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The Gambia’s Eccentric Dictator Is Now Even Forcing His One-Time Supporters To Flee

Fatu Camara
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NEW YORK — Fatou Camara thought she was safe. The mother of two had built a successful career on Gambian television and had the president’s ear. Then, on September 15, she was suddenly detained and thrown into a roach infested prison cell and held there for 25 days. The Gambian authorities accused her of sedition for allegedly smearing the president in statements to an opposition website, and eventually set her free on bail. She immediately fled the country, first for Senegal and then settled to the U.S. Camara denies the allegations, and calls the charges a political set up.

 

 
“I know some people are tortured, but I was not,” Camara told BuzzFeed by phone from Georgia. “For this to happen to someone like me is what scares people. People were not expecting this. I worked for the president, and we’ve been very close.”

 

 
The west African nation of the Gambia, home to just 1.8 million people, is mainly known for its beautiful beaches — but it is also home to one of the world’s most ruthless, and eccentric, dictators, Yahye Jammeh. Opposition activists say Jammeh rules the Gambia with an iron fist. Political opponents are frequently harassed, arrested, tortured, and put through sham trials, while Gambians are kept in a constant state of paranoia through tight media control, according to human rights groups. Jammeh bans most foreign journalists and human rights organizations from operating in the country. He has also claimed he can cure AIDS, and has outlawed homosexuality.

 

 
“The world is looking at the Gambia as not very important, but the Gambian people need help,” Camara said. “You cannot speak out in the Gambia. You can be killed. You can be arrested. You can be kept in prison for a long time. You can disappear. Nobody will help. Everybody is too scared.”

 

 
Lisa Nikolaus, Amnesty International’s Gambia expert, says that several recent developments indicate an increase in government repression. In June, the government increased its hold on the media by raising the penalty for derogatory statements against the government to 15 years in prison. The summer before, on Aug 23, Jammeh ordered the secret execution of nine death row inmates, reportedly by firing squad. It was the Gambia’s first executions in nearly 30 years. An estimated 38 more prisoners remain on death row, several of whom are reportedly Senegalese nationals. A prominent Gambian Muslim cleric, Imam Baba Leigh, spoke out against the executions in December, calling them “un-Islamic.” He promptly disappeared for five months, and refused to discuss his circumstances upon reappearing.

 

 
Reports by political opponents outside of Gambia also describe an increasingly erratic leader. Jammeh has ruled the country since 1994, when he seized power in a military coup, and has since been reelected in four elections, widely criticized by the international community. Jammeh is said to act outlandishly, making statements comparing himself to God. He is also notorious for hiring and firing ministers, and reportedly imprisoning people for the slightest personal offense. In Oct 22, he reportedly ordered three political prisoners to confess to sedition on national TV.

 

 
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they find he’s had a serious mental problem, but as a leader he’s been able to get away with it,” said Amadou Scattered Janneh, a former information minister who now heads the Coalition for Change-Gambia (CCG) from exile in Georgia. He has been in the U.S. since September 2012.

 

 
Gambian police arrested Janneh in June 2011 for distributing T-shirts that read, “End to Dictatorship Now.” At the time, Janneh was an organizer with the CCG in collaboration with Gambians abroad. Janneh told BuzzFeed he was held in the Gambia’s notorious Mile 2 Central prison along with the nine prisoners later executed. He has published an e-book, Standing Up Against Injustice, recounting the horrific atrocities he witnessed during 15 months in prison. Janneh is a U.S. citizen, and his arrest raised international outage. Amnesty International and the Reverend Jesse Jackson ultimately led a successful campaign for his release.

 

 
Amnesty International and Gambian diaspora civil society groups, like CCG, have called on the European Union to adopt tougher measures, like targeted sanctions and travel bans, against the Gambian regime and to ensure international access to Gambian prisons. So far, however, the responses have been tepid, with no official announcements on a larger strategy.
“It’s not hard to make a case against the regime,” Janneh said. “But when it comes to action, that’s where we’ve been missing.”

 

 

Amnesty International has not been able to work inside Gambia since 2008, according to Nikolaus. Instead, the human rights organization conducts research from Senegal and abroad, where they can work more freely. But Gambians can also face trouble in the Casamance region of Senegal, which lies along the Gambian border and is ripe with anti-Senegalese government rebels, several of whom are supported by Jammeh, according to activists.

 

 
Nana Ndow, a 28-year-old Gambian consultant living in Brazil, has started an online campaign for the release of her father, Saul Ndow, who went missing in Senegal last April, along with a Gambian opposition leader, Mahawa Cham. Ndow told BuzzFeed by telephone from Rio de Janeiro that she suspects that agents working for Jammeh in Senegal abducted her father while he was on business in the country and smuggled him through Casamence back into the Gambia. The president, she said, “has always said that he wanted my father dead or alive.” Nana and her family have contacted the Senegalese government regarding her father’s whereabouts. They have so far received no response. Her family now fears he is dead.

 

 
Amnesty International has investigated the case, but cannot confirm Ndow’s allegations, Nikolaus said, since collecting and verifying information in the Gambia is a near-impossible task.
“It’s really sad that families feel like they have to go public like this because they are not getting support from the Senegalese and Gambian governments,” Nikolaus said by phone from Senegal regarding Ndow’s case. “The UN and regional African countries need to provide support for getting them information on their loved ones.”

 

 
Camara told BuzzFeed she will not go back home as long as Janneh remains in power.
“You cannot have a country where all the people are running away,” Camara said. “There are a lot of Gambians who want to go home.”

 

The Gambia, a tiny west African nation, is ruled by one of the world’s worst dictators — but opponents feel left in the dark as their stories go largely unnoticed by the international media.

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CIVIL ATTORNEY TEAM

Gambia complains against Senegal’s border closure to Ecowas

Fatu Camara
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Gambia has filed a complaint against Senegal to the regional bloc court over the closure of its land border month ago.

 

 

A leading Senegalese daily Le Quotidien on April 2, 2016 reported that Gambia’s complaint was filed on Friday.

 

 

Gambia accuses Senegal of violating the regional bloc’s, Ecowas, principle of free movement of people and goods.

 

 

Gambia claimed that Senegal was crippling its economic through high cost of basic commodities.

The closure of the border was seriously affecting the economic activities in Gambia, which relies heavily on imports from Senegal.

 

 

The regional court has responded to the complaint, promising to dispatch investigators to hear the Senegalese party.

 

 

Gambia’s decision to sue Senegal followed failure of an official Gambian delegation on Thursday in Dakar to convince the Senegalese government to lift the blockade.

 

 

The latest border closure followed new tariff of $500 the Gambian government imposed on February 11, 2016 on all Senegal’s commercial trucks entering the country.

 

 

The Senegalese transport union describes the levy as “unrealistic and too expensive”.

The Union then banned the entry of Senegalese commercial vehicles into the Gambia and a similar measure on Gambian commercial vehicles.

 

 

Since then, Senegalese commercial trucks have been bypassing the Gambia ferry crossing to drive around and the long way to enter the southern Casamance region of the country.

 

 

Gambia earns thousands of dollars daily from Senegalese vehicle drivers who pay to the Gambia ferries authority to cross them to the southern part of Senegal.

 

Story culled from Africa Review

Gambia’s Islamic State Project Will Be Officialised Soon With A Bill To Make Sharia The Supreme Law Of The Country

Fatu Camara
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Gambia’s iron fist dictator Yahya Jammeh has warned that his attempt to make the country a full Islamic State will soon be finalised with a Bill to be tabled before the National Assembly that will officially recognise Sharia as the “supreme law of The Gambia.”




 

Dictator Jammeh was speaking at the State Opening of the National Assembly on Thursday March 31st when he made the pronouncement. The dictator who is known for making good of his wild threats even if they defy logic and conscience, said the Islamization drive was in line with the popular wish of the majority of Gambians who want to live an Islamic way.

 

 

 

Disregarding every constitutional provisions that guarantee the secularity of The Gambian State through entrenched clauses of the constitution, Dictator Jammeh said there was no turning back on the drive to establish a just, equitable and progressive society in The Gambia through Islam and the Sharia law.




 

Surprisingly, just two days before his highly anticipated speech which was cancelled two weeks earlier in the last minutes for unexplained reasons, the dictator invited the governing body of all Christian denominations in The Gambia to the State House where the Vice President Mrs Isatou Njie Saidy dished out 2.3million Gambian Dalasis (about $70 000 cash) to them as a gift from the dictator himself.

