The Gambia Daily News, Banjul (2024)

14/08/2024

Key agreements reached to ease border tensions between The Gambia and Senegal

BANJUL, The Gambia, Aug. 14, 2024 — Gambian and Senegalese officials have reached key preliminary agreements to ease ongoing border tensions after a closed-door meeting. The agreements address various logistical and financial challenges that have impacted transit and trade between the two nations.

Officials confirmed that the electronic tracking fee for trucks transiting through The Gambia will remain in force. Senegal has agreed to implement a similar tracking system and will explore harmonizing fees with The Gambia. As a goodwill gesture, 350 stranded trucks at the border will be allowed to pass without payment to alleviate current tensions.

In addition, The Gambia will provide Senegal with a list of goods exempt from duty payments, and both countries agreed to extend the validity of the *Laissez Passe* for vehicles to 30 days, renewable for an additional 15 days. This new policy applies to all vehicles except trucks in transit, which will only be subject to the electronic tracking fee. Moreover, ferry charges between Senegal’s Dakar Dem Dik and Gambia’s GTSC buses have been restored to their original price.

Both nations have also agreed that goods purchased in Senegal for The Gambia will no longer incur the previously imposed 80,000 CFA fee on goods valued at 500,000 CFA or above.

These agreements mark significant progress in resolving the border issues, with further discussions expected to solidify the details. https://namasita.com/news/key-agreements-reached-ease-border-tensions-between-gambia-and-senegal-10800

13/08/2024

Senegalese media crisis deepens with "Day Without Press" as RSF calls for dialogue

DAKAR, Senegal, Aug. 13— A standoff between private media organizations and Senegal's new government escalated today as the Council of Press Distributors and Publishers (CDEPS) organized a media blackout, declaring August 13 as a "Day Without Press." The protest follows the suspension of publications by two leading sports dailies, Stades and Sunu Lamb, which ceased operations last week due to financial strain.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has urged both parties to engage in dialogue to protect the right to information, a crucial aspect of Senegalese democracy. The media crisis, exacerbated by recent government actions, including tax inspections and suspended contracts with private media, threatens the survival of several outlets, with at least seven reportedly on the brink of closure.

In June, RSF submitted 30 recommendations to the new government, emphasizing the need for economic sustainability in the media sector and reforms to public aid. The organization warns that 26% of Senegalese journalists lack work contracts, and growing financial pressures could undermine public trust and the free flow of information, a cornerstone of democracy.

Sadibou Marong, director of RSF's Sub-Saharan Africa desk, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between the state and media players to resolve the crisis. "The authorities must ensure this crisis does not silence the Senegalese press, depriving the people of their right to information," Marong said.

RSF's June report, "Le Journalisme Sénégalais À La Croisée Des Chemins" (Senegalese Journalism at a Crossroads), highlights the need for protecting journalists, promoting media pluralism, and combating disinformation in Senegal. https://namasita.com/news/senegalese-media-crisis-deepens-day-without-press-rsf-calls-dialogue-10799

12/08/2024

VP Jallow Launches Ambitious Climate Change Adaptation Project

Banjul, August 9, 2024 — The Vice President of The Gambia, H.E. Mohammed BS. Jallow has officially launched the "Scaling up Locally-led Adaptation and Transforming Humanitarian Responses to Climate Change" project, a pivotal initiative spearheaded by The Gambia Red Cross Society. This project marks a significant step in the country's ongoing efforts to combat the adverse effects of climate change and promote sustainable environmental practices.

During the launch ceremony, VP Jallow reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to addressing climate change, highlighting the nation's ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions by 45.4% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions in the electricity sector by 2050. These targets are key components of The Gambia's Recovery Focused National Development Plan (2023-2027), which prioritizes building resilience and sustainable environmental management.

VP Jallow emphasized the importance of collective action, urging all Gambians to actively participate in creating a resilient and sustainable future. He praised the partnership with The Gambia Red Cross Society, noting that such collaborations are crucial in effectively addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change.

The launch event was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, diplomats, and international representatives, all of whom underscored the need for continued collaboration and innovation in the fight against climate change.

