Press release

The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has been granted membership into the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (Ifex) during the General Assembly of Ifex held in Berlin, Germany, on Wednesday April 10, 2019.

Founded in 1992, and headquartered in Canada, Ifex is world’s largest network of more than 100 independent non-governmental organisations in more than 70 countries working around freedom of expression.

The GPU President, Mr Sheriff Bojang Jr., said: “Joining IFEX will take the GPU’s advocacy on media and freedom of expression rights to a new level. It will enable us to expand our network of partners and collaborators while tapping into the expertise and experiences available through the Network’s wide range of international and local freedom of expression groups.”

He added: “We wish to express sincere thanks and appreciation all the individuals organisations that supported us in this process, in particular the Media Foundation for West Africa, Child Protection Alliance, WANEP-Gambia, Gambia Media Support (GAMES) and Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa. We wish to also thank Ifex and its members for their trust and support.”

The GPU, the umbrella trade union and professional organisation for media professionals is already a member of International Federation of Journalists, Federation of African Journalists and Media Foundation for West for Africa. The Union enjoys an Observer Status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights.

The GPU has in the past few years built the capacity of more than 500 professionals from media, security, government and civil society, on media and freedom of expression rights while campaigning to influence reform of laws and practices on freedom of expression through advocacy and litigation at local and international levels, including the United Nations Universal Periodic Review.

By Fatu Network reporter

President Adama Barrow has challenged Gambians to jail him should he be found wanting of corruption after his term in office expires.

The President gave the challenge at the weekend at a meeting held in Sare Bojo, Upper River Region.

President Barrow spent the Easter weekend at his native Mankamang Kunda.

And addressing supporters at the Sare Bojo meeting, President Barrow said The Gambia was enjoying a lot of goodwill but any money that external partners plough into the country will not be misappropriated.

“I want to say that after my term as president if Gambia does not owe me I will not owe the country and whenever my term ends, I will request for an investigation into how I spent those monies and If I am found wanting, they can take me to Mile 2,” he said.

President Barrow has since returned to Banjul.

By Lamin Njie

Mamma Kandeh has said that President Adama Barrow is a traitor.

The GDC leader said President Barrow and the United Democratic Party plotted to oust other coalition stakeholders.

Kandeh was speaking at the weekend at a party rally held in Brikama.

He said: “Regarding this five years, Adama Barrow wants it more than Ousainou Darboe. So if there is any treachery, Adama first committed treachery. Let’s speak the truth. When UDP was choosing Adama Barrow [to lead], Ousainou was in jail.

“It was Adama who spoke to Halifa Sallah, Fatoumatta Tambajang, Isatou Touray, Henry Gomez, Mai Fatty, Hamat Bah. Adama spoke with all these people and they agreed. So why would Adama stand and say the president is UDP, vice president is UDP, speaker [of the national assembly] is UDP?

“It’s Adama who said this, and he knew fully well that he resigned from the UDP. So if there is any treachery, he’s the one who conspired with UDP to betray others. Treachery is bad. It was them [Barrow and UDP] who were scheming against others, now they are head-butting one another.

“So if UDP is despicable, Adama is more despicable. Because Adama knows him alone, no one knows him in The Gambia. So it is by the Grace of God and the grace of UDP that people know him. Because small as is Mamma Kandeh, he couldn’t defeat me in Jimara, where we all come from.”

By Lamin Njie

Karpowership has donated food items to three orphanages in the country as part of a grand initiative aimed at supporting underprivileged Gambians.

The leading power production company donated 90 bags of rice, 15 drums of oil, 15 bags of onion and 400 loafs of bread to Al-Ihsaan Foundation, Madina Salam Center and Jawhareh Orphanage at a ceremony held on Friday at Al-Ihsaan Foundation school in Wullingkama.

Speaking at the event, the Turkey ambassador to The Gambia Mr Ismail Sefa Yuceer said the donation was timely and meaningful and underscored Karpowership’s desire to support Gambians.

Yuceer said: “This donation is very timely and meaningful especially during at a time when the holy Ramadan approaches. Karpowership is part of the mother company Karadeniz Holding. Karadeniz Holding is a group of companies which is a leading group in Turkey.

“They are not only active in the economic life, they are also active in humanitarian issues in the countries that Karpowership is implementing projects. They are also having social projects. As part of its responsibilities, Karpowership implemented many projects in The Gambia in the last one year.

“When the team from Karpowership came to the embassy almost one year ago, and to have a meeting with me, during that meeting one thing that struck my attention was the motto which was to make a difference. In the last one year, they made a difference in our life here. They touched on our daily lives. They touched economic life so we are grateful to Karpowership.

