The Gambia Daily News, Banjul (2025)

17/09/2024

Security Intervenes as Weapons Confiscated at Gambisara Ward Final

Basse, September 17, 2024 — What started as an exciting and highly anticipated football match between Gambisara United FC and Demba K***a Farmers FC at the Basse Mini Stadium took a dangerous turn on Sunday afternoon when several supporters were found carrying knives and other weapons.

The Gambisara Ward Final, a major local sporting event that drew crowds from across the region, was briefly overshadowed by safety concerns. Fortunately, the swift intervention of security personnel averted a potential disaster as weapons were confiscated before any serious incidents could occur.

However, questions are being raised as to why those responsible were not arrested and charged under Gambian law, which strictly prohibits the possession of offensive weapons in public spaces.

Laws Prohibit Weapon Possession in Public
Under The Gambia’s Arms and Ammunition Act and the Criminal Code, carrying offensive weapons such as knives in public spaces without lawful authority or a reasonable excuse is illegal. Specifically, Section 79 of the Criminal Code prohibits the possession of such weapons, and Section 233 outlines penalties for behavior likely to cause a breach of the peace.

In this case, many are calling for stronger enforcement of these laws, as confiscation alone may not be enough to deter individuals from bringing weapons to public gatherings. Legal experts emphasize that offenders should be arrested and charged to send a clear message that carrying weapons in public, especially at crowded events, will not be tolerated.

Security Measures and Enforcement in Focus
While the prompt action of security personnel ensured the safety of fans, some are calling for stricter preventive measures to be put in place for future events. Searches at stadium entrances and increased police presence at large gatherings have been suggested as potential deterrents.

“We are grateful for the quick response of the security team, but this should not stop here,” said one local attendee. “Those who brought weapons to the stadium should be arrested and prosecuted according to the law. This would set an example and prevent future occurrences.”

Local authorities have yet to confirm whether those responsible for bringing the weapons will face legal consequences. However, public safety advocates are urging the police to take appropriate legal action, citing the risk such weapons pose to both players and spectators.

What’s Next for Public Event Security?
This incident highlights a growing concern about safety at public events across The Gambia, particularly in rural areas. While local football matches are a beloved pastime, they can become flashpoints for violence if proper security measures are not enforced. Legal experts suggest that additional security protocols, such as systematic searches at entry points and stricter enforcement of the Public Order Act, would reduce the likelihood of weapons being brought to such events.

As the Gambisara Ward Final continued without further incident, fans breathed a sigh of relief, but many are left asking—how can we ensure the safety of public events moving forward?

The hope is that by taking legal action against offenders and improving security measures, future events will be both exciting and safe for all in attendance.

By: Kejau Touray, Namasita Media
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[email protected] | Phone: +220 3328333 https://namasita.com/news/security-intervenes-weapons-confiscated-gambisara-ward-final-10828

13/09/2024

Non-Gambian Population in The Gambia Revealed: Senegalese and Guineans Lead the Numbers

By Kejau Touray

Banjul, The Gambia – Recent data from the Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS) has shed light on the substantial presence of non-Gambian nationals residing within the country. According to the 2024 census report, the Senegalese make up the largest group of foreign nationals, numbering 40,849, followed closely by Guineans at 36,077. These two groups account for the majority of the foreign-born population in The Gambia, reflecting the country’s historical ties and geographic proximity to Senegal and Guinea.

Other significant groups include Nigerians (8,104), Sierra Leoneans (9,645), Bissau-Guineans (4,924), and Ghanaians (1,786). Smaller populations of Mauritanians (2,240) and Liberians (814) were also recorded.

These figures reflect The Gambia's regional importance as a destination for migration and economic opportunities. The data has prompted discussions on how the growing non-Gambian population impacts the country’s economy, social services, and infrastructure. The census report highlights the importance of managing this diversity through robust policies that ensure equitable access to resources for all residents.

At the launch of the report, Nyakassi MB Sanyang, the Statistician General, emphasized the importance of the census for national planning. He noted, "This census is not merely a statistical exercise; it is a comprehensive enumeration of all individuals and housing units across our nation."

