High Commissioner Ramzia Diab addresses African students in Indonesia

The Point Newspaper, 
Monday, October 22, 2018

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

The first-ever African cultural day was organised 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

Gambia joins International Organisation of Francophonie

The Point Newspaper, 
Monday, October 22, 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.

Source: State House.

GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: HOSPITAL CHIEF MEDICAL DIRECTOR, WHO FACES “FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES” DURING A TRIP TO THE UNITED STATES WITH THE FIRST LADY, RECEIVES A BAILOUT OF $2,500 FROM EFTSH!

The Chief Medical Director at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital Dr. Samateh, received a financial bailout from the hospital in the sum of $2,500 dollars. This followed, a trip Samateh, had made to the United States, together with First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow. He told his colleagues at the hospital management that he was experiencing financial problem during that trip; hence he wanted the hospital to wire him some money.

 An intercepted Memo from the EFTSH said Samateh accompanied the First Lady to the United States in a bid to represent the interest of the hospital. Though Dr. Samateh became “financially stranded” during that trip. 

 A request was  made for the hospital to make a Western Union money transfer of $2,500 to Dr. Samateh, who was said to be facing financial difficulties while living in Manhattan, New York. Manhattan is one of the most expensive residential areas in New York.

“The Chief Medical Director has traveled to the United States with the delegation of the First Lady to represent the interest of the hospital in the United States. From my conversation we had with the OMD on the telephone, it seems he is encountering some unforeseen financial difficulties the course of his travelling and stay in the United States. I am requesting for an impress of $2,500 dollars on behalf of the Chief Medical Director to be transferred by Western Union to the United States. He is staying in Manhattan in New York,” the hospital Public Relations Officer wrote.

 Dr. Samateh could not be reached for his own side of the story. It is not clear if Dr. Samateh has used the entire $2,500 dollars impress that was wired to him by the hospital via Western Union.

Freedom Newspaper   October 22nd, 2018

GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: EX NIA DEPUTY DIRECTOR LOUIS GOMEZ, WHO IS ACCUSED OF MURDERING SOLO SANDENG DIES IN PRISON TODAY!

A former Deputy Director of the infamous National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Louis Gomez, has died, the Freedom Newspaper can reveal. Mr. Gomez died in prison today. He was among the nine former NIA officers accused of killing the late Solo Sandeng. He has been in prison for over a year.  

Mr. Gomez is a former teacher. He later enlisted into the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). He rose to different positions at the Agency, before he was appointed Deputy Director by the exiled Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh.

The circumstances surrounding Gomez’s death is unknown. He was held under solidarity confinement during his long stint in mile two custody.

Last month, a protest erupted at Mile Two, one of the country’s main correctional facilities, as some prisoners complained about being detained for years without trial.

Authorities dispatched a team to help restore calm in the detention center. However, reports emerged indicating that some inmates were subjected to degradation treatment and solitary confinement.

Justice Minister Abubcarr Tambadou said he heard about reports of the alleged torture allegations and made it clear that his office is looking into it. “So far, the initial response of prison’s authorities is a denial that it didn’t take place, and no one was tortured,” he added.

He further stated that they suggested to conduct a medical examination to prove that these detainees were not tortured. “So, it is an allegation at this point in time. It has not been proven,” he remarked during a press conference last week.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Omar Jeng, another accused person, named in Solo Sandeng death has been hospitalized. Jeng is a native of Kaur, in the Central River Region of The Gambia. He was the Operations Director at the NIA, during Sandeng’s arrest and subsequent killing. He is said to be admitted at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital.

Freedom Newspaper,  October 11th, 2018

GAMBIA: TOP SECRET: THREE MEETINGS HELD AT THE STATE ON MONDAY; BARROW TOLD HE RISKED RENDERING HIS POSITION AS PRESIDENT VACANT!

President Barrow weighing his many options

The State House in Banjul has now been transformed as a political bureau. It is one of the busiest State Houses in West Africa. Meetings are convened on an hourly basis. From supporters of Barrow’s Youth Movement (BYM), the United Democratic Party leaders and their supporters and Religious Leaders often meet with the President to discuss politics.

 On Monday, three different meetings were held at the State House. Mr. Barrow had a meeting with some UDP supporters; he also met with a delegation led by Aji Yam Secka, the UDP Deputy Leader, and some Banjul Religious leaders. His Youth Movement lieutenants were also present at the corridors of the State House to receive arriving guests. They also coordinate the President’s political meetings among others.


