Saturday, May 24, 2025
Home Blog Page 712

Pan African Election Observers OKs Gambia’s election

Fatu Camara
-
0

The Pan African Electoral Observer Mission has expressed satisfaction with the recently concluded presidential elections in The Gambia.

 

The Gambia went to the polls on December 1st, 2016 and elected a new president Adama Barrow bringing an end to the 22 years rule of Yahya Jammeh.

 

At a press briefing on Monday, Mr. Mahamat Souleymane Doukhane, Chief of Mission of the Pan-African Corps of Election Observers described The Gambia’s election free and fair.

 

“We have noted with great satisfaction the results issued from the polls, which are the fruits of maturity of sovereign Gambian people that have expressed freely their will without pressure and discrimination,” he said.

 

According to him, as international election observers, they were satisfied with the concede of defeat by the incumbent before the announcement of results. He hailed the manner in which the results were officially declared adding that the election was conducted according to international standards.

 

He urged the political stakeholders to jealously safeguard the peace and national unity that prevail in the country.

 

“It was a win-win situation for the gallant sons of The Gambia mapping a positive point in the democratization process in the Gambia,” he said, calling on the country’s political actors to work together for the new era in the country.

 

Doukhane encouraged the values of dialogue in any reform in order to consolidate peace. He also made recommendation to open up the electoral process for Gambians in the diaspora to participate in future election.

UN Africa envoy calls for Truth & Reconciliation Commission in Gambia after downfall of Yahya Jammeh

Fatu Camara
-
0

By Alhagie Jobe

The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for West Africa and the Sahel has called for a Truth & Reconciliation Commission in The Gambia after the fall of the long time ruler Yahya Jammeh.

 

Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas was speaking on Saturday in the country as the first foreign dignitary to visit since the historic election which unseated the country’s strong man who has ruled the small West African nation for the past 22 years.

 

During his visit, Mr Chambas held discussions with President-elect Adama Barrow and representatives of the Gambian Opposition for Electoral Reform (GOFER) as well as those of the Alliance for Patriotic Re-Orientation and Construction (APRC), the CSO-Coalition on Election/Situation Room and members of the Diplomatic Corps but could not meet the outgoing President Yahya Jammeh.

 

These interactions offered him the opportunity to discuss with the various stakeholders the way forward following the declarations of the results of the just ended presidential election, which will cause the Gambia to experience for the first time an alternation of political power through peaceful democratic means.

 

He called for accountability but quickly made it clear that it should not be characterized by witch-hunting, calling on the coalition opposition parties to be magnanimous in victory, to be moderate in their celebrations and to appeal to its cadres to eschew all acts of violence directed at APRC supporters.

 

“Likewise, it is expected state security institutions to play their roles by adhering to all the principles and practices of the civilian control of the armed forces in accordance with both the national and international conventions” he said.

 

This is the third visit of the UN envoy in the country this year. In May, he visited The Gambia as a member of the ECOWAS-AU-UN Joint High Level Mission and another visit in November. The main objective for those missions was to reiterate the support of the United Nations and indeed the international community at large to the people of The Gambia during the election process.

 

They have been urging all political stakeholders including the institutions and political parties to play their respective role in ensuring the delivery of peaceful and credible elections as well as the resolution of electoral dispute through legal and constitutional channels in a pacific manner.

 

“The United Nations reiterates its commitment to accompany the people of the Gambia in its uncharted first journey to peaceful transfer of political power through elections. What happened has ushered in a democratic alternation of political power and therefore the spirit and practice of democratic conduct should govern every consideration of all Gambian political stakeholders. Accordingly, I would insist that the way forward should be characterized by the ideal of national reconciliation, the quest for harmony and the respect for the rule of law in accordance with the Gambian Constitution and the international laws” he said.

 

He congratulated the Gambian people for organizing a peaceful, transparent and credible election and President-elect Adama Barrow and team for the victory. He also commended outgoing President Yahya Jammeh for the gracious manner in which he conceded defeat and for his pledge to work for a smooth transfer of power to his successor.

 

According to Chambas, political parties should continue to have a responsibility to defend not only the interests of their own party and supporters but also to safeguard the unity of the whole nation. He called on the Gambia Civil Society Organisations to stay actively involved with the people of The Gambia and to contribute to safeguarding the principles of good governance and acting to continually enhance the conscience of society.

