By Omar Wally

BLEEDING BLADE a new Gambian feature film on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) written, produced and distributed by Prince Bubacarr Aminata Sankanu, will premiere in The Gambia on September 30, 2017.

The film was shot at Gambia College Brikama Campus, Joboro Attaya Cafe and Tintinto directed by Bakary Sonko.

The film is about a young Gambian girl Sir (played by Ma Awa Barry) who sacrifice against FGM in her community.

The event will be held at the headquarters of GAMCOTRAP the Gambia’s leading civil society organization advocating for an end to FGM. It will then go on a screening tour across all communities in and out of the country where FGM is of concern.

In an interview with The Fatu Network, Prince Sankanu, the producer said he is redirecting the narrative because professional filmmakers have been missing in the FGM debates.

“We have seen countless documentaries and reports about FGM activities but we are yet to see professional cinematic sensitization work on the fight against FGM from the perspectives of the affected young women generation.”

Sankanu said FGM will add value to the on-going sensitization campaign on the relevance of anti-FGM as the practice is now underground. “My film is about generic women empowerment.”

Sankanu, who is inspired by Sembene Ousmane, the father of African cinema MOODALE (2004) film on FGM, revealed that he set himself a target of seeing at least 10 Gambian films made during the course of 2017 as part of his new wave of Gambia filmmaking.

Sankanu: During the reception I organized the Role of Filmmakers in New Gambia at the Rock Garden Apartments in Kerr Serring on February 24, 2017. “I set myself a target of having 10 new Gambia films ready for the 3rd edition of our premier annual Cinekambiya International Film Festival (CIFF) between December 25 & 30,  2017.”

I am humbled that apart from the five that I directly produced, other comrades of the New Gambia cinema have pushed the number above the benchmark of 10 features Sankanu noted.

He said the annual PAN AFRICAN SCREENS AWARD component of the film festival will take place on the December 30 to recognize excellence in filmmaking

By Yunus S Saliu

One of the places in Greater Banjul Area where people cannot access the road freely to their houses when it rain is Tallinding Kunjang and it is also a place where people live in midst of a lot of garbage.

To be explicit, Tallinding Kunjang has only two constructed sub-roads which are Churchill Town to Tallinding Police Station, School Road and Churchill Town to Buffer Zone Road.

In spite of the other roads, Tallinding Kunjang has one road which came direct from the highway of the Tallinding Market and from that Highway junction the road goes straight to the river known as bolong.

The deplorable condition of this road from the highway down to the Farokono riverside in Tallinding Kunjang presently makes pedestrians wobbling in the road when going in and out of the streets. This long road full of mud left and right, potholes and even pits in the middle has no alternative road that the residents of Tallinding Kunjang particularly those at the Farokono can use.

Commercial vehicles – taxis or vans plying the route can hardly travel about 10 electricity poles before their wheels start sinking in the mud.

This road replete with mud and potholes is not only dangerous for the taxis or private vehicles at its present situation but to the residents especially children of 10-years-old and under.

Parents cannot send these children to the nearest kiosk or shop to buy their immediate needs because there is tendency of them sinking in the mud one way or another.

A visit by Fatunetwork to this road and environment has revealed the famous Tallinding Kunjang especially the Farokono side as an eyesore that residents there are living the lives of people in the slum. The residents lamented on the poor condition of this road which was last leveled with red sand and gravel in 2014.

Expressing concern on the condition of the road and the environment is a young woman named Awa Dem as she almost lost her five years old son in the mud. She was there on a visit and hence there was no taxi to go down the road she decided to walk with her little son, her foot slipped and the young lad got inside the mud but quickly saved by bystanders.

Demba, a resident of this area said when it rains the road is dangerous for vehicle driving because no driver can drive smoothly talk less of safely.

He added that the erosion from the main highway which supposed to go direct to ‘bolong’ cannot because there is no drainage or gutter in both side of the road and the houses are also very close to the road.

Modou Cham, in his ordeal, explained that each time a resident comes back from work in the evening they cannot go out till the following morning to avoid falling in the mud.

He disclosed that taxi driver who may want to drive passengers on a town-trip from the highway, normally charge D100 compared to the normal fare of D7.

