By: Michaella Faith Wright

The bustling market at SBEC by Salaji in The Gambia is a vibrant hub of activity, where hardworking women gather daily to sell their goods. As the rainy season sets in, these market women face numerous challenges that make their work even more demanding. To better understand their plight, I visited the market and spoke with several women about their experiences during this difficult time.

Mariama, a Vegetable Seller:

“The rain makes it very difficult for us. Our stalls get flooded, and it’s hard to keep the produce fresh. Sometimes, we lose a lot of our goods due to water damage. We have to work extra hard to clean up and make our area presentable for customers. When it rains heavily, the market becomes almost inaccessible, and foot traffic reduces significantly. This affects our daily income because fewer customers mean fewer sales.”

Fatou, a Fish Vendor:

“During the rainy season, the fish doesn’t stay fresh for long. We need ice to preserve it, but power cuts make it impossible to keep the fish from spoiling. The constant rain also keeps customers away, which means we make fewer sales. It’s heartbreaking to see good fish go to waste because we can’t keep it fresh. We’ve tried different methods to preserve it, but nothing works as well as consistent refrigeration, which we lack.”

Awa, a Fruit Seller:

“The rain affects everything, from transportation to customer turnout. It’s hard to bring in fresh fruits from the farms when the roads are muddy and impassable. We end up selling what we can, but it’s not enough to cover our expenses. The fruits get bruised and damaged during transportation on bad roads, leading to further losses. Additionally, the rainwater often seeps into our stalls, making it difficult to keep our fruits dry and presentable.”

Binta, a Spice Trader:

“Spices need to be kept dry, but with the rain, it’s a big challenge. We have to cover everything with plastic, but even that isn’t foolproof. Sometimes, we have to throw away a lot of our stock because it gets wet and spoils. The damp conditions also encourage mold growth, which is disastrous for spices. Every time it rains, we worry about the quality of our stock and whether it will survive the season.”

Kaddy, a Tailor:

“The rain not only affects those selling perishable goods but also us tailors. The dampness makes it hard to keep the fabrics in good condition. Customers often delay picking up their orders because of the rain, which affects our cash flow. Moreover, the market gets so muddy that it’s difficult to move around without getting our materials dirty. We try to keep everything covered, but the humidity still affects the fabrics, sometimes causing mildew.”

Despite these challenges, the market women of SBEC by Salaji remain resilient. They continue to find ways to adapt and persevere, showing remarkable strength and determination in the face of adversity.

Strategies for Coping:

Many of the women have developed innovative ways to cope with the challenges. Mariama and some other vegetable sellers have started using raised platforms to keep their produce off the ground. Fatou and her fellow fish vendors have pooled resources to purchase larger ice blocks that last longer. Awa collaborates with other fruit sellers to share transport costs and use better-protected vehicles. Binta and other spice traders have invested in more durable plastic covers and storage bins to protect their spices. Kaddy and other tailors have begun using dehumidifiers to keep their workspaces dry.

Community Support:

The community around SBEC by Salaji also plays a crucial role. Local NGOs and support groups occasionally provide tarps and other materials to help the women protect their goods. There are also efforts to improve the market’s drainage system, though progress is slow. Despite the support, more needs to be done to provide sustainable solutions.

The Call for Better Infrastructure:

One common sentiment among the women is the need for better market infrastructure. Improved drainage systems, better roofing, and more reliable electricity would go a long way in easing their burdens. They also hope for more government support, not just in terms of infrastructure but also in providing financial assistance or grants to help them weather the rainy season.

Resilience and Determination:

Despite the many hurdles, the market women of SBEC by Salaji remain undeterred. Their spirit and dedication to their work are truly inspiring. As Mariama puts it, “We don’t have a choice but to keep going. This is our livelihood, and we have to make it work, rain or shine.” Their resilience is a testament to their strength and unwavering commitment to providing for their families and contributing to the local economy.

Their stories are a testament to the indomitable spirit of market women in The Gambia, who, despite the odds, continue to support their families and contribute to the local economy. As we listen to their voices, it becomes clear that their challenges are not just personal struggles but reflect broader systemic issues that need attention and action.

