Thursday, June 12, 2025
Home Blog Page 643

Angola elects new president after 38 years of dos Santos rule

Fatu Camara
-
0
Angola elects new president after 38 years of dos Santos rule

Angolans vote Wednesday in an election that will see President Jose Eduardo dos Santos quit after nearly four decades in power, but with his hand-picked successor widely expected to take over.

The longtime leader has laid the groundwork for his designated successor in an oil-rich country where poverty, corruption and human rights concerns are unlikely to dissipate anytime soon.

Defense Minister Joao Lourenco is the ruling MPLA party’s candidate to succeed dos Santos, who is expected to remain party leader. Lourenco, whose association with 74-year-old dos Santos dates to the war against Portuguese colonial rule, has pledged to fight graft if elected.

He would likely encounter the entrenched interests of an elite partly dominated by the president’s family, including daughter Isabel dos Santos, who heads the state oil company Sonangol although media reports have indicated that she could vacate the post.

Isabel dos Santos is reputed to be Africa’s richest woman, hailing from a nation with one of the highest poverty rates in the world. Angola endured decades of civil war that ended in 2002, leaving at least half a million people dead, several million displaced from their homes and infrastructure devastated.

Despite evidence of cronyism, the selection of Lourenco as a successor to dos Santos and the avoidance of a “dynastic transition” to one of the president’s children indicates “that internal checks and balances may be stronger than many believed,” said Soren Kirk Jensen, an associate fellow in the African program of Chatham House, a London-based institute.

“As the process unfolds, it is clear that Angola is following the pattern of gradual democratization from other governments in Southern Africa headed by former liberation parties that led the armed struggle for independence from colonial powers,” Jensen wrote in an analysis.

The MPLA, whose Portuguese acronym means Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola, is the election front-runner after winning in 2012 with 72 percent of votes amid allegations of irregularities.

The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) party, a former rebel force that fought the MPLA in the civil war, is the main opposition challenger and won nearly 19 percent in the election five years ago.

Heavily reliant on oil production, Angola has since struggled because of the global fall in commodity prices and the opposition seeks to capitalize on what it says is growing discontent in the southern African nation’s young population.

About 9.3 million Angolans are registered to vote for the 220-member National Assembly, and the winning party will then select the president. Dos Santos, who has received medical treatment in Spain this year, appeared alongside Lourenco at a weekend rally on the outskirts of the Angolan capital of Luanda.

“I come here just to reiterate my personal support to our candidate” said dos Santos, according to the Portuguese news agency Lusa. “I do not doubt that the MPLA will win the elections, and he, our candidate, will be elected the next president of the republic of Angola.”

Lourenco, in turn, praised the president, describing him as “the captain of the team” and saying “he has always been in command.”

Dos Santos, who is praised by some Angolans for his role in ending the civil war, has previously indicated that he was considering retirement and then remained at the country’s helm, though this time it appears certain that he will relinquish the post of president.

The only other African leader who has ruled longer – by about a month – is President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, 75, of Equatorial Guinea. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, 93, has been in power since independence from white minority rule in 1980.

Angolan critics have alleged that the ruling party has unfairly used state machinery ahead of the election, noting that most campaign coverage on radio and television stations has focused on the campaign of the MPLA.

Election observers from other African countries will monitor the vote, but the European Union is only sending a small team instead of a full-fledged observer mission because it says the Angolan government wanted to impose restrictions, including limited access to polling stations around the country.

In a statement, Amnesty International said Angola’s next leader must work to reverse attacks on freedom of expression and other rights. Criticizing the president is considered a crime against state security in Angola, and peaceful protesters, journalists and others have been jailed for long periods or “forcibly disappeared without a trace,” the group said.
-Source : AP

After the mudslides: Sierra Leone’s body collectors

Fatu Camara
-
0
After the mudslides: Sierra Leone’s body collectors

Freetown, Sierra Leone – A group of young men wearing protective suits and face masks pace the riverbanks looking for body parts.

One of them removes his mask and starts to chant, “if you smell something bad then tell us, if you smell something bad then tell us….”

Somebody upstream calls and the team rushes forwards, rolling out a body bag as they do so.

A man is standing on the riverbank pointing to a ball of branches, mud and plastic. He gestures that there is a bad smell.

The body collectors wade through the water and start searching under the rubble. After five minutes one of them pulls out a foot; mangled, white and rotting. They drop it into the body bag.

After weeks of heavy rain, the side of Sugar Loaf Mountain collapsed, crushing the settlement below called Regent.

The mudslide sent a torrent of water, mud and rocks tumbling down the valley and swept away houses in two other communities; Kaningo and Kumayama.

Some of the people living higher up the riverbanks were able to escape their flooded houses by climbing onto their roofs. But those on the lower flats had no chance.

With body parts still strewn around the riverbanks a week after the disaster, there is a high risk of diseases, including cholera and typhoid, spreading.

The Ministry of Health has issued a statement urging the public to “drink only water collected from a safe source” and to “wash all fruits and vegetables well with clean water before eating”. They say that this will help to reduce outbreaks of water borne diseases.

In Regent, volunteer body collector Aruna Momoh says they are still unearthing body parts. “There are still people buried,” he says. “We have managed to get the ones in shallow ground out, but there are more deep down.”

He has been at the site every day since the disaster. “I live nearby and rushed here on the morning of the mudslide. It happened around 5:45am. By the time I reached there were government ambulances and NGOs. Machinery didn’t arrive until Tuesday. By Thursday the place started to stink, the smell of rotting flesh was everywhere,” he says.

Fesellie Marah, a young man from Kumayama, says that ambulances and stretchers didn’t reach his community until Monday afternoon. “All we had were gloves and some lappas [sheets of colourful material]. We were pulling masses of bodies out of the rubble and piling them up in the front room of a broken house,” he says.

“We’d use the lappas to collect body parts – feet, legs, hands … once they were full, we would tie them up and put it in the same room as the bodies. In the afternoon government ambulances and The Red Cross came and collected the corpses.”

He remembers how families were crowding the bodies, crying and screaming. Some were trying to identify their family members, but it was almost impossible because of the condition the bodies were in. Many were crushed, and they were all covered in mud.