 

 

 

The occasion to dish out cash to the Christian Council which was recorded live in the full glare of TV cameras is seen as a tacit attempt to push them into silence and submission over the Islamization Project being slowly implemented.




 

In what appeared to be the biggest blunder in his speech characterised by rambling and incoherence, the dictator condemned those who brand the dreaded ISIS Group as terrorists. The dictator was at pains as to why commentators in the media and Western governments could brand ISIS a terrorist group because they are Muslims “when the KKK in the United States of America and other skin head groups in Europe are being treated differently.”

 

 

 

At a time when terrorist groups are wrecking-havoc even in the Gambia’s backyard by staging daring attacks on hotels and other important public installations, Dictator Jammeh is busy denouncing efforts to contain the threats posed by the terror groups.




 

Just recently Senegal and a few other countries in West Africa have been warned by the US and its allies in the war against terror to put their forces on alert for eminent attacks on their soil. Mali, Burkina Faso and just recently Ivory Coast have all suffered devastating terrorist attacks where a large number of people lost their lives.

 

 

 

Currently there is an ECOWAS wide initiative to contain the risks associated with terrorism where member countries are joining their strengths together to share intelligence to contain the influence and threats posed by terror groups like ISIS and their sleeper cells in the region.

 

 

 

Although Dictator Jammeh in his incoherent speech said he was against what he called the nefarious activities of terrorist groups, many believe that this is just one of those deliberate schemes by Jammeh to pretend to be condemning something in public when in private, he supports it and in some cases even promote it to get to his perceived enemies.




 

Of particular concern here is the implication Dictator Jammeh’s Islamization Project will have on Senegal’s efforts to secure its borders against terrorists and their threats to the country. The Fatu Network has gathered that Senegal is one of the countries in the region that is on the hit list of the terror groups.

 

 

 

Many are worried that The Gambia with its weak security and intelligence capabilities to handle even the simplest of threats within its territory, could be used as both a breeding and hiding ground for sleeper cells to possibly lunch attack on Senegal and other countries in the region.

With Senegal on His Mind, President Yahya Jammeh’s Sharia Declaration Was an Open Invitation to Terrorist Groups!!!

Fatu Camara
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When he spoke at the State Opening of Parliament on March 31, 2016, President Jammeh’s remarks did not disappoint once again – after all, this is a man that has made a name for himself in raising eyebrows and issuing threats meant to blackmail others.




 

Jammeh said many things, but of particular interest to observers was his statement in which he declared that Sharia will be implemented as the law of The Gambia and proceeded to admonish the Western countries for calling ISIS, Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations Islamic terrorists while not calling the KKK in the United States Christian terrorists. This; according the observers is not just mere words of a mad man but beneath may lie a very insidious plot meant to destabilize Gambia’s neighbor, Senegal which has recently taken a more hardline position against his many years of belligerence towards her.

 

 

 

Fatu Network reached out to insiders in the regime and security experts to shed light on this declaration and criticism of the West. The answers received are both troubling and dangerous to say the least – observers are right – Jammeh was giving an open invitation to the terror groups that have been threatening to strike Senegal after successful attacks in Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. According to these people, Jammeh has become miffed at the ongoing border closure crisis between Gambia and Senegal, and particularly Senegal’s refusal to negotiate after several advances from him, and this is his effort to show the bigger neighbor that she either come to the negotiating table or he (Jammeh) will be sure to unleash a more deadly enemy on her.




 

Yahya’s latest move to blackmail Senegal would be considered nothing new except for the scale of brutality he is willing to instigate against Senegal – he has always used the Casamance rebellion as a scarecrow when it comes to his dealings with Senegal. We have witnessed instance after instance in which he would supply guns and ammunition to those rebels fighting for autonomy in Southern Senegal and encouraging them to intensify the war as a means to force Senegal to succumb to his demands because he has presented himself as the only one able to calm the tensions. This bargaining strategy finally lost its value since when Senegal was able to acquire a peaceful settlement with the rebels.

 

 

 

Observers are now saying this act by Yahya amounts to a declaration of war against Senegal, and they insist that the Senegalese must not take this very lightly because the catastrophe that will ensue could have devastating consequences for that country’s economy, not to mention loss of human life.




Fatu Network is closely monitoring and will report accordingly.

UDP Congress In Basse: Lawyer Darboe Calls For Collective Action To End Tyranny In The Gambia

Fatu Camara
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The Leader of the opposition United Democratic Party, Lawyer Ousainou Darboe has called for collective, concerted action to end the dictatorship that has shed enough blood, inflicted untold suffering and misery on ordinary people through tortures and unexplained disappearances, economic stagnation and subjugation. Lawyer Darboe was speaking in Basse at the start of the opening of his party congress.

 
Below is the full text of Lawyer Darboe’s speech:

 

Mr. National President of the UDP, members of Central Committee, members of National Executive, representatives of Area Committees, representatives of sister political parties, ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honour and pleasure that I address you all on the opening day of our party congress. A lot has happened to our party and to the country since our last congress in Soma and I would like to express my gratitude to all of you here present, and all others who have not been able to come yet wish they could be with us, for your devotion and dedication to the party. This year is election year and this gives our congress added importance. We look forward therefore to discuss not only the abysmal state of our country but we will together review the activities of the party and trace the way forward to the forthcoming elections and beyond. The congress will decide the team who would be entrusted with the running of the party at all levels for the next two years.

 

 

 

It is in the nature of our very existence as humans that from time to time, friends, colleagues and relatives leave us permanently in accordance with Allah’s will. This party has had its share of these tragic departures and with all representatives of our membership present here in Basse, we will remember them and pray for them as we have always done since they left us. WE remember some who were officials at the last congress – Alhaji Karamo Fatty Chairman North Bank Region Area Committee, Mustapha Joof, Chairman Banjul Area Committee, Sana Bojang, Chairman West Coast Region Area Committee, Baba Touray, Secretary Elders Committee, Momodou Lamin Shyngle Nyassi, National Organizing Secretary and the veritable face of our struggle, Boro Suso, Senior Executive Member, Alhaji Suntou Darboe, Chairman Upper Niumi Constituency, Babanding KK Daffeh Former National Assembly Member, Kiang Central Modou Jallow, Secretary Banjul Committee. They join scores of our devoted and dedicated members and officials who have passed away since the inception of our party. Let us pray for all of them.




 

The demise of some of our indefatigable officials has been trying and unfortunate but we will not be daunted in our resolve to continue the struggle to which these people and many more in the party have devoted their entire lives. We will therefore rededicate ourselves to continue executing our mission to liberate The Gambia.

 

 

 

The situation of our country is deplorable. This is due to the misguided policies of the Jammeh administration that continues to wreak havoc on the population. Prices of commodities, particularly our daily necessities, have gone up and this has not been accompanied by a commensurate rise in salaries and other income. As a result, the level of poverty has risen to the chagrin desolation of the average Gambian. The 2016 budget has seen unjustified increase in government expenditure, particularly in defence and office of the President whilst the social services such as health, education and agriculture benefited from meagre increases.




The inability of the Jammeh administration to make satisfactory arrangements for the equitable and timely purchase of the groundnut produce, the lack of other production avenues for farmers, the non-existence of employment opportunities for youths, the gradual collapse of our private sector, the non-existence of viable small and medium scale enterprises, have all impoverished the country and make life extremely difficult for the average person.

 

 

 

Admittedly, we have learnt to live with the vicissitudes of politics but when outlandish developments are experienced within the body politic of the nation, there is absolute cause for alarm. The canker-worms that are crawling from within the body politic of this nation risk embroiling us all in a quagmire of constitutional and political crisis of proportions hitherto unknown. The incessant conflicts with Senegal, leading to the devastating border closure is not only disturbing but disastrous for our already tattered economy.




 

In December 2015 as the Christian community was preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ, the entire country, indeed the whole world was hit by President Jammeh’s declaration of the country as an Islamic State. The Gambia has always been a unique society whose citizens do not only believe in the values of peace, tolerance, justice and good neighbourliness but practice what they believe in without any hindrance. We have always been an example of inter religious harmony worthy of emulation. It is therefore a matter of regret that the President of The Gambia who took the oath to protect and defend the constitution of The Gambia and other laws will declare Gambia as an Islamic state. The secular status of The Gambia is not only spelt out in our Constitution but ensconced deeply in our way of life long before we became a Nation.

