Open Gambia

04/04/2024

OPEN GAMBIA RECEIVED FEEDBACK ON UNDERPAYMENT AND THE FAILURE TO COMPENSATE THE VICTIM OF THE OIC ROAD DEMOLITION!

We received feedback Following our two publications on the underpayment and failure to pay compensation to the affected property owner along the ongoing construction of the OIC road development and the rebuttal of the bogus press release from the Ministry of Transport Works and Infrasture (MOTW&I).

The recent feedback is coming from victims around project areas Lots2, P3 to P9, covering Sukuta- Latrikunda. SabijiKololi. Tavern-Bijilo-Brufut. Touba Manchaca Road-Kerr Serign-Sukuta. Bijilo- Sukuta Nemasu. Bijilo Site Access. Kololi/Senegambia Road intersection- Touba Sanchaba Road and Sukuta Health Centre - Kololi Senegambia Road Intersection.

Information we received from Our Contact, who works on the project, projected a total budget estimate for compensation at a Total of ($7,300 200 USD) to cover the affected property owners in the area.

Of the people who spoke to us from the areas mentioned above ( project Lots 2) P3 to P9), none received a penny as compensation, and neither received a definitive answer to their queries for when they shall receive their compensation payments.

The experiences narrated by the victims living around the areas of (Project Lots2) P3 to P9 are reminiscent of the feedback we received from those who contacted us from Project Areas Lots 1 P1 and P2, covering the areas around Kanifing Hospital - Bertil Harding (Methodist) Kanifing Estate Road and GPPC Road-Westfield (Jokor)- Abuko. Where Our Contact, who works on the project, projected a total budget estimate for compensation ( $200 150,000 USD) to cover the affected property owners in the area.

The road build exercise started from Project Lots 1 and 2 in early 2022. Of the people who spoke to us from the areas mentioned above ( project Lots 1 to 2), all did receive compensation, but none received satisfactory Or fair compensation for
the damage done to their properties or land taken from them.

The people from areas Lots 1 and 2 underwent the precise process as the present people at Lots2 P3 to P9 are experiencing, from the initial contact of notice that their properties will be affected by the OIC urban road development to when they received their unsatisfactory compensation payment the entire process was chaotic failed to meet any component standard of operations. They demolished their properties without telling them how much compensation they were entitled to receive, and they didn't issue a competent metric system to determine a fair settlement for the damage done or loss of land.

The experience encountered by separate project areas has confirmed the statements made by an officer at the Finance Ministry in our earlier publication: "The entire compensation process is handled incompetently and mired in corruption, lack of transparency, and no accountability measures. The government deliberately delayed payment to frustrate victims, making them desperate to settle their compensation cheaply".

We will share the experiences of two victims, each from separate areas: the first victim is a property owner at P8. Kololi/Senegambia Road intersection- Touba Sanchaba Road.
They received a notice from the Ministry of Lands requesting a portion of their land for public proposes of constructing the road along their property on 11 May 22.

They promised compensation for the claim's value within 21 days with the evidence of property ownership produced. The victim complied with the request made by the Lands Ministry and summited the document with their account number as requested. Until now, the government has not stated how much they would compensate the victim after his property got demolished.

The victim claims (OG has seen video evidence) that They had demolished their fence and removed 3 meters of their land, affecting structures 1. a recreation hut, 2. a solid-built foundation shop that was to have an apartment building on top, 3. a tap and a 4. septic tank. The estimated cost of damage and replacement of structures, apart from the value of the land, is over D1 Million Dalasis.

The second victim is among the first affected persons with the demolition living along project Lot 1. Kanifing Hospital- Bertil Harding (Methodist) Kanifing Estate Road.
The Physical planning authorities appraised their property in August 2022 without further consultations to come to agreeable terms for compensation. In November 2022, demolitions were carried out, still without agreeing to a settlement for compensation.

The authorities took 9M X 5M of land, demolishing 1: a medium-sized Poultry farm and a small Shop. The physical planning evaluation didn’t consider the loss of income in the two businesses, destroy.

Out of the blue, in March 2023, they credited victims' bank accounts with compensation, which the overwhelming majority aren't satisfied with, leading to the victim we spoke to taking legal action.

There might be other victims who are challenging the action. So many other victims might be deterred from challenging the government's inadequate compensation at the courts for several reasons. The remaining areas to receive their compensation are encountering the precise experience, making it predictable that their compensations shall be the same as those in project Lots 1 and 2.

