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Gambia Signs Cooperation with Russia for Visa Exemption

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Gambia Signs Cooperation with Russia for Visa Exemption

 

 

PRESS RELEASE, OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

 

The Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude and conveyed best wishes to President
Adama Barrow. This was revealed during an interview with the media by the Russian Foreign
Minister, Mr. Mickhail Bagnodov. He said Russian is happy with the new developments in The
Gambia and noted that with stability there will be socio-economic development. He said it will also
provide a conducive environment for good collaboration between the countries.

During the visit, Bagnodov and Honourable Ousainou Darbo signed a bilateral agreement for visa exemption of official passport holders. This will facilitate for business people and officials to move freely between the two counties.

The Gambia and Russia will engage in regular consultations to further work on other sectors such as
trade, tourism, training of personal and security. It was noted that the common agenda of terrorism
and drug trafficking was also their concern.
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The Gambian Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad,
Hounourable Darbo said the relationship with Russia is stronger and that there is diplomatic relations
between the two countries which opens doors for their citizens.
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NCAC Director General Urges Government To Preserve National Heritage

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NCAC Director General Urges Government To Preserve National Heritage

 

By Lamin Sanyang

 

Baba Ceesay, Director General of the National Center For Arts and Culture NCAC has called on The Gambia Government to build a multipurpose national museum to preserve the national heritage and the identity of the country.

Speaking to this medium at his office in Banjul, Ceesay said the current national museum which was a colonial building is not only small but was not purposely built for a museum.

“Museum is a kind of repository for national identity and cultural heritage,” Baba Ceesay, NCAC Director General said.

The NCAC Director General has explained the necessity to build a multi purpose national museum with adequate space to conserve objects. He talked about the importance of having enough storage facilities in the museum, saying they are iconic buildings.

“You cannot collect artifacts when you don’t have space,” Baba Ceesay lamented.

He added: “Usually, in most countries museums are a symbol of pride.”

Ceesay further raised concerns for lack of space to display things in the museum as the guests are more interested in seeing ‘Kankurang’ dancing than looking at mere stature. He also talked about rooms for educational programmes. He added that the museum should be an iconic building.

The NCAC Director General also said that the current museum which has environmental problems. He explained that the building attracts a lot of humidity because of the materials that were used to built it. He said the high humidity of the building is affecting the conserving of objects.

“We need a purpose build museum. Mostly, museums are fine and iconic buildings that one can relate to,” he pointed out.

Ceesay said there is need to have museum kitchen where the guests would come and eat any Gambian food they want. He encouraged the government to invest in cultural infrastructure. He said such investments last longer than investing on festivals. He also recommended the construction of national theatre for performing arts to nurture talents, building publishing houses to nurture talents and so on.

Meanwhile, Director General Ceesay talked about the monetary constraints facing his institution. He said they received subvention from the government to pay staff salary which is not enough. He said they also make income from tourists which is seasonal.

Switzerland extends Ousman Sonko’s detention

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Switzerland extends Ousman Sonko’s detention

 

Swiss authorities on Wednesday extended the detention of Gambia’s former Interior minister for another three months amid an investigation into accusations he committed crimes against humanity while in office in Banjul.

 
According to reliable reports from Switzerland a regional court in Berne ordered that Sonko, who served under ousted Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh, remain behind bars as the probe by the Swiss Office of the Attorney General (OAG) continues.

 
According to the decision Sonko has been in pre-trial custody since January after the Geneva-based legal group Trial International filed a criminal complaint against him. The group accused Sonko of having personally taken part in what it described as torture.

 
“We welcome this decision which shows the authorities take the allegations against Mr Sonko seriously,” Trial International’s director Philip Grant said. “We hope the investigation can shed light on some of the abuses perpetuated by Jammeh’s regime.”

 
A news report said Sonko’s lawyer in Switzerland, Phillippe Currat, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment on Wednesday.

 
Sonko applied for asylum in Switzerland in early November and had been living in an asylum center in the capital Berne before being taken into police custody on January 28.

Source: Standard Newspaper

JAMMEH’S ASSETS UNDER INQUIRY

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JAMMEH’S ASSETS UNDER INQUIRY

 

The Minister of Agriculture Omar Amadou Jallow, OJ, has disclosed that the assets of former President Jammeh are currently under investigation and that all will be subject to due process.

 
Mr Jallow was speaking in an interview with Touch Online, a popular news site on Gambian affairs.
He continued: “We should make sure we allow the due process of the law to take its course. A government that campaigns on the rule of law cannot seize assets of an individual without due process because we don’t know how they were acquired.

But a panel of investigation is looking into his assets and how they were acquired. The commission of inquiry will advise the cabinet on what ought to be done… We will act legally based on what the commission of inquiry concluded.”

 
But he added that if the current inquiry into Jammeh’s activities have found him culpable, his assets could be forfeited to the state, especially if the law requires it.
In the same interview Mr Jallow also recalled how the AFPRC junta refused to publish an enquiry report that exonerated some PPP ministers including himself.

 
Meanwhile, Moustapha Marong, a former Minister under Jammeh who is now a legal practitioner in Banjul, corroborated OJ’s assertions: “There were many commissions established then, to deal with the 30-year governance of the PPP including one mandated to specifically probe into the running of the Ministries.

This Commission was commonly called the Alghali Commission named after the chairman of the Commission, Honorable Justice Omar Alghali, a Sierra Leonean,” Mr Marong said.

He continued to reveal that at the end of the inquiry into the Ministries, the Commission concluded that the Ministers were innocent and that there was no case against them.

 
“A ‘White Book’ was drafted with findings and recommendations of the Commission to be published for the public to know what were the wrongs committed by the Ministers. The book remains unpublished until today. The book was forwarded to the State House and duly received by Yahya Jammeh,” Mr Marong said.

 
He further disclosed that Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh grudgingly accepted the findings of the commission.
“It was alleged that Sir Dawda had stolen money from the coffers and secretly saved it in an offshore account in Panama.

An investigative team was sent to Panama to carry out investigations into the allegations of the stolen money and after paying them heavy per diem, the team came back with nothing,” Mr Marong said.
Mr Marong also recalled that some World Bank officials on a visit to the Gambia, after the coup, paid a visit to the Justice Department and one of them with an East European surname, made it clear to him that the 26 Work Bank projects in the country at the time were all executed satisfactorily and denied allegations made by the junta that monies meant for World Bank projects were squandered by the PPP government.

Source: Standard Newspaper

No third term for any Gambian president

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No third term for any Gambian president

 

President Adama Barrow has said that because of the challenges and hardship Gambians endured in the past 22 years of dictatorship under former president Jammeh, no Gambian President will ever serve more than two five-year terms.

 
He did not elaborate but analysts said the President was almost certainly contemplating of introducing a term limit as promised by the Coalition 2006 campaign.

 
Mr Barrow made these remarks during meetings with Gambians in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ghana where he paid a visit last week.

 
Continuing, President Barrow said that Gambians have matured politically as demonstrated in the 2016 Presidential election. He cited three lessons all have learnt from the election. “Firstly, it became clear to the former president that it was the people who had the power to vote him out and secondly, it is the same power the people can use to vote me myself out if they don’t want me anymore, and finally, Gambians have now realized that together they can make the change they want,” President Barrow told his compatriots.

The Gambian President then called on the Gambians in the diaspora to consider investment in The Gambia and contribute ideas to the development of the country. President Barrow further thanked the presidents of the three countries and Ecowas in general for standing by the people of the Gambia.

Read the full story below:

Gambians decided to end 22 years of dictatorship in a non-violent manner by voting President Adama Barrow into power. This brought back focus to the tiny West Africa state and the move to re-institute democracy, freedom and justice was welcomed by not only Gambians and the sub-region but the world over.

However, the former president Yaya Jammeh could not accept the fact that that Gambians wanted change of regime and he was prepared to use brutal means to maintain himself in power.

It was in this context that the sub regional grouping, ECOWAS, supported by the regional and global community decided to use diplomacy and, where it became necessary, military intervention to defend the will of Gambians. This resulted to President Adama Barrow taking the responsibility Gambians vested on him to serve them.

Going by the African proverb that if you want to thank a farmer for a job well done, you have to meet to him or her on their farm to express appreciation. His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, therefore, visited the Heads of State of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ghana to thank them for their personal stand and that of their countries to ensure that Gambians regain their freedom and nurture democracy.

The message the Gambian leader gave to his fellow Heads of State was that the political impasse in The Gambia was an African problem and they used an African solution to end it.

He thanked them for standing by the Gambian people and defending the decision they took to bring about a peaceful change of transition. It was the first time Gambians decided to democratically change from one government to another in 52 years.

During his visit, President Adama Barrow held private meetings with his counterparts on bilateral and ECOWAS issues to further strengthen the relationship between them and their people.

