Sunday, May 25, 2025
Home Blog Page 708

Pan African Lawyers Union disassociates itself from African Bar Associations’ actions on Gambia

Fatu Camara
-
0
Pan African Lawyers Union disassociates itself from African Bar Associations’ actions on Gambia

The Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) has issued a strong statement vehemently disassociating itself from the statements and actions taken by the African Bar Association (AfBA) on the current legal and political nightmares in The Gambia.

The African Bar Association on Tuesday without consent from its affiliate, The Gambia Bar Association, held a meeting with outgoing Gambian President Yahya Jammeh and assured him of their support particulary in instituting the vacant Supreme Court in The Gambia to hear his petition challenging the election results.

You may recall that The Gambia went to the polls on December 1st in which incumbent President Yahya Jammeh was defeated by opposition coalition candidate Adama Barrow. Mr Jammeh conceded defeated and after a week, made a surprising U-turn by rejecting the results and declaring the results null and void, thereby violating the constitutions. He further announced that he was filing a petition to the court which has been vacant since May 2015 and has not been functioning.

In a letter addressed to the Gambia Bar Association disassociating itself from the actions of the Africa Bar Association, Donald Deya, Chief Executive Officer, Pan African Lawyers’ Union (PALU) said they are in solidarity with The Gambia Bar Association at this sensitive time and support the positions taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) with regard to The Gambia.

Below is the full text of the statement;
Re: Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) dissociates itself from the statements and actions taken by the African Bar Association (AfBA)

I have been instructed by the President and the Executive Committee (Board) of PALU to write to you to continue to express our solidarity with you at this sensitive time in your country, and also to dissociate ourselves from and condemn the Statements and actions apparently undertaken by the African Bar Association (AfBA). We stand by our own Statement on the situation in The Gambia, which we issued on 12th December 2016. We also support the positions taken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) with regard to the Gambia.

We look forward to full implementation of the Decisions of the ECOWAS Summit held in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria this past Saturday, 17th December 2016. The AfBA position flies in the face of, and contradicts, the unanimous position of ECOWAS, AU and UN, and indeed of PALU. It flies in the face of, and contradicts, international law. It is, simply put, unlawful.

We highlight that we, as PALU, have nothing to do with AfBA. We consider AfBA to be a fraudulent organisation that does not represent anyone other than its few individual promoters. It has no known membership on the African continent. It does not speak for African lawyers or lawyers’ associations (Bar Associations and Law Societies). It has no known constituency. If it considered the Gambian Bar Association (GBA) to be its member association, there is no way it would have ‘parachuted’ directly into the State House of The Gambia, to meet the outgoing President of The Gambia, without consulting its member!

We advise that the GBA treat that action with the contempt it deserves, but that you go ahead and inform the Gambian citizenry and the international community that you neither recognise AfBA nor does it represent the African legal profession. The PALU Board has directed me to do the same, and we will shortly put out a Statement in this regard.

Meanwhile, may I just recall our email to you of 13th November 2015 (attached herein for ease of reference) when we addressed this issue of AfBA.

Donald Deya
Chief Executive Officer, Pan African Lawyers’ Union (PALU)

Dangerous stalemate in Gambia’s crisis

Fatu Camara
-
0
Dangerous stalemate in Gambia’s crisis

The London newspaper this morning, The Guardian, brings news of the dangerous situation developing in The Gambia.

Presidents Macky Sall of Senegal and Francois Hollande of France are quoted as stating clearly that “Jammeh must leave the Presidency in The Gambia” – as the Gambian people voted for the election winner Adama Barrow, the President Elect.

Jammeh is quoted as saying “I am not going anywhere. Adama Barrow is Ex-President Elect. I have nullified the election”.

Sall and Hollande state categorically that “Jammeh’s Departure is Non-Negotiable”.

Sall’s Senegal is Francophone Africa’s military power, and France is the West’s power in West Africa – with troops current in the region. Their “Jammeh’s Departure is Non-Negotiable” position is backed by ECOWAS, the EU, UK, USA and the United Nations. Their position is also backed by a dozen of Gambia’s Diplomatic Corp – including ambassadors in USA, UK, Russia and China who have just published a communiqué asking Jammeh to go. Gambia’s Civil Society and Professional Associations have all asked Jammeh to go – as have the main Christian and Muslim organisations in The Gambia. The University Students are on strike until Jammeh goes. The Gambian electorate voted against Jammeh.

If the whole world says “Jammeh’s Departure is Non-Negotiable”, it is difficult to see what Jammeh hopes to gain by insisting that he “will not go”. All that Jammeh can possibly “gain” is bring a Libya-style chaos to The Gambia – but that won’t happen. A military solution to the “Jammeh-problem” may be the only option left to the world after 18th January 2017, but that would not make Gambia descend into chaos as happened in Libya.

For one thing Gambians are unanimous in wanting peace and, secondly, Gambians don’t have the mad Islamic radicalism of Alqaeda and Islamic State that is tearing Libya apart today. And thirdly, Gambia is within peaceful and democratic Senegal who are determined to protect Gambia’s New Democracy.

The danger is in the short-term. I worry for the President-Elect and his colleagues if Jammeh decides on Hara-Kiri and decides to take his enemies with him. But I am sure that Senegal and Western Diplomats in The Gambia are already making contingency plans for the security of their staff and citizens – and no doubt they will include the Transition Government of President-Elect Barrow.

Let us hope and pray that Jammeh will change his mind to break the stalemate, and/or the Gambia’s Armed Forces will step-in to ensure the Inauguration of the President-Elect come January 19th 2017.

By Dida Halake

Gambian Students Association in Cyprus condemns Jammeh’s actions

Fatu Camara
-
0
Gambian Students Association in Cyprus condemns Jammeh’s actions

PRESS RELEASE – DEC. 20th: Without any pressure or force after conceding defeat and congratulating the President elect, and also confirm that the Gambia election is second to known in term of fairness, free and transparency, the nation applauded, honored your bravery and maturity as a person. Importantly we the Gambian students abroad were also congratulated and applauded by our fellow students across the globe.

But on December 9th, when you took a U-turn it came as a total shock and disappointment to the whole nation and the world at large.