Our advice to all victims will be for them to unite to effectively and efficiently fight their course rather than approach it separately because the government plan layout is to divide them, weakening their resolve.

The government should be fair to the victims and compensate them adequately and timely because the projects are sufficiently funded. Most victims can't afford to replace the damaged structure without timely compensation.
Unknown compensation.

Your support means the world to us! Please follow our page to keep up with our latest posts, and don't forget to hit that like button and share our content with your friends. Thank you for being a part of the OPEN GAMBIA PLATFORM community! Article contributed by ANON 04/04/2024!

You can now write for the Open Gambia Platform or Share information anonymously and join the community. Please share your stories and opinions by contacting us Via WhatsApp or Messenger!

03/04/2024

ONLINE EDUCATION IN THE GAMBIA: MISSED CHANCE OR GREAT OPPORTUNITY?

Have you ever desired to learn or enhance your skills in fields like ITC, languages, business, finance, health, medicine, or whatever your future dreams may be, but found universities financially out of reach? Consider embarking on your learning journey online! The best part? Thousands of these courses are available for free too! Intrigued? Keep reading to discover more!

Africa boasts the world's fastest-growing youth population, projected to double in size by 2050. However, education in Africa faces a significant challenge with limited government spending and a shortage of quality, affordable higher education. This imbalance underscores the urgent need for a transformative solution, and online education emerges as the key to addressing these issues.

With its boundless potential and far-reaching impact, online education stands out as the magic remedy. Its accessibility knows no bounds, being available to everyone, everywhere, anytime, either for FREE or at a fraction of the traditional cost, offering unparalleled flexibility. Online education emerges as the ideal solution, dismantling various barriers faced by African students in pursuit of a university education.

Online learning has revolutionized higher education affordability in Africa, breaking the previous trend of exclusivity primarily for affluent families. Now, anyone with internet access can tap into higher education opportunities, further facilitated by the proliferation of smartphones. This mobile revolution is transforming the educational landscape, with rising smartphone education applications providing a viable alternative for those without access to computers.

The surge in smartphone usage in Africa, fueled by their affordability, has surpassed that of the United States. This shift has made online learning even more accessible, as smartphones offer a cheaper and more user-friendly alternative to laptops.

Consequently, higher education is no longer confined to the privileged few; it has become a tangible possibility for a broader spectrum of the population. The increasing prevalence of smartphones is not merely a technological trend but a catalyst for democratizing education in Africa, paving the way for a more inclusive and accessible future.

Despite its great advantages, there are also challenges to overcome. The often poor quality of the Internet and its high cost is one of them. But also the fact that many of these platforms rely heavily on English, creating a language barrier for numerous students. The creation of courses in local languages presents a valuable opportunity.

Our newly launched platform serves as a catalyst for raising awareness, not only among students but also to make a start with the myriad opportunities it presents for teachers and instructors. You can also participate on our website by contributing ideas, to share experiences, or to send interesting links and tips.

Let’s learn and grow together !

Prior to embarking on your online study journey, it's essential to start with thorough preparation. Visit our free-to-use website and explore our information pages tailored specifically for students and teachers. Get a head start on understanding your options before making any study choices.

Begin your journey with us at https://xippia-elearning.com/information/

For online students and teachers it's essential to equip yourself with the right information, tools and mindset. Explore our pages to learn more

02/04/2024

In a few moments, to be followed live from the Palace of the Republic, the publication of the list of the new government.
Statement to be followed on the RTS, RSI and other digital platforms.

31/03/2024

Open Gambia (OG) Receives Allegations of Conflict of Interest levied on the Appointment of the Managing Director of National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), Mr Gallo Saidy, from a Stakeholder within the energy sector!

OG received a document detailing a case of conflict of Interest in the President's decision to appoint Mr Gallo Saidy as the MD of NAWEC after the recent President's mini-cabinet and institutional heads reshuffle from an energy sector insider wishing to remain anonymous.

According to the document OG received, The energy sector whistleblower didn’t doubt Mr Saidy's competence to be appointed MD for NAWEC. Still, they raised concerns about the severe conflict of interest that the appointment may create.
Please read below the details of Mr Saidy's qualifications and extensive experience with the energy sector as provided by the whistleblower.

The Appointment of Gallo Saidy and Conflict of Interest? Did President Barrow do his homework?

