By Mouhamadou MT Niang
GPF, Sutura Company Inaugurates Madarasa & Daycare Center; Lands Minister Pledges D20,000
GPF, Sutura Company Inaugurates Madarasa & Daycare Center; Lands Minister Pledges D20,000
Combating Terrorist Financing and Money Laundering: Regional Bloc Journalists Trained on Economic, Financial Crimes Reporting
By: Dawda Baldeh
In their quest to counter terrorist financing and money laundering, the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering (GIABA) has trained numerous journalists within the subregion on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT).
The event marks a significant step in combating economic and financial crimes in the region.
The three-day intensive training in Cotonou, Benin, focused on Investigative Journalism on Economic and Financial Crimes, bringing together journalists from the 15 West African states.
This event, described by many as memorable, began with presentations on topics to help the participants understand GIABA’s role, mandate, challenges, vision, and mission.
The topics covered during the training included investigative journalism, AML/CFT standards, ethics, and the use of ICT tools, which are crucial for equipping journalists with the necessary skills to report accurately on financial crimes.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Timothy Melaye, who represented the Director General of GIABA, emphasized the importance of understanding terminologies related to money laundering and terrorist financing, saying it would enable journalists to play a key role in informing policymakers about the negative impacts of these activities on regional economies.
He attributed the ceremony to ongoing efforts in combating terrorist financing and money laundering in the sub-region, which pose a threat to regional economies.
Mr. Melaye urged the participants to make the best use of the training to gather the necessary information to help them report accurately on financial crimes.
He described journalists as key actors in shaping the narrative to inform policymakers of the negative impacts of terrorist financing and money laundering.
This training aimed to help journalists protect the economies of their respective countries from the activities of money laundering and the financing of terrorism.
Mr. Melaye underscored the importance of the training, saying it would now help journalists better understand the terminologies when reporting on money laundering and terrorist financing.
Several speakers noted that the involvement of journalists in investigating and tracking down individuals involved in money laundering and terrorism financing highlights their importance as key actors in the fight against economic crimes.
The event also witnessed the formation of a ‘Regional Network of Journalists on AML/CFT’ following the training, demonstrating a commitment to fostering cooperation and sharing knowledge among colleagues in the region to better combat terrorist financing and money laundering.
Representing the Special Prosecutor of the Court Countering Economic Activities Offenses and Terrorism (CRIET), Amand Ronald Regan told the journalists that they are specialized actors in the fight against economic crimes and the financing of terrorism in the sub-region.
“We need special players in this fight to combat terrorist financing and money laundering,” he said.
The participants described the training as timely and effective, saying it has undoubtedly improved their skills and better prepared them for the task ahead.
It also provided the participants with the opportunity to interact with colleagues from other West African countries and expand their networks.
For his part, Sikiratou Ahouansou Bada, who moderated the training, expressed optimism that the training goals have been accomplished and urged the beneficiaries to share the knowledge gained with their colleagues.
“You are all leaving this place well-equipped. The skills you obtained will help you in your work,” he explained.
At the end of the training, the participants made group presentations to demonstrate the skills they had acquired during the training.
Young Scorpions Shine in 4-0 Victory, Coach Bojang Prepares for Difficult Squad Decisions Ahead of WAFU Tournament
By: Zackline Colley
Coach Abdoulie Bojang is optimistic about the Young Scorpions’ prospects following a commanding 4-0 victory against Team Rhino in their first test match ahead of the WAFU Zone A tournament in Liberia. He praised the team’s tactical organization, highlighting their defensive pressing, timing, and ability to play forward and score goals.
Despite the encouraging performance, Coach Bojang faces the challenging task of trimming his squad from 34 players to just 20, following a directive from the tournament organizers. He must also select eight supporting staff members. “We will try to give others a chance because currently, we have 34 players and 4 goalkeepers. After two test games against Team Rhino and Dutch Lions, we will make a final decision because we now understand that we are to travel with only 20 players and 8 staff members. That makes it difficult, but we have to make a decision by the end of the weekend,” he stated.
Looking ahead to the tournament, The Gambia finds itself in a challenging group alongside rivals Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania. Acknowledging the tough competition, Coach Bojang emphasized the importance of confidence and preparation: “We are in a tough group, but the most important thing is that we are on the right track, and we need to trust and be confident because The Gambia is no longer an underdog in the youth football category. We know our opponents, and they know us.”
The final list of players representing The Gambia is expected to be announced by Monday as Coach Bojang finalizes his squad selection. The Gambia, the most successful team in WAFU tournament history, aims to uphold its reputation, having claimed the title twice since the tournament’s inception in 2018.
