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Tambajang: ‘I am proud to see more women in Cabinet’

Gambia’s Minister of Women’s Affairs has expressed her happiness in the appointments of several women in the new cabinet of President Adama Barrow.

Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang was speaking on Thursday, March 9, during the swearing in ceremony of the second batch of ministers in the new Cabinet which she is part of. The ceremony also witnessed the swearing in of the new Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service and Secretary to Cabinet as well as a dozen permanent secretaries.

According to her, they still need more women in the Cabinet and other decision making positions.

 I am happy and proud to see more women in the Cabinet. I am happy you gave me the challenge to help you balance the Cabinet. We need more women in Cabinet and more in decision making positions. My passion has always been the advancement of women and girls because they account for more than 50 per cent of our population. They are the most productive people who live from dawn to dust and yet they need a decent living” she said.

According to her, women still need freedom and they need to participate in decisions affecting their lives and families, adding that her passion and commitment under the leadership of President Barrow will be to facilitate these processes.

Madam Tambajang who is also overseeing the position of the Vice President said they have launched a number of initiatives in line with the upcoming Constitution and they want to be part of that Constitution as women.

“We will encourage that the Constitution provides a 30 percent quota or at least 40-50 percent for women to be part of the development process. Women are productive assets, women are human and social capital, women have triple roles to play in the development process. They are our mothers, they produce us, they are the back bone of our economy, they are the producers of human services, and they are community workers. They fixed the family when it’s broken” she narrated.

According to her, women have played a key role in this change for new Gambia saying they have been behind the scene. “They have been in the forefront. They have advocated for change. They have demonstrated change and change has happened” she said.

Minister Jallow-Tambajang encouraged ministers to establish competent gender focal points in their various Ministries and institutions especially key planning institutions that will help in mainstreaming the priorities of women so that they can qualify from the informal sector to the formal sector.

“You cannot balance the macro-economic framework if the productive and reproductive work of women is not included in national accounting system. You will have a good legacy if the productive and social work of women is accounted for in the national accounting system. We should include budget for women to work productively” she urged them.

The Women’s Affairs Minister assured President Barrow that the women sworn-in will not let him down saying ‘If they fail I fail, if they decrease I fail. My passion and success is to have more women in every sector of the economy and have more resources for women to work, to have more financial and moral support for women’.

She saluted President Barrow for being gender sensitive saying she has observed that women in this country are in the forefront of the new government’s agenda and that they will not let the president down.

Former Kanilai Commander In Critical Condition

 

By Lamin Sanyang

 

Lieutenant Colonel Solo Bojang, former commander of the Kanilai Battalion, is currently struggling with serious health conditions since his released from prison on Friday, January 22, 2017.

 
Family sources reveal that Lieutenant Colonel Bojang coughs blood. He was allegedly tortured during his incarceration at the then notorious National Intelligence Agency NIA. He is reportedly undergoing treatment in Foni.

 
‘‘I was in tears when I saw my husband after years of being in agony in the hands of the former regime,” Fatou Bojang, Solo’s distraught wife said.

 
Bojang, a close aide of former president Yahya Jammeh who doubled as erstwhile Manager of the Kanilai Family Farms (KFF) was earlier arraigned before the Brikama Magistrates’ Court on 12 May 2014 and charged with three counts of ‘Abuse of office’, ‘Conspiracy’, ‘Theft’ and ‘False information’.

 
He was acquitted and discharged on all counts except one charge which was False Information and was handed with an optional sentenced of D50, 000. The family has reportedly paid the fine but was nonetheless escorted out of the courtroom by the security forces that whisked him away to an unknown destination. . .Bojang has since suffered series of unlawful detentions at different centres by the NIA until his recent prison sentencing by a military court martial. He was among those released by President Barrow.

 
Sources say in 2009, Lieutenant Colonel Bojang led the armed thugs sanctioned by former president Jammeh to carry out “witchcraft cleansing”. During the exercise hundreds of villagers were forced at gunpoint and escorted to Kanilai and Kotu where they drank concoctions. Several people died instantly while others followed shortly after their release. Many others fell sick and later recovered but are still living with the stigma of being officially painted “witches and wizards”. .

 
The leader of The PDOIS Halifa Sallah openly condemned the exercise, saying it must stop immediately. He was arrested and taken to court. The charges were dropped against him due to international pressure leading to the end of the exercise. .

 
Meanwhile, former Lieutenant Colonel Solo Bojang is also accused of being a member of former President, Yahya Jammeh’s thug squad known as “Junglers”.

THE CURRENT COALITION COLLISION, THE WAY FORWARD & POTENTIAL OUTCOMES

 

By Pa Louis

 

As we all are aware, the Coalition which comprises of (UDP, NRP, PDOIS, PPP, NCP,
GPDP GMC and Isatou Touray and team) was the product of a desperate desire to oust
former president who was increasingly edging closer to declaring a one party state akin to
an Islamic emirate. This was no doubt an unprecedented occurrence in our politics and in
essence, we are on unchartered waters. The aforementioned uniqueness of the political
turf inevitably presents to the Gambian political class a steep incline which no set of
Gambian politicians were ever compelled to manoeuvre.

The failure to address the issue of Parliamentary elections was a grave error in judgement
and I am sure those concerned would approach such an issue of fundamental importance
differently with the benefit of hindsight.

However, now that we are where we are one would have thought that consolidating the
coalition’s power in the National Assembly would take priority over any other party political
interests but a few in the coalition think not. It appears that the compromise reached
(‘tactical alliance’) means that the individual parties will field in candidates subject to deals
struck with other parties; this compromise albeit effective in settling the ‘civil war’ which
ensued, it may not be as effective in achieving the desired aim to win the minimum
required number of seats (39 (75%)) to pass a referendum legislation for the purpose of
amending the entrenched causes of the Constitution. A fair, sensible and equitable
approach could have been fielding coalition candidates using the four (4) hurdle formula
below:

●Hurdle 1: Each party to keep the maximum number of Parliamentary seats won in
the second republic.
●Hurdle 2: Each party keeps % of the votes won in 2011 from the total 53
constituencies but constituencies picked from among the 28 won by the Coalition.
●Hurdle 3: Remaining seats divided by the number of parties (8).
●Hurdle 4: Remaining seats distributed equally between ‘hurdle 1’ parties

Results of such a formula will be fair, reasonable, equitable and appealing to both voters
and individual party supporters as follows:

NB: Selection of constituencies at ‘hurdle 3’ and ‘hurdle 4’ to be through a random ballot /
selection.

