Pope Francis is ushering in the most solemn period in the Catholic liturgical calendar by celebrating a Holy Thursday Mass, made more poignant this year following the devastation of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral.

The Crism Mass celebrates the unity of priests with their bishops.

During Thursday’s service, Francis blessed the holy oils that will be used over the course of the year in the administration of sacraments.

In his homily, Francis stressed that when priests use the oil, they are distributing their vocation and heart to the people of God.

“We anoint by dirtying our hands in touching the wounds, the sins and the worries of the people,” he said.

“We anoint by perfuming our hands in touching their faith, their hopes, their fidelity and the unconditional generosity of their self-giving.

This year, Holy Week — which for Catholics commemorates Christ’s crucifixion, death and resurrection — has taken on particular meaning following the fire at Notre Dame, a symbol of French Catholicism.

Francis has offered his condolences repeatedly to the French faithful, and on Wednesday, fielded a call from U.S. President Donald Trump offering the sympathy of the American people over the loss, the Vatican spokesman said.

Later Thursday, Francis travels outside Rome to Velletri, where he will celebrate the ritual foot-washing ceremony at a prison.

Francis has frequently chosen to wash the feet of prisoners during the Holy Thursday ritual, which re-enacts Christ’s washing the feet of his disciples, in a bid to show his willingness to serve even those on the farthest margins of society.

On Friday, he presides over the Way of the Cross procession at Rome’s Colosseum re-enacting Christ’s crucifixion, followed by the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday.

By Lamin Njie

Former AFPRC junta spokesman Ebou Jallow has lashed out at the TRRC over its Tuesday’s hearing.

In a statement made available to The Standard newspaper, Jallow who is accused of stealing three million dollars from The Gambia’s coffers said: “On the 16th April 2019, during the TRRC Day 44 hearings, the Lead Counsel Essa Faal, made a statement claiming that I, Ebou Jallow, quote “published that from the money that was received from Taiwan; he brought $5M cash to Yaya Jammeh…, and that from that money Yaya Jammeh gave him Ebou Jallow $100, 000…” suggesting therein that monies were distributed among the members of AFPRC from the $35M loan from Taiwan. I want to hereby inform the TRRC that this statement is slanderous to me, and I hereby demand the TRRC to retract this outrageous lie before the public for the record. I have never made any formal statement to the TRRC beyond my resignation letter from the AFPRC dated in October 1995 which I forwarded through Facebook to a lady, Fatou Camara, who claimed to be working for the Commission.

“The Lead Counsel’s statements became more sinister when the former Attorney General of the AFPRC Mr. Mustapha Marong attempted to concoct a disgusting conspiracy theory during the hearings weaving a mendacious connection between the $35M loan and Ousman Koro Ceesay’s death on 22 June 1995. Mr. Marong further lied before the Commission that I called Master Ceesay in his presence from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This is a total fabrication from a reckless mind with no conscience. I was never at Addis Abba, nor did I ever call Master Ceesay from anywhere at the instance of Koro’s death.

“I am deeply appalled by the pervasive mendacity on display during this hearing led by the lead counsel himself who never fails to demonstrate his inquisitorial prowess with witnesses whom he deems either incredible or dimwitted.

“I render myself available to testify to the TRRC in the pursuit of the truth and justice in the Gambia in order to set the record straight about what really happened to Ousman Koro Ceesay.”

Meanwhile, Gambians have slammed Jallow over his statement with Pierre Cherry describing him as a ‘big thief.’

“You big thief. Bring back our money. What authority do you have to negotiate a loan on behalf of Gambia as spokesman?” Cherry commented on a report on Freedom newspaper.

Bakary Jallow said: “Stop your harsh language against the TRRC laed counsel. Come and face the TRRC. YOU owe the Gambian people a lot of explaination before the TRRC.”

Momodou Singhateh: “Mr Ebou $3m Jallow is fighting back because it is coming to light that the murder of koro Ceesay is connected with the $35m loan which he negotiated. You have a lot to answer.”

