By: The Fatu Network Editorial

A trial began on Tuesday (yesterday) concerning the tragic deaths of young children last year, attributed to a cough syrup produced by Maiden Pharmaceuticals, an India-based company.

Approximately 70 children, aged 5 and under, lost their lives in 2022 after ingesting the over-the-counter medication, sparking a nationwide outcry.

Justice Ebrima Jaiteh from the High Court in Banjul decided to adjourn the proceedings until November 7, citing the lack of diligence on the part of three state defendants who failed to appear.

In July, nineteen plaintiffs, representing the families of the deceased children, initiated a civil lawsuit. Salieu Taal, the President of The Gambia Bar Association, and one of the legal representatives, confirmed this.

The families are taking legal action against five entities—Maiden Pharmaceuticals, local distributor Atlantic Pharmaceuticals, the Medical Controls Agency (MCA), the Ministry of Health, and Attorney General Dawda A. Jallow. Their objective is to compel these entities to acknowledge that the children’s deaths resulted from the consumption of contaminated medicines.

Additionally, the families are seeking an admission that the MCA neglected its statutory duty to regulate the quality and safety of medicines. They are demanding compensation of 15 million Dalasis (approximately $230,000) per child in damages. Notably, none of the five defendants were present during the proceedings on Tuesday.

Despite requests from the health ministry, MCA, and the attorney general for a delay in the trial’s commencement, the judge dismissed the motion.

By: The Fatu Network Editorial

Over the past week, The Fatu Network has been investigating allegations of fraud involving Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly, the leader of the opposition Gambia Action Party (GAP), and one Muhammed Gaye. Our investigations show that the two have collected more than Two Million Dalasis (D2M) from different individuals whom they promised to take to Nicaragua.

Speaking to TFN, Babucarr Jagne, an alleged victim, stated that Batchilly collected a sum of five hundred and two thousand Dalasis (D500,200) from him, as per their agreement for him to travel from Banjul to Nicaragua.

According to Babucarr, a farmer, the money was paid by his father in Europe. When asked whom he paid the money to, Babucarr said, “I paid directly to Batchilly because he is my leader. I paid two hundred and fifty thousand Dalasis (250,000) for the visa process, one hundred and ninety thousand Dalasis (D190,000) for the air ticket, and another ninety thousand Dalasis (D90,000) to his (Batchilly’s) account,” he explained.

An Eco-Bank receipt obtained by this medium indicated a sum of ninety thousand dalasis (D90,000) was deposited into Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly’s account on March 1st 2023.

“When I was in Istanbul, Batchilly promised to send us a continuation ticket to Nicaragua, and after paying one thousand one hundred dollars ($1,100.00), he stopped picking up our calls until we got deported after spending twenty-one days in Istanbul without getting a continuation ticket to Nicaragua,” he added.

To confirm the payment of the said amount in dollars, TFN requested a receipt, which Babucarr was able to provide. The receipt from a local travel agency indicated a payment of one thousand and one hundred dollars ($1,100.00), made by Musa Ousainou Yali Batchilly on July 24th 2023.

Furthermore, investigations revealed that Faye Biram and six others paid Muhammed Gaye a sum of Two Hundred and Forty Thousand Dalasis (D240,000) on September 23 2023. Gaye is said to be the agent working with Batchilly on the Banjul-Nicaragua travel deal.

Videos of individuals stranded at Istanbul airport, sleeping in uncomfortable places within the airport, who were part of Batchilly’s mission to Nicaragua, have been obtained by this medium. These individuals accused Mr. Batchilly of robbing them of their hard-earned money and called on the authorities to help, describing the act as “criminal.”

Faye Biram, a victim, also provided a receipt of Two Million and Three Hundred Dalasis (D2,300,000.00) paid for six people, each a sum of Six thousand US Dollars ($6000), who are part of the payment for Nicaragua on the 20th September 2023.

“Batchilly is a criminal. Since he took our money, he keeps moving from one apartment to another. We are very disappointed in him, and we must get our money back if he cannot take us,” she told this medium.

According to several people we have interacted with in gathering facts, only a few gave money to Batchilly directly, while hundreds of others were paying Muhammed Gaye, who is said to be the agent working with Batchilly on this deal.

“We paid our monies to Muhammed Gaye, but we only came to know Batchilly is the brain behind this when things started going wrong,” she said.

This medium has also received a series of complaints from different individuals accusing the Gambia Action Party leader of fraud, while others took the matter to social media platforms such as Tik-Tok.

However, Batchilly’s party (GAP) has earlier denied the claims that their leader has scammed people, saying the mission is to empower young people through travel.

“Batchilly is committed to empowering young people through travel, and this is why he came up with such an initiative to charter a flight to take young people to Nicaragua. However, the party also outlined several factors that led to the delay of the chartered flight, such as getting a landing permit from Gambia Civil Aviation Authority.”

By: Alieu Jallow

The Vice-chair of the National Assembly Select Committee on Environment, Hon. Essa Conteh, NAM for Jimara, expressed his dissatisfaction in an exclusive interview with The Fatu Network reporter. He criticized the National Environmental Agency’s (NEA) explanation for delaying the effective implementation of anti-littering laws, particularly their claim of waiting for the President to use public media for the declaration.