The Gambian students Association in Cyprus vehemently condemns in the strongest possible terms the announcement by outgoing President Yahya Jammeh made on Friday the 9th December 2016 declaring the 1st December 2016 elections null and void.
The outgoing President statement offends the Constitution of The Republic of The Gambia, and legitimate will cum decision of the People of The Gambia. We believe that a patriotic and true citizen of a country is a citizen who value and respect the constitution of his/her country and its people. We call on the outgoing president to be a true and patriotic citizen of the Gambia and respect his preaching for the past 22 years; that is non compromise to peace and stability of the Gambia.

We call on the outgoing president to respect the will of The Gambian people, honor the constitution of The Gambia that he swore to defend without affection or ill-will, and transfer executive power to the President-elect His Excellency Honorable Adama Barrow immediately, through a smooth and peaceful transition as provided by the Constitution. Certainly, The Gambia is bigger than any party or an individual interest and this shall not be compromised.

Furthermore, this action of the outgoing president Yaya Jammeh is tantamount to a lot of negative consequences to our beloved nation politically, economically, socially and even psychologically.

We also call on the Gambia security forces to respect the will cum decision of the people of the Gambian and also the constitution of the republic of the Gambia which they swore to protect without affection or ill-will.

The outgoing president we want you to revert your decision to challenge the voice of the people and open the doors for a smooth transition in the interest of peace, security, stability, economy of the Gambia and socio-economic development of the country.

We take this opportunity to congratulate the President-elect Adama Barrow and pledge our full allegiance and support to him and his cabinet.

For the Gambia our Homeland!!

First Lady Zineb Jammeh Abandoned By Her Security Detail

Fatu Camara
-
0
First Lady Zineb Jammeh Abandoned By Her Security Detail

First Lady Zineb Yahya Jammeh will be heading home from Washington on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 without two of her closest guards. Lamin Bojang known as ‘Obama’ and a private soldier, one Badjie have absconded leaving madame Jammeh in a state of shock after she found out.

Sources say ‘Obama’ is very close to Mariam and Muhammed Jammeh after working for the first family for many years. The first lady is said to have been crying since the two left on monday. A very credible source told The Fatu Network that she called her husband, dictator Jammeh complaining that the soldiers attached to her are very ungrateful.

Meanwhile, the first family is going through very difficult times after Gambians voted that they have enough of them, sending them packing. Dictator Jammeh is still holding on to power refusing to work towards a peaceful transfer of power to President Elect, Adama Barrow. Gambians are going about their daily lives knowing that come January 19, Adama Barrow will be sworn in as the new president of The Gambia.

Yahya Jammeh insists he will not step down

Fatu Camara
-
0
Yahya Jammeh insists he will not step down

Disgraced outgoing Gambian President Yahya Jammeh has again come out clearly to repeat his position that he will not step down when his term ends insisting that the December 1st elections where not fair.

Speaking at a meeting with a delegation from the Africa Bar Association at State House on Tuesday aired on state TV, Mr Jammeh said he is proceeding with the court petition challenging the results citing several irregularities which be blamed for his lost.

“I am not a coward. My rights cannot be intimidated and violated. This is my position. Nobody can deprive me of that victory except the Almighty Allah,” Mr Jammeh said.

It could be recalled that The Gambia went to the polls on December 1st, 2016 and incumbent President Yahya Jammeh was defeated. He conceded defeat and later made a U-turn, rejecting and calling the results ‘null and void’. Since then, the country plunges into a political nightmare and there have been calls by various national institutions and organizations, regional and international bodies for Mr Jammeh to respect the will of the people.

During Tuesday’s meeting, Mr Jammeh condemned the mediation by the West African regional bloc ECOWAS that aimed to get him to leave power after he lost the December 1 election to challenger and President-elect Adama Barrow.

According to him, this conflict cannot be peacefully resolved when institutions concern are making threats and disrespecting facts, citing ECOWAS position towards the situation as violation of its laws on ‘interfering in internal affairs’ of other states.

A heavyweight quartet of West African leaders Fact Finding Mission was sent to The Gambia. The delegation led by ECOWAS chair and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, included Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari, Sierra Leone’s Ernest Bai Koroma and Ghana’s outgoing President John Mahama as well as the UN Africa envoy Mohamad Ibn Chambas.

“Already, the ECOWAS meeting was a formality. Before they came, they had already said Jammeh must step down. But I will not step down,” he told visiting members of the Africa Bar Association.

Maintaining his position, Mr Jammeh who referred to the President-elect Adama Barrow as so-called by rubbishing his legitimacy, repeated that the only way is to re-organise election so that every Gambian will vote.

He said: “I will die for what I believe. Who are they (Opposition coalition, ECOWAS, AU and the West) to ask me to go. It’s disrespectful to our Constitution. Even they (opposition) won legally, I have 60 days to stay before leaving”.

Still disputing the fairness of the election, Mr Jammeh insist he will leave office only based on what he called ‘the will of the people in fair election’ saying he better die than to be cheated by the electoral commission and been force by foreign powers to step down.

Meanwhile, President-elect Adama Barrow is expected to be sworn-in on January 19th, 2017, to be attended by various West African leaders as contained in the Abjua Summit communiqué of December 17th, 2016.

By Alhagie Jobe

GTTI Law Students to boycott lectures until political normalcy is back

Fatu Camara
-
0
GTTI Law Students to boycott lectures until political normalcy is back

The Law Students Association of the Gambia Technical Training Institute have called on the law students to boycott lectures until the political situation of the country is back to normalcy.

It could be recalled that The Gambia voted on December 1st, 2016 and incumbent President Yahya Jammeh was defeated. He conceded defeat and later made a U-turn, rejecting the results. Since then, the country plunges into a political nightmare and there have been calls by various institutions and organizations in the Gambia for Mr Jammeh to respect the will of the people.

“We would boycott lectures until the political situation of the country is back to normalcy for the safety and welfare of all law students as the unpredictable situation is highly unfavorable,” Law Association said. According to reports, the Board of Executive of the Association has conducted vote on the boycott at the institute which majority of the students voted overwhelmingly. It is reported that the petition was submitted to the management. It is said all law students are members to the association.