 

For the UN diplomat, the results of the elections and the change in government will not alter the appeal of the United Nations for the respect of human rights and rule of law in The Gambia. According to him, for only the respect of rule of law can strengthen national unity and ensure a solid foundation for the challenges ahead.

He then reiterated his call for incoming authorities to exercise their responsibilities in full adherence to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy, Election and Governance, among other international instruments that uphold basic freedoms and civil liberties for all.

 

The top UN diplomat reminded his continued called for the Gambia government to commit to the respect for human rights and request that the government conduct an independent investigation into the deaths of Ebrima Solo Kurumah and Solo Sandeng while they were in police custody. He also called on the government to reconsider the sentencing of the thirty protesters involved in the demonstrations of April 2016 as well as the continuing detention of fourteen people who are still awaiting trial in relations to the demonstration in May 2016.

 

Mr Chambas concluded by calling on Gambians to forge ahead in unity, conciliation, peace and harmony for the development of the great country.

UK Government congratulates Gambia on presidential elections

Fatu Camara
-
0

The Foreign Secretary congratulates President Elect Barrow on victory in Gambian presidential elections.

 

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said:

I congratulate Adama Barrow on his victory in the Gambian presidential election on 1 December and President Yahya Jammeh for his statesmanship in respecting the will of the Gambian people and conceding defeat.

 

I also want to praise the Gambian people for conducting the election in a calm and peaceful manner.  This presents a new dawn for The Gambia and is a momentous day for democracy in Africa. It is essential that all parties work together and ensure an orderly and peaceful transition.

 

Britain has an enduring relationship with The Gambia and we stand ready to assist the work of the new President and his government.

Statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price on Elections in The Gambia

Fatu Camara
-
0

 

The United States congratulates the people of The Gambia on a peaceful and democratic presidential election that has the potential to mark a new beginning for all Gambians. We congratulate President-elect Adama Barrow on his victory, and we commend The Gambia’s Independent Electoral Commission for administering a credible election.

 

We welcome President Yahya Jammeh’s concession to President-elect Barrow and welcome President Jammeh’s respect for the will of the Gambian people. The Gambia’s first democratic transfer of power is a moment of great opportunity, and the United States looks forward to being a strong partner in efforts to unify the country, promote inclusive economic development, and advance the vital work of strengthening democratic institutions so that the Gambian people can enjoy the bright, peaceful, and prosperous future they deserve.

Yahya Jammeh finally concedes defeat

Fatu Camara
-
0

By Alhagie Jobe

 

Gambia’s incumbent President Yahya Jammeh who has been defeated in Thursday Presidential election late Friday phoned the President-elect Adama Barrow to concede defeat and congratulated him and his team on the victory.

 

Mr Jammeh’s comments came almost ten hours after votes where counted and results announced.

 

The results of the elections as officially announced by the electoral commission gave Mr Adama Barrow – 263,515 votes; Incumbent President Yahya Jammeh – 212,099 votes and Mama Kandeh – 102, 969.

 

During the phoned call conversation, Mr Jammeh first of all, thanked Almighty Allah for everything. He also thanked the Gambian people for the support over the past 22 years of his rule.

 

“I came on a Friday, 22nd July 1994 and today Friday 2nd December 2016, you Gambians have decided that I should take the back seat. You have voted for somebody to lead your country. This is our country and I wish you all the best” Jammeh said.

 

Mr Jammeh assured Mr Barrow of his total support and guidance at all times. He also assured him of a smooth transition process saying he has started working on it and by January 2017, Presiden-elect Barrow will take over the State House.

 

According to Jammeh, the outcome of the election is clear and transparent.

 

“The election results are the will of the people and as a Muslim who believe in God, I accept it in good faith. The Gambia is our country and we should all work together for its development” he said.

 

In a surprising announcement, Mr Jammeh said he is heading to his home village of Kanilaio immediately after the transition.

 

Mr Jammeh 51, seized power as a young army officer in a 1994 coup has rule the small West African nation for the past 22 years during which he has maintained his control over Gambia in four subsequent elections despite growing international concern over his government’s deteriorating human rights record.

 

His defeat comes as a huge surprise to him and many of his surrogates. Despite a surge of support for an opposition broadly united behind one candidate, most people expected the status quo to prevail.