By: Michaella Faith Wright

As the rainy season sweeps across The Gambia, the nation’s transportation infrastructure is put to the test. Flooded roads, stalled vehicles, and interrupted journeys have become daily occurrences. Turntable hit the streets to capture the realities faced by everyday commuters, market vendors, and drivers, uncovering a narrative of struggle, resilience, and calls for urgent action.

Hawa Jobe, Market Vendor at Sbec by Salaji:

“During the rainy season, it becomes nearly impossible to get to the market on time. The roads are so flooded that taxis refuse to come this way. When I finally get here, my goods are sometimes soaked. It’s frustrating because my livelihood depends on this. I’ve had days where I’ve lost significant income because customers don’t show up either, unable to navigate the floods themselves. We need better drainage systems and road maintenance to keep us connected.”

Hawa’s plight is echoed by many market vendors who rely on daily sales to support their families. The rains not only hinder their ability to reach the market but also affect the condition of their products, leading to financial losses.

Lamin Sanyang, Taxi Driver:

“The rains make driving very dangerous. Potholes are hidden under the water, and it’s easy to damage the car. Sometimes I have to turn down rides to certain areas because it’s just not worth the risk. It affects my income greatly. I remember last week, my car got stuck in the mud, and I had to call a tow truck. The repair costs eat into my earnings, and it’s hard to make ends meet during this season.”

Lamin’s experience highlights a broader issue of road safety and vehicle maintenance. Taxi drivers, who form a vital part of the public transport system, find themselves at a crossroads, weighing the risks of damaged roads against their need to earn a living.

Fatoumata Drammeh, Student:

“School days become so stressful. I have to leave the house much earlier to avoid being late because the buses are always delayed. Sometimes, I end up missing classes because the roads are too bad. It’s really affecting our education. We’ve had instances where the school bus couldn’t pick us up because it was stuck. Education is important, but the infrastructure is failing us.”

For students like Fatoumata, the rainy season is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a barrier to education. The delays and absences caused by transportation issues can have lasting impacts on their academic performance and future opportunities.

Bakary Njie, Commuter:

“Public transport is a nightmare in the rain. Buses and taxis are scarce, and the few that are running are packed. I have to walk long distances in the rain, and it’s really tough. We need better infrastructure to handle the rainy season. Last month, I missed an important job interview because the bus was delayed. This is not just a problem for a few; it affects all of us.”

Bakary’s story is a testament to the broader societal impacts of transportation challenges. Commuters face daily struggles that can affect their professional lives and economic stability.

Amie Touray, Healthcare Worker:

“Getting to the hospital on time is crucial, but the rainy season makes it a struggle. There have been times when I’ve been late for shifts because of traffic jams caused by the rain. It’s not just an inconvenience; it’s a matter of life and death. We’ve had emergencies where patients couldn’t reach the hospital in time because of the flooded roads. It’s heartbreaking and something that shouldn’t happen.”

For healthcare workers like Amie, timely access to their workplaces is vital. The rainy season’s impact on transportation can have dire consequences, underscoring the need for immediate infrastructure improvements.

Government Response and Future Prospects:

The sentiments shared by these individuals highlight a critical issue that requires urgent attention. The Ministry of Road and Transport has expressed a commitment to improving the country’s infrastructure, but the current state of the roads during the rainy season shows there is much work to be done. Recently, the ministry announced plans to invest in better drainage systems and road maintenance, but the implementation and effectiveness of these measures remain to be seen.

As The Gambia continues to grow, addressing these transportation challenges is essential not only for daily commuters but for the overall development of the nation. The voices from the ground are clear – it’s time for real, impactful change. Investments in infrastructure, coupled with effective planning and execution, are necessary to mitigate the adverse effects of the rainy season on transportation.

The rainy season will come again next year, but with proactive measures and a commitment to change, the experiences of Hawa, Lamin, Fatoumata, Bakary, and Amie can become tales of the past rather than ongoing struggles. The government’s response will determine whether The Gambia can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and development.

The resilience of Gambians shines through these interviews, reflecting a collective hope for a future where transportation during the rainy season is no longer a hurdle but a smooth journey.

The Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Mr. Daniel Emmanuel Joof, expressed optimism about the state of human rights in Gambia following a closed-door meeting with the President at the State House.

The yearly courtesy call saw discussions on various human rights issues and the progress made over the past year.

Addressing the media, Mr Joof described human rights in Gambia as “a work in progress” but rated the current status as good compared to previous years. He emphasised that significant strides have been made, particularly in civil and political rights, highlighting the absence of past issues such as extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and torture.

Mr. Joof also noted the need for further improvements in social, economic, and cultural rights, including the right to a clean environment. He raised concerns over emerging issues such as the rise in drug use among the youth and the increase in hate speech on social media platforms, often involving ethnic and religious bigotry. Additionally, he highlighted ongoing issues related to women and children, particularly domestic and gender-based violence.

In his remarks, Mr Joof praised the government and National Assembly members for their decision to uphold the FGM law, describing it as a significant achievement for Gambia.

“The progress we have seen is encouraging, but there is still much work to be done to ensure the protection and promotion of all human rights in our country,” Mr. Joof concluded.

By Dawda Baldeh

The organization Gambian Women are Free to Choose (GWAFC) has expressed concern over the alleged verbal harassment directed at its founder and team members.

Dr Fuambai Sia Nyoko Ahmadu, the founder and Executive Director of GWAFC, said in a press release that she and her colleagues were subjected to verbal abuse by activist Jaha Dukureh.

Dr Ahmadu detailed in a press release that the incident occurred during the National Assembly’s vote on the repeal of the Women’s Amendment Act 2015, where they were verbally assaulted by Activist Jaha Dukureh.

In press release shared with The Fatu Network, Ahmadu said: Ms. Dukureh was yelling at us and at the riot police guarding the gates instructing the latter to not let me in, screaming “she is not a Gambian, do not let her in, she doesn’t belong here!”.

Pro FGM/C activists have expressed criticism over the verbal harassment encountered from anti-FGM/C advocate Ms. Dukureh. She recounted being approached by the Gambian Immigration Office on July 17th, 2024, at Lungi International Airport in Sierra Leone.

“The immigration official informed me that they had received multiple reports and complaints suggesting that I should be ‘arrested’ and ‘deported’ from The Gambia,” she said.

According to her she informed the immigration officer that she had departed from The Gambia a day earlier after participating in the voting regarding the repeal of the female circumcision ban.

“I asked him whether I had broken any laws in The Gambia, and his response was that
he was unaware of any criminal offence, that there were some complaints by private individuals that I was not a Gambian citizen,” she added.

She said that she has notified both national and international bodies about the ongoing threats she purportedly receives from anti-FGM/C individuals due to her stance as a leader of a PRO FGM/C organization.

“I will not be deterred by Jaha Dukureh or any other anti-FGM activists funded by the West. I will not be silenced by threats of ‘arrest’ or ‘deportation’ or any other desperate efforts by neocolonial Western or African feminists to silence me and perpetuate the oppression of circumcised African or Muslim women like myself who stand by female circumcision as a fundamental aspect of our gender identity in line with our ancestral cultures or religious beliefs,” she said.

By Mama A. Touray

The Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Government of The Gambia, Tuesday signed a financing agreement worth €10,000,000 aimed at boosting youth employment within the tourism and creative sectors.

The European Union’s Ambassador to The Gambia, Corrado Pampaloni, and The Gambia’s Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs signed the agreement at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo.

The purpose of this agreement is to advance the development objectives of the nation, with a focus on improving the competitiveness, inclusiveness, and sustainability of The Gambia’s tourism and creative industries.

Ambassador Corrado Pampaloni remarked that the signing of this agreement should serve as a call to action for all involved parties. He emphasized that the success of the youth empowerment initiative will depend on consistent and meaningful dialogue between the government, all stakeholders, and especially the private sector.

“It will be paramount to ensure that the programme brings concrete benefits in terms of both direct and indirect employment, especially for the youth and for women, while at the same time ensuring the environment is preserved.