“We have been receiving complaints from students that they don’t have peace of mind while attending lectures under the current political situation,” said a source. Meanwhile, the management have not still respond to the petition, though the boycott started yesterday.

French President Holland says Gambia’s President-elect Barrow should be sworn-in immediately

Fatu Camara
-
0
French President Holland says Gambia’s President-elect Barrow should be sworn-in immediately

French President François Holland has called for the immediate installation of Gambia’s President-elect Adama Barrow considering the results of the election are indisputable.

At a news joint news conference with visiting Senegalese President Macky Sall on Tuesday at the Elysée in Paris, President Hollande said outgoing President Yahya Jammeh had lost the elections, conceded defeat and should handover power gracefully. He told Mr Jammeh that in no circumstances, he can be president anymore and should respect the will of the Gambian people.

“In The Gambia, an election has taken place, the result are clear and cannot be challenged and President-elect Adama Barrow must be installed as soon as possible” Hollande told the news conference at the Elysée. According to Hollande, “there is no doubt about this reality. No transaction is possible and Mr Jammeh should respect the will of the people”.

The Gambia went to the polls on December 1st, 2016 in which incumbent President Yahya Jammeh was defeated by the opposition coalition leader Adama Barrow. Mr Jammeh conceded defeat and a week later made a surprising U-turn by rejecting the results citing certain irregularities at the level of the electoral commission.

Since then, the country plunges into a political nightmare and there are several high level diplomatic missions underway to persuade incumbent Yahya Jammeh to respect the will of the will and hand over power to President-elect Adama Barrow.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) dispatched a quartet of African leaders to The Gambia last week to bring a lasting solution. This was followed by an emergency summit of the Heads of States held in Abuja, Nigeria, in which The Gambia was top on the agenda and after which, leader unanimously urged Mr Jammeh to step down when his term ends and handover power peacefully to President-elect Adama Barrow.

President Hollande welcomed the decision of the 50th ECOWAS Heads of States and Government Summit held in Abuja on December 17th saying, like Senegal and the regional bloc, UN, UK, USA and others, France is behind the Gambian people and condemned Mr Jammeh for his actions. He categorically warned him to accept defeat for the interest of peace and avoid any other option against him by the international community. The French leader then made it clear that as from now on, France only recognizes President-elect Adama Barrow is the legitimate president of The Gambia.

By Alhagie Jobe

How Yahya Jammeh lost the elections

Fatu Camara
-
0
How Yahya Jammeh lost the elections

It is quite obvious that outgoing President Yahya Jammeh was very much surprised by his defeat at the polls which he had never anticipated despite all the signs to that effect. This is apparently why he was so confused by the results that he did not know how to react, hence his initial acceptance of the results only to make a U-turn and declare them null and void.

It must have taken him sometime for the implications of his defeat to sink and for him to realize that he was on his way out of State House, which he never thought was possible because he thought he had done so much for Gambians as well as he had the electoral system tightly under his control that elections can never remove him from power.

While there is no easy answer to the question as to how Jammeh lost the elections, but there are a few indications how his defeat came about, and most of them were his own making. In the first place, his arrogance and lack of respect for the ordinary Gambians was no doubt one of them. As far as he is concerned, he was put in power by the Almighty Allah and the blessings of his parents and not by the people who continuously voted for him. That was why he kept on bragging that neither elections nor a coup d’etat could remove him from power.

Secondly, subjecting the Mandinkas, the country’s largest ethnic group, to the most vitriolic attack, describing them as rats that he would wipe out, when he had been winning in virtually all the Mandinka-dominated areas of the country, played a significant part in his defeat. A majority of Gambians found such attacks so despicable and uncalled for, especially from a head of state, that they agreed that it was time for him to go.

Another of his mistakes was no doubt the decision to verbally declare the country an Islamic Republic in complete violation of Chapter 1, Section 1 (1) of the 1997 Constitution which says; “The Gambia is a Sovereign Secular Republic”, which is an entrenched clause that can only be changed by a referendum. He apparently seems to have been listening to the advices of Islamic radicals like Dr. Zakir Naik, failing to realize that even though the Gambia is a majority Muslim country, but Gambian Muslims would never accommodate radical Islam that would sow seeds of discord between them and their non-Muslim compatriots.

Apart from taking Gambians for granted and doing things on his own without any regard to how the people felt, he was also to a large extent responsible for his own defeat through some certain unwise decision and actions. For instance, if he had not precipitated the removal of that section of the Constitution which called for a second round in the event none of the candidates obtains more than 50 per cent of the vote in the first round, he could have gone to a second round and he was very likely to have won, especially if he had made a deal with Mamma Kandeh who came third in the elections.
Another of his mistakes was that, if the rumours were correct, Mamma Kandeh was not qualified to contest the elections because the electoral law required that candidates had a senior secondary school certificate which Kandeh never had, but Jammeh was said to have insisted that he be allowed to stand, apparently with the belief that Kandeh was going to share the opposition vote and that will make his victory much easier. It however turned out that Kandeh instead took his own potential votes. In fact all the areas that Kandeh won or scored high were the places Jammeh used to easily win in all the past elections.

Therefore, Kandeh’s participation in the elections was a blessing in disguise for the opposition coalition because if he had not contested, it is almost quite obvious that Jammeh would have won.

Again, Jammeh’s failure to appoint the required number of judges for the Supreme Court for more than a year could have been deliberate as he was quite sure that he was going to win the elections and also sure that the opposition were going to challenge the results, and without a Supreme Court in place, their complaints would never have been heard. However, it has now boomeranged on him as without a quorum, it is hard to see how his complaint can be heard by the Supreme Court. Of course it is out of the question for him to appoint the required number of judges at this stage for them to hear his case. That would be unacceptable to both the coalition and the international community.

Another of his self-imposed legal constraints is no doubt his order for the security forces to take over the headquarters of the Independent Electoral Commission and prevent the Chairman Alieu Momar Njai and his staff from access to their offices, where all the elections records are supposedly kept. What is the guarantee that his supporters are not going to tamper with the records in order to make a case for him when the matter ever reaches the Supreme Court? That was indeed not a very wise move, especially happening on the very day that the Ecowas delegation was in Banjul and they witnessed everything that happened.