However, recent encounters with Senegal have posed challenges for the Young Scorpions. The U-20 team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the final of the 2022 WAFU Zone A U-20 football tournament held in Mauritania and faced a 2-0 loss to Senegal in the 2023 Total Energies Africa U-20 Youth Championship in Cairo, Egypt.
The upcoming tournament in Liberia offers The Gambia an opportunity to reassert its dominance and secure a spot in the semi-finals. With the competition heating up, all eyes will be on Coach Bojang and his Young Scorpions as they take on some of the toughest teams in the region.
Gov’t set to roll out first-ever land policy in 2025
By Mama A. Touray
The Minister of Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat NK Bah, has said the government will introduce its inaugural land policy with the support of the World Bank in April 2025.
Minister Bah made this statement during the inauguration of a new madarasa and daycare centre at the police barracks in Banjul.
He remarked that the Gambia, being the fifth most densely populated nation in Africa, has suffered from inadequate land due to historical mismanagement over the past six decades. Consequently, the current administration is acutely aware of the need for better land management.
“We need to create and strengthen institutions of government, have policies and strategies, methods, and train personnel to be able to manage our land henceforth for the future of this country. And in that regard, we are grateful to the World Bank for all the support they have given to this government in making sure that the first-ever land policy is rolled out in April 2025,” he said.
Bah added: “Every Gambian is involved in the policymaking. There is nobody who is left out including the police because we want at the end of the day when we have a policy, it becomes the policy of the people and that the document will determine our strategy because it is the policy that dictates the strategy.”
At the gathering, Bah stated that Gambians should abandon the notion of land ownership due to the country’s limited land resources. He emphasized that it is more important for Gambians to have a decent house where they can live with their family.
“Land is a commodity that never expands. Once used, it contracts but does not expand. So, what is important is to have a strategy on how to manage the usage of your land and that is why we believe that in our quest to have housing for Gambians, it must be nationwide, but it cannot be a Banjul, Brikama issue but it has to be an entire nation of this country,” he said.
Moroccans Celebrate:45 Anniversary of the Recovery of Oued Eddahab
45 years ago, (14 August 1979), a delegation from Oued Eddahab arrived in Rabat, the Capital City of the Kingdom of Morocco to reaffirm their allegiance to His Majesty the late Hassan Il, may God have mercy on him, as the Commander of the Faithful and protector of faith.
They also expressed loyalty to the Alawite throne and Moroccan identity.
The regaining of Oued Ed-Dahab holds great significance for Morocco, representing not only a territorial acquisition but also a powerful emblem of national cohesion and honor. Annually, the nation commemorates this event with a range of activities such as parades, cultural festivities, and official rituals.
The delegations of the city of Dakhla and the province of Oued Eddahab delivered in the hands of His Majesty the late Hassan II, may God have mercy on him, the text of the pledge of allegiance.
This includes the pledge of contentment, declaring their close connection and attachment to their homeland, Morocco.
This event constituted a major historical moment in the epic of unity whose torch was carried with faith, power, insight, and foresight by the creator of the victorious Green March, the Green March, when His Majesty the late Hassan Il, may God have mercy on him, addressed the sons of the south regions, saying: « Today we have received the pledge of allegiance from you, and we will nurture it and embrace it as the most precious and valuable deposit …. and from today onwards, one of our duties is to protect your safety, maintain your security, and always strive to make you happy …We thank God Almighty with the deepest gratitude and the most abundant praise for completing His blessings upon us, joining the south to the north, connecting the womb, and tying the ties ».
The New Development Model for the Southern Provinces: Paradigm Shift
44 years after this region was returned to its original location, efforts are still being made to develop this priceless portion of the nation with the same determination, resolve, and perseverance to elevate it to a regional pole relative to all other regions of the Sahel and Sahara as well as to other regions of the country.
The region has seen significant development efforts since its return, aiming to elevate it to a regional pole.
The region offers benefits for investment, including skilled labor; appealing living conditions.
Major workshops have been launched since this region and the other southern regions have recovered, to implement investment and development projects and programs in all fields and interfaces related to the economy, society, urbanization, culture, and humanities as well as to establish the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and foundations for the establishment of a robust and innovative regional economy that will serve as the basis for employment opportunities and the material base of production.
The Oued Eddahab region, along with the region as a whole, offers various benefits that entice investment.
These include a variety of economic sectors, skilled labor due to the establishment of specialized institutes and schools to meet the demands of the labor market, and appealing living conditions like a temperate climate with year-round sunshine.
