Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Home Blog Page 704

ECOWAS forces intercept trucks loaded with timber in Brikama

The Senegalese soldiers under the ECOWAS troops have intercepted dozens of trucks loaded with timber at Brikama in the West Coast Region.

The trucks with Gambian Number Plates transporting timber logs were parked by the Senegalese soldiers at Brikama/Mandinaba Highway. They were questioned about the papers for the logs. They were asked to park their trucks under the watch of the Senegalese soldiers that were encamped at Cannon.

Colonel Faye, the Senegalese soldier in charge at the Check Point was approached but declined to comment, saying the military spokesperson is the one to be contacted. He has not given any further reason for parking the trucks.

The truck drivers also would not explained the reason but only said they were instructed to park. Some of them said they were told the order came from the ECOWAS Command Centre. They were ordered to stop the transportation of timber while the matter is being resolve.

According to eyewitnesses, the soldiers were filming the timber trucks and taking photos as well. It is said some of the drivers were having Senegalese royalties and custom papers.

All Gambians need to rebuild their country, even members of the old regime

By Sait Matty Jaw

Guardian Newspaper

How do countries with no history of political transitions survive one when it comes along? How will Gambians endure their transition from authoritarianism to democracy? What is at stake at this critical moment? Can Gambians survive the post-Yahya Jammeh era? Are they ready to move on into a new Gambia? And what would this new Gambia be like?

 
These are some of the questions in the minds of Gambians and those who have followed the political impasse in the country since 9 December last year. With former leader Jammeh currently exiled in Equatorial Guinea, Gambians have started discussing the future of this tiny nation as new President Adama Barrow forms his new government. Some of the discussions are interesting; others leave me concerned.

A few days ago, sitting in my room in rainy Bergen, Norway, I logged into Facebook and read through several posts from Gambians at home and in the diaspora. Many were criticising the appointment of Masaneh Kinteh as Barrow’s military aide. His appointment resulted from the actions of the Economic Community of West African States Mission in Gambia (Ecomig). The presence of Ecomig forces, led by Senegal, has been perceived by some as an invasion in all but name under the Economic Community of West African States banner. To coordinate efforts between Gambian Armed Forces and Ecomig, Barrow deemed it necessary to hire an aide to advise him on security matters during the volatile transition period.

The perceived problem here is that Kinteh served under Jammeh as ambassador to Cuba and chief of defence staff of the GAF, and was seen as an “enabler” of the former president’s quest to stay in power. Most criticisms centred on the letter he wrote to Jammeh after the failure of the 30 December 2014 attack on the State House.

The attacks on Kinteh’s past engagement, mainly by prominent members of the Gambia democracy movement, paint a scary picture. Gambians have sworn never to live under dictatorship again, after 22 years of Jammeh. Hence the need to scrutinise every action of the current government at the earliest stage, in the hope that this will prevent it from becoming dictatorial.

What the Gambia needs is a reconciliatory process to heal our wounds and redirect our attention to nation-building

 

However, we must be cautious in the exercise of these freedoms we fought for. People who have the knowledge, skills, institutional memory and capabilities to serve the current government should not be pushed out simply because they served the past government. Some have been calling for a clean slate, with Barrow’s government removing all Jammeh’s former enablers. This could be the biggest mistake that the new president could make, in an attempt to please the people. Weeding out those associated with the past regime may not just derail the transition efforts, it may also plunge the Gambia into a protracted conflict.

The need to bridge the divides fostered by Jammeh should be the focus of the new government. Expunging so-called enablers will further entrench the divides and make it practically impossible for Barrow and the coalition government to govern effectively. Most of these people, like Kinteh, have both the institutional memory and expertise to contribute meaningfully in the new Gambia. Isolating them will create a huge vacuum in our institutions and it might take years to fill. In fact, if such people created the Jammeh phenomenon, are they not well-placed to transform our country and culture under a better and more transparent leadership?

Isolating them would run counter to Barrow’s call for all Gambians with useful skills to return home and contribute to development efforts. What the Gambia needs right now is a reconciliatory process that will heal our wounds and redirect our attention to nation-building.
If all these people are removed from their positions, Barrow and the coalition government would have broken their promise of “no witch hunts”. People such as me will see a bloodthirsty government that is out for revenge for the ills of the Jammeh regime. It has been said that revenge cannot develop a country. The evils of divide and rule should end with Jammeh. We have demanded and voted for change, and now that we have achieved it, we should make it count.