The first stage of the visit, which was to Sierra Leone, coincided with the eve of that country’s 56th Independent anniversary. President Barrow was received at Lunge Airport by the Vice President, H.E. Victor Bokari Foh and other officials. The Gambian leader was honoured with a banquet dinner held in his honour at the Bintou Manne Hotel in Freetown.

His Excellency, the President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, in his welcome remarks said it was both an ECOWAS and bilateral responsibility to defend the will of the Gambian people. He elaborated on the historic, language and family ties between Sierra Leone and The Gambia, and asserted that it was only through collaborative efforts that they could deliver the quality of life their people expect.

In Liberia, President Adama Barrow, was received at the airport by the Liberian President, Her Excellency, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirlearf, who is also the Chairperson of ECOWAS. Speaking to the media at the Airport in Monrovia, Her Excellency, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirlearf, expressed delight for President Barrow’s visit and assured of Liberia and the ECOWAS family’s continued support to The Gambia. During thevisit , the GambianPresident was granted the Key to the City of Monrovia at the City Hall and declared a Honourary Citizen by the Mayoress of the City, Mrs. Clara Doe Mvogo.

The last stage of his tour was to Ghana. On arrival, Gambian President and delegation were received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ghana, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchway. After performing the Friday prayers at Burma Camp Mosque in Accra, President Barrow was honoured to a private lunch at the presidential mansion, the Flagstaff House, in Accra. In welcoming his guest, Ghanaian President Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo said that Ghana did not hesitate in agreeing to contribute troops to the ECOWAS initiative to ensure a smooth transition in The Gambia.

He observed that the region should continue to consolidate democracy in-order to achieve sustainable development. In response, President Barrow noted the similarities between his government and that of his host, His Excellency, President Akufo-Addo, and the manner in which both came from opposition and won their respective elections. He however said the major difference was that Ghana went through a smooth transition while the transition in The Gambia was obstructed by greed for power which warranted ECOWAS intervention.

President Barrow reiterated that the election was fought based on the principles of democracy and the will of the people prevailed.

The Gambian President used the opportunity to meet with the Gambian communities in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ghana. They all thanked their host countries for the hospitality extended to them but appealed for consideration of some of their concerns which include poor flight arrangements, difficulties in renewal of their travel documents and high cost of residence permit fees.

Speaking to them, President Barrow thanked the Gambians in the diaspora for their contributions to the change in the Gambia. He further urged them to continue to contribute positively to the development of the country as no one person can do it all. He stated that because of the challenges Gambians have gone through during 22 years of dictatorship, no government will ever stay in power for more than two terms of five years.

President Barrow pointed out that Gambians have matured politically as demonstrated in the 2016 Presidential elections. He cited three lessons all have learnt from the election.

Firstly, it became clear to the former president that it was the people who had the power to vote him out, secondly, it is the same power the people can use to vote him(President Barrow) out if they don’t want him anymore, and finally, Gambians have now realized that together they can make the change they want. President Barrow reminded them that it was only when all the opposition parties came together that they were able to effect the change of regime.

The Gambian President called on the Gambians in the Diaspora to consider investment in The Gambia. He appealed to Gambians experts working outside the country to contribute with ideas to develop the country.

Speaking to the Gambians inMonrovia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Honourable Ousainou Darbo advised Gambians at home and in the diaspora to be law abiding, do away with tribal issues and stay united in pursuit of the best interest of the Gambia.

He informed them that they represent the image of the Gambia abroad and promised that the consular issues they raised in the discussions will be reviewed and addressed at the earliest possible time.

 

Source: Standard Newspaper

GOOD MORNING PRESIDENT BARROW

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GOOD MORNING PRESIDENT BARROW

 

Wait a minute. Watching reality unveils in Banjul, I am charged to observe with an eagle’s eye, listen keenly, analyse impartially and share honestly and adequately. Like most fictional narratives which ends in happily ever after, we in an ideal reality fathom more mesmerising and fulfilling outcomes more especially from our leadership. In fairly balancing the scale of in depth analysis, we raged at their immortality. Their perfect imperfections become irrelevant. All we want is our expectations met. Very human.

 

Agreeably, in a democratic dispensation anchored on lawful laws, sovereign citizenry, vibrant economy and healthy social cohesion, the leadership cannot but be assertive, swift and zealously productive. Even under such situations, errors and failures are experienced now and again.

 
Don’t go that route, they will chastised. Chill. My sat navigation is fully functional with the latest software. Moreover, it sometimes helps to cut off the branches first before chopping down the tree. For a starter, no one is in denial that leadership is faced with towering and slippery tasked of sailing the bruised nation to safe shore. That said how do we project the leadership in crossing that thin mark between speedy delivery of expected goals and cutting edges, failures and unfilled promises? A search for clues on the Gambian social media only generated more worrisome questions than answers. The voices are simultaneously loud, varied and confusingly unclear. One minute we love this and the next week despise it. We want him flex his muscles but he must uphold the rule of law. Yet all we want is development, peace, security and justice desk on democratic instruments, institutions and practices.

 
The fundamental desire is not to mutate a young democracy into an arrogant and insensitive statesmanship. Certainly, success isn’t far fetched. The signs are promising but care must be taken not to derail. A lot is marsupially wrong with the leadership, inexperience, inadequate capacity, nepotism, partisan and poverty-stricken economy. With all these in the neighbourhood, success can’t be magical. The vice president post has become bad blood. Entering into contracts without due diligence is helpful either. Gambians are definitely patience. To think otherwise is rhetorically bias. Errors upon errors had been made yet no placards were raised albeit the need is there. If that is not tolerance, I don’t know what patience denotes.

 
Now the baby-sitting and honeymoon moment must way for growth and maturity. What is the essence of experience, knowledge and wisdom? Presy Barrow. Don’t let us down. Please.

 

Sulayman Jeng
Birmingham, UK

Our Republic and Its Press Will Rise or Fall Together

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Our Republic and Its Press Will Rise or Fall Together

 

By Madi Jobarteh

 

Wednesday, May 3 was World Press Freedom Day. This Day was delivered to the world by African journalists when they met in Windhoek, Namibia from 29 April to 3 May 1991 in a groundbreaking seminar on promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press. At the end of the seminar they issued the Windhoek Declaration on Promoting Independent and Pluralistic Media. In 1991 the UNESCO General Conference recommended to the UN General Assembly to adopt May 3 as World Press Freedom Day in honour of that seminar. The UN eventually accepted in 1993 and declared May 3 World Press Freedom Day. Hence on a day like today, all African journalists must feel proud for our historic contribution to the promotion of freedom of expression and free media in the world.

 

In the Windhoek Declaration, African journalists expressed the importance of freedom of expression as stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as the frantic efforts around the world, to protect this freedom. In that regard they also lamented the threats and risks journalists face in doing their work inside Africa. They therefore called on African governments to release all jailed journalists and also allow exiled journalists to return home. They requested African States to provide constitutional guarantees of freedom of the press and freedom of association. The journalists noted the importance of an independent, pluralistic and free press to the development and maintenance of democracy and economic wellbeing.

 

All the issues lamented by these African journalists during that seminar and in their declaration have been issues confronting the Gambian media since independence but especially since 1994. The APRC Tyranny had consistently squeezed the independent media to ensure that it reduces its pluralism or simply make them silent at home or cause them to flee into exile. Media houses were been set on fire, while journalists were jailed, tortured and killed with impunity. The situation of the media was so severe in the Gambia that by 2017, Gambia has more media outlets outside of the country than inside. What therefore are the lessons for the Gambian journalist now that we have overthrown dictatorship and ushered in a democratic dispensation.

 

In the first place, Section 207 of our constitution guarantees freedom of the press. It went further to give the independent press the duty to hold the Gambia Government to account on behalf of the people. Secondly Section 208 also places a duty on the state media to give space to divergent and dissenting opinion of all Gambians. Our pressmen and women must therefore know these constitutional rights and duties given them in order for them to fulfill.

 

Therefore the fundamental question our journalists must ask is how do we fulfill this constitutional role. In answering this question, our journalist must remember their experience under the APRC Tyranny so that all journalists stand together and resolved never ever to allow another regime to emerge in this country that will muzzle the press. This is why I titled this piece ‘Our Republic and its press will rise or fall together’ which is a quote from a statement from that great journalist Joseph Pulitzer when he won a libel case against US President Theodore Roosevelt in 1909.

 

It is indeed refreshing that the Gambia has a new government whose president has expressed his desire to respect freedom of the media. But let us also remember that in his first press conference junta leader Lt. Yaya Jammeh had asked journalists to criticize them if his regime went wrong. But within few months, we witnessed the deportation and jailing of journalists under AFPRC Dictatorship. Therefore Gambia journalists must be sensitive to history to ensure that it does not repeat itself.