With a total population now reaching over 2.4 million, of which 5% are foreign nationals, The Gambia faces unique challenges in balancing its demographic diversity with economic sustainability.

Policy Implications

The sizable non-Gambian population in The Gambia, particularly from neighbouring countries like Senegal and Guinea, has both cultural and economic implications. It underscores the need for inclusive policies that cater to the needs of all residents, whether native or migrant, to foster social cohesion and economic development. Experts suggest that while migration has historically contributed to The Gambia’s growth, it also places pressure on housing, education, and healthcare systems.

The census report will play a pivotal role in guiding the government’s National Development Plan (2023–2027), as well as other regional and global initiatives, such as ECOWAS Vision 2050 and the United Nations' Agenda 2030.

The release of this data highlights the ongoing demographic shifts in The Gambia, a small but regionally significant nation with strong cross-border ties. https://namasita.com/news/non-gambian-population-gambia-revealed-senegalese-and-guineans-lead-numbers-10827

11/09/2024

Gov’t to Develop Operating Procedures Amidst Concerns Over Unaddressed Legacy of Dictatorship-Era Promotions

By Kejau Touray

The Office of National Security (ONS), in collaboration with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), recently held a five-day discussion aimed at developing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for The Gambia’s national security sector coordination model (NSSCM). The initiative is being praised as a step toward improving the country’s security landscape. However, lingering concerns remain over the unaddressed legacy of promotions that were granted during the dictatorship era, which did not adhere to the Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS).

While the government pushes forward with modern reforms and coordination efforts, many within the security sector are calling for a more comprehensive reckoning with the past. This includes addressing the improper promotions made under the dictatorship of Yahya Jammeh, which have left the security forces with an inflated number of senior officers—many of whom were appointed for political and or tribal loyalty rather than merit.

A Legacy of Dictatorship-Era Promotions

Promotions made during the Jammeh regime were often in direct violation of TACOS, with senior ranks being granted to political allies or on tribalism instead of those who earned them through service and merit. These politically motivated promotions have since left The Gambia with a security apparatus that is not only top-heavy but also undermined by officers who may lack the requisite experience or qualifications for their positions.

Despite the fall of the dictatorship, many of these officers remain in place, and the government has yet to fully address the issue. Critics argue that the failure to reverse or re-evaluate these promotions creates an uneven playing field for officers who have worked hard to rise through the ranks, only to be sidelined by those who were politically appointed.

Too Many Senior Officers for a Small Country

As a result of these legacy promotions, The Gambia now finds itself with an excessive number of senior officers relative to its size and security needs. This structural imbalance poses a challenge to effective governance within the security sector. Resources are spread thin across ranks, and decision-making is often bogged down by an overly bureaucratic command structure.

General (retired) Sering Modou Njie, Minister of Defence, noted during the discussion that coordination within national security remains a challenge, but did not directly address the lingering issues from the dictatorship-era promotions. While the development of the NSSCM aims to improve coordination among security institutions, it remains to be seen whether the government is willing to take the difficult but necessary steps to reform the senior ranks of the forces.

National Security Adviser Calls for Unity but Ignores the Past

Abubakarr Suleiman Jeng, National Security Adviser, emphasized the need for collective responsibility in managing national security, urging institutions to coordinate their efforts. He also highlighted the importance of continuous skills upgrading and capacity building. However, Jeng’s remarks were seen by some as side-stepping the need for deeper reforms, particularly when it comes to undoing the damage caused by dictatorship-era promotions.

The failure to address these legacy promotions continues to foster resentment within the forces, where many feel that the imbalance in rank undermines morale and discipline. Officers who have followed the law and worked their way up legitimately often find themselves outranked by those who were promoted due to political favoritism during the Jammeh regime.

Efforts at Reform Fall Short of Addressing Core Issues

Ken Isaac, Chief of DCAF in Banjul, praised the country’s progress in supporting Security Sector Reform (SSR) and capacity-building efforts. While these initiatives are critical to the modernization of The Gambia’s security institutions, they do not directly address the systemic issue of dictatorship-era promotions.