If the above formula or something similar is adopted to ensure Coalition candidates are
fielded in instead of individual party candidates, then the Coalition will have a very strong
potential of keeping all 28 constituencies won in December. As well as the aforementioned
there is a good chance they will win over the following constituencies in which the APRC &
GDC won only narrowly or not overwhelmingly:

APRC
Banjul central, Busumbala, Jarra Central, Niani, Niamina Dankunku, Lower Saloum &
Upper Saloum

GDC
Upper Niumi

MOST LIKELY OUTCOME OF A ‘TACTICAL ALLIANCE’

Should the favoured ‘tactical alliance’ create circumstances whereby Coalition party
candidates find themselves competing for the same constituency seats, then the Coalition
votes will inevitably split and going by the available data, out of the 28 constituencies won
by the coalition 12 will be at risk. APRC will be at a position of strength to hold on to at
least 13 of their 20 constituencies won; GDC will easily hold onto 4 out of their 5
constituencies won in December.

With the above said, 12 of the 28 constituencies won by the Coalition; 7 of the 20 won by
APRC and 1 of the 5 won by GDC will be up for grabs. These 20 seats (Jeshwang,
Serekunda west, Bundunka kunda, Latir-kunda Sabiji, Tallinding, Brikima south,
Busumbala, Kiang east, Kiang central, Sami, Basse, Sandu, Banjul central, Old Yundum,
Jarra central, Niani, Niamina Dankunku, Lower Saloum, Upper Saloum & Upper Niumi)
could end up swing to any party or independent candidate.

It is important for the Coalition to rather than consider party interest, work towards
maximizing gains made in December and establish a strong legislative base in anticipation
of the wholesale reforms President Barrow was elected to usher through. Going by the
available evidence, a ‘tactical alliance’ may well deliver ‘victory’ for one or two parties
within the Coalition but spell disaster overall for the Coalition and embolden an already
wounded APRC to reorganize and re-establish themselves as a force to reckon with in
Gambian politics once again.

The Rubicon has still not been crossed on the matter and I hope that moving forward, the
individual parties within the Coalition will consider a formula akin to the above to
consolidate and increase their political gains in December 2016 come April 6th.

‘Together we can make Gambia the envy of many countries’ – President Barrow

Gambia’s President Adama Barrow has reminded the newly appointed ministers and other civil servants in his government that together, they can make the Gambia the envy of many countries.

According to him, this can be attained by committing themselves to serve national interest in their engagements.

President Barrow was speaking during the swearing in ceremony of six new ministers into the Cabinet as well as the new Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, the Secretary to Cabinet and Permanent Secretaries at a ceremony held at the Kairaba beach Hotel.

“Individually, we can change our attitude towards work and take positive steps to making a difference in our institution. Together, we can make the Gambia envy for many countries by committing ourselves to serve our national interest in our engagements. Our individual interests are embedded in the national interest” he said.

He reminded them that his government pledged to engage in institutional and legal reforms, thus, need politicians and technicians to make it possible.

“I urge you to work hard as professionals to support the political agenda of my administration for us to achieve our goal. I want us to leave a legacy of institutions, laws and procedures that will enhance our democracy, social, economic and political development for our people” he concluded.

EU-Gambia sign MoU to facilitate observers in Parliamentary elections

The government of The Gambia and the European Union on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate an EU Election Observer Mission to the Gambia for the upcoming 2017 Parliamentary elections.

The Gambia’s parliamentary elections is slated for April 6 and nomination opened Thursday, March 9, 2017 countrywide.

EU Ambassador to the Gambia Attila Lajos signed on behalf of the European Union while Ousainou Darboe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad signed on behalf of the Gambia government.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Lajos said the signing is another milestone in their relation with the Gambia.  He said the EU has always shown and continue to support the democratization process of the Gambia.

According to him, the visit by the top EU diplomat to the Gambia in February 2017 was a symbolic event and shows the EU’s readiness to continue to support the Gambia.

“Today, what we signing is to enhance what we agreed on during the February visit of the EU Commissioner. This is the first time we will have a full fledged EU Observation Mission in The Gambia” he said.

For his part, Ousainou Darboe, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad who signed on behalf of the Gambia government confirms that since February 2017, the EU has gone big way in establishing engagements with the Gambia.

According to him, as a government, they are committed to ensuring free, fair and credible elections. “We don’t want to attest to our own elections but others should do it for us” he said.

Minister Darboe assured that the Gambia government will give full and free access to the EU Observer Mission to monitor the parliamentary elections.

6 new ministers, SG, others sworn-in

The second batch of Cabinet ministers in the new government of President Adama Barrow were on Thursday sworn-in at a ceremony held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.

Presided over by President Barrow, the ceremony also witnessed the swearing in of the new Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, the Secretary to the Cabinet and fifteen Permanent Secretaries.

Administered by Alima Tambedou, Permanent Secretary, Office of the First Lady, all the six ministers and the Secretary General, the Secretary to Cabinet and Permanent Secretaries took the oaths of Allegiance, Office and Secrecy to execute their functions without fear, favour, affection or ill will.

The ministers are Fatoumatta Jallow-Tambajang, minister of Women’s Affairs; Badara Alieu Joof, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology; Claudiana A Cole, Minister  of Basic and Secondary Education; Saffie Lowe-Ceesay, Minister of Health and Social Welfare; Demba A. Jawo, Minister of Information, Communication and Infrastructure and Bai Lamin Jobe, Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Dawda d Fadera, Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service and Isatou Auber-Faal, Secretary to Cabinet were also sworn-in.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Barrow described the ceremony as part of another important step in consolidating the change desired for the country under his administration. He said the appointments have been informed by wide consultation, vetting and other assessment tools and consideration.

According to him, his government pledged to engage in institutional and legal reforms, thus, need politicians and technicians to make it possible.

“I urge you to work hard as professionals to support the political agenda of my administration for us to achieve our goal. I want us to leave a legacy of institutions, laws and procedures that will enhance our democracy, social, economic and political development for our people” he urged them.

He expressed confidence in all the appointees and renewed hope that they will work together to make this country a shining example of development, democracy, rule of law and peaceful co-existence in the sub-region and beyond.

President Barrow thanked them for accepting this noble job of serving the country and the citizens and urged them to serve the people without fear or favour.

Fatoumatta Jallow-Tambajang, the Minister of Women’s Affairs on behalf of the newly sworn-in ministers, expressed delight to see more women in the Cabinet.

“I am happy you gave me the challenge to help you balance Cabinet. We need more women in Cabinet and more in decision making. My passion has always been the advancement of women and girls because they account for more than 50 per cent of our population. They are the most productive people who live from dawn to dust and yet they need a decent living” she said.

According to her, women still need freedom, participation in decision affecting their lives and lives affecting their families. She said her passion and commitment under President Barrow’s leadership will be to facilitate these processes.

She assured that the women sworn-in in Cabinet will not let the President down saying “ If they fail, I fail, if they decrease, I fail. My passion and success is to have more women in every sector of the economy and have more resources for women work, to have more financial and moral support for women. I am happy we have a leader who is gender sensitive. I have observed that women in this country are in the forefront of your agenda and we will not let you down” she assured.

