CTV Africa

15/07/2024

Gambia Triumphs: Parliament Upholds Historic Ban on FGM
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On July 15, 2024, The Gambia secured a monumental victory for women’s rights and girls’ well-being as its parliament decisively rejected a bill aiming to overturn the nation’s landmark ban on Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM). This triumph reverberates not only within Gambia’s borders but across the globe, affirming the unwavering commitment to protecting girls from this harmful practice.

A Victory for Women and Girls

The proposed bill had it succeeded, would have made The Gambia the first nation worldwide to re-legalize FGM after criminalizing it, a chilling prospect that was met with fierce opposition from women’s rights organizations, healthcare professionals, and international activists. The parliament’s resolute stance against this regression is a testament to the growing recognition of FGM as a violation of human rights and a public health crisis.

In The Gambia, FGM has been a pervasive issue, with 73% of women aged 15-49 having undergone the procedure as of 2020. Despite the existing ban, FGM continues to be practised in certain regions, highlighting the urgent need for sustained education and enforcement efforts.

The Réseau des Femmes Leaders pour le Développement (RFLD) Stands with Gambian Girls

The RFLD has been at the forefront of advocating for the protection of Gambian girls from FGM. As early as March 18, 2024, our organization issued a poignant article titled “Gambia’s FGM Vote: A Betrayal of Women and Girls,” highlighting the potential consequences of overturning the ban. This advocacy, along with collaborative efforts from sister organizations, played a pivotal role in mobilizing support and raising awareness about the dangers of FGM.

“The Gambia’s decision to uphold its ban on female ge***al mutilation (FGM) is a victory for women’s rights and girls’ well-being. FGM is a harmful practice that has no place in our society. We urge all countries to follow The Gambia’s lead and ban this harmful practice once and for all”. Agueh Dossi Sekonnou Gloria, President of RFLD

05/05/2024

CLOSING REMARKS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MR. ADAMA BARROW, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA AND CHAIRMAN OF THE 15TH ORGANISATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION (OIC) ISLAMIC SUMMIT HELD IN BANJUL, THE GAMBIA 5TH MAY 2024.

“The 15th Summit marks a fresh start for The Gambia to engage with Member States and relevant Stakeholders to promote peace, justice, and continuous dialogue within the Ummah and beyond. The responsibility rests collectively on the Organisation to seek lasting solutions to the plight of people in distress, resulting from any form of conflict, war, or challenge that confronts humanity.

Our guiding principle should be informed by the realisation that no nation can ever be comfortable and live in peace when their neighbours or other OIC Member States are not at peace. We must embrace tolerance, therefore, as a core value and vehicle for sustainable peace, development, and stability.”

04/05/2024

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ADAMA BARROW, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA AND CHAIRMAN OF THE 15TH ORGANISATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION (OIC) AT THE

HELD IN BANJUL, THE GAMBIA, 4TH MAY 2024.

“We have convened here today with the awareness that the Muslim world faces numerous challenges, ranging from the calamities of terrorism to factional violence and armed conflicts.

Amid this unrest, we must reaffirm our commitment to mediation and dialogue as indispensable mechanisms to resolve conflict and foster lasting peace. It is fitting, therefore, that the theme for this 15th Session is ‘Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue and Sustainable Development.”

04/05/2024

Address by His Excellency Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

“The current conditions in countries such as Yemen, Libya, Sudan, and the Sahel region require dialogue and reconciliation as the only viable solutions to their issues. By doing so, these countries can channel their efforts and resources towards achieving stability and comprehensive development. It is crucial to preserve the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Member States.

We acknowledge the efforts of the Member States that have taken the initiative to resolve conflicts by encouraging parties involved to engage in dialogue. As for the Syrian crisis, political solutions remain the only way to resolve it. Our organization strives to prevent conflicts and achieve peaceful settlements, primarily through mediation. We aim to strengthen our capabilities in this field.”

04/05/2024

On the sideline of the OIC Banjul Summit, our Minister Hon. Bakary Y. Badjie held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Ado Al-Hajji Abu, Executive Secretary of the Sahel and Sahara States.

The meeting focused on issues of Sahel youths and the development of sports in the CEN SAD community. Key points discussed were the need for the sub-region to work together to address irregular migration and its root causes, implementation of the outcomes of the recently concluded 4th meeting of the Youth and Sports Ministers held in Libya, among which includes the restarting of the CEN SAD games, a proposed Youth Center for to be hosted by one of the member countries, and a youth network / committee where each country will send two youths as representatives.

While ES Al-Hajji Abu assured the Minister of the Secretariat's collaboration, Hon. Badjie promised to continue the conversation with his colleagues in the member states to realize the proposals mentioned above.

04/02/2024

The Gambia Standards Bureau (TGSB), on Friday, held an engagement meeting with technical staff and extension workers of the regional agricultural directorate and master farmers to sensitize and solicit comments on the draft standards under development.

