By: Dawda Baldeh

Gambia’s Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay has defended President Barrow’s controversial remarks against Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the main opposition United Democratic Party, made on Saturday in Brikama.

Dr. Ceesay addressed the issue during an interview on QTV’s This Morning Show, where he described the President’s comments, which have received widespread condemnation from Gambians both at home and abroad, as “political remarks.”

He told the show host that the positive aspects of the event should not be overshadowed by the President’s political comments.

According to Dr. Ceesay, the events in Brikama demonstrated that the President still has significant political support there, and he emphasized that the President made some very positive statements that should have been the focus.

The Information Minister claimed that people had taken the statement out of context and misquoted him.

“No threats were made in the first place,” Dr. Ceesay stated, adding, “No wish for anybody’s death was expressed at that event. The President is a very harmless man and he never wished Ousainou Darboe to die. He would never do that.”

Justifying his defense of the controversial remarks, Ceesay stressed that there is mutual respect between Darboe and Barrow, which he referred to as political remarks.

“I think people are taking this out of context and elevating it to a level where it shouldn’t be,” he added.

Dr. Ceesay argued that people should consider the bigger picture, which is the relationship between the two.

When asked about the possibility of an apology from the President for his controversial comments, Dr. Ceesay responded, “Apologize for what? It’s a political statement, and obviously, when the President speaks, it has a significant impact.”

He continued, “We’ve seen this happen many times. But in my view, people are exaggerating the situation. They are taking it out of context. There is a very good relationship between the two, and they may have political disagreements on public platforms, but behind the scenes, they maintain a good relationship.”

Dr. Ceesay emphasized that the President’s remarks should not be a major issue, stressing that democracy allows people to interpret things as they wish.

Regarding addressing pressing issues, Dr. Ceesay said that a political platform is not the place for the President to tackle urgent matters. “He deals with those issues on a daily basis, Monday to Sunday,” he explained, adding, “When he is on a political platform, he speaks about politics.”

By Hadram Hydara

The Gambia For All (GFA) party has condemned President Adama Barrow’s speech in which he vowed to remain president of The Gambia until opposition leader Ousainou Darboe dies and is buried, labelling it as a “hate speech”.

“GFA strongly condemns the President’s hate speech, because we believe that on the Richter scale of political demagoguery, this is higher than the “bury six feet deep” speech that transformed former dictator Yahya Jammeh from a “soldier with a difference” to the killing monster that he later became,” said GFA in a statement shared with The Fatu Network.

The GFA party described Barrow’s remarks as undemocratic and unacceptable, criticizing him for being “unable, unwilling, or incapable of delivering rational political speeches at political rallies” without committing “verbal gaffes.”

“It is not the first time that President Adama Barrow has shocked the nation with his usual unrefined, undemocratic, and plainly unacceptable hate speeches, given on the spur-of-the-moment, at random political rallies throughout the country,” the party said in a statement, adding:

“The latest outrage from the President was in Brikama, where he was heard wishing for the death and actual burial of UDP opposition leader Ousainou Darboe. This has really gone far beyond the pale of acceptable political discourse. For a democratically elected leader of a country, to say that he will not relinquish power unless he sees the main opposition party leader “dead and buried ” is indeed a big threat to national security.”

The party further criticised the president for failing to tackle the country’s drug influx and the irregular migration that is claiming the lives of the nation’s youth.

“Instead of addressing the multiple crisis that The Gambia faces, which includes the unbearable high cost of living for the great majority of Gambians, the menace of dangerous drugs and drug traffickers infiltrating all sectors of our society, the tragic plight of our youths perishing in the Mediterranean Sea, and the daily reports of unbelievable government corruption scandals; the President offers no hope to Gambians, except an escalation of personal and useless political attacks on his opponents.”

By: Mama A Touray

MC Cham Junior, a member of the main opposition United Democratic Party and a councilor, has condemned President Adama Barrow’s recent statement and called on him to retract it.

Yesterday, while opening the regional political bureau of the ruling National People’s Party in Brikama, President Adama Barrow directed his speech at Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, stating that he would not step down until Darboe died.

Following this statement, MC Cham Junior shared with this medium, “We call on the President to retract these harmful words and to commit to a political discourse that prioritizes the well-being and unity of our nation over personal ambitions.” He added that leadership should be earned through service, integrity, and the genuine desire to improve the lives of all citizens, not through threats or intimidation.

Cham Junior continued that true leadership is demonstrated by those who uplift their people, respect their opponents, and work tirelessly to create a better future for all. He urged all politicians to strive for a political environment where differences are settled through democratic means and where every citizen, regardless of their political affiliation, can feel safe and respected.