Dawda Fadera, the new Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service on behalf of the Permanent Secretaries, expressed gratitude to President Barrow for the appointments. He said it is a heavy responsibility and they are aware of the task but assured that they will overcome them.

In Support of the UTG Staff Association

 

By Madi Jobarteh

 

Since March 1, the members of the UTG Staff Association have been on a sit-down strike in protest against the irresponsible and callous decision of the Senior Management Team to purchase only six vehicles costing up to eight million dalasi. These vehicles were bought not because there exists no vehicles at all for the members of the Senior Management Team. These vehicles were bought not because the university has adequate resources to spend on such luxury. These vehicles were bought not because the conditions of life and teaching are conducive at the UTG. Rather these vehicles were bought at a time when the UTG is probably the most deplorable higher educational institution in the world with the poorest facilities imaginable. How therefore can the UTG SMT defend such a decision?

 
One has to visit the Brikama Camps to realize that this campus demands urgent attention. Practically there are no well functioning services and no well-kept structures in the entire campus. Similarly the Faraba campus remains stagnant in the middle of nowhere without even the necessary perimeter fence. Services such as water, electricity and Internet as well as proper transportation services for students remain utterly poor and erratic. The entire infrastructure at Brikama campus is falling down. Yet this is the university that should produce the technocrats who would produce the ideas that must deliver the Gambia to higher standards of development.

 
The decision by the SMT is completely unbecoming of a leadership that has the interest and the commitment of its institution and its members at heart. Already the members of the SMT enjoy better pay and other incentives. They already have usable vehicles. Yet these people have not only failed to consider and associate themselves with the plight of their own institution, but would go ahead to spend so much money on goods that add absolutely no value to either their own performance or to the conditions of the institution they claim to proudly lead and manage.

 
I wish to join the members of the UTG Staff Association on their sit-down strike until their demands are met in full. I wish to call on all students of the UTG to stand with these lecturers because the position taken by the lecturers is in fact in the best interest of the student. These lecturers are standing for the judicious use of public resources and the wellbeing of students, and therefore all students and Gambians must stand with them that indeed waste of public resources and impunity will not be tolerated anymore in the Gambia.

 
In this same vein, I wish to call on the UTG Governing Council to take urgent steps in support of the Staff Association and ensure efficient and accountable management at UTG. Contrary to the erroneous analysis by Dr. Henry Carroll, the members of the UTG Staff Association have a right to engage in an industrial action which is an international human rights norm sanctioned by the International Labour Organization to which the Gambia is a party. Under our Constitution, Section 25 subsection 1(d) guarantees the right of the Staff Association to demonstrate peaceably. Hence no one can force or threaten the members of the Association with dismissal or reprisals for their action. Rather the Governing Council must explain how they could approve such expenditure when they know the conditions at the UTG.

 
I wish to call on the Minister for Higher Education (MOHERST) to immediately attend to the concerns of the UTGSA and students by addressing these genuine and legitimate concerns. Both the Governing Council and MOHERST must take this matter to the Office of the President, which is the Chancellor of UTG to address this matter. The SMT must be dismantled and a new and competent person appointed as Vice Chancellor. The UTG Senate, responsible for academic affairs must step in to ensure that these concerns are addressed so as to put a halt to the disruption of lectures.

 
Failure of the Senate and the Governing Council as well as MOHERST to address these concerns through the Chancellor who is the President of the Republic tantamount to neglect of duties and abuse of power on their part. This is because this is a legitimate matter which falls within their jurisdiction hence they must respond to the matter with urgency. Any day this sit-down strike goes on, it is entirely the responsibility of the Senate, the Governing Council and MOHERST, which is also a direct violation of the rights of the students.

 
All Gambians must call on the two Vice Chancellors and members of the SMT to resign and account for the use of such huge amount of money for their own self-aggrandizement. They must be held to account to justify the decision to purchase these vehicles at such exorbitant price when their university is beset with basic survival needs. One has no choice but to feel ashamed and disheartened when one visits the UTG campuses especially in Brikama. The toilets alone are an insult to one’s humanity! Therefore let the SMT resign now and account for this terrible decision. Eight million dalasi is more than enough resources that could have upgraded UTG facilities and services to acceptable international standards. Hence it beats one’s imagination that the SMT would not find pride in investing in their own university to bring it that standard but to seek to satisfy their own selfish interests.

 
With such money, they could have entered into a contract with any Internet service provider in the country to make the entire UTG a Wi-Fi-free zone for students to improve their research opportunities. Alternatively they could invest in the UTG’s own ICT facilities to provide Internet for itself. This is what one finds in places that call themselves universities around the world. With that amount of money, the SMT could have provided excellent landscaping of the Brikama campus conducive for teaching and learning. With that amount of money, the SMT could have set up student business centres such as photocopying services, groceries and bookstores or stationery supplies among other income generating services to address student needs. With that amount of money, the SMT could have provided entertainment and sporting facilities and other social services with a standby generator necessary to enhance student life.

 
Eighteen years ago I finished my studies at the University of Ghana in Accra. My campus had reasonably well-kept and excellent sporting facilities, minimarkets, radio stations, bars and restaurants, nightclubs, banks, decent hostels, conducive classrooms and beautifully lush landscape among others. Today when I visit Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, I see such facilities and services. But when I visit UTG campus, I am disheartened that my daughter has to contend with such non-existent or poor facilities in 2017! The issue is not that the resources are not available at the UTG. Rather the resources are available, just that some educated adults in the SMT think that these kids do not deserve these same facilities they themselves enjoyed ages ago when they were in university. How could these SMT folks therefore deny our children these basic facilities only to divert the resources to satisfy their own greed? This is criminal.
SMT Resign Now.
God Bless The Gambia.

First Lady Barrow Celebrates International Women’s Day

The First Lady of The Republic of The Gambia Madame Fatou Bah Barrow has embarked on a caravan tour visiting women’s gardens in commemoration of The International Women’s Day, a day set aside to celebrate women all over the world.

The First Lady is accompanied by officials from UNFPA, FAO, UN as well as Gambia Government officials.

She first visited The Lamin Horticultural Garden where she interacted with women and celebrated them for their hard work. First Lady Barrow is described by the women as a very humble human being. She is said to have donated handsomely to support them in appreciation of their hard work.

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity.

The campaign theme for this year is #BeBoldForChange.

Former Police Commissioner Reinstated

Former Police Commissioner Abdoulie Sanyang has been reinstated back into the Police effective Tuesday, March 7.

Commissioner Sanyang was first dismissed in December 2009 and then dismissed again in July 2015. He was commissioner for administration at that time.

Sanyang has not be deployed yet, but sources hinted that he could be the next Inspector General of Police.