In one of the meetings, in which Aji Yam Secka, was in attendance, Barrow was reminded about the strong ties he had with the UDP. He was advised to stay with the Party and forget about his determined quest for leadership position within the party.
One of the people, who witnessed the meeting said, Barrow was also told that he is an elected Independent President and hence his prospects of running for a UDP leadership position in any future Congress is a forgotten conclusion. That any attempt on the side of Barrow to entertain the notion that the party should elect him to serve as its party leader in the upcoming Congress, will no doubt nullify his position as a Head of State.
In other words, Barrow was told that he risked overthrowing himself by meddling into the UDP Congress. That once the party elects him as party leader, his position as a Coalition Independent President will become “untainable.”

A member of the UDP delegation also informed him that once his position as Coalition Independent President became vacant, by virtue of any future position he assumes at the UDP, while serving as President, the Independent Electoral Commission will have no other alternative other than organizing early elections.

Shortly after his meeting with the UDP delegation, the State House wrote in a press release by stating:“The President was elected as an independent coalition candidate.  Thus, rather than politicking, he is occupied with finding solutions and addressing the development needs of the people that overwhelmingly elected him into office. Which is why he succeeded in securing several capital investments that would directly impact the lives of ordinary Gambians and drive them out of poverty, as stated in the National Development Plan 2018-2021.”
The above statement contradicts Barrow’s earlier statement, in which he told some group of UDP supporters that he will not allow to be pushed aside by the UDP to give way for others to succeed him within the party. Barrow even went as far as saying that any attempt to oppose him within the UDP, could amount to betrayal of the highest order.

“The UDP as a party lacks nothing in this government. You have a President, Vice President, Speaker of the National Assembly, and key positions in the government. What else do you want? You do not need another President. You already had one,” Barrow remarked in the Mandinka local dialect.
“Sitting Presidents do not go to for Convention. Even in the United States of America, which is the bastion of democracy, a sitting President do not go for Convention. The other opposition parties can seek to oppose me in the coming elections, but I do not think it is appropriate for the UDP to seek to replace its own President. What we should preoccupied ourselves is to ensure that we have a UDP government that will last for the next 15 years. You already had a President and I am your President. I am also the President for the supporters of the opposition and all Gambians,” Barrow added.
Mr. Barrow erred when he claimed that sitting Presidents in the United States do not face opposition within their own parties during primaries. For all that we know, President Jimmy Carter, Ford, Reagan and other US Presidents were challenged by their own party members in past Conventions.

Former Jammeh Officials
There are some prominent big names in the former Jammeh government who have privately pledged their support for Barrow, should he decides to set up a political party. Some of them are former cabinet ministers. They are in talks with Barrow’s team.
There are also some APRC bigwigs on the sideline waiting for Barrow’s party to be launched. They also want to join the Barrow train.
For now, we will refrain from naming names. But there are bigger forces behind Adama Barrow. Some of the APRC folks planning to jump ship said, they are more comfortable with Barrow than Ousainou Darboe. They are always around the State House.
A former Jammeh Cheerleader and supporter has been seen hanging out with Dodou Sano. His name is Momodou Dahaba. Dahaba is a police officer. He and Sano dine and wine together.

Religious Leaders
Some concerned Banjul religious leaders are also working with Barrow’s team to propagate the agenda that they want Barrow to form a political party. Some of the religious leaders met Barrow on Monday at the State House. A prominent Gambian Imam is part of the team coordinating the secret meetings.
A replica of what happened in 1994, might happen again. You remember, when some religious leaders descended at the State House, appealing to Jammeh to prolong his rule? A similar thing is about to happen. Watch the space!

GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: PRESIDENT BARROW DISCOUNTS THE POSSIBILITY OF ANY UDP MEMBER OR LEADER REPLACING HIM AS A PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANT AT A CONGRESS; SAYS “THE UDP ALREADY HAD A PRESIDENT.”

President Adama Barrow has sent a strong message to the United Democratic Party (UDP) membership and its leadership about his unshaken resolve and determination to represent the party in the upcoming 2021 Presidential elections. Mr. Barrow, who was addressing the party’s leadership over the weekend, has ruled out the possibility of him stepping aside from the Presidency—not to mention to give way or allow any UDP member or leader to lead the party anytime soon. He advised the party’s membership to forget about replacing him saying that “we can only have one President at a time, and the UDP, has a President in the person of Adama Barrow.” Barrow warned that any attempt to replace him, would amount to betrayal of the highest order, as he ruled out the option of the UDP party, electing a leader in the upcoming Congress scheduled for December.