 

 

The President’s anti-religious pluralism declaration was made in the guise to fight imperialism but this is no justification for disturbing the peace and harmony built up in our country for centuries. This is a sinister attempt to distract the Gambian people from the real problems that they face daily. Problems such as the skyrocketing prices, collapsing economy, inadequate health service, poor education standard, mass exodus of youths to Europe by the back way, threats to the independence of the judiciary and dismissal of public servants on executive directives.




 

Mr. President, comrades 2016 is a defining year for The Gambia. It marks over two decades of misrule. It is also the year in which the fourth cycle of elections in the Second Republic will be held. Our party, more than any other opposition party, has had more trials and tribulations. We have suffered arbitrary arrests, detentions, imprisonment, disappearance and death. The party has however always been resilient and has always emerged from these trials and tribulations fortified and more determined.




 

Since we are a grassroots party, present even in the smallest hamlet of this country, we have constantly engaged in and embarked upon permanent dialogue with the people. The Women’s Wing and the Youth Wing have been exceptionally active over the years and they deserve our gratitude and encouragement. The Youth Wing, under the dynamic leadership of Lamin Darboe, has organised dozens of very successful sensitisation tours throughout the length and breadth of the country. With him as leader of the Youth Wing he has shown the whole world that despite his visual impairment, one can with determination and sense of purpose, achieve wonders. We thank Lamin and team for a wonderful job. They have been the vanguard of the party’s political education and sensitisation.

 

 

 

It is during these trips that new members are recruited and hundreds of these are former members of the ruling party. WE welcome them all to the party of peace, justice and progress. We have no doubt that they have seen the difference between the two parties like night and day.The Youth Wing also satisfactorily spearheaded our participation in the recent voter registration exercise.




 

In April 2015 an event took place in Fass Ngagga Choye that brought an end to the unfair treatment our party receive from the Police in our requests for permits to use a public address system at rallies and other public meetings. A countrywide caravan led by members of the National Executive, including myself, was stopped at Fass Ngagga Choye village in Lower Niumi ostensibly because no permit was granted. The most remarkable standoff in the history the Second Republic took place. At the end of 4 days, the Police issued the permit and the tour continued. The Fass Njagga Choye standoff proved that with the determination and steadfastness, we can and will surmount all hurdles and obstacles put in our way to obstruct our efforts to meet and talk to the people of this nation. The standoff exposed the true nature of the United Democratic Party. The members of the UDP are not timid; they respect law and authority but fear no one whatever that person’s position is in the country.

 

 

 

At the international level, the Party has had its presence registered at various meetings in Africa, Europe and South America.These meetings were held under the auspices of the Socialist International, along with its affiliated Youth wing – the International Union of Socialist Youths.




 

In March 2015, I led a delegation to attend the very successful meeting of SI Africa Committee in Mali. The meeting was hosted by the Malian party member of SI – the ADEMA, and it brought together various socialist and social democratic parties in Africa. The UDP delegation, apart from participating fully in the deliberations, was able to consolidate relations with sister SI members and exchanged experiences particularly those parties that are, like the UDP, in opposition in their respective countries.

 

 

 

Earlier this year, I made a private visit to the UK and this provided me the opportunity to meet with officials of our counterpart party. I had discussions with the secretary general of the Socialist International, whose headquarters is in London. Several public meetings were organised by the UK Chapter of the UDP and I spoke to a large group of Gambians and non Gambians in Birmingham. Some of the attendees travelled from London, Coventry, Manchester and Nottingham. The meeting was very successful and I believe that the participants were better informed of the situation in our country and the state of politics in readiness for the impending elections.




 

With the widespread use of the internet and the media, particularly electronic – online newspapers and radios, have become easy to access and what is happening in the Gambia now becomes international information in minutes. Gambians have not lagged behind in following what is happening in their country and more and more of them are able to be making informed opinions and take decisions regarding their party and their country.

 

 

 

Our relations with our sister opposition parties have been neither up nor down. We have always nurtured friendly and respectful relations with each other but we have never been able to move to the desired plane of coming together to confront a common adversary. The failure of the parties for not coming together is not due to the lack of efforts to do so.

 

 

 

Mr. President, with the support and encouragement of the National Executive, I suggested to my colleagues the leaders of the other opposition parties the holding of joint rallies which I named GUC i.e. Gambians United for Change together with PPP and GMC. The GUC successfully organized rallies at the buffer zone and in Brikama.




 

Our party is the only party which since its inception has always participated in all the elections in alliance with other parties. Our record therefore is glaring for all to see. In the past every effort undertaken by the party to form a united front based on the true and tried principles of coalition building has fallen short on account of recalcitrance and intrigue from fringe politicians with few supporters but great capacity to feed cynicism and drive up apathy as less discerning citizens who just want to see a unified opposition lump all the parties together and blame them for what they perceive as politicians deliberately letting the country down. On the other hand, UDP as the largest opposition party has been looked upon by its membership and a preponderance of the population both within and outside of the country to bring together the other parties opposed to the regime to present a united front. WE will continue to spare no effort to explore all possibilities of working together to achieve our sacred objective. However, faced with a tyranny that is determined to use every means to thwart the capacity of the Gambian people to freely elect their leaders, the UDP will not be delayed by dysfunctional and unreliable allies in the opposition. Our country increasingly facing an existential threat, the UDP will therefore, have no recourse but to chart a clear and achievable course that directly mobilizes all Gambians who wish to act affirmatively to end dictatorship.

 

 

 

Everybody knows that our party has the capacity to assert a muscular and defiant political strategy that can galvanize the whole nation which by all measure, want regime change. We will succeed if we make our intentions clear to the Gambian people, inspire them on the need for shared sacrifice to save the land of our ancestors from the clutches of this vile regime that has brought so much pain and misery to far too many households. Therefore our party because of its numerical strength, tested and proven over four generations of elections, its commitment to the principles and values of democracy and considering the very precarious state in which our country finds itself, has taken it upon itself to lead the struggle to rid this country of tyrannical rule. If we don’t, we will face the greater danger of conceding our country to merciless tyrant who has shed the blood and tears of our people for more than two decades and who is hell bent on perpetuating himself in power.




 

Mr. President, in the 2012, the UDP with five political parties did not participate in the National Assembly Elections held that year. UDP’s non participation in the 2012 elections was due to the refusal of the Independent Electoral Commission to reschedule the elections and allow time for all stakeholders to discuss the concerns raised by the opposition parties. The IEC’s refusal to reschedule the elections was based on the reason that the demands jointly made by the opposition parties was not made timely. Drawing experience from the IEC’s reaction to the joint opposition demands, the UDP invited all opposition parties to a meeting to examine the Elections Act and the provisions of the constitution that affect the conduct of elections and come out with a set of proposals and demands for consideration and implementation by the relevant authorities. My colleagues, leaders of the other opposition parties responded positively to the invitation and accorded me the honour of coordinating the activities of what has now come to be known as the G6 as far as electoral reforms matters are concerned. They demonstrated their absolute commitment to the creation of a level playing field, transparent, free, fair and credible elections. Let me acknowledge the leadership qualities shown throughout our discussions.

 

 

 

Finally let me say this.Today the vast majority of the Gambian people have now mustered courage and are speaking out openly against a government that has institutionalized corruption; betrayed the confidence of its people; continues to use deception to divide people through narrow fault lines of tribe and religion; and continually ignoring the plight of our farmers and youths. For the past year, the UDP has reorganized and started fruitful engagement with the Gambian people. As a result, we have now succeeded in overcoming the “fear syndrome” that has encompassed the life of ordinary Gambians for a long time.




