By Lamin Njie

A former bodyguard of former president Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara has said that former president Yahya Jammeh was kicked out of State House while working there as a member of the State Guard.

Tijan Touray was a member of the Crack Unit, an elite close protection group at State House between the late 80s and early 90s.

And testifying before the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission on Wednesday via Skype, Touray said Jammeh was moved based on his attitude.

“I once had a chat with Daba Marenah when Yahya Jammeh was moved and he told me that he is not trustworthy and his attitudes around the president were unacceptable,” Touray told the commission.

“…The way he speaks, he swears a lot and he doesn’t respect any of the senior officers. He doesn’t take orders from anyone who seniored him. He works like a bandit sort of.”

Touray who is based in the United Kingdom told the commission the current commander at State House Turo Jawneh was the commander at time Yahya Jammeh was misbehaving.

“He seniored Yahya Jammeh at that time. But they were all the same rank but Turo Jawneh was first promoted, well before Yahya Jammeh,” he said.

The former corporal in the long-disbanded national gendarmerie said Modou Njie was the general commander “but he had some problems when he travelled with the President to the United Kingdom.”

“It was the time he was caught with an arm which he hasn’t declared to the customs whiles in the UK. For that reason, he was arrested and detained so he couldn’t come back for a while. He was later released but Turo Jawneh took over,” he said.

By Lamin Njie

A top United States-based Gambian Imam Momodou Lamin Ceesay will arrive in The Gambia on Saturday January 26.

Imam Ceesay, who lives in Michigan, is visiting the country for the first time since 2003.

The prominent Islamic cleric who hails from Jarra Tonyataba has been living in the United States since he first arrived in that country in 1998.

He was one of the top Imams who used the pulpit to speak against dictatorship in The Gambia.

Imam Ceesay will arrive in The Gambia on Saturday January 26, 2019 to take part in a Siyareh, a major Islamic gathering.

According to Imam Ceesay, he will also use the visit to meet with political and religious leaders to proffer ways of moving the country forward. He will also visit mosques across the country.

Meanwhile Imam Ceesay runs a foundation in The Gambia called The Imam Ceesay Foundation which offer humanitarian assistance to Muslims.

By Lamin Njie

The National Security Adviser Momodou Badjie has said that he did not witness the brutal elimination of at least a dozen of soldiers some 23 years ago.

The top adviser to President Adama Barrow has been fighting for his name after an unidentified witness last week told the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission that the ex-army colonel was present when a group of soldiers were killed on November 11, 1994.

Badjie, reacting to the claim, said in a statement: “I wish to commend the TRRC for their efforts to put light on the gross human rights abuses and violations that took place during the second republic so as to establish accurate historical records for generations yet unborn.

“However, listening to television and some of the FM radios and reading local newspapers, I felt that the first unidentified (anonymous) witness perambulating on his recollections made some allegations without any basis, maliciously presented as a mean of misleading the local as well as the international audiences following the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission.

“I have learnt that the anonymous witness’s proclamation about my presence at that extrajudicial killings of soldiers of the Gambia National Army with distress and huge surprise to me, my family and those that know me. Everyone that knows me will agree that I am a man with humility, compassion and great respect for human dignity and the respect for the due process.

“During his testimony on 17th January 2019, the anonymous witness stated that I was present during the alleged senseless extrajudicial execution of some members of the Gambia National Army, at Fajara Barracks, on 11th November 1994. This allegation associating me to that tragic night, was totally false, malicious and deceitful. I can testify at any court of law that the anonymous witness’s statement regarding my presence at this horrific scene was unfounded and pure distortion of the facts. There is ample evidence that in the month of August 1994, I and six other colleagues of the army were deployed to the Ministry of Local Government and Lands wherein we were appointed as mayors and divisional commissioners respectively. Specifically, I was serving as divisional commissioner in Mansakonko during the 11th November 1994 incident.

“Sorrowfully, I learnt this alleged senseless killing of the members of the GNA with shock and trauma, even more traumatic for me, was when I learnt the killing of the alleged counter-coup leader Lt Basiru Barrow, who was not only my colleague in the armed forces but also my best friend. Lt Barrow and I used to share our lives together, our two families are extremely associated. In fact, it the late Colonel SP Mendy (then Lieutenant Mendy) who called me to informed me of this sad news. I can still recall the manner in which it was relayed; ‘Badjie, Your Man is Gone.’

“Candidly, I learnt of his death with extreme sorrow and grief and those people who were with me in Mansakonko that day witnessed me consumed by grief and sorrow as I have lost a brother in a premeditated and horrific manner. There is no way that I could be present at the senseless killing of my own brother or any of his associates.