 

President Barrow towers over VP Darboe

Mr. Barrow’s bombshell statement, followed reports that he has started inducing UDP Chairmen, Chairwomen, and MPS ahead of the December Congress. Some of the party’s local representatives were given D5,000 dalasis each, while the MPS were given D10,000 dalasis each.


Mr. Barrow defended his action saying that there is nothing wrong for him to compensate the hardworking UDP local leaders, whom he described as the most dedicated members of the party over the years. He said the party’s local reps have been working for free all these years and giving them a remuneration will only demonstrate how he appreciated their services to the UDP Party.
In a condescending statement punctuated with applauses from his base, Barrow remarked that he has done everything within his means since he ascended to the Presidency about two years ago, to ensure that the UDP membership and its leadership were fairly represented in his government. He cited the appointment of Ousainou Darboe as the Vice President, Mariam Denton Jack as Speaker of the National Assembly, and the other key UDP appointments he made in the government.
“The UDP as a party lacks nothing in this government. You have a President, Vice President, Speaker of the National Assembly, and key positions in the government. What else do you want? You do not need another President. You already had one,” Barrow remarked in the Mandinka local dialect.
“Sitting Presidents do not go to for Convention. Even in the United States of America, which is the bastion of democracy, a sitting President do not go for Convention. The other opposition parties can seek to oppose me in the coming elections, but I do not think it is appropriate for the UDP to seek to replace its own President. What we should preoccupied ourselves is to ensure that we have a UDP government that will last for the next 15 years. You already had a President and I am your President. I am also the President for the supporters of the opposition and all Gambians,” Barrow added.
The political theater and drama are happening while the UDP leader Ousainou Darboe and his colleagues are away from the country, attending a conference in Norway. He has been accompanied by Trade Minister Amadou Sanneh. Sanneh is a high-ranking member of the UDP.
Darboe was seemingly lured into attending a conference organized by some group of Gambians in Oslo, while Barrow and his team delivered their political bombshell in his absence. Darboe is yet to make a formal reaction to President Barrow’s declaration.
Though, his supporters have since taken to social media, decrying Barrow’s latest move to self-perpetuate himself in power. There is division within the UDP party, which claimed to have formed the majority in Barrow’s government.
Sounding confident, and categorical in his desire to remain in power for the long term, President Barrow, also urged the UDP supporters to remain united and support his Presidency. He also admonished the UDP base to ignore divisive characters bent on peddling misleading information to confuse and divide the party’s membership. He said such folks are up to no good.
Mr. Barrow also recalled the challenges the UDP party faced while Baba Kajali Jobe was alive. He said some of the party’s MPS had to lose their seats in Jarra and in some areas in Kiang—thanks to Jobe’s style of politicking.
For Barrow, he thinks that the UDP membership and its leadership, should be appreciative of what he has done for the party since he was voted into office and not to behave otherwise. He made it categorically clear to those at the meeting that he can only accept a Presidential challenger from the opposition and not within the UDP.
UDP Member of Parliament Sanna Jawara over the weekend criticized President Barrow for allegedly bribing some UDP MPS ahead of the December Congress. He accused The Gambian leader of lowering the barometer of Gambia’s new Found Democracy.
Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has written to all registered political parties in the country, asking them to organize Congress before December. Parties leaders have confirmed to the Freedom Newspaper about the existence of such communication from  the IEC.

Written By Pa Nderry M’Bai, Freedom Newspaper, October 7th, 2018

GAMBIA: BREAKING NEWS: VP DARBOE WANTS TO RESIGN FROM BARROW’S GOV’T; AS DARBOE SHED TEARS WHILE DISCUSSING WITH AIDES ABOUT BARROW’S RECENT COMMENTS!

Multiple sources interviewed by this medium said Mr. Darboe, has vowed that his party is going ahead with the planned Congress scheduled for December. He also reportedly said he is not going to give way to Barrow to lead the party, should the party’s membership decide to nominate him to run for UDP Secretary General.

VP Lawyer O. Darboe
“Mr. Darboe is a sad man today. He is not only angry at Barrow, but he is also disappointed by the ignorance exhibited by Barrow during his meeting with the UDP delegation. He felt that Barrow is ignorant of the UDP Constitution and US domestic politics. Mr. Darboe is fuming. He said he is considering resigning from the party before Barrow will set the UDP on fire. He doesn’t think that Barrow is sincere to the UDP and its membership,” said a close aide of Ousainou Darboe, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“It is Mr. Darboe’s fervent belief that Barrow is out to destabilize the party. He kept saying that he cannot continue to work with a “divisive and polarizing leader” like Barrow. He felt being disrespected by Adama Barrow. He even shed tears when he was talking to some trusted aides. He couldn’t believe the news that he was hearing from Banjul. That Barrow thinks that he owns the party and her membership. Darboe has flooded the idea of him resigning from the Government to some trusted colleagues in the party, but he was asked to stay on the job until Barrow’s true motives are discerned,” our source added.
In his address last night to the UDP delegation, who met him at the State House, Adama Barrow said, even in the United States sitting Presidents never face an opposition from their respective parties during Convention. Though that statement of Barrow is inaccurate. President Jimmy Carter, Ford and others were opposed during Conventions organized by their respective parties.
In the meantime, UDP MPS are supposed to meet today to discuss Barrow’s claims that he will not allow an opposition within the UDP, as far as the position of flag bearer is concerned. We will keep you posted with developments