 

The unseating of an incumbent president is not the usual way politics goes in this part of the world – but it’s becoming popular in West Africa at least. The news of the opposition victory came as the internet came back online.

ECOWAS, AU & UN congratulate Gambians, commend Jammeh for conceding defeat

Fatu Camara
-
0

By Alhagie Jobe

 

The ECOWAS Commission, the African Union Commission and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) have jointly congratulated the people of The Gambia for a peaceful, free, fair and transparent presidential election held in the country on 1st December 2016 which was in line with the provisions of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

 

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, the Chairperson of the AU Commission and Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General to West Africa and Sahel also commend incumbent President Yahya Jammeh for gracefully conceding defeat. They also congratulated Adama Barrow for winning the presidential election.

 

Below is the full statement they issued;

The ECOWAS Commission, the African Union Commission and the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) congratulate the people of The Gambia for peaceful, free, fair and transparent presidential election held in the country on 1st December 2016, which was in line with the provisions of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance.

 

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, the Chairperson of the AU Commission and Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General to West Africa and Sahel commend His Excellency President Yahya Jammeh for gracefully conceding defeat, and also congratulate Mr. Adama Barrow for winning the presidential election.

 

 

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, the Chairperson of the AU Commission and the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General to West Africa and Sahel further commend the Independent Electoral Commission, the people of The Gambia and the international community for their relentless efforts to ensure a successful and smooth electoral process.

 

They wish to express their satisfaction with the maturity, calm and dignity with which the Gambian nation has conducted a peaceful, credible and uncontested presidential election.

 

 

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, the Chairperson of the AU Commission and the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General to West Africa and the Sahel stand in solidarity with the government and the people of The Gambia to ensure constitutional and legal transition and peaceful transfer of power.

 

It is the wish of the International Community that the newly elected President will engage the citizenry to combat poverty by putting in place the needed programmes necessary for creating jobs for the teeming youths for a sustainable economic development.

Uniited States Congratulates Gambia on Peaceful Elections-US Department of State

Fatu Camara
-
0

 

We congratulate the Gambian people for their commitment to a peaceful democratic process and the rule of law. We can confirm that the Gambian Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) declared on Gambian television that Adama Barrow of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) party has won the presidential election as an Independent running on behalf of a coalition of seven opposition parties.

 

According to the Chairman of the IEC, President Jammeh has conceded the election and spoken with president-elect Barrow. This peaceful transition would be an historic achievement for The Gambia – never before has power changed hands through the ballot box – and contribute positively to a significant legacy for President Jammeh.

 

We encourage all Gambians to respect the election results, and we urge the Government of the Gambia to respect the rights of citizens to freely assemble as they respond to the results of the election.

 

We applaud the Gambian population for participating in the election with a high voter turnout and generally peaceful conditions, albeit with a high security presence.

IEC Chairman Njai prove critics wrong

Fatu Camara
-
0

By Alhagie Jobe

 

Alieu Momar Njai, the chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) had proved critics wrong by ensuring a free, transparent, credible and fair election in The Gambia which ended in a surprise move.

 

Mr Njai who has ever been defending the body saying it is credible and will ever remain fair, manifested it in the just concluded Presidential elections in which he boldly declared the incumbent President Yahya Jammmeh as looser.

cyq1g3xwqaaveor

Declaring the final results, Njai said “It’s really unique that someone who has been ruling this country for so long has accepted defeat”.

 

Njai who had to read it out in full 53 times as he announced results from all of the Gambia’s electoral districts throughout the night to the following day says the  voting system is second to known in the world. He rubbished claims that its not fair and credible saying what makes it more credible is the counting on the spot introduced this year.

 

At the end of a night long announcement, Mr Njai declared the opposition candidate and coalition leader Mr Adama Barrow as the winner of the 2016 presidential election.

 

The results were: Adama Barrow – 263,515 votes; Incumbent President Yahya Jammeh – 212,099 votes and Mama Kandeh – 102, 969.

 

President Yahya Jammeh has conceded defeat.

 

Mr Jammeh has rule the small West African nation for the past 22 years. His defeat comes as a huge surprise to him and many of his surrogates.

 

Despite a surge of support for an opposition broadly united behind one candidate, most people expected the status quo to prevail.