People in this area are calling for support both financial and in kind to help them remedy the condition of both the road and the environment.

By Omar Wally

Chief Inspector Fakebba Colley, attached to Kotu Police Station Mobile Traffic Unite, on Sunday 10 September committed suicide in Kanbenda village in Casamance, Southern Senegal.

Inspector Foday Conta, spokesman for The Gambia Police Force confirmed the incident saying the late Inspector Colley, was in the Gambia Police Force for over 20 years. “The motive behind him committing suicide is not known, but what I know is that he has some mental issues.”

Inspector Conta, explained that the late Fakebba, took permission from the police that he was going for treatment at his village of Kampasa in Foni Jarrol. ”

He later proceeded to Casamance, where he was receiving local treatment that was when he took his own life.” Police PRO noted that he was buried the same day at his home village in Foni.

By Omar Wally

Due to the increase in the number of young people embarking on the perilous ‘backway’ journey to European countries, Paradise FM in partnership with Deutsche Welle, will hold a town hall discussion to examine the reasons behind the wave of illegal migration.

The event will be held on September 28, 2017, at the University of The Gambia, Faculty of Law Auditorium.

The organizers are of the belief that the event will assist in curbing the growing rate of young people embarking on this journey.

The discussions will take the form of a town-hall and will focus on the causes of illegal migration and its effects on the Gambia as well as a feasible solutions to the increasing problem.

Haruna Drammeh, CEO Paradise FM, said the recent deal sealed between Paradise FM and Deutsche Welle, is about migration dilemma. ” You realize that Gambia is one of the smallest countries in continental Africa, but also has significant number of its young people going through the desert and the high seas to try to go to Europe.”

Haruna noted that it is a concern to Gambians adding that they are very happy to signed the deal with Deutsche Welle, who are also concerned about the lives of the young people, most of whom don’t even make it to Europe.

He explains that the main objective of the Town Hall Discussion is to create exposure to bring the discussion to life.” To get it to the common places that everybody will be able to talk about it but also to exposed the dangers of what could happen to you, if you make the decision to go.”

Sometimes the grass is not even greener on the other side as people expected it to be said Haruna. “So there will be sharing of experiences and expertise by those who have gone and are back now.”

He added that those people will share their experiences during their journey and what happens there. “University of The Gambia was chosen to do the event because we found out that mostly it is young people at University going age who would be going on the journey.”

Haruna noted that the discussion will not end at the auditorium of the University of The Gambia. “We will make sure that it continues as a discussion and other platforms that we have, such as, Paradise FM, it will a continual discussion on it.”

He added that they will continue to sensitize the people who embarked on the journey, interview those who are already in Europe and those who haven’t made it. ” We know some people go as far as, Libya only to return back.”

Haruna: So once you bring all these people together and share their ambitions, dreams and failures as well, then it will be an on going discussion that young people can learn from.

Paradise FM CEO, call on Gambians to come to the Town Hall Discussion and share experiences and learn from others especially young people between the ages of 14-40.

Haruna: The Migration Dilemma has happen in other African countries but this is the first time DW is coming to Gambia adding that we will like their participation to be noticed and seen. ”

We can also challenge the international media about the role that they are playing when it comes to saving the lives of young people who choose to go on the dangerous journey.”

By Fatou Sowe

Momodou O.S Badjie, the former Managing Director of Gambia National Petroleum Corporation GNPC has appeared for the second time before the commission of inquiry probing into the financial activities of former President Jammeh.

He informed the commission that $5, 000, 000 was withdrawn from GNPC account and paid towards the construction of the AU Villas and this happened prior to his appointment as MD.

He said after the summit 30 out of the 52 villas were sold at the tune of $110, 000 each and 18 villas were handed over to Government while 4 were given to GNPC.

According to him, GNPC generated $3,800,000 from the sale of the 30 villas while the outstanding balance of $1, 200, 000 was never recovered, but it was written off base on the approval by the board of Directors.

While commenting on the transactions with regard to monies paid to Jammeh Foundation for Peace JFP and Kanilai Family Farms KFF he said these transactions were made prior to his appointment.

With regard to electrification of the AU Villa, Badjie informed Commissioners that Dabanani had a contract for the electrification of the AU Villa Street lights and the money was paid from GNPC funds. According to him, the sum of $1,595,952 is the outstanding sums PEGEP owed to GNPC.

