By any objective analysis, this is a new low and unprecedented in the history of Gambian journalism and in our politics. This is no longer about policy, civility, decency or even temperament. This is a direct threat to violence, hate speech, platform for broadcasting of hate and incitement to violence, misinformation, and direct threat to individuals. It is not just against the norms of Gambian politics and journalism, this raises a serious question of whether it is ethical practice of the craft. If any other citizen had raised about unethical journalism, would the Gambia Press Union be investigating?

To anyone who still pretends this type of journalism in the Gambia is normal journalism and politics, history is watching. And I suspect its verdict will be harsh. Many have tried to do a side-shuffle and issue statements saying they strongly disagree with those rhetoric but still support their political leaders. That is becoming woefully insufficient. The rhetoric is the unethical behavior and practice of journalism.

Professionals in every field of endeavor, by their training, are assumed to be capable of making judgements and applying acquired skills to arrive at informed decisions while dealing with their clients.

In journalism, dealing with a mass clientele that requires timely, and credible information to make socio-political and economic decisions, especially in a democracy, imposes a huge responsibility on practitioners to come across always, as dependable allies in the tasks of human development and nation-building.

Across many nations of the world, codes of ethics for journalists otherwise known as canons of journalism, share common principles of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness and public accountability in news gathering and dissemination.

Any journalism practice therefore, in breach of these commonly shared principles cannot be said to be professional. While the internet has unleashed on the society, a floodgate of citizen journalists, whose excesses and unethical practices can be excused, the role of supposedly trained journalists in the propagation of falsehood, half-truths and deliberate misinformation, through the internet and other mainstream media, is alarming and demands urgent attention from all stakeholders.

In contemporary Gambia stories from rumor mills, and other concocted tales about individuals, public figures and groups make headlines in newspapers and on social media platforms, leaving the subjects thoroughly embarrassed. Such practices not only expose the biases and pecuniary interests of those involved, it also erodes public trust in the journalism profession. This is where we all come in. The unethical conducts of a few, call to question our collective integrity.

Sadly, those who engage in unethical journalism often hide under the cover of press freedom. However, freedom in this regard is not intended as a license to irresponsibility. Press freedom as a watchdog responsibility, is freedom to investigate and bring to public domain, incontrovertible facts about individuals or groups, whether they be economic or political, with a view to holding them accountable to the people they serve.

When journalists become attack dogs and agents of mischief in the hands of political opponents, the result is falsehood, misinformation and general unethical behaviors that are inimical to the peace and progress of society.

Certain politicians will undoubtably issue an explanation; some of their political party surrogates are already engaged in trying to gloss it over, but once the words are out there they cannot be taken back. That is what inciting violence means.

In the Gambia today, unethical journalism has become a source of worry for victims, ethical journalists and other stakeholders, who read daily, misleading headlines and outright lies, as stories in popular local newspapers and on social media.

Constant criticism and portrayal of public officials in bad light with vague and unsubstantiated evidences, clearly contradicts the submission of Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Tumbull that, “The most effective check and balance on government has been an independent press which maintains its credibility by ensuring that its criticism is balanced and based on fact – based indeed on solid journalistic work.”

Truth be told, there is hardly any public figure who does not want to be portrayed in good light. However, if through journalistic investigations, they are found to be enemies of society, there is absolutely nothing wrong in bringing such findings to the knowledge of the public, after due consideration of public good.

But if under the guise of journalism or press freedom, we resort to outright lies, half-truths and malicious media offerings, we would have earned public distrust not just for ourselves, but for every other journalist and media house doing the right thing.

It must be emphasized that no journalist or media house has the right to deliberately lie against any member of the society, whether private or public personality.

However, unnecessary and unabated media attacks on innocent members of the public by some of the local journalists, can create a tensed operational environment, through redress seeking by victims, using law enforcement agents.

While it is unacceptable for any journalist anywhere to be harassed, intimidated or arrested during carrying out his professional responsibilities, it is also not wisdom for journalism practitioners to deliberately malign public officials with false and concocted news stories against them and expect them never to seek redress.