The marbles have spoken: Jubilation all over Gambia after historic opposition win

Fatu Camara
-
0

By Alhagie Jobe

 

Emotional Gambians all over the country have stormed the streets in their various towns and villages celebrating Adama Barrow’s victory.

15326369_1378650532147530_5343350991813364784_n

Mr Barrow who led a coalition of parties defeated incumbent President Yahya Jammeh in a historic election on Friday, December 1st, 2016.

 

The results were: Adama Barrow – 263,515 votes; Incumbent President Yahya Jammeh – 212,099 votes and Mama Kandeh – 102, 969.

e6fcb363-4511-4082-9edc-1ecb156815a7

 

Mr Jammeh’s defeat comes as a huge surprise. Despite a surge of support for an opposition broadly united behind one candidate, most people expected the status quo to prevail.

15241141_1378650645480852_1717470437479576774_n

 

Emotional Gambians have taken to social media to describe their joy at Yahya Jammeh’s surprise election defeat.

 

Jammeh has brought a lot of pain to Gambians, but we will deal with him later.

15349713_1378651312147452_1046136576930301695_n

 

For those in the diaspora, many of whom fled repressive policies or fear of been arrested, tortured, killed or even made to disappear under Jammeh rule, the result of the elections represents a long-hoped for opportunity finally to visit their families back home.

15267635_1378651302147453_866111047782802722_n

 

There is absolutely overwhelming emotions on the diaspora radios at the moment with Gambians from all walks of life calling to express their opinion.

History made in Gambia: Coalition’s Adama Barrow unseats incumbent Yahya Jammeh

Fatu Camara
-
0

By Alhagie Jobe

The head of The Gambia’s electoral commission (IEC) has declared opposition candidate and coalition leader Mr Adama Barrow as the winner of the 2016 presidential election.

 

The results were: Adama Barrow – 263,515 votes; Incumbent President Yahya Jammeh – 212,099 votes and Mama Kandeh – 102, 969.

8b5faf09-94f9-49c6-a5ea-33e1dabdfc5c

President Yahya Jammeh has reportedly conceded defeat in a recorded message to the nation which is to be aired shortly on the national television, GRTS.

 

Mr Jammeh has rule the small West African nation for the past 22 years.

1660d6f5-0e34-4e92-92a5-acd6bb3b289a

The chairman of the electoral commission, Alieu Momar Njai declaring the final results described the election as free, fair and transparent saying the incumbent President Yahya Jammeh has conceded defeat prior to final results.

 

“It’s really unique that someone who has been ruling this country for so long has accepted defeat” he said.

c6650aa1-d33a-4113-a887-762b30f47f8e

Meanwhile, prior to the announcement of the results, Mr Jammeh’s Gambia’s minister of external affairs and Inspector General of Police (IGP) appeared on national television calling for calm.

Mr Jammeh’s defeat comes as a huge surprise. Despite a surge of support for an opposition broadly united behind one candidate, most people expected the status quo to prevail.

 

Hopes weren’t high for a peaceful transfer of power, with a crackdown on opposition leaders months before the polls, the banning of international observers or post-election demonstrations and then the switching off of the internet on eve of election day.

 

But in a place where glass beads act as ballot papers it seems the marbles have spoken.

 

The unseating of an incumbent president is not the usual way politics goes in this part of the world – but it’s becoming popular in West Africa at least. The news of the opposition victory came as the internet came back online.

 

Yahya Jammeh, 51, seized power as a young army officer in a 1994 coup and has maintained his control over Gambia in four subsequent elections despite growing international concern over his government’s deteriorating human rights record.

7c477dfe-b92e-41aa-aaa5-c57f26d564f4

Long known for his eccentricities, including a snap decision last year to declare Gambia an Islamic republic, international attention has increasingly focused on the repressive nature of his rule.

 

Mr Jammeh has rejected outside criticism and last month announced Gambia’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, a body he says is biased against Africans and which his spokesman dubbed the “International Caucasian Court”.

 

In April, small protests in Banjul calling for electoral reform led to dozens of arrests, including that of the leader of the main opposition party, UDP, Mr Ousainu Darboe.

 

Two other UDP members have since died in custody while others remain in jail, but the almost unheard of act of defiance has helped galvanize Jammeh’s opponents.