Within this framework, the region’s development accomplishments have been reinforced in recent times by the launch of multiple strategic initiatives that are presently in progress under the auspices of The New Development Model for the Southern Provinces, which was launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in 2015.
These projects include For example, but not limited to :
Logistics parks
Distribution and commerce aerea
The project consists of two commercial and distribution areas, each with a unit area of (30) hectares.
« Bir Guendouz » and « Guerguarat »
The Atlantic port of Dakhla,
The port was first established as a component of the National Port’s Strategy to boost regional economic activity and position Morocco as a hub for trade in the area.
This is consistent with the New Development Model for the Southern Province of the Kingdom, which seeks to stabilize the Western Sahara region’s economy and encourage diversification.
By easing trade, the port should improve economic cooperation and regional integration for both Morocco and the landlocked Sahel.
The Tiznit-Dakhla highway,
strengthening the road network,
The goal of this massive project is to build a contemporary road axis that complies with international standards in the southern provinces of Morocco.
The expressway’s goals are to shorten travel times, lessen the impact of flooding or sand accumulation, and enhance the flow of goods from southern cities to the country’s main hubs for production and distribution.
Seawater Desalination plant for irrigation of 5,000 hectares,
The Moroccan Government states that 30 million m3 of the treated water will be utilized mostly for agricultural land irrigation. The remaining production, or 7 million m3 annually, will go toward providing drinking water to the city of Dakhla.
Renewable energy
wind power.
At 557.75 MW, Dakkla Oued Eddahab has already overtaken other wind energy producers in terms of clean electrical energy production.
Green Hydrogen
8 MW green hydrogen production plant in the Dakhla region of Morocco.
Task force established to look into Kitty land saga involving former Gambian footballer
By Kebba Camara
The West Coast Region’s governor, Mr Ousman Bojang, has told journalist Kebba Camara that the Ministry of Lands has established a task force to investigate the land dispute involving Lamin Conteh and the ex-Gambian footballer Tijan Jaiteh.
The contested 192-hectare land, situated in Kitty, has seen development halted by police and land officials’ orders to both parties.
During a Tuesday interview in his office, the governor stated that the land is a leased property owned by former president Yaya Jammeh.
He said numerous lands in Kombo are implicated due to the former president’s claims of ownership. Areas like Kitty, Siffoe, Kassa Kunda, and Brufut have substantial portions Jammeh claimed as his. Following the Janneh Commission, the government resolved to claim 60 per cent of these lands, allocating the remaining 40 per cent to the community.
“So, right now, we are coming to do those demarcations. When we are done, the community will know what they own and what they can sell,” he said.
He confirmed that Tijan Jaiteh received land in Kitty for his sports projects, but he could not confirm if it falls under the 60 per cent allocated for the government. The task force has begun its work and will soon determine the next steps. Regarding Tijan Jaiteh commencing development without knowledge of the 60/40 demarcations, he stated: “Am not aware of the state telling Tijan to start work. What I can say is we asked both parties to stop work until the task force is ready.”
The Governor stated that he has received numerous calls regarding the land issue. He clarified that anyone who acquired land from the kitty Kabilo acquired it illegally. Mr Bojang asserted that not all of the 40 per cent of land designated for the community will be used for communal purposes, as a portion must be allocated for social amenities.
Asked what actions his office would undertake if the state were to favour Tijan Jaiteh, he replied: “My office is not a courthouse. Any citizen that is not satisfied with anything coming from the government can go to court. Mr Conteh and any citizen have the right to take legal action against the state if they are not satisfied with the outcome of the task force.”
SG Senegalo-Gambia Secretariat: ‘Senegal has increased the Laissez-Passer duration from ten days to one month’
By Mama A. Touray
At a daylong dialogue in Mansakonko, the Secretary-General of the Senegalo-Gambia Secretariat, Dr Cherno Barry, said that Senegal has increased the Laissez-Passer (passavant) duration from ten days to one month.
Dr. Barry made this announcement following the dialogue, which was a component of the five-point agreement reached at the meeting.
He informed the media Senegal has now extended the passavant duration from ten days to one month for CFA 5000 (equivalent to D587.56), which is the same amount previously charged for ten days. Now, anyone traveling to Senegal can stay for one month, and if desired, extend their stay by an additional fifteen days for CFA 10,000 (equivalent to D1,175.11).
Barry mentioned that discussions are ongoing between the two governments to explore the possibility of lifting the passavant fee in the future. The Senegalese authorities will consult with their counterparts and provide feedback to The Gambia.