The news of Mr Saidy ‘s appointment has mixed feelings as it was the right direction taken by the Government of the Gambia. Who is Gallo Saidy?

Gallo is a qualified Chartered Civil Engineer with over 29 years of experience. He is technically competent in his discipline with a vast knowledge and understanding of the design, management, and construction supervision within the Water Industry, roading, solid waste and utility sector (potable water, wastewater, and stormwater), along with being politically astute. Gallo possesses exceptional strategic thinking and leadership skills. These traits have helped to drive success in work.

Gallo is currently the company's Managing Director, responsible for running and managing the affairs of the DOKU-Group Limited, of which he is a shareholder and Director. Before his Doku role, he was the owner and Managing Director of In-Depth Consultancy Limited in New Zealand, providing consultancy services to organisations such as District Councils on environmental matters and development of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for construction works and managing discharges to land and waterways. Before that, Gallo was the Infrastructure Services Group Manager for Horowhenua District Council. He was a member of the leadership team reporting directly to the CEO. He has provided strategic leadership and management for all aspects of the Council’s infrastructural activities.

This includes the enhancement of organisational capability and the development of close relationships with elected members and stakeholders. In the absence of the CEO, Gallo acted as CEO. Earlier in New Zealand, Gallo was the Wastewater and Stormwater Manager at Horowhenua District Council and Asset Manager at Kaikoura District Council. Before his time in New Zealand, Gallo worked in various roles in the Gambia, first with SOGEA Contractors as a Site Supervisor, then as Manager of Water Metering for Management Services Gambia Ltd (MSG), then as Sectional Manager Utilities Holding Company (UHC) Bywater and then as Senior Water Distribution Engineer for at the Gambia National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).

The whistleblower also provided details of a series of contracts that Mr Saidy's company, DOKU GROUP, benefitted from NAWEC or the Energy Sector before his recent appointment as the MD of NAWEC. They also provide OG with the evidence of invoices covering some of the contracts listed below.

Current Engagement before appointment: The Construction of 50km Urban Roads Project is one of the OIC infrastructure development projects aimed at upgrading selected roads to 2-lane, single-carriageway pavement with paved shoulders and sidewalks where applicable, including street lighting and drainage facilities. DOKU Group was one of the local sub-contractors engaged by the stakeholders to relocate and make the civil works contract. Despite all the efforts to commit the national Army to relocate, it proved unsuccessful. The Contract value is too up to D50,000.000.00.

The Second Contract awarded to Doku Group is World Support under the GERMP Project. Gambia National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has invited bids for the design, supply, and installation of the Gunjur water treatment plant and boreholes and the rehabilitation of water storage tanks—one of the Lots awarded to Doku Group to tune Nine Hundred Thousand United States Dollars.

The project is split into two lots:
Lot 1: Rehabilitation of Banjul and Brikama Storage Tanks, which includes:

For Banjul:
• Building 2 new water towers.
• Removing existing water towers.
• Installation of pipework, including valve chamber and water meters; and
• Ex*****on of site works.

For Brikama:
• Construction of a new water tower.
• Demolition of the existing water tower.
• Implementation of pipework; and
• Carrying out site works.

Lot 2: Gunjur Water Treatment Plant and New Boreholes:
• Drilling of a new borehole, assembling components, and preparation of the site.
• Connection of existing and new boreholes to the new transport primary to WTP Gunjur.
• Installation of a new transport main covering around 7 km to reach WTP Gunjur.
• Replacement of chlorine dosing pumps; and
• Providing power supply and control panel.

For Brikama:
Tasks for Wastewater Treatment Plant Brikama:
• Drilling a new borehole (Kasa Kunde), assembling components, and site preparation.
• Installation of a new transport main spanning about 2.8 km to connect the new borehole to WTP Brikama and
• Ensure availability of power supply, control panel, and telemetry.

The Gambia has secured financial support from the International Development Association (IDA), the European Investment Bank, and the European Union (Banks) through credit and grants. This funding will contribute to the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project (GERMP).

The Whistleblower provided the details below on allegations of conflict of interest surrounding Mr Gallo Saidy’s appointment as MD of NAWEC.

Conflict of Interest: A conflict of interest occurs when an individual’s personal interests – family, friendships, financial, or social factors – could compromise their judgment, decisions, or actions in the workplace.