Who is Adama Barrow?

  • Born in 1965 in small village near the market town of Basse, eastern Gambia
  • Moved to London in the 2000s, reportedly working as a security guard at Argos department store in north London while he completed his studies.
  • Returned to Gambia in 2006 to set up his own property company
  • 51-year-old wins nomination to lead coalition of seven opposition parties against President Jammeh
  • Criticises the lack of a two-term limit on the presidency and condemns the jailing of opposition politicians
  • Promotes an independent judiciary, freedom for media and civil society
  • Says he will introduce a three-year transitional government made up from members of the opposition coalition if he wins .

 

Polls closed in Gambia’s Presidential election

Fatu Camara
-
0

By Alhagie Jobe

 

Polls have officially closed in The Gambia’s presidential elections and counting at the spot has begun immediately.

 

Polls opened as early as 08:00 GMT in the small West African nation with a total of over 880, 000 Gambians registered to vote in this year’s election in a country of less than 1.5 million people.

 

Incumbent President Yahya Jammeh who has ruled the tiny West African nation since 1994 is facing perhaps the biggest political challenge throughout his 22 years in power.

 

After casting his vote, Mr Jammeh told journalist that he will win in a landslide and with a majority that has never happened in the history of elections in The Gambia.

 

He is been challenged by Adama Barow who is leading a revitalized and united opposition coalition and Mama Kandeh of the Gambia Democratic Congress who was a former National Assembly member of the ruling Jammeh APRC party.

 

Mr Barrow also renewed his confidence today after casting his vote saying he is going to win.

 

“I am confident that I will win. There is no way we going to loose. With the support we have and the change Gambians need, there is no way I will loose” he said.

 

During the day, it was reported that the turnout was massive and the process was running smoothly. Long queues were reported in almost all polling stations despite little information coming out of the country.

 

The government shut down the internet gateway and blocked international calls on the eve of the elections raising concerns and fear of election rigging by the incumbent President Yahya Jammeh who has ruled the country for 22 years.

 

There are no international observers for the election. Only the African Union has sent an 8-man mission to observe the election.

 

The sub-regional grouping, ECOWAS did not turn up as the government said their request was late.

 

Thursday’s poll comes at the end of a turbulent year that has given hope to opposition supporters that change may be on the horizon.

Massive voter turnout in Gambia’s election

Fatu Camara
-
0

By Alhagie Jobe

 

Long queues with massive turnout of voters are reported in Thursday presidential election in The Gambia despite little information coming out of the country.

 

The government shut down the internet gateway and blocked international calls on the eve of the elections raising concerns and fear of election rigging by the incumbent President Yahya Jammeh who has ruled the country for 22 years.

 

Despite, The Fatu Network is able to obtain latest pictures from one voting center in Sukuta, in Kombo North as voting progresses.

 

Polls opened as early as 08:00am GMT in the small West African nation of The Gambia.

 

A total of over 880, 000 Gambians are registered to votes in this year’s election in a country of less than 1.5 million people.

 

Incumbent President Yahya Jammeh who has ruled the tiny West African nation since 1994 is facing perhaps the biggest political challenge throughout his 22 years in power. He is been challenged by Adama Barow who is leading a revitalized and united opposition coalition and Mama Kandeh of the Gambia Democratic Congress who was a former National Assembly member of the ruling Jammeh APRC party.

 

Voting closes at 18:00hrs GMT after which countring takes effect. The results are expected early Friday, December 2nd, 2016.

Gambia votes in crucial presidential election

Fatu Camara
-
0

By Alhagie Jobe

 

Polls have opened in the presidential elections in the small West African nation of The Gambia.

 

 

A total of over 880, 000 Gambians are registered to votes in this year’s election in a country of less than 1.5 million people.

 

There are long voting queues reported in almost all polling station, showing a positive sign of a good turnout. There are no irregularities reported so far and the process is going on smoothly.

0cde1f8b-e63d-4784-9267-fd2a3d240ad8

Incumbent President Yahya Jammeh who has ruled the tiny West African nation since 1994 is facing perhaps the biggest political challenge throughout his 22 years in power. He is been challenged by Adama Barow who is leading a revitalized and united opposition coalition and Mama Kandeh of the Gambia Democratic Congress who was a former National Assembly member of the ruling Jammeh APRC party.