Barry remains optimistic that the payment for Laissez Passer (passavant) will be eliminated for entry into The Gambia or Senegal once the negotiations are concluded.
“The Gambia will also charge the Laissez Passer for vehicles entering the country at the same value of D5000 and also harmonise other payments with Senegal,” he said.
Barry said it should be noted that vehicles can be stopped and checked for security reasons and that truckers found breaking laws will be subjected to the full force of the law especially if they are in transit.
He also informed the media that goods from Senegal entering the Gambia will not have to pay at the exit point from Senegal and this is reciprocated for the Gambia.
On the passavant issue, Barry emphasized: “All vehicles that are in transit are not required to pay any passavant. As we said, the only payment vehicles on transit are going to pay, whether Gambian trucks or vehicles going through Senegal, or Senegalese trucks crossing through the Gambia will be the escort fee or tracker fee”.
They also agreed that all vehicles, whether Senegalese or Gambian, will pay the same tariff at the bridge at the same value in either CFA or Dalasi and that authorities will paste the fees to be visible for everyone’s attention. This, he said, will be updated according to the exchange rate as regularly as possible.
He said the Dakar dem dic and the GTSC buses will continue to pay their initial tariffs for the ferry crossing valued at CFA63,000 which is equivalent to D7,403.20 instead of the new tariff imposed on them recently.
He added that Dekar dem Dic has been accorded office space at the GTSC Banjul office.
“The conclusion here is that discussions are ongoing between the authorities of both countries, not everything could have been exhausted because there are still many other issues that are on the table.
“However, these are all within agreements that are ready to be implemented and that will improve cross-broader trade and the movement of goods and services between the two countries,” he said.
Our Efforts Will Not Be Wasted: Four Years Since the Barrow Government Stalled the Draft Constitution
OPINION
By Sainey MK Marenah, Former Head of Media and Communications, CRC
Four years after the Barrow government halted the progress of the new draft constitution, the efforts of the Constitutional Review Commission, which was established to draft a new constitution for The Gambia, have been left in a state of suspension.
The draft was crafted to encapsulate Gambians’ collective will and aspirations, aiming to create a constitution that would endure over time and serve as a model for Africa and the world. However, the draft faced strong opposition due to a lack of political will and the National Assembly’s contentious attempts to amend certain sections, such as the term limit.
Lawmakers from the National People’s Party (NPP) argued that the draft was designed to target President Barrow specifically due to the term limit provision. Consequently, Parliament rejected the draft in September 2020, stalling progress and leaving the aspirations of many Gambians unfulfilled.
The irony is striking: President Adama Barrow, who once championed the creation of a new constitution as a cornerstone of his campaign and established the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) in June 2018 to undertake a comprehensive review of the 1997 Constitution, ultimately played a role in stymying the progress of this very initiative.
The CRC was tasked with drafting a proposed constitution that would be subjected to a referendum to usher in the Third Republic for The Gambia. However, when the draft constitution faced opposition in the National Assembly, it was widely believed that President Barrow manipulated his lawmakers to reject the draft, primarily due to contentious clauses like the term limit that would have affected his political career.
Years of advocacy for the revival of the draft constitution have finally borne fruit. On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the Ministry of Information issued a statement confirming that the draft has been gazetted and will soon be presented to Parliament for review and approval.
As someone deeply involved in the constitutional building process, serving as the head of media and communication, I can attest to the inclusivity of the CRC’s efforts. The process was unparalleled in its openness, providing Gambians both at home and abroad with extensive opportunities to participate in crafting a constitution that truly reflects their collective will and aspirations.
The CRC’s inclusive approach ensured that every voice could be heard, making the draft a genuine representation of the people’s desires for The Gambia’s future governance framework.
Now, with the draft back on the legislative agenda, there is renewed hope that the aspirations of the Gambian people will finally be realized, leading to the establishment of a constitution that upholds democratic principles and stands the test of time.
Indeed, the rejection of the draft constitution primarily stemmed from President Barrow’s desire to remain in power beyond the constraints that the new constitution would have imposed. The draft included mechanisms specifically designed to prevent the perpetuation of one-person rule, a direct response to the excesses of former President Jammeh, who notoriously amended the 1997 Constitution more than 50 times without public knowledge or consent.
As we celebrate the draft constitution’s return to the legislative agenda, it is crucial to recognize the missed opportunities and the current challenges our beloved country faces due to the absence of these much-needed reforms. Had the draft been accepted initially, The Gambia might not have grappled with the same political and governance issues perpetuating a lack of accountability. The current constitution’s lack of term limits has allowed indefinite rule, undermining democratic principles and leadership accountability.