 

The President and his party are indeed highly shaken by a rejuvenated UDP. The Gambian opposition are not demanding anything other than a free, fair and credible electoral process. With the obnoxious amendments recently passed by the APRC dominated National Assembly, President Jammeh has already, as he had done in the past, stacked the cards in his favour. We shall nonetheless continue our struggle to defeat him in the next polls. Gambians are now determined to put an end to a system that allows its leaders to perpetuate their autocratic rule through fraudulent and sham elections. We are therefore putting on notice the international community and indeed member countries of ECOWAS and AU that we will not accept any fraudulent results in the elections

 

 

 

Comrades, I wish to express my gratitude for the constant support that you have given me and the Party in the past years, particularly in face of some of the most trying times ever experienced under the Jammeh administration. Admittedly, we have learnt to live with the vicissitudes of politics. But these must not and will not derail us in our determination to keep this country clear off the cankerworms of rash, unguarded utterances and decisions that are crawling from within the body politic of this nation risk embroiling us all in quagmire of constitutional, and political and international crisis of proportions hitherto unknown in this country since Independence in 1965. We have to be prepared to put a stop to this by making sure that the Jammeh and the APRC are not given another term in office.

 

 

 

I would like to thank our hosts the Upper River Region Committee for preparing and organising this important encounter. URR has always been in the forefront of our party’s activities and what I am able to see already shows that they are living to that reputation.




 

Mr. Chairman, fellow delegates, let me thank all of you present today for making the trip to Basse in the service of your party and your country. We all look forward to a very successful congress.

Long live the UDP
Long live the Gambia.

Jammeh At The State Opening Of Parliament 2016

Fatu Camara
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“It behooves us as opposition to come together as one and try to get rid of this despotic regime” Says Inter-Party Committee on Opposition Unification as it hosts a historic Press Conference!!!

Fatu Camara
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The TANGO hall in Kanifing was on this Tuesday, March 29, 2016 the scene of a historic Press Conference hosted by a group calling itself the Inter-Party Committee on Opposition Unification. The body according to the organizers, was formed not to compete with the ongoing efforts of the opposition parties but rather to complement the efforts of the Group of 6 (G-6 for short, was formed by the 6 main opposition parties in the country to address the unleveled election playing field) on the issue of Electoral Reform. As part of this agenda, the group will push to get the leaders “united as one opposition family.”




 

In his opening remarks, one Mr. Singhateh, in an emotional plea, said people have lost hope in the way The Gambia is being ruled by the APRC Party under the leadership of President Yahya Jammeh, and therefore “it behooves us as opposition to come together as one and try to get rid of this despotic regime.” He reminded the attendees, local, and international press that the tactics being used to suppress and oppress Gambians are on the lips of everyone, that the quest for genuine democracy are also being discussed everywhere, how we have witnessed amendments; from the electoral Acts passed through Parliament which are neither genuine nor accommodating, and in the process denying even The Gambia citizens in the Diaspora their right to choose their leaders. The APRC regime, he continues, is “manipulating and clinging to power by whatever means it takes.” The Inter-Party Committee according to him is taking a bottom-up approach to how it will pursue its agenda and urged the people to give support. This, he insists is the way of the grassroots coming together so as to not leave the “mammoth task” of unity pursuance to the leaders alone, but help them achieve that objective through complementing. So as not to create any confusion, he was quick to caution that this is not an effort to create a coalition or selecting a flagbearer, but rather to get the party supporters and sympathizers to come together to achieve the common objectives.




 

Before the Secretary General, Musa Sonko read the Press Statement of the group, UDP youth leader, Solo Sandeng was quick to butt in to stress the last remark made by Singhateh regarding choosing a flagbearer. He firmly stated that this effort is simply to complement the efforts of the G-6, not to form a coalition but “coming together to fight the bad laws.”

 

 

During his turn, Secretary General Sonko started by reminding all that a united front is needed to defeat Jammeh at the polls, and that the uneven playing field was created to stifle the opposition at the polls, it is therefore important the opposition demonstrate their firm stance on individual liberty. He said this group consists of supporters and sympathizers of UDP, NRP, NDAM, PPP, GPDP, GMC, GPD, and independent Gambians and urged all to put country first before any party. “No single Party can defeat the APRC at the polls” he emphasized. Sonko’s particular clarion calls to the population saying “respond to destiny calling”, “wake up from slumber and cast away our fear” were duly noted by observers who say this could prove to be a turning point in this terrorized country’s political history.




 

The group’s structures according Sonko, are as follows: Central Committee: 5 members per party. Coordinating Committee: 3 representatives from each party. Finance and Fundraising: 5 representatives from each party. Mediation and Advisory: 2 representatives from each party. Regional Sub Committee: 3 representatives from each party. Stressing that Electoral Reform and Electoral Act 2015 is the most important agenda of the body – dealing with all fraudulent practices by the APRC Party, teams will be dispatched around the country to sensitive the Gambians. Alternative moves if electoral reform is not achieved are all in place to strengthen the opposition resolve – this group is willing to among other measures, go to court and stage street protests if it comes to it.




 

This new initiative according to observers, has given hope to many Gambians who have been waiting for a more determined approached to end tyranny in The Gambia. The hope is that if partisanship doesn’t rear its ugly head, this group could finally prove to be the answer to all the years of prayers of this traumatized population. The world is watching and history is recording.

A Staff Member of Ministry of Fisheries Arrested for Giving True Account of Number of Trawlers the Department Owns!!!!

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Imagine being asked to write a report on the assets your Ministry owns, and when you write true account of it, you get arrested because you were not supposed to state the facts – no, this is not a comedy script, and yes; indeed this happened in the Gambia.




 

So what happened? Ebou Mass Mbye, a 30-year veteran of the Ministry of Fisheries was arrested and taken to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) last week for writing a report that said the Ministry owns 85 fishing trawlers. This is because the Director of the Ministry said he saw only 30 trawlers. So where are the rest of the boats? One would assume that instead of arresting an innocent man, a finding would be made as to whether 85 trawlers actually exist or whether Mr. Mbye is just inflating the numbers. What interest Mbye will have in inflating the numbers we don’t know, but we can safely say that there are fishing trawlers being used by the navy that are raking in millions of dollars a year, all of which go into President Yahya Jammeh’s account, when those boats were donated to the Gambia government. Could these be the trawlers the Director is not accounting for?




 

It could be recalled that few weeks ago, reports were made by the Gambia government in which it among other things accusations against a former Naval Officer, Momodou Badjie of embezzling funds belonging to the navy and urging the public to provide any information regarding his whereabouts. Turns out, Badjie had already absconded safely to Senegal. Upon further investigation, Fatu Network uncovered a scheme in which Jammeh had for years forced Lieutenant Badjie and his junior officers to go fishing, using the donated boats that he at that point claim as his, paid them with tax payer money, and putting the proceeds in his (Jammeh’s) own account. These funds are what the government claims are stolen – obviously, the truth is a whole different story. Other Navy staffs have since been arrested too.




 

In the meantime, Mass Mbye was taken to court on Thursday, March 24, 2016, bail was set at D2,000,000.00 ($50,000) against which he put up his home and was released on Friday. He is expected to report back to court this Tuesday, March 29.




 

Fatu Network will continue the monitoring of the case, especially as it relates to the ongoing arrests at the Navy.

Africa Cup of Nations 2017: Riot stops play in qualifier

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Africa Cup of Nations 2017: Riot stops play in qualifier

A riot stopped play in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday as fans threw missiles and police fired tear gas into the stands.

The unrest broke out when a goal was awarded to Guinea Bissau after 81 minutes, with Kenya’s players arguing the ball had not crossed the line.

Play was halted for 30 minutes as Kenya fans threw missiles at the Guinea Bissau bench and the fourth official.

Kenya, who were beaten 1-0 in Nairobi, could face sanctions.

The result takes Guinea Bissau to the top of their qualifying group and leaves Kenya with little chance of qualifying for next year’s tournament.

Elsewhere in Group E, Congo and Zambia drew 1-1 in an identical scoreline to their result in Ndola on Wednesday.

Jordan Massengo put Congo ahead in Brazzaville just after half-time, with Winston Kalengo equalising in the 72nd minute.

Guinea Bissau lead the group on seven points, one point ahead of both Congo and Zambia, with Kenya bottom, six points off the top.

In Sunday’s first Nations Cup qualifier, Ghana lost their 100% record in Group H with a 0-0 draw in Mozambique.

The result in Maputo leaves the Black Stars on 10 points, four ahead of Mauritius, the surprise package in Group H. Mauritius could close that gap with a win over Rwanda in Kigali on Tuesday.

West Bromwich Albion’s Stephane Sessegnon scored twice for Benin in Cotonou as the hosts beat South Sudan 4-1 to go top of Group C.