Marah says he saw a boy being swept down the river, screaming and holding on to a floating fridge. “We couldn’t reach him, but we were all shouting encouragement, telling him to hold on tight. Further downstream he caught on to a palm tree and managed to climb out. He survived.”
In Kaningo, Mohamed Jalloh and his friends are still working to collect bodies. Jalloh works as a night guard in an NGO’s compound. Since the mudslide, he has been working his regular job at night and collecting bodies by day.

“Since Monday I have hardly slept,” he says. “Each day I finish work at 6:30am and come here by 7. Then I sleep for just two hours in the late afternoon. I have so much sympathy for my brothers and sisters who were killed. I want to help reduce the health risk by collecting all the body parts. If we sit down and do nothing, then more people will die from diseases.”

Although Jalloh and his colleagues have worked hard to try and collect all the corpses from the wreckage, there are still decaying body parts strewn around, one week on.

Further down the river, a group of boys is watching a dog eat something beside a pile of muddy branches and plastic. A sharp, sickly smell hangs in the air. The dog is chewing on a piece of human flesh.

“There are bodies under there,” says one of the boys, pointing to the rubble. “But we can’t get to them, the dogs went in and started pulling out bits of bodies.”

An old man arrives, groans in disgust and throws a stone towards the dog. It runs away, dropping the muddy flesh on the ground.

60 Arrested And Charged With Obstruction Of Traffic

Fatu Camara
-
0
60 Arrested And Charged With Obstruction Of Traffic

 

It has been reported that sixty people were arrested by the police force in an alleged sit-down strike by drivers against the fare reduction of commercial vehicles by the government.

The Police Spokesperson has confirmed that  out of the sixty alleged drivers arrested, 13 of them are juveniles and as such they have been handed over to the juvenile ward to handle their issues.

“Sixty people were arrested. Some of them are juveniles who are handed to the juvenile ward. The remaining 47 are charged with obstruction of traffic and conducting themselves violently,” ASP Foday Conta said.

He added: “They did not go to work and wouldn’t allow others to work.”

ASP Conta said the arrests were made at different locations from Tippa Garage, Tabokoto and other places.

The Police Spokesperson added that sit down strikes are allowed under the law but this one was wrongfully carried out.

ASP Conta further talked about the consultative meeting between the drivers and the ministry of transport during which they agreed on reducing transport fares.

“President Jammeh Was A Very Powerful Man” Momodou Sabally

Fatu Camara
-
0
“President Jammeh Was A Very Powerful Man” Momodou Sabally

 

The former Secretary General, Head of Civil Service and Minister for Presidential Affairs, Mr. Momodou Sabally has said that the Gambia’s former President Yahya Jammeh was a very powerful man.

Momodou Sabally made these revelations to the commission of inquiry set up by the new government to look into the financial activities of the former president and his close associates at the Djembe Beach Hotel, Kololi.

“President Jammeh was a very powerful man. I could not ask him why the accounts were opened,” former Secretary General Momodou Sabally said.

He added: “The accounts opened were direct instructions from the president.”

Sabally after swearing on the Qur’an, confirmed his own signatures on the different accounts that were opened out of the consolidated government account ranging from the Tax Recovery Accounts to the Mining Accounts among others.

“All of us were not comfortable with the accounts opened out of the consolidated government account,” he asserted.

The former Secretary General who called himself the ‘Gambia’s Pen’ told the commission that he served the office of the Secretary General from the period 2013 to 2014. He said he was the Accounting Officer of the Office of the President. He disclosed that the nature of his job was very complicated.

“I have to be careful with some of the directives,” he said.

Sabally agreed that the said accounts in question were irregular, saying they came as directives from the former president who issued directives.

He added:”Many of the directives were verbal.”

Sabally was then released but told to reappear on Thursday.

The next witness was the Secretary to Cabinet, Ms. Isatou Auber. She told the commission that she was Permanent Secretary at the Office of the President before her dismissal in 2016. She was reappointed by the new government as Secretary to the Cabinet in 2017.

Ms. Auber was questioned about her role as permanent secretary at the office of the president under the former government. She said she does not have any specific terms of reference.

She confirmed her signatures on the Carnegie Mineral Mining Account, Heavy Sand Mining Account and Tax Recovery Account as well.

“The former president decides who should be signatories to the account,” Isatou Auber said.

She was ordered to reappeared on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Abdoulie Sallah also appeared before the commission. He confirmed his signatures on some of the accounts. He was ordered to reappeared on Tuesday.

African Union satisfied with Angola elections preparations

Fatu Camara
-
0
African Union satisfied with Angola elections preparations

The African Union observer mission in Angola has expressed satisfaction with the preparations towards Wednesday’s elections in the oil-rich southern African country.

The 40-member observer mission led by former Cape Verdean Prime Minister José Maria das Neves said the process is going smoothly and there is significant participation by all stakeholders, the Angolan news agency reported.

José Maria das Neves said after a meeting with the head of the National Electoral Commission, André da Silva Neto on Tuesday, that they are evaluating other areas of the process including freedom of movement of political parties.

The mission was deployed last week and are expected to provide accurate and impartial reporting or assessment of the quality of the August 23 general elections.

Angolans will go to the polls on Wednesday and 9.3 million people are expected to come out and vote.

Six parties are vying to take over the seat of outgoing President Eduardo dos Santos. The political parties include the ruling MPLA led by Joao Lourenco, main opposition UNITA led by Isaias Samakuva, FNLA, PRS, APN and the coalition CASA-CE party.

HELLO MR PRESIDENT…Your Cabinet Is Incomplete

Fatu Camara
-
0
HELLO MR PRESIDENT…Your Cabinet Is Incomplete

 

Amidst the Katzenjammer about whether or not you will resign after the three year transitional period of your government or that you will serve the full five year constitutional term, the issue of the Vice Presidency seems to have been conveniently forgotten.

Mr President, the appointment of a vice president is not a non issue. It is of utmost importance considering the role of the vice president. If something were to happen to you [which no one is praying for, but a possibility of life], the vice president should take over as stipulated in our constitution.