“Contrary to his allegations that I was standing while the November 11 alleged coup plotters were being summarily executed, I wish to set the records straight by informing the general public that I was never present or a witness to those incidents.

“During my long career of working within the security and diplomatic services, I have never taken part or being complicit, aided or abetted in any actions or crimes that perpetuates unspeakable horrors of state brutalities against citizens of The Gambia, including any members of the Gambia National Army. As I was in Mansakonko on the 11th of November 1994, there is no substantive evidence to support the witness’s claims that I was present at that alleged carnage of Gambian soldiers and I have credible witnesses who can support my assertions.

“I therefore refute his claims and demand my total exoneration from any liabilities associated to this alleged horrendous crimes perpetuated against members of the Gambia National Army on 11 November 1994.”

Opposition APRC has announced plans to official write the Gambia government over assets seized from the party.

The party’s deputy spokesperson Dodou Jah told The Standard newspaper in an exclusive interview that the party is perfecting plans to petition the President Adama Barrow-led government about the vehicles seized from the party.

“We intend to first write to the government over the matter before we will take any legal action,” Jah told The Standard.

APRC is one of the biggest opposition political parties in the country after being in power for 22 years under the chieftaincy of former President Yahya Jammeh. The party in December 2018 conducted its first national congress in two years where it elected Jammeh, living in exile in Equatorial Guinea, as its chairman and supreme leader.

By Gambia Press Union

A Gambia Press Union delegation Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to discuss issues geared towards strengthening the relationship between the media and the Commission.

The GPU delegation, led by Mr. Sheriff Bojang Jr., President of the country’s umbrella union and professional organisation for journalists, was received in audience by Dr Baba Galleh Jallow, the Executive Secretary of the TRRC, himself a veteran journalist.

Mr Saikou Jammeh, the GPU Secretary General, said: “It pleases us, greatly, that one of our own is leading this important national process and we are here to convey our delight about that and to offer our support to the work that you do to make it a success.

“The Truth Commission is important to the media. We follow it keenly because no category of people suffered from the rights abuses and violations the way the media did. We are therefore interested in working with the commission towards addressing those many and severe violations of the rights of media professionals.”

The meeting also discussed issues around improving the environment for news coverage of the TRRC processes by journalists, including offering continuous training programmes for journalists covering the Commission.

Dr Baba Galleh Jallow, in his intervention, said: “I am happy and honoured for your visit. And I am proud to be part of the GPU.”

He spoke on the importance of the TRRC to the media and provided guidance to the GPU leadership on how to effectively engage with the TRRC towards addressing violations of the rights of media professionals.

He added: “There will be institutional hearings and there is an interest in getting the GPU to make a case before the Commission.”

Dr Jallow clarified a number of issues surrounding media coverage of the TRRC and assured that his office is ready and willing to support the work of the journalists, especially those covering the TRRC. He offered to provide access to internet facilities and a space for journalists to work from.

He added: “I particularly welcome the idea of follow up training programmes for journalists. It is necessary and we will look into it.”

A senior prison officer Babucarr Jatta has called for the scrapping of one of the country’s largest prisons, the Mile Two Prison.

Jatta gave the call on Tuesday while testifying as eighth witness before the ongoing Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission.

“We have to build a new structure and condemn Mile Two. Mile Two is built in a swamp… I recommend we have satellite prisons,” he told the commission.

Mr Jatta who is the Janjangbureh Prison Commissioner also called for reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of the prison department saying prison personnel are not enemies to the society, adding that people and the authority have interest in the prison only when there is a jail break.

He added: “They say only uneducated people are in the prison. I feel marginalize… We need to go for the actions. They only have interest in the prison when there is jail break.”

Commissioner Jatta further called on Gambians to come and join the prison department and urged the authority to consider the welfare of the prison personnel.

He further lamented what he called ‘non classification’ of inmates in the country’s prisons while called for the amendment of Gambia’s prison Act as he blamed the National Assembly of nothing talking about act throughout their sittings and urged them to amend it.

Minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure Ebrima Sillah has said that Faraba Banta is a close-knit community where people want to forgive each other.

Mr Sillah stated this in an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network.

“It is common knowledge that in some communities, people prefer transition justice systems where certain things happen, people might have broken the law and they might have gone through a process. And because of the way… This is a close-knit society, people want to forgive each other and that they have learnt lessons,” Sillah said.