Thank You Justice Minister, BUT…

By Madi Jobarteh – Minister of Justice Aboubacarr Tambadou deserves commendation for owning up to a mistake by the government on a matter that is entirely within his competence and capacity. The constitutional and electoral amendment bills presented to the parliament on February 28 were wrong, and to have the government now acknowledge that error is in the right direction. The Minister also spoke of adhering to the values and standards of good governance and gave reassuring statements that this government will listen and engage citizens in building a new Gambia. Indeed commendable. This is a best practice and we hope such humility and honesty will continue to be the hallmark of the Barrow Administration.

 
Having said that let me say upfront that this mistake is very expensive, unacceptable and avoidable. The mistake raises the question as to what is the quality and level of engagement within this government to ensure that decisions are based on evidence, consultation and legitimate public interest. Already the Government has caused the National Assembly to approve a bill only to now say that the action was wrong. The Barrow Administration has to realize that these kinds of mistakes cost a government credibility and legitimacy, which the Gambia cannot afford at this time.

 
This mistake also reflects on the capacity of our National Assembly as to how could they fail to realize that the right constitutional provisions were not invoked. When the bills were presented, there was no objection or abstention in parliament, hence the bill obtained a unanimous vote. This raises the question as to what interests was the National Assembly considering in allowing these bad bills to pass through. The action of the National Assembly clearly shows that they did not protect national interest and therefore have wasted valuable public resources in taking an action that they should have know was a wrong action. This is utterly a case of abuse of power and waste of public resources and it is unacceptable. They need to respond.

 
Hence when we get to this stage, it is important for us to impress on the Government that they need to do their job well. How could the decision to table these erroneous bills before the National Assembly escape the scrutiny of the Cabinet, and then it had to take one week before it is acknowledged? It is an understatement to say that indeed a government has enough resources and technical capacity to know the right and do the right. How then did they come to take this decision and what was the level of consultation within and outside the government to ensure that the right advice was obtained. A government is not a village association in the 1940s in Baddibu hence a modern government in the 21st century is not expected to make uninformed mistakes.

 
When the Gambia decided on December 1, we decided for building a new modern democratic state. In such a dispensation, there is more than enough expertise and resources, in and out of the country that are available to the government to utilize. Thus the government must utilize the full arsenal of its resources to ensure that it takes quality, informed and relevant decisions for the country. Our Cabinet has to understand that government decisions and actions are life and death issues. Hence whatever decision the government takes must be thoroughly calculated because these issues directly hinge on national security and the future of the country.

 
While commending the Minister of Justice as well as raising these concerns, I wish to impress on Minster Tambadou that he has a singular role to play to ensure that the rule of law is respected and upheld at all times. We cannot ever again allow arbitrariness in public policy and legislative processes characteristic of Yaya Jammeh and APRC Tyranny. Thus currently we have unfolding legal issues regarding the proposed names for the NIA and the Gambia Police Force. We also have the unresolved issue of the Vice President. We hope Tambadou will give the right advice to Pres. Barrow to address these issues in accordance with the law.

 
Similarly we have the case of journalist Kebba Jeffang who was heckled and assaulted by a rowdy crowd at the joint UDP/NRP/GMC press conference on March 5. It is pertinent that the Minister of Justice advises the Cabinet to realize that the heart of democracy is freedom of expression, which includes freedom of the media. Hence when Cabinet ministers and political party leaders engage with the press they must ensure that journalists enjoy unfettered freedom and security.

 
There is also the ongoing case of Fatou Badgie who is charged with sedition for insulting the president and another lady. The Coalition Manifesto has stated that one of the objectives of their government is to repeal laws that damage human rights and democracy among which they listed sedition, which is a colonial law. Hence if a citizen is now charged with sedition, one would expect that such a government will seek to drop such charges. Hence it is important that Minister Tambadou look into this matter for we must not entertain insult laws in our books in the 21st century. Fatou Badgie must be freed and attempts be made to remove all such provisions such as sedition, false news or giving false information to a public officer from our laws. No Gambian must be arrested or charged on these laws after 22 years of APRC Tyranny.

 
Let me also emphasize that Gambians are looking up to the creation of Truth and Justice Commission in order to address the blatant human rights abuses and atrocities of the APRC Tyranny. While the country can learn lot of lessons from many countries that had such bodies, however it is important that this is done urgently. As a lawyer himself, the Minister of Justice knows that justice delayed is justice denied. Hence it is important that the necessary legal foundations and processes are sought and considered to ensure a truly transparent, participatory and legitimate commission is created sooner than later.

 
Finally, the lesson we must learn as citizens is to bear in mind that we need competent individuals to serve as National Assembly Members so that they can play their oversight function effectively. What this APRC dominated parliament has demonstrated under Yaya Jammeh and now under Barrow so far is that they lack the capacity to serve the national interest otherwise these bad bills could not have escaped them. Hence as we look forward to the parliamentary elections, let the Coalition identify competent individuals and let the people vote for competent individuals who would hold the president and his cabinet to account and ensure that the government is efficient, accountable and responsive to the needs of the people. Only a strong parliament can produce a strong democracy and ensure an effective and efficient government. A weak parliament only produces dictatorship.

 
I wish to commend Minister Tambadou once more for generating public confidence and encouragement when he said the government welcomes citizens to scrutinize them. Rest assured we will be blunt, direct and helpful. We also hope that Chief Servant Barrow and his Cabinet will also listen to, and seriously consider the advice of his Minister of Justice on pertinent national issues devoid of any political considerations.

God Bless The Gambia.

Gambia: Student Union Debunks UTG President’s Remarks

By Alagie Manneh – The University of the Gambia Students Union has disassociated itself from comments made by its Presidents in the wake of ongoing sit-down by lecturers of the institution, saying it is the soul opinion of Mr Ansumana Bojang.

President Ansumana Bojang criticized the university staff Association’s move on a sit-down, following allegations of corruption and mismanagement, saying the decision is both ‘unfair and unfortunate’ to students and their parents.

The student union, in a statement sent to the press, denounced President Bojang’s remarks, saying it is his ‘own take and opinion and that it did not constitute the position of the union on the matter.

“In defence of our integrity and neutrality on the on-going sit down strike at The University of The Gambia initiated by The University of The Gambia Faculty and Staff Association, I write on behalf of The University of The Gambia Students’ Union Executive Council dissociating ourselves from the remarks made by The Students’ Union President, both on national television and on this medium condemning the strike action,” Mr Modou Lamin Ceesay, secretary general of the union said.
According to him, the Executive Council has no “prior knowledge of the president’s statement and council does not subscribe to his opinion.

“The position of The University Students on the stalemate is neutral and our interest is in finding a solution to the crisis in order to avert the loss of much needed time,” Mr Ceesay said.

He added: “Negotiations are underway and it is the council’s hope that a favorable deal will be struck out very soon.

