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Urgent Action is Necessary to Sanitize Diplomatic Passport Saga

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Urgent Action is Necessary to Sanitize Diplomatic Passport Saga

It is indeed disappointing and outrageous that such national documents as diplomatic passports could be given to family members of ministers. That does not tell well at all! As the name and purpose imply a diplomatic passport is only for diplomats and persons performing diplomatic functions or conducting services for The Gambia in the international scene.

Diplomatic passports therefore cannot be for persons running their personal or family or business affairs. Hence it is unjustified to give the national diplomatic passport to any human being who is not a diplomat or performing functions for The Gambia Government in the international stage.

The important point however is that, family or no family, our diplomatic passports were and continue to be indiscriminately handed over to all sorts of undeserving citizens and non-citizens alike during the Jammeh era as well as under the Barrow Government! This only tantamount to bastardizing our sovereignty and dignity as a nation.

There cannot be any justification for giving diplomatic passports to people who don’t deserve it no matter how well intentioned and humanitarian the justification. Therefore, I have considered the Minister of Justice’s request letter and I appreciate that the reasons therein are purely humanitarian. As a son myself I would also want the same comforts for my mom. But the Minister is the legal advisor of the Government hence he should be the one to give advice to colleagues and public servants about the legality of issues, decisions and actions.

Therefore, the idea that the Justice Minister would ask someone else’s opinion about such a legal issue is untenable. He should have known all by himself, by virtue of his position and function and knowledge of the law which kind of persons qualify for a diplomatic passport. If the Minister of Justice doesn’t know that then woe betide The Gambia! The Gambia has three kinds of passports – ordinary, service and diplomatic passports and who qualifies for what passport should be known to the Minister upfront!

If the justice Minister could therefore enjoy this privilege for his family what stops any other Minister from seeking the same? What about ambassadors or top government officials also seeking diplomatic passports for their families? What would all this mean for our country where some would even secure diplomatic passports for their local and foreign friends, not to mention boyfriends and girlfriends? Therefore, let us not rationalize this matter just because the Minister appeared to have followed due process! The idea should not have occurred to him in the first place.

What this episode exposes is that for years there have been several malpractices and unprofessional attitudes taking place in our public sector without accountability. We have come to normalize the abnormal to the point that no one understands the systems and procedures anymore. This has been the reason for lack of transparency and accountability hence the proliferation of corruption, injustice and inefficiency of public institutions!

But these malpractices have to stop otherwise there will be no system change. None more than the Minister of Justice should lead that system change at the Government level. He should be seen insisting on rule of law, transparency, accountability and probity. He cannot lower the bar!

The sanity or health of the public service lies entirely between the Minister of Justice and the Secretary General. They must not only ensure the prevalence and adherence to the rule of law but also ensure ethical conduct by all. Therefore, it was bad judgment on the part of the Minister of Justice and Secretary General to conceive of this idea much more to put it into writing and place it before the President.

I think the time is still not late to cleanse our public service system. This Government has woefully failed to do that necessary and urgent undertaking for three years now and this is why the issue of diplomatic passports is now a scandal. The Barrow Government just continued with the same approach as the previous regime and today our diplomatic passports are in the hands of imams, priests, NGO leaders, business leaders, private citizens, foreigners and criminals! This must stop and all diplomatic passports must now be recalled in order to account for them.

Therefore, let us demand that the foreign ministry publish all names of people who hold Gambian diplomatic passports from 1994 to 2019. All non-deserving holders must be revoked forthwith. Diplomatic passports are not a matter of confidentiality! They are public documents and anyone who has it must be deserving of it. Hence the Gambia Government should be in a position to disclose who holds our diplomatic passports and why!

Furthermore, this matter requires a national inquiry as it deals with national security and our international reputation directly. Where foreign criminals could obtain our national document, it means the reputation and image of our country is at risk. Who knows what these dubious individuals are engaged in hence putting the name of our country into disrepute!

But even family members could also undermine or threaten national security and national reputation for they could as well engage in criminal activity using diplomatic passports! This is why diplomatic passports must be very scare and difficult to obtain for anyone who holds it also carry the image and reputation of the Gambian nation in your hand!

A holder of our diplomatic passport, by his or her (mis)conduct, can potentially cause The Gambia to lose international standing and trust hence threaten national interests. This is why some governments do not recognize the diplomatic passports or even ordinary passports of other countries because of the dubious activities of holders of that passport.

The National Assembly must therefore institute an inquiry so that proper and hard sanctions are imposed on perpetrators. It is clear that The Gambia Government will not exercise accountable leadership by being transparent about this issue. They will rather misinform, mislead, distort and derail the matter as usual. So, let the National Assembly come to the salvation of the country. Now!

I hope our NAMs would not fail us this time around. This is because there have been numerous instances where the National Assembly could and should have stepped up to invoke their full constitutional powers to salvage the country yet failed to do so. By so doing they failed to hold the Government accountable and therefore allowed violations of the Constitution and abuse of rights and plunder of public resources to prevail unaddressed hence allow impunity to persist! I hope this time they will not hesitate and fail!

Time will tell.

For the Gambia Our Homeland

 

Vice president Touray brands Japan African development summit as ‘excellent’ platform

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Vice president Touray brands Japan African development summit as ‘excellent’ platform

By Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Gambia participated in this year’s Tokyo International Conference on African Development TICAD in Yokohama from 28th to 30th August.

The delegation was led by the Vice President Dr. Isatou Touray and comprised Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, Mr. Muhammed B.S. Jallow, Permanent Secretary office of the Vice – President, Mr. Muhammed Lamin Jaiteh, Protocol officer to the Vice – President, Mr. Musa Sinyang, Communications officer Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr.Saikou Ceesay.

In a statement to leaders during the opening ceremony, the Vice – President thanked the Government and the people of Japan for graciously hosting the 7th TICAD and for the warm reception and hospitality accorded to her and The Gambia delegation since arrival in the beautiful city of Yokohama.