“Because we’re having uninterrupted energy, uninterrupted electricity. So far we’re experience less number of power outages in the country. For that matter, we should be grateful to the government of The Gambia and also to Karpowership company. This is very essential for the country, for our daily lives. The second thing, the country representative told me what we get from the country we give it back to the people and this is the testimony.”

Speaking earlier, the project manager of Karpowership in The Gambia Mr Yankuba Mamburay said Karpowership was committed to the development of communities in The Gambia.

Mamburay said: “As many of you already know, Karpowership has connected its 36 MW Karadeniz Powership Koray Bey to the Gambian national grid in ealry 2018 and started generating electricity on 2nd May 2018. This came about as a result of the PPA signed by Nawec and Karpowership in February 2018.

“Karpowership’s current fleet of 3,100 MW Powerships are operating all around the world in seven countries. We are very glad and grateful for the opportunity to contribute our quota towards the amelioration of the power supply in The Gambia and as a result towards the development of the country, for no country can develop without electricity.

“As a socially responsible company committed to the development of communities and Gambia in particular, we have already undertaken several activities in the country, among them the distribution of 200 bags of rice and sugar to the needy during last year Ramadan, donating $2,000 to NEA for environmental cleaning during international Coastal Clean Up Day last September, the rehabilitation of the premature babies’ unit of the children’s wing of EFSTH where we spent $6,000 to fix the water problem there.”

Representatives of the various orphanages in their statement thanked Karpowership for the gesture and said the donated food items will be put to good use.

By Lamin Njie

Former army chief Babucarr Jatta has slammed TRRC counsel Essa Faal, saying the popular lawyer doesn’t understand military matters.

Jatta and Faal were on Thursday involved in a testy exchange as the former army chief gave evidence regarding the events of November 11, 1994.

It all began after the screening of the testimony of three witnesses who claim to have been present when a group of soldiers were lined for execution at Fajara Barracks. The witnesses claimed Jatta was part of an extended line of soldiers who were to shoot the captured soldiers.

And tempers flared after Counsel Faal asked Jatta whether all three witnesses were lying.

Jatta told Faal: “Why should I relinquish myself to tell you that I’m not doing the right thing, am trying to dodge I will never do that. I’m a very sincere person.

“Listen, please allow me to land, you’re cutting me off and you cut me off, I’m going to start doing something different. We will never agree. You either trust what I say or you take what you have to say. I’m telling you the first shooting on the ground, when Sabally was [shooting] I came running telling him, ‘stop it.’

“And I met them there before he starts shooting. I wouldn’t relinquish my moral authority for the sake of somebody. Now you’re telling me, I’m still in charge but you got to know that appointment has precedence over rank. Just understand that. Sabally is a No 2 person and that time when he gives you order you will be running.”

Counsel Faal at this pointed responded by saying, “Babucarr let us not digress….”

But as the chairman of the commission tried to restore sanity, Jatta brutally reviewed Faal telling him, “You don’t understand military matters. You’re just guessing.”

The chairman of the commission at this point said: “I was just hoping I don’t have to use the gavel. This is the first time I’m using it in the middle of proceedings. Can we go slowly and gently. If you have any statements to make that opportunity would come. Counsel would definitely give you time if you need to explain something.”

Counsel Faal then said: “Mr Jatta, maybe I will have to disappoint you. I understand the whole law about command responsibility and how soldiers are organised. My specialisation is the law of war. I worked on war crimes, I work on crimes against humanity. But I would not take offence for what you have said.”

By Lamin Njie

Ebou Jallow has said that he has never stolen a butut in his life, laughing off allegations that he stole three million dollars from the country’s coffers.

The former AFPRC junta spokesman was savaged by Gambians Thursday after he lashed out at the TRRC over its Tuesday’s hearing. His comments which were directed at the commission’s lead counsel drew him flaks with Pierre Cherry describing him as a ‘big thief.’

But speaking to The Fatu Network on Thursday, Jallow slammed the allegations as slanderous.

He said: “I, Ebou Jallow, have never stolen a butut – never in my life. I did not stole a butut, I have never stolen anything and you need to write that to rectify that. You know the society we live in. If a lie is told, it takes years and years and years to change that lie.

“I don’t need a platform from to prove my innocent just as they have no right to talk about me. Even if they know, they have no right to talk about me. I did not steal any three million dollars. I have been taken to court by The Gambia government, I have been accused by Yahya Jammeh.

“I have been exculpated by the court in Switzerland with a valid judgment saying I did not steal any money. I submitted that judgment to the Janneh Commission. Go and ask the Attorney General’s chambers and go and ask the Janneh Commission and find out whether I Ebou Jallow have ever been convicted. If the answer is no, you write that Ebou Jallow has never been convicted. He was accused by Yahya Jammeh, he went to court in Switzerland and the court ruled that Ebou Jallow did not steal any money.”

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.