By: Alieu Jallow

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE) and The Gambia National Youth Council (NYC), on August 16th, 2024, officially handed over grants to 25 young entrepreneurs under the empowerment component of the CinemArena project.

The CinemArena project is a “mobile cinema” initiative funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and implemented by IOM Italy in many Western and Northern African countries, including The Gambia. The project provides a series of outdoor events organized in rural and urban areas, with projections of films, documentaries, and testimonies. The aim is to ensure outreach and to carry out educational and information campaigns on the risks of irregular migration and its alternatives in the most remote and disadvantaged areas.

Emmanuel Murwisi, IOM The Gambia Chief of Mission, outlined how the CinemArena project aligns with IOM’s strategic vision, as well as The Gambia Government’s Green Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (NDP 2023-2027) and the United Nations The Gambia Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2024-2028. The Chief of Mission elaborated on how the project will fulfill their efforts to address irregular migration, which remains a significant challenge. Mr. Murwisi also expressed his belief that the recipients will make the best use of the grants to inspire young people, create employment opportunities, and contribute to mitigating irregular migration.

“Today, we are witnessing an important occasion for many reasons, but what is really fulfilling for us and our government counterparts is addressing one of our most unfortunate issues – irregular migration, which is costing the country many of its young people – through youth economic empowerment. We are certain that you will all use these grants to boost your businesses, inspire your fellow young people, create employment opportunities, and contribute to addressing irregular migration,” he added.

On his part, Basiru Secka, Principal Labour Economist, MOTIE, underscored the significance of the project, noting that it will help address the plight of young people and the challenges hindering their development. “This round of the CinemArena project is very unique, as it not only raises awareness of the dangers of irregular migration but also seeks to address the menace through the economic empowerment of young people.”

Kaddijatou Badjie, a beneficiary, perceives the grant as more than financial assistance and expressed gratitude to IOM for their confidence in their ability to innovate and contribute to national development through scaling up businesses and creating jobs.

“With the support, we have an opportunity to expand our businesses and make a positive impact by contributing to the socio-economic advancement of our communities. We’re particularly grateful for the focus on empowering young people and women – two important constituents of our society,” she added.

These 25 grant beneficiaries were selected out of over 450 applicants, of which thirteen (13) out of the twenty-five (25) are women-owned businesses, ranging from startups to existing initiatives. These businesses span various sectors, including agribusiness, bakery, environmental protection, food processing, handicraft, horticulture, piggery, tailoring, and waste management, using local materials while contributing to addressing climate change.

The current project, which has two main components – an informative component and an empowerment component – aims to ensure a broad dissemination of educational messages; engage and empower local communities, returning migrants, potential migrants, and diaspora through their active involvement and inclusion in capacity building and training initiatives; and actively involve media as change agents to disseminate accurate information on the risks of irregular migration and the socio-economic opportunities available.

Officials believe that supporting these youth-owned startups and existing enterprises will help address some of the drivers of irregular migration in The Gambia, including the lack of employment opportunities and low income.

By Mama A. Touray

The National Human Rights Commission today held a daylong stakeholder forum on promoting the rights of elderly persons at the Senegambia Beach Hotel.
This stakeholder forum, anchored on the theme “Aging in Dignity in The Gambia: Promoting the Human Rights of the Elderly in The Gambia,” aims to create a platform to discuss issues affecting the enjoyment of human rights by older persons in the country while mapping out ways in which the State and other stakeholders can address challenges and ensure older persons lead dignified, healthy, and secure lives as equal members of society.

The Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, Fatou Kinteh, highlighted the gap in the legal framework dealing with older persons: “The Gambia currently lacks specific legislation or a comprehensive policy dedicated to the protection and promotion of the rights of older persons. While the existing legal instruments provide a general framework, they do not fully address the specific needs and challenges of our elderly population.”

Kinteh added that in recognition of this gap, her Ministry is actively working to strengthen the legal and policy framework for the protection of older persons. She continued: “We are committed to developing specific legislation and policies that will provide robust protections for our elderly population, ensuring that they can live with dignity, security, and respect.”

The Vice Chair of the National Human Rights Commission stated that the lack of adequate social protection measures means that many older persons face financial challenges, as they are unable to work to provide for themselves, which, she said, leaves them to beg in the streets, thereby exposing them to numerous dangers.

She added, “In January 2016, the African Union adopted the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Older Persons in Africa to provide greater recognition and protection of the human rights of older persons in Africa. And on 25th June 2024, the National Assembly ratified the Protocol, imposing upon the State an obligation to guarantee and safeguard the rights of older persons in the country.”

The Vice Chair acknowledged the role played by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Welfare towards The Gambia’s ratification of the Protocol while calling on the Government to expedite the domestication of the Protocol.