This does not mean that people should go unchecked. For those found wanting in the execution of their tasks, especially in line with the constitution and for the public interest, the necessary legal steps should be taken. The National Intelligence Agency and the GAF, in particular, must be revisited and reformed to create a stable environment for rapid socio-economic development.

For me and the numerous Gambians in exile, we are looking forward to returning to a new Gambia. I have already started counting the days left in my beloved Bergen, and very soon I will return home to play an active role in the transition process. While I call on all Gambians to be focused and look ahead, I hope that we see Jammeh as a lesson from which we can learn, as we try to build our future.

AU rewards ECOWAS for peacefully resolving Gambia crisis

The African Union Monday awarded a certificate of appreciation to the sub-regional bloc, ECOWAS, for the extra-ordinary efforts in peacefully resolving the recent political impasse and defending democratic transition in The Gambia.

The award took place at the ongoing 28th AU Summit in the Ethiopia capital, Addis Ababa which opened on Monday.

The outgoing Chair of the African Union Commission Dr. Dlamini Zuma called on ECOWAS leaders up onto the stage and awarded the sub-regional bloc with the Certificate of Appreciation after which the general body and delegates in the hall accorded a round of applause to ECOWAS for the work done in The Gambia.

Dr. Zuma expressed gratitude to ECOWAS, who stood by the people of The Gambia and defended the values and principles of the African Union.

“We are particularly proud, that it was under your stewardship, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, as our first elected female President. Our thank you to all those who participated, the President of Mauritania and others, and who remained steadfast” she said.

Outgoing African Union Chairperson and Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno handed over the award to the Chairwoman of the Authority of Heads of Sates of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

It could be recalled that the Gambia crisis started after the December 2016 election in which former President Yahya Jammeh was defeated by President Adama Barrow. Mr Jammeh conceded and week later, rejected the results and refused to step down when his term ends. The sub-regional bloc, ECOWAS, immediately formed a mediation team led by Nigerian President Muhammadou Buhari along with former Ghanaian President John Mahama, Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to mediate and resolve the crisis.

All attempts by ECOWAS failed to convince Mr Jammeh though resulting to a deployment of military forces to remove Mr Jammeh. Until in the last minutes, Guinean President Alpha Conde and Mauritanian President Muhamed Ould Abdel Aziz under ECOWAS permission intervened and finally convince Mr Jammeh, avoiding any military operation.

Today, former President Yahya Jammeh has stood down and in exile in Equatorial Guinea.

Guinea’s President Conde is new AU Chairperson

Guinea’s President Alpha Conde has been named the new chairperson of the African Union at the ongoing 28th AU Summit in the Ethiopia capital, Addis Ababa.

He replaces Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno who has served for one year in the rotating chairmanship position of the continental body.

Outgoing President Deby of Chad has since handed over the African Union Chairmanship baton to President Alpha Conde who addressed the summit calling for stronger unity.

He thanked members of the body for the trust bestowed on him and assured that he will deliver as expected.

President Conde also paid special tribute to outgoing Chair of the African Union Commission Dr. Dlamini Zuma for her extra ordinary services to the continent and humanity over the years. He also thanked his predecessor President Idriss Deby Itno of Chad for the services to the continent.

AU Summit opens in Addis with Gambia’s new VP Tambajang in attendance

The 28th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union opened Monday in the Ethiopian Capital, Addis Ababa on the theme: “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through Investment in Youth.”

Highly welcomed and recognized at the summit is Gambia’s new Vice Fatoumata Tambajang who is representing President Adama Barrow.

Addressing the opening ceremony, outgoing African Union Commission Chairperson, H.E. Dr. Dlamini Zuma expressed gratitude to the sub-regional bloc, ECOWAS, who stood by the people of The Gambia and defended the values and principles of the African Union.

“We are particularly proud, that it was under your stewardship, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, as our first elected female President. Our thank you to all those who participated, the President of Mauritania and others, and who remained steadfast” she said.

On youth empowerment, Dr Zuma said on their part, they will this year appoint a Special AU Envoy for Youth, to mobilise and advocate for the youth, during this year. She said by facilitating the full participation of girls and young women, we secure the future.

“By involving young people, they have a sense of ownership & stake in the future. We must support the call by civil society, for an African Decade of Reading, so that new generations may learn from & renew Pan-Africanism. As the rest of the world ages, Africa will remain a young continent…which must be translated into a demographic dividend. The continent has 200 million young men & women ages 15 to 24 years. By 2025, a quarter of the world’s youth under 25 will be African.