The validation of the Internal Security Policy (ISP) document in August 2024, which was designed to address national security challenges, represents a step forward. However, many argue that without tackling the bloated ranks left behind by political patronage, the country’s security reforms will remain incomplete.

A Call for Accountability and Reform

As The Gambia works to strengthen its national security framework, there is growing pressure for the government to address the uneven ranks within its forces. This includes taking concrete steps to rectify improper promotions made during the dictatorship and ensuring that future appointments are made in full compliance with TACOS. Without such measures, the country risks undermining its own security efforts by maintaining an inflated and inefficient security apparatus.

The government must also recognize the role that these promotions have played in fostering inequality and distrust within the ranks. If genuine reform is to take place, it will require not only updating SOPs and building capacity but also correcting the injustices of the past.

Ultimately, the success of The Gambia’s security sector reform will depend on its ability to reconcile with the legacy of the dictatorship and restore a merit-based system that promotes fairness and competence. Only then can the country hope to build a security force that is truly capable of meeting the challenges of the modern era.

https://namasita.com/news/govt-develop-operating-procedures-amidst-concerns-over-unaddressed-legacy-dictatorship-era

09/09/2024

The Gambia Deserves Better: A Call for Visionary Leadership

By Kejau Touray

The Gambia, a small nation with a rich history and immense potential, stands at a crossroads. For too long, we have been plagued by leadership that prioritizes personal wealth, per diems, and the preservation of power over the true needs of the people. Our country deserves better. We deserve leadership that is not rooted in self-interest, but one that is driven by a genuine desire to transform The Gambia into a beacon of hope, prosperity, and progress.
It is time for us to rethink our approach to governance. For decades, the politics of personal enrichment and power consolidation have eroded public trust and stunted national development. Leaders with no clear plans or vision for the future have left us in a state of stagnation, where the needs of the people are often sidelined in favour of individual gain. This cycle must be broken if The Gambia is to thrive.

What we need is a leader with a vision—someone who sees beyond personal gains and the trappings of office, and instead focuses on building a sustainable future for all Gambians. This leader must be committed to addressing the pressing issues of unemployment, education, healthcare, and infrastructure, with tangible plans and policies. A leader with the capacity to not only dream but to implement strategies that empower citizens and lift them out of poverty.

Good leadership in The Gambia should be characterized by humility, integrity, and a relentless commitment to public service. We need someone who places the nation first, who is willing to listen to the people, and who is unafraid to make tough decisions that benefit the country as a whole. Gambians deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and fully committed to the betterment of its people.

The time has come to look forward, beyond the politics of the past, and elect leaders who understand the challenges facing The Gambia today. We need leaders with both the vision and the courage to bring about real change—leaders who do not see power as a means to personal wealth, but as an opportunity to serve the nation with honor and purpose.

The Gambia deserves better, and it is up to us, the people, to demand and support leaders who are prepared to make the sacrifices necessary to lead our country into a brighter future. Our collective prosperity hinges on a leadership that is visionary, accountable, and above all, dedicated to the welfare of every Gambian.
https://namasita.com/news/gambia-deserves-better-call-visionary-leadership-10825

09/09/2024

Home
The Curious Case of Yankuba Darboe: From Courtroom to Council Chair

By Kejau Touray

The case of Yankuba Darboe, widely known as "Yanks," the current Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, is a story that reflects the complex intersections of politics, protest, and the judiciary in The Gambia. Before his rise to public office, Yanks faced legal challenges that have continued to follow him into his new role. He was arraigned before a magistrates' court in Banjul on charges related to a protest he led, calling for President Adama Barrow to honor his promise of stepping down after the coalition term.

That protest, supported by members of the opposition and civil society groups, was one of several attempts to hold President Barrow accountable for his pledge to serve only three years. Yanks, along with other protesters, was detained during the demonstration, accused of leading a group that attempted to force Barrow’s resignation. During his detention, he was charged with sedition and accused of insulting the parents of the president and judiciary officers.