She reminded participants that it is crucial to note that TICAD remains a unique process that is immensely contributing to Africa’s development and its regional integration agenda adding that this goes to complement Africa’s efforts to further strengthen partnership by exploring new areas of cooperation with Japan in a bid to boost its socio-economic development through capacity building in the areas of technology, agriculture and health.

Dr. Touray observed that the summit is an excellent platform and opportunity to link African and Japanese businesses in a win-win situation. She said it is only through such partnerships that both parties can ensure their respective contributions to national development as well as the maintenance of global peace, security, progress, prosperity and sustainable development.

She said The Gambia being the “Smiling Coast of Africa,” is open for business and has unique endowments that serve as a basis for mutually beneficial cooperation.

In his opening statement, Prime Minister Abe said Japanese private sector invested 20 billion dollar in Africa over the past three years. He said the Japanese government will do everything possible to support Japanese enterprises in investing in the future of Africa. Abe said in order to support business activities in Africa, his government will strengthen its assistance for human resource development. He said the Japanese government will help the development of 3000 personnel in the next six years in Africa.

He said his government will launch a new approach for peace and stability in Africa. Under this approach, Japan will support African countries’ efforts to prevent, mediate and arbitrate conflicts in cooperation with the African Union and regional economic communities.

Meanwhile, on August 31st, 2019, the Vice President was accompanied by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mamadou Tangara to pay a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe at his office in Tokyo.

At the meeting, the vice President returned gratitude to the Government of Japan through the Prime Minister for all the assistance rendered to The Gambia in the areas of agriculture, health, education, and food aid.

She expressed the need to further deepen cooperation in education, agriculture, fisheries, health and sports. She assured the Prime Minister of Gambia’s willingness to further deepen cooperation with Japan at the international fora, including UN Security Council Reform and the North Korea situation.

In response, Prime Minister Abe welcomed the inauguration of the new Government and Gambia’s efforts to democracy. Prime Minister Abe thanked Gambia for supporting Japan at the international fora. He expressed Japan’s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation with The Gambia in the areas of capacity building, water supply to rural people, health and agriculture. He urged The Gambia to identify new areas of cooperation for both countries to further work together adding that Japan is going strongly to promote Japanese private sector investment in Africa.

On Wednesday, August 28th, Dr. Touray and the delegation held meeting with Japan – African Union Parliamentary Friendship Association members. The meeting centered on bringing bilateral relations closer with the continued support of Japan in the area of capacity building, Gambia’s active participation at 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Osaka Expo.

The Vice – President informed the Japanese side that The Gambia came to TICAD as a delegation in order to further deepen ties between the two countries. She said 60% of Gambia’s population are young and since Japan is a leader in technology, this makes it relevant to broaden partnership in a bid to build the capacities of youth. Vice – President expressed Gambia’s interest to send participants to the Tokyo Olympic and Osaka Expo.

She informed of the desire of the Government to invite Japanese parliamentarians to visit the Gambia’s National Assembly in the form of an exchange visit. The decision, she added will be finalised once consultations are done with the National Assembly.

Commenting on the needs of the country, she highlighted collaboration in the area of energy, science and technology and road infrastructure. She thanked Japan for the education feeding programme adding that it has increased the nutritious status of food children eat at schools and also increased the number of school going children.

On his part, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mamadou Tangara, first and foremost thanked the Japanese side and informed them that the instruction given by President Barrow is to support Japan on all its resolutions at the international fora. He said the President would have loved to be in Japan for TICAD but owing to his schedule he could not.

He said Government is experiencing budget constrain but, notwithstanding, determined to open an Embassy in Japan in order to take relations to another level. He noted that human resource development is one of the cornerstones of development adding that there is a lot that Gambian youth can learn from Japan’s resilience.

The Chairman of the Association, Mr. Kazunori Tanaka, welcomed the Vice President to Japan. He expressed delight that relations between the two countries are coming closer while noting that there would be cooperation to boost the tourism industry and increase and maintain participants in ABE Scholarship. He informed that the Government of Japan is pleased to extend invitation for Gambia’s participation at the new Emperor’s crowning ceremony.

He indicated that in 2020, on the sidelines of the Emperor’s ceremony, they will twin a town in Japan with a town in The Gambia. This, he adds will also bring strong social connection between Gambians and Japanese. He informed that in April, 2020, Japan will host Crime Prevention Congress and will request the participation of the Gambian judiciary.
On August 31st, 2019, on the sidelines of TICAD, the Vice – President and delegation paid courtesy call on H.E Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal at his residence. The two leaders exchanged views on ways and means of strengthening and maintaining peace and free movement of people across the borders.

One person dies by suicide every 40 SECONDS, WHO study reveals

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One person dies by suicide every 40 SECONDS, WHO study reveals

Across the world, one person takes their own life every 40 seconds, and more people die by suicide every year than in war, the World Health Organization said on Monday.

Hanging, poisoning and shooting are the most common suicide methods, the WHO said as it urged governments to adopt suicide prevention plans to help people cope with stress and to reduce access to suicide means.

A total of 800,000 people die by suicide each year on average, according to the new report.

In the US, health officials are urging tighter gun control measures to limit access to lethal means, while the WHO report cites bans on pesticides people use to poison themselves as key to reductions of suicides by as much as 70 percent.

‘Suicide is a global public health issue. All ages, sexes and regions of the world are affected (and) each loss is one too many,’ the WHO’s report said.

Suicide was the second leading cause of death among young people aged between 15 and 29, after road injury, and among teenage girls aged 15 to 19 it was the second biggest killer after maternal conditions.

In teenage boys, suicide ranked third behind road injury and interpersonal violence.

Overall, close to 800,000 people die by suicide every year – more than are killed by malaria or breast cancer, or by war or homicide, the WHO said.

Global rates have fallen in recent years – with a 9.8 percent decrease between 2010 and 2016 – but declines were patchy. In the WHO’s Americas region, for example, rates rose by 6 percent in between 2010 and 2016.

The report also found that nearly three times as many men as women die by suicide in wealthy countries, in contrast to low- and middle-income countries, where the rates are more equal.

‘Suicides are preventable,’ said the WHO’s director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

‘We call on all countries to incorporate proven suicide prevention strategies into national health and education programs.’