The "Scaling up Locally-led Adaptation and Transforming Humanitarian Responses to Climate Change" project is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening The Gambia’s capacity to adapt to climate impacts while transforming the humanitarian response framework to better support vulnerable communities. https://namasita.com/news/vp-jallow-launches-ambitious-climate-change-adaptation-project-10798

12/08/2024

Senegal’s New Leadership Accused of "Witch Hunt" by Former Ruling Party

Dakar, August 12, 2024 — Senegal’s political landscape is heating up as the former ruling party, the Alliance For the Republic (APR), accuses the new government of launching a “witch hunt” following a series of judicial appointments. The APR, led by former President Macky Sall, claims the appointments are a deliberate move to target opposition figures under the guise of accountability.

The controversy stems from a recent meeting of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary, chaired by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, where several judges were appointed to key positions in the Supreme Court, the court of appeal, the public prosecutor’s office in Dakar, and a new judicial body overseeing finance. These appointments have replaced judges seen as favourable to the previous regime, with many being transferred to provincial jurisdictions.

The APR issued a statement late Friday, condemning the appointments as part of a broader strategy to suppress opposition voices. “Failing to respond to the demands of the Senegalese people and deliver satisfaction to millions of distraught young people who risk their lives by taking to the sea, those in power have chosen a witch hunt,” the statement read.

President Faye’s government, which took office in April following a decisive victory in the March elections, has pledged to break with past practices, improve living conditions, and ensure greater accountability. However, the APR contends that these promises are a cover for a campaign of retribution, pointing to recent arrests of opposition figures as evidence of a vendetta.

The new government has not provided an official explanation for the judicial changes but has recently published audit reports questioning the management of the previous administration and launched inspections into public structures. However, no arrests have been made.

The accusations from the APR add to the tension in Senegal’s political environment, as the country watches closely to see how President Faye’s administration will navigate these early challenges and whether it will indeed fulfil its promise of more accountable governance. https://namasita.com/news/senegals-new-leadership-accused-witch-hunt-former-ruling-party-10797

11/08/2024

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11/08/2024

Gambian Military Arrests Former General Alleged to Have Been Part of Jammeh’s Death Squad

Banjul, The Gambia — The Gambian military announced on Saturday the arrest of former Brigadier General Bora Colley, a man long suspected of being a key figure in the notorious death squad known as the "Junglers." This paramilitary unit, which operated under the rule of former dictator Yahya Jammeh, has been accused by the United Nations and various human rights organizations of committing extrajudicial killings and acts of torture during Jammeh’s 22-year reign.

According to a statement released by the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), Colley was apprehended around midnight on Friday, August 9, 2024, after voluntarily surrendering to the Military Police at Yundum Barracks, located near the capital city of Banjul. The arrest followed a day of intense surveillance operations by Gambian intelligence services around Colley’s residence in the Banjul area.
Read more: https://namasita.com/news/gambian-military-arrests-former-general-alleged-have-been-part-jammehs-death-squad-10796

06/08/2024

Senegal’s Catholic Church Expresses Outrage Over Headscarf Ban Remarks

Senegal's Catholic Church has expressed "outrage" following Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko's declaration that the government would no longer tolerate schools barring students from wearing the Muslim headscarf. Sonko's statement has stirred controversy in the predominantly Muslim West African nation, celebrated for its religious tolerance. He made the announcement last week, warning schools that banning headscarves was unacceptable. The former French colony’s constitution proclaims it as a "secular, democratic, and social republic." Sonko, appointed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye after his March election victory, emphasized the importance of upholding this secularism in his address to high-achieving students on Tuesday.

"Some things can no longer be tolerated in this country. France constantly talks to us about their lifestyle and their model, but that is theirs," Sonko stated. "In Senegal, we will no longer allow some schools to ban the headscarf." His comments follow a history of contentious debates over the headscarf in Senegal, where 90 percent of the population is Muslim but the headscarf is not as prevalent as in other majority-Muslim nations. Read more: https://namasita.com/news/senegals-catholic-church-expresses-outrage-over-headscarf-ban-remarks-10794

05/08/2024

The Gambia and Senegal Re-unite: Vice-President Jallow's Historic Visit Strengthens Ties

The Gambia’s Vice-President Mohammed BS Jallow is currently in Senegal for a two-day working visit, marking a significant step in fortifying the bond between the two neighboring countries. Vice-President Jallow was warmly received in Dakar by Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. This visit underscores a shared commitment to enhancing the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Senegal and The Gambia.