 Freedom Newspaper, October 8, 2018

Barrow calls for support to keep ECOMIG until 2021

The President of The Gambia, President Barrow has called for support from the African Union and ECOWAS to keep the sub-region ECOMIG Forces until the end of the transition.
The forces comprising of soldiers from Senegal, Ghana and Nigeria were deployed to The Gambia after the 2016 Presidential Election, which saw the long time ruler Yahya Jammeh defeated.
Speaking at the State House in Banjul on Thursday afternoon during a meeting with African Union Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Barrow said he was happy to receive the AU chair at his office. He recalled a meeting he had with Moussa Faki Mahamat in Addis Ababa where he was assured of the fullest support of the African Union.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, a Chadian arrived in the country on Wednesday for a day’s official visit.
Barrow used the meeting to renew his call for AU to support his government to bring about the needed change in the country. President Barrow emphasized the importance of peace and security for the attainment of any meaningful development and integration.
“Without peace and stability, the integration we are talking about cannot be achieved.”
For President Barrow, the time has come for Africa to integrate and for the West African nations; it has to start with ECOWAS if the countries are serious about coming together. He said Africa now has what it takes to succeed.
President Barrow added that his government will need support in maintaining the sub-regional forces until the end of the transition period which he says is in 2021. This he said, will help his government accomplish his security reform process.
He told the AU Chair that his government has also embarked on reforms in the judiciary and civil service and security.
“We need support in this transition period.”
Mahamat’s visit is part of his regular interactions with Heads of State and Governments of the AU member states.
Moussa Faki Mahamat commended Barrow for the ongoing reform proceses, while assuring of AU’s support to The Gambia in this transitional phase.
Commenting on the disputes in Cameroon, he says the ultimate objective of the AU is to see peaceful and stable continent. He called for dialogue in ending the dispute.
Mahamat, who was earlier in Senegal, will visit Guinea Bissau to show AU’s support and solidarity for their efforts to strengthen stability, as well as ensure the deepening of democracy and respect for human rights.

Fatu Network,  October 5th, 2018

AT THE COURT-MARTIAL: Three accused persons testify.