Its befitting that our theme for 2017 summit is ‘Harnessing the Demographic Dividend, through Investment in African Youth’. As we start this year of youth, we must indeed commit to value our youth and deserve Africa’s future” she said.

According to her, 2017 also marks 100 years since the birth of a pre-eminent freedom fighter, Pan-African – diplomat & democrat, OR Tambo, born in 1917.

“In tribute to the founding mothers, it’s therefore appropriate that the Assembly recognizes Pan African Women’s Organisation (PAWO) as a Specialized Agency of the African Union. 2017 marks 55 years since the formation of PAWO in 1962, a year before the OAU. We must fight for the full lifting of the economic embargo & the return of Guantanamo Bay to the Cuban people” she said.

The outgoing AU Commission Chair Zuma paid tribute to former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, is to continue our friendship and solidarity with the Cuban people for been a true friend of Africa throughout his lifetime.

“We also welcome the President of The Gambia, HE Mr. Adama Barrow and congratulated Ghanaian President Nana Ado Dankwa Akuffo Ado on his election. She also congratulated Ba Edgar Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia adding Africa look forward to work with you to strengthen peace, and to raise the dignity and wealth of all Africans” Dr Zuma said.

She welcomed the new United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on his first African Union Summit in this capacity and finally reminded leaders at the Summit that whatever they do at the Summit, they must ensure that they preserve the precious & principled unity of this continent & the Union.

New United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Chadian leader Idriss Déby Itno, who is outgoing Chairman of the African Union and Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine & Chair of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) addressed the Summit.

Letter Writer Urges Gov’t To Rescue Ports Authority

0

Dear Editor,

I would like the New government to help rescue The Gambia Ports Authority from the management team instituted there by former President, Yahya Jammeh starting from board chairman Mustapha Colley to the current managing director Lamin Sanyang. They are the most corrupt management team the institution ever has.

Lamin organizes overseas trips only for him to be paid per diems. He did not even witness the home coming of Barrow from Senegal because he organized a two weeks overseas trip to Europe. He left barely a day or two before Barrow returned from Senegal.

He is yet to come back. Sanyang was appointed barely two years ago but the amount of wealth he gathered in this two years is beyond apprehension. He has built four to five storey buildings around the kombos. He appoints people close to him especially Jolas in key positions without going through the normal recruitment procedures. Just before the elections he appointed some positions over 50 to 90 percent of those positions were filled by Jolas and are relative of key military officers from the state house like Gen. Saul Badjie.

The records are there to proof. Most of them are not qualified for the positions. Sanyang was appointed as MD with the help of Gen. Saul Badjie after undermining his former boss ML Gibba who did everything for him when he ML Gibba was MD. This guy listed some staff to be dismissed when Jammeh wins the election for simply they are supporters of the coalition.

Thanks, God bless you and your team.

Jammeh’s ‘Junglers’ Abandon Their Kotu Residence

0

Jammeh’s assain team, ‘The Junglers’ have not been seen at their kotu residence for almost a week since the departure into exile of  their commander in chief who they are directly answerable to.

Sergeant Sulayman Sambou the man alleged to have tortured Solo Sandeng to death, the national organizing secretary of the opposition United Democratic Party is nowhere to be seen. Both Sergeant Sambou and Sana Manjang another alleged killer for former President, Yahya Jammeh are all said to have left the country.

“I have just heard that someone helped him with a visa to Spain” a source disclosed to The Fatu Network. Sergeant Sambou is said to be a very dangerous man who does not hesitate to kill on the orders of former President, Yahya Jammeh. “If you see him coming towards you, it is better you find something to kill yourself with, because the way he tortures people is so brutal and terrible’. a security source said.

 

The whereabouts of Sana Manjang is also unknown. “I used to see him everyday, but now he has not been seen for almost a week” a neighbor said.

Meanwhile, General Bora Colley, a one time commander of Jammeh’s assassin team is currently held in Senegal after he was arrested by police at a border checkpoint attempting to enter Guinea Bissau. General Colley served as camp commander in Kanilai, Jammeh’s home village and briefly served as director general of the notorious Mile two central Prison.

MR PRESIDENT GAMBIANS WILL HELP YOU LIFT AS WE RISE TOGETHER

By Basil Jones, PhD

Gambia is at the dawn of a new era. We need to do the smart thing and nothing, absolutely nothing should stop or distract the in-coming government of President Adama Barrow from delivering to the Gambian people. To you, your Excellency Mr. President, Gambians at home and in the diaspora and all friends of Gambia wish you well. Mr. President, expectations are high from the Gambians for your administration. I will hasten to add that as Gambians will have to temper our high optimism with a dose of realism and give your administration time to get things right. So far we all appreciate what we have been hearing from the coalition spokesperson in terms of good governance by widening the democratic space, instituting rule of law and ensuring freedom of the press and expression responsibly.