 

What will ensure that such history does not come back is when our journalists do what Joseph Pulitzer said in 1909 about the role of the media. He said journalists must be public-spirited with trained intelligence to know the right and the courage to do the right. This way, journalists will preserve the public good and democracy. But he said if journalists were cynical and demagogic they would only create a mockery of democracy. Hence he concluded, “The power to mould the future of the Republic will be in the hands of the journalists of future generations.” 

 

Therefore let our journalists wake up and take their rightful constitutional role to hold the Gambia Government to account in order to preserve the public good. In paraphrasing Pulitzer, I would tell our journalists do not serve any party but only the people. Do not be an organ for the Coalition, UDP, PPP, PDOIS, NRP, NCP, GPDP, GMC, GDC or APRC, but be the organ of truth. Follow no caucuses but your own convictions. Do not support the Barrow Administration, but criticize it. Expose and oppose all frauds and shams wherever and whatever they are and from whoever they come. Always advocate principles and ideas rather than prejudices and partisanship. It is only in this way that you can protect freedom of the press in the Gambia and ensure good governance.

 

Remember the legends of Gambian journalism and what they stood for. Edward Francis Small. William Dixon Colley. Sanna Tiks Manneh. Deyda Hydara. Baboucarr Gaye. George Christensen. These were giants who stood up to tell truth to power and defended press freedom. Therefore you are following in a long and glorious tradition in a noble profession.

 

On this day, let us demand that Barrow Administration transform GRTS and Gambia Daily newspaper into true public media. Let us demand the Barrow Administration to expunge all draconian laws that criminalize media offenses, infringe on freedom of expression and limit free press. Let us demand a thorough investigation and justice in all cases of arson, torture, incarceration and killing of Gambian journalists by Yaya Jammeh. Let us demand the creation of a freedom of information law to institutionalize transparency in the public sector. Let us demand the Barrow Administration to provide better economic incentives and capacity building to journalists to ensure the professional development of independent and pluralistic media in the Gambia.

 

Happy and blesse World Press Freedom Day to all Gambian Journalists!

 

God Bless The Gambia.

Assembly for Youth Development Association launching is May 13

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Assembly for Youth Development Association launching is May 13

The launching of a new youth association named Assembly for Youth Development Association (AYDA) is slated for May 13th, 2017 at the Law Faculty Auditorium along MDI Road.

The mission of the Association is to capacitised youths with the necessary skills capable of giving them a meaningful life towards nation building through research, skills development, resource mobilization and entrepreneurship.

Among its objectives, the Association seeks  to accomplish its mission by working to provide platforms for awareness on civic education; helping vulnerable students in accomplishing their educational goals and aspirations most especially dropouts; provide remedial classes for underprivileged and other excelling students;  mobilize resources for the establishment of youth resourced centres.

The Association also aims at providing capacity building programs on entrepreneurship, leadership and networking, provide a platform for youths to interact, exchange ideas and experiences; support youth in securing employment by providing them with jobs; and establish networks with other organisations.

According to Sarjo Jatta, chairperson of the Association, through partnership with other institutions, government and individuals, AYDA will set up programs to fully train underprivileged and excelling youths in areas such as Computer Technology, Mathematics, English and relevant current trend subjects to fully enhance their abilities to earn good  jobs in this highly competitive modern society.

“They will also need those skills to start their own businesses and participate in the political process as fully informed citizens. After talking to educators, a curriculum will be established and venues will be identified to execute this plan. The duration of the program for each cohort will also be determined at that point” he told The Fatu Network.

According to Jatta, through private initiatives, companies will be encouraged to come establish offices in The Gambia and hire these graduates who would already have acquired all the required skills to fill the positions. He added that efforts will also be launched to raise capital for startups by these graduates to allow them pursue their dreams in business ownership.

He insisted that networking with other organizations will be central to their approach to reach their goals saying, collaborating, cooperating and building alliance will provide mutual benefits for AYDA and other organizations who share similar aims. He said its AYDA’s objective to put 50, 000 youths through this programs and initiatives.

“Regional, ethnic, religious and gender diversities are a key part of our decision making process because AYDA’s aim is to equally touch lives of all peoples of this great country. Diversity doesn’t generally just happen on its own. You have to strive to achieve it by being sensitive to it” he told this medium.

He revealed that the Gambia government’s partnership will be aggressively pursued as all AYDA’s projects are aimed at complimenting government efforts.  He expressed confident that with dedication and hard work, such fairly and ambitious programs and aspirations can be achieved.

Chairperson Jatta implored on the Gambia government, institutions, international community to join and support them in contributing in the transformation of the country into a kind that will serve as a shining example for all third world countries striving to achieve first world class status.

Binta Dampha, vice chairperson of the Association said they are doing everything possible to ensure a successful launching. She cited some difficulties been faced but expressed hope that the event will be a success.

“We want it to be a big and everybody’s program. We want every invitee to be satisfied with our agenda and learn big lesson” she said.

Repeal and replace 2013 Amendment Information and Communication Act

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Repeal and replace 2013 Amendment Information and Communication Act

by Alagi Yorro Jallow

‘Criminalizing Internet Libel’& Laws ‘Giving false Information to Public Official’- Honorable D.A. Jawo

The world has changed and is changing. It has become smaller. Communications have grown faster and more direct. Thanks to the Internet, people now have direct access to a platform that allows them to communicate with friends and strangers all at once, at the literal click of a button.

This cyber crime law which was enacted by the previous regime of Yahya Jammeh, in other words, will not only deprive Gambians of their constitutionally guaranteed liberties. It will deprive them of their place in the world as it has evolved and continues to evolve. It will deny them their place in a world and time where free expression is not only a right but also integral to the way of living, of competing, of surviving, of being. The law explicitly brings the archaic libel law…into the realm of the Internet.

As stated by Justice Louis D. Brandeis, “Experience should teach us to be most on our guard to protect liberty when the government’s purposes are beneficent. Men born to freedom are naturally alert to repel invasion of their liberty by evil-minded rulers. The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding.”

The Gambian government has, for many years, weighed down citizens and the media with laws that criminalize speech – such as cyber-libel, the publication of false information, seditious libel and criminal defamation – just to cow them from being critical of the government and its policies.

The Gambian cyber crime law as approved, limits common people to speak out what is in their minds against people in both the private and public limelight. Our mouths and minds are gagged by this law. The right of the freedom of speech is infringed, thus, limiting the democratic expressions of what people are really talking about. Even jokes are under scrutiny; and much more with lampoon writings will be dissected and examined more fully to get the real meaning of every word in it. I believe this cybercrime law is only benefiting, protecting people in the government and multinational business agents and it further subdue the right to information.

No matter what the authorities say, the criminalization of libel is not reasonably justifiable in a democratic society! It is in fact a monarchial, archaic and backward law! It is never helpful to freedom of expression to jail journalists and non- journalists for libel. It is better addressed in civil courts without putting the right to freedom of expression itself in jeopardy.

Over the past decade, in many instances where the Yahya Jammeh-led government has, through the application of these laws, forced many citizens and journalists into exile, arbitrarily detained or disappeared.

The draconian laws have been passed at a time that the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) headquartered in the capital, Banjul. Many African Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) petitioned the ACHPR to relocate from the Gambia, in protest the perpetually poor human rights record of the country.

“A libel is public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tending to cause the dishonor, discredit, or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead.”

Libel has been possible only through published or broadcasted content. Such content has been the domain of the edifices and establishments that are regulated by government, and thereby accredited to have some claim to the public trust. And so, these products of whole organizations, content expected to have run the gauntlet of editorial diligence, are expected to be factual—harking back to the old saying, “if it’s in print, on the radio, or on TV, then it must be true.” So, libel has been a crime committed by entities that claimed, explicitly or not, to be sources of substantiated facts.

In contrast, personal musings posted on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter make no such claim. That such products of personal expression can potentially reach a wider audience than that of traditional media, and that these can gain weight and credibility by the likes and shares that effectively endorse them to ever widening circles of readers, there is no doubt.

Certainly, such personal expressions can rival the power of established media content. But, the widespread acceptance that can make social content equivalent to news reports on print, radio and TV is earned through the agreement and advocacy of the readers who choose to share these further, and not by claims of journalistic fidelity by its authors.

Social content is composed of opinions meant to be read only by the author’s friends. And those friends, like the author, are free to believe what they want, like what they want, and share what they want. Can these circles of friends be treated like organized media outfits and, like them, be held liable for libel? I think not.

On 16 April 2013, the National Assembly of the Gambia amended sections of the country’s criminal code to empower the courts to mete out stiffer punishments to persons found guilty of giving false information to public officials.

The new law, which is an amendment to section 114 of the country’s criminal code, empowers the courts to impose a jail term of five years, or a fine of D50,000 (about US $1,650) for a misdemeanor that previously attracted a jail term of not more than six months or D500 (about US $17).