In a significant development, Yanks has now been informed by his lawyers that his sedition case will be called again this Monday morning at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court. Adding to the complexity, his appeal to the High Court was recently thrown out due to a lack of court records—a procedural issue that has raised eyebrows, as it questions the efficiency of the very system handling his case. This latest twist has fueled a growing narrative that the legal processes involved may be more politically charged than procedural.

The charges against Yanks were part of a broader effort by the government to deal with the leaders of what they saw as violent protests. However, the charges were eventually dropped for most of the protest leaders, leaving many to wonder why Yanks continues to face legal action. Some believe that his high-profile role in challenging President Barrow’s administration made him a target.

Despite these legal challenges, Yankuba Darboe's political career has flourished. His nomination by the UDP as their candidate for Chairman of the Brikama Area Council was met with controversy. Critics argued that, given his ongoing legal troubles, Yanks should not have been eligible for public office and that the due process was not followed but he was instead rewarded for his role in the Three Years Jotna protests. Others saw his nomination as a calculated risk by the UDP, betting on his popularity among grassroots supporters.

In the end, the risk paid off. Yanks won the election by a landslide, securing a clear mandate from the people of Brikama. His victory raised important questions about how Gambians view leadership, justice, and political activism. For many, Darboe’s election was seen as a rebuke of President Barrow’s perceived failure to deliver on his promises. His supporters view Yanks as a symbol of resistance, a man who stood firm in the face of what they believe to be an unjust legal system. For others, however, his rise is a concerning sign that confrontational politics, rather than governance-focused leadership, is being rewarded.

Yanks' case has become a reflection of the shifting political landscape in The Gambia. While the sedition charges against him have not been fully resolved, his electoral success suggests that a significant portion of the population is more focused on his potential to bring change to the Brikama Area Council than on the legal battles of the past.

Yankuba Darboe’s story is emblematic of the tensions between political activism and the rule of law in the country. His journey from protest leader to council chairman is a testament to his political acumen, but the unresolved legal case could cast a long shadow over his tenure. For now, he is focused on serving the people of Brikama, but the lingering legal battles—especially the sedition case being called this Monday—could continue to complicate his role.

Yanks has often said that this legal ordeal is not about justice but rather a travesty of justice designed to keep him behind bars. He and his supporters believe that the continued pursuit of these charges is politically motivated, a claim that resonates with many who see the judiciary as a tool in the hands of those in power.

Whether or not this case will define his political future remains to be seen. For now, Yanks stands tall, buoyed by the support of his constituents and confident that he will prevail. His ability to navigate the challenges of both the courtroom and public office will determine whether he can turn this moment of controversy into a lasting legacy of leadership and change for Brikama.

Aluta continua, as his supporters often chant, but the path ahead remains uncertain. https://namasita.com/news/curious-case-yankuba-darboe-courtroom-council-chair-10824

08/09/2024

Gambian Group Calls for Disqualification of Mamadou Tangara from Commonwealth Secretary-General Bid

By Kejau Touray

A group of concerned Gambians and Commonwealth citizens have petitioned the disqualification of former Gambian Foreign Minister, Mamadou Tangara, from his bid to become the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations. Citing allegations of nepotism and his controversial role during Yahya Jammeh's dictatorship, the group argues that Tangara’s candidacy would undermine the values upheld by the Commonwealth.

In a formal petition addressed to the Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, the group expressed grave concerns about Tangara’s suitability for the role. The petition, signed by Cherno M. Njie, the group’s coordinator, and Madi Jobarteh, its spokesperson, highlights Tangara’s past as a prominent figure in Jammeh's administration, which was notorious for widespread human rights abuses.

The letter, titled "Objection to the Candidacy of Mamadou Tangara for the Position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations," accuses Tangara of having misled the international community about the human rights situation in The Gambia during his time as Foreign Minister. The petitioners claim that Tangara repeatedly defended or downplayed the atrocities committed under Jammeh’s regime, casting doubt on his ability to uphold the principles of democracy, human rights, and good governance — core values of the Commonwealth.