Mr. President let me specifically talk about the macro-economy which have a lot of binding constraints caused by 22 years of misrule and economic mismanagement. Gambia should now be open for business – BUSINESS UNUSUAL. For your administration the needs are urgent – everything is a priority to achieve development impact. This calls for strategic and focused engagement with all Gambians, in particular the private sector and development partners (who have shown a lot of goodwill to re-engage with The Gambia). Our economy is not productive and have even regressed, hampered by inadequate infrastructure, weak institutions, an over taxed and over exploited private sector and lack of respect for property rights. The high poverty level have undermined efforts to accelerate economic progress and create employment for the youths leaving them with no alternative but to take the “backway”. This narrative have to change.

For the economy the starting point is to reestablish macroeconomic stability and an enabling business environment and more efficient use of public resources in an accountable and transparent manner. This will make or break economic management in the 3rd Republic. If you take the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business 2017 report that measures regulation that enhance business activity and those that constraint it. The Gambia is ranked 145 out of 190 countries. Then compare The Gambia to Rwanda that experienced Genocide, which is ranked 56. Mr. President Sir, this is the benchmark for the new administration. If Rwanda can do it – Gambia can also do it. We need to raise the bar very high and there is no room for mediocrity and complacency.

What is clear is that we need improved institutional and policy environment to attract private investment and mobilize resources both domestic and external. The domestic debt burden is out of control as Yahya have raped our economy using domestic financing. There is a need to revamp the entire public financial management system. There are also structural challenges that needs to be addressed such as youth unemployment, accelerating urbanization, environmental degradation that is exacerbated by climate change.

Prudent economic management is not rocket science, we need to get the fundamentals right again. So the incoming government will need broad and coherent policy objectives and actions on several fronts in order to jump start the economy, create the momentum and achieve sustainable and inclusive growth that will translate into improving the quality of life for our people.

My two cents contribution

Gambian President addresses the media

0

By Journalist Famara Fofana

Gambian President Adama Saturday morning briefed local and international journalists at his residence in what was his maiden press conference on home soil since he became president of the tiny West African country.

Responding to questions which bordered on a raft of critical issues, Mr Barrow said he intend to announce his cabinet members by Monday or Tuesday.
Amid the controversy that sorrounds his pick for Vice President, the president told reporters that the appointment of Fatoumatta Tambang as his number two is in conformity with the law, saying proofs that Tambajang is not above the constitutionally sanctioned aged limit of 65 years shall be made available.

Barrow, 51, said the Gambia’s much feared National Intelligence Agency remains an institution of the state but was quick to indicate plans to have the NIA renamed and transformed professionally.

Adama Barrow also made it clear that The Gambia will no longer be known as the Islamic Republic but rather the Republic of The Gambia.

On media freedom during his stewardship, he said
“From today the media in this country is free. Access to information is key in infuencing people to make decisions independently. We will issue licenses to people to open media houses. We had no access to the Gambia Radio and Television Services. It is social media especially WhatsAPP that gave us victory, said Barrow.

In response to a question about his government’s plans for the country’s youth in the face of the mass exodus by Gambian youth to Europe accross the mediterrenean, Mr. Barrow said “Youths have been our foot soldiers. We will create employment opportunities. We have plans for the fishing industry as well. We want businesses open; large scale manufacturing industries to create more job opportunities”.

The Gambian president also spoke of his government’s resolve to bolster the tourism sector given that it accouts for 20 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product.

Asked whether he would consider cabinet postions for minsiters of the Jammeh regime, he answered with an emphathic no, saying “we have enough man power”.

The man who was suprisingly defeated ex Gambian strongman Yahya Jammeh assured reporters that “the days of executive directives are now over”, as he reaffirmed his commitment to rule in accordance with the principles of rule of law and a democratic process.

President Adama Barrow would not know the number of people that were flown with Yahya Jammeh, hinting that the official number of working days will return to five days instead of the four introduced by Jammeh when he decalred the country as an Islamic state.

Barrow promised a better and closer ties with the neighbouring Senegal, where he had been sworn in as Gambian President.