The leadership of the Gambia Press Union, under the leadership of Bai Emily Touray, has over time, sermonized and mounted seminars/workshops on the importance of adhering to ethics. Therefore, fairness and objectivity in news reports should never be sacrificed on the altar of ownership influence. Now is the time to put a stop to unethical journalism in the Gambia and in the Diaspora Gambia.

Sadly, lack of enforcement of existing environmental laws for fear or for other reasons, always has very dire consequences as in the Faraba case. I just read the latest “resolution” dated 21st June 2018 by the National Assembly Members. It is very apparent that these law makers are totally unaware about the existence of NEMA, 1994 and its mandatory requirement to conduct an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) for mining. The paragraph 17 by the NAMs’ “resolution” dated 21st June 2018 is requesting a review with urgency, of the Mines and Quarries Act 2005 to ensure a wide public consultation. Someone should please inform the NAMs that their paragraph 17 is WRONG and totally unnecessary. NEMA passed since 1994 makes it MANDATORY to conduct an EIA, ABSOLUTELY requiring the local communities to be closely consulted in a very structured manner with the aim of getting their views in order to change the design or location of any major mining activity within their community, in order to minimize potential social and environmental impacts to a bare minimum. The issues of compensation are also encapsulated in the EIA procedures.

The law further requires the full EIA to be concluded and formally approved before any mining activity can commence. The sad but very simple fact is if the Ministry of Environment and NEA had enforced our existing environmental laws, the tragedy in Faraba would NEVER have occurred. Sadly the NAMs, the country’s highest law makers and probably even Cabinet, are not aware of these important environmental laws.”

Pa Momodou Sarr

Former National Environment Agency Executive Director.

“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.” ― John F. Kennedy

Come my fellow Gambians: Let us sing a song. “Rosa sat / So Martin could walk / Martin walked / So Barack could run / Barack ran / He ran, and he won so that all our children could fly.”

Now, let’s talk. Some of you are flying and looking down at those walking. You’re completely blind to why and how you gained the freedoms that enable you to fly freely. You’re saying- look at those silly people taking to the streets to protest, only uneducated people, idlers and criminals do that, and when they get tear-gassed you complain…. this government is dictatorship.

Then you also notice that some of those taking to the streets are people in the flying category. They have good jobs, some are well-titled personalities in successful professions, and you say- look at them perfectly sensible people, engaging in time-wasting activism, what an indignity, totally embarrassing…

It’s the same mentality that drove some people who thought they were being sensible to say- If Solo Sandeng or Ousainou Darboe and United Democratic Party leadership has grievances they should go to court like a lawful citizen!( can you imagine protest under dictatorship) As if protesting is unlawful, beneath the dignity of a person who’s been a lawyer and leader of the main opposition, like seeing your father marching down a Pipeline- Westfield street with a placard shouting “We-Want-Justice!” You cringe at the thought.

You forget people’s fathers and mothers did just that, so you could fly. In your mind, you have placed protest in the same category as the hanging of your soiled underwear in public, ergo, only a mentally unstable person or an extremely narcissistic person would do such a thing.

None of your freedoms ever came without someone’s struggle and great sacrifice. None. And taking it to the streets has always been a part of that struggle, a relentless pursuit of a goal that shifts the earth beneath the feet of the ogres of our times. Be glad elevated philosophies gave us the weapons of nonviolent revolution. Struggles remain a never-ending process of Sat-Walk-Run-Fly no matter how civilized our societies become. We just hope that we don’t have to keep protesting the same shit.

Whatever you choose to do to contribute to a better society, do not look down on those who choose to walk as if they were idle scum of the earth. The best of them are good at it, they have mastered the art of movement leadership, organization and mobilization, and they have the guts and brains to maneuver the process. They are warriors. It’s as lawful as going to court, and the law should protect them.

Now, don’t point at hooligans who callously steal and destroy during protests and tell me that is what nonviolent protest are. I can point you to thugs and killers in suits sitting in swiveling chair in the same skyscrapers you have your office. Would it be fair to say you’re one of them?