Therefore with the above as well as several other arrogant decision made by Jammeh and his cohorts, it is very hard to see how he would still hope to remain in power. He should definitely understand that the game is over and the best he could do for the country that he claims to love so much is to accept that he has been rejected by the majority of the Gambian electorate and exit peacefully.

Of course, both the coalition and the international community have made it categorically clear that after his mandate expires on the 19 January, 2017, he must step down and if he fails to do so, then there is possibility of military action to flush him out. Let us however hope and pray that such a possibility will never arise.

Indeed, President Jammeh and his few remaining supporters would be fooling themselves to think that when it comes to taking military action against him, most members of the Gambia National Army would risk their lives to defend the indefensible when they know that he would be eventually forced out and that he has all members of his family safe abroad whilst their own families are in the country.

By D. A. Jawo

APRC Councilor Calls On Jammeh To Handover Power

Fatu Camara
-
0
APRC Councilor Calls On Jammeh To Handover Power

The APRC Brikama Nyambai Ward Councilor, Pa Amadou Manneh, has called on President Yahya Jammeh to handover power to president-elect Adama Barrow peacefully.

“I honorable Pa Amadou Manneh, an elected ward councilor under APRC would like to add my voice onto the many God-fearing and peace-loving people of the Gambia to call on President Jammeh to handover the baton of leadership to president-elect Adama Barrow,” Councilor Pa Amadou Manneh said.

Councilor Manneh said in a press statement that he has learnt from Waa Juwara’s school of thought that in any multi-party democracy one has to accept the democratic process whether its in your favor or against you. He said though his wish and efforts were for president Jammeh to win the election and continue with his development agenda. “I still appeal with reluctance, respect and honor to my comrade leader, founder and architect of the July 22 Revolution to reconsider his decision and to recognize and reaccept the will of God for the sake of peace and continued stability, which is in the best interest of The Gambia and her people”

He said apart from his political activities at regional level, he used his popular TV program with Jali Nghali Mbye on GRTS ‘Yamaro’ to canvass for president Jammeh and his party. He accepted his party’s failure to convinced the people to vote for them even though they have been doing so since 1996.

“And with all honesty its their civic and political right to decide whosoever to vote for. The Gambian people have spoken and must be listened to,” he stated. Councilor Manneh spoke at length about his political orientation before he joined APRC. He said he was with PDOIS, NCP, UDP and was the National Youth President of NDAM.

11 serving Gambian ambassadors tell Jammeh to hand over power, congratulate Barrow

Fatu Camara
-
0
11 serving Gambian ambassadors tell Jammeh to hand over power, congratulate Barrow

In an unprecedented move, eleven (11) serving Gambian ambassadors to various countries around the world have issued a joint appeal on their boss disgraced outgoing President Yahya Jammeh to hand over power at the end of his term.

The Gambian diplomats overseas strongly appealed to Mr Jammeh to accept the choice of The Gambian people and facilitate a peaceful transfer of power to the President-Elect, Mr. Adama Barrow.

They also congratulated President-elect Adama Barrow for the victory in the December 1st Presidential Elections which has been described as transparent, free, fair and credible by both local and international election observers.

The ambassadors are H.E Mr. Dembo M. Badgie in Beijing; H.E Mr. Momodou Badgie in Ankara; H.E Mrs. Elizabeth Ya Eli Harding in London; H.E Dr. Mamadou Tangara in New York; H.E Momodou Aki Bayo in Moscow; H.E Mrs. Teneng Mba Jaiteh in Brussels; H.E Mr. Momodou Pa Njie in Dakar; H.E Mr. Lang Yabou in Madrid; H.E Mr. Masanneh N. Kinteh in Havana; H.E. Mr. Abdou Jarju in Bissau and H.E. Mr. Mass AxiGai in Addis Ababa.

Their letter reads;
We the Ambassadors of The Gambia representing our Nation overseas, extend our thanks and appreciation to Your Excellency, The Government and People of The Gambia for the smooth and peaceful conclusion of the December 1st Presidential Elections which you described as transparent, free and fair. Both local and international election observers also certified the whole process as credible.

Yourstatesmanly and televised acceptance of the election results in favour of the Coalition candidate on December 2nd, was acclaimed and applauded throughout the world. The fact that you further congratulated Mr. Barrow on his victory and assured him of your support and guidance was testimony to the fact that you care for the progressive development of The Gambia in a peaceful and orderly transition. Many of us have received commendations on your behalf in our various jurisdictions from individuals and institutions citing your action as the dawn of a new era in African politics and democracy.

Your Excellency, we were taken aback by your pronouncement on National Television on December 9th, rejecting the results. This new position of Your Excellency has the potential of undermining the peace and stability that The Gambia is renowned for.

Your Excellency, in the light of the foregoing, we the Ambassadors of The Gambia, strongly appeal for you to accept the choice of The Gambian people and facilitate a peaceful transfer of power to the President-Elect, Mr. Adama Barrow.

Meanwhile we applaud the efforts of the international community especially the UN, AU and ECOWAS mission headed by Her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in their quest to bring about a peaceful resolution of the current political impasse in our motherland, The Gambia.

In conclusion Your Excellency, we once again implore you to consider our plea which is aimed at achieving the greater good for our beloved country, The Gambia.

Please accept Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration and esteem.

Meanwhile, the Gambian diplomats also congratulated President-elect Barrow on the victory saying the Gambian people have spoken, and the victory is a manifestation of their trust and confidence that everyone must acknowledge and accept as “vox populi, vox Dei” (the voice of the people is the voice of God).

The congratulatory message read:
It is with honour that we the Ambassadors of The Gambia representing our country overseas, extend our congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency, following your victory in the December 1st Presidential Elections which has been described as transparent, free, fair and credible by both local and international election observers.

Your Excellency, the Gambian people have spoken, and your victory is a manifestation of their trust and confidence that we must all acknowledge and accept as “vox populi, vox Dei” (the voice of the people is the voice of God).