It’s also important to acknowledge that President Barrow planned to extend his stay in power. If the draft constitution had been adopted, it would have counted his previous terms, thus limiting his tenure. This was a significant factor in the opposition to the draft, revealing the lengths some leaders would go to maintain their grip on power.
Gambians must indeed wake up and hold their leaders accountable. The return of the draft constitution offers a renewed opportunity to advocate for a governance framework that reflects the people’s will, ensures term limits, and promotes transparency and accountability. This is a critical moment in our nation’s history, and it is incumbent upon all of us to remain vigilant and engaged in the political process to ensure that our leaders serve the people’s interests rather than their own.
Dr. Cherno Barry Said President Barrow Ordered Release of 353 Trucks at the Border Worth Over D564,000
By: Mama A. Touray
The Secretary at the Senegalo-Gambian Secretariat, Dr. Cherno Barry, stated that President Adama Barrow instructed Ebrima Sillah to release 353 trucks at the border, worth over D563,000, without requiring them to pay the tracking fee for 2 hours.
Dr. Barry made this announcement during a daylong meeting held in Mansakonko, addressing the ongoing border tracking issues at Kerr Ayib.
Reading the outcome of the meeting agreed upon by both Senegalese and Gambian authorities, Dr. Barry said, “As an immediate measure to resolve the tension around the borders at Kerr Ayib and Senegal, the delegation led by Hon. Ebrima Sillah, upon the instruction of President Adama Barrow, has agreed to release all 353 trucks from both sides to cross the border without paying the tracker fees within 24 hours.”
He continued: “These trucks will carry the trackers, but they will not have to pay the fee associated with it. This must be expedited within the next 24 hours, immediately after we disperse, and it is ongoing as we speak (at the time of the meeting yesterday). However, as soon as those trucks are gone, it is considered that the tension has been resolved, and the tracking system will continue as it was.”
Barry informed the media that it was agreed at the meeting that the tracking system will remain in place. He was quick to add that Senegal will soon deploy its tracking system, and once that is done, both relevant authorities will meet to discuss the possibilities of harmonizing the fees related to the tracking system.
“Trucks in transit through Senegal, coming from The Gambia and going to Guinea-Bissau, Conakry, and Mali, will only have to pay the escort charge at the point of entry. It was understood that they were previously paying several charges; however, henceforth, the Senegalese delegation has made it clear that they will only pay the escort charge at the point of entry, and all other charges after that are considered illegal,” he added.
Barry also mentioned that truckers should insist on being escorted by an officer to the point of exit, and they will not pay any exit fee, as was the case previously when leaving, nor will they pay any fee at any checkpoint throughout their trip until they leave the territory of Senegal.
Resolution Reached: Gambia and Senegal Agree on Border Tracking System
By Mouhamadou MT Niang
Resolution Reached: Gambia and Senegal Agree on Border Tracking System
Brikama Market Vendors Voice Concerns Over Worsening Conditions as Rainy Season Intensifies
By Mouhamadou MT Niang
Brikama Market Vendors Voice Concerns Over Worsening Conditions as Rainy Season Intensifies
Darboe Family Urges Police Action After President Barrow’s Alarming Remarks
By: Zackline Colley
In a statement addressed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the family of Ousainou Darboe, leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), expressed grave concern over recent remarks made by President Adama Barrow during a political rally in Brikama. The statement, which gained significant attention, highlights the family’s alarm over what they perceive as threats to Darboe’s safety.
At the rally, President Barrow stated, “I swear today that I will be president until Ousainou Darboe dies. That’s the only time I will leave power. But so long he is not dead, I will be president. I will leave only when he dies and we bury him that I will quit as president.” The comments were widely circulated on social media, drawing condemnation from various quarters within The Gambia and the diaspora.
The Darboe family, in their letter to the IGP, emphasized their distress over the president’s statements and questioned the motivations behind such utterances. They expressed particular concern about Darboe’s personal security, citing fears that the president’s remarks could have both intended and unintended consequences.
Ousainou Darboe is the leader of The Gambia’s largest opposition party and has previously served as the country’s Foreign Minister and Vice President. His family underscored Darboe’s commitment to strengthening democracy and promoting good governance, suggesting that his political activities may have triggered the president’s comments.
The statement to the police also referenced President Barrow’s mention of a “contract” in his speech, which has further fueled the family’s anxiety about potential threats to Darboe’s life. They noted that the president’s comments could be interpreted as veiled threats and urged the authorities to be vigilant in safeguarding Darboe’s safety.
