By: Dawda Baldeh

The leader of the opposition Gambia Action Party, Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, has called for respect and tolerance in the ongoing debate surrounding Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Batchilly emphasized that FGM is often rooted in religious beliefs rather than solely being a cultural tradition, and therefore, a nuanced discussion is necessary.

He argued that advocating for the acceptance of FGM does not undermine democratic principles but rather highlights the importance of respecting diverse religious practices.

Batchilly further stated that the proposed bill supporting the practice of FGM aims to address the religious motivations behind this tradition.

He urged Parliamentarians to prioritize passing this bill to strike a balance between cultural sensitivity and religious freedom.

However, he clarified that supporting the practice of FGM does not negate the need for regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of those involved.

Batchilly also highlighted the importance of addressing other pressing issues such as corruption, nepotism, bribery, laziness, and embezzlement of public funds, which directly impact the nation’s well-being.

He urged Parliamentarians to actively work towards legislation that combats these issues while safeguarding the rights of women.

Batchilly emphasized that drawing comparisons between FGM and unrelated issues such as LGBTQIA rights can be misleading, as each matter requires individual consideration.

He called upon Parliamentarians to focus on creating legislation that addresses various concerns without pitting them against each other.

In conclusion, Batchilly stressed the need for a democratic state to respect diverse religious practices while ensuring the well-being and rights of all citizens.

He urged Parliamentarians to protect individual freedoms, even when faced with controversial issues, and promote understanding and tolerance in recognition of the fact that diversity is an integral part of a democratic society.

By: Adama Sanneh

Peace Hub The Gambia has initiated a three-day capacity-building training for the National Youth Council and civil society organizations on the development of the first-ever national action plan on youth, peace, and security in The Gambia. In collaboration with GIZ and the African Union office, the training aims to equip relevant stakeholders with the necessary knowledge to effectively participate in the development of the national action plan on youth, peace, and security.

Co-founder and National Programs Coordinator of Peace Hub The Gambia, Bakary Sonko, emphasized the importance of training stakeholders with the requisite knowledge to develop the national action plan. He mentioned that The Gambia is set to become the fourth country globally to have a national action plan, having ratified the United Nations Security Council resolutions 22:50, 24:19, and 35:25 respectively. He stated, “The training is intended to capacitate and prepare young people and stakeholders on the exact processes involved in developing a national action plan. The National Action Plan is a tool to ensure the implementation of the government’s commitment to international law.”

Sonko stressed the importance of adequately equipping those responsible for policy implementation to advance the regularization of policies. He explained, “The training will unfold in two phases: this week, we will commence capacity-building training with CSOs, starting today, and next week, we will conduct training with the national assembly members who are crucial stakeholders in the NAP development process.”

The CSOs will be mandated to critique the policy’s content to ensure its alignment with the realities of the Gambian people. Cherno Gaye, Program Manager at Activista The Gambia, highlighted the significance of youth participation in developing such a document. He remarked, “The Gambia is undergoing a transitional justice process, and the peace-building process is a significant aspect of it. I believe this training will empower us young people from civil society organizations to actively participate in developing this document and articulate the concerns of young people regarding its development.”

Gaye also underscored the timeliness of the training, noting that it goes beyond imparting knowledge to participants, enabling them to represent the voices of young people who may not be part of the training.

By: Alieu Jallow

On Thursday, February 22nd, the Gambia’s OIC Secretariat hosted media chiefs and senior journalists from across the country, representing print, community radio, online, and broadcast media. The meeting aimed to solicit partnership with the media, recognizing their crucial role in fostering development. Additionally, the gathering provided an opportunity to update the media on the upcoming OIC summit scheduled for May 4th-5th, 2024, and to seek their collaboration.

Yankuba Dibba, the CEO of the OIC Secretariat, emphasized the crucial role the media can play in the successful hosting of the summit. He highlighted that The Gambia is the second non-sub-Saharan country in Africa to host the second-largest summit, next only to the UN General Assembly. Dibba stressed that history can only be written through the media and underscored their key role in the summit’s success.

Dibba outlined, “The OIC summit is not merely a meeting or summit but a national project. It is unprecedented since our founding in 1965. We have not undertaken such a comprehensive project within such a short timeframe, mobilizing resources to provide The Gambia with a complete facelift in terms of infrastructure and diplomatic relations. In this journey, we need partners, and you are our primary partners because, after all, history is recorded through the media.”

Speaking on behalf of the media, Ade Drammeh, the editor-in-chief of QTV, discussed how the media can ensure that the summit leaves a lasting legacy by portraying a positive image of The Gambia.