To the International Community, the peaceful and democratic elections, which is the precursor to your Presidency, has been received with euphoria and hope for political and economic partnerships. As patriotic servants of The Gambia, it is our pledge and desire to contribute our quota to the expansion and consolidation of meaningful international dialogue and cooperation for the benefit of The Gambia.

In addition, we seize this opportunity to assure Your Excellency and the Coalition of our support and collaboration.

We pray to Allah the Almighty to grant Your Excellency and team the guidance and wisdom to fulfill the duties and responsibilities bestowed on you by your election to the highest office in the land. May Almighty Allah continue to grant Your Excellency and the Gambian Nation continuous good health, long life, peace, greater protection, prosperity and success.

Please accept Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest consideration and fraternal esteem.

Samsudeen Sarr got it all wrong

Fatu Camara
-
0
Samsudeen Sarr got it all wrong

The Gambian Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Retired Colonel Samsudeen Sarr got it all wrong when he expressed support for President Jammeh’s attempt to annul the results of the December 1, 2016 Presidential election that ushered in the electoral victory of President elect Adama Barrow. Mr. Sarr’s reasoning are irrational and misplaced suggestions that questions his role at the UN and ethical competence as a public servant committed to upholding the common goodness.

As a diplomat at the UN, one would expect RTD Colonel Sarr to take a forefront of efforts by the international community to promote peace and stability in the Gambia. On the contrary, the RTD Colonel took a controversial lead in supporting President Jammeh’s predatory role of illegal arrests, torture imprisonment of prominent opposition executives, and the attempt to compromise the legitimate aspirations of citizens.

First, Mr.Sarr’ s outright support for the heavy handed clamp down of peaceful opposition protesters in the Gambia, leading to the unjustified sentencing of United Democratic Party (UDP) Executives marked a turning point in the RTD colonels moral character, moral judgement and moral imagination as a public servant. He failed to draw the fine lines between justice and abuse of legislative and executive authority. This was the first missed step explaining why the RTD Colonel got it all wrong.

Second, Mr. Sarr’ s support for President Jammeh’s attempt to annul the results of the last Presidential election that ushered in the electoral victory of President Elect Barrow casted a shadow of darkness on his legacy as a world citizen and UN Ambassador. Mr. Sarr deliberately and irresponsibly ignored the fact that President Yaya Jammeh has no constitutional authority to annul national election results. The retired Colonel Got it all wrong.

By making such calls, Mr. Sarr blatantly manifested his support for compromising the Sovereignty of the Gambian nation. Since sovereignty lies in the people all attempts to compromise the aspirations of citizens tantamount to treason. Elections are constitutionally guaranteed sovereign domains, the outcome of which constitute the national interest, consent and legitimate mandate to rule.

Arguably, since sovereignty lies in the people, any attempt to compromise the aspirations of citizens expressed through constitutionally guaranteed sovereign domains could constitute an act of treason. The RTD Colonel got it all wrong.
A UN diplomat should be a beacon of UN ideals of peace, stability and development entrenched in people centered governance. And Mr. Sarr’s views on current Gambian affairs are in conflict with such ideals and the overall UN Security Council position on The Gambia. That is why the RTD Colonel got it all wrong.

Ambassador Sarr should redeem himself and be a part of progressive voices of change. The Gambia has decided and there is no turning back. Perhaps the RTD Colonel should carefully digest the ECOWAS communique to understand the inevitable dawn of the Third Gambian Republic. RTD Colonel Sarr Got it all Wrong.

By Professor Binneh Minteh

Outgoing First Lady Zineb Jammeh shuns US State Dep’t

Fatu Camara
-
0
Outgoing First Lady Zineb Jammeh shuns US State Dep’t

Gambia’s outgoing First Lady Madam Zinab Yahya Jammeh is reportedly avoiding a meeting with US State Department, The Fatu Network has gathered from sources close to the ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to sources, the US State Department has been trying to have a meeting with Madam Jammeh to ask her to reason her husband, outgoing President Yahya Jammeh but it is confirmed that she is avoiding the US officials.

“She does not take calls and has not yet invited the Department of State (DOS) to come and sit with her as requested on many times” a Foreign Ministry source said, adding, she just refers the US officials to the Gambian ambassador, Sheikh Omar Faye who has in the latter recalled.

You may recall that outgoing First Lady Jammeh and her children flew out of The Gambia to the US after her husband outgoing President Yahya Jammeh was defeated in the historical presidential elections.

Meanwhile, sources have it that Madam Jammeh is considering returning back to The Gambia on either Wednesday, December 21st or Thursday, December 22nd.

She has been accorded a very uncomfortable stay at their US$3.5 Million Potomac home as Gambians in the United States have been staging massive protest at the home to denounce her husband’s regime and calling on him to hand over power peacefully.

Yahya Jammeh recalls Gambia’s US ambassador Sheikh Omar Faye

Fatu Camara
-
0
Yahya Jammeh recalls Gambia’s US ambassador Sheikh Omar Faye

Sheikh Omar Faye, Gambia’s ambassador to the United States of America has been recalled for home service by Outgoing President Yahya Jammeh.

This is no surprise to many as you may recalled that on December 13th, Ambassador Faye, a Gambian serving diplomat openly called on outgoing President Yahya Jammeh to handover power peacefully to President-elect Adama Barrow after rejecting the election results that he had already conceded defeat.

In a letter dated December 19th, 2016 confirming his recall, Ambassador Faye said “I would like to inform my friends, colleagues and all Gambians that I have been recalled for home services. I will handover in line with Foreign Service Regulations (FSR). At the same time, I hope and pray HE President Yahya Jammeh will likewise handover to President Elect Adama Barrow and respect the will of the people of The Gambia and the Constitution”.

Ambassador Faye who has already change his social media profile status’ to ‘Former Ambassador’, thanked outgoing President Jammeh for the opportunity he had given him to serve the country in the United States of America. He also thanked Gambians who have supported, prayed and helped him in his official duties.

He used the opportunity to remind all Gambian officials, civil servants and military personnel that they are serving the people of The Gambia and MUST protect its security, peace and prosperity.