“We had wanted to write to you immediately as the IGP and the primary custodian of law and order,” the family stated, explaining their decision to wait until public uproar over the comments subsided before formally addressing the matter. They emphasized that their concerns are not politically motivated but stem from genuine fears for Darboe’s well-being.
The family concluded their statement by formally notifying the IGP of their belief that President Barrow’s statements pose a threat to Darboe’s life. They called for heightened awareness and accountability should any harm come to the opposition leader.
Revisiting the Sunken Billions: The Gambia’s Perspective
Central Bank of The Gambia
Wild-captured fisheries are critical for food security and economic growth. However, poor fisheries management practices have resulted in overfishing, causing fisheries stock depletion. The Gambia provides a remarkable context as nearly 100% of fish protein consumed in The Gambia is sourced from wild catch. Furthermore, the country often signed agreements with the European Union, and China among others to allow foreign fleets to exploit its marine resources in exchange for financial compensation. As a result, The Gambia has paid a price in terms of depleted fish stocks, struggling artisanal fishing and domestic fishing industries. This has heavily contributed to exploitation and overexploitation of marine resources with an estimated total removal of 6 million tonness of fish between 1950-2010 (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/22114645/17/supp/S1). Therefore, to address the trend of depleting fish stock, understanding the impact of overfishing on prospective catches and revenue losses is critical for informing policy directions.
I analyzed data of total fish catch in tonnes and its estimated economic value in U.S. dollars, using Sea Around Us Database (https://www.seaaroundus.org/). The analysis revealed that from 1950 to 2019, reported catches from industrial and foreign distant-water fishing fleets amounted to 3 million tonnes, with an estimated value of USD 3.4 billion. Intuitively, the illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) catches during the same period totaled 5.2 million tonnes, translating to approximately USD 6.1 billion. Altogether, the combined reported and unreported fish catches between 1950 and 2019 reached a staggering 8.3 million tonnes, valued at around USD 9.5 billion—a figure nearly five times the GDP of The Gambia. The preliminary estimate suggests that only 7% of the reported catch resulted in revenue accrued to the country.
Therefore, The Gambia government should endeavor to introduce a wide range of Marine Protected Areas, introduce and enhance secure tenure systems to strengthen fisheries, and avoid exploitative international fishing agreements.
Africa CDC declares Mpox public health emergency
By Hadram Hydara
The leading health body of the continent, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has officially declared the current Mpox outbreak (previously known as Monkeypox) as a public health emergency.
“Today, we declare this PHECS to mobilize our institutions, our collective will, and our resources to act—swiftly and decisively. This empowers us to forge new partnerships, strengthen our health systems, educate our communities, and deliver life-saving interventions where they are needed most. There is no need for travel restrictions at this time,” Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya said, highlighting the urgent need for swift and decisive action:
Scientists at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) have expressed alarm over the rapid spread of a new mpox strain.
More than 13,700 cases and 450 deaths have been reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the start of the year.
The Africa CDC says at least 13 African countries, including nations previously unaffected such as Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, have reported Mpox outbreaks.
To date in 2024, these countries have confirmed 2,863 cases and 517 deaths, with the majority occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The continent has seen suspected cases soar to over 17,000, marking a substantial rise from the 7,146 cases in 2022 and 14,957 cases in 2023.
The continent’s leading health body describes Mpox as a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, with two distinct clades: Clade I and Clade II. Common symptoms include a skin rash or mucosal lesions lasting 2–4 weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The virus can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, contaminated materials, or infected animals.
To address the outbreak on the continent, Africa CDC says it has set up a 25-member Incident Management Team based at the epicenter of the Mpox epidemic with mandate to support affected and at-risk countries.
The agency also confirms it has signed a partnership agreement with the European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and Bavarian Nordic to provide over 215,000 doses of the MVA-BN® vaccine—the only FDA and EMA-approved Mpox vaccine. Africa CDC will oversee the equitable distribution of these vaccines, prioritizing local needs across the affected Member States.
Batchilly Accuses Western Democracies of Deep-Rooted Hypocrisy and Double Standards
By: Dawda Baldeh
The leader of the opposition Gambia Action Party, Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, has compared Western democracies to hypocrisy and double standards, claiming that they often portray themselves as global democracy custodians but fail to uphold the true principles of democracy.
He criticized the United States for racial disparities within its democracy, France for restricting religious expression under the guise of secularism, and Germany for grappling with resurging racism.
“If democracy truly means allowing individuals and nations to practice their beliefs within the framework of their laws, then the West’s commitment to democracy is nothing short of illusionary,” he asserted.