By Alagi Yoro Jallow

Three protocol officers Friday escaped death, after the car they were traveling with somersaulted before it plunged into Abuko bridge.

The protocol officers were part of the advance team traveling to Faraba Banta village ahead of President Adama Barrow’s meeting.

The Fatu Network visited the scene and spoke to one of the victims. He said there are no serious injuries.

Residents of Faraba Banta will on Saturday, June 23, bury their dead at the village at 2pm.

The three Bakary Kujabi, Amadou Njang Jawo and Ismaila Bah were allegedly shot by officers of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) during a clash, will all be buried at the Faraba Banta burial ground tomorrow, a resident informed The Fatu Network. The Presidency has opened an inquiry to investigate the matter within a month.

Meanwhile, The Inspector General of Police, Landing Kinteh has resigned Thursday calling his actions ‘A command responsibility’. Landing Kinteh told The Fatu Network that the incident is an unfortunate one.

‘The fact that I was the head of the Police when my men allegedly did the killings, I feel I should step aside’ he said

Dear Editor,

It’s been a year and four months since 29 Cuban trained medical students completed their course and yet are to be recognized and registered by The Gambia Medical and Dental Council.

Between then, the whole country is silent about the faith of these aspiring, vibrant, first class citizens of this country. After being sponsored by our tax payers money. These graduants were selected in four corners of this country with the primary objective of “ Returning to their respective regions for service delivery upon completion of their programs “ – with the goal of promoting primary health care.

As a concern Gambian, I think 29 families are being psychologically traumatised by the unemployment status of our fellow brothers and sisters.

Therefore, as it was posted previously in this media which did not gain momentum, I hope this time around the whole country will stand for our fellow brothers and sisters in order to achieve a meaningful recognition and registration by The Gambia Medical and Dental Council.

I believe Fatu will also stand for them in terms of trying to get the facts.
Thank you.

On the 18 June 2018, Gambians woke up to disturbing news of clashes between police and natives of Faraba Banta. It was later learned that two people lost their lives purportedly from fire arms shot by police officers (now three). The unfortunate incident received the usual amount of rage and condemnation of police heavy handedness. Conclusions were drawn without thought and social media raved with people expressing sentiment without thinking twice.

All of sudden, personnel of the Gambia Police Force were labeled trigger happy and out to kill “armless and harmless environmentalists”the same to people they vowed to protect. Not many took time to question what might have truly happened, where and how it all started? There are so many questions but none seem to care, but rather busy being angry and vindictive for what they do not really understand. Can we at least sit back; stop embarrassing ourselves with uninformed conclusions and for a moment think, think big and objectively.

GAMBIA TODAY

In January 2017, Gambia embraced a new government after 22 years of Jammeh’s rule. The new Gambia hoped to usher in true democracy and the rule of law. One and a half years on, the desired Gambia seems a far-fetched and ever elusive dream. FACT: Criminality is on the increase, corruption has become more engrained, public dissatisfaction and disappointment is on the rise, civil unrest has become a norm, land disputes are on the rise, our own security is not trusted (ECOMIG present), impunity is common place (government’s silence over the Kanilai, Sibanor, Mankamang Kunda, Busumbala and other incidents is deafening enough).

FARABA – JULAKAY HISTORY

Julakay a Gambian businessman man got interest in sand mining and followed government laid down procedures in engaging in the business. The necessary papers were sought for and acquired (I wonder how though), Faraba Banta was identified and approved as mining site. Alkalo and some community heads were consulted and agreements were made (apparently a large part of the community were not aware). Like Seedy Barrow who is proven to have legal ownership of the disputed graveyard land in Tanenneh, Julakay had legal license to mine in Faraba Banta. Let me digress a little and add – (Gunjur – Green Lead, Sanyang, Monkey Park all are government licensed businesses). Note that none of these were issue by or with consultation with Gambia Police Force yet it is its responsibility to enforce law and order.