According to Sillah, if the community in their own wisdom decided that they don’t want to continue pursuing the case and they came to the government informed them of that decision the government will look into it.

“Of course it will channeled through the appropriate authorities, the attorney general’s chambers as it has been done in this case to look at the constitutionality or otherwise of that. Could it be possible administratively in terms of the way our criminal justice system operates in this country. And this is what actually happened,” he said.

By Lamin Njie

The commissioner of Jangjanbureh Prison Bubacarr Jatta has told the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission that he treated many people mostly soldiers who were brought to Mile Two prison in the aftermath of the 1994 coup.

Mr Jatta, 51, on Tuesday testified at the TRRC – a Gambia government investigation into the human rights violations and abuses of the 22 years rule of former President Yahya Jammeh. Tens of people mostly soldiers were rounded and detained at Mile Two prison during the 1994 coup led by Jammeh. Many suffered injuries as a result of torture.

Jatta who was a prison medic at the time of the coup told the TRRC on Tuesday most of the people who were arrested at the time of the coup were soldiers.

“On the day of 1994 coup, I live in Lamin [but] I reported very early to work. What I noticed was when we reached at Denton Bridge, I saw some gendarmerie there. But all what I understood was there was military exercise… When I got to Mile Two prison, I was informed that this thing is not a military exercise but is a coup,” Mr Jatta said.

He continued: “We were informed to stay, to be on stand-by until further notice. While I was on stand-by they told me they started arresting. Some people were brought o Mile Two. I cannot remember all their names but when they started arresting some people were brought. The first batch [they] were many.

“I cannot remember the soldiers who brought them, but they come with camouflage. But some of these detainees came with half gears. When I say half gears, some came with t-shirt and military trousers. Majority of the detainees were military personnel. I can remember some of the detainees who were brought… You have Ebrima Chongan, Mamat Cham, RSM Jeng, JSP Mendy, Alagie Kanteh, Pa Sallah Jange, Kebba Ceesay, Samsideen Sarr. I noticed some of them with multiple injuries on their bodies.”

The top prison officer also testified about the condition of Mile Two prison.

“The general condition of the prison was poor as anything,” he told the TRRC.

“Before 1994, any prisoner coming to prison must come with a committed warrant, either on convict or awaiting trial that we call remand. Their physical health was very bad. The diet is very bad in those days. There was a common disease called Beri Beri. There was no adequate protein in their diet. They normally develop swollen feet, faces are puffy, even their stomachs are swollen. There was a diet called pap more like porridge. They use that with dry cherreh or wet cherreh. So if they mix it, that normally causes that trouble called beri beri (sic).”

By Lamin Njie

Senegal President Macky Sall has said that the Senegambia Bridge project could not have been put across without the political will and leadership of President Adama Barrow.

Mr Sall stated this on Monday at the official opening of the landmark structure.

“Something big is happening today. This January 21st, 2019 is a unique day in the history of our Senegambian family. Today I stand before you on behalf of your brothers and sisters from Senegal and on my own to pay tribute to my brother and friend President Adama Barrow and to all Gambian people for the great achievement we made together with the support of the African Development Bank Group. This bridge could not have been achieved without the political will and the leadership of President Barrow,” Mr Sall said.

President Adama Barrow on Monday presided over the opening of the Senegambia Bridge following three years of construction.

The structure built across the River Gambia Yelli-Tenda-Bamba Tenda belt was unveiled at a historic event held at Bamba Tenda attended by hundreds of people among them Senegalese President Macky Sall.

President Barrow speaking at the event described the structure as ‘magnificent’ even as he also said that it will serve as a catalyst for development and integration within the Ecowas sub-region.

By Lamin Njie

President Adama Barrow has said that the Senegambia Bridge has an estimated lifespan of 100 years.

The President stated this on Monday while presiding over the official opening of the stunning 1,893 metres structures.

Mr Barrow said: “It is reassuring to learn that the life expectancy of the bridge is 100 years and that all river vessels are guaranteed navigation without hindrance.”

According to President Barrow, the project was ‘solely’ funded by the African Development Bank through a ‘grant’ of over 3.5 billion dalasis.

“Through this gesture, the ADB has fittingly demonstrated their commitment to supporting the development, unity and integration of African countries. Accordingly, we are grateful to and proud of the ADB,” the president said.

The President also said that neighbouring nation Senegal has provided ‘brotherly’ support throughout the project implementation phase.

“The Senegalese institutions provided support all the way. This is not surprising given the unique and very cordial relationship between our two governments and people,” the president said.