The WHO said restricting access to pesticides was one of the most effective ways of reducing suicide numbers swiftly.

Pesticides are commonly used and usually result in death because they are so toxic, have no antidotes, and are often used in remote areas where there is no nearby medical help.

The WHO pointed to studies in Sri Lanka, where bans on pesticides have led to a 70 percent drop in suicides and an estimated 93,000 lives saved between 1995 and 2015.

In the US, recent research from Ohio State University found that suicide rates have increased by as much as 40 percent since 1999.

People living rural, poor counties or in urban areas with a high density of gun stores have the highest rates and have seen the sharpest increases.

US health experts have have called for better gun control measure to limit the access people with suicidal thoughts have to lethal means, echoing the WHO reports recognition of pesticide bans as an effective way to cut suicide rates. (Reuters)

Mexican gang CASTRATE an alleged rapist by letting a pit bull maul his genitals

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Mexican gang CASTRATE an alleged rapist by letting a pit bull maul his genitals

A furious gang caught a suspected rapist then tortured him by making a pit bull terrier eat his genitals.

The man in his 30s was set upon after reportedly sexually assaulting a woman in Mexico City, Mexico, last month.

Horrific footage shows how he was stripped naked, handcuffed and pinned to the ground as five men surrounded him.

Shockingly, a white pit bull terrier with brown markings then began mauling the man’s genitals – tearing off and eating his entire penis and testicles.

The victim is heard screaming ‘stop, leave me now, leave me’ while the group watch. One of the gang then covers his mouth with a rag to stifle his cries for help.

A second dog, a brown pit bull, appears but does not join in.

Footage taken by one of the attackers shows how the alleged rapist was castrated by the ravenous dog, leaving nothing but a gaping, raw wound.

Video of the savage torture emerged last month. It was reported in local media that a criminal gang had caught the man after he allegedly raped a woman.

The attackers are said to have made the video public as a warning to other would-be attackers in the crime-ridden city.

Local media reported that in recent years ‘methods of torture by Mexican criminal organisations have increased their level of cruelty.’

They claimed that such attacks were becoming ‘increasingly frequent’ and claimed dozens of women are raped every day.

‘One of those women, supposedly, was raped by the protagonist of the video,’ reported DonDiario.

It is not known if the man in the clip survived.

Mexico has the world’s highest murder rate with 17,000 killed in the first half of this year – the highest levels in its history.

Astonishingly, that figure does not include drive-by shootings, kidnappings, extortion and other serious crimes, many of them part of cartel and gang violence.

In 2015, the rape rate for Mexico was 12.6 cases per 100,000 population though the actual number is likely to be much higher as many go unreported. (DAILYMAIL)

Relatives fly to Singapore to bring Mugabe home

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Relatives fly to Singapore to bring Mugabe home

Close relatives and government officials flew out of Zimbabwe on Monday to collect the body of ex-president Robert Mugabe from Singapore where he died last week, his nephew said.

Mugabe, a guerrilla leader who swept to power after Zimbabwe’s independence from Britain and went on to rule for 37 years until he was ousted in 2017, died on Friday, aged 95.

A charter flight left Harare at nine am (0700 GMT) on Monday and was expected to return home on Wednesday at 1300 GMT, Leo Mugabe told AFP.

On arrival, the body will be taken straight to his rural village in Zvimba, about 90 kilometres (56 miles) west of the capital Harare, for an overnight wake.

On Thursday and Friday the body will lie in state at Rufaro Stadium in Mbare township in Harare for the public to pay their final respects, he said.

The 35,000-seater stadium is where Mugabe took his oath of office at a colourful ceremony when colonial Rhodesian prime minister Ian Smith handed over the country to Mugabe.

There Mugabe hoisted the new Zimbabwe flag and lit the independence flame on April 18, 1980 – bringing hope for a new era after a long guerrilla war.

The body will be kept at his Harare house known as the Blue Roof overnight Thursday and Friday. The official funeral will be on Saturday at the giant 60,000-seater National Sports Stadium in Harare.

“Then the (traditional) chiefs will bury him on Sunday, where I don’t know,” said Leo Mugabe.

The location of the burial remains unclear, with Mugabe’s family and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government apparently at odds over whether it would be at his homestead northwest of Harare or at a shrine for liberation heroes in the capital.

His nephew said that in line with native Shona customs, traditional chiefs from Zvimba will have a final say on where the former leader will be buried.

As a national president he did not exercise the role of a traditional ruler, but Mugabe held the respected title of traditional chief of Zvimba rural district.

Mugabe’s health deteriorated after he was toppled by the military in November 2017, ending his increasingly tyrannical rule.

He had been travelling to Singapore for treatment since April.

Diplomatic passport fraud: President Barrow has ordered full investigation, spokesperson says

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Diplomatic passport fraud: President Barrow has ordered full investigation, spokesperson says

By Lamin Njie

President Adama Barrow as the singular approving authority of diplomatic passports has instructed a full investigation into the raging diplomatic passport hooha, government spokesperson Ebrima Sankareh said Monday.

President Barrow’s government is trying to dig itself out of a firestorm following the arrest of dozens of people mostly government officials over allegations they go about fraudulently helping individuals hold Gambia diplomatic passport.

The arrested individuals include protocol officers at both the office of the president and the ministry of foreign affairs.

Abubacarr Tambadou became the first top government official to get caught up in the diplomatic passport scandal after letter emerged online on Saturday showing the office of the president approving a request for diplomatic passport to be issued to the justice minister’s wife, mother, step-mother and sisters.

But on Monday, government spokesperson Ebrima Sankareh said in the statement ‘President Adama Barrow as the singular Approving Authority of Diplomatic Passports has instructed a full, swift and comprehensive investigation to break the neck of the criminal cabal bent on tarnishing the good image of The Gambia.’

Mr Sankareh added: “Mr Barrow has made it categorically clear that ‘there will be no sacred cows; no one will be spared in these investigations regardless of one’s position and all those found wanting, will face the full extent of the law.’