Apart from stiffer punishments, new law also classifies the president, vice president, speaker, deputy speaker and members of the National Assembly as public officers.

The classification approved by the National Assembly is inconsistent with section 166 (4) of the country’s constitution, which does not recognize these officials as public officers.

The offence of giving false information to a public servant has long been considered draconian and inconsistent with certain provisions of the country’s constitution as well as provisions of other international and regional treaties, to which Gambia is a signatory.

The National Assembly again on July 4 2013 amended the 2009 Information and Communication Act to introduce a 15-year jail term and fine of 3 million Dalasis (about US$100,000) to any individual convicted of using the internet to spread false news or make derogatory statements, incite dissatisfaction, or instigate violence against the government or public officials. The penalties apply to individuals living in the country or abroad.

Former Information Minister Nana Grey Johnson said the amendment had been passed to prevent Gambians from engaging in “unpatriotic behavior” against the government and public officials.

Despite the view of the United Nations Committee on Human Rights Cybercriminal, libel is contrary to Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) on freedom of expression.

Gambia’s new Information and Communication Minister, Demba Ali Jawo, should repeal and replace the amended 2013 Information and Communication Act on Cybercrime Prevention Law which, among other things, added electronic libel as a new criminal offense for journalists and diaspora activists using the internet.

This means that electronic libel is now punished with imprisonment from 15 years, while those convicted for ordinary libel under the Criminal Code are subject to imprisonment only from five years to six months in prison with hefty fine.

Since the Gambia is no exception in the world in terms of Facebook and Twitter usage, this means that unlike ordinary libel complaints which are oftentimes brought against printed newspapers -given the element of publication, any user of these leading social media tools is now liable for prosecution. The fact that an allegedly libelous writing appeared on the Internet is already sufficient to prove the element of publication.

The question being: are social media like Facebook and Twitter platforms for private or public expression? The Cybercrime law has answered that question. Anything you do online – writing, posting, sharing, “liking” – is essentially publication and for that matter broadcasting. Nothing is private. Everything is actionable, and potentially criminal.

One legal luminary Albert Francis says he did not see the provision or did not appreciate its implications. He also did not see additional clauses that aggravate the penalties – greater fines, longer prison terms – for libel when found and proved online. Nor the provision that would allow libel’s prosecution twice over, offline and then online, violating constitutional guarantees against double jeopardy.

And it’s retroactive, too, experts now say. Or at least, it will erase the very concept of retroactivity. Because the Internet potentially keeps your posts, tweets, and status updates live in perpetuity – or at least until the Cybercrime law pushes you, as it will, to take everything down – there is no past date beyond which the long arm of the law cannot reach.”

In other words, the assailed law, as soon as it comes into effect, immediately stifle the freedom of Gambians to express themselves, in what is by far, the most democratic medium ever created by humankind. The law stifles not only speech, but thought, altering not only words but action. At every turn and at every moment online, Gambians will have a specter of subsequent punishment hanging over them, effectively acting as prior restraint.

The Information and Communication Amended provision 2013 is an outright defiance of the UN Human Rights Committee on the case of the Gambia’s Cybercrime Prevention Law. In that view, the UNHRC declared that the Gambia libel law under the Information and Communication Act 2013 contravenes freedom of expression on two counts: one, it is a disproportionate means by which to achieve its avowed goal of protecting the privacy of private persons; and two, because there is an alternative in the form of civil libel, or the payment of damages.

The UNHCR also took the view that libel law in the Gambia, because it does not recognize truth as a defense, is additionally defective on this ground.

Our constitutional commitment to freedom of expression has long been recognized. Justice Holmes, for instance, wrote: “When men have realized that time has upset many fighting faiths, they may come to believe even more than they believe the very foundations of their own conduct that the ultimate good desired is better reached by free trade in ideas — that the best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market . . ..”

The commitment exists because it is only through freedom of expression that we are able to discern the truth and able to fiscalize despotic regimes: “The freedom to speak one’s mind is not only an aspect of individual liberty—and thus a good unto itself—but also is essential to the common quest for truth and the vitality of society as a whole. We have therefore been particularly vigilant to ensure that individual expressions of ideas remain free from governmentally imposed sanctions.

By criminalizing internet libel, government expanded the infringement of freedom of expression even to the realm that has enabled us to give life to the principle of a free market place of ideas- the internet. Prior to this law, it is ironic that the Gambia was even cited by the United Nations for not interfering with the internet. The law is a testament to the reality that despite the overwhelming mandate given to the government, coupled with its unprecedented public approval ratings, it continues to be insecure and unable to compete in the market place of ideas.

A lawyer I count as friend once reminded me that provisions of law are explicit, that one may not infer other provisions no matter how implicit the law may be.

Relying on his expert opinion, I conclude Honorable Minister for Information and Communication amend the anti-cybercrime law, whether to repeal or replace its libel clause or to correct its formulation. For a law like other laws that enjoy the presumption of regularity, this cyber crime law, in so far as it infringes on freedom of expression, and with heavy presumption of unconstitutionality.

The Reality of Gambia’s Democracy: A Dominant Political Force Demands an Effective Opposition

Fatu Camara
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The Reality of Gambia’s Democracy: A Dominant Political Force Demands an Effective Opposition

Written by Solomon Demba

The outcome of the recent parliamentary election is ringing endorsement of the UDP as a dominant political force. The key challenge for our new democracy now is how to create an effective opposition force that has the capacity to face up to a dominant political force. As oppositions remain fragmented and divided, this raises the question whether the UDP’s absolute majority is likely to lead to the insulation of one dominant-party system.

Obviously, there is an intrinsic relationship between the attainment of a dominant status and the effective opposition’s concept. In this sense, the ineffective opposition is likely to enhance the dominant political force’s ability to consolidate its support base, and ultimately engender the decline of the oppositions.  This may well be prevented if the oppositions act together on common grounds, to advance the aggregated interest of the society. Failing to do so, the ruling elite will remains unaccountable, and many more self-serving missions seem inevitable consequence.  In my view, such pitfall poses the greater threat to equal political representation than the overstated tribal divisions.

Our unity to advance the collective good of the society seems an attractive choice, rather than pontificating about tribal divisions that are overly exaggerated to benefit the proponents. We are Gambians; we transcend tribes to build a fairer and pluralistic society. The former USA President Barrack Obama eloquently said this, ‘’the future of humanity and the future of the world is going to be defined by what we have in common, as opposed to those things that separate us and ultimately lead us into conflict’. ’The President’s assertion captures two main features of multicultural society, namely, conflicts and unity.

The former can be avoided if we accept our differences as distinctive tribes and work for the collective good. The latter is necessary for the stability of our country as we come together to build a prosperous Gambia. The same proposition is espoused by Philosopher Will Kymlicka, in his theory of Liberal Multiculturalism, he postulates that a greater integration of the communities is better achieved if different groups respect and preserve each other distinctiveness.  We are bound together through marriages and friendships for centuries. Recognising each other distinctiveness has allowed us to live in an inclusive society. So let us remain committed such values to imbue unity among all tribes.

While the UDP appears to have gained the support of the major tribes, it is representative of Gambians’ society as its MPs hail from different ethnic backgrounds. It may be controversial, but coherent for individuals to align themselves with a political party through a tribal line. Tribal politics is distinct identity political practice deploys by many political parties in order assume political power. Of course, political parties are likely to exemplify values such as cultural practice, language that are essential to tribes so as to influence the political thinking of the voters.

This may fan the flames of political discontent, but it seems necessary so to attain political power. In any case, if political parties are to be successful in bringing out meaningful changes in ordinary Gambians’ life they must attain power by any reasonable means.  After all, political power tends to grow out a barrel of a gun. So it is a realistic expectation for political parties to deploy tribal politics in furtherance of their political ambitions. What seems abhorrent is the differential treatment of one tribe at the expenses of others without any legal justification. Such principle cannot sit comfortably with the notion of equality.

Nonetheless, the opposition must succinctly scrutinise the legislative process of the government to protect the interests of those they represented. A scattered gun approach may not be so effective in holding the government to account given the absolute majority of the UDP. What seems necessary is a united opposition force with common objectives to balance the power of the incumbent.  Indeed, the less effective oppositions are, the more their ability to oust an incumbent diminishes. This was self-evident in the way in which the Coalition attained political power.

It is a given fact when there is no realistic prospect for a political party to form a future government,’ the party’s protagonists will desert the party as the promise of a change disappears into a distant future. Consequently, series of political capitulation (in Gambian’s political term cross carpeting) to the ruling party may follow to splinter the parties’ support base. In this regard, the party in question will find it inherently difficult to build a formidable political force capable of winning the political power. Take, for instance, the NCP was in similar position for many years without increasing its electoral success. In fact, its support was in serious decline. Similarly, the re-invention of the PPP seems to have spectacularly failed to reinvigorate its former support base. The APRC’s heavy loss provides another explanation why voters are likely to desert a political party which is deemed to have no chance of assuming power.