1^stQUESTION: In order for Julakay to carry out his lawfully registered sand mining business, did the police need to put there a guard post?

WHAT HAPPENED IN FARABA ON 18/06/18

On the morning of 18 June 2018, police officers on guard duty at the sand mining site heard a voice on the village mosque public address system urging villagers to come out and protest against the mining in the village. Prior to this announcement, there was word that a member of parliament has told natives of Faraba that a National Assembly select committee on ……… had recommended that mining in Faraba cease. This prompted an angry and frustrated village folk to call for a forced cessation of mining activities.

To ensure that this unofficial recommendation was respected, an uninformed 7 member police guard post was confronted. Not by an armless and peaceful crowd, but by a group of villagers armed with clubs, stones, slings, gas grenades and local guns. These were a people who were genuinely angry over the exploitation of their environment and were bent on protecting what they belief is their own. For them, if their government is not able to protect their own, then they will do so by all means and God help the law enforcer standing in their way.

The officers were pelted with stonesand clubs and sensing that they were overpowered, they called for reinforcement but by the time that came; trucks, caterpillars and the guard post were vandalized or set ablaze by an armed, angry and violent crowd.

2^ndQUESTION: Was this a peaceful march or riot?

WHAT DOES OUR LAW SAY?

Section 69 of Chapter IX of the Criminal Code of Laws of The Gambia, Unlawful assembly is defined – When three or more persons assemble with intent to commit an offence, or, being assembled with intent to carry out some common purpose, conduct themselves in a manner that causes persons in the neighbourhood reasonably to fear that the persons so assembled will commit a breach of peace, or will by the assembly needlessly and without any reasonable occasion provoke other persons to commit a breach of the peace, they are an unlawful assembly.

Section 72 talks about making proclamation for rioters to disperse. This can be carried out by a magistrate, a commissioned police or military officer of The Gambia commanding the rioters to disperse peaceably.

FACT:It has been confirmed that a commissioned police officer has made this proclamation using a public address system.

Section 73 states that if on the expiration of a reasonable time after the proclamation is made, or after the making of the proclamation has been prevented by force, twelve or more persons continue to riotously assembled together, a person authorized to make proclamation, or a police officer, or any other person acting in aid of the person or police officer, may do all things necessary for dispersing the persons so continuing assembled, or for apprehending them or any of them, and, if a person makes resistance, may use all such force as is reasonably necessary for overcoming the resistance, and shall not be liable in any criminal or civil proceeding for having, by the use of force, caused harm or death to any person.

Section 76 talks about rioters demolishing buildings, etc. It states that any persons who, being riotously assembled together, unlawfully pull down or destroy, or begin to pull down or destroy any building, machinery or structures commit a felony, and each of them is liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.

FACT:It has been confirmed that 5 trucks, 2 caterpillars a guard post and compounds were vandalized and or set ablaze.

IS GPF ADEQUATELY TRAINED AND EQUIPPED TO EFFICENTLY CARRY OUT ITS FUNCTIONS?

It is no hidden fact that personnel of GPF undergo not more than ten months basic recruitment training in an institution that lacks of proper training facilities. Furthermore due to resource constraints, not many professional capacity building programs are conducted. Additionally, GPF operates with almost no proper security equipment gadgets. Its Anti-Riot Unit lacks the necessary riot gear (armored vehicles, water cannons, rubber bullets, pepper spray etc.). They ill-equipped, receive a pittance, not motivated yet they are expected to be absolutely professional as if they are demi-gods.

FACT:The new wave of democracy in Gambia has ushered in an unprecedented level of civil disobedience which the country seems ill-equipped to handle. People wantonly break the law under the pretext of democracy. We have a problem that police alone cannot take responsibility of fixing and it would be unfair to use police as scapegoats for problems we all share.