According to the vice-president's office, the visit aims to solidify the unique bilateral relations rooted in shared history, geography, culture, and development. Vice-President Jallow and his delegation, which includes key ministers, are scheduled to meet with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to discuss further cooperation and development initiatives. Read more: https://namasita.com/news/gambia-and-senegal-re-unite-vice-president-jallows-historic-visit-strengthens-ties-10793

02/08/2024

Commonwealth Secretariat Applauds Gambia's New Digital Trade and Tourism Initiatives

The Republic of The Gambia, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat, recently launched a series of digital platforms aimed at revolutionising the nation's trade, tourism, and investment sectors.

The event, hosted at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre (SDKJICC) in Bijilo, marked a significant step forward in Gambia’s digital and economic development.

The event introduced the Gambia E-Market Platform, Gamlumo, along with the Gambia Export Promotion Video and the Tourism Destination Video. These initiatives are key elements of The Gambia’s National Export Strategy (2021-2025), which aims to enhance the country's competitiveness in the global market. The development of these digital tools was supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Trade and Competitiveness Team, showcasing a robust partnership dedicated to boosting The Gambia's economic growth and international presence. Read more: https://namasita.com/news/commonwealth-secretariat-applauds-gambias-new-digital-trade-and-tourism-initiatives-10792

30/07/2024

Iran and Gambia Restore Diplomatic Relations After 14-Year Break

Iran and Gambia Restore Diplomatic Relations After 14-Year Break
Iran and Gambia Restore Diplomatic Relations After 14-Year Break
Fankanta Technologies
Brufut Heights
Brufut, BJ
Iran and the Gambia resumed diplomatic relations after nearly 14 years, according to a joint statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara announced the decision during a meeting in Tehran. The move is aimed at promoting the interests of both countries, Xinhua news agency reported. Tangara is in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, scheduled for Tuesday. Read me: https://namasita.com/news/iran-and-gambia-restore-diplomatic-relations-after-14-year-break-10791

30/07/2024

President Barrow Reassures National Unity Amid Recent Concerns

KANIFING, The Gambia - In response to concerns arising from recent remarks by President Adama Barrow, the Ministry of Information issued a press release today to reassure citizens of the President's unwavering commitment to national unity and well-being.

During the opening ceremony of the National People's Party (NPP) political bureau in Brikama on July 27, 2024, President Barrow made statements that have since sparked public reactions. The Ministry of Information acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation and emphasized that President Barrow's intentions were benign, focusing on the collective good of the nation. Read more: https://namasita.com/news/president-barrow-reassures-national-unity-amid-recent-concerns-10790

29/07/2024

NPP's Camara Defends President Barrow's Remarks at the NPP Regional Bureau Inauguration

Brufut, BJ
Brikama, The Gambia – The recent inauguration of the National People’s Party (NPP) regional bureau in Brikama has stirred significant debate following comments made by President Adama Barrow. During his speech, President Barrow remarked, "the opposition leader up to his grave shall never be a president of this country." This statement has been interpreted by some as a threat towards the opposition leader, Ousainou Darboe. Read more: https://namasita.com/news/npps-camara-defends-president-barrows-remarks-npp-regional-bureau-inauguration-10789

28/07/2024

UDP’s Statement on President Barrow's Recent Speech

In a strong rebuke against President Adama Barrow, the United Democratic Party (UDP) has condemned his recent comments as irresponsible and dangerous. The President’s statement, made during the inauguration of a political party bureau in Brikama on July 27, 2024, has been labelled as hate speech and a direct threat to the life of UDP's Party Leader and Secretary General, His ANM Ousainou Darboe. Read more: https://namasita.com/news/udps-statement-president-barrows-recent-speech-10788

28/07/2024

President Barrow Vows to Remain in Power Until Opposition Leader Darboe's Death

BRIKAMA, July 26, 2024 – In a controversial statement during a rally held in Brikama, President Adama Barrow declared that he will remain president until the main opposition party leader, Ousainou Darboe, dies. Barrow's remarks have sparked widespread reactions and raised questions about the future of Gambian politics.

President Barrow, addressing his supporters, made a bold proclamation regarding his political tenure. "I will be president until Ousainou Darboe dies and will only consider not contesting after I attend his funeral," he stated emphatically, drawing a mixture of gasps and cheers from the crowd. Barrow further claimed, "I have signed a contract that until Darboe dies, I will be contesting the presidency."