According to Ambassador Faye, as a former military officer, he was taught loyalty to country FIRST and expressed hope that the armed and security forces will uphold the Will of The Gambian people made on December 1st, 2016. He said the current Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Ousman Barjie, the Deputy-Chief of Defense Staff General Yankuba Drammeh and several active and retired officers who served with him both in Yundum and Kudang camps can bear witness to the patriotism of our forces.

“We should all work together to ensure that the peace our beloved country is known for is not compromised. The Gambian people, its history and above all God, the Almighty will judge us. Let us all side with justice and the will of our people” he said in the letter.

He then expressed hope that the Gambia Armed and Security Forces will do the right thing by standing with the people of The Gambia, maintain peace and prevent any usurpation of power saying they owe that to the people of The Gambia, to history and to God, the Almighty.

Ambassador Faye then expressed confident that on January 19th, 2017, God willing, Mr Adama Barrow will become the third President of the Republic of The Gambia and we all should rally behind him for the benefit of our beloved country. “We should all forget personal ambitions and strive towards maintaining the peace and social cohesion of our beloved country” he urged.

By Alhagie Jobe

Gambia election: UN High Commissioner Zeid warning on human rights violations

Fatu Camara
-
0
Gambia election: UN High Commissioner Zeid warning on human rights violations

The increased military presence deployed across The Gambia since President Yayha Jammeh rejected the election result risks heightening the current climate of intimidation and harassment in the country, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein has warned.

“This is deeply worrying, given the record of human rights violations in The Gambia, including excessive use of force against demonstrators, arbitrary detention and deaths in custody, as well as allegations of torture and ill-treatment of detainees,” Zeid said.

“We remind the Gambian authorities that people should be able to exercise their rights to peaceful assembly, association and freedom of expression. The security forces must exercise restraint in the use of force and uphold international human rights standards,” Zeid said. “All those responsible for human rights violations must be held accountable,” he added.

President Jammeh, who has been in power for more than 22 years, initially accepted that Adama Barrow had won. However, on 9 December, Mr. Jammeh rejected the results published by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and called for fresh elections. On 13 December, his APRC party filed a petition challenging the results with the Supreme Court.
“There is currently no sitting Supreme Court in The Gambia and the way President Jammeh appointed and dismissed judges has undermined the independence and credibility of the judiciary,” Zeid noted.

“I urge the president and all political parties to respect the result of the elections, the democratic process and the rule of law,” the High Commissioner stressed.
The High Commissioner also called on Mr Jammeh to respect the independent status of the IEC, whose premises were taken over by the army on Tuesday and officials ordered to leave.
“All parties should conduct themselves in a manner that contributes to a peaceful atmosphere during this crucial period and, in particular, avoid using inflammatory language. We urge all sides to reaffirm their commitment to democracy and to work to ensure that there is a peaceful handover of the presidency by 18 January in line with the freely expressed desire and will of the Gambian people,” the High Commissioner stated.
Source: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

GENEVA (16 December 2016)

Gambia’s Jammeh to be ‘rebel leader’ if clings to power

Fatu Camara
-
0
Gambia’s Jammeh to be ‘rebel leader’ if clings to power

Gambian President Yahya Jammeh will effectively become a “rebel leader” if he fails to leave office at the end of his mandate in January, the nation’s government-in-waiting said Sunday.

Halifa Sallah, a spokesman for the opposition coalition that spurred president-elect Adama Barrow to victory over Jammeh in a December 1 poll, said the longtime leader had no constitutional mandate to remain in office beyond January.

“Any president who loses constitutional legitimacy becomes a rebel,” Sallah said.

“Anybody who is a military officer or civil servant who refuses to be under another constitutional authority obviously would also become a rebel,” he added.
The Gambia’s top brass have flip-flopped over whether they will remain loyal to Jammeh, drawing warnings from the international community.

West African presidents, meanwhile, called on Gambian security forces to act in the national interest and “protect lives and property” in a statement issued after talks among the regional ECOWAS bloc on Saturday.

Sallah read an address to the nation on Barrow’s behalf that made clear the president-elect intended to take power in January once Jammeh’s five-year mandate expired See more…

Gambians call to ‘Stay At Home Day’ on Tuesday

Fatu Camara
-
0
Gambians call to ‘Stay At Home Day’ on Tuesday

All Gambians have a responsibility to defend our Constitution and the rule of law and to protect and nurture a culture of peace and stability in the country.

Since December 9, all Gambian groups in the civil society and private sector as well as citizens inside the Government and in our communities as well as the international community have spoken out in clear, direct and unequivocal language to tell Outgoing Pres. Yahya Jammeh to step down and respect the verdict of the People of the Gambia.

Hence it is urgent that citizens do not stand by and allow this country to slide into a violent conflict. None would be victims and losers in that case other than ourselves and our children and future.

All Gambians, in the public, private and civil society sectors must therefore stand for the Gambia by staying at home to peacefully send a clear message to Yahya Jammeh that We the People demand that he steps down in the interest of the Gambia. We want peace and democracy.

By Madi Jobarteh

President elect Barrow OKs ECOWAS decision on Gambia’s political impasse

Fatu Camara
-
0
President elect Barrow OKs ECOWAS decision on Gambia’s political impasse

Gambia’s President-elect Adama Barrow has welcomed and approved the sub-regional bloc – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decision calling on outgoing President Yahya Jammeh to ensure peaceful transition and transfer power by January 19, 2016 when his term ends.

In a statement issued on Sunday and read on his behalf by Hon Halifa Sallah at a press conference, President-elect Barrow highlighted the number of local and international endorsement gained day by day. He said his position as President Elect and that of Coalition 2016 is clear stating that Section 63 Subsection 2 of the Constitution orders that I assume Office on the day the term of Office of Outgoing President Jammeh expires.

“Today, I wish to take this opportunity to inform the nation that the Constitutional legitimacy of my status as an Incoming President has been endorsed at home and abroad. At home, Civil Society groups in large numbers are endorsing the results of the Elections and are calling on the incumbent not to obstruct the smooth transfer of Executive power” Barrow said in the statement read by Halifa Sallah.