Mickael Pote and Jodel Dossou were also on target for Benin, with Atak Lual grabbing a consolation for the away side.

Mali could regain the lead in that group if they beat Equatorial Guinea in Malabo on Monday.

Comoros, who got their first win in a major qualifying competition when they beat Botswana at home on Thursday, were brought back down to earth with a 2-1 defeat in the return fixture.

Comoros looked like they might complete a double over their opponents when Mchangama Youssouf scored just before the break.

But second-half goals from Galabgwe Moyana and then Joel Mogorosi gave Botswana the win which puts them level on points with the top two, Uganda and Burkina Faso, who play each other in Kampala on Tuesday.

All group winners are guaranteed places at the 2017 tournament in Gabon, with the best two runners-up joining them.

BBC SPORT

‘Suicide bomber’ claims to be missing Nigeria schoolgirl

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‘Suicide bomber’ claims to be missing Nigeria schoolgirl

Authorities in Cameroon and Nigeria are investigating a claim from a would-be suicide bomber that she was one of a group of schoolgirls abducted in 2014.

The Nigerian government is sending parents to Cameroon to attempt to identify the girl.
She told investigators in Cameroon she was one of 270 kidnapped in Chibok by jihadist group Boko Haram.

The abductions sparked international outrage and the #bringbackourgirls social media campaign.
While about 50 of the girls managed to escape, 219 of these girls remain missing. They were taken by the militants from the Chibok community in northeastern Nigeria.

Reuters news agency reported that one of two girls arrested in northern Cameroon on Friday carrying explosives claimed to be one of the missing Chibok girls.

The girls were arrested after being stopped by local self-defence forces in Limani near the border with Nigeria, the target of frequent suicide bombings in recent months.
“We hope that the Chibok parents will be able to identify the girl and determine whether she is indeed one of their missing students,” Garba Shehu, a spokesman for Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Mr Shehu said the government was keen to ascertain the girl’s identity so she could be brought back to Nigeria and possibly assist the government in investigating the abductions.
He said the two parents from Chibok selected to embark on the trip to Cameroon are Yakubu Nkeki, chairman of the Chibok Abducted Girls Movement, and Yana Galang, the women’s leader in the group, whose 16-year-old daughter Rifkatu is among the missing.

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan was criticised for his slow reaction to the Chibok abductions. Mr Buhari, his successor, ordered a new investigation into the kidnappings in January.
Although Boko Haram has been driven out from most of the areas it controlled in north-eastern Nigeria, it has continued to carry out suicide bombings and raids into neighbouring Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

BBC News

PPP Sukuta Rally – “Jammeh is Africa’s Biggest Thief” By Yusef Taylor

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By Yusef Taylor @FlexDan_YT on Twitter

On Saturday 26th November the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) held a rally at Sukuta, Kombo North, in the so called “no go area” for Gambian Opposition. From 1965 to 1994, PPP was the dominant ruling party until a military Junta led by Yahya Jammeh overthrew the previous President Sir. Dawda Kairaba Jawara. Soon after the illegal coup of a democratically elected government, the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) came into power and banned the PPP from Political activity. Fast forward two decades of tyranny and dictatorship, the PPP is now revived with a charismatic interim leader commonly known as OJ and is campaigning full throttle for a united coalition to oversee regime change in December 2016 Presidential Elections.

 

 

Hon. OJ Jallow’s speech “Ndow Yabateh, Ndow Gaceh”

Speaking at the rally at Sukuta OJ touched on a number of issues confronting the country. His speech focussed on the urgency of Opposition Unity, the Senegal – Gambia border closure and the Islamic State declaration. The speech was delivered mainly in Wollof and translated in Mandinka. To begin his speech Hon. OJ recalled the names of leaders and allies of the previous PPP regime. He highlighted that Jammeh’s children are all born in foreign hospitals even though Jammeh claims he’s improved medical facilities in the country. He reminded the crowd that all the children of the previous President and his ministers were born in the country. In the presence of his wife he declared that “all my own children are born in the country.” How can Jammeh claim to have improved medical facilities in the country?

Hon. OJ – “Yahya bum nyu nah, nyun dunj doff. Nganeh legi la hospital yi gen.”

Jammeh – Africa’s Biggest Thief

Throughout his speech OJ sent a defiant message to Yahya Jammeh and his rogue regime, calling the brutal Dictator “Africa’s Biggest Thief”. According to OJ “today all Gambians have one common problem, the country is suffering and people are hungry. All these problems are because of Jammeh and the APRC. Let all parties put aside their individual party ambitions to one side and unite to remove corruption. Today we have a president who is in every form of business, what kind of President is that? Jammeh is the most materialistic president in Africa, one man wants to own everything. Jammeh owns uncountable houses and properties in Banjul, Kanilai and other places?”

 

 

 

“Jammeh said that he never saw Jawara give more than D500. That’s because Jawara was content with his earnings unlike the corrupt president we have today. Today Jammeh gives millions of Dalasis to musicians and wrestlers. Jammeh must tell us where he got the money from. He is the biggest thief in Africa, wasting millions of state funds. He gives away up to D8 million Dalasis and D19 million Dalasis, which could have benefited the youths going through the backway.”

Hon. OJ – “Den sacha ngur bi den ko sacha, Yahya Jammeh ak yum andal yep aye sachakat len! Ma ko wakh!!”

 

 

 

Opposition Unity

Continuing in his usual firebrand style of passion and defiance, Hon. OJ urged all Opposition Parties and their leaders to unite, declaring that “the time has come [for unity], failure to unite will result in Gambians hating the Opposition even more than Jammeh. We should unite our minds, our resources and our people to remove Jammeh. This will allow us to bring back law and order, straighten the constitution, the economy and then anybody can stand for any political position of their choice. If the Senegalese and Nigerian Opposition can unite to remove their incumbent how much more Gambia with much less Opposition parties. The people have hope in us and we cannot fail them by refusing to unite. PPP alone cannot remove Jammeh, same for all other parties, PDOIS, UDP, NRP, NCP etc. Country is more important than any Party.”

 

 

 

Hon. OJ – “So degay yange sampa party, danga am reew njeka, kon nak Gambia mo gena important party.”

 

 

Border Closure and Islamic State Declaration

In his speech Hon. OJ Jallow addressed the current Senegal-Gambia border closure. In his view “The Gambia is a small country and a nation of peace, Sir Dawda [the previous President] was influential in bringing peace to many countries including Iraq and Iran. We must not forget that Senegal and Gambia are siblings from the same parents. Today the Senegal – Gambia border closure has brought a lot of unnecessary hardship to the country. The impact on small medium businesses and transportation has been disastrous. All because the President decided to increase tariffs for each vehicle up to D28,000 without considering the additional ferry fees and consulting the Senegalese government. Yahyah Jammeh is the reason for the border closure.”

 

 

 

Speaking on the Islamic State declaration, OJ made personal references to his own family. Saying that “my own grandmother is called Mary Ndong, a Christian. Gambians have long known peace between Christians and Muslims who are strongly interrelated. How can Jammeh wake up one day after a full meal and declare the Gambia an Islamic State? In today’s Sudan there is non-stop killing all because of religious conflict. The Sundanese President similarly got up one day and declared Sudan an Islamic state, introducing Sharia Law. Leading to non-stop killing in Sudan, we need to be very mindful that religious conflict has been plaguing other African countries. Jammeh is no more Gambian that our Christian brothers and sisters. Jammeh said he is helping the religious leaders. One of the most respected African Islamic leaders, Pa Alhagie Karamo Touray of Brikama was picked up by the regime, same thing happened to Ismaila Manjang, Bakawsu Fofana, Imam Baba Leigh and many other religious leader. Today as I’m speaking to you, there are three Imams held in prison. Is this the Islamic State that Jammeh is calling for?”

Hon. OJ – “Nen anda ak sunj hell ak sagorr, ham neh Gambia nyo ko mom”

 

 

Addressing Gambian women he said that “Jammeh decided to go outside the country to choose his first and second wife. If Jammeh does not respect Gambians, let’s not allow Jammeh to disrespect us. We must deal with this Jammeh issue in its entirety. Gambia is all I have and is worth all my energy and effort.” OJ reserved specific praise for the Gambian Diaspora who said continue to support the PPP in all their activities. In his final words he said “the PPP has arisen, people are tired of Yahya Jammeh, tired of his big talk, tired of his hardship, his wickedness and his exiling of Gambian citizens. Go and tell the people that PPP has arisen and they should get ready to vote. Truth will prevail.”