By: Alieu Jallow

Mustapha Touray, Ebrima Jallow, and a female minor (name withheld) were on Monday, 26th August 2024, arraigned before Principal Magistrate Isatou Sallah Mbye of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court for obstructing a police officer in the line of duty.

Statement of Offence

Obstructing a police officer in the due execution of their lawful duty, contrary to Section 230(b) of the Criminal Code, Cap 10:01, Volume 3, Laws of The Gambia.

Particulars of Offence

Ebrima Jallow, Mustapha Touray, and a female minor (name withheld) on or about the 3rd day of August 2024, willingly obstructed Sergeant Alagie Malick Njie, Corporal Adama Gibba, Corporal 7216 Ousman Kebbeh, and First Class 7966 Gibbie Baldeh while they were executing their lawful duty as police officers, thereby committing an offence.

In his testimony, PW1, Adama Gibba, a resident of Bundung Mauritania and a police officer with unit number 5014 Corporal Gibba, stationed at Senegambia TSU, said their duties include monitoring the in-and-out movement of vehicles in the industry, screening suspected vehicles and passers-by, and conducting searches for suspected individuals, who in most cases, are found with weapons and many illegal items such as drugs that are then forwarded to the Senegambia police station.

PW1 admitted recognizing the accused persons while recalling the 3rd day of August 2024 when he was on duty at the Djembe checkpoint with Sgt. Alagie Malick Njie and First Class Gibbie Baldeh at around 2 am. The accused persons passed by the checkpoint and went toward the beach. He told the court that while he was manning the main checkpoint, his colleague was off the road at the time, in plain clothing, when he saw the three accused persons passing and called for their attention, with one of them responding.
Corporal Gibba further informed the court that the others proceeded despite several attempts to speak with them. He asserted that one of the accused persons requested the warrant card of First Class Gibbie Baldeh, which prompted his intervention in the matter. He said First Class Gibbie Baldeh complied by showcasing his warrant card and then requested to search the bag of one of the accused persons who initially resisted the search, leading to his arrest and detention along with the second accused person.

Narrating how the 3rd accused person, a minor, became involved, Corporal Gibba asserted that she began ranting and hurling insults following the arrest of her brother. This, according to him, led to widespread upheaval from the crowd, necessitating reinforcement as they were outnumbered. Gibba told the court that upon the arrival of the reinforcement team, the three accused persons were later escorted to the Senegambia police station. The case is adjourned to 10th September at 11:30 am for cross-examination of PW1 by the defense counsel.

By Alieu Jallow

One Babucarr Colley, a resident of Kololi Johannes, has been convicted by Principal Magistrate Isatou Sallah Mbye of the Kanifing Magistrate Court for stealing electrical wires valued at D10,000 from Seino Technical School in Bakoteh.

Statement of Offence

Stealing contrary to section 252 of the criminal code cap 10 volume 3 laws of the Gambia 2009.

Particular of offence

Babucarr Colley, on or about the 25th day of July 2024, at Seino Technical Senior Secondary School Bakoteh in the Kanifing Municipality of the Republic of the Gambia, you stole electrical wires fixed in a classroom valued at D10,000 being the property of the said school, thereby committed an offence.

According to the prosecution, on the 25th of July 2024 at Seino Senior Secondary School, Bakoteh Yunusa, One Yunusa saw the accused person cutting the electrical cables in the classroom, and when asked, the accused person said to him that he wanted to sell them to scrap dealers. At this juncture, Yunusa decided to call the proprietor of the school, who directed him to escort the young man and report the matter to the police.
Similarly, before he was taken to the police, he took the man to where he burnt the wires and was subsequently taken to the Kololi Police station. He was detained and his charges were read to him.

At this point, the prosecution applied to tender the cautionary and voluntary statement of the accused and equally tendered the said wires as evidence. These statements (cautionary and voluntary) of the police were rejected, which, according to Principal Magistrate Isatou Sallah Mbye the statement does not conform to the rules. In respect to the cables tendered they were admitted and marked as Exhibit A.

On his part, the accused, Babucarr Colley, affirmed his guilt by acknowledging committing the act.

In her ruling, Her worship, Isatou Sallah Mbye said since the accused admitted the statement after being read to him, he is therefore convicted and charged. The case was adjourned for possible sentencing. The prosecution was equally ordered to inform the parents of the accused as well as enquire from the parents of his mental health condition.

The accused is remanded at the Mile 2 central prison. The case resumes Monday 2nd September 2024 at 10 am.

By Michaella Faith Wright

Mariama Danso, Executive Director of Fact Check Center – The Gambia, emphasized the communication gaps between politicians and the public, as well as the challenges hindering women’s participation in Gambian politics.