The fact is that it was unconvincing to the voters that these parties had a realistic of winning political power. Therefore, there was no need to vote for impotent political parties that may not bring out change. It is safe to say, an effective and united opposition can only provide political parties with a realistic path to government. It can also be seen as an effective way of ousting entrenched ruling elite.

In conclusion, while the UDP represents a dominant political power in the Gambia, an effective opposition seems necessary to balance the power in the legislature, so as the other organs of the state in order to protect all Gambians’ interests. Failure to do so, our democracy runs the risk of being reduced to one dominant- party system. That may transform itself into a light dictatorship with the ability to control all narratives through media, at the expense of our well-fought democracy.

Forward with the Gambia!

17 state witnesses to testify in ex-NIA 9 murder case

Fatu Camara
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17 state witnesses to testify in ex-NIA 9 murder case

A total of 17 state witnesses are said to be testifying in the murder trial involving the former NIA Chief Yankuba Badjie and 8 others at the High Court in Banjul.

 

This was disclosed in court on Tuesday by the presiding judge Justice Kumba Sillah-Camara as she denied an application from MB Abubakar, the Deputy Director of Public Prosecution for the case to be adjourned for another two weeks.

 

“I will not give you two weeks but until next week. We will start sittings from Monday to Thursday and make sure you have all your witnesses ready and available” she said.

 

According to Justice Sillah-Camara, this case should be given priority due to its nature and for the fact that 17 witnesses are to be called by the state.

“This is the only criminal case in my court and we should always give priority to criminal cases” she noted.

 

She then adjourned the case until the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th May respectively for the state to open its case.

 

The agency’s erstwhile Director General Yankuba Badjie, alongside 8 others namely; Louis Richard leese Gomez, his deputy, Saihou Omar Jeng, ex- director of operations, Babucarr Sallah, Yusupha Jammeh, Haruna Susso, Tamba Masireh, Lamin Darboe and Lamin Lang Sanyang are now charged with twelve counts of offence, ranging from conspiracy to commit murder, murder, assaults causing actual bodily harm amongst other charges.

Ex-NIA chief & Co deny killing Solo Sandeng; finally took pleas in court

Fatu Camara
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Ex-NIA chief & Co deny killing Solo Sandeng; finally took pleas in court

The former head of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Yankuba Badjie and eight others, standing trial for the murder of late Solo Sandeng, on Tuesday, finally took plea and denied the accusation against them.

The late Solo Sandeng was alleged to have been tortured to dead while under state custody for merely staging a peaceful protest demanding electoral reforms on April 14th, 2016.

The agency’s erstwhile Director General Yankuba Badjie, alongside 8 others namely; Louis Richard leese Gomez, his deputy, Saihou Omar Jeng, ex- director of operations, Babucarr Sallah, Yusupha Jammeh, Haruna Susso, Tamba Masireh, Lamin Darboe and Lamin Lang Sanyang are now charged with twelve counts of offence, ranging from conspiracy to commit murder, murder, assaults causing actual bodily harm amongst other charges.

They finally took their pleas before the court presided over by Justice Kumba Sillah-Camara after the dismissal of their application challenging the competence of the Deputy Director of Public Prosecution (DDPP) to exercise the powers and functions of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the absence of an incumbent of that office.

It could be recalled that by summons on notice dated the 3rd day of April, 2017, and filed on the same date, the accused persons seek an order striking out the information dated the 20th Day of March 2017 and filed same day for want of jurisdiction on the ground that the criminal case not instituted in accordance with the due process of law and the requisite provisions of the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia. This application halted them from taking their plea as they were waiting for the court ruling on the issue.

During Tuesday’s sitting, all the 12 count charges ranging from murder, conspiracy and forgery where read to them and they all pleaded not guilty.

The case was then adjourned to the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11 May respectively for the state to open its case.

Judge orders Prison Service to stop handcuffing ex-NIA 9 to and from court

Fatu Camara
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Judge orders Prison Service to stop handcuffing ex-NIA 9 to and from court

Justice Kumba Sillah Camara, presiding judge in the murder trial of the nine former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) on Tuesday ordered the Gambia Prison Service to stop handcuffing the accused persons when coming to court and going back to Mile II Prison after court sittings.

 

The order came following a verbal notification to the court by Defense Counsel C.E Mene standing in for the first accused person Yankuba Badjie.

 

He told the court that the rights and dignity of the accused persons should be respected as they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

 

“In last court sittings, they are brought in court with handcuffs. Bringing them in handcuffs seems they are criminals. They are innocent until proven guilty. They deserve rights and dignity and this is a serious matter that the court should intervene” he said.

The Deputy Director of Public Prosecution AB Abubakar replied saying they are not aware of the rights of the accused persons been violated and if so, they don’t support it.

This prompted Justice Sillah-Camara to call the attention of the most senior Prison Officer in the escorting team to explain the reason behind the handcuffing of the accused persons when coming to court and going back to the prison. The prison officer replied that the handcuff is for security reasons but quickly noted that they are never handcuffed inside the court room.

 

“We only handcuff them when coming or going but not inside the court” the officer said.

 

Defense Counsel Moses Ritchards standing in for Sheikh Omar Jeng, the 3rd accused person rose up and informed the court that with the number of PIU officers deployed to escort only nine accused persons and the number station within and outside the court premises, there is no need to handcuff the accused persons. He urged the court to order that the action be stopped immediately.

 

Justice Sillah-Camara then made an order saying the accused persons shall not be handcuffed when coming to court or going back to the prison unless they are at flight risk.

 

“If you see that they are at flight risk, you inform the court but don’t handcuff them” she ordered.

 

Former NIA 9 application challenging Deputy DPP competence dismissed

Fatu Camara
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Former NIA 9 application challenging Deputy DPP competence dismissed

Justice Kumba Sillah-Camara, presiding judge in the murder case involving the former National Intelligence Agency (NIA) officers, Tuesday dismissed their application challenging the competence of the Deputy Director of Public Prosecution (DDPP) to exercise the powers and functions of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the absence of an incumbent of that office, and others.

The accused persons – Yankuba Badjie, Louis Ritchard Leese Gomez, Saihou Omar Jeng, Baboucarr Sallah, Yusupha Jammeh, Haruna Susso, Tamba Mansary, Lamin Darboe and Lamin Lang Sanyang are facing murder and other related charges at the High Court in Banjul. They are alleged to have killed late Solo Sandeng and tortured others.

By summons on notice dated the 3rd day of April, 2017, and filed on the same date, the accused persons seek an order striking out the information dated the 20th Day of March 2017 and filed same day for want of jurisdiction on the ground that the criminal case not instituted in accordance with the due process of law and the requisite provisions of the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia.

The accused persons submitted that in the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, the office of the Director of Public Prosecution is separated and distinct from the office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of The Gambia as opposed to the situation that existed before the coming into operation of the 1997 Constitution.

They also submitted that when the purported information in this case was filed by Mr M.A Abubakar purportedly there was no incumbent Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and counsel Mr CE Mene stated that to the best of his knowledge that there is no incumbent DPP to date that has been appointed by the President of the Republic of The Gambia in accordance with the Constitution; that the said MA Abubakar is not competent to exercise the powers and functions of the office of the DPP in the absence of an incumbent of that office and the information signed by him is null and void and of no effect.

They also submitted that the position of the state does not represent the law as today; that the appointment of the DPP is under the purview of the executive – section 84(2) vests same on the president; that Section 85 (1) of the Constitution removes the prosecuting authority under the AG and vested I on the DPP and that the information is not signed on behalf of the DPP.

State Counsel vehemently opposed the defense application prompting both sides to reply on points of law.

In her ruling, Justice Sillah Camara said Section 84(1) of the 1997 Constitution states that there shall be a Director of Public Prosecution whose office shall be an office in the public service. This section she said creates the Office of the DPP.

She added that Section 48(1) of the 1970 Constitution also states that there shall be a Director of Public Prosecutions, whose office shall be an office in the public service of the Gambia and without prejudice to the provisions of this constitution relating to the Public Service Commission, an office in the department of government for which responsibility is assigned to the Attorney General.

“It is clear from both provisions of the Constitution that the office of the DPP is created in the public service. For the latter provision that is section 48 of the 1970 Constitution created the office in the department of the government and the responsibility of instituting and undertaking criminal proceedings was vested on the Attorney General directly. Whereas the 1997 Constitution vests the responsibility of initiating criminal proceedings directly on the DPP but it does not oust the jurisdiction of the Attorney General to control and direct prosecutions conducted by the DPP” she stated.

According to Justice Sillah-Camara, Section 85 (1) of the 1997 Constitution states that the director of Public Prosecution shall have power in any case in which he or she considers it desirable to do so, and subject to the approval of the Attorney General. She noted that the approval of the AG is needed for the DPP to perform his duties which includes initiating criminal proceedings under the 1997 Constitutions.