For Batchilly, democracy in the United States is marred by deep-rooted racial disparities that favor white Americans and marginalize black Americans.
Democracy in France:
According to him, in France, the struggle is against religious expression, particularly Islam.
“The French government’s actions to curb Islamic practices under the guise of secularism are seen by many as an outright assault on religious freedom.
This approach undermines the very principles of liberty and fraternity that France claims to uphold,” he claimed.
Democracy in Germany:
He said that Germany, which has a history and position in Europe, also grapples with a resurgence of racism.
“Discriminatory practices and the rise of far-right movements challenge the inclusivity and tolerance that are supposed to be hallmarks of modern democracy,” he added.
The Gambian opposition leader stressed that the United States’ foreign policy further exemplifies this “geopolitical hypocrisy.”
The GAP leader further claimed that America often supports only those ideologies and regimes that align with its interests, regardless of their democratic credentials.
He cited the production and proliferation of weapons, the support of regimes that engage in human rights abuses, and the selective condemnation of certain nations as double standards and hypocrisy.
“They turn a blind eye to others while supporting Israel.
They also condemned Russia and North Korea for similar actions,” he narrated.
Batchilly described England as a key manipulator and oppressor who always backs America to wage war on any opponent they perceive as a threat.
“They (England and America) are injectors of all crimes against humanity,” he added.
He further condemned what he described as blatant hypocrisy in the West.
He reiterated the need for equal treatment of countries irrespective of their differences.
He called for the United Nations General Assembly to address these issues and establish a more just global order where democracy is genuinely upheld for all nations.
“True democracy must be inclusive, equitable, and consistent—only then can it serve as a beacon of hope for all nations and peoples,” he concluded.
Disputes Over Market Conditions: Brikama Vendors Criticize Unhygienic Conditions Amid Contrasting Views from Market Committee Chairman
By Mama A. Touray
With the rainy season well underway, The Fatu Network visited Brikama central market to assess its condition. The market vendors lamented the state of the market, describing it as ‘dirty,’ while the market committee chairman offered a different opinion, stating the market is clean.
Mariama Keita, a vegetable vendor, speaking about the market’s condition, complained, “The market is not clean, one should speak the truth. Especially when it rains, there is a hole at the other end, and if it fills with dirty, smelly water, it flows to where we are seated. We sit and sell in that dirty, smelly water, which is challenging.”
Keita was quick to add that whenever it rains, the area council, under the leadership of Chairman Yankuba Darboe, usually brings a septic tank to drain the water. If that water is not drained, the dirty, smelly water comes to where they are seated.
She called on the area council to help them get rid of that hole with stagnant water, adding that they pay taxes for the council to help them with better market conditions.
Fatoumatta Sanyang, a fish vendor at Brikama market, lamented, “We are in deep challenge in this market, but you have seen the market. If you are told that human beings sit and sell foodstuff in this market, you will be surprised. The condition of the Brikama market is not appealing at all because we cannot be healthy with the current condition of the market.”
She added that the market committee is not doing anything because they are in opposition, and that working towards the betterment of the market will be hard as the committee and the council are not aligned with the government.
“Despite the dirty condition of the market, every week we pay D25, but even our fish store is not in good condition,” she said.
Meanwhile, the market committee chairman, Foday Manjang, shared a different perspective on the market: “What we have heard about the condition of the market under Chairman Darboe, that it is dirty, is not true. What Yankuba has done in this market, no chairman has ever done it since I assumed the role of chairman of the market committee. He is the fourth chairman, but he has done great work in this market.”
He added that BAC should not be blamed for the condition of the market, as the market is under the fisheries and not the council.
However, he called on the market vendors to throw their trash in the place designated by the council or give it to trash collectors.
Behind the Spotlight: The Role of Music Producers in Gambia’s Growing Music Scene
By: Zackline Colley
In the dynamic world of music, artists often bask in the spotlight, but behind every hit song, there’s a crucial figure working tirelessly in the background—the music producer. These unsung heroes are instrumental in shaping the sound and success of the music industry, acting as the architects of sound. They collaborate with artists to define the overall vision, select instruments, arrange compositions, and ensure the desired emotional impact of a song or album.
Gambia’s award-winning music producer and singer, Joseph, commonly known as JLive, recently shared his insights in an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network. Despite his accomplishments, JLive remains humble about his contributions. “I will not proclaim myself as number one in the game of music production, but my work speaks volumes, so I don’t need to say it,” he stated.