“Therefore, conscious of the gravity of the situation and its potential ramifications vis-a-vis The Gambia’s international obligations under UN Security Council Resolutions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), will soon convene a meeting with members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps to immediately address this and similar pressing issues.”

On the Demise of Robert Mugabe and Related Matters: Letter to DJ Fireman

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On the Demise of Robert Mugabe and Related Matters: Letter to DJ Fireman

I salute you, Fireman,

It has been a while since I last sent you that famous letter on Reggae music. And talking about Reggae music, and it’s revolutionary ethos, the one song that kept ringing in my mind since the recent demise of Zimbabwe’s founding President Robert Mugabe, is Bob Marley’s hit track, “Zimbabwe”. 

Upon hearing news that Mugabe passed away, the sounds and lyrics of Bob Marley kept oozing into my consciousness:

Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny

And in this judgment there is no partiality

So arm in arms, with arms 

We’ll fight this little struggle

‘Cause that’s the only way 

We can overcome our little trouble

Brother you’re right, you’re right,

You’re right, you’re right, you’re so right…

Yes, Fireman, these were the words running down my mind as I recalled images of the old solider Mugabe. I met him on several occasions during summits of the African Union leadership while I served as Presidential Affairs Minister. 

Mugabe would be walking hand in hand with the late Zambian President Michael Sata, who was a specialist in humourous jibes. Sata would tell me that Mugabe had pneumonia and he would not spare our former President Yahya Jammeh, saying Jammeh is from a peaceful country but he was always walking around with a weapon, his famous sword.

My good friend, Robert Mugabe is an African hero. Not a perfect one but so is the much touted Barack Obama not a Saint. Winston Churchill is not a Saint and even the legendary Mahatma Gandhi, has his own dark side.

Fireman, the problem with us Africans is that the West still controls our narrative, more than half a century after the end of colonialism. They still succeed in demonising our own heroes and liberators and we accept it while they whitewash the biographies of their Western heroes. 

Indeed I am a fan of Thomas Jefferson, author of America’s famous declaration of Independence and so are many other African intellectuals, but seldom do you hear the fact that Thomas Jefferson owned slaves and there are other unpleasant aspects of his otherwise legendary life that remain muted to this day. Barack Obama is still a recipient of the Nobel peace prize even as the world knows quite well his record of civilian deaths by drone strikes and the wreck that Lydia is today partly because of his administration’s policies.

So sad that our own heroes get known only for their darker side. But I believe that people like you and I can change this trend by celebrating our liberators and heroes despite their shortcomings; for indeed there is no perfect human being or leader. There are many hilarious quotes attributed to the late Robert Mugabe but the latest that is trending is worth reading: “at least I left my people with land… Mandela left his people with poems, quotes and a statue.”

And speaking of Mandela, is it not horrendous that South Africans once again went on the rampage, wounding and killing our own African brothers and sisters and asking them to go home in their latest manifestation of what some call xenophobia? I don’t think this is xenophobia because of all the races in that country it is Africans who are being attacked; the very nationalities that supported the ending of apartheid in South Africa. What a world my friend! Didn’t they ever hear the words of Bob Marley from the song I referred to above?

To divide and rule could only tear us apart

In everyman chest, there beats a heart

So soon we’ll find out who is the real revolutionary…

When shall we learn to unite and be one another‘s keeper as black people? 

Fireman, let me quit that and come back home where our own leadership needs some inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Bob Marley. The following couplet could really be of help to the members of our now clearly fragmented coalition:

No more internal power struggle 

We come together to overcome the little trouble!

Fireman, we certainly need a little bit more of doses of Reggae wisdom for our leaders to sober up a bit. The problem is that your Reggae shows are always broadcast late night by the time our bourgeoise leadership had dined and wined and dozed off to sleep. Perhaps you should change your time to daylight when they are still awake.

Truly I was worried when I recently read a media release from the Office of the president stating that former UK Prime Minister, Tony Blair was at the office of our President and he did not only meet our President but also held a closed-door meeting with key staff of our Presidency discussing ways and means of implementing our national development plan. This happened less than one week  after we performed the funeral rites of our founding President, and our liberator from colonialism, Sir Dawda Jawara. Is this not worrisome my brother? Are we truly independent? 

Is the Presidential adviser, who is supposedly one of the former members of the revolutionary Movement for Justice in Africa (MOJA), a real African with patriotic spirit? Have they heard the words of Bob Marley who actually sang this song we are taking about here at the official independence ceremony of Zimbabwe in 1980?

Perhaps they have not listened to Bob Marley for too long but you and I can send them a reminder from the enchanting voice of Robert Nesta Marley; and on that note, I bid you farewell my good friend, DJ Fireman:

So soon we’ll find out who is the real revolutionary

And I don’t want my people to be tricked by mercenaries

Brother you’re right, you’re right,

You’re right, you’re right, you’re so right

Momodou Sabally

Former Presidential Affairs Minister, Economist, Author and International Speaker.

Darboe launches fresh attack on Barrow as he claims Gambian leader has mastered dictator Jammeh’s book

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Darboe launches fresh attack on Barrow as he claims Gambian leader has mastered dictator Jammeh’s book

By Lamin Njie

Ousainou Darboe Saturday slammed President Adama Barrow saying the Gambian leader has mastered his predecessor Yahya Jammeh’s book.

Former President Jammeh is not being remembered by history favourably as his rule was marked human rights violation and corruption on a massive scale.

Barrow replaced Jammeh as president in 2017 after a rowdy election that pushed the country to the brink of war.

Mr Barrow has vowed to be a different leader but a man who served under him as vice president Ousainou Darboe believes the president’s behaviour resembles that of the former president.

“I am not sure we have a new Gambia. Every day, Barrow is taking a leaf from Yahya Jammeh’s book and he has now mastered it,” Mr Darboe speaking to a crowd of supporters in Germany on Saturday in his capacity as leader of UDP said.

He added: “What I am sure of is we have new wine in old bottle. We as Gambians, we as United Democratic Party want new wine in new bottle.

“What we are seeing is that there are signs of tyranny. What we are seeing today is that all those bad habits that prevailed in the past are rearing their heads such as chiefs campaigning and giving assurances to people that the current president will serve for 15 years. That is an abomination. This is what we have fought against.”

