THE “TACTICAL COALITION” GOVERNMENT  IN MOTION BUT WITHOUT DIRECTION.

                                                                                                        By: Ousainou Mbenga

The slogan “Gambia Has Decided” which gave our beloved Gambia another world prominence since ROOTS and Kunta Kinteh has been officially replaced by “God Has Decided”. According to the Minister of Tourism, Hamat Bah, “God” has decided for Adama Barrow to be the president of The Gambia, therefore everyone should support the decision. Hamat and charlatans like him should leave God out of this matter. If God had a hand in this decision, God would have made sure of a leadership who “abhors greed and detest vanity,” whose humility is their strength and integrity their greatness”. Barrow and his “tactical coalition” government probably need your lame and senseless excuses made on their behalf but God doesn’t need your excuses. Furthermore, if God had anything to do with our situation everyone in the country would have had a sheep or ram to slaughter for Eid (Tobaski) just as Barrow’s entourage to Mecca and the rest of the aspiring “petit bourgeoisie”set on the same tracks as the Jammeh regime.  

We must expose these charlatans who hide behind “God” to perpetuate our miserable conditions of existence with no relief in sight. We must fearlessly challenge all charlatans and the so called learned religious numbskulls that God has nothing to do with the oppressive conditions inflicted upon our people by the governments we elect. The governments are responsible, not God. We should be the ones giving the warnings to these unscrupulous government officials not the other way around.

Since Barrow has been “tactically muted”, he needs a mouthpiece to transmit his muted messages. At a press conference to justify the 57 brand new vehicles bribed to the National Assembly Members (NAM), the minister went on a tirade punctuated with praise singing of their “new Gambia” ending with a stern warning: “Those who think that they can destabilize this country, they are fooling themselves. God has decided that Adama Barrow is the president of this country. God has decided that. Those who want to abuse the system will find themselves somewhere very uncomfortable at the end of the day”. Waxing indignant, the minister leaves no doubts in our minds and hearts that the “old Gambia” of intimidation and fear-mongering under Jammeh is not yet dead. 

For all practical purposes, the Barrow administration poses as the greatest destabilizing factor in the Gambia because of their actions and policies or lack thereof. All evidence points to their unwillingness to dismantle the vermin infested structures that sustained the Jammeh regime. And in the absence of a planned program for a “new beginning,” the Barrow administration lacking direction resorts to the following potentially destabilizing actions:

• The calculated undermining of “coalition 2016” in a rush for political predominance.
• The recycling of known National Intelligence Agency (N.I.A) agents who terrorized our people into the State Intelligence Service (S.I.S) in pursuit of a meaningless “reconciliation.”
• Retaining the architects of the APRC apparatus that ran the country into a grind.
• Condoning the resurgence of reactionary ethnic affiliations through nepotism.
• Questionable financial interactions with “foreign donors” for unscrupulous investment ventures.
• The delaying tactics pertaining to the office of vice president nomination.
• No mention of term limits for the presidency.
• The habitual non-responsiveness on matters of national priority such as the recent flood disaster across the country.

Here in lies the ingredients of destabilization brothers and sisters not the criticisms made of the Barrow administration and the simple question. Where are they leading us to? 

                                                                                                                                                                 “ONLY SCIENCE CAN LIBERATE AFRICA”             

First, we must challenge and dismiss the myth that science is beyond the grasp of the masses of our people. I am confident that the last 22 years of Jammeh’s tyranny has awaken the sensibilities of our people to question the reasons for our wretch conditions of living and not leave it to blind faith interpretations. Only science can liberate Africa and Gambia in particular from the historic “one step forward, two steps backward” leadership that continue to suffocate every breathing space the masses create to relief ourselves from misery, only to be betrayed by the most unreliable sector of our society, the impotent petit bourgeoisie. We must cultivate a new and reliable leadership for the genuine “new Gambia”.

Our only guarantee to genuine liberation hinges on our unwavering determination for social justice, meaningful peace and a political strategy for economic prosperity. These lofty ideals are best attainable through the application of SCIENCE. The testable explanations of our wretched conditions of living and how to change it for the better as oppose to the backward believe that it was predestined for us to suffer on earth.