By Kebba Secka
Three accused persons were yesterday crossed-examined by the prosecution at the General Court-Martial held at Yundum Barracks. They are Sergeant Malick Bojang, Corporal Sulaiman Sanyang and Corporal Lamin Gibba.
The trial involves twelve (12) members of the Gambia Armed Forces in connection to alleged WhatsApp group created allegedly to over throw the government of the day.
When the case was called MB Abubakr announced his appearance for the state while SK Jobe with Capt Suwaibou Jammeh, Capt. Cham Samateh, Capt Modou Demba and Capt Kebba Jabbi announced their representation for the accused persons.
Sergeant Malick Bojang was then asked to enter the witness box as the fifth defence witness to be crossed-examined. “Did you belong to a what group called true friends?” asked MB Abubakr. “Never. I was never part of a WhatsApp group called True Friends.” “In your evidence before court you said your number 2135791 was added to the group by Sgt Yusupha Katya, alias Yarro,” asked state counsel. “What I told this court is clear, that my number was added to the group without my consent and as soon as I knew it l asked for it to be deleted,” explained DW5. State prosecutor went on and asked him whether he DW5 knew the activities running in the group prior to him asking to be deleted and Witness answered in the negative, adding that he has never participated in a WhatsApp group conversation which is alleged to have planned to overthrow the government of The Gambia.
At this juncture, prosecutor applied to be given exhibits 43, 44, 54 and 61 and when the exhibits were given, prosecutor asked DW5 to read out to the court the last paragraph of Exhibits 43 and 44 which contained messages of translated conversations relating to the alleged planned coup. Between page 43-44 of the exhibits, DW5 read out pages 43 and 44 to the court: “Malik Bojang (DW5) 2135791 what you have said is very clear. All proposals have been met. All that we need is to achieve our mission. May we live to witness that day in peace. All that we need is your command on that day so that we achieve what we all want.”
Next to be examined was Lance Corporal Sulaiman  Sanyang DW6. He asked by Defense counsel SK Kobe to tell the court how he became involved in the alleged matter. DW6 said on 11th July, 2017 at Fajara Barracks, one Kebba Ndure,  approached him and told him to answer to Warrant Officer Class C Tete Saidy. According to him, this Warrant Officer ordered him, DW6 to be taken to the Detention Centre in Fajara Camp where he was detained until he was brought before a court-martial. DW6 also told the court-martial that whilst he was detained, he was taken to face a Board of Inquiry at the Fajara Barracks and a Board of Investigators at the NIA. “At the BOI, I told them that I am not aware of any creation of WhatsApp group meant to overthrow the government of the Gambia. I told them that I did not know how it happened. At that point Capt Pharring Sanyang told me that all that we need from you is the truth but if you hide the truth from us, we will take you to a place where you must tell us the truth,” he told the court. According to him, he too told Pharring that, “all that you need is the truth and I have told you the truth, nothing but the truth,” he claimed. “Capt Sanyang again asked me why we the Jolas don’t like the change of government in The Gambia. I told him never to asked me politically motivated questions. I told him, I don’t choose a leader, God chooses a leader. Therefore, who am I not to accept the doings of the Almighty,” DW6 told the court. He further alleged that Lt Yusupha Jallow at that moment was ordered by Capt Pharring to take him somewhere and dealwith him until he revealed the truth.
During crossed examination, state counsel MB Abubakr referred the witness to Exhibit K dated 21/07/17, telling the court it was his own statement. “You told the court that at the BOI, you intended to maintain the statement dated 21/07/17,” asked MB Abubakr. “Yes,” DW6 answered. When Sgt Yusupha Jatta asked you to give him your number to be added to the group, which number did you give him?,” asked state counsel. ‘I gave him 7301023,” “Can you tell the court the purpose for which you were added to the group,” asked MB Abubakr. DW6 explained: “I never told this court that I agreed to be added to the WhatsApp group in connection to the alleged coup planned,” he explained. “Did you willingly give your number to Sgt Yusupha Jatta,” “Yes,” he answered but later reaffirmed that he is not part of a WhatsApp group which is the subject of their charge. “You told the Court that you willingly gave your number to Sgt Yusupha Jatta,” reminded MB Abubakar.
At this juncture, Defence counsel SK Jobe objected arguing that there was nowhere the Witness mentioned in his evidence in chief that he gave his number willingly to Sgt Yusupha Jatta. Prosecutor again rose and said he was referring to the witness’s evidence before the Court. Defence counsel SK Jobe again rose up and said the prosecutor needs to quote from Exhibit K if that was where he was talking from. Prosecutor then asked DW6 to tell the court the number he gave Sgt Jatta and asked whether it is the number he used on WhatsApp.
On the examination of DW7, Lamin Gibba said he lives in  Foni Jiffanga and can recalled on the 21 July, 2017 when he was arrested by Lt Mamud Barry at the 2 Infantry Battalion in Farafenni and later transferred to Fajara Barracks for detention. He explained that when he asked why he was arrested, he was told by Mamud that he received instruction from his superiors. He added that while he was detained at the Fajara Barracks he faced Investigators both at Fajara Barracks and at the NIA headquarters in Banjul where he was interrogated in connection to the alleged WhatsApp group. “When they asked me whether I have planned to overthrow the government, I told them never and never ever. I also told them I’m not part of any WhatsApp group called True Friends,” he told the Court. “What happened to your mobile phone,” asked Defense counsel. “My phone was seized by Lt Mamud Barry,” he answered. DW7 was asked by Defense counsel whether if his mobile phone is shown to him he would be able to identify it and he answered in the affirmative. At that juncture, defence counsel applied to the court to allow the witness to identify the phone that was seized from him. The mobile phones that were seized from the accused persons were displayed before the court for the witness to identify his own. “Does your type of mobile phone use WhatsApp,” asked Defense counsel. The witness answered in the affirmative, adding that he used 6312450/2883349 on WhatsApp. When you were asked by the BOI about the alleged meetings in AU Villa and Lamin, what did you tell them?” asked Defence counsel. “I told them I don’t know anything about it,” he said. “Who did you know among these accused?” asked Defence counsel. “I came to know them in this trial,” he answered. DW7 said when he met the BOI, he told them that they will not see a message of his contribution in the alleged WhatsApp group and that is a confirmation that he was not part to the group.
The case was adjourned till today for continuation of crossed examination of DW7.