Her remarks followed the release of the Afrobarometer Round 10 data, which provided insight into the state of democracy in the country.

During an event discussing the Afrobarometer Round 10 data, Mariama Danso of Fact Check Center – The Gambia expressed concern about the significant communication gap between political parties and the public. “There is a big gap in communication between the ruling government, opposition, and political parties, which is causing a lack of trust,” she said.

Danso noted that many Gambians are unaware of important developments, such as the draft constitution, and that political leaders are failing to adequately engage with the people. “Most of the conversations we’ve had around the constitutional report show that people are not informed about what is happening,” she explained.

The data also reflected Gambians’ growing mistrust of both local and national leaders. “Trust is an ongoing issue, not just with the central government but also with local government and assembly members,” Danso added.

She also highlighted the challenges women face in participating in politics, citing cultural and societal barriers. “For many women, the primary concern is how to provide for their families, leaving little time or energy for political engagement,” Danso said. She explained that societal pressures often discourage women from entering politics, with many women expressing concerns about how they would be perceived by their families and communities.

“Some women have told us that while they are interested in participating in politics, their husbands won’t allow it, or they fear the societal stigma attached to women in politics,” Danso said. She stressed the need for public awareness campaigns to encourage greater involvement of women in political processes.

Despite these challenges, Danso acknowledged some progress, noting a slight improvement in women’s political participation. “As long as we agree that there’s room for improvement, we can focus on empowering women to actively participate in politics,” she said. She called for initiatives to provide women with the resources and support they need to engage in the political sphere.

Danso also pointed out the lack of communication and trust between the government and the public. She observed that both the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and the opposition are struggling to provide clear, beneficial information to the public. “There is a gap in communication, and sometimes the government fails to provide information that benefits the public,” she said.

Reflecting on the Afrobarometer data, Danso concluded that Gambians remain committed to democracy and elections, but dissatisfaction with leadership performance is widespread. “Gambians want elections, they believe in democracy, but there is a gap between what people expect and how their leaders are performing,” she said.

Security concerns were another major issue raised during the discussions. “People are directly affected by security issues, and when they raise concerns, they feel nothing is done in response,” Dandso explained. She urged political leaders to address the communication gaps and restore trust between the government and the citizens.

Danso stressed the importance of ensuring that people understand the democratic processes and decisions that affect their lives. “It’s not just about communicating with the public—it’s about making sure they understand the issues and the decisions we make as a democratic country,” she concluded.

By Michaella Faith Wright

Annetta Mahoney, a representative from Gambia Participates, has expressed the importance of civil society involvement in the ongoing discussions about the country’s draft constitution, emphasizing the need for transparency and broad public engagement.

Speaking after the release of the Afrobarometer Round 10 data, Mahoney highlighted the growing demand for a new constitution, with 71% of Gambians supporting the call.

Annetta Mahoney of Gambia Participates has underscored the critical role civil society must play in shaping Gambia’s future constitution. Reflecting on the findings of the Afrobarometer Round 10 survey, she noted that the timing of the survey is crucial, as it coincides with ongoing debates over the 2024 draft constitution.

“We know one day people will call on civil society activists, even if it means us scrutinizing the document point by point. Many Gambians have already formed their opinions about the constitution,” Mahoney said, recognizing that views often vary along political or religious lines.

According to Mahoney, political parties have a significant influence on how the public perceives the draft constitution. “Most Gambians tend to follow the perspectives presented by political parties, whether through political or religious lenses,” she said.

With growing public interest in the 2024 draft constitution, Mahoney believes that now, more than ever, civil society must unite to ensure the process is inclusive and transparent.

“Even though some have already discredited the draft, we need to sit together and thoroughly examine it,” she urged.

Mahoney also expressed her gratitude for the Afrobarometer survey, emphasizing its importance in shaping discussions. “The survey has come at a crucial time. We are at a pivotal moment with the 2024 draft constitution under review, and the findings reflect what we’ve known for years — Gambians want a new constitution.”

The Afrobarometer data revealed that 71% of Gambians support the need for a new constitution, echoing a longstanding desire since the rejection of the previous draft in 2020.

In response, Mahoney and her team have been working to facilitate conversations around the constitution. She mentioned efforts by opposition leaders and key stakeholders, including figures like Mr Taal and John Charles, to explore the reasons behind the 2020 rejection and what could be improved in the new draft.

“We’ve convened validation sessions with key stakeholders, producing a position paper. Civil society must continue to stress the need for transparency, inclusivity, and public engagement in the process,” Mahoney emphasized.

Despite not yet reviewing the new draft constitution in detail, Mahoney is confident that civil society will rally to scrutinize it, ensuring it reflects the will of the people. “We need to look at the draft cross by cross, engaging the public and making sure their voices are heard,” she concluded.