It is abundantly clear that the Barrow “tactical coalition” administration is buying time by making empty promises to consolidate their state power while taking us for granted. Yet still the advocates of “give them a chance” refuse to accept the fact that we can’t continue to sit or stand on the tracks waiting for a possible “run-away-train”. Some of us vigorously refuse to be led without a plan or program into uncharted territories.

What happened in the Gambia from 1994 to 2016 will not happen again. We must make demands of the Barrow administration and take them to task as oppose to “give them a chance” without any “accountability, transparency and honesty”. The “give them a chancers” want to hold us hostage in defense of the regime, even in their persistent lackluster performance. 

We have entered the era of revolutionary politics with unwavering determination to entrench the power and will of the people to change our horrible conditions of living. We don’t have another 52 years to waste waiting for another demoralizing and unreliable regime (elite) that produces nothing but imports everything to rescue us. Our future is in our own hands not “donors, aid and partners in development”. 

SOLIDARITY NOT CHARITY IS OUR BATTLE CRY!  ONE GAMBIA! ONE NATION!

The former Secretary to Cabinet Mr. Nuha Touray has said that the former Secretary General, Head of Civil Service and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Mr. Momodou Sabally was sacked by the former president Yahya Jammeh for advising him to not spend millions on ferry slips at the Banjul, Barra and other terminals.

Touray made these revelations at the commission of inquiry set up to look into the financial activities of the former president Yahya Jammeh and his close associates at the Djembe Beach Hotel, Kololi.

Touray said the former Secretary General Sabally advised the former president not to approve the business because he does not trust the transaction.

“He suffered the consequences of losing his job,” former Cabinet Secretary Touray said.

The former Secretary to Cabinet told the commission that the lightest punishment that one could get from the former president was to be sacked, saying other consequences could be grave. He said one could be sent to prisons or possible disappearance. He lamented about the working conditions under the former president.

“The former president exercises power with aggression,” Touray asserted.

He added: “He was mean and a bully.”

Touray said the former president’s executive directives were across the board even mere messengers were dismissed on executive directive.

Commissioner Bai Mass Saine asked why he did not resigned but he said one cannot afford to resign only to lose 25 years of service with all your benefits.

“I can safely say many of the directives were unconstitutional,” he added.

When the Commission Counsel, Amie Bensouda asked the reason he was keeping records of things.

“I knew a day of reckoning will come,” Touray responded.

He added:”I didn’t know it will be so soon.”

Counsel Bensouda took him through various accounts some of which he was a signatory to ranging from the International Gateway, Sand Mining, Tax Recovery and National Development Accounts among others. He was also questioned in respect to withdrawals received by him some of which were substantial amounts. He was asked to explained.

Touray submitted dozens of supporting documents emanating from the Office of the former President, transaction documents and other related documents to the commission as evidence. These documents were admitted and marked as exhibits. He gave detailed explanation of what happened.

He reported that the State owned 3 aircrafts. He said the fleet of cars at the State House were manage by General Saul Badjie and Brigadier General Ansumana Tamba. He said he believed the former president owns Sindola Safari Lodge.

Meanwhile, the session will resume tomorrow, Wednesday, September 13, 2017.

Information reaching this medium has revealed the dismissals of two district chiefs by the Ministry of Lands and Regional Governance in the past two weeks.

The District Chiefs of Kombo South and Kombo East in the persons of Sheriffo Hajai Janneh and Basiru Jarju were reportedly removed from their posts. They were replaced by Lamin Darboe of Gunjur and Bakary Sanyang of Faraba Bantang.

The newly appointed chiefs served their positions before their removal by the former president Yahya Jammeh. Bakary Sanyang of Faraba was removed shortly after the 1994 coup. He has reportedly spent over two decades in exile.

Speaking to the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Lands and Regional Governance, Mr. Buba Sanyang who confirmed the removal of the two chiefs said the decision came shortly before the Muslim Feast of Eidul-Adha locally known as ‘Tobaski’.

When asked about the reason for their removal he said: “It is the prerogative of the Minister to change chiefs when the need arises”.

Sanyang went further to reveal that the intention of the ministry is to seek public opinion on the mode of selection for district chiefs and village heads, this he said will enable them to know whether the people would prefer traditional inheritance or elections.