You can listen Hon. OJ Jallow’s speech on Abdou Jawara’s SoundCloud page at the link below.

 

https://soundcloud.com/abdou-jawara/the-interim-leader-of-the

MY CHALLENGE TO GAMBIA’S POLITICAL OPPOSITION PARTIES

Fatu Camara
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If it is true that there is a constitutional amendment to indefinitely extend the expired term of the ICE Chairman and his entourage, then we don’t need a Jahanka marabout to confirm that there will be no political reforms to meet the demands of the opposition. In fact, my hypothesis is that there will be more similar draconian moves to make the political landscape even more tilted in favour of Jammeh.

 

 

In my opinion, all these biased electoral rules/laws is a clear revelation of the Government’s firm belief and conviction that the majority of the Gambian people are fed up with the APRC and that there is indeed a real possibility of an opposition victory in the December presidential polls. This should inspire and strengthen the resolve of the opposition parties.

 

 

Since it is now clear that there will be no significant political reforms, this leaves only two options for the opposition political parties. It is either they all unanimously boycott the presidential elections until all their demands are met or they all come together and present only one candidate to contest against Jammeh.

 

 

However, as an optimist and a believer that a coalition can and will defeat Jammeh, the aim of this blog post is to give my take on a way forward to the formation of an alliance/coalition by the opposition political parties of The Gambia. But first, let us separate the smoke from the fire.

 

 

In my opinion, there are actually only three opposition parties in The Gambia which are in a position to present presidential candidates for the December polls. These parties are the NRP, PDOIS and UDP. I arrived at this conclusion because the PPP has made it categorically clear that they will not present any candidate and will instead support any coalition candidate and also because Mai Fatty’s GMC, Henry Gomez’s GPDP and Sheikh Sedia Bayo’s NTCG are all missing in action in the diaspora.

 

 

Hamat Bah of the NRP has categorically stated that he is in favour of a coalition formation and I believe that because he was given a chance to lead the NADD coalition in 2011 and failed woefully, he is not expecting to be nominated to lead any coalition this year. So my Fula brother is also out of the list. This therefore narrows down the coalition equation to only two parties which are the PDOIS and UDP.

 

 

The PDOIS’ position on coalition formation clearly states that if there are no electoral reforms, then the only way to beat the incumbent is through a unified coalition. So since there are no electoral reforms, the PDOIS is saying that there has to be a coalition of all opposition parties this year.

 

 

However, the only obstacle to the formation of a coalition is the PDOIS’ proposal of holding a convention to nominate a coalition flag bearer. I must admit that the idea of a convention is theoretically logical, it is in line with the principles of democracy, and it is the best way to resolve such a critical issue in a normal electoral process. However, because of the fact that the Gambia’s political situation is anything but normal and time is at a premium, it is important for the PDOIS to be flexible in this matter.

 

 

To borrow the words of George W. Bush after 911, desperate times calls for desperate measures. Since Jammeh is using every single Machiavellian tactics to remain in power, the opposition must also adopt unconventional methods to form a coalition. If a coalition fails and these two parties ended up running against Jammeh, everyone knows that not only will the PDOIS come out third but Jammeh will be handed over the Presidency on a silver platter. This is why I am convinced that the opposition parties have no option but to unite and unite they must!!!

 

 

This now brings me to my challenge to the Gambia’s opposition parties. You must nominate a neutral but formidable candidate who is capable of not only uniting all the opposition parties but also to galvanize the support of the majority of the Gambians especially those sitting on the fence due to their loss of faith on Gambian politics .

 

 

To buttress my challenge, I will borrow the words of President Jammeh and my godfather: “Billahi! Wallahi!! Tallahi!!! If the opposition present a female candidate such as Fatoumata Jallow Tambajang or a Christian candidate to lead a united opposition coalition, I will drink blood and eat maggots if Jammeh wins this year’s elections!!!

 

 

While hoping and praying for a successful coalition formation, I implore our opposition leaders on the ground to please remember the prominent politicians and other significant personalities in the diaspora who are not on the ground due to reasons beyond their control. Also include in your demands for Gambians in the diaspora to vote this year.

 

 

On a final and lighter note, you must also include in your plans an agenda to facilitate Jammeh’s transition to a leadership role in international political affairs so that I will also have a second chance to work as his personal aide and security officer. If you do that, I bet even Jammeh himself will vote for you on 01 Dec.

 

 

In this way, everybody becomes a winner including the opposition, the Gambian people, Gambians in the diaspora, President Jammeh himself and all the hundreds of thousands of people like my humble self who served the Second Republic with patriotism, justice and loyalty. I truly believe that we can all smile and no one has to cry anymore. That is why our country is known as the Smiling Coast of Africa!!!

Long live the Republic of The Gambia and long live our peace, security and harmonious co-existence.
Author Gano
Posted on March 27, 2016

Fuel Shortage Causing A Cocktail Mix Of Headaches For Dictator Jammeh As NAWCE Tanks Are Stranded On The Border While Security Forces Are Put On High Alert

Fatu Camara
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As the Senegal – Gambia border closure enters a fourth week, The Gambia is now officially running out of fuel especially heavy duty fuel to power its generators for electricity generation. Consequently, the country is plunged into heavy load shedding where some areas in the country including the capital are going without electricity for more than 15 hours.




 

Reports reaching The Fatu Network revealed that even some vital installations and institutions including military barracks are said to be all highly affected by what our source said to be a very serious electricity rationing in the country.

 

 

 

Speaking to different credible sources, The Fatu Network has been reliably made to understand that the situation of heavy fuel in the country is so critically low that unless urgent needed supplies arrive in the country by next week Wednesday 30th March, there is likelihood that NAWEC…the nation’s electricity provider, would completely run out of fuel.




 

Indeed The Gambia depends on different countries including Ivory Coast and Nigeria for its petroleum products including Jet fuel, heavy duty fuel and pump fuels for vehicular and domestic generators. These are normally imported by cargo vessels. The country normally falls on the supplies from Senegal when fuel stocks are critically low. The supplies from Senegal are normally transported by land loaded on fuel tanks.

 

 

 

But as it is thanks to the border closure, The Gambia is not able to replenish its critically low fuel stocks from Senegal. Currently The Fatu Network has got reliable information that Gambian fuel tanks are stranded at the border unable to enter Senegal.




 

Although it is still not clear whether a vessel loaded with fuel is on its way to Banjul, what is clear is that because of the serious economic problem The Gambia currently faces, it is believed that many of its creditors and suppliers in the international oil market are demanding that the country pays in advance before fuel products could be delivered.

 

 

 

The came about as a result of late payment some of these creditors have been experiencing with the Gambia. The situation partly explains why despite low oil prices around the world, fuel prices keep increasing in The Gambia to cover cost and recoup the much needed foreign currency to pay the suppliers.




 

Meanwhile, The Fatu Network has got credible information that the dictator has ordered the security forces to be on the highest alert because of fears of possible demonstration. One of our authoritative sources reading from a confidential memo sent to both Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, the government of The Gambia ordered that certain groups including opposition parties should be monitored for what the memo said was a credible information of an impending street demonstration meant to destabilise the country.

 

 

 

The government has also stepped-up security around the capital Banjul and other important public buildings and installations in addition to checkpoints mounted in many neighbourhoods in the Greater Banjul Area.

 

The Fatu Network is monitoring this developing story and will keep you posted as we get the latest.

Why am I Challenging President Jammeh?

Fatu Camara
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While trying very hard to stay focused on revising my 22 reasons for Jammeh not to run for a fifth term, I can’t help being bombarded with and distracted by questions. For example is it not hypocritical of me to call Jammeh my godfather, flash his pictures all over my blog and promise to be his post-president security officer while at the same time calling on him to quit? Why am I challenging him now and not earlier? And what is my position on the “struggle”. In this blog post, I will seek to answer these questions starting with why Jammeh is my godfather.