Mr. Badjie testified that when he was appointed as MD in 2008 he found that former director wrote for the recovery of the money but there was no respond on the situation at that time. He added that since they were not able to recover the debt, he had no choice but to write it off.

Badjie further testified that initially when he was appointed as MD there was no interference with the affairs of GNPC from the office of the president but later in 2013 the interference started and it was after he wrote to the office of the former president soliciting for some of their revenues to be treated as grants.

Government has not given them subvention and all the revenue of the Company (now Corporation) were funds of GNPC. He however acknowledged the fact that the sum of $5,000,000 was given to them by Central Bank for Data Acquisition and not for fuel importation.

Mr. Badjie acknowledge that CBG is still entitled to pursue the loan given to GNPC but he has not seen any document concerning that.

Mr. Ebrima Sallah, Managing Director of Trust Bank Gambia Limited also reappeared before the Janneh Commission and testified about the transactions that were done at the GNPC dollar account with his bank.

Nuha Touray, former Secretary to Cabinet also reappeared before the Commission for the third time in connection to a $2 million cash withdrawal he made at the GNPC account at Skye Bank.

He revealed that the bank couldn’t assemble the sum of $2,000,000 which was requested by the signatories to the account, Momodou Sabally and ex-President Jammeh but Jammeh threatened to close the account if they fail to produce the sum requested.

However, he said he did not know the purpose of the money. Commission sittings will resume on Monday.

By Omar Wally

President Adama Barrow, today laid the foundation stone of a modern International Conference Center (ICC) in Bijilo. The 50 million dollar project is bankrolled by The People Republic of China.

The Center, when fully operational, will provide seating capacity of about 1000 conference participants. It will house 4 thematic conference halls with 200 seating capacity, 1 VIP holding room, 4 Press rooms, 14 meeting rooms, offices, banquet halls and other supporting rooms.

Speaking at the event, President Barrow said the project marks another significant milestone in their collective drive to transform and modernize The Gambia in line with the philosophy and dictates of the “new Gambia”.

The Gambian leader explains that the center will be able to attract and host sub-regional, regional, and international conferences. The hosting of such conferences, Barrow added will not only create avenues for important decision makers to visit the country, but will also create vast opportunities for youth employment and create markets for our tourism industry among others.

“It is symbolic of a new era of potential opportunities, prosperity, greater freedom and dignity for our people.”

Barrow said the construction of the conference center is expected to last two years, and shall be jointly undertaken by a contractor and consultant firms from the People’s Republic of China.

“They will be assisted by our local engineers and technicians throughout the duration of the project.”

Barrow: The friendship and cooperation between two countries is not only growing stronger within the framework of South South cooperation but more importantly it is a strategic partnership based on mutual respect and common interest.

He noted that The Gambia is committed to provide a conducive environment for our Chinese guests, to operate with adequate safety and security. “We will waive taxes and duties and accord priority to ensure that the construction works are unhindered.”

By Alieu Ceesay

The Gambia will renew its football rivalry with Guinea Bissau when the Female Scorpions of The Gambia take on their Bissau equivalents next Saturday at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.

The warm up, but an important match is facilitated by the GFF to better prepare the girls for the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier away to Sierra Leone in October. The crucial friendly match will mark a much-anticipated return to international football for the female Scorpions since the 2012 U-17 World Cup in Azerbaijan.

As part of logistical arrangements for the weekend game, the GFF said that entry into the Independence Stadium would be free and thus there will be no purchase of tickets as far as the game is concerned.

The Gambian team is coached by Mariama Bom Sowe and the team has gone to camp since on Monday.

“The Gambia Football Federation urges the general public to come out in numbers to support the Female national team and further solicits the usual cooperation of all stakeholders in this drive,” the GFF said in a statement.

By Fatou Sowe

The Chairman of the commission of inquiry, Surahata S Janneh alongside other members of the commission, Wednesday visited the Dunes Resort which former President Jammeh is said to be the owner. The name of the resort has featured prominently at the previous sittings of the commission and it forms part of the mandate of the commission.

The commission was earlier informed by Nuha Touray former secretary to cabinet that Ex President Jammeh purchased the resort with public funds.