Ebrima Omar Jallow who commented on a report on The Standard said: “Any resonable Gambian with a brain will know that this useless uncredible thief Ebou Jallow, or Ebou Jallo, or Ebou Ngum or whatever his name is, is a thief who stole three million US dollars and took to his heels.”

By Lamin Njie

The Gambia Prison Service fired at least one officer over an exceptional jailbreak last year, The Fatu Network has learnt.

Chief Inspector Kalilou Sanneh was fired as part a sweeping effort after the completion of an internal investigation.

At least 20 inmates escaped from Jeshwang Prison in August 2018.

The prisoners escaped in the night through the roof of their cell.

Twelve prison officers were arrested in connection with the issue, with public relations officer of Gambia Prison Service Modou Lamin Ceesay saying at the time that “the officers failed in their responsibilities because you cannot use the rains as a condition to neglect your own duty patrols.”

The Fatu Network understands some of the arrested prison officers were demoted while some were transferred.

By Lamin Njie

A sister to Ousman Koro Ceesay has said that her mother told her that her tight-lipped brother confided in her that he was threatened by the former vice chairman of the AFPRC junta Edward Singhatey after an argument.

Bajen Ceesay Jaiteh testifying before the TRRC on Wednesday said the former finance minister of The Gambia visited their house in May 1995 and had a discussion with her mother.

Ceesay Jaiteh said: “[In] May of 1995, I walked into the bedroom of my mother and found Koro and my mom having a discussion. Upon entering the room, I could see my mom was little bit uncomfortable looking on facial expressions.

“I asked what was going on, Koro just said, ‘oh nothing to worry about.’ But mom told me Koro just relayed a message to her saying he had an argument with Lieutenant Edward Singhatey at the time and Edward Singhatey threatened to kill Koro.”

Ousman Koro Ceesay was killed in former junta leader Yankuba Touray’s house in June 1995.

Witness after witness at the TRRC have picked out Edward Singhatey as the man who masterminded his murder.

Singhatey has also been accused of fronting the brutal killing of soldiers accused of plotting a coup in November 1994.

By Lamin Njie

The managing director of GTBank has responded to a range of allegations made against him by some staff of his bank.

GTBank staff and their managing director Mr Adesina Adebesin are entombed in a bitter dispute over pay.

The bank’s board approved a 25 percent increase on salary only for the managing director to cut that to 10%, staff of the bank have told The Fatu Network.

But speaking to The Fatu Network on Wednesday, Adesina Adebesin slammed the allegations as incorrect.

He said: “That is very incorrect. Is very incorrect, you understand, because everything that is done in the bank is actually being orchestrated and presided by the board.

“And I think such things will come directly from management. So what is being reported by anybody is incorrect.”

By Lamin Njie

Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the President has said that President Adama Barrow is not afraid of the media.

President Barrow has not granted an interview to any independent media in the country in eight months.

But speaking to journalists on Wednesday at State House, Mrs Amie Bojang Sissoho responded to a question by The Fatu Network reporter that if President Barrow was afraid of the media, he wouldn’t have granted 20 interviews.

“To answer the first part of your question, he had a programme with GRTS. I’m sure you have heard it. So the second part of your question, whether the president is afraid of the media. I will tell you if the President was afraid of the media, he would not have had almost 20 one-to-one interviews with both local, regional and international media. So your answer is no,” Mrs Bojang Sissoho said.

GRTS is not part of the independent media as it is run by the state. Also, the media encounters that Mrs Bojang Sissoho referred to happened in August 2018.

TRRC investigators have stumbled upon the remains of seven soldiers killed on 11 November 1994 at a mass grave at Yundum Barracks.

The mass grave was uncovered Wednesday, after two weeks of excavation.

The evidence found at the mass grave include, skeletons, disintegrated skulls, rings, under wears and ropes believed to have been tied round the hands of the victims.

Witnesses who testified before the commission said the victims were tied with their hands behind and taken to the bush for execution.