The petitioners argue that Tangara's deep involvement in the Jammeh government, particularly during a time when the president sought to consolidate power through anti-democratic means, disqualifies him from consideration for the Secretary-General position.

"Mamadou Tangara was first appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs at a time when President Yahya Jammeh was openly attacking The Gambia’s democratic institutions. He not only accepted the appointment but also aligned himself with Jammeh’s oppressive government for several years, serving in high-profile roles until the end of the dictatorship in 2016," the petition states.

Tangara held various ministerial positions during Jammeh’s regime, including Foreign Affairs, Higher Education, and Fisheries, and later became The Gambia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. According to the petitioners, Tangara’s alignment with Jammeh's leadership, despite well-documented human rights violations, makes his candidacy for the Commonwealth's top job incompatible with the organization’s values.

The group insists that Tangara’s record does not meet the high ethical standards required of the Commonwealth’s Secretary-General. They argue that allowing him to assume the role would compromise the integrity of the Commonwealth and betray the trust of member nations that expect strong leadership in promoting democracy and protecting human rights.

As the race for the next Secretary-General continues, this petition casts a shadow over Tangara’s campaign, raising important questions about the responsibility of public officials who served in autocratic regimes. The Commonwealth has yet to respond to the petition, but the calls for disqualification highlight the weight of accountability that accompanies leadership bids in global institutions.

The election for the next Secretary-General is expected to be closely watched, with Commonwealth member states set to convene and make a decision in the coming months.

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https://namasita.com/news/gambian-group-calls-disqualification-mamadou-tangara-commonwealth-secretary-general-bid-10823

05/09/2024

Gambians Rally Behind Madi Jobarteh’s Petition to Block Tangara’s Bid for Commonwealth Secretary-General

Prominent human rights activist and social commentator Madi Jobarteh has sparked significant debate with a bold petition addressed to the Commonwealth Secretariat, urging the body to reject Dr Mamadou Tangara's potential candidacy for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General. Jobarteh, argues that Tangara’s involvement in the dictatorship makes him unsuitable for such a prestigious post.

The Petition’s Core Argument

In the petition, Jobarteh emphasizes the need for accountability for those who served in senior positions during Jammeh's brutal regime. Tangara, who was a key figure in Jammeh’s cabinet as Minister of Foreign Affairs, is seen by many as part of the regime’s machinery that oversaw human rights abuses, systemic corruption, and the suppression of democratic freedoms.

"Anyone who served under Jammeh bears collective responsibility for the atrocities committed during that time," Jobarteh states in his petition. "We cannot ignore the fact that these ministers, whether directly or indirectly, played a role in sustaining a government that terrorized its own people."

The Case Against Tangara

Jobarteh’s petition underscores a critical issue: collective responsibility. While Tangara distanced himself from the dictatorship during the 2016 political impasse by siding with President Adama Barrow in his challenge to Jammeh’s rule, many argue that this late decision does not absolve him of his years of service in the dictatorship. The petition suggests that Tangara’s last-minute stance, though commendable, does not erase his involvement in a government that systematically violated human rights.

"We must recognize that even if Dr Tangara made a stand at the last moment, his years of service prior to that in the Jammeh administration were in support of a regime that inflicted pain and suffering on Gambians," the petition asserts.

The Call for Accountability

Madi Jobarteh’s call to block Tangara’s bid for Commonwealth Secretary-General is part of a broader demand for accountability from former members of the Jammeh regime. The petition highlights the growing belief in Gambian society that those who participated in or supported the dictatorship—whether directly or as part of its leadership—must be held accountable for their roles. The Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) has amplified these calls, with many victims of the regime seeking justice and accountability.

Jobarteh’s petition resonates with this call for justice, reflecting the sentiment that the Commonwealth, as an organization that upholds democracy, human rights, and good governance, should not be associated with individuals who were part of oppressive regimes.