Group says it has information Melville has applied for asylum in UK

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Group says it has information Melville has applied for asylum in UK

By Lamin Njie

#BringMelvilleToJustice has said it has received information Melville Roberts has applied for asylum in the United Kingdom.

Melville Roberts, a top official at the ministry of foreign affairs, is wanted by police over a series of sexual misconduct allegations that have been made against him.

The group that is advocating for him to be punished said in a statement on Friday they have received reliable information that Melville has applied for asylum in the UK “but we are committed to make sure he is sent back to The Gambia to face charges in a court of law.”

The group said: “A couple of weeks ago, we stood up for a cause and started a journey to demand justice for innocent young women who allegedly have been abused and raped by Melville Roberts who used to work for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Following the revelations against him and the alleged crimes committed as well as alleged history of sexual abuse, the Gambia Government suspended his diplomatic status and ordered him to report back to The Gambia within seven days.

“Melville Roberts has refused to return back to The Gambia to answer to his victims and alleged crimes of rape and sexual assault.

“Since then, we have restlessly, with the help of lawyers, worked with the police and Ministry of Justice to build up a case against him. We also took the further step of contacting all relevant institutions to take up the matter.

“As we write this, the Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Justice has revoked his diplomatic immunity and the Ministry has passed on the case to the police for further investigations.

“We have received reliable information that Melville has applied for asylum in the UK but we are committed to make sure he is sent back to The Gambia to face charges in a court of law.

“We have not and will not give up on this fight until we get justice for the young women and other victims of rape and sexual assault in our societies.

“The need to hold Melville accountable is significant for, not only his victims but for the entire society, today and tomorrow.

“Sexual violence remains a present and clear danger to young women in this country. There is a huge cloak of silence on the issue because of deep-seated sociocultural beliefs that continue to disadvantage women in the face of massive violations of their rights and dignity as human beings.

“Hence if we succeed to get Melville Roberts tried in a court of law, it will serve as a warning to all those perpetrators of sexual violence to either stop or face justice someday soon. This will only serve to enhance the protection of girls and women from abuse, it will also promote the bigger issue of equality and empowerment of women and girls in our society.

“This is the basis of our determination to pursue this matter for which we ask all Gambians to also join the crusade to end sexual violence in our society.”

Mr Roberts declined a request by The Fatu Network for him to comment on the issue claiming the outlet has been reporting bogus stories about him.

 

Samuel Eto : All you need to know about one of Africa’s great as he announces retirement

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Samuel Eto : All you need to know about one of Africa’s great as he announces retirement

Cameroon’s four-time African Player of the Year Samuel Eto announced his retirement on Saturday at the age of 38, declaring “I need a rest”.

“The end, towards a new challenge,” the former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea striker posted on Instagram.

“Thank you all, big love, adrenalin.”

“In a few months you’ll see me doing something new,” Eto’o, who has campaigned relentlessly against racism during his playing days, later said on the margins of an economic forum in DR Congo.

“I need a rest, I’ve been running for 19-years,” he added light-heartedly in Kinshasa.

He stands alongside Liberia’s current president George Weah and Ivory Coast’s Didier Drogba as a great of African sport, and cuts a mythical figure in his homeland where he is close to national president Paul Biya.

He is slated for a major role in the Confederation of African Football where he has vowed to fight corruption to ensure funds go into infrastructure.

The most memorable period of his club career includes five hugely successful seasons with Barcelona from 2004 to 2009.

Despite an unfortunate knack for ruffling feathers, a return of 108 league goals from just 145 matches in five stunning seasons with Barcelona pays testament to his talent.

At his peak he enjoyed electric pace, impeccable touch and instinctive shooting to make him one of the most feared centre-forwards in the world.

He won a pair of Champions League titles and three La Liga crowns before departing under a cloud for Inter Milan after rowing with Ronaldinho leading to Pep Guardiola showing him the dressing room door.

He then spearheaded Jose Mourinho’s charge to a never to be forgotten treble with Inter of Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia titles in his first season in Italy.

He led Cameroon to an impressive four World Cups in 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2014 and enjoyed huge success at the Africa Cup of Nations as the Indomitable Lions won in 2000 and 2002.

He was part of a golden generation that featured Rigobert Song, the late Marc-Vivien Foe and Geremi as Cameroon also won the gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, with the emerging Eto’o both scoring and converting a penalty in the shoot-out win over Spain in front of a blockbuster 114,000 crowd.

His pace left him as his career slowed down with low stints at Russia’s Anzhi Makhachkala, Chelsea and Everton in the Premier League.

Last year, after a short spell with Turkish side Konyaspor, he joined Qatar league side, Qatar Sports Club, his last club. (Vanguard)

 

Letter shows Tambadou telling State House his mother is a regular traveller who can’t travel on normal passport because of her age

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Letter shows Tambadou telling State House his mother is a regular traveller who can’t travel on normal passport because of her age

By Lamin Njie

Abubacarr Tambadou told State House his mother was a regular traveller who could not travel on a normal passport because of her age.

The justice minister on Saturday became the first top government official to get caught up in a diplomatic passport hooha that has swept the Barrow administration in recent weeks.

A letter emerged online showing the office of the president approving a request for diplomatic passport to be issued to the justice minister’s wife, mother, step-mother and sisters.

But another letter has emerged online showing Mr Tambadou requesting that his mother, step-mother, wife and two sisters be issued diplomatic passport.

The justice minister said in his letter to the secretary general: “My mother and step mother regularly travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj.

“Given their advance age and current state of physical health, travelling on ordinary passports create immense physical and logistical challenges for them especially regarding their movements on arrival and departure from the airport.

“These challenges could be significantly reduced if they travel on diplomatic passports which entitles them to certain diplomatic privileges and eases their conditions during hajj.”

The justice minister went further to say in the letter which was written on 6 June 2019 that, “on each of their travels to Saudi Arabia, my mother and step-mother assisted by my two sisters who always accompany them during their movements.”