“That is the best way people can feel connected to their leaders,” he asserted.

When asked about the new demarcated districts without chiefs such as Brikama North, Sanementereng and Old Yundum among others, he said the ministry is aware of the districts without chiefs but they are working on filling them up.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary did not say if the broom would sweep other parts of the country particularly the ones handpicked by the former president.

By Fatou Sowe

The Principal Banking Officer at the Central Bank of The Gambia, Karamo Jawara has reappeared for the third time before the Janneh commission to give evidence on the various accounts opened by the office of the former President.

With regard to the State Aircraft Special Account, Jawara said it was a Euro Account which was opened on July 7, 2011. He said the account was operated and controlled by office of the former President, Yahya Jammeh.

Mr. Jawara further testified that the first transaction was on October 12, 2011, and the last transaction was on December 13, 2011. He added that the request to open the account was sent to the Governor, Central Bank from the Director of Treasury. Jawara informed the commission that the account is not close but not active adding that the signatories to the account were Yahya Jammeh and Mamburay Njie the then Finance Minister.

He disclosed that the funds were from the State Qatar but added that the purpose of the funds was not stated.

According to him the first withdrawal on the account was a cash withdrawal of €500, 000 on November 23, 2011 but they couldn’t trace the transaction documents. The order he said was from the Office of the President.

Mr Jawara also recalled that the second transaction was a cash payment on December 1, 2011 and the amount withdrawn was €503, 190.97. According to him, the transaction took place outside banking hours. He said the bank only has a payment voucher and they have no information on the person to whom the payment was made to.

He added that there was another transaction done outside banking hours and this transaction was a €1,000,000 cash withdrawal which he said they only traced a payment voucher and no other documents on the transaction too.

This prompted the commission counsel Amie Bensouda to ask who the governor of the bank was at the material time of these extraordinary transactions. Jawara responded that Amadou Colley was the governor while Ousainou Corr was the director of finance.

Jawara continued that another €1,000,000 was paid from this account to the Global Trading Group through a bank transfer to a bank in Brussel for the purchase of Boeing 757 and that it was in respect of an invoice from the Global Trading Group to the Office of the President.

Mr Jawara further testified that on December 2, 2011, there was another transaction of €720, 000 paid to the Global Trading Group for the purchase of four coach buses and the invoice for the transaction was sent to the Kanilai Family Farm, adding that another €270,000 was paid to Global Trading Group and the invoices were addressed to the Kanilai Family Farm. The balance left in the said account was €1702.03 he said.

He went on to take the commission through the transactions on the Youth Development Fund’s dollar and dalasi accounts.

Mr Jawara is expected to give evidence on the account of the Office of the First Lady and that of the National Security next week.

By Omar Wally

Senegalese born and one of Africa’s most famous singers Youssou N’Dour, has won the 2017 Japanese Imperial Nobel Prize for Art.

The announcement was made Tuesday, September 11, in New York. The official award ceremony is expected to take place on 18 October 2017 in Tony, Japan.

The prize will be awarded by His Highness Prince Hitachi, the younger brother of the emperor of Japan.

Youssou, 57, a one time politician is seen as an Ambassador for peace and religious tolerance. The awards were created in 1988 in honour of the late Japanese Prince Takamatsu, who served as honorary patron of the private association for 58 years until his death in 1987.

By Omar Wally

The Gambia Democratic Congress leader Mama Kandeh, Monday, September 11, left The Gambia for a start of his European tour.

Kandeh was seen off at the Banjul International Airport, by his party executives and supporters among others.

He is expected to tour Europe for a month and is scheduled to visit Spain, France, Germany, Sweden and others countries to meet Gambians and GDC supporters in the Diaspora.

Samba Baldeh, Gambia Democratic Congress Secretary, in an interview with The Fatu Network, said Kandeh will also meet party militants and sympathizers.

University of Washington (UW) is among the most reputable universities in the world. It is ranked 25^th in the world by Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2018.  It embraces people from all cultures and nationalities.

Professor Jennifer Lenga-Long, Associate Director, Graduate Program in Sustainable International Development, University of Washington School of Law, Dr. Dana Raigrodski Lecturer & Director, General LL.M. Program and Executive Director, Global Affairs, University of Washington School of Law and other staff of the Law School have helped secure funding for a Gambian student who was struggling to finance his University Education.

