By Dawda Baldeh

The National Assembly Member for Niamina Dankunku Constituency, Honourable Samba Jallow, has responded to accusations of not adequately representing his constituents in parliament.

Jallow has been the subject of recent criticism from a former parliamentary colleague who labelled his term unsuccessful. In an interview with The Fatu Network this week, Jallow strongly refuted these claims and accused his detractors of bias.

Having previously lost two elections with the National Reconciliation Party (NRP), Jallow secured a seat in the National Assembly in 2011 and has been successfully re-elected since. Hon. Jallow serves over twenty-six villages in his constituency.

He also stated that despite the representation by three other National Assembly Members, they have failed to bring about any change for the people of Niamina Dankunku.

“I decided to contest elections after three sitting members of parliament didn’t represent us satisfactorily,” he said.

“Today, I am the best member of parliament Niamina Dankunku and people can attest to that.

“When I was elected there were a lot of underdevelopments in my constituency but today most of those problems have been solved,” he said.

As critics accused Hon. Jallow of not responding to the concerns of his constituents, he acknowledged that the only existing problem that’s given him sleepless nights is their major road linking Kungbiran, Kulaya to Sey Kunda among other communities.

“They are talking about a particular road and road construction is not the mandate of a member of parliament,” he said.

He mentioned that he has been in discussions with the authorities regarding the construction of the road.

Jallow, one of the longest-serving members of the National Assembly, asserted that he has significantly contributed to his constituency.

“A lot of developments have happened in my constituency under my leadership.

“When I was elected there was no senior or junior school in my constituency but today, we have it.

“Access to water was a major problem and that is now history because there are boreholes across my constituency some of whom I initiated and others are done by partners,” he explained.

Jallow stressed that the road in his constituency is his major priority and he wants it constructed before the end of his tenure to serve as his legacy.

“It is unfair to criticize people without acknowledging my contributions.

“I have initiated projects such as street lights, boreholes, milling machines for women, and gardens in my constituency, yet these contributions are often overlooked by critics,” he stated.

The representative of Niamina Dankunku emphasized his desire to establish a positive legacy for the benefit of his growing children and to prevent any potential disgrace.

He remains hopeful that the road project will be finalized before the conclusion of his third term in office.

Additionally, Jallow has thrown down the gauntlet to his adversary, Kebba Nget, who previously represented Niamina Dankunku, challenging him to showcase the developments he achieved during his term.

“Kebba is criticizing me today, but he forgot that he served as a member of parliament without doing anything.

“The little improvements are under my tenure,” he added.

Jallow further told The Fatu Network that soon access to electricity will be a thing of the past in his constituency as electric poles are being erected all over by the Rural Electrification Project.

However, he mentioned that only two villages are benefiting from that project.

He revealed that he is working with the ministry to see how those villages can benefit before the project ends.

“When I was elected network was a problem but when I talked about it in the
parliament, Qcell responded and erected antennae in Dankunku, and Africell is also erecting their antenna.

“When I came there was no senior school in my constituency but two, we had a senior school in Dankunku and a Basic Cycle in Sey Kunda.

“MRC Holland Foundation has built fantastic classrooms in Jakoto school,” he narrated.

Jallow claimed that all those developments in his constituency happened due to his continuous engagement with the authorities.

On access to water, Hon. Jallow acknowledged to have found some villages accessing water.

However, he said villages like Barrow Kunda, Sinchu Nguri, and Sare Sambayel came directly from his intervention.

“I used my constituency development fund to help villages access water.

I have supported many villages with mailing machines, and some are from my pocket while others are from the CDF,” he concluded.

By Alieu Jallow

Omar Malmo Sambou, an academic and consultant specializing in contemporary environmental issues such as Natural Resources Management, Climate Change, Social & Environmental Impact Assessments, and Ecological Tourism, has reacted to the Ministry of Information’s press release regarding the shooting incident of Amadou Juma Camara, a Gambian from Kampanti village, during his transportation of timber into The Gambia from Casamance.