“In a democratic society, it is imperative that political leaders uphold principles of respect, human dignity, and the right to dissent. Our nation’s strength lies in its diversity of voices and ideas, and the health of our democracy depends on the respectful engagement of all political actors,” Cham stressed.

Cham said this statement from the President is deeply concerning as “such harmful rhetoric from our leader is unacceptable, especially when any other citizen making such statements would be arrested or questioned by authorities. This double standard undermines the rule of law and the principles of equality before the law.”

Councilor MC Cham concluded by saying that at this time, the country needs unity and constructive dialogue. “It is disheartening to hear statements that foster division and hostility. We urge all political leaders to focus on addressing the pressing issues facing our nation and to engage in respectful and productive discussions that promote the common good,” he said.

Dear President Adama Barrow,

As the leader of our beloved Gambia, your role is not only to govern but to embody the principles of unity, respect, and justice as enshrined in our constitution. It is with great concern that we address the recent derogatory remarks you have made against members of the opposition, particularly towards the leadership of the United Democratic Party (UDP). This behavior is unbecoming of the office you hold and contradicts the very oath you took to uphold the constitution and protect every citizen of our nation, regardless of their political affiliation.

Mr. President, it is important to remember that our democracy is built on the principles of freedom of expression, peaceful opposition, and the protection of minority voices. The constitution guarantees these rights to every Gambian, and it is your duty to safeguard these principles, not undermine them. Your recent comments wishing ill upon an opposition leader, a person who played a significant role in your own political journey, are not only unbecoming but also dangerous. Such statements can incite division and hatred among our people, which is antithetical to the unity we all strive for.

It is vital to recognize that many of those in opposition today were once your supporters, and they, too, are citizens whose rights and lives are to be protected under your leadership. Wishing death upon any individual, especially one who has been a part of your political history, is not just a moral failing but a legal transgression. Such remarks can be interpreted as incitement, which is a crime under our laws.

We urge you, Mr. President, to focus on the pressing issues facing our country. The skyrocketing prices of basic commodities are causing undue hardship for many Gambians. The recent floods have left communities devastated, requiring immediate and effective government intervention. The erratic electricity supply disrupts daily life and hinders economic progress. Moreover, the rising incidents of murder and corruption within your administration are eroding public trust and stability.

These are the real challenges that demand your attention and action. Your legacy as a leader will be defined by how you address these issues, not by divisive rhetoric against political opponents. It is imperative that you channel your energy and leadership towards tackling these critical problems, working towards the development and well-being of all Gambians.

We also call upon your cabinet members and political advisers to refute and denounce such inflammatory statements. It is their responsibility to counsel you towards a path of civility and constructive governance. Their silence or support of such rhetoric only exacerbates the divisions within our society.

In conclusion, Mr. President, we urge you to rise above the fray of political infighting and set a positive example for the nation. Lead with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to the values of our constitution. Focus on delivering on your promises of development, unity, and prosperity for all Gambians. Your words and actions should reflect the dignity of your office and the trust the people have placed in you.

Servant Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly
Party Leader and Secretary General
Gambia Action Party (GAP)

By: Dawda Baldeh

The Mayor of Banjul City Council (BCC), Rohey Malick Lowe, has expressed her disappointment with President Barrow for his recent verbal attack on opposition leader Ousainou Darboe, asking him to apologize before it’s too late.

Mayor Lowe described the President’s remarks as shocking, saying that Darboe and Gambians don’t deserve such treatment from Barrow.

She acknowledged that Barrow is the President today whether people like it or not. “Mr. President, Darboe doesn’t deserve such utterances from you because he has sacrificed for the country,” she said.

She added that Darboe has fought for the democracy people are enjoying today. “I don’t want to repeat what you said, but it’s very disappointing. President Barrow, I am urging you as a sister to apologize to Darboe and Gambians,” she appealed.

Mayor Lowe argued that Darboe has sacrificed his youth, wealth, and power for the country, noting that President Barrow’s utterances are shocking and painful.

“I believe this was a mistake from you. If Darboe should die today, I’m not sure he will be laid to rest without the President paying his last respects to him. Mr. President, what if Darboe dies and you are the leader? What are you going to tell Gambians if you come to the funeral to pray for him? What you said against Darboe will remain in the minds of Gambians. So, the time to apologize is now before you regret it,” she argued.

Furthermore, the BCC Mayor urged Gambians to be mindful and not allow politics to divide them, saying, “It seems we have allowed politics to divide us.”

She stressed that if anything happened in the country, the women and youths would suffer, while appealing for unity.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Panelists on ‘Giss Giss’, a popular weekly show on The Fatu Network, have described corruption as the biggest hindrance to Gambia’s development under the leadership of President Adama Barrow.