Upon arrival at the virtually nonfunctional resort in Kololi, they found a Guinean national while the main person handling the place was nowhere to be seen.

Consequently the commission members could only inspect the backyard, the pool side and the main reception.

The lead investigator tasked with the responsibility to investigate about the resort then informed the chairman that he resort was occupied by agents of the national intelligence agency who have vacated the place after Jammeh went into exile.

THE “TACTICAL COALITION” GOVERNMENT  IN MOTION BUT WITHOUT DIRECTION.

                                                                                                        By: Ousainou Mbenga

The slogan “Gambia Has Decided” which gave our beloved Gambia another world prominence since ROOTS and Kunta Kinteh has been officially replaced by “God Has Decided”. According to the Minister of Tourism, Hamat Bah, “God” has decided for Adama Barrow to be the president of The Gambia, therefore everyone should support the decision. Hamat and charlatans like him should leave God out of this matter. If God had a hand in this decision, God would have made sure of a leadership who “abhors greed and detest vanity,” whose humility is their strength and integrity their greatness”. Barrow and his “tactical coalition” government probably need your lame and senseless excuses made on their behalf but God doesn’t need your excuses. Furthermore, if God had anything to do with our situation everyone in the country would have had a sheep or ram to slaughter for Eid (Tobaski) just as Barrow’s entourage to Mecca and the rest of the aspiring “petit bourgeoisie”set on the same tracks as the Jammeh regime.  

We must expose these charlatans who hide behind “God” to perpetuate our miserable conditions of existence with no relief in sight. We must fearlessly challenge all charlatans and the so called learned religious numbskulls that God has nothing to do with the oppressive conditions inflicted upon our people by the governments we elect. The governments are responsible, not God. We should be the ones giving the warnings to these unscrupulous government officials not the other way around.

Since Barrow has been “tactically muted”, he needs a mouthpiece to transmit his muted messages. At a press conference to justify the 57 brand new vehicles bribed to the National Assembly Members (NAM), the minister went on a tirade punctuated with praise singing of their “new Gambia” ending with a stern warning: “Those who think that they can destabilize this country, they are fooling themselves. God has decided that Adama Barrow is the president of this country. God has decided that. Those who want to abuse the system will find themselves somewhere very uncomfortable at the end of the day”. Waxing indignant, the minister leaves no doubts in our minds and hearts that the “old Gambia” of intimidation and fear-mongering under Jammeh is not yet dead. 

For all practical purposes, the Barrow administration poses as the greatest destabilizing factor in the Gambia because of their actions and policies or lack thereof. All evidence points to their unwillingness to dismantle the vermin infested structures that sustained the Jammeh regime. And in the absence of a planned program for a “new beginning,” the Barrow administration lacking direction resorts to the following potentially destabilizing actions:

• The calculated undermining of “coalition 2016” in a rush for political predominance.
• The recycling of known National Intelligence Agency (N.I.A) agents who terrorized our people into the State Intelligence Service (S.I.S) in pursuit of a meaningless “reconciliation.”
• Retaining the architects of the APRC apparatus that ran the country into a grind.
• Condoning the resurgence of reactionary ethnic affiliations through nepotism.
• Questionable financial interactions with “foreign donors” for unscrupulous investment ventures.
• The delaying tactics pertaining to the office of vice president nomination.
• No mention of term limits for the presidency.
• The habitual non-responsiveness on matters of national priority such as the recent flood disaster across the country.

Here in lies the ingredients of destabilization brothers and sisters not the criticisms made of the Barrow administration and the simple question. Where are they leading us to? 

                                                                                                                                                                 “ONLY SCIENCE CAN LIBERATE AFRICA”             

First, we must challenge and dismiss the myth that science is beyond the grasp of the masses of our people. I am confident that the last 22 years of Jammeh’s tyranny has awaken the sensibilities of our people to question the reasons for our wretch conditions of living and not leave it to blind faith interpretations. Only science can liberate Africa and Gambia in particular from the historic “one step forward, two steps backward” leadership that continue to suffocate every breathing space the masses create to relief ourselves from misery, only to be betrayed by the most unreliable sector of our society, the impotent petit bourgeoisie. We must cultivate a new and reliable leadership for the genuine “new Gambia”.

