Presidential aides, senior govt. officials we have advised again and again that these spins are not necessary and are disingenuous. They hurt the President more as they create unnecessary and avoidable conversations around him. So why this clumsy spin and gaslighting?

Honorable minister how can over $750,000 deposited into the FaBB account operated by the First Lady. The said amount was traced to a Chinese company seeking to do business with the government. The same amount was swiftly transferred from a local Bank to an airline company in Portugal.

Honorable minister who did the transfer, why and where is the money now. Honorable Minister; you are a journalist, a skilled investigative journalist; so, I need not tell you the money laundry implications of such questionable financial transactions across borders. Investigate and stop the gaslighting, Honorable minister.

Honorable minister spins work temporarily. Whatever your gaslight or spin today you will eventually have to defend and explain away either with the truth or another clumsy spin and gaslighting.

The greatest irony of life: Honorable Minister; you have all the RIGHT to defend the first Lady’s alleged nefarious behavior?
Honorable minister: Do you know former president Robert Mugabe had bloggers living hand to mouth who were defending her wife’s purchase of $40,000 bag? Honorable minister; to succeed in stealing people’s money is one thing but stealing their way of thinking is inexplicable.

Folks; so, don’t be surprised to see the same replicating here some Cabinet ministers, bloggers, sycophants, blind supporters and demagogues defending their leader and their leader’s family members even when citizens are being looted, their brains and dignity are no more, and you cannot argue or reason with such characters. They deserve more pity than rebuke!

Her Excellency Ramzia Diab-Ghanim, The Gambia’s High Commissioner to Malaysia and the Southeast Asian countries (ASEAN) on Saturday 20^thOctober, 2018 addressed members of the African Students Association (ASAY) in the special region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia on the occasion of the 1^stAfrican cultural day.

The first- ever African cultural day was organized by the African Students Association (ASAY) in the city of Yogyakarta in collaboration with the Postgraduate School of the State University of Yogyakarta (UNY) under the theme: Effective Multicultural collaboration in strengthening Africa-Indonesia Partnership.

In her keynote statement, H.E Ramzia Diab extended her gratitude to the Director of the Postgraduate School of UNY and ASAY for inviting her to attend such a historic event.

She said the event is a laudable initiative underpinned by cultural understanding of peoples from different backgrounds who aspire to achieve a given goal of understanding and unity of diversity for the collective advancement in our relationships at academic insitutions, at work, in government, and in private organizations.

H.E Ramzia further called on ASAY to commit to undertaking an effective multicultural collaboration with an objective to strengthening Africa-Indonesia collaboration. She encouraged ASAY to continue to work as a team that will help to strengthen multilateral relationships between African countries and Indonesia that will go beyond university campuses.

In his welcoming remarks, Prof. Dr Marsigit, Director Postgraduate School of the State University of Yogyakarta expressed his delight in inviting the Ambassador to attend this historic event and reiterated the commitment of the Postgraduate towards a sustainable collaboration with the African Students Association. Professor Marsigit assured the Gambian High Commissioner of the resolve of the Postgraduate School to engage in constructive and meaningful initiatives with the Gambian High Commission.

In his remarks, Professor Dr. Sustrisna Wibawa, Rector of the State University of Yogyakarta spoke of his pleasure in hosting the Gambian High Commissioner as her presence to the event has underscored her exemplary leadership qualities. Professor Wibawa added that there is an increased number of African students pursuing various programs of study at UNY and reiterated the commitment of the State University of Yogyakarta to achieving academic excellence and assured ASAY for a fruitful collaboration.

Other speakers at the occasion included Mr. Kijambu John Baptist, Coordinator of ASAY, Tsshepiso Stanley Africa student from Botswana. The event was interspersed with a video streaming of participating countries and cultural performances about Africa to the delight of the audience.

The event was attended by Dr. Widyastuti Purbani, Vice rector of UNY, Dr. Sugito, deputy Director  of the Postgraduate of UNY, representatives of  the Universitas Atma Jaya, SD Islam Al Azhar, Pelangi Indonesia, invited Indonesian guests and African students from other Indonesian universities. The event was chaired by Modou Jonga, Gambian student at Universitas Gadjah Mada and Dobrin Bugov.