The environmentalist stated that Senegal’s ban on timber logging and trade makes the Ministry of Information’s statement appear as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. He accused the Gambia government of being complicit in the smuggling of timber from Senegal, involving both Senegalese and Gambian nationals.

“Wood is smuggled into the Gambia by Senegalese and Gambian nationals, certified by the Gambia government that legally operates the trade. The Gambia though without wood, gives licenses for a so-called re-export trade of wood. The country hides behind re-export to cover the shady ways of acquiring the wood.”

Mr Sambou claimed that the very individuals tasked with protecting the remaining flora and fauna are actually orchestrating a trade that undermines these regional natural resources. He referenced the D200,000 non-refundable license application fee at the Department of Forestry under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources as evidence.

He also noted that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) had suspended The Gambia from the timber trade. However, he stated that the government swiftly informed its citizens that it had voluntarily suspended the trade, a claim he described as baseless.

“An Environmental Investigation Agency reported that an estimated 1.6 million trees have been illegally harvested in Senegal and smuggled into The Gambia between June 2012 and April 2020; it indicated that the rosewood traffic between Senegal and The Gambia has been largely controlled by the armed rebel group Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance and is the principal source of funding for the armed group. The Gambia government is complicit,” he said.

Outspoken environmentalists outlined that The Gambia has exported 1.6 million trees to China – equivalent to 978,968 tons worth over US$470 million of rosewood species Pterocarpus erinaceus which is labelled as near extinction. According to him this accounts for 12% and is the 3rd largest exporter of wood to China describing the actions of the country leading to serious forest cover and biodiversity loss in Senegal.

“This trade will exacerbate the impacts of climate change in the region thereby affecting key sectors of the Senegalese economy; agriculture, water resources, forest cover, etc. The smart thing they do now is to put an embargo while the smugglers gather more logs then lift the embargo to export the woods or export them secretly,” he said.

By: Zackline Colley

In a significant milestone for civil society and media in The Gambia, the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC), supported by the US Embassy, celebrated the certification of 40 dedicated trainees. The event marked the culmination of an intensive training program aimed at strengthening civil society organizations (CSOs) and community radio journalists to foster improved democracy and good governance.

Over the past months, twenty members of various civil society organizations underwent a rigorous three-month training in proactive advocacy. Simultaneously, twenty community radio journalists completed a four-month course in Interactive Radio Programming. This dual-faceted training initiative was conducted under the project “Strengthening CSOs and Media for Improved Democracy and Good Governance,” funded with a $15,000 investment.

James Badjie, Director of Training at MAJaC, highlighted the transformative impact of the program. “This training was more than just imparting knowledge. It was a transformative experience designed to equip 20 radio journalists and 20 civil society organization members with the skills to drive positive change within their communities,” Badjie said. He urged the trainees to remember their critical role as the voice of the people, emphasizing the importance of shaping public opinion, holding leaders accountable, and promoting not just governance, but good governance. “There is a difference,” Badjie stressed.

Miss Susan Solomon, Public Relations Officer at the US Embassy, reiterated the essential role of press freedom as a core principle of democracy. She pointed out that restrictions on journalists counter democratic ideals and underscored the need for journalists to investigate, research, and disseminate information freely. “The media is truly a pillar of democracy. That is why the US Embassy is committed to supporting Gambian journalists. We are honored to have sponsored this project with MAJaC, which is producing future leaders, journalists, and media experts who will be at the forefront of promoting good democracy and transparent governance,” Solomon remarked.

Mr. Modou Joof, Secretary General of the Gambia Press Union, encouraged the certified trainees to utilize their newly acquired skills to effect positive change and promote good governance. “Remember, you now have the tools to create change and uphold good governance,” Joof reminded the graduates.