“In an era where information is abundant and instantaneous, the media’s role in shaping narratives is undeniable. We have a responsibility to ensure that discussions at the summit are not based on rumor and gossip but are informed, balanced, and constructive. We must prioritize accuracy over sensationalism and context over controversy, thereby contributing to more public discussion and encouraging meaningful dialogue,” Ade emphasized.

Nfally Fadera, head of Brand and Communication, briefed the media on the Secretariat’s action plans and some of the registered targets, which include the completion of the VVIP lounge at the airport, training of security officers, ushers, and the significance of the summit to the country’s socioeconomic development.

The 15th edition of the Islamic summit is scheduled to commence with a meeting of senior officials from April 30th to May 1st, followed by meetings of foreign ministers from May 2nd to 3rd, and finally, the meeting of kings, presidents, sultans, prime ministers, rulers, and other world leaders from the 57 member states on May 4th-5th, under the theme “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development.”

By: Dawda Baldeh

Haddy Njie, a local Bureau De Change worker, finds herself in distress after unidentified men left her with counterfeit dollar notes amounting to $600 in Brikama and absconded with D37,850.

Reportedly, the unidentified men arrived in a yellow taxi at the bureau on Wednesday, February 22nd, where they exchanged the fake dollar notes for Gambian dalasis.

Haddy, who relies on her modest salary to support her family, expressed profound anguish over the incident, stating that the obligation to repay the money weighs heavily on her.

“The two men visited my bureau to exchange foreign currency. When asked about the dollar exchange rate, I informed them that it was 67 dalasis per dollar. One of them indicated they wanted to exchange $600, but I didn’t have enough funds at the bureau at the time.

“They suggested I exchange $300 for them, and when my boss sent the money, they requested to exchange the remaining $600. I informed them that I didn’t have enough funds and could only exchange $550, equivalent to D37,850…” she explained.

To her dismay, it was later discovered by her boss, during the reconciliation of daily transactions, that the dollar notes were counterfeit.

“When I balanced the accounts, my boss informed me that the dollar notes were fake. I was shocked and speechless. It’s difficult to discern; the notes appeared genuine… When I attempted to contact the number they provided, a lady answered and claimed not to know anyone named Alhagie who had visited the bureau for currency exchange,” she recounted.

Despite making repeated calls, the person who answered accused them of being a nuisance and instructed them not to call again.

“The next day, I called again, and the woman, who resides in Farafenni, reported the matter to the police.

“The two men provided fake contact details, and even the names they provided were fictitious,” she added.

This incident adds to Haddy’s financial strain as she was already repaying debts after mistakenly overpaying an elderly woman a few weeks prior.

“Just a few weeks ago, an elderly woman came to exchange Euros, and I inadvertently overpaid her. I attempted to recover the excess payment, but unfortunately, it proved futile,” she informed The Fatu Network.

Haddy revealed that her monthly salary is meager, and she hasn’t received payment for the past month due to the previous overpayment incident.

“Since this ordeal, I haven’t slept. I’ve spent the days in tears, as I’m now working solely to repay debts without any personal benefit.

“My family relies on my income, but it’s disheartening to encounter such dishonest individuals,” she lamented.

Haddy emphasized that repaying D37,850 is an immense burden for her. “This means I’ll be working the entire year to settle this debt,” she remarked.

Distressed, saddened, and frustrated, Haddy appeals for assistance in recovering the debt she now owes the company, urging the public to come forward with any information regarding the perpetrators.

“According to company policy, any mistakes resulting in overpayment are deducted from your salary, which is particularly painful for me as a young woman striving to make ends meet,” she concluded.

By: Dawda Baldeh

The CEO of ALVIHAG supermarket, Vijay Aswani, has initiated a year-long food donation program to Kanifing General Hospital, with an estimated value of fifty thousand dalasis worth of food items per month.

The first phase of the donated food items includes ten 50kg bags of rice, five bags of onions, five gallons of cooking oil, and two bags of 50kg sugar, amounting to fifty thousand dalasis in total.

In a symbolic tribute to their late son, Vicky Kodwani, ALVIHAG has committed to supporting the hospital with food provisions for one year.

“I have decided to support the hospital with fifty thousand (D50,000) worth of food items every month for one year. This gesture serves as a remembrance for my late beloved son Vicky Kodwani, who passed away last year,” said Vijay Aswani, CEO of ALVIHAG.

This benevolent act has brought a sense of happiness and remembrance to both the ALVIHAG family and the hospital.

By dedicating this humanitarian gesture to their late son, ALVIHAG CEO Vicky Aswani pays his respects and explains the reason behind initiating this philanthropic mission to the hospital.

Appreciating this symbolic honor, the hospital considers the gesture invaluable in addressing the food demands required for patient care.

The hospital commends ALVIHAG CEO for his contribution in supporting the patients.