Issued by the Communication Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad

In the final analysis, what the killing of Saudi journalist Khashoggi By Saudi State agents inside their embassy in Turkey highlights is that in every country in the world the biggest threat to the rights and lives of citizens is their State, ironically! The State in every country of the world is the biggest liar, most corrupt, most wasteful and the most criminal that tortures and kills citizens! Check the State and it’s history in every country and you shall see!

This is the very reason why it is urgently and indispensably necessary that citizens are alert and vigilant and check their State very very very closely and never believe a word from the State until verified!

The State is the most powerful institution in any country because it is backed by law and weapons. State owns the institutions that collect every information on the personal and business and any other activity or property that a citizen has or does. From obtaining birth certificates to ID cards to passports to any form of licenses such to marry or to drive or own a business, citizens have to go to the State to obtain them. State runs public infrastructure and operates social services and facilities and even if these goods and services are run by private businesses it is still the State that regulates them. Every citizen pays tax to the State while no one can leaves or enters your country without the knowledge of your State because the State controls the border and all land, sea and airports!

It is the State that runs the lawmaking and criminal justice institutions. The State has the institutions of coercion and violence such as the military, police, intelligence, prisons and courts. These are equipped with weapons and power to enforce. Hence the State can subdue any citizen at any time, anywhere and anyhow! The State is powerful! Always remember that.

This is why the State in Saudi Arabia was able to get to Khashoggi and then kill him. The State is not a joke and must not be taken for granted!

The State can be an instrument of the greatest good but at the same time the State can be a tool for the greatest evil. When that State is in the hands of unscrupulous and immoral leaders then they will use the State as a tool for evil that harms citizens with impunity!

The State is like fire ?! It can serve you well by cooking your food to your satisfaction! But if you fail to pay attention to that fire it can burn down your house and even your life if you are not lucky! Fire is never left alone but it has to be checked and controlled because fire is dangerous!

The State transforms easily into an instrument of evil where the citizens are dormant or gullible or indifferent hence they don’t mind their State or just believe without hesitation anything and everything that their State says or does!

Hence wake up citizens of the world to check your State and subdue it. Let us tame our State to the point that they are afraid to even take one step lest they provoke the anger of the masses. It is better for the State to be afraid of citizens than for citizens to b afraid of the State!

The State is too huge and powerful to be left alone and unchecked! It becomes even more dangerous when you leave that State in the hands of unscrupulous, corrupt and immoral men and women!

Wake up! Remember: The State is like Fire! As you check and control cooking fire in your house so must you also check and control the State in your country!

Information reaching The Fatu Network has it that the former NIA Deputy Director General, Louis Gomez may have died as a result of the solitary confinement he was placed in at the Maximum Security Wing of the Mile 2 Central Prisons in Banjul.

“Solitary confinement killed Louis Gomez,” Abdou Jambarr, a remand prison source said.

Gomez, who suffers from hypertension, diabetes and a heart condition was reportedly locked up and sealed with his colleagues for almost 36 days at the Maximum Security Wing.

Abdou Jambarr added that on Thursday, October 11, the late Louis Gomez was taken to the prison infirmary (clinic).

“Louis could barely walked, he was supported by some prisoners who took him to the main yard,” Abdou told The Fatu Network.

He added that an hour later Louis started gasping seriously but there was no medic to help him. It was so unbearable that a convict, Matarr Jaw has to put him in a wheelchair and pushed him to the prison infirmary. He was moved from the wheelchair and placed in the ambulance and rushed to the hospital by medic officer Sainey Touray.

“By the time they left the Mile 2 Prisons, Louis Gomez was already dead,” he said.

It has been reported that when news of Louis Gomez’s demise reached the former NIA Director General, Yankuba Badjie, he fell into a state of shock, lying on his bed unable to utter a word.

Babucarr Sallah, an NIA operative allegedly fell in his cell and fainted.

Abdou Jambarr added that none of the former NIA officials were officially informed about the death of their colleague.