Frustrated by the state of politics in The Gambia, join CITIZENS FIRST to do something about it

The Citizens First is a political action movement founded in February 2017 following the 2016 Gambian presidential election. With the emergence of New Gambia, Citizens First has a mission of restoring rational and representational government with the Gambian people placed as its only special interest. The organization aims to support INDEPENDENT candidates to contest for office: National Assembly and local government elections to represent our people. It also aims to educate and empower citizens so they get involved to demand that their elected representatives serve their interest.

Bearing in mind that when candidates contest in elections under the banner of a political party, they feel they owe it to the party that supported them sometimes to the detriment of the masses who voted for them. Thus, Citizens First aims to break too much partisan hold on public offices. In working towards its goals, the organization would support suitable women and men who will remember that their loyalties lie with the masses. They will be guided by their conscience and vision for a better Gambia rather than any party or group affiliation or interests. We firmly believe that candidates who get elected under an independent banner are less likely  to be swayed by party or group interests.

“For our development agenda to make the best use of the resources at our disposal as a country, we need a political class that is truly representative of all the different subgroups in our population-youth, women, and men from all backgrounds, throughout The Gambia. These vetted and qualified individuals would be dedicated to putting aside loyalties to party, family or personal relationships in favor of following their conscience with honor, integrity and a commitment to progress in the best interest of the Gambian masses.”

Citizens First promotes these values and commitments by sponsoring any independent candidate who demonstrate a willingness to prioritize representing the masses for the development of the country. This sponsorship will be accompanied by civic education as well as activities that promote good governance by the most diverse, inclusive, committed, qualified and conscientious representatives we can identify.

“Ultimately, through civic education, we want to empower the ordinary voter so they can actively participate in the governance of their affairs. We believe that if the masses fully understand their rights, civic duties and their power as voters, they will stand up and hold their representatives accountable.”

We are interested in public-minded independents who can challenge the status quo. The presidential election which witnessed the end of dictatorship in The Gambia shows that Gambians especially young people are hungry for candidates that prioritize voters and the country’s interest, not a party’s interest. We will provide candidates with access to tools and training to run competing campaigns. We will support candidates who are aligned with Citizens First’s principles and approach to governance.

We seek out brave people who can stand up and fight for what is right. Citizens First is building a vehicle for independent candidates to contest elections unaffiliated with any political party. If you are frustrated like us and are committed to making things better, join the movement. Believe that independents can be strong and viable candidates choices for voters. It’s time our politicians put our citizens first!

Learn more about Citizens First: www.citizensfirstgm.org

“I have now advised President Barrow to withhold his assent to the bill relating to the amendment of the constitutional provisions” Justice Minister Tambadou

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubacarr Tambadou has said that he has advised President Barrow to withhold his assent to the bill relating to the amendment of the constitutional provisions. This was contained in a statement read by Minister Tambadou on State TV Tuesday evening, March 7, 2017.

The statement came after many lawyers including The Fatu Network’s legal analyst Bubacarr Drammeh former State Counsel at The Ministry of Justice talked about the unconstitutionality of the amendment.

When contacted for his take on the minister’s  statement, Bubacarr Drammeh commended Minister Tambadou for taking the bold step in publicly admitting the error. “This is a move in the right direction as apposed to the Jammeh regime that disrespected and abused our constitution” Drammeh concluded.

Below we provide the full statement.

Statement on the Constitutional Amendments

Fellow Gambians

I am here today to clarify a matter of general public importance. You will recall that the government presented two bills to the National Assembly on 28 February 2017: one bill on electoral law seeking to reduce the monetary deposits payable by potential contestants in elections for public office in the country; and the second bill was in respect of amending provisions of the 1997 constitution relating to the upper age limit for judges of the superior courts and for the President of the republic.

As the Chief Legal Advisor to the government, I have now advised His Excellency The President to withhold his assent to the bill relating to the amendment of the constitutional provisions. The reason for this advice is because I am of the opinion that the procedure adopted at the National Assembly to amend these constitutional provisions was misconceived. The process of amendment of the constitutional provisions should have been guided by Section 226 of the Constitution instead of Section 101 which was the procedure used at the National Assembly.

Therefore, on this occasion, and being responsible for tabling the constitution amendment bill before the National Assembly, the Ministry of Justice failed to properly guide this process. As Attorney General and Minister of Justice, I take full responsibility for this error. Steps are now being taken so that this will be remedied at the earliest opportunity. Appropriate action will also be taken to ensure that such a situation does not occur again in the future.

This latest act by the government demonstrates that this is indeed a new era of openness and accountability, an era of honest government that is responsive to the concerns of its citizens. While there cannot be universal agreement on the interpretation of the law all the time, the Ministry of Justice will always act in the best interest of the country and in ways that will only strengthen respect for the rule of law.

This situation also underscores the need to conduct an urgent and comprehensive review of the 1997 constitution in order to ensure, among other things, a clear and consistent interpretation and application of its provisions. In this regard, I welcome the constructive engagement of the generality of Gambians on this matter. It is refreshing to see that a great number of people have taken to the constitution of late and are scrutinizing every government action to ensure compliance with its provisions. It is a positive and welcome development in our new democracy. It is a healthy practice which I hope will become a habit in our country.

Allow me to add, however, that as we seek to rebuild this country after 22 years of dictatorship which has crippled every sector of life particularly the legal sector, we must also accept the reality that this government has inherited governance support structures that were designed, over the past two decades, to entrench that dictatorship. Reform of these structures will not occur overnight or automatically simply because a new government is in place. We continue to depend on these existing governance structures while appropriate reforms are being initiated, and in so far as the Ministry of Justice is concerned, this will be done in a gradual and steady manner so as to avoid a further crippling of the very fragile support structures that we have to rely on in this reform process. It is a very delicate balancing act but one that is unavoidable and necessary.

Meanwhile, I continue to urge that you exercise patience and understanding as there will be other challenges and setbacks as this government seeks to rebuild institutions based on a solid foundation of respect for the rule of law and democracy.

I thank you!

 

 

Gambia: Political Parties Sign MOU

 

By Lamin Sanyang

 

Gambia’s President Adama Barrow has presided over the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between different political parties in the country.

Speaking at the ceremony held at Kairaba, President Barrow said the MoU signed will encourage political parties to operate in the confines of the Constitution.

“The MoU is a by-product of our common desire to create a peaceful and stable political environment underpinned by a transparent and democratic political dispensation without which the prosperity, happiness and wellbeing of our people will be compromised,” President Adama Barrow said.

President Barrow has explained that the inter-party MoU will restored dignity and respect to the Office of the President and all political parties in the country, saying it will encourage them to operate in the confines of the Constitution. He said it will also hold the government accountable and promote the rights of political parties, especially for the opposition to operate freely. He added that the cornerstone of the MoU is to encourage dialogue and cooperation between political parties and foster compliance with code of conduct that restricts offensive languages, violence, intimidation and undue use of powers for wrong political purpose.