The said student is Bubacarr Drammeh, a former State Counsel and a graduate of the University of The Gambia. When contacted, he had this to say:

“I thank Allah for the blessing. I am excited and grateful to the entire staff of the Law School. My sincere gratitude to Professor Jennifer Lenga-Long, Dr. Dana Raigrodski, Dr. Melissa Kane, Aaron and Olivia for everything they’ve done for me. Thank you! Having said that, I know my family and entire community are really excited and have a lot of expectations.  I am aware of their expectations. I always tell myself that to whom much is given, much is expected. I solicit your prayers for a successful journey.”

By Fatou Sowe

Ousman Jobarteh the deputy managing director of the Gambia Ports Authority has told the commission of inquiry that an outstanding amount of over D6 Million is due and liable to be paid to the GPA by the Kanilai Family Farms.

He said in March 2009, Kanilai Family Farm had a loaded ship of over ten thousand Metric tons of cement and 50% waiver was accorded by GPA management and the outstanding balance KFF owed to GPA on this consignment is D1,523,589. While the second one was in October 2012 and the outstanding balance is D5,296,454.64.

According to him, waivers were granted to each of these consignments and the stance of the GPA is that KFF should pay these amounts they owed to the Ports.

He said waivers are based on tariffs and is purely a commercial transaction and it’s not within the mandate of the board but in these two transactions it was the Managing Director ML Gibba who used his prerogative.

While continuing his testimony, Jobarteh said the documents of one of the transactions with the Youth Development Enterprise (YDE) couldn’t be traced. However, he added that the only thing he found was minutes of meeting by GPA Board of Directors but promise to furnish the Commission with the documents as soon as they lay their hands on them.

He revealed that he can remember the Gambia Government instituting a legal suit against the Youth Development Enterprise (YDE) and documents were submitted in respect to that suit. He said the late Baba Jobe used to go to the Ports to deal with YDE matters.

According to Mr. Jobarteh, in 2007 they received executive directives from the office of the president for the payments of air tickets for the visiting delegates of Ms. Black Beauty Pageant, USA and the sum of $305, 280 which was signed by Dr. Njogu Bah, the then Secretary General. He added that a sum of $1800 was paid to each of the 162 (one hundred sixty-two) delegates and the amount was paid based on the information they received in a letter and the payment was made through a bank transfer to Inter-world Exchange Corporation.

He said on the January 26, 2011, they received another directive from the office of the president for the extension of a land belonging to GPA to the International Milling Corporation and the land was allocated and physically handed over to the said corporation and they constructed on that land.

Mr. Jobarteh disclosed that the sum of D18, 464,850 was the agreement for the compensation of the land by the said Corporation but they failed to honor the agreement despite writing several letters to the Managing Director, Muhammed Bazi.

When asked why they did not sue the corporation to recover the money, Jobarteh responded that he cannot answer that question.

by Alieu Ceesay

The France-based GloSports Company Sporting Director has told journalists that they do not know the whereabouts of Bombada Striker Mustapha Drammeh who absconded while on trials with French Ligue 1 side Rennes.

Drammeh’s trial with the French Ligue 1 was facilitated by GloSports, an internationally recognized France-based sports company, which made its presence in the country few months ago.

GloSports is a company that engages in marketing of footballers and further help in the promotion and development of football in the countries they are present. It has branches across many countries around the globe.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday evening, Sporting Director Kelefa Sanneh, said, they know nothing about the whereabouts of Mustapha since his unceremonious disappearance.

“We have no idea why he has absconded.”

According to him, the company will continue to operate but will come up with strict measures to avoid the reoccurrence of such.

“One person’s [Drammeh] issue should not affect the rest of the players. We are here to support the country’s football.” Sanneh told reporters that, there was an agreement between GloSports and Drammeh, which was signed and the company will follow the matter to the latter.

The former Secretary to Cabinet, Mr. Nuha Touray has made stunning revelations at the commission of inquiry set up to look into the financial activities of the former President Yahya Jammeh and his close associates at the Djembe Beach Hotel, Kololi.