“They received the news on GRTS when the press release from the Interior Ministry was read on there.”

According to prison sources, by Monday, October 8, Louis Gomez’s condition worsened as his whole body was reportedly swollen such that he could not even wear his shoes. His eyes were also said to have turned green. One convicted prisoner allegedly warned SPO Njirane Nyane to take Louis Gomez to EFST Hospital. It is said that Yankuba Badjie also gave a similar advise but the officer paid no heed.

Alhagie Nyambi, another remand prisoner said that none of the officers attached to the prison infirmary have any formal medical training.

Nyambi said the former NIA officials were moved to the Maximum Security Wing after the prison revolt by some remand prisoners who complained of long detention period without trial. He noted that the NIA officials were not part of the revolt because the issues raised by the protesters does not affect them.

This prison source revealed that Sergeant Kadiri Jobarteh of the prisons riot squad was the one who relocated Yankuba Badjie and Louis Gomez to solitary confinement to be later joined by their colleagues.

“Louis Gomez reminded Sergeant Jobarteh that he was suffering from a heart problem, coupled with chronic diabetes and hypertension, and that being moved to a solitary cell was not medically viable for him,” Nyambi told The Fatu Network.

The same concerns were raised by Yankuba Badjie who told Sergeant Jobarteh that Louis Gomez’s health condition is known to the Mile 2 medical personnel.

He added that Sergeant Jobarteh then assured them that they will not be sealed, and that they will be allowed outside until lockdown time in the evening.

“When we got to the Maximum Security Wing, we noticed that Yankuba Badjie and Louis Gomez were locked up and sealed in their individual solitary cells. We could see them through the door holes sweating profusely,”

Nyambi said they were heralded to different cell blocks, Saihou Omar Jeng, Lamin Lang Sanyang and Babucarr Sallah were taken to cell block five together with Yankuba Badjie while Haruna Susso while Tamba Mansireh and Lamin Darboe joined Louis Gomez in cell block four. He explained that the officers were jubilating with laughter.

“Whether you are a director or not we don’t care. We tamed Generals here. Go and asked General Lang Tombong Tamba. We turned him into a woman here”

He added, “We were kept in solitary confinement for 22 hours everyday in a 1.7 metre by 2 metre cell. We spent 36 days under those conditions until the court ordered for our returned to Remand Wing.”

Nyambi said some of them have developed health complications during their incarceration at the Maximum Security Wing.

“It was already known to the prison medical team that Louis Gomez was a hypertension and diabetes patient with a heart condition”

He further stated that Saihou Omar Jeng, Babucarr Sallah and Lamin Darboe are also hypertension and diabetes patients.

Friday, October 5, Saihou Omar Jeng was referred to The EFST Hospital where he was admitted for 5 days.

However, there are complaints that the detained former NIA officials have been treated with utter disdain and disrespect by prison officials. It is said that their properties and provisions are usually blocked.

Both Abdou Jambarr and Alhagie Nyambi gave detail accounts of the prison revolt that took place on September 3, 2018. Both men say protesters were complaining about long periods of detention while some of them spent 4 to 5 years in prison. They took up some prison guards as hostages with demands to meet government authorities.

Abdou and Alhagie added that the former NIA boss, Yankuba Badjie asked his colleagues to remained in cells since the issues raised does not affect them for they are going to court three times a week.

Although, the prison authorities were with believes that the former NIA officials fueled the protest which they strongly denied.

Abdou said he heard the ring leaders had meetings with government officials including the National Security Adviser, Momodou Badjie.

He disclosed that the next morning, Tuesday, September 4, over two dozen prison riot squad and general duty officers armed with riot gears led by RSM Lamin Sanneh stormed the Remand Wing. Abdou said he overheard them shouting and yelling obscenities such as:

“Yesterday was your day, but today is our day”

They reportedly opened the cells and ordered prisoners to come out one after the other. Then the riot squad officers started hitting, kicking and lashing out at prisoners.

“They handpicked some prisoners they said were part of the previous day protest, handcuffed and took them out of the Remand Wing where they were put in iron legs cuffs,” Abdou Jambarr explained.