“Let us make the world know that The Gambia’s superb climate, friendly people, tranquil beach resorts, diverse wildlife, rich culture, and historical sites make it an outstanding tourist destination. But also, let us make sure that tourism brings prosperity to all,” he said.

The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, stated that this agreement signifies a significant milestone in the partnership between the EU and Gambia.

“As a dependable ally, the EU consistently supports the country’s transition process with impactful and relevant interventions. At this juncture, we wish to reaffirm our commitment to our joint efforts in combating poverty and other societal ills that continue to affect our country,” he added.

“We will together combat the scourge of irregular migration. We will harness the potential of the youth of the Gambia and consequently realize the demographic dividend resulting from such interventions” he said.

The Financing Agreement is set to concentrate on the productive sectors vital to The Gambia’s growth, encompassing a novel initiative termed “EU YEP Tourism and Creative Industries.”

By: Mama A. Touray

Brikama Area Council revenue collector, Mama Kinteh, testified before the ongoing Local Government Commission of Inquiry that the BAC director of finance, Alagie Jeng, instructed her to bring collections to the council instead of depositing them into the council’s account.

She made this statement when asked about the collections, stating that she is new to the council and her instruction was to collect and bring the monies to the council. “The Director of Finance was the person who instructed me to bring the collections to the council,” she said.

Mama was referred to the Financial Manual for Local Government Councils, which requires her to deposit all collections daily. She was also told that the law did not permit her to give any person her collections.

Reacting to this, Mama responded, “I was new there and I felt that I had the duty to follow the instructions of my bosses.” Lead Counsel Patrick Gomez told her, “You knew what you were doing was wrong and you knew exactly what you were doing.”

“Yes, I knew that I had to deposit the monies in the bank. I could not go against my boss’s instruction. I have all the receipts with me,” Mama admitted.

She continued, “Sometimes when they wanted to make payments, they would call me to bring cash to the council, and Lamin Kantong Kanteh would give me a receipt. All the monies were given to Alagie Jeng, and I have receipts for them,” she said.

By Zackline Colley

In a comprehensive address during the monthly press conference organized by the Ministry of Information, Mr. Njogou Bah, the Director General of the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA), outlined significant milestones and ongoing challenges in the legal licensing and enforcement sectors.

Mr. Bah detailed the Authority’s successful issuance of various categories of licenses across multiple sectors. Notably, PURA has granted licenses to five telecommunications operators, 18 internet service providers, 39 commercial radio stations, nine community radio stations, six television broadcasting content providers, 93 petroleum products licenses, five electricity licenses, and one sewerage license. These efforts ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and support the sector’s growth and service delivery standards.

PURA’s continuous monitoring and enforcement actions have also been a cornerstone of their strategy. In 2024 alone, the Authority undertook enforcement actions in several sectors, including four in telecommunications, one in water, four in petroleum, and 33 in broadcasting. These actions aim to uphold the regulatory framework and ensure that all service providers operate within the stipulated guidelines.

Highlighting future plans, Mr. Bah announced that the development of infrastructure sharing regulations is at an advanced stage. These regulations are expected to optimize the utilization of infrastructure in the communications sector. Additionally, PURA is working on finalizing the first water and sewerage regulations, which will set minimum reporting requirements for water production, transportation, distribution, and sewerage systems. These measures will enable the Authority to better regulate and manage water and sewage services in The Gambia.

Despite these notable gains, Mr. Bah acknowledged the challenges posed by the current legislative structure, citing the absence of critical legislative instruments and inadequacies in existing provisions. He emphasized the need for legislative reforms to enhance the Authority’s capacity to fulfill its regulatory mandate effectively.

In the petroleum, water, and electricity sectors, PURA has implemented key programs to promote service quality while ensuring safety, health, and environmental protection. The Authority recently trained 74 tanker truck drivers on health and safety to reduce road accidents and injuries. Additionally, stakeholders, including representatives from area councils, have been trained on electricity wiring standards developed through the Gambia Standards Bureau. These initiatives aim to reduce electricity-related fire incidents in the country.

Mr. Bah’s address underscores PURA’s commitment to regulatory compliance and service quality across various sectors, highlighting both achievements and areas requiring further legislative support.