Our only guarantee to genuine liberation hinges on our unwavering determination for social justice, meaningful peace and a political strategy for economic prosperity. These lofty ideals are best attainable through the application of SCIENCE. The testable explanations of our wretched conditions of living and how to change it for the better as oppose to the backward believe that it was predestined for us to suffer on earth.

It is abundantly clear that the Barrow “tactical coalition” administration is buying time by making empty promises to consolidate their state power while taking us for granted. Yet still the advocates of “give them a chance” refuse to accept the fact that we can’t continue to sit or stand on the tracks waiting for a possible “run-away-train”. Some of us vigorously refuse to be led without a plan or program into uncharted territories.

What happened in the Gambia from 1994 to 2016 will not happen again. We must make demands of the Barrow administration and take them to task as oppose to “give them a chance” without any “accountability, transparency and honesty”. The “give them a chancers” want to hold us hostage in defense of the regime, even in their persistent lackluster performance. 

We have entered the era of revolutionary politics with unwavering determination to entrench the power and will of the people to change our horrible conditions of living. We don’t have another 52 years to waste waiting for another demoralizing and unreliable regime (elite) that produces nothing but imports everything to rescue us. Our future is in our own hands not “donors, aid and partners in development”. 

SOLIDARITY NOT CHARITY IS OUR BATTLE CRY!  ONE GAMBIA! ONE NATION!

The former Secretary to Cabinet Mr. Nuha Touray has said that the former Secretary General, Head of Civil Service and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Mr. Momodou Sabally was sacked by the former president Yahya Jammeh for advising him to not spend millions on ferry slips at the Banjul, Barra and other terminals.

Touray made these revelations at the commission of inquiry set up to look into the financial activities of the former president Yahya Jammeh and his close associates at the Djembe Beach Hotel, Kololi.

Touray said the former Secretary General Sabally advised the former president not to approve the business because he does not trust the transaction.

“He suffered the consequences of losing his job,” former Cabinet Secretary Touray said.

The former Secretary to Cabinet told the commission that the lightest punishment that one could get from the former president was to be sacked, saying other consequences could be grave. He said one could be sent to prisons or possible disappearance. He lamented about the working conditions under the former president.

“The former president exercises power with aggression,” Touray asserted.

He added: “He was mean and a bully.”

Touray said the former president’s executive directives were across the board even mere messengers were dismissed on executive directive.

Commissioner Bai Mass Saine asked why he did not resigned but he said one cannot afford to resign only to lose 25 years of service with all your benefits.

“I can safely say many of the directives were unconstitutional,” he added.

When the Commission Counsel, Amie Bensouda asked the reason he was keeping records of things.

“I knew a day of reckoning will come,” Touray responded.

He added:”I didn’t know it will be so soon.”

Counsel Bensouda took him through various accounts some of which he was a signatory to ranging from the International Gateway, Sand Mining, Tax Recovery and National Development Accounts among others. He was also questioned in respect to withdrawals received by him some of which were substantial amounts. He was asked to explained.

Touray submitted dozens of supporting documents emanating from the Office of the former President, transaction documents and other related documents to the commission as evidence. These documents were admitted and marked as exhibits. He gave detailed explanation of what happened.

He reported that the State owned 3 aircrafts. He said the fleet of cars at the State House were manage by General Saul Badjie and Brigadier General Ansumana Tamba. He said he believed the former president owns Sindola Safari Lodge.

Meanwhile, the session will resume tomorrow, Wednesday, September 13, 2017.

Information reaching this medium has revealed the dismissals of two district chiefs by the Ministry of Lands and Regional Governance in the past two weeks.

The District Chiefs of Kombo South and Kombo East in the persons of Sheriffo Hajai Janneh and Basiru Jarju were reportedly removed from their posts. They were replaced by Lamin Darboe of Gunjur and Bakary Sanyang of Faraba Bantang.

The newly appointed chiefs served their positions before their removal by the former president Yahya Jammeh. Bakary Sanyang of Faraba was removed shortly after the 1994 coup. He has reportedly spent over two decades in exile.

Speaking to the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Lands and Regional Governance, Mr. Buba Sanyang who confirmed the removal of the two chiefs said the decision came shortly before the Muslim Feast of Eidul-Adha locally known as ‘Tobaski’.