After the vice president, our constitution says that the Speaker of the National Assembly takes over. But the vice president has many other responsibilities in our governance system. It is the vice president that represents the president at the National Assembly, it is the vice president that presides over meetings if the president is not there and so on and so forth.

The raging debate on whether you will stay for three or five years has brought the issue of the vice president to the forefront once again. It was understood that it was the constitutional provision of upperage limit for president and vice president that was barring you from appointing someone, and your being a democrat, you did not want to violate the constitution.

Now though, that provision has been changed, thus, you can – should – appoint a vice president soonest.

As at now, Mr President, your Cabinet is incomplete. This is worrying considering that yours is only a transitional government.

Complete your Cabinet Mr President.

Have a Good Day Mr President. …

Tha Scribbler Bah

A Concerned Citizen

Trump : “We are not nation building again. We are killing terrorists”

Fatu Camara
-
0
Trump : “We are not nation building again. We are killing terrorists”


US President Donald Trump said the United States must continue fighting in Afghanistan to avoid the “predictable and unacceptable” results of a rapid withdrawal from the country where the US has been at war for 16 years.

In a prime-time address to the nation on Monday evening – his first as commander-in-chief, Trump said his “original instinct was to pull out”, alluding to his long-expressed view before becoming president that Afghanistan was an unsolvable quagmire requiring US withdrawal.

But since taking office, Trump said, he had determined that withdrawing could create a vacuum that groups such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) could “instantly fill”.
“I concluded that the security threats we face in Afghanistan and the broader region are immense,” Trump said.

Trump warned that the approach would now be more pragmatic than idealistic. Security assistance to Afghanistan was “not a blank cheque” he said, warning he would not send the military to “construct democracies in faraway lands or create democracies in our own image”.

“We are not nation building again. We are killing terrorists,” he said.
Though his speech was billed as an announcement of his updated Afghanistan policy, Trump offered few specific details.

He did not provide a number of additional troops that would be sent to the war, though US officials said ahead of the speech they expect him to go along with a Pentagon recommendation for nearly 4,000 new troops.

“We will not talk about numbers of troops or our plans for further military activities,” Trump said. “Conditions on the ground, not arbitrary timetables, will guide our strategy from now on.”
Al Jazeera’s Patty Culhane, reporting from Washington, DC, said it was unusual that Trump did not disclose the number of extra troops.

“There are going to be questions and calls from members of congress and members of the public to say, ‘the American public has a right to know just how many are fighting in their name and how much it’s going to cost’,” she said.

There are roughly 8,400 American forces in Afghanistan. At its peak, the US had roughly 100,000 forces there, under the Obama administration in 2010-2011.

Trump said the American people were “weary of war without victory”.

“I share the America people’s frustration,” Trump said at the Army’s Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River from the White House.

Still, he insisted that “in the end, we will win”.
Tougher approach to Pakistan

Trump also laid out a tougher approach to US policy towards Pakistan which he accused of giving “safe haven to agents of chaos, violence and terror”.

“We can no longer be silent about Pakistan’s safe havens for terrorist organisations,” Trump said, outlining strategy in South Asia.

“Pakistan has much to gain from partnering with our effort in Afghanistan. It has much to lose by continuing to harbour criminals and terrorists.”
Trump suggested that military and other aid to Washington’s nuclear-armed ally is at stake.

“We have been paying Pakistan billions and billions of dollars at the same time they are housing the very terrorists that we are fighting,” he said. “That will have to change and that will change immediately.”

Trump said the US wanted India to help more with Afghanistan, especially in the areas of economic assistance and development.

Open to Taliban deal

Trump also left the door open to an eventual political deal with the Taliban in his address.

“Someday, after an effective military effort, perhaps it will be possible to have a political settlement that includes elements of the Taliban in Afghanistan,” he said.
“But nobody knows if or when that will ever happen,” he added, before vowing that “America will continue its support for the Afghan government and military as they confront the Taliban in the field”.

It was for the people of Afghanistan “to take ownership of their future,” the president said.

“We are a partner and a friend but we will not dictate to the Afghan people how to live or how to govern their own complex society. We are not nation building again. We are killing terrorists.”

Al Jazeera’s Jennifer Glasse, reporting from Kabul, said that Trump’s message focused on military support.

“I think the real question here for Afghans is going to be: ‘Is this really a new strategy, or more of the same?'” she said.

As the Taliban has ramped up attacks in recent months, Afghans would have been seeking seeking specific details, Glasse said, but they were missing.

“For the United States it may look like a new strategy. Whether its going to look like that to the Afghans is the real question,” said Glasse.

155 People Suspected Of Burglary And Related Crimes Arrested, 69 Deported

Fatu Camara
-
0
155 People Suspected Of Burglary And Related Crimes Arrested, 69 Deported

 

Information reaching this medium has revealed that 155 people were arrested by the joint security task force last Friday night in Banjul.

According to the Police Spokesperson, ASP Foday Conta, 155 people were arrested and 69 of them were handed over to the Immigration Officials while the rest are under the police custody to appear before the courts for criminal charges.

“The police have embarked on a joint security task force operations upon receiving complaints of burglary, house breaking and pickpocketing in Banjul,” ASP Foday Conta said.

He added: “Some of the arrestees were fraudsters that hypnotized people to rob them.”

The Police Spokesperson said many of the people arrested came from the Senegalese region of Nyamanarr. He said they were reportedly going round the market pickpocketing, engaging in burglary and other related crimes. He added that some of them do not have valid documents to stay in the country.

“A total of 155 were arrested. They will be arraigned before the courts tomorrow, Tuesday, August 22 to face charges,” he asserted.

The Spokesperson of the Gambia Immigration Department, Assistant Superintendent Mamanding S. Dibba has also confirmed that a total of 69 people were handed over to them by the joint security task force. He said 57 of them are Senegalese nationals who are minors. He added that they were deported to Senegal on Sunday.

When asked whether the Senegalese High Commission were contacted before deporting their nationals, he answered in the negative saying there were lapses in their coordination.

Assistant Superintendent Dibba further disclosed that the remaining 11 arrestees are Gambian nationals from Kabada area while the other arrestee is a Guinean national.