“My sisters would not be able to provide the usual assistance to my mother and step-mother if they also do not carry diplomatic passports to facilitate their movements together with them,” the justice minister added.

One week later on 13 June, Lamin E Kanyi of the office of the president wrote to the permanent secretary at the ministry of foreign affairs and the justice minister himself informing them about the approval of the request.

According to Lamin E Kanyi, Abi Tambadou, Mariama Aziz Tambadou, Mariama Tambadou, Haddyjatou Marie Tambadou Faal and Rougui Aly Kebe have all been cleared to hold diplomatic passport.

But Gambian Facebook users have reacted angrily as soon as the letter came out with most asking in what capacity these individuals were issued such passport.

Gaye Biran said:  “I’m baffle by the above-mentioned names associated with the minister of justice family. I would like the minister to explain in what capacity was these people issue with such a passport and what interest are they contributing to the Government of the day.”

Caira Grey-Johnson on her part asked: “Diplomatic passports for them on what merit????”

Muhammed Bah said: “For me to believe our National Assembly is really functional: they will call Hon. Ba Tembadou for questioning on Monday.”

Modou ML Jabbi said: “Diplomatic Passport request for Ba Tambedou, his mother, step mother, two sisters and wife. Barrow will be worst than Yaya Jammeh.”

Mr Tambadou declined to comment on the issue when contacted by The Fatu Network on Saturday.

A former minister in the Jammeh government told The Fatu Network on Saturday it was ‘impossible’ under Jammeh for a minister to ‘use his position to have his wife hold a diplomatic passport.’

A former secretary general and head of the civil service also told The Fatu Network no ‘minister dared to write’ to former President Jammeh asking for his approval to have their wives hold diplomatic passport.

 

 

Fury as leaked letter shows Tambadou’s wife, mother, step-mother and sisters all holding diplomatic passport

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Fury as leaked letter shows Tambadou’s wife, mother, step-mother and sisters all holding diplomatic passport

By Lamin Njie

Abubacarr Tambadou became the first top government official to get caught up in a diplomatic passport hooha that has swept the Barrow administration in recent weeks.

A letter emerged online on Saturday showing the office of the president approving a request for diplomatic passport to be issued to the justice minister’s wife, mother, step-mother and sisters.

The request appeared to have been made by Tambadou on 6 June 2019 on behalf of his family.

One week later on 13 June, Lamin E Kanyi of the office of the president wrote to the permanent secretary at the ministry of foreign affairs and the justice minister himself informing them about the approval of the request.

According to Lamin E Kanyi, Abi Tambadou, Mariama Aziz Tambadou, Mariama Tambadou, Haddyjatou Marie Tambadou Faal and Rougui Aly Kebe have all been cleared to hold diplomatic passport.

Gambian Facebook users reacted angrily as soon as the letter came out with most asking in what capacity these individuals were issued such passport.

Gaye Biran said:  “I’m baffle by the above-mentioned names associated with the minister of justice family. I would like the minister to explain in what capacity was these people issue with such a passport and what interest are they contributing to the Government of the day.”

Caira Grey-Johnson on her part asked: “Diplomatic passports for them on what merit????”

Muhammed Bah said: “For me to believe our National Assembly is really functional: they will call Hon. Ba Tembadou for questioning on Monday.”

Modou ML Jabbi said: “Diplomatic Passport request for Ba Tambedou, his mother, step mother, two sisters and wife. Barrow will be worst than Yaya Jammeh.”

Mr Tambadou declined to comment on the issue when contacted by The Fatu Network on Saturday.

A former minister in the Jammeh government told The Fatu Network on Saturday it was ‘impossible’ under Jammeh for a minister to ‘use his position to have his wife hold a diplomatic passport.’

 

 

 

Over to you Zimbabwe! Country is thrown into mourning as Mugabe dies at 95, age Jawara died at

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Over to you Zimbabwe! Country is thrown into mourning as Mugabe dies at 95, age Jawara died at

Former president of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe has died at the age of 95.

Described as the bush war guerrilla leader who led Zimbabwe to independence in 1980, Mugabe died on Friday in Singapore where he was receiving treatment.

“It is with the utmost sadness that I announce the passing on of Zimbabwe’s founding father and former President, Cde (Comrade) Robert Mugabe,” a post on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s official Twitter account said.

Mr Mugabe had been receiving treatment in a hospital in Singapore since April. He was ousted in a military coup in 2017 after 37 years in power.

Mugabe’s death comes 11 days after former Gambian president Sir Dawda Dawda Kairaba Jawara died at the same age.

Jawara is to The Gambia what Mugabe is to Zimbabwe as both men are credited for taking their countries to independence and later becoming their first presidents.

 

Beleaguered Melville slams foreign affairs ministry and the media over his sexual misconduct woes

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Beleaguered Melville slams foreign affairs ministry and the media over his sexual misconduct woes

By Lamin Njie

Melville Roberts has said the ministry of foreign affairs has no right to ask him to return to the country in seven days because the ‘foreign ministry is not my employer.’

Mr Roberts, a deputy permanent secretary at the ministry of foreign affairs, is fighting for his life and career following a series of sexual misconduct allegations made against him.

At least seven women accuse him of different crimes including rape.

But a defiant Roberts denied all allegations during an exclusive interview with Paradise TV, an interview in which he also lashed out at the ministry of foreign affairs where he works and the media.

Mr Roberts said: “The ministry of foreign affairs has no right to ask me to return to Gambia in seven days because I am not a serving diplomat.

“As far as I am concerned I am. My services have not been terminated by the government of the Gambia, contrary to what is being said that I have been suspended. I have never been suspended, I have never received a suspension letter.

“I worked for the ministry of foreign affairs but the foreign ministry is not my employer. My employer is the government of The Gambia through the public service commission and my terms of employment or whatever relationship that governs my employment is between myself and the PMO or the PSC.

“So if I were to be suspended, that suspension letter would emanate from the public service commission which would have to go through processes as prescribed in the general orders and the code of ethics that govern my employment with the foreign ministry and this has not been done.