He added: “Prior to this landmark initiative by the Heads of State of ECOWAS, I did receive endorsement from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General to West Africa and the Sahel, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Chair of The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, Senegal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mankeur Ndiaye, US State Department, West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF). The list keeps on increasing to confirm the external legitimacy of my status as President Elect”.

President-elect Barrow highlighted on the high profile ECOWAS and UN-led fact finding mission to the country last week and the decision of the sub-regional bloc at the Abuja Summit by calling on incumbent Yahya Jammeh to respect the will of the people and handover power peacefully.

“They are now calling on outgoing president Yahya Jammeh to accept the results and refrain from any action likely to compromise the transition and peaceful transfer of power to me as president-elect. They concurred with the coalition’s position that i should be sworn in on the day the term of the outgoing president expires in conformity with the Gambian constitution and promised to grace the occasion in their numbers,” he said. Meanwhile, president-elect Barrow called on outgoing president to accept his status in good faith and facilitate a smooth transfer power.
The sub-regional bloc has assigned Presidents Buhari and Mahama of Nigeria and Ghana to serve as mediators in pursuance of peace and reconciliation in the country.

Statement by President-elect Barrow after ECOWAS Summit decision on Gambia’s political crisis

Fatu Camara
-
0
Statement by President-elect Barrow after ECOWAS Summit decision on Gambia’s political crisis

Gambia’s President-elect Adama Barrow has called on outgoing President Yahya Jammeh to accept his status in good faith and facilitate a smooth transfer of power in the the spirit of national reconciliation.

In a statement issued on Sunday following the decision from the ECOWAS Summit on the political situation in The Gambia and calling on incumbent Yahya Jammeh to handover power peacefully, President-elect Barrow said his call is in line with the national interest which he (Jammeh) had sworn to uphold and defend under the Constitution.

Below is the full press statement read by Hon. Halifa Sallah on behalf of President-elect Barrow on Sunday during a press conference.

A Government is recognized by states and peoples in Africa today because of Constitutional legitimacy. The Constitution of the Gambia states that the Authority to govern in the Gambia must be derived from the votes cast by the Gambian people. On the 1st December 2016 the Sovereign Gambian people had their say.

On 2nd December 2016 the IEC gave its verdict. All the contestants agreed that I am the chosen President of the Republic of the Gambia.

The decision of the incumbent to change his earlier decision to accept the results and ensure smooth and peaceful hand over of Executive power came by surprise. His Decision to reject the results has given rise to national and international reaction against his change of heart.

My position as President Elect and that of Coalition 2016 is clear. Section 63 Subsection 2 of the Constitution orders that I assume Office on the day the term of Office of Outgoing President Jammeh expires. He assumed office on 19th January 2012. His term expires in January 2017, after serving Five years, as provided by the Constitution.

We therefore hold that outgoing President Jammeh is the lawful President of The Gambia until his term expires in January 2017. On the day his term expires my term, as the lawful President of The Gambia, begins. This is the law of the land.

My status as Incoming President has unquestionable Constitutional legitimacy. I am therefore preparing to assume office after Outgoing President Jammeh’s term expires in January and the team for the inauguration is at work. This is what I told the Gambian people in particular and the International Community at large.

Today, I wish to take this opportunity to inform the Nation that the Constitutional legitimacy of my status as an Incoming President has been endorsed at home and abroad.

At home, Civil Society groups in large numbers are endorsing the results of the Elections and are calling on the incumbent not to obstruct the smooth transfer of Executive power.

They are the Gambia Bar Association, Medical and Dental Association of The Gambia (MDAG), Gambia Labour Congress, Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), Initiative for the Promotion of Democracy and Good-Governance (IPDG), Gambia National Trade Union Congress, Gambia Press Union, University of The Gambia Faculty And Staff Association (UTGFSA), Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), National Youth Council, National Youth Parliament, Gambia Association of Public Health Officers (GAPHO), Civil Society Coalition (CSO) on Elections – The Gambia, The Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (TANGO), Female Lawyers Association Gambia (FLAG), Musicians’ Union of the Gambia, Gambia Association of Music Producers And Promoters, African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ADHRS), National Association of Gambia Nurses and Midwives (NAGNM) and Think Young Women. The list continues to grow by the day to confirm the resolution of Gambians in ensuring that the Democratic process and outcome are not derailed by undemocratic means.

These initiatives have confirmed the internal legitimacy of my Incoming Presidency. Those who do their national duty do not want to be thanked but I must commend them for defending the Constitution and the Sovereignty of the people.

Externally, the ECOWAS Heads of State deployed a High-level Mission of Heads of State to The Gambia on 13th December 2016 to review the political situation with all stakeholders. The delegation comprised Her Excellency Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of Liberia and Chairperson of the Authority, H.E. Muhammadu Buhari, President of Nigeria, H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of Sierra Leone, and H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana. They are now calling on Outgoing President Yahya Jammeh to accept the results of the polls and refrain from any action likely to compromise the transition and peaceful transfer of power to me as President-elect.

They are also calling for my safety and protection to be guaranteed as requested by The Coalition. They also concurred with the Coalition‘s position that I should be sworn in on the day the term of office of the Outgoing President expires in conformity with the Gambian Constitution and promised to grace the occasion in their numbers.

In pursuance of peace and reconciliation, they selected a duo to mediate. His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will serve as the Mediator in the Gambia and His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, shall serve as Co-Chair. They also requested for AU and the UN endorsement of all decisions made and invited their collaboration to implement them.

Prior to this landmark initiative by the Heads of State of ECOWAS, I did receive endorsement from the President of the ECOWAS Commission, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General to West Africa and the Sahel, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini, EU Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Chair of The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, Senegal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mankeur Ndiaye, US State Department, West African Civil Society Forum (WACSOF). The list keeps on increasing to confirm the external legitimacy of my status as President Elect.

In the spirit of National reconciliation, I still wish to call on Outgoing President Jammeh to accept his status in good faith and facilitate a smooth transfer of power.

This is what is in line with the National interest which he has sworn to uphold and defend under the Constitution. In the letter and spirit of our National Anthem, Gambians want to live in unity, freedom and peace each day. For their sake let the doors be open to ensure a peaceful transfer of Executive power.