 

Thursday’s poll comes at the end of a turbulent year that has given hope to opposition supporters that change may be on the horizon. The build up to Election Day has been very engaging and interactive both in the open and in close doors.

 

The opposition is banking hopes on a failed Yahya Jammeh presidency to get them power. They have held mammoth rallies buoyed by an ‘unprecedented’ groundswell of support, hoping to put an end to the iron-fisted rule of President Yahya Jammeh.

 

Long known for his eccentricities, Mr Jammeh, 51, has maintained his control over Gambia in four subsequent elections despite growing international concern over his government’s deteriorating human rights record.

 

International attention has increasingly focused on the repressive nature of his rule. He has rejected outside criticism and last month announced Gambia’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, a body he says is biased against Africans and which his spokesman dubbed the “International Caucasian Court”.

 

In April, small protests in Banjul calling for electoral reform led to dozens of arrests and jailed, including Mr Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the main opposition party. Two other UDP members have since died in custody.

 

Meanwhile, on Wednesday on the eve of the election the government shut down the country’s telecom giant, Gamtel’s international gateway system preventing incoming and outgoing international calls as well as internet services, putting the whole nation incommunicado ahead of Thursday’s polls. As at now, there are no incoming and outgoing calls as well as internet access in the country.

 

The sub-regional grouping, ECOWAS, has sent a goodwill message to Gambians though it decided not to send observers to the election fearing it will not be transparent. In 2011 presidential elections, ECOWAS boycotted the polls with same reasons.

 

The European Union has also been rejected to observe today’s polls.

 

These brings fear that the election might be rigged by Mr Jammeh and Gambians now count on the electoral body (IEC) to ensure a free, fair and transparent election.

 

Voting closes at 18:00hrs GMT after which countring takes effect. The results are expected early Friday, December 2nd, 2016.

Gambia: Gov’t shuts down internet gateway & blocks international calls on eve of elections

Fatu Camara
-
0

By Alhagie Jobe

The Jammeh administration has shut down the country’s telecom giant, Gamtel’s international gateway system putting the whole nation incommunicado ahead of Thursday, December 1st presidential polls as there are no incoming and outgoing calls as well as internet access in the country.

 

Social media users – Gambians in and out og the country went to bed Wednesday with the disappointing news without any genuine reason advance ahead of voting in today’s election.

 

Gambians go to the polls on December 1st with incumbent President Yahya Jammeh who is widely believed to be going to loose is facing perhaps the biggest political challenge during his 22 years in power. He is been challenged by Adama Barow who is leading a revitalized and united opposition coalition and Mama Kandeh of the Gambia Democratic Congress who was a former National Assembly member of the ruling Jammeh APRC party.

 

The shutdown affects all the four GSM companies in the country providing internet service for mobile devices etc –  Africell and QCell, which are privately owned; the state-owned Gamtel’s subsidiary, Gamcel, which provides 3G internet services; and Comium, the newest private player in the market, which provides 2G internet services.

 

None of the country’s GSM companies have circulated an advance message of notification of this development to their subscribers but many believed it’s an attempt by the incumbent President Yahya Jammeh to rig the election and stay in power for another five years.

 

The Gambia Telecommunications Company Limited, Gamtel, owns the fiber-optic cable that runs across the country and is the sole fixed-line provider. As a state-owned entity, Gamtel also controls the international gateway, allowing private telecoms to lease the gateway for data services only.

2

In May 2013, however, the government began the process of liberalizing international gateway services by granting international data transmission licenses to private telecom operators.Voice communications, on the other hand, remain purely state-owned and controlled as part of the government’s effort to protect Gamtel’s monopoly.

 

The ACE Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) submarine cable system landed in The Gambia in December 2012, connecting the country to the 14,000 kilometer fiber-optic cable that stretches from France down the west coast of Africa to South Africa. Controlled by Gamtel, the ACE cable was expected to boost bandwidth and drive new services at more affordable rates, but as of mid-2014, such improvements have yet to be realized.

 

Despite the recent liberalization of the international gateway, the Gambia government still exerts a significant level of control over internet access in the country. In April 2013, the regulator PURA issued a press release banning internet cafes from offering Voice over IP (VoIP).