He added, “They pounced on them and started beating them severely while pouring water on them.”

Many of the prisoners, he said suffered from serious injuries and were bleeding profusely.

“All these were ordered and witnessed by RSM Lamin Sanneh, SPO Njirane Nyane and Sergeant Kadiri Jobarteh,” he said.

Alhagie Nyambi also reported that prisoners breakfast, cereals, provisions, canned beefs, sardines and cigarettes and medication were stuffed into sacks and taken away. He added that the tortured prisoners were locked up and sealed at the Maximum Security Wing.

The suspected ring leaders of the protest were put in vehicles and transported to Jeshwang Prison Camp where the officers allegedly boasted they had “Bambadinka Cell”.

Meanwhile, the names Abdou Jambarr and Alhagie Nyambi are code names to protect the identities of the sources.

If the government wants you, it will get you. You might run to a faraway country. Seek refuge in the safest of places. Block questionable people from accessing your social media accounts. Activate all security signals to watch your back. But if the government wants you. The government will get you.

Never trust anyone with your life. America and Saudi Arabia are bosom buddies. They trade in arms (Saudi Arabia is America’s top weapons buyer). They share military intelligence. They watch over each other’s back. America cannot throw their Saudi friends under the bus for the sake of one citizen. President Trump sent Secretary Pompeo to Riyadh to gloss over the matter so that it looks that America are doing something. They are doing nothing. They will do nothing to Saudi Arabia. Had Jamal Khashoggi been murdered in a godforsaken country, say Libya or Suriname, the Pentagon would’ve already dropped bombs and flattened the place. But Saudi Arabia will escape this with a slap on the wrist. Only God can protect you from your friends. Because you already know your enemies.

Technology will not help you when your neck is on the chopping board. Jamal Khashoggi had an Apple watch that was synchronized to his fiancé’s phone. Turkey says the Apple Watch recorded everything that went on inside that torture chamber and was saved in his fiancé’s phone. The gory data was retrieved, but Jamal Kashoggi had already been chopped into pieces. Technology will save you when your back is against the wall. But technology is not Jesus Christ.

We will move on when you die. Jamal Khashoggi was a columnist for the Washington Post. When his disappearance was first reported, the Washington Post protested by publishing a blank column on the paper under his name. The world took attention, White House was under pressure, Turkey was told to get into the consulate and find out what was happening, everyone who was involved in this murder was supposed to have been fired. The Consular General has not been recalled, leave alone being asked to step aside pending investigations. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is all over the place defending the Saudi Royal family and telling guys to chill. The initial noise is quietening. Reality is hitting home. Nothing will be done. It’s time to move on.

Alagi Yoro Jallow

The absolute majority isn’t going to be tractable if it’s implemented in The Gambia. The reason being is, we’ve to scrutinise, rationalise and understand the political culture and participation of The Gambian people. When it comes to voting in The Gambia, people have limited interest because of limited awareness about politics; thus leading to the practice of political apathy. This may happen when there is no absolute majority win in the first round of voting; the aftermath of such scenario leads the two frontliners to go for a second round of voting. The supporters of the losing candidates may refuse to vote in the second round because there preferred candidate is not contesting.

When such instances surfaced  the likelihood of a coalition government is rendered inevitable. Is a coalition government good for The Gambia. No! Compare to a government compose by a political party. We all know that a coalition government is always fragile and weak, because, no party takes ownership and when bad things occurred you wouldn’t even know where to apportion the blame because, everybody is there to protect and defend his or her party.

But if a government is compose by a political party, that party would make sure that they protect the political future of the republic by ensuring that all  institutions in the country are anchored on the basis of transparency and accountability. Therefore, they would always ensure that they do the right thing just to win the hearts of their people and also to be very mindful and careful of what they would be engaging on, and how they’re going to do it so that they don’t jeopardise the political future of the party.

A coalition government can be very dangerous and a threat to the nation’s sovereign wealth especially when the right people aren’t put in places. However, this may catapult a kleptocratic government of looters and tax evaders. And government composed of only thieves makes snail pace development a reality.