Doku Group, owner of principal shareholder Gallo Saidy, The wife is Called Mrs Marlene Maria Saidy, currently working at NAWEC as the chief operating Officer for the Water and sewerage Business Unit. It is interesting that Mrs Saidy is not a Gambian but holds citizenship of New Zealand and Jamaican by nationality. How did you rise to the top and get such an appointment? Did board members do their homework?

The government has decided to appoint Gallo Saidy as MD of NAWEC; while the Wife is a foreigner, many believe she has naturalised in The Gambia. Investigation reveals this is not the case.
For the relocation of services and other related contracts awarded to Gallo Saidy of Doku Group? Who will be certifying those works? What will be the reactions of our Donors? NAWEC is now called Saidy K***a.

Gallo is conflicted at NRA with the Current MD; Ousman Sanyang is his in-law and a shareholder of DokuGroup, too. He is constantly fighting for Doku to be given Contracts.

The Open Gambia Platform find the allegations plausible to warrant its publication in the interest of accountability and transparency, also allowing Mr Saidy to respond to the claims and the public to share their thought in supporting the OG platform's drive to hold the systems accountable for the national interest.
OG will conduct further investigation into the allegations and publish our findings in a week.

Your support means the world to us! Please follow our page to keep up with our latest posts, and don't forget to hit that like button and share our content with your friends. Thank you for being a part of the OPEN GAMBIA PLATFORM community! Article contributed by OG EDITORAL BOARD 31/03/2024!

You can now write for the Open Gambia Platform or Share information anonymously and join the community. Please share your stories and opinions by contacting us Via WhatsApp or Messenger!

30/03/2024

OPEN GAMBIA RESPONDS TO THE BOGUS PRESS RELEASE FROM THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE TO COVER UP THE TRUTH!

Our attention was drawn to the press release issued on the 28th of March 2024v by the MOTW&I in reaction to our lead publication on the 26th of March 2024 of alleged misappropriation by the Barrow administration of the funds intended for the compensation to property owners affected by the demolition exercise for the construction of the 50 kilometre OIC road project.

We shall first state that our publication was not malicious or intentionally fabricated to
disinform the public, as stated by (the MOTW&I) press release. In contrast to the false allegation made by the Ministry, the OG is a reputable platform that focuses on holding people and the system of governance accountable for the progress of our people and nation. It has no interest in fabricating or spreading false news to disinform the public or tarnish the image of any individual or our government.

Instead, it’s the (MOTW&I) press release that has carried false information trying to cover the incompetent and corrupt practices of the government handling the delivery of the entire OIC project, which led to colossal chaos and delay in implementing the project, costing many lives in a road accident and significant economic loss.

The press release failed to address the CRUX of the matter alleged in our article since our publication raised concerns about the failure of paying or underpaying some of the homeowners as victims whose properties have been destroyed due to the ongoing road construction even after the government had mobilised the entire project funding including the compensation of property owners.

The Ministry didn’t dispute the fact we presented that many victims hadn’t been paid yet; they addressed it in their press release as payment ongoing and failed to address the issue of underpayment we raised.

There's nowhere in the article mentioning the payment process to contractors. This is a figment of their imagination to divert the public from the real issue of the corruption surrounding the payment of the compensation, as alluded to by the official from the Ministry of Finance who is quoted to say, " the entire process of the compensation is handled incompetently and mired in corruption, lack of transparency and no accountability measures ".

The entire press release is motivated to cover up the government's incompetence and corruption. As citizens, We have a right and duty to hold the government accountable, just as the public appointees have the right and duty to serve us.
The Ministry MUST address the CRUX of the matter by responding to the questions below if they are competent and honest as they want the public to believe or discredit our medium.

1. Why are compensations still not paid to the remaining victims before the demolition exercise commences or just after the effect, as the entire or most substantial part of the project's funding would have been mobilising before the start of earthworks begins? The land ministry notified the homeowners of the demolition of their properties almost two years ago. We have the notice issued to property owners dated 11 May 2022 under the heading “LAND ACQUISITION AND COMPENSATION ACT 1990, NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT OF A PORTION OF LAND FOR PUBLIC PROPOSE (ROAD). We shall address the implication of this notice in subsequent publications.

2. How much funds were allocated for the compensations proposed, and how was it distributed along the project Lots number from Lot 1 to 9? Readers can check our publication on this subject on our page titled “MORE DAMAGING DETAILS ON THE $9.4Million GOVERNMENT'S FAILURE TO PAY COMPENSATION TO OWNERS OF DEMOLISHED HOMES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE OIC ROADS”. We hope the Ministry will respond to that article, too.