“They were arrested on Friday night during the joint security task force operations in Banjul. They were found in the streets at night sleeping in undesirable places and old houses without parental care,” Assistant Superintendent Dibba disclosed.

Dibba said he can only speak about the 69 people handed over to them but not the rest as they are with the police.

Marocco : A girl violated sexually in a bus

Fatu Camara
-
0
Marocco : A girl violated sexually in a bus

A video of a young girl being violently sexually harassed by a group of teenagers in a bus has been massively shared on social media Sunday night. While the footage sparked the indignation of many internet users, some had no qualms justifying the attack and blaming the victim.

In the video, the young girl’s helpless cries pierce through the cruel laughter of her assailants. Desperately trying to free herself from the merciless grasps of her attackers, the girl is pulled left and right, her shirt and pants pushed down to denude her flesh.

Like a wolf pack, her attackers tore into her body under the penetrating gaze of a phone camera carried by one of the monsters, making sure to document their heinous crime.
The girl screams again and again, desperate for a helping hand, but only finding the vicious ones that brutally violate her body. Her aggressors, groping her chest, try to push a rag in her mouth to silence her cries.

By the end of the video, a man is heard telling the teenagers to “get away from her,” without appearing in the video or trying to physically intervene to stop the aggression.

Throughout the whole ordeal, the bus continues to roll, the driver impassive to what’s happening behind his seat.

The footage quickly went viral on social networks since yesterday, but Morocco World News could not independently date the incident. The exact circumstances of the shooting are not known, nor the context of the crime. According to social media users contacted by local media, the crime scene happened in a M’dina Bus in the city of Casablanca.

Few details are available to authenticate the facts, the identity of the attackers, that of the victim, presented on certain social media posts as having an intellectual disability, or that of the person holding the camera.

Social media users are nonetheless outraged, using the word “rape” to describe the incident rather than simply talk about sexual assault.
Alerted by numerous messages, the association ‘Touche pas à mon enfant’ posted screenshots of the alleged attackers, and asked the internet users to share the post to facilitate their identification and “put an end once and for all to this ignominy.”

For Fouzia Assouli, head of the Moroccan Federation of the Democratic League of Women’s Rights, the incident gives a naked representation of the state of our society, our security and education systems, and women’s safety in public spaces. She told Morocco World News that :“this is unbelievable! It looks like we’re living in the jungle now, because this is not sexual harassment, this is gang rape in a public space in front of everyone!”


Outraged, Assouli asks “what does it mean to have a State exactly? Isn’t the government supposed to assure the security of its citizens?! What does it mean to have people witnessing such a crime without moving a finger?”

At loss of the words, the activist would simply repeat over and over again, that “this is chaos, this is total chaos!”

When it comes to the legal context, Assouli believes that “laws against violence done to women have been dragged by the Moroccan legislation for years!” For the activist, “the fact that government have postponed the approval of the 103.13 bill enacted in this regard, sends a very clear political message: The State regard the issue as of no importance, in fact, it doesn’t even consider it as its problem to deal with!”

“This is the message that the State is sending to its youth. This indifference only further more entice this sort of behavior. The State, government and parliament are directly responsible of what is happening today, they are encouraging this, they are responsible!” accuse Assouli.

Unable to hide her concern for the future of Moroccan women, Assouli wonders if “we’re supposed to leave Morocco to be able to safely live now?”

The activist believes that there is only one measure to take in face of this scourge: “We have to take this to the streets! I am fed up with this! Women need to move, they need to get out! Most believe that this does not concern them, that rape is something that happens to other people. But believe me, it will happened to you as well, sooner or later, it will if we don’t take action.”

Ferry Frustration High As New Ferry Slows Down Operations

Fatu Camara
-
0
Ferry Frustration High As New Ferry Slows Down Operations

Salaam sister Fatou, I have a very important concern about the the Gambia ferry services. We vote NOT ONLY for government changes BUT for System and Services changes across all the departments and institutions . People crossing and drivers suffers a lot at the Banjul – Barra ferry crossing , a person with a vehicle spending days at these 2 terminals without access to cross with your vehicle because of nepotism, because of corruption, because of bribery, because of favourism, because of, because of…. by the workers at the said terminals. Government should react quickly and put an immediate stop to these evil actions and unacceptable service deliveries. We’re all equal to the abiding to the dictates of the law therefore all should follow the rules and regulations.

As I’m writing you this, am here at Barra since 3pm till now 22pm I couldn’t cross with my car.

Also people want to know why the new ferry sometimes stop operating at 3pm till the following morning?

These are really a very big concern to the general public. Please help us to share this to the public.

May Allah bless and protect you for your endless effort for the Gambia. We love you….

Youth led organization meets President Barrow

Fatu Camara
-
0
Youth led organization meets President Barrow

 

21 August 2017, Fajara –

Pro – Gambia is a newly established youth led association committed to end all forms of violence in The Gambia.

Speaking to journalists after meeting President Barrow on Friday, the leader of the group, Momodou Bah said the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the President on his victory, introduced the group, as well as appeal for support. He revealed that the objectives of the group were to take part in socio-economic development and promote peace and stability through youth sensitization. Mr Bah said the youth could be empowered by providing for their needs and he appealed for scholarship to further their education. He said President Barrow promised to work with the group to make it a success.

The Public Relation Officer, Abdoulie Dampha told journalists that most of the returnees from the
backway journey to Europe were school dropouts or youths without skills. Pro-Gambia would
accommodate and train them to improve their livelihood.

The First Lady Bah-Barrow visits women entrepreneurs

Fatu Camara
-
0
The First Lady Bah-Barrow visits women entrepreneurs

 

Fajara, 21 August 2017

The First Lady, Madam Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow expressed interest to support and interact with Gambian women in their pursuit to enhance their livelihood. In pursuit of her passion for women empowerment, Madam Bah-Barrow visited several women’s initiatives in Banjulnding, Brikama and Sinchu Alagie on Friday. She also witnessed the beginning of the operations of 10 children at the Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul, today.