Foroyaa Newspaper,  October 9th, 2018

Driver Who Killed 5 In Lamin Road Accident, Denied Bail.

By Nelson Manneh

Dodou Jallow, a driver who was involved in a car accident leading to the death of five people in Lamin Village, was on Friday October 5^th 2018, denied bail at the Brikama Magistrates Court.
When the case was called before Magistrate M. Krubally of the Brikama Magistrates Court, Sergeant 3533 B. Jarju announced his representation for the Inspector General of Police and Lawyer Bamo Badjie, announced his presence for the accused person.
Magistrate M Krubally rejected the bail application of Lawyer Badjie saying, the accused person will be remanded till the final determination of the Court. The case was then adjourned to the 11^th of October 2018.
It could be recalled that Dodou Jallow on the 16^th of September 2018 at Lamin Village, was driving a vehicle with registration number BJL 0664P, and was involved in a car accident that killed five people.
He was charged with rash or negligent act, causing death and leaving six others in critical conditions. The decease persons are Rabi Touray, an 8 year old girl, Marie Gomez a 21 year old girl, Sirray Sanneh a 37 year old woman, Fatou Sanneh a 50 year old woman and Louie Joof, a 36 year old man.
Jallow faces charges contrary to Section 221 (A) of the Criminal Code of the Gambia.

Foroyaa Newspaper, October 9th, 2018

Member Of Parliament For Fulladou West Embarks On A Cleansing Exercise In Bansang.

Residents of Bansang in the Central River Region, CRR under the leadership of Dawda Kawsu Jawara, the National Assembly Member for Fulladou West, recently held a massive cleansing exercise, locally known as setsettal.

The voluntary exercise was attended by the youths and some village elders.
The volunteers took time to remove rubbish from various locations and unauthorised dumpsites in the village, “especially the gutters.”

Speaking at the exercise, the UDP NAM for Fulladou West, also a native, said he deemed it necessary to organise the cleansing excise, “because the town was rotting with trash all over.”

 

 

He also expressed delight at the participation of the Bansang youth and thanked the elders and those who contributed towards the success of the cleansing excise, which he said will address the issue of diseases, especially during the rainy season.

Hon Jawara also used the opportunity to call on the Bansang Area Council to give more support to the communities, by providing them with mobility to carry away the rubbish to the official dumpsites.
He also advised the youth to desist from engaging in illegal activities, such as drug abuse and illegal migration.
He said henceforth he will continue to mobilise the youth of Bansang in the fight against malaria and other related diseases.

“During my tenure as national assembly member Bansang and the entire Fulladou should expect a lot of developmental surprises from me,” he said.
The newly elected NAM also visited the NAWEC office in Bansang.

“During my visit I discussed at length with the staff and I was made to understand that the machines they are using to serve the whole of CRR are equivalent to the ones some of our hotels are using,” he said.
He said many people are having misconception about NAWEC, “I think the fact of the matter is that, NAWEC were not better equipped over the years and until that changes we will continue to suffer from electricity problem.”
Honourable Jawara also promised to take it up by himself to ensure that a better machine is provided for uninterrupted electricity supply in CRR in the near future.

 By Omar Bah, Standard Newspaper,  June 28th, 2017

Nominated Candidates For Council Elections (2008)

Nominated Candidates For Council Elections

BANJUL CITY COUNCIL
Mayor: Samba Faal APRC
Femi Peters UDP
BANJUL SOUTH
Jollof Town Ward
Njaga Jammeh APRC
Aziz’Pa Boy’ Frazer UDP

Half Die Ward
Momodou Njie APRC

Portugese Town Ward
Catherine Cherry APRC
BANJUL NORTH
Box Bar Ward
Landing Sanyang APRC
Kebba M. Nyang UDP

Campama Ward
Aminata Savage Jadama APRC
Fatounmatta Darboe UDP

Crab Island Ward
Awa Sillah Njie APRC
Baboucarr Jah UDP

BANJUL CENTRAL
New Town West Ward
Winston Shyngle APRC
Lamin Darboe UDP

New Town East Ward
Hassan MS Cham APRC

Soldier Town Ward
Marie A. Dalliah APRC

KANIFING MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
Mayor: Yankuba Colley APRC
Mamadou A. Danso UDP

BAKAU
Bakau New Town/Fajara Ward 
Bakery B. Darboe APRC
Noah Fatty Independent
Bakary S. Jobe UDP