 

 

A few months after I was appointed as the ADC to President Jammeh, we were in Kanilai when one of his orderlies called me aside and told me that a senior officer was briefing Jammeh on me and the officer said that the only security lapse on my part is that I abandon my duties to go to the mosque during prayer times. The orderly then advised me to skip my prayers during duties and to stick with the group at all times. The response I gave to him is too profane to repeat on this medium.

 

 

Anyway, a few weeks after that, I was in the State House mosque for prayers when a soldier notified me that I was called by President Jammeh so I went straight into his office. When he asked me why I entered his office in slippers, I told him that I was coming from the mosque. Jammeh then said to me: “well, there is only one thing that will not disappoint you in this world and in the next and that is your prayers” and he advised me never to compromise my prayers. Although I had already pledged to put my life on the line for him, that was the day Jammeh won my total respect and loyalty and those feelings are intact up to today.

 

 

However, in spite of my person feelings of loyalty, admiration and respect for Jammeh, I sincerely believe that democracy and limited presidential term limits is important for peace, security, unity and development for the Gambia and all other African countries. In this regards, my position is that, Jammeh has over-stayed in power and needs to give way for a new dispensation.

 

 

For those who view such a position as hypocrisy or sitting on the fence, do you sincerely want to tell me that you have never disagreed and stood up against someone that you care for and respect such as your parent, sibling, spouse, boss, neighbor or friend etc?

 

 

Another question I am asked is why am I challenging Jammeh now and not earlier such as prior to the 2011 presidential elections. The answer to that question is very obvious. At that time, I was an officer of the Gambia Armed Forces and a disciplined and professional soldier does not call on his commander-in-chief to step down from office. In which Armed Forces in the world would you find a soldier on active service blogging on national politics? That is a privilege only for civilians and as a private citizen, I chose to exercise my right to freedom of thought and expression through blogging.

 

 

Perhaps the most critical question I am being asked is whether or not I am a member of the “struggle”. That really depends on the meaning of the term “struggle” and its modus operandi. If being a member simply means “a person who desires political change in the Gambia” and the modus operandi is based on the principles of peace, security, decorum, the rule of law and democracy, then I am a full-fledged member. If however, the conditions for membership to the “struggle” is to sling mud at each other and to throw profanities, criticisms and allegations at Jammeh and at our national institutions, then I am not a member of the struggle.

 

 

Whether we accept it or not, there are thousands and thousands of Gambians like me who have no anger or hatred against Jammeh and his governing institutions but who do not like the existing state of affairs in our country and are determined to actively participate in bringing about a positive change. For anyone to claim that it is either their way or the highway is being undemocratic and resentful of the principles of diversity and inclusion which is a bedrock of Western Societies in which a significant number of our compatriots are residing in peace and dignity. After all, The Gambia, like all societies in the world, is composed of people with divergent views, experiences and ways of doing things. We will therefore make a rapid progress towards our common destiny if we learn to accept and respect our diversities and differences in opinion and actions.

 

 

In conclusion, I took up blogging as my preferred method to add my little voice to the discourse on contemporary issues affecting the Gambia especially in this important year of presidential elections. I believe that the Gambia is at a very important political cross-road and that 2016 is the year of change for the Gambia because that is what the majority of the Gambians want and I am optimistic that we will achieve that through the ballot box.

 

 

Furthermore, I also believe with total conviction that the majority of Gambians are a happy, peaceful, forgiving and God-fearing people and these attributes will overcome any disappointments, rancor, frustrations or anger that they may have against the Second Republic. Therefore, the only blood that will be spilled on Gambian soil in December 2016 is that of livestock and cattle as we celebrate the advent of a new government.

 

 

Long love the Republic of The Gambia and long live our peace, security and harmonious co-existence. Together, we can make Gambia smile better!!!!

Lamin Gano

Editorial: Of 2016 General Elections and Dictator Jammeh’s Determined Efforts To Steal Them In The Face Of Blatant Refusal By A Docile Opposition To Unite

Fatu Camara
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It is already almost certain that Dictator Yahya Jammeh will win with landslide the upcoming General Elections in The Gambia not through the popular choice but through grand schemes blatantly pioneered by the National Assembly where the dictator controls with absolute majority and what appears like a lack of fighting bones among the opposition to defiantly oppose and combat the open fraud in the electoral system.




 

For the past three years in particular, the dictatorship in The Gambia has embarked on an unstoppable ride changing the rules and electoral laws to open up holes in the electoral system that could make it easy to win the worst of seemingly contested elections. The list is too long for us to even bother with but two key constitutional amendments should have served as a rude awakening for the opposition that the dictatorship means business to stay in power at all cost.

 

 

 

Some six months ago, the regime rushed a provocative bill to the National Assembly titled “The Electoral Amendment Bill 2015” which places a whole lot of undemocratic conditions on political parties to fulfill. Some of the conditions include hugely unacceptable sums of money to contest various elective positions.




 

And now the dictatorship has rushed another bill to parliament basically to window dress while at the same turn around and extend the tenure of the office of the current chairman of the electoral commission who has been holding the position illegally since the expiry of his term almost a year ago.

 

 

 

What is strange about all these is the conspicuous silence and inaction by the opposition parties in The Gambia. As if they are hit by an ice-bug, the opposition is still conveniently keeping quiet over urgent national matters such as insisting on, and settling for nothing other than free, fair and credible electoral processes which are the life blood of our democracy.




 

By continuing to remain silent as if they are placed in the same room with toads, the opposition are by all indications showing their complicity in prolonging the suffering of the Gambian people. Dictators understand only one language….and that is the language of defiance even if it is through the democratic route.

 

 

 

By giving a breeding space to the dictatorship, Yahya Jammeh has now become a delicate egg in our collective hands. Gambian opposition parties should muster the courage and drop this egg. Nothing will happen…only that it is the dictator’s skull that will hit the hard solid ground. And when that happens, Gambians will only move on.




 

Enough of this slumber and enough of the bickering. What Gambians need is an opposition that is proactive, that is responsive and that is ready to say enough is enough. There cannot be any dilly dallying over that.

SHOCKING!!!! IEC Chairman, Mustapha Carayol and His Team’s Term in Office to be Extended by Another Constitutional Amendment!!!

Fatu Camara
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In what observers have called one of the “worst constitutional” gerrymandering in The Gambia’s political history, the Yahya Jammeh government will be introducing a bill in the next Parliament sitting – likely next month, that will extend the term of the current Independent Electoral Commission Chairman, Mustapha Carayol and his entire team from what is an already expired 2 term limit to what legal experts say is indefinite term in office, since the number of years is no more stipulated or alluded to.

Continue

PDOIS’ Halifa Sallah Pledges to “Serve Only One Term” If Elected President!!!

Fatu Camara
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Following his nomination as the Presidential Candidate of the opposition People’s Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) for the December 1, 2016 Presidential Elections during a party congress held on February 24, 2016, Hon. Halifa Sallah made the following pledges to the electorate at the party’s Convention held on March 19, 2016:




 

1. I, Halifa Sallah, hereby declare before the whole people that if elected President I will serve only one term which according to section 63 of the Constitution is for period of five years.

 
2. I, Halifa Sallah, hereby declare before the whole people that if elected President, our Cabinet will introduce a Bill to secure the following constitutional amendments:

(a) The establishment of a two four year term limit to the presidency of The Gambia;
(b) The establishment of one-third gender parity in the composition of Cabinet and all other representative institutions through proportional representation. Special interest groups like the physically challenged shall be given special consideration;
(c) The restoration of the absolute majority so that no person shall be elected as President on the first ballot unless the votes cast in his or her favour at the election are more than fifty percent of the total number of votes validly cast at that election;
(d) The abrogation of the upper age limit under section 62 of the Constitution which deters competent people from exercising their right to be elected as enshrined under section 26 of the Constitution which is a fundamental political right;
(e) The safeguarding of the separation of powers by giving parliamentarians and judges immunities from removal from office by the executive. Provisions shall be made so that parliamentarians who are dismissed from their parties shall automatically become independent members of parliament. Judges would be appointed by a service commission and removed only through impeachment after judicial and parliamentary inquiry.
3. I, Halifa Sallah, hereby declare before the whole people that if elected President, I will do away with all the monarchical privileges of the presidency through constitutional, legal, administrative and cultural reforms.
4. I, Halifa Sallah, hereby declare before the whole people that if elected President, I will not hold any other office of profit or emolument, whether public or private, occupy other position carrying the right to remuneration for the rendering of services, or directly or indirectly carry on any trade, business or other undertakings.