In addition to rejoining the International Criminal Court, Adama Barrow said the Gambia will return to the commonwealth as soon as possible. He also repeated plans by his government to set up a truth and reconciliation commission which shall culminate in the preparation of a report that will make recommendations for them to act upon.

Barrow hosts joint meeting with Security Chiefs & ECOMIG command

Gambia’s President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces Adama Barrow Saturday hosted his first meeting with Gambia’s security service chief.

Spotted at the meeting included the Chief of Defense Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces Ousman Bargie, Inspector General of Police Yankuba Sonko, NIA Director Yankuba Badjie and David Colley of the Gambia Prisons Department among others.

The meeting was also attended by top brass of the ECOWAS Military Intervention in Gambia (ECOMIG) led by the Commander, Major General François Ndiaye, who are currently in the country to sanitize and ensure security after the political impasse that engulfed the nation.

It is not exactly clear what has been discussed though but many believed that security chiefs briefed President Barrow of the state of security in the country and the progress in the collaboration between the Gambia Armed Forces and the ECOMIG troops to ensure absolute peace.

President Barrow is said to have assured them of his support while security chiefs have also renewed their loyalty and assured of maximum security for peace and tranquility in the country.

The regional forces dubbed ECOMIG where deployed by the sub regional bloc to remove former President Yahya Jammeh who refused to hand over power after his mandate ended. Fortunately, he finally accepted and went into exile. Despite, the troops advanced into the country with the welcome of Gambian troops to support each other in ensuring maximum security.

Gambia’s new Cabinet ministers to declare assets

Gambia’s President Adama Barrow has told journalist that the ministers in his government would declare their assets before taking cabinet appointment.

“The Ministers will declare their assets before taking up appointment” President Barrow said on Saturday during his first press conference after his return from Senegal.

President Barrow said all Cabinet ministers would declare their assets as he has done during his nomination as presidential aspirant. He has not explained the details of the asset declaration whether it would be an open declaration but promised to set the standard.

Meanwhile, President Barrow said he would spend the first 100 days in office working with the Cabinet and a ‘Think-Tank’ to make comprehensive reports on every sector.

President Barrow Oks inherited Army Chief Bargie to continue in position

Gambia’s Army chief will stay in his position and continue his job according to Gambia’s new President Adama Barrow.

At a his first press conference on Saturday after returning home from Senegal where he was sworn-in at the Gambian embassy, President said: “The Chief of Defense Staff of Gambia Armed Forces Lt. Gen Ousman Bargie will continue with his job”.

Bargie was appointed as Army Chief in July 2012 by former President Yahya Jammeh. He replaced Lt. General Masanneh Kinteh, who was deployed to the Foreign Service and now back as Military aides to President Barrow.

President Barrow inherits Army Chief Bargie from the former administration of Yahya Jammeh.

Meanwhile, Gambian’s have been questioning the loyalty of the army chief to the new government after recent events and U-turns in support of former President Jammeh especially when he vowed to hang onto power even after his mandate ended.

President Barrow’s assertion has now clear the doubts and assured Gambians of his trust in him to lead the army.

It could be recalled that immediately after the election results where declared, Bargie pledged his loyalty and allegiance to President Barrow and was pictured celebrating with people on the streets of the capital.

A week later when former President Jammeh reversed his decision saying he is not accepting the results anymore, the Army chief also reversed his allegiance back to Mr Jammeh.

The Army Chief wrote a letter to then President Jammeh pledging allegiance and support.

“May I please seize this opportunity to renew to your Excellency the assurance of the unflinching loyalty and support of the Gambia Armed Forces,” General Ousman Badjie wrote in a letter to Jammeh published in the pro-government Daily Observer newspaper.

This prompted the West African regional bloc ECOWAS to place a stand by force on alert in case Jammeh attempts to stay in power after his mandate ends on January 19th.

Mr Jammeh then called the bloc’s stance “a declaration of war“. He ordered the same Army chief through the National Security Council to visit all military installations in the country to renew loyalty and stand for him as he vowed to hang onto power. He then warned Senegal not to attempt to attack the Gambia saying “I will kill you like animals”.

After heavy regional military where deployed heading to Gambia as the deadline for Mr Jammeh to go got nearer, Bargie shifted allegiance to President Barrow saying he would not engage his men in a battle with the troops from ECOMIG should the political impasse turn into force.

He said “I love my men” while posing for selfies with people while dressed in fatigues, beret and green T-Shirt.