Old Bakau/Cape Point Ward
Oumie S. Barry APRC
Ousman Rambo M. Jatta UDP
JESHWANG
Kanifing Ward
Ramou Jobe APRC
Mustapha Sosseh Independent
New Jeshwang/Ebo Town Ward 
Momodou Lamin Badjie APRC
Modou I. Cham Independent
Dodou Sannoh UDP

Old Jeshwang Ward
Sheriff S. Sarr APRC
Omar SM Camara Independent

SEREKUNDA EAST
Abuko Ward
Salimatou Sidibeh Susso APRC
Yusupha Jarju Independent

Fajikunda Ward
Ousman Mbemba Gassama APRC

Latrikunda Sabiji Ward
Ousman Fatty APRC
Famara Sanneh UDP

Tallinding Ward
Mariama Banna Badjie APRC
Fatou K. Jawara UDP

SEREKUNDA CENTRAL
Bundung Borehole/Bantaba Ward
Ebrima Tamba APRC
Modou Jallow Independent

Bundung Six Junction/Muritani Ward
Katim Touray APRC
Lamin Darboe UDP
Serekunda/London Corner Ward 
Millo Savage APRC
Ismaila Gitteh UDP

SEREKUNDA WEST 
Bakoteh Ward
Yusupha Sanyang APRC
Dippa Kunda Ward
Basiru Camara APRC 
Ebrima Sandeng UDP

Kololi Ward
Momodou Jaiteh APRC
Latrikunda Yiringanya Ward 
Paul J. Preirra APRC 
Sukai Dahaba UDP
Manjai Kunda/Kotu Ward 
Momodou M. Sidibeh APRC 
Isidore Jatta Independent
Salieu Manneh Independent

BRIKAMA AREA COUNCIL:Western Region 
FONI JARROL
Sintet Ward
Momodou M. Bah APRC
Wassadou Ward
Tumani B. Sambou APRC

FONI BONDALI
Mayork Ward
Hamadi Sowe APRC

Bantanjang Ward
Kaddy Camara APRC

FONI KANSALA
Kanilai Ward
Kabba Bojang APRC

Bwiam Ward
Fatou Mam Nyassi-Dukureh APRC
FONI BINTANG Kusamai Ward
Bakary S. Sanneh APRC 
Yunus Gibba Independent
Sibanor Ward
Alh. Sutay Jarju APRC

FONI BREFET
Somita Ward
Sunkary Badjie APRC

Bulock Ward
Tombong Jatta APRC
Ismaila Badjie Independent

KOMBO EAST
Kafuta Ward
Alagie K. Kujabi APRC

Pirang Ward
Omar Sowe APRC

Giboro Ward
Ebrima Kujabi APRC

KOMBO SOUTH
Kartong Ward
Lamin Jamba Jammeh APRC

Sanyang Ward
Sarja Gibba APRC
Awa Bah NRP

Gunjur Ward
Ebrima Janko CS Bojang APRC
KOMBO NORTH
Sukuta Ward
Ebra Faal APRC

Banjulunding Ward
Mariama Bah-Saine APRC

Lamin Ward
Fabakary Manneh APRC

Busumbala Ward
Alh Bolong BLK Jatta APRC
KOMBO CENTRAL
Kembujeh Ward
Momodou Ceesay APRC
Alieu Darboe UDP

Nyambai Ward
Lamin Haja Bojang APRC
Foday Gassama UDP
Suba Ward
Jammeh K. Sanneh APRC
Marakissa Ward
Alieu Jarjue APRC
Lamin Jarjue Independent

MANSAKONKO AREA COUNCIL: Lower River Region
KIANG WEST
Kiang Julafar Ward
Buba Manneh APRC
Sarjo Bojang UDP

Kiang Banta Ward
Kalilu Ceesay APRC
Omar Bah UDP
KIANG CENTRAL
Jiroff Ward
Demba Bah APRC

Kwinella Ward
Fa Bakary Sanneh APRC
Kajali Sowe UDP
KIANG EAST
Kaiaf Ward
Majula Joof APRC

Massembe Ward
Ebrima Colley APRC
JARRA WEST
Jikoko Ward
Foday Camara APRC

Jaduma Ward
Lamin A. Jobe APRC
Kajali Fofana UDP

JARRA CENTRAL
Jalembereh Ward
Musa Kebbeh APRC

Buiba Ward
Momodou Jawo APRC

JARRA EAST
Bureng Ward
Kebba Fatty APRC

Pakaliba Ward
Samba Kandeh APRC 

KEREWAN AREA COUNCIL: North Bank Region
LOWER NIUMI
Essau Ward
Kawsu Marong APRC
Yaya Sonko NRP