I think before advocating for absolute majority, we should first try to sensitise, educate, help and convince the people to participate and take party in politics both conventionally and unconventionally. If that’s successful then we can go for the absolute majority.

Seven (7) political parties came together to formed a coalition in 2016, but, they couldn’t even attained or pull out 50% due to the fact that the voter turn out was very low. If we really want to have the absolutely majority, then we’ve to change our political behaviour. And in essence, I’m of the perspective that we ought to first look into the party system of The Gambia in other to put a stop to the emergence of dubious political parties with clueless manifestos. Such parties are merely structured on political expediency.

In conclusion, We all witnessed the precious elections and it was only the presidential election which was better but the turn out for National Assembly and councillors elections were very poor.

Let’s not always try to imitate the democracy of  other countries even when such democracies does not suit our political reality.

May Allah the almighty continue to protect, guide and bless our motherland. Amen!

For The Gambia, our homeland.

Abubacarr Fulus Drammeh,
Student of the University of The Gambia.

State House, Banjul, 17th October 2018

The Gambia has been admitted as an Observer to the International Organisation of the Francophonie -OIF at the 17th Session of the Francophone Summit recently held in Yerevan, Armenia.

On behalf of the President, the Vice President, His Excellency, Mr Ousainou Darboe, led a delegation to the Summit, where The Gambia along with Ireland, Malta and the State of Qatar were admitted as new members of the Francophonie.   The Gambia’s membership to the Francophonie would provide opportunities for enhancing the country’s economic, socio-cultural and political transformation agenda.

The Francophonie   Community embodies the values of good governance, democracy, human rights, the rights of the child, empowering women, and harnessing the youth dividend among other things. The 88 member organisation is principally composed of developing countries that are set to promote the ideals of fair play in the world of globalization, in pursuit of the national development agenda of its members.  

Members consist of French and non-French speaking countries, and in sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana, Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau are examples of the non-French speaking members.

At the Amenian Summit, the Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo, was elected as the Secretary General of the OIF for the next two years.   She replaces the Haitian-born Canadian, Michaelle Jean. The next Summit will be held in Tunis in 2020.

On the sidelines of the Summit, Vice President, Darboe was received by the Prime Minister of Armenia, His Excellency, Nikol Pashinyan, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara signed an agreement formally establishing diplomatic ties between The Gambia and Armenia.

Members of His Excellency’s delegation comprised of the Ambassador of The Gambia to France and his Deputy Head of Mission, Dr Mamadou Sedat Jobe and Dr Mariama John respectively,and Mr Baboucar Dumbuya from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Dr Cherno Omar Barry, Chair of the Board of Alliance Française de Banjul also attended the Summit.

State House, Banjul, 17^thOctober 2018

His Excellency, President Adama Barrow has lauded the initiative of the French government to invest massively in Agricultural commercialization and mechanization, stressing that value addition in agricultural production will greatly contribute to food security in the country.

The President made the remarks during a closed-door meeting with the Ambassador of France to The Gambia, His Excellemcy, Christophe Bigot,at the State House in Banjul. The delegation was at the presidency to highlight France’s willingness to support the Barrow government, particularly in the area of agricultural development, among others.

While commending the French government for its generous support since assuming office, President Barrow expressed deep appreciation for the visit as well as the recent approval for an Observer Status for The Gambia in the International Organization of the Francophonie (OIF).

Speaking to the State House press corps shortly after the audience with the president, Ambassador Bigot described bilateral relations with Banjul as “very strong”, adding that France has been committed to supporting ‘New Gambia’ from the very beginning.

France has pledged €50Million grant towards agricultural development, urban water supply expansion in The Gambia amongst areas during The Gambia Conference in Brussels in May this year.

Such ventures would equally create more job opportunities for the youth, which is a top development priority for the Barrow government.  The Gambian leader called on the French to explore more opportunities and partnerships, especially in the area of tourism, which is the highestrevenue earner for the country.

The delegation, comprising Mme. Laurence Hart, Director General of the French Development Agency, Mr. Joel Godeau, Charge d’Affaires at the French Embassy in Banjul and Mr. Charbel Elhdji were accompanied by embassy staff to the State House.  Also at the meeting were Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, Secretary to Cabinet, Ebrima Ceesay and Permanent Secretary MOFA, Sulayman Njie.

The Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) has begun a four -days training for its staff and media partners on Tuesday, 16^thOctober, 2018. The induction, taking place at Baobab Beach Hotel in Bijilo, is meant to familiarize participants with the constituent documents of the CRC and the methodology for the implementation of the Commission’s tasks.

The CRC was established by the Constitutional Review Commission Act of 2017, to review and analyze the 1997 Constitution, draft a new Constitution for the Republic of The Gambia and prepare a report in relation to the review process and the drafting of the new Constitution.

The Commission’s report will outline the processes engaged in reviewing and drafting the new Constitution and provide the rationale for the provisions contained in the new Constitution.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Secretary of the CRC, Omar Ousman Jobe, welcomed participants to the maiden capacity building for the CRC staff who already took their oath of office. He said the training will introduce and avail the newly recruited staff  to the core mandate of the CRC, its action plan and other relevant strategic documents the CRC had prepared.

The training is being facilitated by the Commissioners of the CRC and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA).

The Chairperson of the CRC, Justice Cherno Sulayman  Jallow (QC), welcomed the new staff  to the CRC noting that, it is paramount that new staff and journalists understand the mandate and work of the CRC.

“It is important that we ensure that the particular goal of drafting the new Constitution for The Gambia and accompanying report is done properly, effectively, efficiently and in a timely fashion,” he said.

Justice Jallow recognized the value of the CRC staff  in ensuring the CRC executes its mandate and therefore enjoined them to be committed to duties and serve with due diligence.

He added: “The constitutional review process is designed to be fair, transparent and as objective as possible.”

He said the process is a ‘national endeavor’, designed to ensure that the Constitution will stand the test of time adding that the CRC is committed to fairness and impartiality in the process and that it will ensure that the document reflects the needs and aspirations of the Gambian people.

The chairperson noted that the constitution making process will include the inputs of all Gambians both in the country and the diaspora.

“We have a collective responsibility to ensure that whatever we do is transparent, fair and objective. The credibility of the CRC depends on the credibility of each and every one of us,” he advised.

During the course of the induction, participants are expected to be introduced to the CRC’s strategic documents and other thematic issues relevant to the development of the new Constitution.

Participants at the training expressed delight to be part of the process and resolved their unflinching commitment to relentlessly serve the CRC. They highlighted their expectations from the training.

State House, Banjul, 16^thOctober 2018

The top echelon of the United Nations, led by the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary Generalin West Africa and the Sahel, Dr. Muhammad Ibn Chambas, has reaffirmed their unreserved support for the President of The Gambia, H.E. Adama Barrow, to stand by his government to successfully carry out institutional and governance reforms being undertaken.

The UN dignitaries made the pledges during a courtesy call on His Excellency, President Adama Barrow at the State House on Tuesday.

Stressing that The Gambia’s success is a victory for the United Nations, the UN-SG Special Representative promised his organization’s full backing of the Gambia government.

‘’You can continue to count on the support of the Peacebuilding Commission, right from the UN Secretary Generalhimself. We are there with you in support of your effort to build the newGambia. The commission is at your full disposal to make sure whatever is pledged [$20M for the peace process] is there for you’’, remarked Dr. Chambas.

In welcoming the UN team, President Adama Barrow expressed delight at the presence of the delegation at the launching ceremony of the TRRC in The Gambia, something he said, gives a good picture to the world about the importance the UN attaches to the transition period in The Gambia.

“We believe that without peace, we cannot succeed; without stability, we cannot move this country forward. My government has provided the political will to build a strong foundation for democracy and we are committed to strengthening the judiciary,” he said, maintaining that these are the cardinal principles upon which his government was built.

Despite inheriting a difficult past, President Barrow was upbeat that The Gambia will successfully forge on, just like other countries had a similar experience. He, however, maintained that the journey will not be realized without support from partners and friends like the UN.

The Gambia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Momodou Tangara described members of the delegation as “good friends” of the country who have been keeping alive the momentum on the Gambia at the UN.