3. How many victims are eligible to receive compensation payment? Out of those numbers, how many of them have received payment and out of those that have received their compensation payment, how many did claim underpayment of compensation?

4. When are all victims getting their compensations paid, including the settlement of any disputed settlement?

5. If it’s not for incompetency and corruption, why can’t the government still finalise the entire compensation of victims or give a definitive date for when they should receive payment?

Finally, the Ministry can not bring our work into disrepute as we have adequate procedures to verify our facts before reporting, unlike the government. Over the years, The government's accountability agency, the National Audit Office, has provided sufficient evidence to prove the incompetency, corruption and lack of following due process within the Barrow administration. This led to economic decrees, loss of billions in public revenue and the evidence of looting evident in the lifestyle of those in charge.

The Work Minister is known for deliberately misinforming the truth with fabrication, innuendo and half-truths to protect his job. We stand by our report without any prejudice.

Our record speaks for us; We have never been found wanting or engaged in a public conflict of interest for almost a decade (under various platform names) Since we started advocating for accountability, transparency, human rights and good governance. We led with the most critical campaign and always vindicated against our distractors or doubters.

Your support means the world to us! Please follow our page to keep up with our latest posts, and don't forget to hit that like button and share our content with your friends. Thank you for being a part of the OPEN GAMBIA PLATFORM community! Article contributed by OG EDITORAL BOARD 30/ 03/2024!

You can now write for the Open Gambia Platform or Share information anonymously and join the community. Please share your stories and opinions by contacting us Via WhatsApp or Messenger!Momodou Semega Janneh Kawsu Koringbaa Sanyang Essa Kambi

29/03/2024

SENEGAL FIFTH PRESIDENT!

President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye will be sworn in on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at the Abdou Diouf International Center – CICAD, in Diamniadio. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m.

After his swearing-in, the new president will be officially invested during a transfer of power with the outgoing president, Macky Sall, in the afternoon of the same day.

On this occasion, the outgoing president, Macky Sall, will officially hand over the country's reins to his elected successor, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

This power transfer will mark the start of the presidential mandate of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, recently elected with 54.28% of the votes, according to the provisional official results announced on Wednesday.

Your support means the world to us! Please follow our page to keep up with our latest posts, and don't forget to hit that like button and share our content with your friends. Thank you for being a part of the OPEN GAMBIA PLATFORM community! Article contributed by OG 29/03/2024!

You can now write for the Open Gambia Platform or Share information anonymously and join the community. Please share your stories and opinions by contacting us Via WhatsApp or Messenger!

29/03/2024

29/03/2024

Join us Live on Gunjuronline! Discussing Senegambia Political Affairs!

28/03/2024

OPEN GAMBIA PLATFORM will respond to the Ministry of Work and Infrastructure Coverup Press Release by the Weekend! We expect them to release the evidence to back up their claims!

28/03/2024

MORE DAMAGING DETAILS ON THE $9.4Million GOVERNMENT'S FAILURE TO PAY COMPENSATION TO OWNERS OF DEMOLISHED HOMES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE OIC ROADS.

Another OIC contractor contacted OPEN GAMBIA PLATFORM (OG) following the article we published on Tuesday, the 26th of March, 2024.

Once again, the Gambia government failed to compensate the people whose properties were demolished along the OIC Road Project Corridor.

This came despite the Barrow administration receiving funds from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) over a year ago.

The OIC contractor confirms the allegation made in the article as factual and further reveals that the compensation package was included as part of comprehensive feasibility studies that a Saudi consultancy conducted for the road network project over two years ago.

He said around USD 9.5 million was budgeted for the compensation package to the affected property owners along the constructed road network.

The compensation was designed as follows:
Lot 1 and 2, total compensation of USD2,150,000, which covers project areas below:

1. Kanifing Hospital - Bertil Harding (Methodist) Kanifing Estate Road and

2. GPPC Road-Westfield (Jokor)- Abuko.

Lot 3 to 9 total compensation - 7,300 200, which covers project areas below:

3. Sukuta- Latrikunda.

4. Sabiji Kololi Tavern-Bijilo-Brufut.

5. Touba Manchaca Road-Kerr Serign-Sukuta.

6. Bijilo- Sukuta Nemasu.

7. Bijilo Site Access.

8. Kololi/Senegambia Road intersection- Touba Sanchaba Road.

9, Sukuta Health Centre - Kololi Senegambia Road Intersection.