Medina Sering Mass Ward
Sheriff Misba Hydara APRC
Babou Kebbeh NRP

UPPER NIUMI 
Prince Ward
Ebou Gaye APRC
Pakau Ward
Omar A. Bah APRC

JOKADU
Kerr Jarga Ward
Lamin Mbowe APRC
Ousman MM Jallow Independent

Darsilami Ward
Kemo Jabbi Kassama APRC
Tamsir Chune Independent

LOWER BADDIBU
Kerewan Ward
Alh. Lamin Ceesay APRC 
Masanneh Kassama UDP
Saaba Ward
Abdoulie Kallow APRC
Kebba Sawaneh UDP

CENTRAL BADDIBU
Salikene Ward
Muhamed Njie APRC
Lamin LK Ceesay UDP
Njaba Kunda Ward
Sanna Jammeh APRC
Alhagie B Jaiteh Independent
Yerro DM Bah Independent

ILLIASA
Noo Kunda Ward
Lang Conteh APRC
Wuyeh Dampha Independent
Omar W. Bah APRC
Katchang Ward
Tamba Marong APRC
Kubandarr Ward

Farafenni Ward
Wassa Sowe APRC

SABACH SANJAL
Sabach Ward
Jainaba Bah APRC
Ousman Touray Independent
Sanjal Ward
Kebba Sabally APRC
Samba Ceesay Independent

KUNTAUR AREA COUNCIL: Central River Region
LOWER SALOUM
Ballanghar Ward
Serign Joof APRC
Kaur Ward
Mamad Mbye APRC
Saiba Ceesay NRP

UPPER SALOUM
Panchang Ward
Saihou Samba APRC
Omar Cham NRP
Njau Ward
Amie Channeh Ceesay APRC
Ousman P. Jobe NRP

NIANI
Kuntaur Ward
Malang Camara APRC
Sibiti Jallow NRP
Nyanga Ward
Alhagie Sarge APRC
Pa Manga Nyang NRP

NIANIJA
Chamen Ward
Alasan Fatou York APRC
Ebrima Nyang NRP
SAMI
Pachonki Ward
Janko Ceesay APRC
Kali Ceesay UDP
Banni Ward
Musa Samura APRC
Ousman Koma UDP
Karantaba Ward
Momodou Badjan APRC
Ebrima Touray UDP

JANJANBUREH AREA COUNCIL: Central River Region
JANJANGBUREH
MacCarthy Ward
Ebrima Janko Foon APRC

UPPER FULLADU WEST
Sare Soffie Ward
Amadou Alpha Jallow APRC
Demba Sarjo UDP
Daru Ward
Sanna Manneh APRC

Bansang Ward
Amie Ceesay APRC
Mankamang Badjie UDP
Galleh Ward
Alh. Neneh Mbye APRC

LOWER FULLADU WEST
Brikama Ba Ward
Alh. Ketuta Ceesay APRC
Fulabantang Ward
Omar Jallow APRC
Salifu Jawo NRP
Kerewan Ward
Samba Wadda APRC
Belali Baldeh Independent

NIAMINA DANKUNKU 
Dankunku Ward
Samba MP Bah APRC
Jaliba Barry NRP

NIAMINA EAST
Jareng Ward
Madi Gaye APRC 
Kudang Ward
Maku Ceesay APRC 

NIAMINA WEST
Catamina Ward
Amadou Sowe APRC
Alh Demba S Bah Independent

BASSE
Basse Ward
Aja Mariama Jaw APRC
Sabi Ward
Ousainou Baldeh APRC

TUMANA
Dampha Kunda Ward
Mba Sawaneh APRC

BASSE AREA COUNCIL:
JIMARA
Julangel Ward
Muhamed AK Mallow
Gambisara Ward 
Samba Baldeh APRC
Upper River Region APRC
Kulari Ward
Amadou Manneh APRC

KANTORA
Garawol Ward
Samba Bachilly APRC
Koina Ward
Hassan Jawo APRC

WULI WEST
Sare Ngai Ward
Muhamed Barrow APRC
Muhamed Kijera NADD

Sutukonding Ward
Khaleel K. Suwaye APRC
Saibeh Juwara NADD

WULI EAST
Foday Kunda Ward
Yahya Kanteh APRC
Jarra Danso NADD

Baja Kunda Ward
Kalilu Jawo APRC
Alhagie Fatty NADD

SANDU
Misera Ward
Ahmed Niabel Bah APRC
Seedy Jatta Independent

Diabugu Ward
Jahara K. S. Juwara APRC
Lamin Ceesay UDP

Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No 004/2007, 9 - 10 January 2008