“I wish to assure you that I will do everything within my powers to support this committee whose objective is to ensure that we live in a society where dialogue and cooperation between political parties,” he pointed out.

President Barrow said his government welcomes the inter-party committee and urged that they meet periodically to settle differences and promote development on electoral matters.

Alieu Momar Njai, Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission IEC has commended the move made by the different political parties.

Meanwhile, seven registered political parties have signed the documents, APRC, NRP, GDC, UDP and PDOIS, PPP and GPDP. The documents were signed by party leaders. Fabakary Tombong Jatta signed as the leader of the APRC.

Gambia Press Union condemns attack on Journalist Kebba Jeffang

The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has strongly condemned the attack on Foroyaa reporter, Kebba Jeffang, and demands that the government of President Adama Barrow brings the perpetrators to book.

On Sunday March 5, Mr Jeffang came under physical and verbal assault from supporters of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) and National Reconciliation Party (NRP) at the UDP’s Manjai Bureau, during a press conference, jointly organized by the three parties.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Union described the attack on Mr Jeffang as both regrettable and unfortunate and should not have happened, for it was perpetuated by parties who form part of the government that promised a new dawn of freedom for the press corp in the Gambia. The GPU said it is a violation of the constitutional provisions that guarantee the freedom and independence of the media and failure to adequately address it will tantamount to impunity.

Below is the full text of the statement;

The Gambia Press Union (GPU) strongly condemns the attack on Foroyaa reporter, Kebba Jeffang, and demands that the government of President Adama Barrow bring the perpetrators to book.

 On Sunday March 05, Mr Jeffang came under physical and verbal assault from supporters of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) and National Reconciliation Party (NRP). This was at the UDP’s Manjai Bureau, during a press conference, jointly organised by the three parties.

 The accounts of several journalists that were at the scene of the attack suggest that the hall was crowded by party supporters who constantly harassed and intimidated journalists.

 Kebba said: “After the statements from Ousainou Darboe, Hamat Bah and Mai Ahmad Fatty, the leaders of the UDP, NRP and GMC, respectively, I was the first to ask two questions directed at —- – and —-. My introduction as a reporter for Foroyaa Newspaper invited harassment and interruption from party supporters.

 “At the end of the press conference, while I was still in the room directly opposite Mr. Darboe who was at that time with Mr. Bah and Mr. Fatty, a young man approached me from behind and uttered the following: “’Why not go Halifa Sallah and ask him?’…He followed that with insults.

 This confrontation happened right in the presence of the three leaders. More supporters came in a group, clearly ready to attack me. “They hit me and in the process torn up my shirt. I suffered internal shoulder pains afterwards.”

 The attack on Mr Jeffang is both regrettable and unfortunate and should not have happened. The attack perpetuated by parties who form part of the government that promised a new dawn of freedom for the press corp in the Gambia. It is a violation of constitutional provisions that guarantee the freedom and independence of the media and failure to adequately address it will tantamount to impunity.

 President Adama Barrow has repeatedly reassured journalists and the public of his government’s commitment to the protection and promotion of freedom of speech, in particular press freedom. Now is the time for him to put words to action by publicly condemning the unwarranted conduct that threatens and dents his government’s outlook as a democracy. The GPU is committed to engaging the leadership of UDP, NRP and GMC, to restrain their supporters, and compensate Mr Jeffang for the damages incurred.

 We particularly call on the Minister for Interior to help facilitate swift investigation into the matter. Justice should be served. We demand further that the concerned parties come out and publicly condemn the attack on the journalist and offer an unreserved apology. It is our considered stance that henceforth, press conferences by political parties should be exclusively for journalists so that party supporters do not interfere thereby disrupting the process.

“Stop The Political Intolerance & Vilification” Writer Says

 

By Lamin Darboe

 

The political intolerance and vilification being displayed in our politics in the past couple of days is shameful and needs to stop immediately. As civilized people, we can disagree and agree without insulting or vilifying each other. And we must tolerate divergent views and dissenting opinions without being mean or disrespectful to each other. After all, democracy is about transparency, accountability, rule of law, human rights and tolerating divergent views and dissenting opinions.

People have a right to speak their mind and politicians are not immune from criticism. If you don’t want to be criticized , then don’t get into politics. Journalist are partners in democracy not enemies of democracy. Therefore their rights as fellow citizens and journalist must be respected.

We have to appreciate and recognize the contribution of each and everyone in the struggle to change the Gambia for the better. You cannot hailed someone as a Hero in the struggle to change Gambia and now vilify him or her when you disagree with them. That is dishonest and hypocritical.

Such is the case of Fatou Camara of the Fatou Network. The smear campaign and vilification against her in other to discredit her is dishonest and preposterous. It doesn’t matter how long she has been in the struggle.What is important here is the difference she made in the struggle. But to labeled her as partisan, tribalist or someone encouraging tribal sentiments is very dishonest and laughable.

For some,she is an easy target to get cheap or easy popularity. But attacking anyone especially a woman is not the way to show manhood.Instead it is the contrary, it shows your weakness and disrespect for the womb that brought you into this world.

I was very disturbed and disappointed when is listened to an audio recorded from a political rally in The Gambia. In that audio recording, you can hear some members of the coalition from the diaspora who are supporters of one of the political parties going after some coalition senior members including Dr Isatou Touray. That is a political misjudgment, lack of political maturity and wisdom.

At the end of the day,it looks like the president has prevailed in resolving the political differences between the stakeholders. What is important here is that we are all Gambians and Gambia belongs to all of us.So my fellow Gambians, let us give credit where credit is due and stop being dishonest.

Fatou Camara put her heart and soul into this fight like so many other Gambians and that is an undeniable fact. A single mother who put country first before her own family deserves better than what she is getting at the moment.

But one thing that doesn’t surprise me is that even God mentioned the ungratefulness of human beings in the holy Quraan. So fellow Gambians let us be tolerant and work for the interest of our dear motherland The Gambia.

The Tomfoolery of the NRP and Naked Tribal Politics of the Terrible Two!

 

Written by Anonymous the Patriot

 

I cannot believe am about to say this, but the Dictator was right about one of very few things. He was right about the tribal thing of the United ‘Democratic’ Party (UDP). This is even more apparent when you analyze the words and actions of some senior members of this so-called largest party in The Gambia. The GMC, a splinter group built around a single personality is in fact an inalienable part of the UDP. They are terribly miscalculating their political base. They seem to believe that since 40% of the Gambian population is Mandinka or speak Mandinka, they have that much support base as a starting point. When the fact of the matter is, 64% of the Mandinka population of the Gambia, representing roughly 26% of the population is the true core support base. The rest are political marriages of convenience; those who did not see a real and viable alternative until now.