Despite acknowledging corruption in previous governments, from Jawara to Jammeh, these panelists believe Barrow’s leadership is not doing much to fight against corruption.

Commenting on corruption, Dabakh Malick said it’s very easy to detect corruption among civil servants, citing that any civil servant who becomes a millionaire without inheriting wealth or having a strong business is corrupt.

“No civil servant can become a millionaire on his/her government pay alone. If a person becomes a millionaire without inheriting wealth or having a strong business, it’s clear that the person is engaged in corruption,” he asserted.

Dabakh believes that the salary of a civil servant cannot make someone a millionaire if the person is honest and God-fearing.

“We have seen people appointed to positions, and in a short time, they are buying multi-million houses, luxury cars, and living lavish lifestyles. They are corrupt without a doubt,” he added.

Raffie Diab, a member of the panel, said President Barrow’s claim to leave a legacy in the country without showing any strong commitment to fighting corruption will only lead him to be remembered as someone who led the most corrupt government.

“Barrow is always talking about wanting to leave a good legacy in the country, but if he doesn’t fight corruption, he will only be remembered as the president who led the most corrupt government of our time,” he said, adding that a great example is that of former President Yahya Jammeh, who did tremendously well for the country, but is only remembered as a dictator and brutal killer.

Raffie expressed strong optimism that corruption is the only hindrance to the country’s progress.

“It’s because of corruption that our schools, hospitals, education sector, agriculture, security, finance, and all other sectors are not delivering to expectations,” he narrated.

Mr. Diab stressed that if fighting corruption is given priority, the country will soon develop rapidly.

Despite widespread allegations of corruption under the leadership of President Barrow since 2017, only one person (Bamba Banja), former PS at the Ministry of Fisheries, has been prosecuted and jailed for corruption.

This has left many Gambians asking if the government has the political will to fight corruption.

Commenting on corruption under former President Jammeh, Dabakh said: “Jammeh was very corrupt, but he didn’t tolerate corruption. His corruption was a one-man show, but in this government, many are involved.”

However, Dabakh expressed his disappointment, saying Gambians love to celebrate corrupt individuals and criminals.

“Here you see people celebrating corrupt people and criminals. We should stop this attitude and put the interest of the country first,” he emphasized.

By Mama A. Touray

The Finance Director of Brikama Area Council, Alagie Jeng, admitted before the ongoing Local Government Commission of Inquiry that he received money from Mama Kinteh, a revenue collector at the council.

It could be recalled that Mama Kinteh testified before the Commission that the BAC Director of Finance, Alagie Jeng, instructed her to bring collections to the council instead of depositing them into the council’s account. Jeng admitted this when he was asked whether he received money from Mama Kinteh. Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez told him, “You knew that was wrong,” to which he admitted, “Yes, I know.”

When asked why he did that, he responded, “I did that because we have to make payments.” He informed the commission that the Chief Executive Officer was aware of this and that sometimes the Principal Auditor used to be involved.

Alagie Jeng was shown the audit report against him, Mama Kinteh, and Yankuba Kujabi, the Market Master, and he testified that he had not seen the audit report in the past, saying, “I was not aware of its existence.”

Lead Counsel Gomez told him, “The idea of knowing or not knowing the audit report is not something that can help in this situation. You are here to account for the money you collected from Mama Kinteh.” Jeng responded, “I cannot recall taking all this money from Mama. I cannot remember receiving all this money from her. I can remember calling her when we wanted to make payments.”

Alagie Jeng further claimed that he has payment vouchers that he can provide to account for the amount received from Mama Kinteh. The Commission requested the vouchers, and Jeng promised to bring them. The amount in question is D262,000.

He told the commission that he refunded D75,000 and that it was deposited in the BAC’s AGIB Bank account, but the audit did not capture the transaction. He could not state the period the money was refunded and was given the AGIB Bank statement of the BAC to show the Commission, but he was unable to show it.

Mama Kinteh was asked about Jeng’s claim, and she testified that she went to Jeng to request a receipt for the money (D75,000). “Instead of giving me a receipt, he gave me D75,000 and asked me to deposit it in the account in 2023,” she said.

When asked where he got the money to refund Mama, he responded, “It was from the cash withdrawals,” and Counsel Gomez told him, “The money taken from her was used unlawfully,” which he admitted. “Yes, I have committed an unlawful act, but I did not use the money unlawfully. The act was wrong, but the spending was correct,” Alagie Jeng said.

Gomez asked, “Do you agree that taking from the revenue collectors and spending it on council activities was wrong?” and he admitted, “Yes.”