When asked about the reason for their removal he said: “It is the prerogative of the Minister to change chiefs when the need arises”.

Sanyang went further to reveal that the intention of the ministry is to seek public opinion on the mode of selection for district chiefs and village heads, this he said will enable them to know whether the people would prefer traditional inheritance or elections.

“That is the best way people can feel connected to their leaders,” he asserted.

When asked about the new demarcated districts without chiefs such as Brikama North, Sanementereng and Old Yundum among others, he said the ministry is aware of the districts without chiefs but they are working on filling them up.

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary did not say if the broom would sweep other parts of the country particularly the ones handpicked by the former president.

By Fatou Sowe

The Principal Banking Officer at the Central Bank of The Gambia, Karamo Jawara has reappeared for the third time before the Janneh commission to give evidence on the various accounts opened by the office of the former President.

With regard to the State Aircraft Special Account, Jawara said it was a Euro Account which was opened on July 7, 2011. He said the account was operated and controlled by office of the former President, Yahya Jammeh.

Mr. Jawara further testified that the first transaction was on October 12, 2011, and the last transaction was on December 13, 2011. He added that the request to open the account was sent to the Governor, Central Bank from the Director of Treasury. Jawara informed the commission that the account is not close but not active adding that the signatories to the account were Yahya Jammeh and Mamburay Njie the then Finance Minister.

He disclosed that the funds were from the State Qatar but added that the purpose of the funds was not stated.

According to him the first withdrawal on the account was a cash withdrawal of €500, 000 on November 23, 2011 but they couldn’t trace the transaction documents. The order he said was from the Office of the President.

Mr Jawara also recalled that the second transaction was a cash payment on December 1, 2011 and the amount withdrawn was €503, 190.97. According to him, the transaction took place outside banking hours. He said the bank only has a payment voucher and they have no information on the person to whom the payment was made to.

He added that there was another transaction done outside banking hours and this transaction was a €1,000,000 cash withdrawal which he said they only traced a payment voucher and no other documents on the transaction too.

This prompted the commission counsel Amie Bensouda to ask who the governor of the bank was at the material time of these extraordinary transactions. Jawara responded that Amadou Colley was the governor while Ousainou Corr was the director of finance.

Jawara continued that another €1,000,000 was paid from this account to the Global Trading Group through a bank transfer to a bank in Brussel for the purchase of Boeing 757 and that it was in respect of an invoice from the Global Trading Group to the Office of the President.

Mr Jawara further testified that on December 2, 2011, there was another transaction of €720, 000 paid to the Global Trading Group for the purchase of four coach buses and the invoice for the transaction was sent to the Kanilai Family Farm, adding that another €270,000 was paid to Global Trading Group and the invoices were addressed to the Kanilai Family Farm. The balance left in the said account was €1702.03 he said.

He went on to take the commission through the transactions on the Youth Development Fund’s dollar and dalasi accounts.

Mr Jawara is expected to give evidence on the account of the Office of the First Lady and that of the National Security next week.

By Omar Wally

Senegalese born and one of Africa’s most famous singers Youssou N’Dour, has won the 2017 Japanese Imperial Nobel Prize for Art.

The announcement was made Tuesday, September 11, in New York. The official award ceremony is expected to take place on 18 October 2017 in Tony, Japan.

The prize will be awarded by His Highness Prince Hitachi, the younger brother of the emperor of Japan.

Youssou, 57, a one time politician is seen as an Ambassador for peace and religious tolerance. The awards were created in 1988 in honour of the late Japanese Prince Takamatsu, who served as honorary patron of the private association for 58 years until his death in 1987.

By Omar Wally

The Gambia Democratic Congress leader Mama Kandeh, Monday, September 11, left The Gambia for a start of his European tour.

Kandeh was seen off at the Banjul International Airport, by his party executives and supporters among others.

He is expected to tour Europe for a month and is scheduled to visit Spain, France, Germany, Sweden and others countries to meet Gambians and GDC supporters in the Diaspora.

Samba Baldeh, Gambia Democratic Congress Secretary, in an interview with The Fatu Network, said Kandeh will also meet party militants and sympathizers.