Thank you.

Supreme Islamic Council meets President-elect Barrow

Fatu Camara
-
0
Supreme Islamic Council meets President-elect Barrow

Executive of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council (GSIC) on Sunday met Gambia’s president-elect Adama Barrow to show solidarity and support as the Gambia is currently under a political transitional nightmare.
The Supreme Islamic Council is the religious body recognized by Yahya Jammeh’s government to lead in religious affairs in the country.

Speaking at the meeting, Alhaji Muhammed Lamin Touray, the President of Supreme Islamic Council congratulated the president-elect and coalition team on their victory in the December 1st Presidential election. He said: “Three days after the election, we had an emergency meeting to called to congratulate you and assured you and your team of our support,” SIC President said.

Imam Touray spoke at length on the history of the council, its role and relation with the government since it was established in 1992 saying the council was formed by Gambians from all regions of the country. He prayed for the new government and reminded President-elect Barrow to always remember that “leadership is ordained by Allah. He gives to whoever He will”.

Imam Ratib Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah also congratulated President-elect Barrow and called on him to be the president for all Gambians. He prayed for peace, stability and progress in the country.

For his part, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe commended the country’s religious leaders for their good stand. “I believe you will guide us when we strayed from the path,” Darboe told the scholars.

Receiving the delegation, President-elect Barrow thanked the Muslim elders for the gesture. He asked them to pray for peace, stability and progress in the country. He told them to guide to do what is right adding he is ready to work with them for the interest of the nation. “My doors are always open,” Barrow said.

President-elect Barrow told the delegation that he knew almost all of them as he worked with them before citing in particular the Imam Ratib of Banjul Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah whom he said taught him at Muslim High School.

Meanwhile, the meeting was attended by the country’s scholars among them Alhaji Banding Drammeh, Imam Ebrima Jarjue Imam Sankung Touray and Alhaji Alieu Mboge among others.

ECOWAS done with Gambia situation, says Yahya Jammeh must go

Fatu Camara
-
0
ECOWAS done with Gambia situation, says Yahya Jammeh must go

Leaders of the sub-regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have promised to enforce fully the results of The Gambia’s December 1st Presidential election won by the opposition coalition leader Adama Barrow but rejected by the country’s longtime coup leader Yahya Jammeh.

The West African leaders made the declaration at the end of its 50th Ordinary Summit held in the Nigerian capital, Abuja on Saturday.

The summit was convened few days after a fact finding mission of heavyweight quartet of West African leaders travelled to The Gambia to persuade Mr Jammeh to accept the will of the people and leave after 22 years. The delegation led by ECOWAS chair and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, included Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari, Sierra Leone’s Ernest Bai Koroma and Ghana’s outgoing President John Mahama as well as the UN Africa envoy Mohamad Ibn Chambas.

The Gambia voted on December 1st in a historic election in which longtime ruler Yahya Jammeh was defeated by an oppoisition coalition led by Adama Barrow. After the results where declared, Mr Jammeh conceded defeat and congratulated President-elect Adama Barrow but a week after, made a U-turn and rejected the election results in totality blaming the electoral body of certain irregularities leading to his defeat and further announced that the results are ‘null and void.’ He called for fresh election in the country to be supervised by what he called ‘a God fearing electoral body”.

The announcements on state television threw Gambia’s future into doubt and ignited the political impasse as President-elect Adama Barrow rubbished Mr Jammeh’s claimed and urged him to ensure a smooth transition and hand over power.

The international community – the UN Security Council, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, the United States, European Union and others also condemned Mr Jammeh over his actions and repeatedly asked him to handover power peacefully.

Meanwhile, at Saturday’s Economic Community of West African States summit attended by 11 presidents with President Jammeh absent, leaders agreed “to take all necessary actions to enforce the results” of the Gambian election.  They called for Jammeh to accept the results and refrain from compromising a peaceful handover of power.

The leaders further pledged to “guarantee the safety and protection of the president-elect,” who has said he fears for his life.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, the West African leaders agreed to uphold the result of 1st December 2016 election in the Republic of The Gambia; guarantee the safety and protection of the President-elect Mr. Adama Barrow and announced that all Head of States will attend the inauguration of the President-elect Adama Barrow who must be sworn in on 19th January 2017 in conformity with the Gambian constitution.

“We call on the government and the coalition parties to show restraint in order to preserve national unity, to respect the will of the Gambian people as expressed by the Presidential election results of 1st December 2016” the Summit communiqué noted.

The Summit also named a mediation committee headed by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari with his deputy Ghana President John Dramani Mahama, who conceded defeat in an election a few days after Gambia’s.

“His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President and Commander in chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will serve as the Mediator in the Gambia and His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana as the Co-chair. The mediation process shall be conducted on the basis of terms agreed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government. We requests the endorsement of the AU and the UN on all decisions taken on the matter of The Gambia and also requests their support for the mediation efforts of ECOWAS including the provision of technical assistance where required The Authority shall take all necessary actions to enforce the results of 1st December 2016 elections” the Summit noted in the Communique.

The West African leaders also called on the Gambian defence and security forces to perform their role in a nationalistic manner and protect lives and property. They also encouraged all stakeholders, within and outside The Gambia, to exercise restraint, respect the rule of law and ensure the peaceful transfer of power.

Meanwhile, ECOWAS President Marcel de Souza earlier this week said if diplomacy fails, a military intervention and “draconian measures” must be considered for Gambia.

Jammeh is now using the excuse of errors in the vote tally, ignoring the country’s Independent Electoral Commission, which said the winner remains Barrow, who won with a revised count of 227,708 votes to Jammeh’s 208,487. His ruling APRC party has filed a court challenge against the results, a constitutional move complicated by the fact that Gambia’s Supreme Court does not have a quorum.

Last week, Mr Jammeh sent military officers to take over the electoral commission’s office.

By Alhagie Jobe

1...707708709...763Page 708 of 763

2025 © The Fatu Network - Site by DigiTech Solutions

Reset password

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

Get started with your account

to save your favourite homes and more

Sign up with email

Get started with your account

to save your favourite homes and more

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