The training initiative by MAJaC and the US Embassy signifies a robust effort to empower Gambian change-makers, equipping them with the necessary skills to advocate for transparency, accountability, and democratic values. The commitment to fostering a well-informed and proactive civil society and media underscores a shared vision for a brighter, more democratic future for The Gambia.

By Alieu Jallow

The Public Utility and Regulatory Authority concluded a four-day health, safety, and environment training for seventy petroleum road tanker drivers on Thursday.

The training aimed to ensure that tanker truck drivers meet the mandatory health and safety requirements for transporting dangerous goods and to enhance their competence in defensive driving.

Oil tanker trucks, designed to transport large quantities of fuel across countries or regions, lack the agility of smaller vehicles due to their size and weight. Therefore, operating these tankers demands extra care and skill.

In The Gambia, accidents have frequently resulted from driving negligence due to distractions such as phone use, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and speeding.

In response, PURA, the regulator for downstream petroleum, organized this training to bolster health and safety standards in the petroleum industry.

At the closing ceremony, Solo Seyma, Deputy Managing Director of PURA, expressed his confidence and encouraged the participants to utilize the acquired skills and knowledge to collectively enhance health and safety in the petroleum sector.

“I would like to urge all the participants to apply and share the knowledge gathered here so that we can collectively improve health and safety in the petroleum sector. Feel free to continue engaging us, ask questions, and share your insights. Let’s continue working as partners because we are collectively in this together,” he said.

The PURA deputy harbours the hope that the training will establish a solid foundation and act as a strong incentive for enhanced partnerships aimed at improving compliance and fortifying the regulatory framework to ensure better health and safety practices for everyone.

A participant, representing the others, guaranteed the authorities that they would apply the knowledge acquired effectively.

The training encompassed various modules, including Defensive Driving, Spill Prevention and Response, Vehicle Stability and Dynamics, Tyre Safety, Specific Driving Conditions, and Traffic Regulations and Signs, among others.

Banjul, Gambia – Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe of Banjul extended a warm welcome to His Worship José Medina Lobato, Mayor of the City of Bissau, and his distinguished delegation during their recent visit to Banjul. The visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties through twinning cooperation in trade, culture, and sports, marked a significant milestone for both cities.

“It is with great pleasure and honor that I welcome my brother, His Worship José Medina Lobato, the Mayor of the City of Bissau, and his distinguished delegation to the vibrant city of Banjul,” Mayor Lowe stated. “This visit marks a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen the ties between our two cities through twinning cooperation in trade, culture, and sports.”

“Banjul, our beloved capital, is not only a city of rich cultural heritage but also a hub of dynamic youth engagement and thriving women-led trade activities,” Mayor Lowe emphasized. “Our youths are the pride of our city; they actively participate in sports and excel in various fields of endeavor. Their energy and eagerness embody the spirit of Banjul’s future.”

“I extend my sincere appreciation to the Deputy Mayor, Councillors, CEO, and his team for organizing such a well-structured program,” Mayor Lowe expressed. “I also thank all the journalists who attended the event. To the REFELA (Network of Locally Elected Women of Africa) executive, under the leadership of Madam Isatou Njie, I cannot thank you enough for your contributions.”

REFELA, under the leadership of Madam Isatou Njie, is a network that empowers women in local governance across Africa, advocating for gender equality and community development. Their involvement in facilitating exchanges between cities like Banjul and Bissau highlights their commitment to fostering cooperation that benefits communities across the continent.

The visit concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering collaborations that promote cultural exchange and community empowerment between Banjul and Bissau. As both cities continue to explore opportunities for mutual growth, Mayor Lowe emphasized the importance of building bridges that strengthen ties and celebrate shared values.

The event underscored Banjul’s role as a cultural and economic hub in West Africa, showcasing its commitment to international partnerships that benefit its residents and promote regional cooperation.

By: Dawda Baldeh

Operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) have arrested over twenty (20) suspected Nigerian online scammers, the agency announced on Thursday.