Commending Mr. Vicky for his assistance, Basiru Drammeh, the CEO of Kanifing General Hospital, and Alieu Kummeh, the storekeeper, acknowledge the financial burden that the hospital incurs when providing meals for patients.

“This is the first time in history we have received such support. Donors come and go, but to have someone support the feeding of patients for a year is happening for the first time. We thank ALVIHAG for the timely and beneficial support and pray that Allah forgives their beloved son,” testified Drammeh.

“Feeding is a challenge in the hospital, and we are spending three hundred and fifty thousand dalasis on feeding patients yearly. This gesture is beneficial to us and will reduce feeding costs,” said Mr. Kummeh, the Hospital’s storekeeper.

Jarriatou Jarju, Head of the hospital’s kitchen, and Isatou Samba, a senior staff member, both emphasize the importance of this gesture and urge other businessmen, particularly Gambians, to follow Vicky’s example by making generous donations.

“Words are not enough to show how happy we are. The food items will benefit all patients that come to the hospital,” said Jarriatou.

Isatou Samba also prays for Allah to forgive Mr. Aswani’s son and admit him to Jannatul Firdaws, saying the gesture is symbolic of mercy.

This donation marks the beginning of ALVIHAG’s monthly commitment over one year, providing the hospital with food items worth fifty thousand dalasis every month.

By: Alieu Jallow

In the ongoing voir dire (preliminary trial) concerning the allegations made by defense counsel Lamin J Darboe that his client was drugged and beaten to provide a confession and voluntary statement during an investigation, Alieu Cham, on Tuesday, February 20th, informed the high court presided over by Justice Ebrima Jaiteh that he had informed Detective Ebou Sowe of the Police anti-crime unit that he couldn’t speak Wollof.

Independent witness Cham stated that Detective Ebou Sowe sometimes spoke in Wollof and Mandinka. When questioned by defense counsel Lamin J Darboe about whether Sowe was speaking exclusively in Wollof and not Mandinka, Cham affirmed that it could be possible, as he wasn’t paying much attention to that.

“You mentioned to this court that sometimes Mr. Sowe speaks Wollof and Mandinka,” asked Counsel J Darboe.

“Yes, the first day they were speaking both Mandinka and Wollof, but the second incident, they were speaking only Mandinka,” narrated independent witness Cham.

Mr. Cham further informed the court that Sowe brought the charge sheets against the first accused person, Ousainou Bojang, but he had no clue about them, and even the first accused person denies the charges. When asked why his presence at the airport police station was recorded and not on Friday, September 15th, 2023, Cham told the court that his initial presence at the police anti-crime unit was not related to this case but rather to an issue regarding a white customer to whom he had sold a car. Due to mistrust between the white lady and his partner, he was called by the white lady to meet her at the Anti-crime complex. It was only then that Detective Sowe approached him to serve as an independent witness, which, according to him, he was not comfortable with in the least.

Accordingly, Cham further told the court that he abruptly informed Sowe that he was at the complex on a separate mission and thus had little time to spend in the Saud jurisdiction.

“Did Sowe allow you to make or receive calls?” the defense counsel asked.

“Yes, I received about three calls, one of them from my boys, telling them to proceed to the football,” Cham responded.

Counsel J Darboe asserted to the witness that he knew Sowe very well and that Sowe lived in the same area with him before he relocated to Salagi. In response, Alieu Cham vehemently denied this, stressing that he never knew Ebou Sowe before and that he swore on the Quran to speak only what he knew.

The case was adjourned to February 26th when the first accused person, Ousainou Bojang, will commence his testimony in the voir dire.

By: Alieu Jallow

The Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah, expressed fury over the current work pace of the Bundung road construction. Minister Sillah stated that they cannot accept any further delays from the contractor due to miscommunication among the consultant, contractor, and subcontractors, which he deemed unacceptable under contract management.

“We have made our opinion known to the contractor, and we have also informed them that under no circumstances and in no uncertain terms would we allow this work to extend beyond March for Bundung. This community is heavily populated, so closing the road from one section to another has posed immense challenges and inconveniences for the people.”

Minister Sillah emphasized that they would work tirelessly to expedite the road project to alleviate the burden on the people, and therefore, all other excuses are not acceptable, and the contractor should expedite the progress.

The relocation of service and NAWEC water pipes was presented as a major delay to the project. However, the Transport, Works, and Infrastructure Minister disagreed with this, noting that 70%-80% was completed by Gamtel and NAWEC, thus deeming the contractor’s claims disproportionate, and a few poles found on the road should not hinder the work.

“Our point has been made clear, and we will continue to work with the contractor for this lot to ensure that this particular stretch of road is expedited.”