TGSB in collaboration with the West Africa Competitive Programme (WACOMP) developed a framework for the development of National Standards for onion and its related value chain. The programme is funded by the European Union (EU) under the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

WACOMP seeks to increase competitiveness through enhanced quality and compliance along the tomato and pepper value chain, improve the performance, growth and contribution to the industry, regional trade and exports of selected value chains and improve the climate for business at national and international levels.

28/01/2024

Health Ministry alerts public on poor air quality
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Ministry of Health The Gambia stated that in recent days, the Air Quality Index in Kanifing Municipality and the West Coast Region has been reaching alarming levels, predominantly in areas like Bijilo, Bakoteh, Gunjur, and Brikama.

The ministry warned that breathing the polluted air can have detrimental effects on our health, including respiratory problems, allergies, and heart issues. To protect oneself and your loved ones, the ministry noted a few steps that should be considered including staying indoors as much as possible, especially for those with Co-morbidity; mask up and wearing glasses while in town; drinking a lot of water to keep hydrated; and keep doors and windows closed to prevent dirty outdoor air from entering homes.

“Remember, your health is precious, and taking simple precautions can go a long way in mitigating the harmful effects of poor air quality. Let's take care of ourselves and each other by sharing this message and spreading awareness about this critical issue.”

28/01/2024

UNFPA Reports 575 Cases Of Gender-Based Violence In 2023
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The UNFPA country representative to The Gambia, Ndeye Rose Sarr, revealed that 575 registered cases of Gender-Based Violence were reported with one in every four women having experienced s*xual or physical violence at some point in her life, aligning unfortunately with the global rate.

Speaking during the training session on violence against women and girls held at the SDKJ International Conference Center, stated: “Disturbingly, data from the National Gender Management Information System that the United Nations along with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare put in place in the Gambia. In 2023, we registered 575 cases of gender-based violence and these cases happened all over the country. In the Upper River Region, we have 53 cases, 45 cases for the Central River Region, West Coast Region 265 cases, and the Greater Banjul Area 145 cases.”

She added that these under-reported cases involved various violence such as r**e, s*xual assault, s*x trafficking, intimate partner violence and physical assault.

Madam Rose continued that unfortunately, none of the survivors has been able to access justice, saying it’s a reminder of the pressing need for immediate action to implement the already existing legislation that protects women and girls and prevents their abuse.

She buttressed that based on previous reports; the majority of these cases are perpetrated against young girls while noting that as they reiterate this at the training workshop, it is crucial to shed light on the culture of violence possessed in the country.

“The daily reports on violence against women and girls underscored the urgency for change to effectively combat gender base violence in cities, towns and villages all over the countries. Local government authorities must undertake structural and programmatic changes and include a comprehensive gender transformative approach that puts women and girls at the center of their government agenda.”

“Representatives of local governments not only be at the forefront of raising awareness about the prevalence of violence against women and girls but also need to be champions advocating to ensure the enforcement of protective mechanism against all forms of violence.”

28/01/2024

Banjul Mayor Hosts Int’l Confab On Women Victims Of Violence
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The Mayor of Banjul through its partners in collaboration with the United Cities and Local Government (UCLG) world secretariat concluded a four-day training workshop on the theme ‘towards caring territories for women victims of violence.

The objective of the training was to exchange experiences between stakeholders on policies and programmes to combat violence against women. It was held within the framework of an international programme on caring territories for women victims of violence 2021-2024.

Speaking at the SDKJ International Conference Center, Madam Emilia Saiz, the Secretary General of UCLG stated that the world is suffering and not the part of the population that is suffering. She added that if violence against women is accepted, the whole of society will continue to suffer.

“We need to talk about it and challenge some of the cultures and norms that believe violence against women and girls is acceptable because it is not acceptable. This is an agenda of dignity, justice and equality. Dignity, justice and equality are not something that you get but something that you construct, insight and concurred,” she stated while reiterating that it is women's power that will transform the world.

She further noted that to do that, women need to convince the men and women who are not convinced yet, adding that they need to start with the boys and girls.

“It is to them that we need to show the path towards equality. It is your sons and daughters that will determine how the future that you trying to forge is going to work. The transformation that we need is not to bring a type of development that does not respond to your dreams, and expectations and doesn't transform in service provisions that made your lives worth living,” she highlighted.

She went on to say that they want to demonstrate that the capacity of local and regional governments to deliver service is strengthened while stating that women need different investment, capacity and more young people getting into public service.

Rohey Malick Lowe, Mayor of Banjul explained that eradicating all forms of violence against women and girls is at the heart of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal. She added that goal five of the SDG is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

“Target two of the goal is to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and girls. This is a call to action to end all forms of gender-based violence, particularly violence against women. We don't want to be left behind; therefore, we are involved and contribute to building the Africa we want,” the Mayor said.

She said some of her programmes to empower women and youths at local community development include her ongoing REFELA youth volunteerism programme supported by the UN office and the UNDP which targets to train 500 youths and women on marketable skills and volunteerism both locally and internationally through south-south cooperation and bilateral relations.