By Lamin Njie

President Adama Barrow on Monday officiated the opening of the Senegambia Bridge following three years of construction.

The landmark structure built across the River Gambia Yelli-Tenda-Bamba Tenda belt was unveiled at a historic event held at Bamba Tenda attended by hundreds of people among them Senegalese President Macky Sall.

In his address, President Barrow describing the structure as ‘magnificent’ said it will serve as a catalyst for development and integration within the Ecowas sub-region.

“In spite of the delay, this magnificent bridge will henceforth form a major component of the trans-Gambia corridor, a corridor that is essential for development, integration, trade expansion within the Ecowas sub-region,” Mr Barrow said.

The Senegambia Bridge is The Gambia’s newest landmark measuring 1,893 metres. The structures is made up of two segments – a segment of 943 metres on the water and a segment of 950 metre on the mangrove area. The project also features public lighting and other facilities.

President Barrow said: “For many years, a lot of agricultural produce from both Senegal and The Gambia perish in stranded trucks that waited for their turns to cross the river. This ceremony marks the end of such encounters and it brings to an end the suffering and even deaths caused due to the delays to be ferried across.

“Better still, the issue of maintaining or servicing broken down ferries at this point will now be history. Easy movement of people and faster delivery of goods and services are now guaranteed round the clock. In addition, the social institutions on both banks of the river will serve their purpose better. This is particularly so for our hospitals and health centres especially in cases of emergency. Economically, the bridge will generate revenue and eliminate the related economic loss to governments and travellers due to crossing hurdles.”

An Egyptian court on Sunday sentenced a television host to one year in prison for interviewing a gay man last year, a judicial source said.

Mohamed al-Gheiti, who has expressed his stance against homosexuality on several occasions, was accused of promoting homosexuality and contempt of religion.

The misdemeanours court in Giza also fined him 3,000 Egyptian pounds ($147) and ordered he be put under surveillance for one year after serving his sentence, said Samir Sabri, the lawyer who brought the case against him.

The verdict can be appealed, and it can be suspended if Gheiti pays bail of 1,000 pounds pending the outcome of the appeal, said Sabri.

In August 2018, Gheiti hosted a gay man on his talk show on the private LTC TV station and discussed homosexuality on air.

During the interview, the gay man, whose face was blurred to hide his identity, said he was a sex worker and openly talked about his relationship with another man.

After the interview was aired, the Supreme Council for Media Regulation, Egypt’s top media body, suspended the channel for two weeks for “professional violations”.

In a statement at the time, the council said the LTC TV had violated its decision “banning the appearance of homosexuals or promotion of their slogans”.

The council banned the appearance of homosexuals on any outlet after a rainbow flag — symbolic of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community — was waved during a Cairo concert in 2017.

At the time, the authorities launched a large-scale crackdown on suspected homosexuals, triggering condemnation from right groups. Homosexuality is not expressly outlawed in Egypt, but gays have previously been charged with debauchery in the deeply conservative Muslim society. (Vanguard)

A court in Wulli has asked a 58-year-old man Bayerro Camara to vacate his house that he has been living in for 12 years.

The Point newspaper reported on Monday that Wulli East District Tribunal in a sitting presided over by chief Ebrima Juwara has asked Mr Camara to leave the house or be removed forcefully.

The court, in a landmark ruling, held that Camara built his house on a land that belongs to one of the most influential families in Baja Kunda – the Bajaha family.

“The Bajaha family of Baja Kunda has provided enough evidence and witnesses and have proven their case beyond reasonable doubt that the land belongs to them,” Trial chief Juwara told The Point.

“Interestingly, the piece of land where the defendant built his house was borrowed to him by the late alkalo of Baja Kunda Alhaji Dembo Sanneh Bajaha.”

Meanwhile Bayerro Camara slamming the court’s ruling as unfair told The Point newspaper he will not leave his house even if it means losing his life. He said the land was given to him by the head of Baja Kunda hospital.

A former chief instructor at the Gambia National Army Training School who was arrested over misappropriation of army funds has been released, Foroyaa newspaper reported Monday.

Captain Modou MS Jallow was arrested last week for stealing over D200, 000 – monies that belonged to army recruits.

A source told Foroyaa newspaper that the senior officer was released from detention after the intervention of his family.

The spokesperson of the Gambia Armed Forces Major Lamin K Sanyang told Foroyaa newspaper family members have given back the money that Captain Jallow stole.

“The officer was released immediately when his family members paid the amount at GAF’s finance department in Banjul but will still be reporting on bail,” Foroyaa quoted Major Sanyang as saying.