The agency’s Public Relations Officer, Ousman Saidybah, told The Fatu Network that the operation was successful through their cooperation with the Immigration Department and the Police Intervention Unit.

“The operation led to the arrest of twenty Nigerian citizens suspected of online scamming, documentation fraud, and other forms of crimes,” he said.

According to the agency, fifteen of the suspects were arrested with twenty-three (23) laptops and eighteen (18) mobile phones at Wullinkama, while the remaining five (5) suspects were apprehended on Coastal Road with two (2) laptops and ten (10) mobile phones.

Mr. Saidybah further explained that both operations were conducted simultaneously on Thursday, 27th June 2024.

“Operatives also discovered a red plastic container with some quantities of suspected skunk cannabis. The suspects were taken into custody and charged with joint possession of a prohibited drug,” he explained.

He added that the matter concerning suspected online scamming and documentation fraud will be forwarded to The Gambia Police Force and the GID for further investigations and necessary actions based on the outcome of their investigations.

The agency reiterated its commitment to fighting illicit drugs and related activities in the country and urged people to desist from such unlawful activities.

They said this is not the first time foreign nationals have been arrested in connection with suspected criminal activities while acting on tip-offs.

Subsequently, the agency also revealed the arrest of over 49 Sierra Leoneans and one Nigerian citizen in a similar operation. This was made possible with the support of the Police Intervention Unit, the agency said.

DLEAG also referenced other cases of this nature in recent years involving foreign nationals and vowed to take severe action to combat such activities.

By Zackline Colley

In his annual State of the Nation address, President Adama Barrow underscored the crucial role of agriculture and natural resources in The Gambia’s economy, highlighting notable achievements in the 2023 season and outlining ambitious plans for the future.

President Barrow revealed a significant growth in agricultural production, attributing this success to favourable weather conditions and timely government interventions, including free ploughing services, distribution of free seeds, and heavily subsidized fertilizers. As a result, cereal production saw substantial increases: rice by 27%, maize by 25%, millet by 14%, and sorghum by 17%. Cash crops also experienced a boost, with groundnuts up by 12%, cowpeas by 26%, ‘findo’ by 9%, and sesame by 6%.

Despite these gains, agriculture’s contribution to the GDP slightly decreased to 24.4% in 2023 from 25.7% in 2022, marking a 0.2 percentage point decline. However, the sector’s growth remains a cornerstone of the nation’s economy.

“Looking ahead to the 2024/2025 cropping season, the government has earmarked GMD 1.5 billion for the purchase of 36,659 metric tonnes of groundnuts, a significant increase from the 10,000 metric tonnes acquired in the previous season. Plans are also in place to cultivate 5,000 hectares of rice, a target that could increase with the involvement of registered commercial farmers,” he said.

He added that to support national food security, the government will procure 180 tractors and 20 rotavator boats for year-round use. Efforts to enhance rice processing will be bolstered through integrated equipment, training for processors, and expanded irrigation facilities.

Additionally, President Barrow announced plans to distribute seeds for rice, groundnuts, maize, and beans to farmers, along with subsidized fertilizers available at various locations across the country.

In a bid to improve financial inclusivity, matching grant funds will be extended to microfinance institutions operating at the grassroots level. The government also aims to integrate modern technologies, such as ICT for Internet banking and mobile phones, into farming communities and establish at least five agricultural insurance schemes to mitigate risks in agricultural lending. These schemes will be managed through public-private partnerships.

Among other interventions, The Gambia Agricultural Transformation Programme will strengthen both the public and private sectors across the agricultural value chain, focusing on sustainable management of natural resources to bolster food and nutrition security.

President Barrow’s address highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture and ensuring the sector’s growth continues to contribute significantly to the nation’s economy.

By Alieu Jallow

Following the conviction of three women in September 2023 for performing FGM on eight girls under five years old, a controversy emerged, sparking widespread public outcry.