On November 11, 1994, Lieutenant Basiru Barrow, Lt Abdoulie Dot Faal, Sgt Fafa Nyang, Sgt Basiru Camara, Lt Bakary Manneh, Cadet Amadou Sillah, Buba Jammeh, Sgt Gbril Saye and others were extrajudicially killed by the members of the junta on the suspicion of coup attempt.

Speaking to journalists at the Yundum Barracks, Chairman of the Commission, Dr Lamin Sise extended condolences to the bereaved families and described the killings of the soldiers by the junta members as a burden put on The Gambia.

He assured the commission’s commitment to fulfilling their tasked, adding that they don’t want to see any recurrence of such tragedy in the country anymore.

“We couldn’t do this thing in secrete, we have to come here and show the family members, show the country what this country went through. If anybody doubts it whether or not people were killed that they were buried in mass graves, well here is the evidence,” Dr Sise said.

He added: “It emotional for all of you and emotional for all staff of TRRC but more emotional for their families and a very heavy burden was put on The Gambia as a whole, for us to come here see the mass grave of a Gambians killed and see their remains is not an easy task for anybody.”

Meanwhile, Fatou Manneh, Fatou Sowe, Omar Dumbuya, Matarr Touray, Awa Njie both relatives of the victims expressed their sympathy to the deceases and called for patience among other family members.

By Lamin Njie

Alhagie Kanyi has dismissed reports that he has been suspended by the Gambia Immigration Department.

Reports emerged Monday that the senior immigration officer has been suspended.

But Kanyi dismissing the claims told The Fatu Network on Tuesday: “This is the biggest lie so far. This is not true. I’m in the office as I’m speaking to you right now. I’m working. I have never been called by my director neither commissioner. Since the TRRC up to date I’m in the office (sic).”

The former army private stunned the nation on February 28 after he told the TRRC he participated in the brutal execution of nine soldiers in 1994.

Gambians have since been reacting differently to Kanyi’s crimes.

While many Gambians continue to call for Kanyi’s head, many continue to hail him for coming out clean with regard to crimes he committed while working in the Gambian army.

By US Embassy Banjul

A high-level delegation from the U.S. Department of State will visit The Gambia this week (April 15-19) to support the progress made in transitional justice, human rights, and building democracy.

The delegation comprises officials from State Department’s Office of Global Criminal Justice and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

During their visit, the delegation will meet with the Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubacarr Ba Tambadou, senior officials from the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), and representatives of local human rights organizations and victims’ groups.

The delegation will gain insights into the various steps and processes taken to strengthen transitional justice and progress on supporting victims.

The delegation will attend hearings of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission to demonstrate the U.S. support for the TRRC’s important role in ensuring accountability and justice, promoting democracy and good governance, and preventing future abuses.

The United States Government provides financial assistance to support victims in order for them to effectively participate in human rights, transitional justice, and democracy building initiatives.

The visit by the delegation demonstrates the U.S. recognition that The Gambia is at a critical moment in its history and will encourage The Gambian government and citizens to continue to fully support the transitional justice process, with an emphasis on supporting victims and remaining on a positive course in the path to further building a free and democratic society.

The United States Government remains committed to supporting democracy, justice, and respect for human rights in The Gambia.

By Lamin Njie

The spokesperson of the opposition APRC Musa Amul Nyassi has said that the mistakes the party made while in power are normal.

Speaking to The Fatu Network in an exclusive interview, Nyassi who also represents Foni Kansala constituency at the National Assembly said there is no human being or system that would not make mistakes while in power.

Nyassi said: “We admit that APRC as a party, some of the wrongs that people attribute to us we will accept and admit them but just as I keep telling people, there is no human being or no system that would not make mistakes in power. It’s normal and Gambians must understand that and Gambians must admit that.

“But we would not also accept that we have also not done anything here just as we are seeing happening now. People are just trying to not to recognise what we did as a party, the good and the development that we brought.”

By Lamin Njie

The People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism, PDOIS, has called on the conveners of the ongoing coalition talks to keep the party out of their discussions.