PRESIDENT BARROWS ADDRESS TO THE NATION LEAVES A LOT TO BE DESIRED FOR

As head of state I commend him for coming out to condemn the deaths and order for investigations to be conducted. He however, fell short of condemning acts of violence and ordinary citizens taking the law into their own hands. This could encourage more civil unrest. Gambian’s are misconstruing the idea of democracy; they are deliberately exploiting the president’s softness and fast making the country ungovernable. We are walking a slippery path and what we need is a pragmatic and charismatic leader and not a pampering babysitter.

The IGP did not do well in claiming that he did not give orders for the use of firearms – well that has unfortunately demoralized police personnel and now one should wonder how prepared our men in blue uniform are in protecting our lives and properties. I should however, commend him for doing the honorable thing of resigning from the post.

CONCLUSION:

Until investigations are completed Gambians must continue to exercise patience and trust in the judicial system to bring those responsible for the death of the three natives of Faraba to justice.

Furthermore the law will have to take its cause on whoever must have taken part in the vandalising and burning down of homes and properties.

Government should also bring out the investigation reports on the Kanilai, Makamang Kunda, Busumbala and other similar cases it has conveniently stayed mute on. Unless justice is served without bias, the problems we are facing now will continue to happen.

BY A CONCERNED GAMBIAN

The Fatu Network has been reliably informed that the man behind Julakay Engineering Company, Ansumana Marenah known as “Julakay” gave statements to the Police with regards to the Faraba Bantang incident.

According to reliable sources, Julakay gave the said statements Thursday morning at the Brikama Police Station and the Police Headquarters in Banjul respectively. He could not be reached on his phone to confirm.

Superintendent David Kujabi, Police Spokesperson said he was not in the office to confirm the report.

Ansumana Marenah was a former staunch supporter and financiers of the former ruling APRC Party of Yahya Jammeh. He was a close business associate of the late Baba Jobe who introduced him to the former President, Yahya Jammeh. He spent many years in the United States before his eventual ban from America.

Julakay used to work very closely with the late Baba Jobe who was the second most powerful man in the country before falling apart with the former President Yahya Jammeh. He was one of the people who testified against Baba Jobe before a panel of investigators at the defunct National Intelligence Agency NIA.

Shortly, after the fall of Baba Jobe, the former President decided to withdraw the mining contracts already awarded to Julakay who allegedly took loans from banks to start operations. He nearly lost his compounds in Latrikunda and Brikama respectively, but the courts ordered him to pay the debt through monthly installment.

Julakay is a native of Badibou Suwareh Kunda, a village neighbouring with Kinteh Kunda, the home village of the former Inspector General of Police, IGP Landing Kinteh.

Sources close to Julakay said he used to give out brown envelopes to senior government officials for special favours which they say the Faraba incident is not an exception to. He has offices beside the Lamin Market, Kombo North.

Meanwhile, President Adama Barrow has set up an independent inquiry body to investigate the Faraba incident within a month.

Following the resignation of the Inspector General of Police, Landing Kinteh, Gambians on social media have expressed mixed reactions over his resignation.

Here are a few of those reactions:

“If IGP should resign what about the Interior Minister?
They should go together. Honourable Minister do us a favor and resign. Alieu Manjang posted on Facebook.”

Earlier before Kinteh’s resignation was accepted by The President, Tukulor Sey, a Gambian activist based in the US said:

“Barrow better accept Kinteh’s resignation! Interior Minister, follow your brother’s example and go bye bye”

“Thank you Mr Kinteh, Inspector General of Police for tendering your resignation. Much respect to you” Ndey Edi said on her Facebook Page

President Adama Barrow Thursday dispatched a delegation to Faraba comprising his director of press & Public relations officer, Amie Bojang Sissoho and security officials at the Presidency amongst others.

The delegation was in Faraba, Kombo East District to talk to residents about the President’s planned visit to the village.

According to those present during the meeting with the elders, the President’s delegation conveyed that he would like to join them for Friday prayers tomorrow, June 22, 2018, after which he would hold talks with them.