Read more here: https://namasita.com/news/president-barrow-vows-remain-power-until-opposition-leader-darboes-death-10787

27/07/2024

Public Questions IT Curriculum Gaps at MoHERST Town Hall Meeting

BANJUL, July 26, 2024 – Minister of Information Ismaila Ceesay hosted the latest Mansa K***a town hall meeting yesterday evening, featuring the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST). The biweekly event, initiated by Ceesay, invites various ministries to present their projects and engage in Q&A sessions with the public via phone or in person.

MoHERST Minister Pierre Gomez, along with key staff, including representatives from Gambia College, the University of The Gambia, and the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NACAQ), presented their current initiatives. However, the newly formed Unit for STEM and TVET Education and Training (USET), headed by a Ghanaian appointee, was notably absent. USET aims to enhance STEM and vocational education and entrepreneurship in The Gambia.

During the session, Kejau Touray, editor of the Namasita newspaper, raised a critical issue regarding the absence of IT in USET's curriculum. Touray emphasized that excluding IT from educational programs is a missed opportunity given the significant skill gaps and the potential for job and entrepreneurial growth in the field. "As we digitalize our economy, it is almost negligent to not make IT a core subject in educational institutions," Touray stated.

Read more here: https://namasita.com/news/public-questions-it-curriculum-gaps-moherst-town-hall-meeting-10786

25/07/2024

Anne Marie Rivier Basic School Dismisses 10 Muslim Teachers Amid Controversy

In a move that has sparked significant debate and national attention in The Gambia, Anne Marie Rivier Basic School has dismissed ten Muslim teachers, including the head of the Islamic Religious Knowledge (IRK) department, Oustass Ansumana Gitteh. The decision follows allegations that some of the dismissed teachers incited students to protest against a ban on Muslim prayers on school grounds in May 2024.

The protest, which escalated quickly and drew nationwide scrutiny, resulted in the temporary closure of the school. Students demonstrated against the administration's decision to prohibit the performance of Muslim prayers (salat) during school hours.

Read more: https://namasita.com/news/anne-marie-rivier-basic-school-dismisses-10-muslim-teachers-amid-controversy-10785

25/07/2024

Lamin CDC Homeowners Seek Urgent Government Intervention Amid Eviction Threats

Lamin, [Date] – The community of Lamin CDC is facing a critical situation as eviction notices issued by the Office of the Honourable Sheriff of The Judiciary of The Gambia threaten to displace hundreds of families. The notices, dated 17th July 2024 and 23rd July 2024, mandate that homeowners vacate their properties by 19th August 2024 and 23rd August 2024, respectively.

The eviction notices have sparked significant concern among the homeowners, many of whom purchased their plots from the Asset Management Recovery Cooperation (AMRC) in 2013. These purchases were accompanied by necessary documentation, including Title Deeds, and several families have been residing on these properties for over seven years.

In response to the eviction threats, the Lamin CDC Homeowners have issued a public call for urgent government intervention to prevent their displacement. The community members assert that the AMRC, as a government-established entity, conducted legitimate transactions on behalf of The Gambia, and their ownership should be recognized and upheld.

However, it is important for the homeowners to understand the limitations of government intervention due to the principle of separation of powers. The eviction notices were issued by the Judiciary, specifically the Office of the Honourable Sheriff, which operates independently of the Executive branch led by the President. Direct intervention by the Executive branch in judicial matters could be seen as undermining judicial independence, which is crucial for maintaining the rule of law.

Advice for Lamin CDC Homeowners

To address this pressing issue, Lamin CDC homeowners are advised to take the following actions:
Read more: https://namasita.com/news/lamin-cdc-homeowners-seek-urgent-government-intervention-amid-eviction-threats-10784

25/07/2024

Dozens Killed, Many Missing in Migrant Wreck Off Mauritania
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Nouakchott, Mauritania (July 22, 2024) – Tragedy struck off the coast of Mauritania as a migrant boat carrying around 300 people capsized, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 individuals and leaving approximately 150 more missing. The vessel, which had embarked from The Gambia, spent seven perilous days at sea before encountering disaster near Nouakchott.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) confirmed that the Mauritanian coast guard managed to rescue 120 survivors from the wreck. Among them, 10 were immediately transported to hospitals for urgent medical care, and four unaccompanied children were identified and taken into protective custody.