“So it beats me, like I said, going back to reporters in The Gambia that because a letter was leaked, be it deliberate or not to the press that I have been indicted. No was not indicted, like an interdiction by the public service commission, they have went further to interpret the interdiction to mean that I have been suspended.

“I have not seen any press release, any official statement from the ministry or from the government saying that I am suspended. So as far as I am concerned, I am not suspended, I have not been fired and I am still an official of the ministry of foreign affairs.”

World Record: 74-year old woman to deliver twins

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World Record: 74-year old woman to deliver twins

A 74-year old woman will deliver twin babies on Thursday in India after being married for 54 years without a child.

70-year-old Indian woman who gave birth to twins in 2015

Yerramatti Raja Rao is set to be delivered of her babies in a private hospital in Guntur city, India as doctors have made all arrangements for the procedure.

The birth of the twin babies will topple a record set by another Indian woman who gave birth to twin babies in 2015 at the age of 70.

The oldest woman ever reported to have a baby was in Italy at the age of 101.

According to doctors Yerramatti Raja Rao who hailed from Nelapartipadu in East Godavari district married Mangayamma on March 22, 1962.

After few years of their marriage, they expected children, but dreams were not fulfilled.

Though the couple became old, their dream was not fulfilled.

Recently, a woman residing near their house became pregnant at the age of 55-years through IVF.

Mangayamma drew inspiration from her.

She along with her husband approached Ahalya Nursing Home in Guntur city.

They met IVF experts Dr.Sanakkayala Umashankar.

The doctors collected Mangayamma’s husband sperm and tried in the IVF system.

Doctors efforts were fruitful.

Since then, Mangayamma was under the supervision of doctors in the nursing home.

Dr.Umashankar decided to perform cesarean to her today at 10.30 am. The doctors noticed twins in her womb. .

They have made arrangements to perform delivery to the old age woman.

Mangayamma is eagerly waiting for children.

Dr. Umashankar said ” If Mangayamma will give birth to children, it will become world record” (NAN)

Barrow blesses full publication of Janneh Commission’s report

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Barrow blesses full publication of Janneh Commission’s report

President Adama Barrow has decided to publish the full report of the Commission of Enquiry into the Financial Activities of Former President Yahya Jammeh and His Associates, following a Special Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 4th September 2019, the presidency said on Wednesday.

President Barrow on Wednesday met with his ministers to discuss the Janneh Commission report, an investigation that has visibly indicted the former president in terms of how he managed public funds.

Millions of dollars, the commission’s report said, have either been embezzled or stolen.

But according to the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Honourable Abubacarr Tambadou, President Barrow has given his blessings to the full release of both the report and the Cabinet White Paper, which will contain the executive decision of Cabinet on the matter, State House reported on its official Facebook page on Wednesday.

Although he was short of giving the exact date of publication, Minister Tambadou said it will be released for public consumption before the constitutional deadline of the end of September, the presidency said.

 

Action plan by OTYJ outlines steps group will take to remove Barrow and key step is occupation of State House

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Action plan by OTYJ outlines steps group will take to remove Barrow and key step is occupation of State House

A plan of action purportedly by Operation Three Years Jotna has outlined steps the group intends to take to remove President Adama Barrow from power.

A plan of action called Operation Three Years Jotna Action Plan emerged online on Wednesday but The Fatu Network could not immediately establish its authenticity.

Below is the action plan;

Week 1 – beginning 2nd December 2019 – to be named week of AWOL

All government employees: teachers, police, fire service, immigration, civil servants, etc, with the exception of Doctors and Nurses, are encouraged to begin an Absent Without Leave (AWOL) from work.

The aim is to paralyse the government in Week 1. Family members and friends of such government employees are encouraged to prevail on their love ones to comply!!! Imams and church leaders are also encouraged to encourage the same in their sermons, as well as Gambians in Diaspora are encouraged to prevail on their love ones and friends to comply. They should be willing to support the affected family members or friends financially until the objectives of the struggle is successful!

Week 2 – beginning 9th December 2019 – to be named week of manifestation

The AWOL of government workers to continue but mass wearing of the operation 3 years Jotna T-shirts to begin at all public places! Market vendors encouraged to lead in the wearing of T – Shirts.

Week 3 – beginning 16th December 2019 – to be named Smoking the Nation

All actions in week 1 and 2 to continue but in addition, youths all over the country are encouraged to begin burning of tyres across the country: on the roads, streets and homes where convenient and safe!!!

Week 4 – beginning 23rd December 2019 – the Holy Week

All actions and activities to cease to observe Christmas Holy Day and New Year.

Week 5 – beginning 30th December 2019 to 3rd January 2020 – Holy Week 2

The cease fire on week 4 to continue

Week 6 – beginning 6th January 2020 – Smoking the Nation continues

The burning of tyres continues and all activities of week 1 and 2 to continue.

Week 7 – beginning 13th January 2020 – Blocking the Nation

Road blockades across the country plus all activities of week 1, 2 and 3 to continue.

Week 8 – beginning 20th January 2020 –

Occupation of the State House

Mass protests to begin from West Field Serrekunda to Banjul State House! Every citizen across the country invited to participate.

This occupation to be maintained until President Adama Barrow Steps Down honouring the 3 years mandate of the people!!!

The International Media is invited to cover all events and share it with the world!!

OTYJ chairman rubbishes reports his family has pressured him into leaving anti-Barrow group

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OTYJ chairman rubbishes reports his family has pressured him into leaving anti-Barrow group

By Lamin Njie

The chairman of Operation Three Years Jotna has scoffed at reports his family has pressured him into leaving the group.

Reports emerged on Wednesday that Abdou Njie was contemplating leaving the group after a summit with his family.

Former secretary general Njogu Bah – a relative of Njie – is said to have been fronting efforts aimed at making him leave the group.

A meeting reportedly took place on Tuesday at the house of Njie in Tallinding but the leader of OTYJ has pooh-poohed the reports as ‘false.’

He told The Fatu Network on Wednesday: “I am hearing about it now but maybe the meeting was done behind my back.

“It’s false. A meeting never happened in my house.”