At Banjulunding Madam Bah- Barrow witnessed the display of a variety of processed and packaged
local products made by women in the locality. Speaking at the occasion veteran politician and entrepreneur Yamundow Gaye-Yarbo emphasised the vital role women play in socio-economic development and poverty eradication. She commended the women for adding value to products from honey into cosmetics and healthy food products. The Banjulunding women also processed and packaged local fruits from Moringa, ginger, wonjo and mangoes. Neem leaves were also processed into medicated soap and cosmetic products.

Kairaba Fatty the chairman of the group and Mam Sillah, the production manager both informed the First Lady and delegation the skills training provided to women.

At Brikama, Director of Women Initiative The Gambia (WIG), a women organization, Isatou Ceesay said they worked with women from 10 villages to recycle, and manage local waste. Women from the different villages were trained to transform waste into useful products such as briquettes as
alternative to charcoal from trees, organic fertilizer and other products.

Mrs Ceesay said the recycling of waste was to contribute to the management of climate change,
create source of income for the women and promote a healthy environment. She show-cased samples of recycled materials into plastic bag bricks, cooking stoves from trashed metals and several other products recycled from old tyres.

The women shared constraints hindering the expansion of their businesses including lack of markets, equipments and funding support.

President Barrow launches the National Security Council

Fatu Camara
-
0
President Barrow launches the National Security Council

 

Fajara, 21 August 2017

President Adama Barrow today launched a 7 member National Security Council (NSC) at a ceremony held at his office.

President Barrow urged the Council members to work together and complement their efforts. He
emphasized the unity of purposed amongst the members in serving one government for a strong, safe and secure nation. The Gambian leader said with coordination and corporation, the different units of the armed and security forces could overcome potential from being real threats, nationally and globally to guarantee the security of all Gambians. President Barrow urged the various security units to take up their responsibilities to protect the country. “Let us through our Gambia Police Force and related services enforce our laws and deter the criminals. Let us through our State Intelligence Service based on informed analysis, provide advice to policy makers to enable them make informed policy options, take decisions and enhance strategic interventions.”

President Barrow underscored the importance of having structures in place and said he had confidence in the team to provide him with proper advise to make informed decisions on security matters. He further linked the importance of peace and security to socio-economic development.

CDS in his remarks thanked President Barrow for the confidence bestowed on them and congratulated his colleagues. He said the National Security Council would provide oversight advise and guide the President to execute their functions at a time when faced with security challenges. He said the council would fill the vacuum in the 3 levels of the security structure in maintaining peace and security and lay the foundation for Socio-economic development. He pledged that they would provide candid security advise and analysis. He enjoined his colleagues to work as a team to promote peace and development.

The members of the NSC are minister of Interior, Mai Ahmed Fatty, Inspector General of Police, Landing Kinteh, Chief of Defense Staff, Lieutenant General Masaneh Kinteh, Director of State Intelligent Service, Ousman Sowe Navy Commander, Momodou Madani Senghore Brigadier General, Mamat Cham and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defense, Assan Tangara.

The ceremony was witnessed by the Speaker of the National Assemblly, Honorable Maraim Jack – Denton, Secretary General Dawda Fadera, Foreign Affairs Minister, Honourable Ousainou Darbo and other senior officials.

“We Have No National Transport Union”-Pa Modou Njie

Fatu Camara
-
0
“We Have No National Transport Union”-Pa Modou Njie

 

The Assistant Secretary General of West Coast Transport Association, Pa Modou Njie has said today’s strike against fare reduction was fueled by lack of national transport union in the country.

“We do not have a transport union in the Gambia,” Assistant Secretary General Pa Modou Njie said.

Pa Modou Njie said there is no national Transport Union after it was banned by the former government of Yahya Jammeh. He explained that the ban has caused fractions among members resulting to small groups without any umbrella body. He argued that none of these groups represent the general welfare of the drivers.

Assistant Secretary General Njie complained about the alleged meeting with the Minister of Transport to reduce the fares as they were not consulted but it was only a fraction that attended the said meeting. He said some people have taken advantage of the liberal market policy to register themselves in the name of unions but do not represent the general welfare of drivers. He added that they are not in contact with all the drivers in the country.

“No one tells the drivers to strike against the fare reduction. They are acting on their own,” he asserted.

Njie has confirmed the reductions on the fuel prices under the new government which he agreed should reflect on the fares.

The Ministry of Transport after consultation with transport guys came up with tariffs to reduce transport fares in the country which has created disturbances among the commercial drivers in the Greater Banjul, Kombo and provincial areas. Some young drivers and apprentices went to the extent of trying to stop commercial transports out of traffic. There were concerns raised by the general public about the behaviours of the drivers.

Meanwhile, the police have reportedly arrested some of the people creating disturbances on the road as traffic starts to move as usual.

Gambia, Senegal sign communiqué on security cooperation

Fatu Camara
-
0
Gambia, Senegal sign communiqué on security cooperation

 

The Interior Ministries of The Gambia and Senegal have agreed to widen security ties, as they signed a joint communiqué that capped a three-day security cooperation summit of the two ministries.

Interior Minister Mai Ahmad Fatty last week led a high ranking delegation of law enforcement leaders to the Dakar summit – at the comradeship of his Senegal counterpart Abdoulaye Daouda Diallo.

Minister Fatty said: “When it comes to security, we must continue to work very closely together. It is important for our countries to improve security co-operation and exchange of information, as we have to deal with the existing security challenges.

Relations between The Gambia and Senegal are expanding and I know the two presidents; President Adama Barrow and President Macky Sall are in close touch as we seek to considerate a relationship that is showing enormous promise.”

Minister Daouda Diallo said: “We have a long and deep relationship and our two countries have to
nurture this relationship. And we want the security agencies in our two countries to work closely
together as we seek to keep our countries safe.”

Meanwhile, the joint communiqué underlined the importance of the meeting as it was an opportunity to consolidate and strengthen “the new dynamic cooperation between The Gambia and Senegal, consistent with the political will of the two heads of state.”

The communiqué read in part: “They agreed to reinforce security cooperation between the two
countries mainly in the area of exchange of information and intelligence, exercise of cross border
prosecution, sharing of experiences and good practices, investigations and joint operations and
training. The two minister condemned terrorism in all its aspects and expressed their solidarity towards the victims of the recent attacks that took place in Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria. They underlined their quality of cooperation between Senegal and The Gambia in the fight against this scourge and reiterated their resolve to work together to strengthen this cooperation in the mutual interest of the two countries.