Demagogues are the Achilles of democracy

Written by Alagi Yorro Jallow

President Yahya A.J.J Jammeh Babilimansa is almost a textbook demagogue, a brutal dictator and an “elephant with mosquito legs” in a China shop. The more powerful his passions and more the more uncontained his ambitions, the more likely the democratic system he inherited collapsed into despotism. Demagogues are the Achilles heel of democracy.

Demagogues like Babilimansa present themselves as representatives of the common people against elites and unworthy outsiders; make a visceral connection with followers as charismatic leaders; manipulate that connection for their own advancement, frequently by lying egregiously; and threatens established rules of conduct and constraining institutions as enemies of the popular will that they embody.

The values of the citizenry are a democracy’s most important asset. The people must understand in their bones that it is illegitimate to cling to power permanent by rigging elections, suppressing contrary opinions or harassing the opposition with impunity.

In 2016 presidential election, fear and anger became dominant political emotions. The fear was downward mobility and the anger was against tribalism; chronic corruption; uncontrollable repression; demagoguery; human rights abuses and sheer arrogance of dictator Jammeh.

The emotions were far more visceral and less attractive and majority of Gambian, the outburst of such primal emotions is disturbing, because they are so hard to contain. Elections finally respond to the fear and rage that brought down dictatorship and elevates democracy.

And the election of President Adama Barrow is a triumph of democracy and a defeat of demagoguery and dictatorship. Democracy must respond to legitimate grievances, but the demagogue’s exploitation of such grievances threatens democracy. It will be foolish not to sustain and consolidate our new democracy.

President Yahya Jammeh has created an agonizingly persuasive false myth that one man can be President for life; that only the APRC members can have access to new opportunities and lead a better life than most; and that only those who are politically connected through birth, association or sheer audacity must have an advantage and be entitled to wealth of Gambia.

It will not be easy to change our circumstances or move our country into a functional democracy because we have been psychologically complicit in creating a social system that does not respect our own needs and aspirations. Our tyranny is created and accepted by the people of The Gambia, and that is the hardest fact to accept.

Dictatorship can only arise and flourish where very specific conditions are met. Critical to an effective dictatorship are people with low self-esteem and who have a victim mentality. People who believe it is beyond their ability to effect change. The political leadership must also meet these same conditions. They must have a destructive and incessant low self-esteem and must, therefore, put to good use all tools and forms of oppression to shield their egos and vulnerability.

Dictators mirror their low self-esteem on the society which they seek to oppress. In that society, there must be individuals who are willing to support that low self-esteem with theirs.

A dictator must surround himself with praise singers and charlatans whose only interest is to see how they can benefit from him. He will then reward those who praise and fear him and incarcerate or injure those who refuse to do so.

He will bring close to him those he fears so that he may decimate their individuality and independent thought. This psychology of victim mentality thoroughly spreads itself in every sphere of society and becomes the DNA of that society. Everything is designed and manipulated to extend and fortify the dictatorship.

To dismantle such an entrenched reality requires a formidable force. Societies change slowly; a day at a time and that is our task in The Gambia. It will take new conversations about an alternative to be repeatedly discussed and share with all. It will take years of reconditioning the minds of our citizens so that they can begin to believe that they are the source of the fuel to the dictatorship; that they must shut down that supply if things are to change for the better. That is where we must go as a society.

We will face harsh resistance from those who are to benefit from retaining the status quo and a lukewarm response from those who benefit from insubstantial change. The battle of ideas that must be fought will be protracted, difficult, and unpredictable.

The Gambian people must have the foresight and the courage to continue the road of a meaningful democracy. The difficult task is how we lead our country so that our quality of life cannot be impacted upon by bad politics. How do we create a society that is not driven by fear of loss of income or assets if we choose to be on the outside? How do we prevent a dictatorship from using economics to imprison us?

The Gambia under President Yahya Jammed is guilty of perpetuating dictatorship. The middle class joined the National Intelligence Agency or the entire security forces, for example, in droves to buttress the oppression of Gambians. The greedy businesspersons, small traders and economic chancers we hear about every day who continue to seek political favor to gain an unfair advantage are also guilty of perpetuating a system that oppresses them.

It is evident that Gambians have, therefore, played a decisive role and in part created the very conditions that we continue to complain against and blame.

Yes, twenty-two years of dictatorship has been dislodged through free and fair elections; can the Gambian people destroy this pervasive and evil foundation from within? Now that we have democracy, the international community must aggressively intervene with funds and grants for a rectification program with the full support of all Gambians, home and diaspora to build a new Gambia we seek. This is the journey we must take now. We must also discard the myth that dictatorship had been brought on by forces outside beyond our control. We have changed our circumstances through a deliberate albeit slow efforts of changing our minds.