She said Section 65 of the Criminal Procedure Code gives the Attorney General the power to appoint a person to be a public prosecutor and who shall be subject to the express direction of the AG. “Therefore, it is safe to conclude that the Attorney General has the power to prosecute through the Office of the DPP” she said.

She made it clear that the accused person’s have not presented in their application, any evidence to show that there is no incumbent DPP.

“It suffices to state that even if there were no incumbent DPP, Section 85(3) states that the powers conferred on the DPP under this section may be exercised by him or her in person or by person under his or her direction and control. This provision presupposes that the powers of the DPP may be exercised by him or her in person. It is not mandatory that the DPP must exercise his powers in person. It goes further to state that the DPP’s powers can be exercised by persons under his control and direction. These persons are persons who are those working under the DPP. It does not mean that in the absence of the DPP, they cannot assume the responsibility of the DPP” she said.

On the issue of whether the information signed by the Deputy DPP is null and void, Justice Sillah- Camara said the Deputy Director of Public Prosecution is a person working under the direction and control of the Director of Public prosecution, therefore, the fact that his office was not designated in the Constitution is irrelevant.

“The important thing is for the Deputy DPP to be under the direction and control of the DPP. I hold that the deputy Director of Public Prosecution acted legally for signing the information. Moreover, it is of judicial notice that the office and location/address as that of the AG. Therefore, the address stated on the information is also valid. I therefore hold that the information is valid and the court has jurisdiction to hear same. In light of the above, the application lacks merit and I hereby refuse the application and dismiss same” she concluded.

GOOD MORNING PRESIDENT BARROW

Fatu Camara
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GOOD MORNING PRESIDENT BARROW

 

Surrogates who were grafted to man-mark your online sceptics hoped they could sandbag the looming impatience flood rising against you and the #GambiaHasDecided rainbow government only to realise their political tackle backfired with a retributive yellow card. With the abysmal failure of tasteless slogans such as “I will defend Fulagou to Futa and back” to rekindle the cheered-for encore drove home a blunt reality for any political party to elbow its way to victory, it must be inclusive and persuasive. Such myopic and laughable sentiments instead of galvanising political sympathy, threaten to puncture their propagators’ party bubble. Hence the absolute necessity for party leaders to mark their space well away from such political dregs and liabilities.

 
For some strange reasons, sometimes we are found wanton in holding back from sanctioning someone for cutting edge, omission of duty, negligence and even abuse of authority. Sadly, anytime we reincarnate the proverbial ostrich to avoid confronting our leadership and one another on broken their failures, disregard of duty, broken promises and ineptitude, we are inadvertently compounding the malaise. Perhaps, our shortfall to hold others accountable often sterms from the notion when we excuse a first error, it will be bettered next time. Some are due to blind loyalty while others are just pure greed and utter selfishness.
Lamentably, for us to drive the change we all fought for, we must turn the tides by committing to command our destiny with immaculate integrity.

 

In other words, we must be honest to ourselves and refusing to be short-changed by others. This means being true to your words, honest in your judgement and fair in your take on others. Excusing leadership on the basis of according them support nurtures a ripple effect is far-reaching and often profoundly costly. Some also opined that lowering the bar of transparency, accountability and probity brings about positive results. Unfortunately, by so doing, we not only compromise our own integrity, influence and reputation but equally soil that of others. The end product usually becomes unmet expectations, lost of trust, abdication of duty and mismanagement of funds.

 
Talking about funds, Sainey SK Marenah discussed a salient issue on his Facebook. “Our government should support Gambian owned businesses to boost the fragile economy. In Senegal, for instances, government contracts local contractors for most government development initiatives but sadly in The Gambia, is the opposite.

 
When will we be empowering each other’s products and services? I’m shock to learn that government has given a contact worth millions of dollars to a foreign company for the production of biometrics cards while we have a qualified Gambian company specializing in such ( Pristine)”, he charged. Very legit Mr President.

 
In conclusion, those who think that holding one’s leadership accountable is unpatriotic need to take an expedition on soul searching and reality check. You have no qualms with dissenters, so what is their beef? Yes, the country is emerging from challenging moments but we cannot excuse the unexcusables. Dressing in borrowed dazzling haftans will not do you any good. Similarly, unfairly calling you out too is immoral. Gambia before anything else.
Until tomorrow, I remain a fervent support.

Sulayman Jeng
Birmingham, UK

100 Days of the Coalition. Grade: D

Fatu Camara
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100 Days of the Coalition. Grade: D

 

By Madi Jobarteh

 

Since the APRC NAMs amended Section 48(3) of the Constitution in 2003 to make simple majority or first-past-the-post the rule for winning elections, it became clear that unless there is a single candidate going against Yaya Jammeh, the possibility of voting him out of office was almost impossible. This bad provision was therefore fundamental in the calls for all opposition parties to come together with a single flag bearer. For more than 10 years this was difficult to obtain until 2016 when the opposition created the Grand Coalition guided by a MoU and a Manifesto.

 
Hence these parties including the independent presidential candidate have a direct stake and responsibility in the victory of Barrow and the smooth and successful functioning of his government. Having lived through the dictatorship and suffered hugely, these parties therefore have a singular responsibility to usher the Gambia into a modern democratic dispensation as spelt out in their MoU, Manifesto and campaign promises. Their experience itself at the hands of the tyranny is a promise that they have no choice but to repair the damages of APRC and rebuild this country as decided by Gambians on December 1.

 
Yet so far the Coalition as a group and individual parties have not fully demonstrated to us that they have learnt their lessons and they are using their experience to remake this country. The way and manner of the Coalition members in their individual and collective decisions and actions so far leaves much to be desired. It appears our parties are more preoccupied about power and space for themselves than responding to the urgent needs of the society. For this reason, it is necessary that we become alert to that as citizens to monitor them closely knowing that we cannot anymore let politicians to derail and destroy our lives.

 
In my assessment I give them with a D score for the simple reason that these political parties that formed the Coalition are not providing the strategic and necessary support that Barrow needs. For example, they generated a lot of bickering in the way and manner cabinet ministers were selected. The back and forth and the amount of time it took to select ministers testify to that fact. Thus following the unfolding nature of events, what became evident was that there was not the necessary consultation and agreement among them as per the terms of their MoU. This vibration became more visible in the run-up to the parliamentary elections.

 
First they failed to pursue a unified position. Even in that failure they all failed again to stick to their individual desired approaches. For example PDOIS favoured an independent-led approach yet ended up fielding candidates in the name of PDOIS. It refused to stick to its desired approach even if UDP and the others did not agree to it. PPP also appeared to lean towards the PDOIS approach but they ended up also having their own party candidates and even competed against each other. Both of them therefore threw away the tactical alliance under an independent approach that they all supported originally. At the same time UDP, NRP and GMC also failed to stick to their party-led approach as they also failed to contest on the basis of a tactical alliance. Rather they ended up competing against each other in many constituencies. It is clear that party interests influenced all of their decisions.

 
Hence all of these parties in the Coalition have failed to provide the necessary unity and guidance that Barrow needs. This lack of unity continues to aggravate as it has produced a very unpleasant climate of acrimony between their supporters and surrogates and even between some leaders. Personal and tribal invectives are thrown at each other thereby threatening the nascent democracy we have just achieved as a people. if this trend continues it definitely poses threats to the stability of the Barrow Administration. This must be a huge concern to all citizens.

 
Consequently all of these make one wonder who really is advising the president. Does the Coalition Executive Committee function, as it should? What has been the role of the Coalition Chair and Spokesperson? As the ruling Coalition, do they hold periodic meetings to monitor the implementation of their Manifesto? Are they following their MoU?

 
The position and role of the Coalition Chair and Spokesman as well as the Coalition Executive Committee are significant for this administration. But I am concerned that instead of these structures providing the necessary leadership and guidance, rather we see only accusations and counter accusations. The fact that there has been so much rancour over ministerial positions and then the fallout over the parliamentary elections indicates that this Coalition is not standing on a strong foundation of unity with which it started. The continuing indecision over the appointment of the vice president as well as the conflicting positions of Ousainou Darboe and Halifa Sallah over the tenure of Pres. Barrow all point to the lack of consultation and leadership within the Coalition. Meantime the rest of the leadership remains mute over these issues. Why?

 
As we move forward, it is important that the Barrow Administration including the Coalition parties understand that there is a new narrative in the Gambia. This is the Coalition Government narrative. They are no more opposition parties under a dictatorship and they must not respond to issues as if they are still within that Yaya Jammeh scenario. Rather they need to be proactive and define themselves as the government, which has come to address the civil, political, economic and social issues of the Gambia. They must remain a united and focused Coalition. No one should seek to dominate Barrow and no one should seek to forsake Barrow. All must recognize that the Barrow Administration is their collective baby and until the end of the three years, they have a responsibility to take care of this baby. Failure is not an option.