Hon. Conteh disclosed that during the committee’s summoning of the agency, their excuse did not resonate with him, considering the agency’s mandate.

“To me, the excuses are not genuine because the former President made the declaration, known to every individual in the country. The agency is mandated to carry it out. However, they argue that since the former President made the declaration, people believe the law belongs to him. They feel the current regime needs to make another declaration for people to recognize its existence.”

Conteh emphasized that the agency should be actively apprehending and prosecuting offenders to make the law’s existence evident, rather than offering flimsy excuses. He admitted that the committee has not taken strict measures against the agency but highlighted the committee’s determination for more stringent actions to ensure the agency’s functionality.

“On our side, I think we haven’t been too assertive with them. It’s about time we focus on these issues to ensure the laws are implemented more effectively.”

When questioned about the timeline for the select committee’s action against the agency to fully implement anti-littering laws, Conteh expressed optimism for swift action. He mentioned plans to draw the committee’s attention to revisit laws, making amendments to outdated ones or repealing them for the development of functional laws addressing environmental challenges.

Conteh acknowledged the lack of capacity among his committee members but stressed the significance of the Local Conference of Youth (LCOY). He noted that it provided him with an opportunity to enhance his knowledge and capacity in understanding a wide range of environmental matters, aiding in the execution of his oversight functions.

By: Alieu Jallow

In response to the recent circulation of images depicting a killed and slaughtered hippo gifted to President Adama Barrow, the Gambia Environmental Alliance, alongside a coalition of concerned citizens, passionate wildlife enthusiasts, and dedicated conservation advocates, stands united in vehemently condemning this appalling incident involving the unlawful killing of a hippopotamus.

The environmental alliance believes that the act not only flagrantly violates the laws of the land but also strikes at the heart of its collective dedication to preserving and safeguarding the natural environment with its diverse and flourishing ecosystem. The Gambia is home to a plethora of precious wildlife, including the protected hippopotamus.

“We urgently implore His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, to issue a resounding denouncement of this appalling act and to swiftly implement decisive measures that guarantee the prevention of such heinous deeds within our borders. As a nation, we look to our esteemed leader to reinforce our unwavering commitment to the preservation of our wildlife and the conservation of our natural heritage.”

In light of this, GEA calls upon the President to reaffirm the Banjul Declaration of 1977, a significant accord dedicated to the protection of African wildlife and the preservation of the Gambia’s precious environment. Reinvigorating this declaration can rekindle the collective dedication to the principles of sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the safeguarding of unique and invaluable wildlife.

“The tragic demise of the hippopotamus serves as a stark reminder that our endeavors to shield our environment and its inhabitants must be continual and resolute. It is imperative that as a nation, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of our natural heritage, ensuring its preservation for the generations to come. Instances such as this not only warrant condemnation but must serve as a clarion call for the intensification of our conservation efforts.”

Similarly, they are urging all citizens, organizations, and members of the global community to join forces in securing the protection of the environment and its diverse inhabitants with the hope that this unfortunate incident marks a turning point, prompting unity in the shared duty to safeguard the nation’s ecological treasures.

“The Gambia Environmental Alliance remains resolutely committed to the protection of The Gambia’s environment and wildlife, and eagerly anticipates collaborating with all stakeholders in the relentless pursuit of preventing such atrocities and upholding the richness of our nation’s biodiversity.”

By: Dawda Baldeh

Abdoulie Ceesay, the National Assembly Member for Old Yundum Constituency (OYC), has informed The Fatu Network that he has engaged with the National Road Authority (NRA), and they are committed to swiftly addressing the issues with the road network.

Ceesay acknowledged the frustrations and hardships faced by his constituents when using what he described as a poorly maintained road.

“I acknowledge that the current conditions are unbearable for road users, and I want you to know that the government, through the National Road Authority, is committed to taking action to rehabilitate the road network as soon as possible,” he said.

Ceesay understands the importance of the Coastal Road highway to his constituents as a crucial artery that connects communities within the OYC areas.

He described the road as an essential economic lifeline for businesses, tourists, and other commuters who rely on it for their livelihoods.

“Unfortunately, the Coastal Road highway has not received the proper attention and resources it needs to maintain a safe and efficient system for all users. This is also because The Gambia maintains a small budget that cannot cover all government development projects concurrently.

The National Road Authority has acknowledged this situation and is preparing a plan of action to improve the road network,” he explained.

Ceesay expressed confidence that this plan will bring relief to all road users and ensure a safe and reliable roadway system.

However, he noted that this process may take some time, but he urged constituents to bear with the situation while he engages with NRA for the swift maintenance of the road.

“NRA is working diligently on a plan to improve the roads and ensure they are well-maintained and safe. However, we also recognize that this is not solely a technical issue. It is a social issue that requires meaningful collaboration between all stakeholders to ensure sustainable solutions are implemented,” he added.

Ceesay further encouraged community stakeholders such as local businesses, residents, public authorities, and others to help identify solutions that will work best for everyone.

“We are grateful for your patience as we work towards making the Coastal Road highway safe and efficient again. This is not an easy task, but with your help and support, I am confident we will be able to make the necessary changes,” he concluded.