Touray made synopsis of his employment in the civil service from 1988 where he rose through the ranks to the post of Deputy Permanent Secretary, Permanent Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet until his recent appointment to the ECOWAS Commission Secretariat as Assistant to Edward Singhateh, Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, Nigeria.

“I had a problem with former president when he accused me of destroying a file that could be used against the former petroleum officials,” former Cabinet Secretary Nuha Touray said.

He added: “I was put behind bar.”

Touray told the commission that the charges preferred against him were dropped by the new government.

The former Secretary to Cabinet has served under five Secretary Generals, Dr. Njogu L. Bah, Momodou Sabally, Abdoulie Sallah, Lamin Nyabally, Dr. Kalilu Bayo and Sulayman Samba.

He was asked about the former heads of the Republican National Guard and the State Guards which he said were General Saul Badjie and Brigadier General Ansumana Tamba respectively, saying the functions of Republican National Guards transcends the State Guards.

When asked to revealed the close associates of the former president he declined saying he preferred to provide a list rather than verbal due to the nature of society while the Lead Counsel, Mrs. Amie Bensouda insisted that the close associates of the former president is not a matter of confidentiality.

He was asked to name the civilian associates of the former president. He mentioned the names of Muhammed Bazzi, Nicolae Euzainu, Tony Ghattas, Tibu Camara, former First Lady Zeinab Jammeh’s brother- in-law, Abubacarr  Souma, former First Lady’s brother and businessman Amadou Samba.

Touray explained the business interests of the close associates starting with Muhammed Bazzi, Proprietor of Euro Africa Group.

Nicolae Euzainu he said was a former Gambian Ambassador to Monaco and France, Proprietor of Ocean Bay Hotel among others.

Tony Ghattas, was the Chief Executive Office of APAM.

He said he does not know the business interests of Tibu Camara, former First Lady’s brother in-law.

Mr. Touray handed over the confidential business letter of Muhammed Bazzi from the Office of the former President which was admitted and marked as exhibits.

He mentioned former President Yahya Jammeh’s business interests which includes the Kanilai Family Farm, Kanilai Family Garage, Kanilai Bakery and Green Industries among the few he knew.

When asked about the former president’s assets he mentioned the Dunes Hotel around the Palma Rima Hotel. He reported that the property was purchased from the Gambia National Petroleum Corporation GNPC Account at the Guaranty Trust Bank. He submitted the transaction documents signed by the former president.

The copy of minutes between the former Secretary General Momodou Sabally and former President Yahya Jammeh in respect to the purchase of the said hotel was admitted and marked as exhibits.

Nuha Touray told the commission that the persons responsible of the former president’s assets were within the military circle.

Meanwhile, the former Secretary to Cabinet outlined his responsibilities from taking minutes during cabinet meetings and deputizing for the Secretary General among others. He confirmed being a co signatory to accounts which he said should not be the case.

“I did not have a choice,” he interjected.

Touray went further to mentioned Dr. Kalilu Bayo, former Secretary General who refused to signed a document to become signatory to an account but was forced by the former president to sign.

“Ordinarily, Secretary to the Cabinet should not be a signatory to accounts,” he added.

The minutes of Dr. Kalilu Bayo’s refusal to signed a document to become signatory to account was admitted and marked as exhibit.

He was questioned about the withdrawal of $610,000 US Dollars from the Accounts of the International Gateway authorized by Momodou Sabally and himself.

He explained it was an instruction from the former president to himself and Momodou Sabally. He presented a letter of instruction to the Governor of the Central Bank and a minute from the former Secretary General Sabally to former President Jammeh.

Meanwhile, the documents were admitted and marked as exhibits.

By Alieu Ceesay

Residents in the Greater Banjul Area (GBA) of The Gambia are now experiencing longer periods of electricity blackout and water shortage every day for the past week. This left people complaining about the unbearable condition, which is negatively effecting many businesses and households.

Some areas do not have electricity and water for long hours.

Ebrima Jabbi, a resident of Bundung Borehole complained bitterly about the poor electricity supply. “We want NAWEC to improve the electricity supply because the situation is embarrassing.”

Jarai Jallow, a resident of Tallinding lamented that they do stay long hours without water. “For how long do we have to live under such?”, she queried, while urging the Barrow Government to intervene.