Concerning the issue of border management, they underscored the necessity to as soon as possible
create the joint border control posts. They also agreed to implement a strategy to fight any form of
trafficking, namely humans, drugs and goods.”

HELLO MR PRESIDENT…We Are All Ears

Fatu Camara
-
0
HELLO MR PRESIDENT…We Are All Ears

 

With the raging debate on social media about the three year transitional period stipulated by the Coalition 2016 Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] versus the five year term stipulated by the constitution of the country, all roads now lead to Statehouse and all ears are tuned to you. We are all ears!

The country is now divided into two camps. One camp believes that you should honour the Memorandum of Understanding which says that your transitional government should last for three years after which you are to resign and fresh elections held. This camp bases its argument on the fact that Gambians voted for you and the Coalition based on this MoU thus you should honour it.

The second camp base their argument on the fact that the Constitution of the country stipulates that an elected president shall serve for a term of five years. Thus, the Constitution being the overriding law book in the country cannot – and should – be abrogated for an MoU signed [or not signed, according to some] by a few Gambians.

The truth is that, the arguments of both camps have some merit in them and, following either of these two cannot be faulted by anyone. If you choose to resign after three years, it will be acceptable. If you choose to complete the five year term as stipulated by the Constitution, again it is acceptable.

However, Mr President, the truth remains that it was the the extraordinary nature of the December 2016 elections that gave birth to this confusion. We had reached a stage whereat all Gambians had one aim – this was unanimous – and that was to oust Yahya Jammeh and do away with dictatorship forever. Due to this, opposition parties came together and formulated this MoU and agreed that one candidate should lead and if and when, we succeed, such a candidate should serve for a period of three years. His job, according to the agreement, would be to reform our laws in toto and level the playing field in readiness for the next presidential elections.

With this agenda, you campaigned and Gambians voted for you with that understanding. Thus, not resigning after three years would be betraying a moral obligation, – if not a legal obligation. We expect therefore that you will honour the agreement. If you do, you will be honoured forever in this country, and indeed the whole world. If on the other hand you complete the five years, no one can hold that against you.

The bottom line is: the ball is in your court. So, we are all ears!

Have a Good Day Mr President. …

Tha Scribbler Bah

A Concerned Citizen

A Petition to Parliament – Dedicate the Electoral Reform Clause “The Sandeng-Amendment-Act” 

Fatu Camara
-
0
A Petition to Parliament – Dedicate the Electoral Reform Clause “The Sandeng-Amendment-Act” 

Distinction: As for the case of the hottest pepper tree, his mantle came to grip public imagination meeting a tragic death at the hands of trigger-happy APRC bandits disguised in uniform. On that fateful night, he became The Gambia’s ‘Ken Saro-Wiwa’ magnified to be the reference figure bridging consensus for an oppressed people. 

A dedicated family man, Solo Sandeng was a shining star and an icon against injustice. He embodies selfless act by sending a clear message to a criminal president dividing a nation on frivolous lines. On that very day, Sandeng and his group exhibit distinguish bravery marching against a paranoid dictator all alone in the dark contours of Jammeh’s killing generals. In his life and death, he carries with him a legacy eked in history, and a lesson to people everywhere.

And as we reflect on that troubled past with the future in mind, suddenly it occurred to me that there shall be no justice in the Gambia until and unless parliament demarcate a Presidential term limit, unchangeable, thus sacrosanct. In my opinion, anything less shall be a travesty and an insult to the memory of all those who sacrificed for a cause, a noble cause indeed, seeing to it that The Gambia is wrestled away from the clutches of tyranny.

A special thought cordially reserved for the memory of every Gambian who sacrificed themselves for us to enjoy the kind of freedoms taken for granted today. In moments of quiet contemplation, we extend profound gratitude and appreciations to the families of fallen comrades left behind. We should cherish their memories, and learn to rebuild our own gallant heroes too. In so doing, we will stamp a deserved legacy on true patriots, who, out of empathy and love-for-country embarked on correcting a major injustice.

Honourable Members of Parliament – It is against the backdrop of that tragedy & the events leading to our new-found freedoms that I ask you to consider the above motion:

In todays’ world, global citizens continue to deliberate over the true meaning of life and if wealth equates to happiness. We should remember that – Money and riches come and go, that freedom is priceless. After the Korean War of 1950’s, the ‘South’ suddenly rose from the ashes of that conflict to a highly developed country. Singapore with no natural resources defied the odds fast transformed to the very top as an economic miracle. So what is the excuse for Gambia’s new leaders? After 22 years of failures, the country is on a sound footing deeply secured in National Security terms.

Although patience is required, together, we will rebuild our country brick-by-brick from the bottom-up. I write grateful for the multilateral partnerships and arrangements with ECOWAS, AU, UN, EU, and the ICC, growing stronger by the day. A Foreign Ministry official told me the level of good-will from countries around the world looking to engage Gambia is humbling, not surprised, I said, going on to discuss contributions the diaspora is making in communities around the world.

All across Africa the era of coup d’etat is over, out of style consigned to the past. The digital age has taken over in an era of smartphones, social media & worldwide interconnections in a battle of ideas, prosperous livelihoods, infrastructural development and accountable leadership. In his inaugural address to Parliament, President Barrow reminded in strict terms that the days when the military represent the face of government is over. That is significant as the case in Senegal, Ghana or the United Kingdom.

The Gambia shall always be a police state with regards to internal security with the cops running the show. We, the public, task the Gambia Police Force to rise up to those challenges seeing to it that the rule of law prevails & normalised in new-Gambia.

If I had a say in, the institution of the army, and old-NIA will be disbanded – to start a recruitment drive afresh based on citizenship, loyalty to state, and ability. But since the status quo remains on recommendations of ECOMIG and army HQ, internal reform & restructure won the day. But I will say this – please arrest and weed out every single ‘Cassamance’ rebel fused into various layers of the security apparatus. And drop the fake-Generals, Majors and untrained-Colonels stamped-upon APRC loyalty badges.