A Dangerous Journey

The boat had set sail from The Gambia with hopes of reaching Europe, but the journey turned treacherous. The IOM highlighted the increasing dangers of the Mauritanian migrant route, which has seen a significant rise in fatalities. Since June, over 76 boats carrying more than 6,000 migrants have arrived in Mauritania, yet the toll has been grim, with at least 190 people reported dead or missing.

Read more: https://namasita.com/news/dozens-killed-many-missing-migrant-wreck-mauritania-10783

24/07/2024

Hon. Minister Hamat NK Bah Emphasizes Collaboration and Consultation During Meeting with Kanifing Municipality

Kanifing, [23/07/2024] – In a significant gathering held earlier today at the Kanifing Municipal Council Office, the Honourable Minister of Lands, Regional Government, and Religious Affairs, Hamat NK Bah, underscored the importance of collaboration and consultation as the essential paths forward for addressing national issues. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the Lord Mayor of Kanifing Municipality, Talib Ahmed Bensouda, along with his Senior Management Team (SMT), as well as Alkalolu, Imams, councillors, and youth representatives.

Minister Bah, accompanied by his Senior Management Team, paid a courtesy call on Mayor Bensouda and his SMT, marking a significant moment of unity and shared purpose. The meeting focused on a range of national issues, emphasizing the critical need for effective collaboration between the ministry and its satellite institutions to achieve sustainable development and address the pressing concerns facing the council.

"Collaboration and consultation is the only way forward," stated Hon. Minister Bah during the meeting. His remarks highlighted the necessity of fostering cooperative relationships between different levels of government and community leaders to create cohesive and effective strategies for the betterment of the country.
Read more: https://namasita.com/news/hon-minister-hamat-nk-bah-emphasizes-collaboration-and-consultation-during-meeting-kanifing

17/07/2024

Child Protection Groups Amplify Efforts to Combat Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia

Child protection organizations have intensified their advocacy to raise awareness about the dangers of Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM) after The Gambia rejected a bill seeking to overturn a 2015 ban on the practice. This effort was significantly supported by Save the Children’s partner, the Child Protection Alliance (CPA).
The Context of the Bill
The proposed bill aimed to revoke the 2015 ban on FGM, which serves as one of the critical legal safeguards for women and girls in The Gambia. The country has one of the highest FGM prevalence rates globally, affecting 73% of women and girls aged 15 to 49.

Advocacy Efforts
Since the debate on the bill began in March, Save the Children backed the CPA in opposing the proposed amendment. The CPA, consisting of approximately 50 entities, including UN agencies, INGOs, civil society organizations, youth groups, and government departments, led a comprehensive campaign to maintain the ban. Their efforts included:

Developing a legal argument to support the existing law.
Engaging in consultations with the National Assembly to discuss the bill's potential repercussions.
Collaborating with influential religious leaders to educate communities and parliamentarians.
Issuing a public statement emphasizing the risks associated with repealing the ban.
Read more: https://namasita.com/news/child-protection-groups-amplify-efforts-combat-female-genital-mutilation-fgm-gambia-10781

17/07/2024

Ex-Police Officer Faked Stories to Raise Money for Charity, BBC Investigation Reveals

Banjul, The Gambia – 15th July 2024 - An investigation by BBC's File on 4 has revealed that Adam Whittington, a former police officer who claims to save children from human traffickers, has fabricated stories to raise funds for his charity, Project Rescue Children (PRC).
Whittington, who established PRC, asserts that the organization has rescued over 700 children in countries such as Uganda, Kenya, and The Gambia. However, the BBC found that many of these children were never trafficked, and funds raised, often with the aid of celebrity supporters, did not always reach those in need.

PRC has refuted the allegations, describing them as "completely without merit, misleading and defamatory." Despite this, the investigation indicates that Whittington, a British-Australian citizen, has deceived donors in various ways, including by claiming to rescue a baby who was actually with her mother all along. The mother, living in poverty, stated that she never received any money from PRC.

Whittington began his child rescue work two decades ago after leaving the Metropolitan Police. He initially focused on retrieving children taken abroad by a parent following custody disputes but later turned his attention to trafficked or abused children. PRC’s social media pages, boasting 1.5 million followers, have drawn significant attention and support due to their shocking content.