Operation Three Years Jotna is a movement formed last year, with the goal of making President Adama Barrow leave office in December.

The group says its campaign is consistent with a three years understanding that brought President Barrow to power.

Njie told The Fatu Network in an exclusive interview last month his movement will end President Adama Barrow’s rule in December.

“We tasked Barrow to boil the rice but he got himself into mopping the floor and the rice has been spoilt. Gambians are feeling regretful. Barrow wants to make Gambians feel regretful and Gambians will not let him,” Njie said.

Seven political parties backed President Adama Barrow at the 2016 presidential election but Mr Barrow has run roughshod on every tenet of the political grouping.

A key deal is for him to do three years and step aside but President Barrow has made clear his plan to be in office for five years ‘whether one likes it or not.’

Sir Dawda’s widow Chilel Jawara and family thank Gambians

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Sir Dawda’s widow Chilel Jawara and family thank Gambians

I wish to convey my sincere thanks and appreciation to all Gambians for sharing the pain and sorrow that I and my family are going through this trying time.

Since the death of my irreplaceable life-time partner – His Excellency Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara – was announced, Gambians all over the world have been sending their condolences to us. Those who could make it to our house came and those who couldn’t, sent in messages of condolences and prayers. This act of greatness from the Gambians is overwhelming and deeply touches our life as a family.

A special applause goes to all the media houses in The Gambia. I did see and recognize your great work and tireless efforts from the day my husband passed on to the day of the State funeral. I also noticed the outstanding coverage you did throughout the occasion and have continued to do.

On behalf of the Jawara family I thank you all for your efforts and show of solidarity, nationalism and professionalism towards us. The amount of support and love we have been receiving shows that we are not alone in this trying time.

I would like to thank the current President of the Republic of The Gambia, H.E. Adama Barrow, as well as the First Lady, for honoring my late husband and giving him a historic and befitting burial; this act of greatness will forever be remembered by us, as it will continue to serve as an indelible mark in our hearts and minds. Thank you all. May God bless and continue to keep us all as a family and nation of love, oneness and progress!

Chilel Jawara

Former First Lady of The Gambia

Source: Elegance Magazine

Stand Against Abuse of Power and Disregard of the Rule of Law!

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Stand Against Abuse of Power and Disregard of the Rule of Law!

It is less than three years when we ended a Dictatorship notorious for violations without accountability hence impunity. For 22 years we had a regime in which the law enforcement and justice delivery institutions were used to abusing the rule of law by dumping Gambians in prison unjustly and illegally for which many came out scathed for life.

 

Three years on, today, we have 37 Gambians and non-Gambians similarly forced into prison by yet again the same law enforcement and justice delivery institutions as if we are still under Dictatorship. The Gambian Judiciary knows full well that its various courts have legal limitations as to what they can decide or not. Yet Kanifing Magistrates Court deliberately decided to send 37 youths to prison when that court knows it has no such powers to do so.

 

Similarly, the Gambia Police Force knows which court can decided which case. Knowing that magistrates’ court cannot decide cases that carry life imprisonment or death penalty still the Inspector General of Police decided to take such a case before that court in total disregard of the rule of law. This clearly shows that the police and the courts have decided to connive to kill the fundamental rights of Gambians as usual. Yet the Gambian Nation stands still, silent and calm!

 

Furthermore, the Gambia Prisons Services know that boys and men placed in remand cannot and must not be automatically shaven. Section 66 of the Prisons Act states that,

 

“All male prisoners on remand or awaiting trial who usually shave and are received shaven shall be shaved both while under detention and on the day of their appearance in court.”

 

Based on this provision, we now ask why did Mile 2 prison authorities shave Killa Ace by cutting his dreadlocks? It is clear that Killa Ace does not ‘usually shave’ his hair and he was not ‘received shaven’ yet the authorities at Mile 2 blatantly went ahead to shave the man. Why? This is nothing other than sheer abuse of power and direct violation of the fundamental rights and dignity of Killa Ace.

 

By violating the rights and dignity of one citizen it means the Police, Courts and Prison institutions of the Gambia have violated the dignity and sovereignty of all Gambians.  How long shall Gambians accept elected and appointed public officials to continue to behave like Masters and Lords over the very citizens who gave these officials their authority and legitimacy to serve in public institutions?

 

It is such a shame that a supposedly democratic government like this Government of Adama Barrow that succeeds a tyrannical regime like that of Yaya Jammeh would leave intact tyrannical practices to remain in a supposedly democratic society. This case reflects that indeed the Barrow Government is neither interested nor committed to transforming the Gambia from Dictatorship to Democracy. Rather the Barrow Government poses a clear and present danger to Gambian Citizens and the Gambian Republic.

 

This is attested to by the fact that since this case erupted there is no one single official or institution within the entire State that attempted, even slightly to correct the anomalies and malpractices that have been unfolding so far. From the President to the Chief Justice to the Minster of Justice to the IGP and the Director General of Prisons each and every one of these elected and appointed public officials blatantly washed their hands off as they sit by to watch violations and impunity take root in our country yet again.

 

Nothing is more dangerous than to have a Government led by elected and appointed officials who refuse to take responsibility and initiative to make things right but to sit by and allow abuse to flourish. By their failure to ensure that the rule of law is followed by the Police, the Courts and the Prisons this Government therefore poses a direct threat to the lives and rights of Gambians. Will our citizens allow this misconduct at the highest level to continue?

 

Let Gambians know that today 37 human beings are lying in horrible conditions at Mile 2 for no reason other than our complacency, indifference and silence. No one is saying that the police and the courts must not apprehend and prosecute criminals of any kind. Indeed, the police and the courts must ensure that the law is enforced. But in enforcing the law we must insist that the police and the courts also uphold and follow the rule of law.

 

If we allow the police and the courts to disregard the rule of law for one citizen rest assured all other citizens are also at risk sooner or later. We had seen this during the Jammeh Tyranny how even Ministers, Secretary Generals, police and military generals were all sent to prison without any due process simply because we allowed the culture of disregard of the rule of law to prevail. Are we repeating the same today? Time will tell.

 

For the Gambia Our Homeland

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