The Gambian people have made history by moving from dictatorship to democracy.

President Barrow renews commitment to 3 year term

Gambia’s new President Adama Barrow has reiterated his absolute commitment to stick on the three years mandate in office as agreed by the Coalition.

According to him, after the three years, if the job is not complete within the period, it would be left to the Coalition to decided either for him to continue or otherwise.

President Barrow made the revelation on Saturday at his first Press Conference after returning home from Senegal where he was sworn-in following the political impasse that prevented him from taking the oath on Gambian soil.

Mr Barrow said he will announce his cabinet ministers to the general public either on Monday or Tuesday, the only way to keep the ball rolling. He said they already got few names to fill the positions of the Cabinet.

He also announced that he would change the working hours and days to the normal five working days instead of four which was instituted by the former government. He said jobs will be created for the youths and said it would create jobs for the youths, saying they would also look into wrongful dismissal of the past government.

Asked if he heard from former President Jammeh since he left the country into exile in Equatorial Guinea, Barrow said: “I have not heard from Jammeh since he left. We could not guarantee his security that is why we asked him to leave”.

Talking about the appointment of Madam Fatoumatta Tambajang-Jallow as Vice President, he said she has met the Constitutional age limit to take the position. “We believed the appointment of the vice president has fallen within the Constitution. She will show her official age with authentic documents,” he pointed out.

President Barrow further highlighted his government’s immediate plan to reform the dreaded and feared National Intelligence Agency (NIA) saying the agency needs reformation as it is an institution which is part of the government. He said they would change the name of the institution and train the personnel to be professionals contrary to what they are today.

On government-media relations and freedom of the press, the Gambian leader says under his administration, the media will ever be free and government friendly. He said the role of the media is important in informing and educating the public and to avoid any speculations. He promised to look into the media bill and as well make some amendments.

President Barrow further said his government would consider to reopening the businesses and media houses that were shut down by the previous government.

He also spoke about the independence of the judiciary, saying there would be more Gambians at the top of the judiciary but would also welcome expertise whenever necessary. He also assured that the Gambia would remain in the International Criminal Court which former President Yahya Jammeh unilaterally pulled out the country from been a member.

“I don’t think the Gambia will leave the ICC. If we are talking about democracy, rule of law and human rights, this is exactly what ICC is advocating for. So, why should Gambia be afraid to join,” he said.  

President Barrow however, spoke further on his government’s relation with Senegalese government saying they will do everything possible to ensure a cordial relation. He dilated on the geographical, religious, family and ethnic ties Gambia has with Senegal. He promised to consider the Yelli Tenda/Bamba Tenda Bridge at Farafenni and expressed hope that the best will be done.

“We are willing to work with the Senegalese government to resolve the crisis in the Cassamance region,” he pointed out.

President Barrow admits giving out money publicly

Gambia’s new President Adama Barrow has admitted that the picture circulating on social media showing him giving out money was indeed real and not photo-shopped.

Speaking at his first Press Conference on Saturday since his return from Senegal, President Barrow said he indeed gave out the money and it is only 200 Gambian dalasis.

He said: “The picture is true. I only gave out two hundred dalasis (D200)”he admitted.

The said picture that went viral on social media was captured during the welcoming ceremony last Thursday amidst thousands of people surrounding his car and escorting him. Mr Barrow was seen up on his car holding the money and giving it out publicly.

Meanwhile, the president giving out money especially in public has been a major concern and condemned in the former regime. Many believe that the act most stopped.

NIA Director Wants Two Nigerian Nationals Deported

0

The director general of The National Intelligence Agency, Yankuba Badjie Friday, 27 January, 2017 sent two Nigerian nationals to the Banjul International Airport for deportation. The three were escorted to Yundum by NIA agents.

The men were arrested three years ago on the orders of Yankuba Badjie and former Commander of The Gambia National Guards battalion, General Saul Badjie.

Immigration officials at the airport refused the deportation saying the proper procedure should be followed before the three are allowed to board the aircraft. “Yankuba is trying to destroy evidence” a security source told The Fatu Network. ” He wants these men out immediately to avoid questions.”

Security sources advised that the case should be brought before The Inspector General Of Police for further investigation.The two were said to have been detained at The NIA offices in Tanji for almost three years and were robbed of millions by Yankuba and Saul Badjie.

“After robbing them of millions, Yankuba wants them out of the country, this is unfair” the source concluded.