 
Now that they are all represented in the parliament, we must tell these parties that what we expect is cooperation and consultation in the supreme interest of the Gambia. The Gambia needs a modern and robust democratic dispensation, which should deliver us out of poverty and deprivation into an advanced and prosperous society. The making of such Gambia lies inside the parliament. We expect these parties therefore to remember and respect their MoU and Manifesto to follow through it because they have highlighted critical issues that are necessary for the creation of that new Gambia. Failure to abide by their MoU and the Manifesto would therefore be a great disservice to the Gambia.

 
Let citizens now also take ownership of the MoU and Manifesto so that we use them as tools to monitor, engage, support and critique the Barrow Administration and the Coalition and its parties for the good of the Gambia.

God Bless The Gambia!

BAKARY GASSAMA, OTHERS WIN SJAG AWARD

Fatu Camara
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BAKARY GASSAMA, OTHERS WIN SJAG AWARD

 

By Lamin Drammeh

Gambian international referee Bakary Papa Gassama is among several other high profile sports personalities decorated with awards by Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia (SJAG) over the weekend.

The 37 year-old referee, Gassama unquestionably the highest peofile sportsman in the country in terms of individual performance and achievement was handpicked for the sports personality of the year award by the SJAG.

Another Gambian referee Mawdo Jallow, a close friend to Gassama, has retained the local male referee of the year award after winning it in 2016.

This is not the first time Gassama got considered for the award by The Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia (SJAG), having received special SJAG award in 2012.

The award is meant to honor the achievements of past and present sports men and women for their outstanding contribution to the development/promotion of sports in the Gambia over the past 12 months.

Below we produce the list of other awardees from different categories:

Best local athlete: Adama Jammeh, Best foreign athlete: Omar Colley: Female volleyball team goes to GAF, Best local coach went to Alagie Sarr, Best local male referee goes to Mawdo Jallow, Best local female referee was awarded to Jainaba Manneh, Gina Bass, was named best local female athlete, Emerging talent award was given to Gambia national beach volleyball team, while Demba Jarju of Para Olympic and Bakary Gassama received sports personality of the year and special awards respectively.

Gassama nicknamed ‘Papa’ has been the most outstanding referee in Africa over the last couple of years. He has won three (TRIPPLE) consecutive awards by the confederation of African football (CAF), in 2014, 2015 & 2016.

He was also designated “person of the year award in 2015”, by the Gambia News & Report in recognition of his outstanding performance during the 2014 Fifa world cup finals in Brazil, the highest football tournament any referee can reach.

The iconic referee Gassama first contested for the Caf African referee of the year award in 2013.

He made history when he became one of the three African referees selected by Fifa to officiate in the 2014 world cup in Brazil. He was in charge of the third game of group D fixtures of the 2014 World cup match between Netherlands and Chile.

Papa who became Fifa referee in 2007, officiated at 2012 London Olympic games.

He was in charge of the 2015 Caf African Nations Cup final between Ivory Coast and Ghana.
Ivory Coast won the tournament in a dramatic 9-8 penalty shootout following a bitterly fough goal less draw at the end of extra time.

The industrious referee Papa became the first Gambian referee to compete for the caf Africa’s top refereeing award. He’s by far the best referee in the continent and undoubtedly one of the best in the world.

Measuring President Barrow’s first 100 days

Fatu Camara
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Measuring President Barrow’s first 100 days

Today marks one 100 days since the coalition government took over the reign of power in Banjul. In assessing the significance of that, we take a critical look at what this means for the country & for the lives of ordinary Gambians who had put their vote and trust in President Barrow. Interestingly, the President’s scorecard is a somewhat mix-bag of successes, some failures, and some yet-to-be fulfilled promises chimed on the campaign trail.

In the coming weeks and months, the executive must reaffirm its commitment to working towards radical structural transformation of the country through socio-economic and political framework. And one wonders why the government allowed itself to some ridicule for not coming up with a clear development plan in steering the affairs of state. Please, quickly design a five (5) year policy document or blueprint as reference: in the short term, however, the government needs to come up with a budget of its own for the current financial year.

Let’s start with National Security — This here takes precedence as the bedrock through which other layers of the development spectrum follows. The army, as it was must be disbanded to start a recruitment drive afresh. Evidently, the Gambia does not require a large military force, what it needs though is an effective but responsible force serving national interest. The new-look Ministry of Defense taking shape deserves some credit but hard choices lay ahead. For far too long, there existed a fragile and unsafe border to the Cassamance region. And recent disturbances in Foni should alert the security services to take a more stringent look at Kanilai connections. For decades, clandestine activities and banditry by ‘Jola’ rebels strolling freely across border lines had been the norm. Responsibility too falls on the Senegalese security apparatus to regulate their side of the border and to liaise and conduct joint military patrols and exercises with their Gambian counterparts.

 
I understand the police force is going thru reform. But that is not far enough, it needs a radical shake up and proper training in law and order duties as custodians of internal security. Reflecting on those visual deterrence tactics used by the Met Police in London, the interior ministry should engage the commonwealth for technical experience training and logistical support in all layers of the security sector. Still, petty highway corruption is an issue within the force which minister Fatty must address.

As for the economy it has to be simultaneously priorised for rapid sustainable growth. Fair play to the president for the manner his govt has approached economic revival as seen with the return of investors flocking in seeking commercial ties. But prices are still extremely high with no clear cut economic strategy or clarity. 100 days in, the president ought to be made aware this is unacceptable. There is a great debate on high streets as to who should import rice into the country. For the record, rice importation is the single most profitable business in Gambia and therefore its license should be accorded to a Gambian or Gambian entities. A national security element is attached here, as the case with fake plastic rice in Nigeria shows.

Parliament is advised to periodic summon major business leaders for grilling on prices, and their tax obligations to the state. Over the years tax dodging & Capital flight has affected the country’s development, and Africa as a whole. And with the announcement of reduced imports duties, cautionary tale is advised – the Gambia must not allow it’s economy wide open to be a dumping ground for China, India, or Europe for that matter. Our domestic industry must be protected. The ‘West’ operates an incentivise Agricultural Policy as protection for their big farm industry. Yet the Gambia, and Africa are being told to liberalise and open their markets. That was a dumb move by the administration. The 21st century is a time for smart leadership and that decisions matter. I call on the government to be mindful of this gap and protect our local farmers and produce, and not to overflow local markets with cheap foreign imports. With so many fake products out there, so are the health risks; but I have every confidence that the agriculture minister, O.J, will pursue the National Interest and that commonsense will prevail.

On the Judiciary, one must commend the ‘Justice Ministry’ under Baa Tambedou for excellence & speed with which he serves in restoring confidence within the system. It is pleasing to see that the president adheres to recommendations by the judicial service commission. Coupled with chief Justice, Hassan Jallow’s expertise & acumen dust – credibility has been restored. However, the reemployment of the three scandalous Nigerian judges was a dumb move, and I urge the President to listen to the concerns put forth by the ‘Bar Association’ and recind accordingly. There also needs to be the setup of a permanent anti-corruption commission in line with UN (R2P 2005) guidelines.

Foreign affairs – Turning to the president’s role in restoring the country’s relationship with the world, i give him a high score on this. The Gambia’s foray into international waters starts with Senegal, and therefore, prioritising cordial bilateral ties with the sister-republic was a smart move. In terms of Britain and the EU, I thought the President has excellently navigated the politics of it all. On a recent Paris trip, however, he was quoted as saying ”France is Gambia’s closest ally in Europe” which had officials within the Foreign and Commonwealth office in London looking rather bemused. But that is ok, because, far too long Britain has taken Gambia for granted; and that should see London engage Banjul seriously! The government has fulfilled another campaign promise in returning the country to ICC and Commonwealth memberships respectively. At a time of great uncertainty, that has advanced the country’s credibility in international circles. In the last three months, we have also seen the country take its rightful place amongst ECOWAS, the AU, and UN systems respectively as a responsible sovereign nation observing international law and norms.

I am, however, troubled by the President’s visit to Congo Brazaville, which serves no national interest at this stage. I’m further worried by the lack of clarity in addressing ‘Jammeh appointed envoys’ abroad for trained diplomats. The Banjul/Beijing ties has got to be strengthened and advanced. China is the preeminent global power of this century and relations are vital for the country’s development aspirations. I also welcome the resumption of cordial ties with Qatar; in the same vein urging the president to put a phone call to the Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, and Beirut, in Lebanon, extending greetings and friendship from the Gambian people. All in all, the country’s reputation is being restored on a credible democratic path.