The truth is most Gambians are not tribal and by extension, most Mandinkas are not tribal. This is thanks to strongly meshed up communities made up of multi-linguistic households and intermarriages that guarantee a strong, inter-dependent and united social structure. This enviable foundation of our nation is a major guarantor of peace and social cohesion. This is what makes a kid with the last name of Joof, Jatta, Bah or Coker growing up in Bundung or Kafuta to take Mandinka as their daily means of communication and sometimes associate more with the Mandinka sub-culture than their patriarchal lineages. Every Gambian must jealously safeguard this precious gift from Allah…a harbinger of so much good and goodwill in our society.

For 22 years, the ‘biggest’ opposition party in the Gambia headed by a 68yr old soon to be septuagenarian, lead this party to multiple elections without success. Where they tried many times and failed, the Coalition Alliance (the true tactical alliance) prevailed in the November 2016 Presidential Elections. I understand that some will like to conveniently argue that the past elections were not ‘free and fair’ and as a result, the UDP and its allies like the GMC did not benefit from a level playing field under the dictatorship. But the fact of the matter remains, no election is absolutely free and fair in any part of the world, especially in continental Africa. Any party can claim some amount of unfair treatment or the field of play not being level. Case in point (although tangentially) is the 2016 American Presidential Elections. The coalition contested the November election under similar circumstances.

The point being, there can’t be any more of a viable tactical alliance than what we the majority (slim as it is) have in the Coalition Alliance. If any party or groups of parties, for whatever reason, decide to break away from the alliance, they will in essence be a rogue party or a bunch of rogue parties. They cannot and will not be representing the interest of the majority of the Gambian people; no matter how cute a verbiage or phrase use to describe their effort. Furthermore, all the points of reason they articulated were no different from what is entailed in the MOU all the parties signed and the selection criteria for candidates will be very similar. The only difference is the narrow view of these leaders for the need of their parties to be visible to the Gambian electorate. This is a ridiculous argument, since all these three parties are prominently represented in Cabinet and Gambian people know which parties they belong to. Does any supporter of these leaders and their parties want to tell the Gambian people that we cannot adequately and appropriately give credit where due when any member of their party excels in a position? If Ousainou Darboe as a Minister of Foreign Affairs excels and brings glory to The Gambia and its people, The Coalition and the UDP undoubtedly benefits, politically. He will be seen to be competent and by extension, his party. The only party that can conceivably be ‘negatively’ affected is the one not in cabinet. In fact, that will cease to be the case if Halifa and members of the PDOIS under the Coalition umbrella are elected in the national assembly. So, that was a misleading argument at best, and grossly dishonest.

Indeed, the UDP, NRP and even GMC will better guarantee a fair and proportionate representation in the Assembly under the coalition umbrella without unnecessarily causing division and weakening the Coalition Government. The very government they are an integral part of and claim to support. I will not be surprised if this half-hazard effort and rogue decision was taken with less than adequate consultation within their individual parties.

This is the only paragraph I will dedicate to Hamad Bah and the NRP. The truth, I was glad when he was appointed the minister of Tourism. I genuinely thought his management and other experience in the Tourism sector makes sense for him to man that position. But frankly, Hamad Bah’s comportment and behavior these past couple of months has left much to be desired. His unprofessional outburst when a journalist asked a very uncomfortable but pertinent question during the signing ceremony of the EU Aid package to The Gambia and total disrespect and humiliation of the moderator of yesterday’s press conference are unbecoming and needing total rebuke. I also believe that his alliance with the UDP and its GMC ally is short-sighted and is as a result of Mama Kandeh and the GDC party’s purging of his political base. Don’t ask me to elaborate.

In summation, the tomfoolery of the NRP and the attempt at amateurish politics by the terrible two (UDP and NRP) is a total betrayal to all those who worked so hard and many that paid the ultimate price (including their supporters) to dislodge the dictatorship and the APRC from power. The only sure way for the APRC to resuscitated itself and reclaim their terrible dominance is a fragmented 2016/2017 Coalition. None of the intended reforms necessary to safe guard against a one party dictatorship and make sure justice is served for the victims of the 22yrs dictatorship is accomplished. This ill-conceived effort by this group is therefore a threat to the New Gambia we collectively heralded barely 2 months ago. I am convinced that those party members that paid the ultimate price will be highly disappointed at the premature usurpation of our new political dispensation. Therefore, I strongly urge the President make every effort in order to indulge on these individuals perpetuating this chaos to come back to the Coalition fold.

Halifa Sallah on why PDOIS did not take Cabinet position

Halifa Sallah, the Secretary General of Peoples’ Democratic Organization, Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) and spokesperson of the Coalition government has finally spoken on why the PDOIS did not take up any Cabinet position in the government of President Adama Barrow.

According to him, at PDOIS, they developed principles in terms of what they do.

Speaking at a Press Conference on the position of the coalition in the forthcoming National Assembly elections, Mr Sallah who is also President Barrow’s adviser on governance highlighted their interest In the National Assembly than cabinet positions.

“In terms of governance, we believed in separation of party and state matters. If you compare our principles and that of others, you may judge others wrong because we have different principles and approach to issues. Essentially, there are fundamental principles that will not make me Secretary General of the PDOIS if I am a Cabinet minister” he said.

According to him, since they didn’t take any positions, they held talks with President Barrow and came to an understanding, he appreciates their stance and supports it.

“We have spoken to the president and we came to understanding and we are working together. We know and the government knows there is no single individual who works so hard to make what is possible, possible today but it is a collective responsibility. The position of the PDOIS is more suited at the National Assembly to be able to guide the government on laws and international relations among others. Our efforts will be vital in that area” he concluded.

Expose and Reject Tribalists and Tribal Politics

 

By Madi Jobarteh

 

Tribalism is an act and a perception in which life is subjectively interpreted in terms of a particular tribe, for or against. A tribalist does not seek to objectively understand the ideas and issues that a person expresses, rather the tribalist looks only at the tribe of that person expressing him or herself. A tribalist does not engage in objective and critical analysis, rather the tribalist sees each and every issue from the point of his or her tribe. A tribalist does not recognize and understand the circumstances of the other person, rather the tribalist only sees his or her own tribe as the basis of every narrative or reality, rightly or wrongly regardless. Tribalism is disrespectful and myopic!