Mohamed Ibn Chambas Congratulates Gambians For Political Maturity And Commitment To Peace

0

Press Statement

Banjul, Friday 27 January – On the occasion of the return of the President of The Gambia, Mr. Adama Barrow, to the capital Banjul, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, congratulates the people of The Gambia for their political maturity and their commitment for peace.

“The peaceful attitude of the Gambians during the election and during the crisis demonstrates their determination to build a unified, democratic and a prosperous country,” said Mohamed Ibn Chambas today from Banjul.

The peaceful resolution of the crisis followed by the return to the country of the democratically elected President Adama Barrow to a tumultuously welcome, will set the foundations for an inclusive national reconciliation, and will open a new chapter in the history of The Gambia

It is the victory of preventive regional diplomacy that has been successful through the mobilization of regional actors and in perfect coordination with the international community.

“It is vital that the mobilization of the regional actors and the international community to resolve peacefully the crisis, is maintained and consolidated to help the Gambians and the new government achieve a democratic, orderly and peaceful transition,” declared Ibn Chambas.

As part of its commitment to support the new administration, the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) has deployed to Banjul a senior expert on transition of power to help the new authorities interact with the former one and articulate a plan of action to ensure a peaceful and democratic transition.

EMOTIONAL: Olay Ceesay talks about the two missing Gambians, Alhagie Amour Ceesay and Ebou Jobe

0

Contact the Ceesay and Jobe families if you have any information about the two missing Gambian Americans, Alhagie Mamour Ceesay and Ebou Jobe. The two have been missing for over three years after they visited Gambia in 2013 and arrested by Gambian authorities under Yahya Jammeh’s government

Gambians hopeful of brighter future after President Barrow’s return

Gambians are quiet optimistic about the country’s future, hoping that the new government under President Barrow would deliver to the Gambian people.

Speaking to this medium on Thursday at the Banjul International Airport during the homecoming of President Barrow, many people raised concerns about the country’s human rights records, democracy and press freedom among other things.

“I hope there will be more media friendly, repeal the draconian media laws put in place by the former government,” Alieu Badara Sowe said.

Mr. Sowe who worked for several media houses including The former Independent Newspaper, The Point Newspaper and Citizen FM Radio among others said the new administration needs to expand the democratic space.

The veteran journalist blamed the former president for creating the situation that made it necessary for the sub-regional bloc to deploy troops to the country, saying the troops should handover to the Gambian forces once the mission is accomplished.

“Today is another day in the history of The Gambia,” Foday Gassama, UDP West Coast Regional Mobiliser said.

Gassama explained how Gambians went to the polls to decide the political destiny of the country, saying it is constitutional mandate. He called on the new government to restore democracy, rule of law and human rights. He further called for national reconciliation.

“The past 22 years people have suffered arbitrary arrests and detention without trial. This is crime against humanity. I hope the new government will deliver as expected from them,” he added.

Mariama Camara, a jubilant supporter of the coalition government was singing and dancing at the airport. She has challenged every Gambians to be at the airport to welcome the president. She said nobody should miss the occasion.

“We want President Barrow to continue the free girl’s education initiative” she said.

Meanwhile, the president was given a befitting welcome by well wishers, supporters and sympathizers all over the place.

 

President Barrow: ‘I am happy to return home safely’

Gambia’s President Adama Barrow has expressed delight and happiness upon his return to The Gambia after almost two weeks in Senegal following the political impasse that engulfed the country.

Speaking to journalist shortly upon arrival at the Banjul International Airport, President Barrow said: “I am happy to return home safely. I will announce the Cabinet very soon” he said.

Mr Barrow, family members and aides arrived Thursday afternoon at the Banjul International Airport to a rouse welcome by Gambians who where in jubilation showing their support to the new leader. His flight was escorted by an ECOMIG jet fighter flight displaying in the air.

He was sworn-in last week on January 19th at the Gambian embassy in Dakar, Senegal, at a time when former President Yahya Jammeh remained defiant and occupied the State House refusing to hand over power.

The new Gambian leader mentioned his government’s readiness to ensure transparency and accountability saying they would establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to ascertain certain alleged irregularities in the past government. He also spoke about Constitutional reforms.

He thanked Gambians for making this day possible. He also commended the sub-regional bloc, ECOWAS, for their support.

Present at the airport were the coalition leaders, foreign diplomats, security chiefs among others.

Reset password

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

Get started with your account

to save your favourite homes and more

Sign up with email

Get started with your account

to save your favourite homes and more

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