Public Support for the Petition

The petition has gained widespread attention on social media and among civil society organizations, with many supporting Jobarteh’s stance. Kejau Touray, known for his outspoken criticism of former President Yahya Jammeh’s regime, CEO of Namasita Media and a former military officer who served in the Gendarmerie, Police, and Army, echoed the petition’s message. "I stand with Madi Jobarteh in opposing Dr. Tangara’s candidacy. We must hold those who served in Jammeh’s government accountable, no matter how late they took a stand against the dictatorship. Collective responsibility for those years of abuse cannot be ignored," Touray stated.

Many Gambians share similar sentiments, demanding justice for the atrocities committed during Jammeh’s 22-year reign. They argue that Tangara’s candidacy would send the wrong message to the victims of the dictatorship, some of whom are still awaiting justice.

Looking Ahead

As the Commonwealth deliberates on its next Secretary-General, the question of accountability remains central to the discussion surrounding Dr. Tangara’s potential candidacy. While his diplomatic skills and last-minute stand against Jammeh may be acknowledged, many Gambians believe that the Commonwealth cannot overlook his years of service under one of Africa’s most repressive regimes.

The petition by Madi Jobarteh represents a growing desire for justice, not just for the victims of the Jammeh era, but for all Gambians who seek a future free from impunity and fear. Whether the Commonwealth will heed this call for accountability remains to be seen.

For now, the petition serves as a reminder that the shadows of the past continue to influence the present and that the struggle for justice in The Gambia is far from over. https://namasita.com/news/gambians-rally-behind-madi-jobartehs-petition-block-tangaras-bid-commonwealth-secretary-general

05/09/2024

Headline: President Barrow’s Trip to China with the Usual Wife, Raises Questions Over Equal Representation of His Wives

President Adama Barrow’s recent trip to China, accompanied as usual by his wife Fatoumata Bah, has sparked widespread discussion about the need for equal representation of his two wives in official roles. While it is normal for the president to travel with only one wife, the growing perception of Fatoumata Bah as the sole First Lady, with his second wife, Sarjo Mballow, playing a minimal public role, has led to concerns over fairness and adherence to cultural traditions.

Critics argue that President Barrow should take inspiration from Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, The Gambia's first president, who had two wives, Chilel Njie Jawara and Njemmeh Mboge. Both were recognized as First Ladies and shared official responsibilities, including alternating in accompanying him on state visits and attending important functions. Jawara’s approach was a clear reflection of The Gambia’s cultural respect for polygamy, ensuring both wives had equal visibility and status in public life.

This controversy has also drawn comparisons with Basirou Diomaye Faye, the current president of Senegal, who replaced Macky Sall. Faye is married to Marie Khone Faye and Absa Faye, and he has ensured both wives share the responsibilities of First Lady equally. This practice of alternating their public roles aligns with the cultural values of Senegal and many West African countries, where polygamy is recognized, and co-wives are expected to be treated with equal dignity in both personal and public spheres.

In contrast, Barrow’s apparent elevation of Fatoumata Bah to sole First Lady status echoes the approach taken by former Gambian leader Yahya Jammeh, who prominently featured his wife Zeinab Jammeh while his second wife, Alima Sallah, remained largely out of the public eye. Jammeh’s decision to give one wife exclusive public attention was criticized as a break from the cultural norm of treating all wives equally in polygamous marriages.

One cultural analyst commented, “It is perfectly acceptable for the president to travel with one wife, but the duties and role of the First Lady should be shared equally. Favouring one wife in public sends a message that undermines the cultural values of fairness and equality in polygamous marriages.”

Many Gambians believe that by focusing solely on Fatoumata Bah during such high-profile international trips, President Barrow is setting a precedent that mirrors the actions of Jammeh rather than the balanced approach of Jawara. This has raised concerns over how the president will manage the public roles of both wives moving forward.

As the debate continues, many hope that President Barrow will ensure that both Fatoumata Bah and Sarjo Mballow share the duties of First Lady, alternating their appearances in state functions and travels. Doing so would not only honor Gambian traditions but also promote fairness and equality within his household, demonstrating respect for the cultural values deeply embedded in The Gambia’s history and society. https://namasita.com/news/headline-president-barrows-trip-china-usual-wife-raises-questions-over-equal-representation-his

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