One notable supporter, Sam Faiers from ITV’s "The Only Way is Essex," became a PRC ambassador and raised £137,000 ($175,000) to build a rescue center in Uganda. However, allegations of financial mismanagement and fabricated stories soon emerged. Less than half of the raised funds were sent to PRC’s Ugandan partner, Make a Child Smile. Its founder, Alexander Ssembatya, apologized to donors, claiming the remaining money was misappropriated by Whittington and PRC.

Read me: https://namasita.com/news/ex-police-officer-faked-stories-raise-money-charity-bbc-investigation-reveals-10780

16/07/2024

How Parliamentarians Voted on the FGMC Report

Banjul, The Gambia – 15th July 2024 - The National Assembly of The Gambia has held a crucial vote on the Women’s (Amendment) Bill 2024, which aims to decriminalise the practice of Female Ge***al Mutilation/Circumcision (FGMC). This practice is currently punishable by a fine of up to D50,000 or three years imprisonment. The bill's proposed amendments have sparked intense debate among parliamentarians and the public.

Six Members Did Not Vote
Six members were absent from the voting session, including Hon. Yaya Menteng Sanyang, who was out of the chambers. The other members who did not vote are:

Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta (Speaker - Nominated Member, APRC)
Hon. Sulayman Jammeh (Bundung Ka K***a, APRC)
Hon. Sheriff Sarr (Jeshwang, Independent)
Hon. Sainey Jawara (Lower Saloum, NRP)
Hon. Samba Jallow (Niamina Dankunku, NRP)
Voting Outcomes
The vote saw a clear division among the parliamentarians with 35 members voting for the report’s adoption, while 17 members voted against it.

35 Members Voted for the Report’s Adoption
Among those who voted in favor were:

Hon. Abdoulie Njai (Banjul Central, Independent)
Hon. Fatoumatta Njai (Banjul South, Independent)
Hon. Omar Jammeh (Janjanbureh, Independent)
Hon. Yunusa N. Bah (Kiang Central, Independent)
Hon. Saikou Bah (Basse, NPP)
Hon. Kebba Jallow (Jarra Central, NPP)
17 Members Voted Against the Report’s Adoption
Notable figures among those who opposed the report include:

Hon. Muhamed Kanteh (Busumbala, Independent)
Hon. Bakary K. Badjie (Foni Bintang Karani, Independent (NAM))
Hon. Alhagie S. Darbo (Brikama North, UDP)
Hon. Alhagie S. Sillah (Banjul North, UDP)
Hon. Madi M.K. Ceesay (Serrekunda West, UDP)
Members Leading the Debate
Hon. Sulayman Saho, who tabled the Matter of the Day on FGMC, and Hon. Almamie Gibba, who tabled the bill to repeal the FGMC Ban, were key figures in the debate against the report. Meanwhile, Hon. Modou Bah and Hon. Musa Badjie of UDP were vocal in their support for the report’s adoption.

Musa Badjie's Change of Stance
In a surprising turn of events, Hon. Musa Badjie of UDP from Talinding changed his stance after initially supporting the report. In a Facebook post, Badjie blamed his constituents for his change of mind, which led to his subsequent vote for the bill. This shift did not affect the bill's defeat. Read more: https://namasita.com/news/how-parliamentarians-voted-fgmc-report-10779

16/07/2024

President Barrow Freezes Non-Statutory Foreign Travels

Banjul, The Gambia – 15th July, 2024 - In a decisive move to curb Government expenditures, His Excellency President Adama Barrow has signed an Executive Order immediately suspending all non-statutory overseas travels by the President, the Vice-President, Cabinet Ministers, Senior Government Officials, Civil Servants, and employees across all Government institutions and agencies.
The Executive Order, signed under the authority vested in President Barrow by Section 76 (1) of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, seeks to streamline governmental spending amidst growing fiscal concerns. This measure is part of the administration’s broader effort to ensure fiscal responsibility and efficient use of public resources.

Exemptions to this travel suspension include statutory meetings where The Gambia’s participation is mandatory and foreign trips fully funded by external sources. However, these exemptions require prior approval from the President or an authorized official. To maintain accountability, delegates are mandated to submit 'back to office reports' to the Cabinet upon their return. Read more: https://namasita.com/news/president-barrow-freezes-non-statutory-foreign-travels-10778