 
Tribalists are not the ordinary citizens one will find in our villages and towns; among market women and farmers or in our children. Rather you will only find tribalists among the adult, the elites and the politicians who are seeking power or holding onto a position. In order to maintain their unjust power and illegal access to resources or fame, they divert every issue into a tribalist narrative in a rather logical and rationalized manner that the ordinary folk does not easily detect. Tribalists are therefore corrupt, evil and dishonest elites and politicians. One can find tribalists in all of our political parties and the government.
Since the advent of the Coalition and the inauguration of the new government on January 19, but more especially in the past weeks and days, we have seen the fast emergence of tribalists and tribal politics from all the political parties using various social media forums to channel their diabolical ideas therefore polluting the minds of the innocent and unsuspecting masses of our people. We need to begin to expose these lazy, unthinking and dishonest surrogates, elites and politicians inside our political parties and the government. They use smart ways and sugarcoated expressions to cover up their tribal politics. But tribalism is illogical, stupid and disrespectful.

 
For example, any APRC person who spews tribalism such as the anti-Mandinka diatribe by Yaya Jammeh must realize that one is utterly not using one’s brain. This is because at the very beginning of the AFPRC, Yaya Jammeh did not connive with fellow Jola officers to stage the coup rather he joined Mandinka officers who made him their leader. Since 1994, the strongest pillars of the AFPRC and APRC Tyranny are first and foremost Mandinka folks. When Yaya Jammeh wanted to marry for the first time, he did not marry anyone but a Mandinka woman. Hence if Yaya Jammeh and any of his party members spew tribalism, it is clear that such a person is not only stupid but also dishonest because the reality shows that tribalism has not been the basis of the AFPRC and APRC. The very life story of Yaya Jammeh is not tribalist.

 
Second. If any member of the UDP spews tribalism, once again the reality shows a different fact. This is because the foundation of Ousainou Darboe’s family, i.e. both his wives are not Mandinka hence it would be silly for anyone to project Ousainou Darboe as a pro-Mandinka and anti-any-tribe politician. If a UDP member therefore perpetuates tribalism then you do not respect Ousainou, hence injure his legacy and political future. If one looks at the leadership of the UDP, it comprises of non-Mandinka folks hence no one in his or her right mind could therefore describe UDP as either pro-or-anti-Mandinka. If you do then you insult Aji Yam Secka or the late Shyngle Nyassi because it means we are saying that these people hate themselves for belonging to an anti-Wolof or anti-Jola group.

 
If anyone looks at PDOIS one will realize that the leadership of that party since inception has been multi-tribal and solidly unified. Halifa, Sidia and Sam Sarr do not belong to one tribe. Hence it would be dishonest to therefore propagate the idea that Halifa is anti-Mandinka or Sidia is anti-Wolof, not to even mention Sam Sarr. Unless if we think one of them or all of them are self-hating people. That is a huge insult to Halifa and Sidia and Sam.

 
Similarly when you go to GPDP or NRP, GDC and indeed GMC or with Dr. Isatou Touray, one will see in their camps and at personal levels that their lives are intertwined with all the tribes of the Gambia. For example Henry Gomez’s wife is a proud Mandinka woman. Isatou Touray’s closest associates are from various tribes. Hence on what basis therefore could one inject tribalism in our politics and claim that it is true and sensible?

 
But why is this tribal politics gaining momentum? Is it because we are still locked in the calculated narrative of Yaya Jammeh who was only interested in keeping power hence fomented this faulty idea that the Mandinka do not like him? Or is it that we just now have Yaya Jammeh-type politicians and elites who are now hell bent on maintaining their various positions within their parties and the government illegitimately hence their only lifeline is tribalism? Are these people telling us that they cannot engage in issues objectively and analytically to agree or disagree without having to resort to a tribal analysis, name calling or violence?

 
Gambians must wake up and refuse to be insulted by these empty-headed elites and immoral politicians who are so lazy and dishonest that they can only find relevance by vomiting our stupid narratives about tribe in every aspect of our lives. I for one feel very insulted when I hear tribal narratives. Which Gambian citizen is entirely made of only one tribe? I, Madi Jobarteh have deep, noble and proud connections to each and every tribe in the Gambia. Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Sarahuleh, Jola, Aku, Serer, Manjago, Karoninka, and the rest. If I hate any tribe, then I hate my own children, aunts, brothers, uncles, sisters, fathers, mothers and very decent friends and colleagues. Hence why would we drop so low into this tribal politics of stupidity?

 
Let the political leaders stop encouraging tribalism among their surrogates and supporters but to speak out openly and boldly to condemn it. Ousainou Darboe. Halifa Sallah. Sidia Jatta. Hamat Bah. Isatou Touray. Mai Ahmad Fatty. Fatoumatta Tambajang. Mama Kandeh. Henry Gomez. OJ. You are the ones allowing this tribalism to carry on. Let us hold these leaders to account to stand up and tell their supporters to stop this stupid tribalism. Let them not just say it only for them to foment it themselves privately with their surrogates and supporters. The truth is our leaders are themselves perpetuating tribalism privately in closed doors and this is why these stupid surrogates are running with it like wild fire. Let us tell our leaders to dismiss and silence their members who engage in tribal politics without delay. They know who are the tribalists in their parties because they listen and read them in social media.

 
For 22 years we did not have the space to freely exchange ideas. Now that we can, we must not therefore look at each and every idea from the point of the tribe of the person expressing the idea. We can disagree with a message but let that disagreement be on the merits of the issue and not on the tribe of the messenger. The fact remains that no one tribe can claim ownership of this country. No party can take power on the basis of only for or against any tribe. Tribalism cannot give anyone success. If it does then it is not because of tribalism, rather it is because of one’s dishonesty and unpatriotism.

 
Let us tell party surrogates and supporters to stop castigating people with whom they disagree. Everyone has a right to express his or her opinion and to take any political position they deem fit. No one should be insulted or demonized just because that person does not buy your political idea or position. Therefore let the surrogates stop insulting fellow citizens and party leaders in particular just because they hold a different position. Stand up and say no to insults against Adama Barrow, Ousainou Darboe, Halifa Sallah, Sidia Jatta, Mama Kandeh, Henry Gomez, Mai Ahmad Fatty, Hamat Bah, Isatou Touray, Fatoumatta Tambajang or OJ. Such an attitude is backward, undemocratic and indecent.

Down with Tribalism, Bigotry and Politics of Insults and Deception.

 

God Bless The Gambia

Halifa Sallah says he is still coalition spokesperson

Halifa Sallah, President Barrow’s adviser on governance and spokesperson of the coalition government has said that he is still and indeed the spokesperson of the Coalition.

“I am here and that is enough to say that I am the spokesperson of the coalition” he said at a Press Conference held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.

On Sunday, one of the coalition party leaders and Minister of Interior Mai Ahmad Fatty during a joint press conference by the UDP, NRP and GMC said there is no coalition spokesperson and anyone who say he or she is, is not true.

According to Sallah, he has no problem with what Minister Fatty said as he has right to his views and opinion.

“It is not my duty to destroy anything he does or to reply to him. It is his opinion and he has the right to express his view. If he finds himself wrong, it is up to him” Sallah.

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