Burama Dibba, a resident of Serrekunda decried the poor situation of power supply and urged NAWEC to rise up and address the issue.

Earlier this year, NAWEC officials said generation capacity was below the demand of the people. They said power generation is a difficult business and needs lot of resources.

The power utility company officials also admitted that the current power situation in the country is bad but they were doing everything possible to make sure they cope with the demand in electricity supply. However, that is yet to be achieved as the situation remains the same.

I write to express great disappointment in the baseless manner EYE Africa tv reported the direct comments of Mariam B Secka , Deputy Party Leader and Deputy Secretary General of the UDP at the recent outreach events with the youths of Banjul.

Mrs Secka’s direct statements where that she was proud to be associated with the coalition government as the principal representative along with Honorable Alagi S. Darboe who signed on behalf of the UDP the agreement stipulating the candidate selection process for the coalition.

That agreement is separate and distinct from the coalition MOU drafting of which was assigned to committees set up by the constituent members of the coalition.

Because by the time the candidate selection process was concluded the election period had started in earnest , the committees never had the chance to complete their task of putting together the MOU for the parties to consider and approve . This is the document to which Mr Ousainou Darboe made reference in an interview with Fatu radio some weeks ago and that remains true to this day. There is no complete and signed coalition MOU document .

Therefore Eyeafrica’s attempt at conflating Mrs Secka’s clear and straightforward statement of what she signed with a separate document that Mr Darboe referenced and subjectively draw their own conclusions violates the ethics of journalism and what they presented as news was erroneous editorializing.

If they assume Mrs Secka in her Banjul statement was referring to a coalition MOU , then it follows logic that they demand to see a copy of the coalition MOU and broadcast it to their viewers.

Additionally if they want to take an editorial position that as a broadcaster they will on their own substitute the Agreement on candidate selection document for the proposed MOU that is still pending , they should also broadcast that to their viewers . But if they wish to report only the facts as they exist, the UDP ‘s position is that there is no coalition MOU that has been signed by the constituent members as of now.

The UDP is committed to the letter and spirit of the candidate selection process agreement it has signed with its partners and is doing its utmost best in serving the Gambian people and pursuing a very ambitious democracy consolidation agenda in collaboration with all the democratic forces in this new Gambia .

Pa Malick Shyngle Nyassi

Head of Media,Publicity & Communication unit.

United Democratic Party (UDP)

By Alieu Ceesay

A close buddy to the former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh is still yet to handover to the new executive of The Gambia Wrestling Association.

The Matarr Jarju-led executive was dissolved by the National Sports Council before a new executive was elected in February to steer the affairs of the traditional sport.

The former executive is supposed to handover to the Serign Modou Faye-led executive today, Sunday, September 10 2017.

According to the current secretary general of GWA, Kawsu Jammeh, the former Secretary General Habibou Nyassi has asked to be excuse until Saturday September 16, 2017 for a handing over.

This, he said, is because the former president Matarr Jarju and former PRO Matarr Saine are out of town.

Matarr Jarju used to run most of Jammeh’s errands during his rule. SG Jammeh said they would honor the request, but warned that action would be taken against them if they fail to handover next Saturday.

When contacted by The Fatu Network, this is what Habibou Nyassi said: “Any inconvenience cause to any wrestling stakeholder is regrettable. But God willing, we will hand over next Saturday. I can’t tell where Matarr Jarju is because he only told me he is out of town.”

by Alieu Ceesay

The remains of the late opposition activist Solo Sandeng is in Dakar for forensic identification, The Fatu Network has learnt.

“His body has been moved from the hospital” a source told this medium. The source added that it is for identification purposes as his case is already in court.

Solo Sandeng’s body was discovered by the Police in March after he died in custody during former President Yahya Jammeh’s rule.

Sandeng led a peaceful opposition march for electoral reforms on April 14, 2016, but died in detention due to torture shortly after his arrest by security agents.

His body was said to be found near the settlement of Tanji, approximately 33Km from the city of Banjul.

The police discovered the burial site based on information gathered from the detained NIA officials, who worked under the then dictator, Yahya Jammeh.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the exhumed December 30 freedom fighters are still at the hospital in Banjul.