Be warned, promotions in the Army and Police and every other public institution shall be exposed to public scrutiny and measurement in terms of merit, qualification, and all that. After decades of abysmal failures, the army has got to downsize to a smaller but effective well-trained force in logistics, engineers, doctors, architects and such modern military ways. After years of service, this allows for former service personnel to have ready-made careers in civilian employment. The emerging Armed-Forces need to recognise these trends and to be academically tailored in strategic and such affairs. In a collective regional accord for the maintenance of state sovereignty, let it be known a combination of ECOWAS and AU brutal force will defeat any group of soldiers ever attempt a coup & restore popular rule.

With the coalition-government going about plans drawing up a new constitution, the power of parliament has to be adequately reflected making sure appointments to key government posts and major executive decisions are subject to parliamentary scrutiny and approval. In true democratic fashion, the three arms of government must stand strong & independent of each other with clearly defined powers; and as institutions of oversight in a separation-of-powers and check-and-balances arrangement.

To his Family – The public have recognised the sacrifice and bravery Solo Sandeng took on that defining day. For, the gruesome crimes and depravity committed by the former regime remains fresh in our memory. No matter how long it takes, be rest assured Yahya Jammeh and his henchmen will face the long arm of the law, and to be hit with punitive strikes for every drop of blood. In his final interview, Mr Sandeng prophesized these words ‘’if by sacrificing myself the Gambia will be free, I will sacrifice.’’ A profound statement indeed, sending a declaration – NEVER AGAIN are we to allow any soldier, or government to trample or abuse constitutional rights because #GambiaHasDecided. As the country come to grips with its past in truth and reconciliation, we gather strength from the fountain of faith in that unique way of life #OneGambia #OnePeople, whilst singing tyranny against one, is an injustice against all of us.

Support #SoloSandengFoundation:  Give-Peace-a-Chance

By Gibril Saine

Twitter: @gibbysaine 

‘I Have Not Committed Any Crime’ Former Chief Of Kombo Central

Fatu Camara
-
0
‘I Have Not Committed Any Crime’ Former Chief Of Kombo Central

 

The former Chief of Kombo Central, Alhagie Dembo Santang Bojang has said in his own words that he ‘saved’ the Gambia from civil war by telling the former chairman of the military junta, Colonel Yahya Jammeh to contest in his first presidential elections in 1996.

“I have played a huge role in Yahya Jammeh’s government and I have never committed any crime,” former Chief Dembo Santang Bojang said.

The retired police commissioner and former chief of Kombo central has made these revelations during the TRRC nationwide consultative tour at Brikama.

Bojang said he was the chairman of the selected committee that encouraged the former military leader to contest his first election.

“I did exactly what Landing Barabali Bojang and Sanjally Bojang did for Kairaba Jawara,” Dembo Santang Bojang interjected.

He added: “I have not done anything wrong.”

The former Chief of Kombo Central raised his voice with emotions saying it was only after their visit to the State House that they realized that the former military leader has a strong desire for power as he started enjoying authority towards the end of his military regime.

“We felt it prudent at that time to ask him to contest otherwise there could be a civil war in the country because he has soldiers with guns behind him,” he asserted.

The retired police chief further explained the role he played in the former government ranging from police, constitutional review committee and the judicial service commission among others. He advised the setting of TRRC commission to establish the truth without fear or favor, affection or ill-will. He said only the truth will restore peace in the country.

Meanwhile, the Councillor of Nyambai, Pa Manneh raised concerns about the establishment of the TRRC whether it is necessary saying there are institutions like the police and justice department that can handle issues.

Manneh warned against over ambitiousness that could backfire, saying so many of the perpetrators were from the same homes who share family ties with us.

The Nyambai Ward Councillor argued that the magnitude of crimes committed in places like Sierraleone, Burundi and South Africa were not the same as in the Gambia.

Mr. Lamin Darboe, a VDC Chairperson also recommended the establishment of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission TRRC. He said all the administrative regions of the country should be represented in the commission. He condemned the former government’s human rights abuses.

Imam Lamin Kinteh of Brikama Car park called on all to forgive and forged ahead as the religion of Islam preached forgiveness. He mentioned the persecution treated on the prophet. He forgive when he gained power against the disbelievers of Mecca.

Imam Baba Ceesay of Farato complained about the Casamance rebels having machines and vehicles doing business for them in the country. He call on the government to investigate. He said some of the rebels are having compounds here.

The Paramount Chief, Lady Councillors and youth leaders all spoke about the setting of transparent, credible and reliable commission.

More Revelations At The Commission Of Inquiry

Fatu Camara
-
0
More Revelations At The Commission Of Inquiry

 

A Mineral Mining Company allegedly owned by the former President was Thursday, August 17, revealed 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.

The Assistant Director of Geological Department, Mr. Alieu Jawo said Kanilai Group International KGI was the parent body of the Alhamdulillah Petroleum Mining Company.

Alieu Jawo after swearing on the Quran, said his department acted on the directives of the then Minister of Minerals (Former President Jammeh) to issue Mining License to the Alhamdulillah Petroleum APAM that was part of the Kanilai Group International (KGI) allegedly owned by the former President.

Jawo said the company was issued with a prospective license as it failed to specify the type of mineral it was going to mine, saying the license was for mining operations in the Upper River Region URR.

“They did not provide that information to the department,” Assistant Director Alieu Jawo said.

“We were only told KGI was the parent body of Alhamdulillah Petroleum APAM,” he asserted.

The Geology Assistant Director said his department was providing technical jobs and making recommendations to the Minister of Minerals who was the former President Yahya Jammeh. He spoke about a letter from office of the Office of President through Secretary General, Head of Civil Servants and Minister of Presidential Affairs to issue license to APAM in 2012. The said license was for the exploration of oil, mineral mining and quarry as well.

The documents for exclusive mining and mineral license for the Upper River Region URR and other relating documents were admitted and marked as exhibits.

The Assistant Director explained the discovery of heavy mineral sand which he said was one of the biggest minerals endowed in the country. He spoke about the Carnegie Mineral Mining Company which was an Australian Mining Company licensed in the Gambia in 2005 and the license was terminated in 2008. He said the department received a letter from the Minister of Petroleum (former president) to terminate their license. Subsequently, the former president gave instructions to issue license to another company called the Gambia Africa Mining International Company GAMICO.