 

Long known for his eccentricities, international attention has increasingly focused on the repressive nature of President Jammeh’s rule as political rights and civil liberties are severely restricted in The Gambia, with conditions for press freedom and freedom of expression particularly tenuous.

 

As access to information via ICTs has proliferated over the past two decades, the government has proactively applied its notably harsh media censorship tactics to the internet, beginning as early as 2006 with the blocking of two critical online news outlets. In 2014, at least 15 news and opposition websites were blocked, most of which are based abroad and operated by exiled Gambian journalists.

 

The government strengthened its ability to control the internet in 2013 and 2014 through both technical and legal means. In March 2014, internet access was disconnected for 48 hours, enabled by state control over the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, while the popular Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) application, Viber, was blocked a few weeks later. Internet cafe registration regulations were initiated in April 2013, requiring an onerous application process, and in September 2013, the regulator issued further guidelines that mandated specific requirements on the physical layout of cyber cafes and the signs that must be displayed.

best-pic

Additionally, existing legal restrictions on freedom of expression were explicitly applied to the internet in July 2013 with the passage of amendments to the 2009 Information and Communications Act, which prescribed up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to GMD 3 million (US$100,000), or both, for using the internet to criticize, impersonate, or spread “false news” about public officials. The law applies to Gambians both in the country and abroad.

 

Meanwhile, access to the internet in The Gambia has increased steadily over the past decade according to a data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Fixed-broadband subscriptions are still paltry and internet infrastructure is now in existent in rural areas, resulting in a significant urban-rural unity in access.

 

The Gambia has one of the highest mobile phone penetrations in Africa, with an access rate of nearly 100 percent and majority of the population have access to mobile broadband with the introduction of 3G wireless internet connections via mobile devices.

 

Fatu’s Take On Gambia’s 2016 Elections

Fatu Camara
-
0


Gambia’s presidential election campaigning ends today

Fatu Camara
-
0

By Alhagie Jobe

Midnight GMT tonight, Tuesday, 29th November, 2016 is the deadline for political campaigns in the Gambia ahead of Thursday’s decisive vote in the country.

 

Gambia heads to the polls on Thursday, December 1st with incumbent President Yahya Jammeh seeking for a fifth term.

 

Meanwhile, the build up to Election Day has been very engaging and interactive both in the open and in close doors. In the last day of campaigning, Mr Jammeh and his APRC party wrapped up their campaign rallies in the capital, Banjul, while Mama Kandeh and his GDC party where in Youna and the coalition started their day at Buffer Zone to Serrekunda and to Bakau.

 

Incumbent President Jammeh is facing perhaps the biggest political challenge during his 22 years in power. He is been challenged by Adama Barow who is leading a revitalized and united opposition coalition and Mama Kandeh of the Gambia Democratic Congress who was a former National Assembly member of the ruling Jammeh APRC party.

 

This week’s poll comes at the end of a turbulent year that has given hope to opposition supporters that change may be on the horizon.

 

“I am the best president that Gambians will ever get,” Mr Jammeh, who once said he would rule his country for “a billion years”, said on Tuesday. “My presidency and power are in the hands of Allah and only Allah can take it from me.”

 

He also said he will “never pardon” opposition activists who are in prison.

15032277_1454171617929202_7130467325385040573_n

The opposition is banking hopes on a failed Yahya Jammeh presidency to get them power. They have held mammoth rallies buoyed by an ‘unprecedented’ groundswell of support, hoping to put an end to the iron-fisted rule of President Yahya Jammeh.

 

“My chances are high to beat the incumbent president Jammeh with a landslide victory. A new Gambia will be born December first,” Coalition standard bearer Adama Barrow told reporters on Tuesday. He has promised to rule only for a three-year transition period.

in-1

The third candidate, Mamma Kandeh of the GDC and a former Jammeh ally and Member of Parliament who has since formed his own political party – could also drain votes from the opposition under Gambia’s single-round election system.

15203280_1822831244661923_3519397070065034970_n

Yahya Jammeh, 51, seized power as a young army officer in a 1994 coup and has maintained his control over Gambia in four subsequent elections despite growing international concern over his government’s deteriorating human rights record.

 

Long known for his eccentricities, including a snap decision last year to declare Gambia an Islamic republic, international attention has increasingly focused on the repressive nature of his rule.