JLive candidly discussed the challenges he faces, particularly in balancing his demanding career with personal time for family and himself. Another significant challenge he highlighted is the lack of recognition from some artists he collaborates with. “You work with artists on projects, and they don’t give you enough credit for your input. Other African artists like Davido and Wizkid travel with their producers for work purposes, but no Gambian artist does that,” he explained. “When I started talking about it, some started to approach me, but that’s hypocrisy to me. Why wait until I complain before you make a move?”
Despite these challenges, JLive remains optimistic about the future of the Gambian music industry. He expressed pride in the industry’s growth, noting that Gambian artists now have sold-out shows at major venues like the national stadium and Qcity. “I am proud of the music industry at the moment because I am part of the people that built it,” he said. “If you look at the artists decades ago that traveled abroad, none would come back to the scene because it was stagnant. But now, a few are coming back because the scene is bigger and a lot better than it was. Artists are filling up the stadiums, making international collaborations, and making a name for Gambian music.”
JLive’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he has received multiple accolades, including Producer of the Year 2022 at the Wah Sah Halat Music Awards, among other honors. Beyond his role as a producer, JLive has also ventured into singing, releasing several singles that have further solidified his place in the industry.
The dedication and passion for his craft continue to drive the Gambian music scene forward, ensuring that the country’s sound resonates both locally and internationally. As the industry grows, producers like JLive remain the unsung heroes, crafting the sonic landscapes that define the music of a generation.
Tune in on Thursday evening as the exclusive interview with JLive will be aired, where he discusses many other insights into his journey and the evolving landscape of Gambian music. Don’t miss it!
Latrikunda Yirignya Water Crisis: Residents Endure 3 to 7 Years Without Clean Water as Authorities Fail
By Mouhamadou MT Niang
Latrikunda Yirignya Water Crisis: Residents Endure 3 to 7 Years Without Clean Water as Authorities Fail
ECOWAS Launches Field Evaluation to Monitor Humanitarian Relief for 2022 Flood Victims in The Gambia
By Mouhamadou MT Niang
ECOWAS Launches Field Evaluation to Monitor Humanitarian Relief for 2022 Flood Victims in The Gambia
Ansu Jatta’s Give Back Foundation Network: Transforming School Dropouts into Future Leaders
By: Michaella Faith Wright
Ansu Jatta is a passionate young Gambian on a mission to uplift and empower school dropouts to become valuable members of society through his community-based initiative, the Give Back Foundation Network. Founded without external funding, the initiative focuses on providing vocational education to vulnerable youth, including those with disabilities, girls, and individuals living in rural areas.
As the Founder and Executive Director of the Give Back Foundation Network, Jatta is determined to make vocational training accessible and affordable for those who dropped out of school. His vision extends beyond just education; he aims to create sustainable employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth, minimize crime rates, and address other pressing issues in The Gambia. “I want to see every youth engaged in something meaningful within our society,” Jatta said.
Since its inception nearly a year ago, the Give Back Foundation Network has successfully enrolled eleven youths from the Lower River Region into the University of Education, Science, and Technology (USET), formerly known as GTTI. These students are now gaining hands-on experience through attachments at various institutions, demonstrating the tangible impact of Jatta’s initiative.
However, the journey has not been without challenges. Jatta highlighted the financial difficulties the organization faces, leading them to mobilize funds through individual contributions, donations, and commissions from contracts secured by the foundation. Despite these obstacles, the organization has formed partnerships with key institutions such as USET, BassArts, SaidyKhan’s Decoration and Design Skills Academy, MoHERST, Fo.Co, Tekki Fi, NYP, Brikama Area Council, and other donor organizations to empower young people.
Looking to the future, Jatta envisions expanding the foundation’s reach. “Our main aim is to have more than 300 people acquire sustainable skills through our advocacy in the next three years,” he explained. In five years, the foundation plans to establish a skill training academy where individuals can learn various trades at an affordable cost, furthering the organization’s mission to keep young Gambians engaged and prepared for their future.
The foundation is poised to organize a Skill Training Camp to promote vocational education. The camp will feature hands-on workshops in batik, tie-dye processing, recycling, leadership skills, public speaking, climate change awareness, pitching techniques, and smart agricultural practices. The event will also include fire camps, boat rides, storytelling sessions, pitching competitions, and other recreational activities. “Various speakers will be invited to discuss the importance of vocational education, and donor organizations will be present to offer guidance on gaining financial support,” Jatta noted.
Through his dedication and vision, Ansu Jatta is making a significant impact on the lives of young Gambians, providing them with the skills and opportunities needed to build a brighter future.