Momodou Sowe, the contract manager for SSTP, attributed the indecisiveness to the relocation of the service poles and NAWEC water supply pipes, highlighting that it was not part of the initial contract agreement and described it as a new contract for them.

“There was an agreement by all stakeholders in this project to complete the relocation by the end of April 2023, and it is still ongoing. So, where is the mistake?” Sowe stressed.

The Bundung highway connects Serrekunda and Latrikunda, serving as a major road that helps decongest the Trans Gambia highway. The contractor assured that they would work tirelessly to meet the deadline or drastically reduce the delay by increasing working hours, resources, and subcontractors.

By: Dawda Baldeh

In commemoration of Gambia’s 59th Independence Anniversary, independent presidential aspirant Mamadou Bah, also known as Obama, has called on the government to create more job opportunities for the country’s young people.

He also suggested remarking the borders between Gambia and Senegal.

Bah believes that the anniversary is a time for celebration and reflection on the sacrifices made for independence.

Bah congratulated President Adama Barrow and the first family on this occasion.

He emphasized the urgent needs of the country, such as achieving food security and national peace.

He commended President Barrow for initiating the National Consultative Dialogue, referring to it as a collaborative effort that requires the care and responsibility of every participant to grow.

Addressing the issue of irregular migration and its impact on families, Bah stressed the need to find a solution for a better future for the younger generation.

He proposed job creation in the agricultural sector, urging the Minister of Agriculture to establish national farms for the youth.

“This initiative, if properly organized, could enhance both food security and employment opportunities, as well as reduce crime and drug trafficking among young people,” he said.

Bah believes that access to opportunities gives meaning and purpose to the hard-won freedoms and rights of individuals.

He emphasized the importance of a growing economy and an educated society in providing dignity through work.

Additionally, he called on the government to provide social assistance to Gambians facing circumstances beyond their control, stating that poverty and hardship should not deprive anyone of their opportunities.

Regarding security and sovereignty, Bah argued that peace and security in the country cannot be achieved without proper border security and identification.

He suggested remarking on the border between Gambia and Senegal, as many of the border custodians have passed away, relocated, or lack education.

He urged President Barrow to engage with President Macky Sall of Senegal to ensure that the borders are properly marked, emphasizing the importance of this for future peace between the two countries.

In conclusion, Bah believes that reactivating and properly marking the borders will contribute significantly to preserving national peace and heritage in Gambia.

By: GAP Party Leader

As the Gambia celebrates 59 years of nationhood, it is crucial to reflect on the journey of this sovereign state and examine the challenges it faces in achieving true self-reliance.

Despite attaining independence, the Gambia finds itself grappling with a complex web of dependencies, relying heavily on foreign aid to fuel its developmental aspirations.

Historical Context:

Since gaining independence, the Gambia has struggled to break free from the shackles of external dependence.

The initial euphoria of self-rule has been overshadowed by the persistent need for foreign assistance.

The country, instead of standing tall as a self-sufficient entity, has found itself in a paradoxical situation, importing more than it exports.

This raises questions about the sustainability of its developmental trajectory and the long-term impact on its economic stability.

Economic Imbalance:

One of the glaring issues is the trade imbalance, where the nation remains a net importer.

This imbalance not only weakens the national economy but also hinders the country’s ability to fund its programs and policies independently.

The continuous reliance on foreign aid creates a cycle of dependency that undermines the very essence of sovereignty.

Foreign Assistance and Policies:

While foreign aid can provide short-term relief and support, the country must reassess its approach to development.

Relying solely on external funding can lead to a lack of ownership and control over crucial policies.

It is imperative for the Gambia to develop sustainable internal mechanisms to fund its initiatives, ensuring that the nation’s destiny remains firmly in its own hands.

Investment in Domestic Industries:

To pave the way forward, the Gambia should prioritize the development of domestic industries.

Fostering a robust and diversified economy will not only boost exports but also generate employment opportunities, reducing reliance on foreign aid.

Strategic investments in key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and manufacturing can create a solid foundation for economic self-sufficiency.

Education and Innovation:

Investing in education and innovation is another crucial aspect of building a self-reliant nation.

By nurturing a skilled workforce and fostering a culture of innovation, the Gambia can position itself as a global player, attracting investment and reducing dependency on external support.

In conclusion, as the country reflects on its 59 years of nationhood, it stands at a crossroads.

The path to true independence requires a concerted effort to break free from the chains of dependency.

By prioritizing domestic industries, implementing sound economic policies, and fostering a culture of innovation, The Gambia can pave the way towards becoming a truly self-reliant and sovereign state.

The journey may be challenging, but the rewards of genuine independence are worth the commitment and perseverance.