It could be recalled that Gambians took to social media Monday shortly after the shooting of unarmed civilians by the PIU calling on Barrow to issue a statement, address the nation, visit victims at the hospital and to also visit the village of Faraba where the incident took place. A few hours later, the Presidency issued a statement via The State House Facebook Page and twitter.

On Tuesday, President Barrow visited victims at The Edaward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul which is a stone’s throw from the Presidency. It was the first time that he visited the hospital since he came to power almost two years ago. Later in the evening on Tuesday, he issued a televised statement on the national broadcaster expressing his condolences to family memebers of the victims.

“I have instructed for a full investigation into the matter to determine the action needed to address the situation and prevent a reoccurence in any part of the country” The President said.

Residents of Faraba are said to have given the green light to the President’s delegation for his visit Friday. If everything goes as planned, President Barrow and delegation are expected to be in Faraba by 2pm Friday, June 22, 2018.

According to security sources, Kinteh tendered his resignation to President Barrow after consultations with friends and family members.

‘IGP offered to take full responsibly since Monday’s security briefing shortly after the Faraba incident’. A source told The Fatu network. He added that Kinteh believes this is the right thing to do.

Meanwhile, he is at the Police Headquarters working on his handing over notes. A replacement has not been named yet as The Presidency is to get announce if his resignation will be accepted or not.

What led to IGP Kinteh’s Resignation

The Police Intervention Unit (PIU) shot live bullets at peaceful demonstrators killing two activists leaving several others with serious injuries on Monday at Faraba Banta Village, Kombo East District.

According to sources the fracas emanated from Julakay Engineering Company that is currently engaged in sand mining operations though the villagers say they were not consulted and felt the operations will have serious impact on their environment.

Bakary Kujabi was reportedly shot on his chest and Ismaila Bah on his neck causing their instant death at the scene. The several injured include Francois Jammeh, Salifu Darboe, Jalang Darboe, Sainey Sonko, Dawda Daffeh, Pa Jammeh (shot on his leg), Buba Sanyang, Masanneh Njie, Sheriffo Touray and Amadou Jang Jawo who was shot on his buttocks is currently in critical condition. Many of them are admitted at the EFST Hospital in Banjul.

“We were not armed,” Mustapha Camara said.

The youth leader also an eyewitness told The Fatu Network that they were talking to the PIU officers posted at the village to ask the truck drivers to return the loaded sand until they received clearance from the National Assembly Select Committee that suspended mining operations at the place.

“While we were talking, two trucks of PIU officers came and fired two shots in the air….then started throwing tear gas…we picked it up and throw it back at them,” Mustapha said.

“They started firing rubber bullets before using live bullets killing our people,” he added.

“I was the first person who came to rescued Bakary Kujabi who was shot on his chest and the bullet passed through his back”

Mustapha explained that the seventeen (17) year old Bakary Kujabi was the only child of his mother.

“We want to know whether the IGP or President Barrow gave the order to fire live bullets at us,” Mustapha retorted.

Suwaibou Sanyang, another eyewitness told The Fatu Network that they heard the PIU officers saying aloud ‘Let us killed them’. He said they were using foul and abusive words.

The angry youths went after the alleged culprits dealing with Julakay Engineering Company. The Chief Bakary Sanyang of Kombo East was not spared, they brought the death bodies to his place and slapped him several times before fleeing away. The house and car belonging to Jung Conteh, former Chief was burnt likewise Jambawuntu Sanyang and Boyo Jarju. They all fled away with the Village Head, Nuha Kujabi, Bakary Saidy and Mamadi Saidy.

The villagers say one of the shooters of Bakary Kujabi was a PIU Officer and his name is Alieu Camara of Brikama New Town.

“I told him on his face that he has killed an innocent person”

The Police Spokesperson, Superintendent David Kujabi was contacted but said he is gathering information about the incident.

The person behind the Julakay Engineering Company is one Ansumana Marenah. He is from Badibu Suwareh Kunda, a close associate of the late Baba Jobe who introduced him to the former President Yahya Jammeh.

Mr Ansumana Marenah commonly known as ‘Julakay’ was a businessman and financiers of the former ruling APRC Party.