By: Alieu Jallow

The Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) has arrested Saico Umaru Balde, a 45-year-old Portuguese national, with four blocks of cocaine. According to DLEAG, he was arrested on July 21, 2024, at around 23:50 hours.

Similarly, 34-year-old Manjarra Fatty, a resident of Faraba Bantang and a professional driver, was arrested in a joint operation on July 20, 2024, with two pills of ecstasy and a live round, which were concealed in a transparent nylon bag and blue paper, respectively.

In another case, a 17-year-old alleged child offender (ACO) from Brikama was arrested at the Barra Ferry terminal with four bundles of suspected cannabis sativa.

As the fight against kush continues across the length and breadth of the country, drugs continue to be peddled in the streets. On July 19, 2024, Cherno Jallow, a Sierra Leonean residing in Brikama, was arrested with 122 wraps of suspected kush that he had concealed in white papers and medical sachets.

In a similar vein, another alleged child offender, aged 16, from Guinea Conakry, residing in Manjai Kunda, was arrested with thirty-five wraps of suspected kush concealed in white paper and medical sachets on July 20, 2024.

According to DLEAG, they have arrested many other culprits in possession of suspected cannabis sativa and ecstasy, who are currently in custody while further investigations continue.

By Dawda Baldeh

Assistant Inspector General of Police, Ebrima Bah, commended the training provided to twenty-five law enforcement officers from different security agencies on ensuring justice for migrants.

AIG Bah conveyed these thoughts at the launch of a four-day ‘train the trainers’ workshop centred on migrant justice. The event, organized by the National Human Rights Commission and backed by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), is an initiative under the PROMIS Project.

The workshop aims to provide law enforcement agencies with essential knowledge regarding the rights of migrants and the principles of the rule of law.

Access to justice is a fundamental right enshrined in law, essential for maintaining the rule of law.

The law ensures that migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers receive equal treatment. AIG Bah, representing the Ministry of Interior and the Inspector General of Police, highlighted the importance of the training, noting its relevance as the nation experiences an increase in trafficking and migrant smuggling incidents.

“While these migrants are within our shores they will need our protection as per international standards,” he said, adding that the security agencies should facilitate migrants’ access to justice and legal protection.

This training is among many that are undertaken by the National Human Rights Commission to improve human rights standards among security agencies.

“I am hopeful that the participants will leave this venue with useful and insightful experience that you can use to protect migrants from abuse and exploitation and avail them the opportunity to be heard and access justice, when necessary,” Bah expressed.

Lina Reguigui, Human Rights Officer at OHCHR PROMIS Project also outlined the significance of having such training for trainers in various security agencies in addressing issues of migrants.

“This protection of migrants’ rights worldwide emphasized their fundamental right to access justice a bedrock for safeguarding all other rights.

“This training will help to uphold the rights and migrants and address their challenges,” she explained.

Meanwhile, Mansour Jobe, Director of Legal Affairs and Investigation at the National Human Rights Commission stresses the importance of migrants accessing justice in respect to fundamental human rights while describing the training of trainers as timely and significant.

“This training is not a mere training but a call for action to protect the rights of migrants,” he said.

Mr Jobe lamented the challenges faced by migrants in accessing justice and called for concerted efforts to address the global phenomenon.

“We must take migrants’ rights seriously irrespective of their background. We must ensure justice remains accessible for all in our societies,” he emphasized.

By Zackline Colley

The Solicitor General of The Gambia, Hussein Thomasi, has confirmed that the Cabinet has completed its deliberations on the draft constitution, making significant progress, and has now assigned the Ministry of Justice the task of compiling the report.

The Solicitor General outlined the next steps, indicating that a period of approximately three months is needed for further processing, followed by an additional 10 days to complete the gazetting cycle for the draft constitution.

This timeline suggests that the draft will be ready for the National Assembly’s consideration in the last quarter of this year, with deliberations expected to take place by December.

This development fulfils the government’s promise to bring back the constitution, marking a critical step in the transitional justice process. The Honourable Members of the press were assured that the process is well underway, and the government remains committed to seeing it through to completion.