The compensation amount is a total of
9,450,200 (USD) was paid to the Gambia Government by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) last year.

The OIC contractor further alleged that as soon as the Gambia government received the funding, President Barrow and his cohorts quickly devised a plan to divert the funds for their gains.

This led them to create the so-called 'OPERATION CLEAR THE ROADS' and immediately set up a Task Force to demolish people's businesses and properties in the name of encroaching government roads. With the demolition exercise extended to cover some markets in the country.

Thus, the whole exercise is a camouflage to siphon off most of the $9.5 million given by the Saudi government to compensate those property owners whose compounds were destroyed by the road extensions. It is a sham project to swindle funds from the Saudis.

The OIC contractor alleged that it was due to President Barrow and his cabal looting the funds that led to the underpayment of compensation to initial benefactors and the adoption of the delaying tactic to reward the rest of the property owners.

This is because they want to frustrate the property owners to settle for less than what the initially compensated victims had.

With this, we demand the government to answer the following:

1. why is there a considerable delay in compensating or underpaying the affected property owners after the government received the funding from the SDF over a year ago?

2. Which budget line are they using to fund the OPERATION CLEAR THE ROADS? And is it from the funds assigned to compensate the affected property owners?

These are seriously plausible allegations that the Barrow administration MUST not ignore.

It is also imperative that the victims of the underpayment and those who did not get paid MUST come together to hold the government to account.

However, if they failed to stand up together and demand their rights to fair compensation, they would have little or no compensation from the government.

Hence, we hope the constituency members of Parliament, "MPs" of the affected communities, will raise the alarm to help the victims receive fair compensation.

Your support means the world to us! Please follow our page to keep up with our latest posts, and don't forget to hit that like button and share our content with your friends. Thank you for being a part of the OPEN GAMBIA PLATFORM community! Article contributed by ANON 28/03/2024!

You can now write for the Open Gambia Platform or Share information anonymously and join the community. Please share your stories and opinions by contacting us Via WhatsApp or Messenger!

26/03/2024

AN INTERESTING INSIGHT INTO THE POORLY WRITTEN STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE!

Let me dive into the details of the press statement; I am not ignoring the severity of the reckless blunder (that got people in uproar) of writing the wrong date on the press statement as the 52th, instead of the correct date as the 25th.

It just shows a lack of awareness of the writers. Populism is not democracy, nor has it anything to do with good governance!! If anything, it’s the antithesis of the two, more a tool for dictatorships!

Democracy is the responsiveness of the government’s preferences of its citizens conceived as political equals; it amalgamates its preferences through institutions, processes, and rules that secure regularity of political participation, the respect for rights and the continuation of the democratic process in the future!

Populism, on the other hand, is a phenomenon in which certain types of leaders claim that they, rather than the institutions of the state rather than the democratic process, reflect the valid will of the real people. This has both its anti-elitist, anti-institutionalist and nativist sides built in. The populist demagogue says I don’t in care what lawyers say, or the bureaucrats say, or the professors or the journalists say, these are the enemies of the people. Only I know what the people want; I don’t care what the voters say because that’s all fraud. I embody my people, and my people are those who look like me and talk like me. Sounds familiar??

This hard-fought election was won long ago, before election day. Won at the back of bitter sacrifices, both in lives and property. It’s unprecedented that an incarcerated opposition leader, released from jail, had only a week of campaigning, goes to unseat an incumbent.

Two major things stand out to me:
The idea that an incumbent has done well during your tenure does not mean or earn you the right to manipulate the Constitution and overstay your mandate, usurping the Constitution, nor does it give you the birthright trying to shoe in your family or friend to provide you with covering fire, to avoid accountability.

The fact that the military stood their ground and did not interfere in the electoral process is a testament to their professionalism, imbued in them through habituation and respect for the rule of law. And this was achieved despite changes of various commanders; bravo to them.

Your support means the world to us! Please follow our page to keep up with our latest posts, and don't forget to hit that like button and share our content with your friends. Thank you for being a part of the OPEN GAMBIA PLATFORM community! Article contributed by ANON 26/03/2024!

You can now write for the Open Gambia Platform or Share information anonymously and join the community. Please share your stories and opinions by contacting us Via WhatsApp or Messenger!