Back on domestic waters – There was so much hoopla and talk prior to the ‘National Assembly’ elections given PDOIS’s stance. The Gambian people ought to realise that Parliament is a co-equal branch of government to that of the executive. As such the election of such eloquent luminaries as honourable Halifa Sallah, has not only strengthened that institution, but our democracy too. Folks, the smiling coast is back. And although the government needs time to translate their policy ideas into practical realities, we cannot hide from the fact that there is widespread poverty and unemployment up and down the country. Given the record so far, an overall “B” rating is a fair reflection of the first 100 days.

Gibril Saine, LONDON

 

On Workers’ Day, ECOWAS Youth Council urges govt’s to review wages

Fatu Camara
-
0
On Workers’ Day, ECOWAS Youth Council urges govt’s to review wages

As the world celebrates International Workers Day also called Labour Day in some countries, the West Africa’s sub-regional bloc youth body, ECOWAS Youth Council has use the day to call on government to review upwards the minimum wage of workers

The Council also call on governments to create enabling environment that would promote youth involvement in the private sector and consequently create employment and rapid economic growth.

A statement issued and signed by Ambassador Seun O Williams, President of the ECOWAS Youth Council said the world today is ICT driven and only the youths hold the key to unlocking the golden treasures.

Below is the full text of the statement;

The International Workers Day celebration is a day set out to celebrate the working class. It is also called Labour Day in some climes.

It is commemorated every year on May Day (May 1st), although, some countries celebrate on a different date which is significant to them, for example the United States who chose the first Monday of September. The tradition began in the late 19th Century and was strengthened by the rise of trade unions.

The date was chosen to commemorate the Haymarket affair – the bombing which happened at a labour demonstration in Chicago, on May 4 1886.Workers were striking for an eight-hour day, and began their demonstrations on May 1.The bomb killed seven police officers and at least four workers, while dozens of others were wounded in the blast. The day is promoted by the labour, socialist and communist movements – as well as trade unions.

As youths, this celebration is significant to us owing to our contribution to productivity in public, private and informal sectors of the economy. Youths are the most active and vital force in any society, hence their indispensability.

According to Eurostat publication “being young in Europe today”, youth employment is a key aspect of Europe’s prosperity since young people represent an important source of skills, creativity and dynamism.

In recent times, we have seen a decline in youth labor force due to several factors ranging from education (in developed societies) to unemployment (in developing and disadvantaged societies).

Workers day celebration in addition to its remembrance is also a period for critical thinking, sincere reflection, strategic planning and trouble shooting.

 We seize this opportunity to call on government to review upwards the minimum wage of workers and to create enabling environment that would promote youth involvement in the private sector and consequently create employment and rapid economic growth. The world today is ICT driven and only the youths hold the key to unlocking the golden treasures.

While celebrating your resilience, ingenuity, sacrifice and commitment, we also acknowledge your numerous legitimate struggles for better welfare, decent working ambience and other sundry issues.

We reaffirm our support for workers and wish you a peaceful and fruitful celebration.

Long Live ECOWAS Youths

Long Live ECOWAS

 

Ambassador Seun O. William

President, ECOWAS Youth Council

Measuring President Barrow’s first 100 days

Fatu Camara
-
0
Measuring President Barrow’s first 100 days

Written by Gibril Saine, LONDON

Today marks one 100 days since the coalition government took over the reign of power in Banjul. In assessing the significance of that, we take a critical look at what this means for the country & for the lives of ordinary Gambians who had put their vote and trust in President Barrow. Interestingly, the President’s scorecard is a somewhat mix-bag of successes, some failures, and some yet-to-be fulfilled promises chimed on the campaign trail.

In the coming weeks and months, the executive must reaffirm its commitment to working towards radical structural transformation of the country through socio-economic and political framework. And one wonders why the government allowed itself to some ridicule for not coming up with a clear development plan in steering the affairs of state. Please, quickly design a five (5) year policy document or blueprint as reference: in the short term, however, the government needs to come up with a budget of its own for the current financial year.

Let’s start with National Security — This here takes precedence as the bedrock through which other layers of the development spectrum follows. The army, as it was must be disbanded to start a recruitment drive afresh. Evidently, the Gambia does not require a large military force, what it needs though is an effective but responsible force serving national interest. The new-look Ministry of Defense taking shape deserves some credit but hard choices lay ahead. For far too long, there existed a fragile and unsafe border to the Cassamance region. And recent disturbances in Foni should alert the security services to take a more stringent look at Kanilai connections. For decades, clandestine activities and banditry by ‘Jola’ rebels strolling freely across border lines had been the norm. Responsibility too falls on the Senegalese security apparatus to regulate their side of the border and to liaise and conduct joint military patrols and exercises with their Gambian counterparts.

I understand the police force is going thru reform. But that is not far enough, it needs a radical shake up and proper training in law and order duties as custodians of internal security. Reflecting on those visual deterrence tactics used by the Met Police in London, the interior ministry should engage the commonwealth for technical experience training and logistical support in all layers of the security sector. Still, petty highway corruption is an issue within the force which minister Fatty must address.

As for the economy it has to be simultaneously prioritized for rapid sustainable growth. Fair play to the president for the manner his govt has approached economic revival as seen with the return of investors flocking in seeking commercial ties. But prices are still extremely high with no clear cut economic strategy or clarity. 100 days in, the president ought to be made aware this is unacceptable. There is a great debate on high streets as to who should import rice into the country. For the record, rice importation is the single most profitable business in Gambia and therefore its license should be accorded to a Gambian or Gambian entities. A national security element is attached here, as the case with fake plastic rice in Nigeria shows.

Parliament is advised to periodic summon major business leaders for grilling on prices, and their tax obligations to the state. Over the years tax dodging & Capital flight has affected the country’s development, and Africa as a whole. And with the announcement of reduced imports duties, cautionary tale is advised – the Gambia must not allow it’s economy wide open to be a dumping ground for China, India, or Europe for that matter. Our domestic industry must be protected. The ‘West’ operates an incentivize Agricultural Policy as protection for their big farm industry. Yet the Gambia, and Africa are being told to liberalize and open their markets. That was a dumb move by the administration. The 21st century is a time for smart leadership and that decisions matter. I call on the government to be mindful of this gap and protect our local farmers and produce, and not to overflow local markets with cheap foreign imports. With so many fake products out there, so are the health risks; but I have every confidence that the agriculture minister, O.J, will pursue the National Interest and that commonsense will prevail.

On the Judiciary, one must commend the ‘Justice Ministry’ under Baa Tambedou for excellence & speed with which he serves in restoring confidence within the system. It is pleasing to see that the president adheres to recommendations by the judicial service commission. Coupled with chief Justice, Hassan Jallow’s expertise & acumen dust – credibility has been restored. However, the reemployment of the three scandalous Nigerian judges was a dumb move, and I urge the President to listen to the concerns put forth by the ‘Bar Association’ and rescind accordingly. There also needs to be the setup of a permanent anti-corruption commission in line with UN (R2P 2005) guidelines.

Foreign affairs – Turning to the president’s role in restoring the country’s relationship with the world, i give him a high score on this. The Gambia’s foray into international waters starts with Senegal, and therefore, prioritising cordial bilateral ties with the sister-republic was a smart move. In terms of Britain and the EU, I thought the President has excellently navigated the politics of it all. On a recent Paris trip, however, he was quoted as saying ”France is Gambia’s closest ally in Europe” which had officials within the Foreign and Commonwealth office in London looking rather bemused. But that is ok, because, far too long Britain has taken Gambia for granted; and that should see London engage Banjul seriously! The government has fulfilled another campaign promise in returning the country to ICC and Commonwealth memberships respectively. At a time of great uncertainty, that has advanced the country’s credibility in international circles. In the last three months, we have also seen the country take its rightful place amongst ECOWAS, the AU, and UN systems respectively as a responsible sovereign nation observing international law and norms.

I am, however, troubled by the President’s visit to Congo Brazzaville, which serves no national interest at this stage. I’m further worried by the lack of clarity in addressing ‘Jammeh appointed envoys’ abroad for trained diplomats. The Banjul/Beijing ties have got to be strengthened and advanced. China is the preeminent global power of this century and relations are vital for the country’s development aspirations. I also welcome the resumption of cordial ties with Qatar; in the same vein urging the president to put a phone call to the Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, and Beirut, in Lebanon, extending greetings and friendship from the Gambian people. All in all, the country’s reputation is being restored on a credible democratic path.

Back on domestic waters – There was so much hoopla and talk prior to the ‘National Assembly’ elections given PDOIS’s stance. The Gambian people ought to realise that Parliament is a co-equal branch of government to that of the executive. As such the election of such eloquent luminaries as Hon. Halifa Sallah, has not only strengthened that institution, but our democracy too. Folks, the smiling coast is back. And although the government needs time to translate their policy ideas into practical realities, we cannot hide from the fact that there is widespread poverty and unemployment up and down the country. Given the record so far, an overall “B” rating is a fair reflection of the first 100 days.

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