Meanwhile, Journalist Pa Modou Bojang, the presenter of Menbekering programme was reportedly arrested and detained at the Brikama Police Station.

Another victim, Amadou Nyang Jawo died from his gunshot wounds Wednesday, bringing the death toll to three.

Information reaching The Fatu Network has confirmed the resignation of Landing Kinteh, Inspector General of Police. Landing has tendered his resignation to President Barrow but State House has not yet confirmed if the President will accept his resignation or not.

The IGP’s decison followed Monday’s shooting on activists protesting against a sand mining company. The shootings led to the killings of three activists leaving many others injured.

This is a developing story, we will keep you updated!

(Open Letter to President Adama Barrow)

Dear President Barrow,

I’m one of the many other Gambians who choose to stay at the slim margins of Gambian politics. We generally refrain from making any public statements on what is happening in the country-good or bad. But the killing of our people in Faraba where I have close family living and the unjust arrest and detention of ASP Musa Fatty has forced me to share words I consider are for your own political good.

Mr. President, ASP Musa Fatty is not the killer of our people who were shot in Faraba. From reliable sources, ASP Fatty removed all the live rounds in his pistol before going to the protest grounds and he kept them in his side pocket. He went to the protest scene with an empty pistol tucked on his one side and the live rounds on a separate pocket on his other side. This is confirmed by the fact that when he was arrested, he returned all the bullets he had taken out from his pistol and returned them to the security un-used. Although, the empty pistol he had on his side pocket accidentally dropped while he and his security colleagues were running away and retreating from the protest scene for their lives, there is every indication that he did not shoot even one single bullet at the scene (this information is from my own enquiries and from a reliable source).

Mr. President, I vouch that ASP Musa Fatty is the type of person who if a roof was going to drop on your head, he will rush to grab it to safe you, even if it ends up hurting him. He is therefore not the type of person who will recklessly shoot and kill our people or any other person.

ASP Fatty is a disciplined, devoted professional of our security services. I’ve known him personally for several years now.  I’ve seen him do the right thing and act with his conscience under very difficult political circumstances during the previous regime. In fact, the fact that he removed his live bullets from his pistol before going to the protest scene confirms his discipline, professionalism and his awareness of how the security service- civilian relationship has to be carefully handled, especially during periods of crisis.

Mr. President, I’ve been one of your well-wishers who pray for your success behind the scenes and a few people close to you can confirm that. In the show of the same goodwill, I will tell you what I used to tell former President Jammeh in my private fights with him and through the channels of that fight.  Do not victimise the innocent. That will burn down the foundation of your power.  Act right. Do justice.   Otherwise, the end will not be good for you. Specifically, release ASP Musa Fatty immediately and get the real killers. Your regime should be more interested in mass producing the kinds of ASP Musa Fatty in our security services. Do not work to frame him up in order to end the career of such an admirable young man, who has decent professional qualities.

Mr. President, ASP Musa Fatty is not the evil you need to get rid off in your government.  Get rid of the real evil within your government. You should now be aware of the people who are undermining your rule and they’re pretending to be your allies. Those are the people you need to tackle, and not ASP Musa Fatty.

Mr. President, I do not know the future. But by the signs of things, let me tell you that what you think will keep you in power, will not be able do so, God willing. Your political destiny might be tied to ASP Musa Fatty’s destiny. Do justice to our fallen brothers from Faraba and find the real killers. Do justice to our innocent brother ASP Musa Fatty and release him from detention. Do not frame him up with the killing of our people. Mr. President, never beat someone for another person’s crime. The wise understands the import of words. Please, release Musa Fatty and get the true killers of our people. I stand in solidarity with my brother ASP Musa Fatty, with our people who we’ve lost, with the bereaving families, with our people wounded recklessly and with all my besieged compatriots who have become disillusioned with the injustices they face in the present circumstances.  Do right, Mr. President.

Thank you.

Mariama Khan

Former Secretary-General and Head of the Civil Service of The Gambia.