Coalition 2016 leaders on Friday commenced talks over the future of the seven-party political grouping which shot President Adama Barrow to power. All the parties except PDOIS have been taking part in the meeting.

On Monday, PDOIS issued a statement asking the conveners of the meeting to exclude the party from the meeting.

The statement which was signed by the party’s administrative secretary Edi Jallow said: “A National conversation on coalition 2016 has been initiated at Kairaba Hotel. PDOIS has excluded itself from the conversation.

“Since 2017 the President has exercised executive authority without the oversight of a coalition. Cabinet composition has been determined without any reference to a coalition agreement. National Assembly and Council Elections have taken place in 2017 and 2018, respectively, without any consideration of a Coalition agreement.

“By 2018, parties have held their congresses and have taken major decisions regarding the shaping of the political dispensation of the country without any reference to a Coalition agreement. In this regard, the Bureau of the Central Committee of PDOIS considers it prudent to call on the convener to exclude PDOIS from the current conversation on matters relating to Coalition 2016.

“The Media is hereby informed that PDOIS is not part of the conversation and its leadership had already requested the convener not to include it in the conversation.”

By Lamin Njie

Bakers in The Gambia on Sunday said profit margins were too low and unsustainable and that this was what necessitated the increase in the price of bread in the country.

The Fatu Network understands that the price of a loaf of bread has gone up by D1.

The bakers who spoke through their association, the Senfour Modern Bakeries Association, said they have worked “diligently over the last few months to address a lingering economic crisis occurring in the business of bread manufacture and distribution.”

The bakers explained in a statement made available to The Fatu Network on Sunday: “Senfour Modern Bakeries Association would like to address the general public regarding the recent price increases and bread shortages occurring in areas throughout the region. Please be aware the members of this association have worked diligently over the last few months to address a lingering economic crisis occurring in the business of bread manufacture and distribution. We have met diligently and in good faith with several government offices to address this critical matter. Our sole purpose in engaging these officials was to ensure the matter is resolved in a way that consumers will be minimally impacted. In keeping with that purpose, we look forward to continuing to work with the government as we find permanent solutions for this urgent matter.

“Although it is convenient to blame increased prices on bakery owners it is crucial to comprehend the full picture. When bread is sold at D7, the average profit breakdowns are as follows; D4.50 for production, 50 Butut bakery profit, D1.25 Biker’s profit, 75 Butut shopkeeper’s profit. It is also important to note that capital investments for bakery owners range from 3 million to 6 million Dalasis versus the cost of a motorcycle or bicycle for bikers. Unfortunately profit margins this low are unsustainable for bakery owners who also have to consider equipment replacement and breakdowns and other expenses involved in supporting and growing their business. Our profits have reached this level because we were forced to give in to the aggressive demands of bikers (suppliers) that deliver to the public. In fact, wholesale prices have dropped so low that it has created a major economic crisis within bakeries.

“Product delivery is a huge expense in this industry which can be better managed. The bikers absorb a large portion of savings that could be passed to consumers. Retailers reduce their ability to offer lower rates to consumers when they insist on using suppliers. As it stands, the bikers control both wholesale and retail rates by using harsh bargaining techniques. We encourage all customers to buy directly from their local bakeries, as it will significantly reduce the burden to both manufacturers and retailers. This will also give retailers more control over their businesses and allow them to retail at favorable rates.

“Some areas are experiencing bread shortages. The association is aware of this gap and are committed to filling it as promptly as possible. To that end, we are asking consumers and retailers to help us identify these areas by contacting us at 247-2445. We will direct you to your nearest bakery or make arrangements to have bread delivered in areas where bakeries are not assessible. We also ask for your patience during this transition period. Although it will require adjustments, we believe that by resorting back to a culture that is less dependent on a third party for delivery, we can ensure bread remains affordable in our communities.

“As mentioned at the start of this release, we remain committed to working with the government and the Gambian community to ensure the bakery industry remains healthy and beneficial for all of its stakeholders.”