He explained that the new company GAMICO is owned by foreign shareholders including Tony Ghattas who was one of the signatories. The two other signatories are Manhal Oueidat and Fade Nazegi.

Meanwhile, Jawo was asked about his Director who was reportedly attending a mining meeting in Nairobi, Kenya.

Mama Kandeh and Adama Barrow: TELL US THE TRUTH!

Fatu Camara
-
0
Mama Kandeh and Adama Barrow: TELL US THE TRUTH!

 

In a democracy, politicians do not necessarily say or do the rights things when there is no risk or benefit to what they say or do. In order words, if there is no cost to their popularity and political existence then they could easily fail to do the right thing or even misinform and mislead, as they liked. Politicians misbehave, either by lying or being corrupt in order to gain cheap popularity because they know there is no one to check them.

But when citizens are vigilant and prepared to hold politicians to account by either rewarding them for their good deeds or punishing them for their bad deeds, then this is time when politicians become honourable men and women and do the right. In the Gambia, the culture of holding politicians to account for what they do or say is almost non-existent hence it is common to hear and see our politicians spread misinformation, mislead, contradict or underperform or corrupt. In this New Gambia, we have to stop this and ensure that there is strong culture of accountability.

Therefore, since two weeks ago, it has been reported that Mama Kandeh of GDC said the Government of Adama Barrow has contracted loans only for the ministers to share those funds among themselves. This is a very serious allegation! Since he made this comment, Mama Kandeh himself has not come forward yet to present facts to back up his claim. On the other hand, Barrow has also not come out to refute these claims. What is clear however is that since January Barrow’s government has indeed contracted several loans and obtained as many grants of millions of dollars.

Secondly, rightly or wrongly there have also been reports on social media of some ministers buying multimillion dalasi homes, while others are said to have transported several people to Mecca for the Hajj. Therefore is Mama Kandeh telling the truth or he is not telling the truth?

First of all, the statements Mama Kandeh made are not illegal and therefore no one can take him to court for that. The police cannot question him for his political statements against his political adversaries. But the fact is that those statements must not be left unanswered. This is because those statements cut on both ways. On one hand they serve to raise the profile and image of Mama Kandeh, fairly or unfairly at the expense of the Government. Consequently, the statements generate public dissatisfaction in the Government, as some people may perceive Barrow as corrupt or inept. On the other hand too, the statements harm Mama Kandeh simply because of his failure to give evidence. Many would see him as a propagandist who only wants to damage his adversaries for his own political gains. Hence these statements, if left unanswered do not augur well for both Mama Kandeh and Adama Barrow.

Since no one can take Mama Kandeh to court for these very serious comments, yet there is a bigger court to which we must take both Mama Kandeh and Adama Barrow. That is the Court of the Gambian People, which sits in our homes, in the streets, at work places, in the markets, farms and indeed social media all across the Gambia and abroad.

Therefore, We the People of the Gambia as the judges must demand that Mama Kandeh provides evidence or he will pay dearly for these comments. Secondly, we must also demand that Barrow refute the claims in the interest of his own integrity and as a duty he owes to the people of the Gambia. His Government must not treat these statements of Mama Kandeh as foolish talk and therefore refuse to respond. No. Barrow must respond to them so as to recover the confidence and trust of Gambians incase anyone has lost some faith in his Government because of these serious allegations. Barrow’s response would therefore serve to strengthen his leadership by maintaining and expanding the faith of the people in him if he could convincingly refute these allegations.

As a Government, Barrow has a duty to clear any allegations that have been levied against his Government especially if such allegations come from a high profile opposition figure. That way he would have exposed the accuser and help Gambians to know who are the true and honest leaders of the people. It is for this same reason that Mama Kandeh must also give evidence so that he helps Gambians to know the character and kind of President and Government we have. Thus both of them will do great service to the Gambia if they speak up. In any case we must make sure that either Mama Kandeh or Adama Barrow, whoever is wrong to pay a severe price!

Our role as citizens is to ensure that the truth comes out for the health and strength of our country. Thus we must begin to engage in a social accountability process where we insist that politicians do not just release words into the air, but back their theories with hard evidence. If anyone fails to do that, Gambians would therefore know that such a politician is a dishonest joker who does not worth our votes and support.

I wish to therefore play my citizenship role by demanding that Mama Kandeh provides proof to the general public as to where, when and how the Government of Adama Barrow has diverted loans into personal pockets. At the same time, I demand that Adama Barrow respond to these serious allegations by accounting for all the loans and grants that his Government has received so far. Both men owe Gambians this responsibility.

We must not allow our leaders to act or fail to act as they like when the issues are indeed life and death matter for citizens. When loans are stolen that means mothers and children die at hospitals while electricity and water supply will not get to most of our communities. Corruption is a serious allegation and anyone who alleges must have strong evidence. The Government, against whom the allegation is made must also come out to clear its name.

Adama Barrow and Mama Kandeh, the ball is therefore your courts. Tell us the truth! If Adama Barrow and Mama Kandeh fail to respond, I suggest that Gambians stage a peaceful demonstration against both of them. We must not allow both Mama Kandeh and Adama Barrow to leave us in limbo, not knowing what is true or false about a matter that is of legitimate public interest.

We must not allow ever again empty talk by the opposition or failure of the Government to respond to opposition allegations. Our politicians must not have it both ways. Let us remember that Yaya Jammeh had made such empty talk that ‘his money’ was from “Allah’s Bank” and we did not we did not take him to the people’s court. We are now getting to know that he was in fact stealing our money. Let us not repeat that anymore.

Adama Barrow and Mama Kandeh: Set the truth free in order to free yourselves!

God Bless The Gambia.

1...642643644...765Page 643 of 765

2025 © The Fatu Network - Site by DigiTech Solutions

Reset password

Enter your email address and we will send you a link to change your password.

Get started with your account

to save your favourite homes and more

Sign up with email

Get started with your account

to save your favourite homes and more

By clicking the «SIGN UP» button you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
Powered by Estatik