In February, the Women Amendment Bill 2024 was introduced by Almameh Gibba, National Assembly Member (NAM) for Foni Kansala. The bill passed the first and second readings, with the latter referred to the ABC committee of the National Assembly for consultations and dialogue.

As the bill is scheduled to be presented to parliament on July 4th, 2024, the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA), a pan-African NGO working to promote human rights awareness in Africa and enhance the effectiveness of the African Human Rights system, in partnership with the National Human Rights Commission, is organising a roundtable discussion with media personnel. This collective advocacy aims to maintain the criminalisation of FGM/C in The Gambia.

The primary objective of the discussion is to provide participants with sufficient information to strengthen their voices against the repeal and reaffirm The Gambia’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on FGM/C, gender equity, and women’s rights by upholding and enforcing the law that criminalizes the practice in the country.

Officials expect renewed calls for the Gambian government to honour its commitments and obligations under national, regional, and international law to protect and promote women’s rights.

They also anticipate generating action to support the fight against the decriminalization of FGM/C, with the hope that participants will pledge their commitment to enhancing the protection and promotion of women’s and girls’ rights in The Gambia.

The practice, deeply ingrained in the ethnic, traditional, cultural, and religious beliefs of most Gambians, is considered to contravene universal values, including the rights to equality, human dignity, and freedom from cruel and inhuman treatment.

By: Alieu Jallow

Tabou Sarr Njie, the country representative of the Westminster Foundation in The Gambia, says many important issues discussed in parliament are underreported.

Madam Sarr underscores the critical role of journalists in bringing to light some of the significant decisions discussed and passed in parliament. She emphasizes that these unreported decisions have a direct impact on the everyday lives of the average Gambian.

The Westminster Foundation stresses the importance of capacity building for media personnel to ensure their participation in public debates on parliamentary decisions. The institution sees the need to build the capacity of journalists as part of efforts to strengthen democracy worldwide.

“Democracy is all about participation, inclusion, and everyone having an opinion on what’s going on and what’s being discussed in parliament. Journalists have the advantage of collecting all the information and sharing it with the public. That’s why we believe that enhancing or building the capacity of media personnel is crucial. Once they have the knowledge and skills, they will be able to report efficiently,” she outlined.

Muhammed MS Bah, President of the Gambia Press Union, stated that in today’s rapidly evolving media environment, digital literacy has become indispensable.

“Journalists must not only be adept at utilizing digital tools and platforms but also critically analyze information, distinguish between credible sources and misinformation, and effectively communicate with diverse audiences. This training is designed to address these needs, providing participants with the expertise required to thrive in the digital age,” Bah stated.

Twenty journalists are currently undergoing a two-day training on parliamentary reporting, ethical reporting, and digital literacy.

By Mama A. Touray

Justice Ebrima Jaiteh has called for a two-hour recess in the corruption trial of three Ministry of Health officials before him, instructing the Director of Public Prosecutions, AM Yusuf, to provide the defence with the cautionary statements of the accused.

This request was made after the Director of Public Prosecutions Yusuf applied for the court to admit the documents into evidence, leading to an objection from counsel F Jallow, the lawyer for the accused.

Counsel F Jallow argued that they had not been served with the statements and that the two they were served with did not have the signatures of the independent witness.

Further, it was argued that the statements were not obtained voluntarily, and in the interest of justice, the defence wanted the DPP to provide them with all the copies to review.

In response, DP Yusuf stated that he had served the defence with all the cautionary statements, including the witness statements. He argued that even if the defence were not served the documents, this was not a ground for objection in admitting these documents as evidence.

Counsel F Jallow further argued that they needed all the copies of the documents to proceed with the matter because they did not know the content of the documents to be tendered.

Justice Jaiteh opined that it would be fair for the defence to have access to the documents, go through them, and have a conference with the accused even if the court was not served with copies of some of the documents.

The case was scheduled to continue at 3 pm for the continuation of the hearing.