 

These pledges were part of an acceptance speech that marks the beginning of what will be his second attempt to vie for the highest post in The Gambia. Composed and confident, Sallah took to the stage and proceeded to assure an exhausted nation of his intent to restore these brutalized people’s faith in government back.




 

Observers have noted that the nobility of these pledges should give the opposition camp reason to fight harder than in the past to win this coming election. Of particular significance is the issue of electoral reforms which seem to dominate the pledge that they hope will be the foremost agenda of the parties as they go through this election cycle instead of waiting until after the elections, at which point, because of ironically these very issues, the elections would have been stolen by the incumbent.




 

The looming March 31st deadline for parties to conform to the new laws that many observers note are meant to cripple the opposition parties, is of major concern to many. How things will play out then is still anyone’s guess, but if history is any indication, the parties should have reason to brace up for undemocratic, unconstitutional, and unfair maneuvering from the Yahya Jammeh handpicked Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) led by Mustapha Carayol, whose mandate has already expired in the first place. The PDOIS party’s and counterparts in the other Opposition parties’ resolve as far as achieving the above pledges will be fully tested then.

Uganda: Lawyers, Supporters Protest Over Besigye’s Case Delays

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By Frederic Musisi
Kasangati — Lawyers representing Dr Kizza Besigye yesterday expressed frustration at the way the Judiciary is ‘dragging its feet’ on case(s) of their client protesting the continued abuse of his human rights by police and other security agencies.

This came after the much awaited ruling on the application in which Dr Besigye is challenging his house arrest for 34 days now at the Kasangati Magisrate’s Court hit a brick wall after it emerged that the High Court registrar had recalled the file for revision.

 

 
Grade One Magistrate Prossy Katushabe, who a day earlier had ruled that court would proceed with and a make a ruling on the application, shocked the packed courtroom, revealing that the “respective file was transferred to the Criminal Division of the High Court.”

 

 

Lawyers led by Mr David Mpanga, just like the supporters looked dejected after receiving the news with supporters taking to the streets to protest amid heightened police deployment at court and around Kasangati.

 

 

Mr Mpanga told journalists outside court that “if you are a fan of conspiracy theories you might think that somebody is trying very hard to ensure that the matter is not heard”.

 

 

“They have wasted a lot of our time… But the situation is written clearly in black and white that someone has been in detention for more than 48 hours,” he said.

 

 

Ms Katushabe on Monday, after ruling that court will proceed with the case, directed both Mr Mpanga and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions [DPP] to immediately file their affidavits to enable her make a ruling. While Besigye’s lawyers filed their affidavits, the DPP wrote to the High Court requesting the file to be recalled.

 

 

The DPP’s contention is that hearing of the case at Kasangati, which was filed as a criminal application, cannot proceed when the same applicant filed a parallel civil application at the High Court Civil Division.

 

 

The DPP also contends that IGP Kale Kayihura and Kampala North regional police commander cannot be individually sued because in sanctioning Dr Besigye’s house arrest they are acting in official capacity.

 

 

There were running battles as police and plain clothed operatives engaged Dr Besigye’s supporters, who were waving placards inscribed “Free our President”.

 

 

Protesters attempted to march to his home, a few meters away, but heavily armed police thwarted their plan.

 

 

The plain clothed operatives, who had disguised as boda-boda riders and residents going about their daily chores, were seen giving orders to uniformed policemen.

 

 

The scuffle lasted about 30 minutes and only Dr Besigye’s lawyers were allowed to access his home.

 

 

Mr Yusuf Nsibambi, also Dr Besigye’s lawyer, told journalists after the meeting that their client is “very disappointed with the conduct of the Judiciary” but they were ready to wait until when the High Court will make a decision on the application.

 

Killing By Systematic Torture: Fresh Evidence Has Emerged Into The Death The Late Sheriff Dibba

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The Fatu Network has got irrefutable evidence from our credible sources within the security forces which suggest by all indications that, Sheriff Dibba, former Secretary General of The Gambia National Transport Association (GNTA), died as a result of severer systematic torture meted out to him while under the custody of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).





 

A senior security official at the Office of the President and indeed other sources have provided to The Fatu network a compelling evidence of what appears like a state sanctioned murder of an innocent activist whose only crime was to defend the interest of his union members.

 

 

 

One of our reliable sources reading from Mr Dibba’s first cautionary statement made to the NIA but which the agency has still refused to make public reveals that in fact Sheriff Dibba together with the senior executives of the transport association were arrested after they wrote repeated letters to the Transport Ministry demanding that the government reduce the price of fuel to reflect the downward falling oil prices around the world.





 

Indeed even in the wake of low fuel prices in the World Market, Gambia government throughout 2014 and 2015 continued to increase pump prices of fuel as part of efforts to meet domestic revenue targets after the international community withheld grants and Balance of Payment Support to Gambia because of concerns over a whole lot of issues including lack of respect for human and fundamental rights.

 

 

 

After the government repeatedly snubbed the transport association over demands to reduce fuel prices, the GNTA finally wrote to the Police to demand a permit for a peaceful protest. The transport association was said to be unhappy with the pressure being exerted by the government to force commercial drivers to reduce transport fares when fuel prices were not reduced.





 

Thus the membership of the transport association agreed to go on a peaceful national strike. The Fatu Network has gathered that both the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of Interior have rejected the application for a peaceful permit.

 

 

 

However, when Dictator Jammeh became aware of the demands by the GNTA, he ordered his dreaded NIA to arrest and subsequently charge the executive of economic crimes. It was found out that Mr Dibba as the Secretary General GNTA, authored the application letters for peaceful protest by the drivers sent out to the police and copied to the Ministry of Interior. This was more than enough justification by the NIA who accused Dibba of fermenting trouble in the country to put him on lengthy and severer torture sessions for more than two days.





 

Mr Dibba according to our most reliable sources was so brutally tortured on day three of his detention under NIA custody that when he returned back to his cell, he confided in some of his cell mates that he would be surprise to survive beyond a week.

 

 

 

Apparently the NIA after seeing that Dibba’s health condition was deteriorating faster than expected, he and other detained executive members of GNTA were hurriedly rushed to the Police Headquarters and then dumped them there.

 

 

 

Our credible sources have told The Fatu Network that at the time of their transfer to the Police Headquarters, the NIA knew that Dibba would not be able to survive the torture. “Fatu I want to tell you that the man could not even stand, he could not talk properly and his eyes were flat deep inside his skull,” one of our sources said.





 

In fact senior police officers were said to have been deeply angry by NIA’s move to dump an almost dead person with them. “I can tell you Fatu that when the IGP even saw Mr Dibba, he was so angry and even ordered the police not to put him in the cell because he was bleeding both internally and externally. The IGP also told the medics to place Dibba under constant surveillance because of his condition but unfortunately he died the following day 19h00,” said our credible source.

 

 

 

But The Gambia government, usual of its traits, through a deliberate attempt to cover-up, came up with their own version of the events saying Mr Dibba through an autopsy conducted on him has confirmed that he died of a chronic heart attack.





 

However, the latest evidence obtained by The Fatu Network shows that Mr Dibba died from brutal torture he suffered in the hands of Gambia’s notorious spy agency, the National intelligence Agency (NIA).

Brussels attacks: At least 31 dead at Zaventem and Maelbeek

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At least 31 people have been killed and many seriously injured in attacks at Brussels international airport and a city metro station.
Twin blasts hit Zaventem airport at 07:00 GMT, killing 11 and injuring 81, Belgium’s health minister said.
Another explosion struck Maelbeek metro station an hour later. Twenty people were killed, Brussels mayor Yvan Mayeur said.
Belgium has now raised its terrorism threat to its highest level.
The attacks come four days after Salah Abdeslam, the main fugitive in the Paris attacks, was seized in Brussels.
Prime Minister Charles Michel called the latest attacks “blind, violent and cowardly”, adding: “This is a day of tragedy, a black day… I would like to call on everyone to show calmness and solidarity”.
European Council president Donald Tusk said: “These attacks mark another low by the terrorists in the service of hatred and violence.”
US President Barack Obama called the blasts “outrageous attacks against innocent people”.
The airport and the entire public transport system in Brussels are closed.

 

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