 

Mr Jammeh has rejected outside criticism and last month announced Gambia’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, a body he says is biased against Africans and which his spokesman dubbed the “International Caucasian Court”.

 

In April, small protests in Banjul calling for electoral reform led to dozens of arrests, including that of the leader of the main opposition UDP party, Mr Ousainu Darboe.

 

Two other UDP members have since died in custody while others remain in jail, but the almost unheard of act of defiance has helped galvanize Jammeh’s opponents.

 

Gambians will now decide on Thursday, December 1st, who goes to the State House.

Yahya Jammeh threatens electorates at Brikama meeting

Fatu Camara
-
0

Gambia’s incumbent President Yahya Jammeh and leader of the ruling APRC party have threatened electorates in Brikama, West Coast Region, against voting for him in the upcoming elections.

 

Mr Jammeh is seeking for a fifth term with two challengers, Adama Barrow who is leading a coalition and Mama Kandeh of the Gambia Democratic Congress. The Gambia goes to the polls on Thursday, December 1st, 2016.

 

Speaking at a campaign rally in Canon or SSP in Brikama, Mr Jammeh told the meeting that voting for the opposition is destrying the future of the country.

 

“If you want development, vote for me. But if you want your children to be refugees, you vote for the opposition” he said.

 

Meanwhile, the statement by Mr Jammeh is seen by many as a threat. Some even said it is early warning for Mr Jammeh’s unwillingness to relinquish power even if he is defeated in the upcoming election.

 

Mr Jammeh has been uttering threatening words prior to the electioneering period. Earlier in the year, he threatened to kill all Mandinkas, the largest ethnic group in The Gambia.

 

The race to the State House continues to intensify with all political parties in their rushing days to reach every town and community in The Gambia for the campaign.

Health Ministry Permananet Secretary arrested

Fatu Camara
-
0

The Permanent Secretay at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is currently under police custody since Saturday, November 19th, 2016, The Fatu Network has confirmed.

 

According to sources, Ms Saffie Lowe was picked up by two CID officers from Kanifing Police while attending a meeting at the Management Development Institute (MDI). She was first detained at Kanifing Police station, transferred to National Intelligent Agency NIA Headquarters in Banjul and finally moved to the Serious Crime Unit at Police Headquarters in Banjul.

 

It is not clear as to why she is arrested but Ms Lowe has so far spent 10 days in state custody without bail or any charge against her, which is a total violation of her constitutional rights.

Let us all vote massively for Adama Barrow

Fatu Camara
-
0


‘Wirri Wirri’ actors in Gambia for wedding, attends Jammeh’s campaign rally

Fatu Camara
-
0

By Alhagie Jobe

Actors of the famous Senegalese widely watched Tele-serie call ‘Wirri Wirri’ airing on TFM TV station who are in The Gambia for a wedding ceremony are reported to have attended one of the meetings of Dictator Jammeh on his campaign trail.

15281809_10209621638152444_669332366_n

Images obtained by this medium clearly shows the Senegalese actors attending one of Jammeh’s meetings with one Gueye wearing APRC T-Shirt and posed in picture with APRC supporters while Cheikh Ndiaye alias Jojo and Aziz Niane alias Cheikhouna also posed in pictures with other APRC supporters.

 

According to sources, the Senegalese actors actually accompanied their colleague Aziz Niane alias Cheikhouna to Bakau, The Gambia, for a wedding. Sources said one Police officer met them, appreciate and admired them and took them to the meeting of President Jammeh where they where given APRC T-Shirts.

 

Few days ago, Nigerian Nollywood actresses where also spotted in The Gambia and supporting Dictator Yahya Jammeh’s campaign trail which caused global condemnation for them to support such a brutal dictator.

 

Senegalese wrestlers, musicians and actors have ever been accused of scavenging on Gambia’s meagre resources by frequently visiting the country and meeting President Jammeh privately and even publicly. Each time they went to The Gambia as a group like they are on the campaign trail, it has been at President Jammeh’s invitation and at the expenses of Gambia’s tax payer’s monies.

 

It could be recalled that in 2015, President Jammeh gave two expenses cars and huge cash amount to famous Senegalese wrestler Emeu Sene which caused outrage in the country.

1...711712713...763Page 712 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