later found out that my arrest was not ordered by Jammeh, from the horse mouth. In the presence of five ministers, four permanent secretaries and the speaker of the house in Farafenni, Jammeh said he never ordered for my arrest.”

According to Jatta, his arrest was ordered by his opponents in Bakau. When asked if Jammeh should take some degree of responsibility due to the fact that it was under his reign that he (Rambo) was arrested.

In response, Jatta said so many thing happened which Jammeh was not aware of and “mine is an example”.

He continued: “Jammeh told me he knew my arrest on the newspapers.”

Head of leading US Muslim organisation meets Dawda Fadera over Gambia’s ‘laudable’ Rohingya efforts

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Dawda Docka Fadera on 3 February received in his office the secretary general of the US Council of Muslim Organisation, the foreign ministry has said.

Mr Fadera who is The Gambia’s ambassador to the US Ousman Jammal and his delegation as part of a courtesy call following the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on The Gambia versus Myanmar case.

The foreign ministry said in a statement Friday: “Ambassador Fadera welcomed the delegation and thanked them for expressing their organisation’s solidarity with the Government and people of The Gambia. Ambassador Fadera noted that in this day and age, the international community should adopt a zero tolerance for genocide against any group of people. He highlighted the fact that the international community has enough diplomatic and legal instruments to act before any deliberate killing of a large group of people.

“Ambassador Fadera assured Mr. Jammal and his delegation that The Gambia will not relent in its efforts and will continue to take the lead on this important matter until every Rohingya refugee is resettled in his /her community and living a decent and dignified life.

“For his part, Mr. Ousman Jammal and his delegation expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Government and people of The Gambia for taking the laudable initiative to address the plight of the Rohingya people by filing a genocide case against the Government of Myanmar at the ICJ over its treatment of the Rohingya people. Each member of his delegation also took time to express heartfelt sentiments on the role The Gambia is playing in this landmark and historic endeavour.

“Mr. Jammal described The Gambia as a small country in size but a champion in advocating for religious freedom and tolerance around the world. He further expressed his strong desire for his organisation to partner with the Government of The Gambia on areas of mutual interest for the benefit of the Islamic Ummah.”

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