Major Lowe further emphasized that her office’s EU Banjul-Osteen project has constructed 23 classrooms at Crab Island, a Community Radio and Recording Studio, 700 Hall Capacity, and greening the City by planting coconut at the beach to control soil erosion.

Through the multilateral cooperation with local and national governments, he stated that they were able to build a well-structured multipurpose youth complex funded by the World Bank which the youths are proud of.

28/01/2024

Gambia unveils national security plan ahead of OIC summit in Banjul
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As the country prepares to hold the 15th OIC Islamic Summit between the 4th and 5th May 2024, the OIC Security Local Organising Committee Thursday unveiled the National Security Plan for an orderly and peaceful event.

The event held at the SDKJ International Conference Center attracted the country’s leading security chiefs including the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector General of Police, and National Security Adviser among others.

Abubacar Jeng, National Security Adviser underscored the importance of the gathering while reiterating it is to interface with the local security sub-committee to review the work they have started since 2018 as it relates to the administration and the security planning of the upcoming OIC summit in the Gambia.
In the Gambia, he added that as far as the security sector and the security of the country is concerned, two forums take care of the national security of the country including the National Security Council headed by President Adama Barrow.

He further emphasized that subordinate of the National Security Council is the security management team that comprises all the service chiefs of the eight security services that operate in the country.

“I want to reiterate that plans are in place and we have gone far in terms of administration and planning arrangements for the OIC. I can stand here and authoritatively say that we will deliver a successful OIC summit,” he said while noting the reputation of President Barrow is important and a concern for the international world.

Yankuba Dibba, CEO of The Gambia OIC Secretariat also stated that the Gambia is ready to host the OIC summit, confirming that the dates are confirmed and wouldn’t be changed.

“OIC worked hard over the past six years and our programmes were divided into two which involve hard and soft parts. Most people are aware of the hard part which is the infrastructural development but no matter the roads we built and the buildings and hotels we have, delegates will only come if they perceive the Gambia to be safe,” he said.

He further explained that security is the most important aspect of any such gathering while stating that the OIC being the second largest gathering of world leaders apart from the UN General Assembly qualifies to be given the best of attention in terms of security.

Dibba added that in their briefing with some leaders, one of the regional leaders told them to ensure that the country is safe. He assured that they are not only encouraged but very confident to have Gambia’s top security chiefs working closely.

“We entrust our confidence and hopes in your hands (Security Chiefs) and we will accompany you along the journey and give you all the necessary support. The executive is firmly behind your plans and they are willing to support you to make the country secure before, during and after the conference,” he said.

Tamsir Jassey, Chairperson of the Security Sub-Committee of the Local Organizing Committee explained that they had envisioned way back that when they reach a certain level of plan, it is important that they call on the security chiefs and give plans. He added that the committee doesn’t have any resources but all of the work that they intend to do is to utilise resources from all the security apparatus in their services.

Jassey stated: “As it’s an internal operational matter, it’s a police led-up operation. However, other security services will come as a supporting agency. The work of the sub-committee has been going on since 2018 in the preparation of this event.”

28/01/2024

Trade Ministry commits to secure trade finance facilities for Gambian Businesses
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Hon. Baboucarr O. Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance has been working with international finance institutions to secure trade finance facilities for Gambian businesses.



Speaking at the first annual press conference for his ministry held recently, Ministry Joof said the move is to be able to import essential commodities into the markets. He added that the discussions are well advanced in the case of the Badea facility of US$50 million.



Dwelling on support to local producers, Joof noted that his Ministry is implementing a moratorium on the importation of onions and potatoes to support domestic producers to boost production and supply the markets. He went on to say that the ‘Jokalanteh’ project provides an avenue to connect local producers to the markets and ensure that women horticulture producers are empowered to boost their produce and their livelihoods.



Support to Women's Business, the Minister said: “My Ministry in partnership with ITC launched the SheTrades Hub Programme in November 2021, which now made The Gambia part of the Global SheTrades Hub community to continue to support women's participation in trade. The Government is working with over 90 women-owned businesses under SheTrades initiatives funded by EIF and implemented in collaboration with ITC.”



Under the SheTrades initiative, he reiterated that they were able to build the capacities of women's businesses through the provision of equipment and training to improve the quality and packaging of their products; and for them to effectively manage their businesses.



“An additional Cohort consisting of 15 Fashion companies and 25 food processors were recently selected as SheTrades companies making a total of 130 women businesses that are now working with the Ministry. The goal was to strengthen women’s effective participation in trade by improving their competitiveness and market linkages,” he stated while adding that the catalytic project successfully linked over 138 women-owned businesses to buyers abroad and transnational value chains and supported their participation in national and international trade fairs.



Minister Joof further indicated that the SheTrades Hub conducted an assessment to identify public procurement opportunities for women-owned businesses as public procurement would be an important instrument to support the development of women's businesses as the government remains the major consumer in any economy.



“The HUB also provide equipment support to women businesses worth US$50,000 with the support of EIF. The HUB awarded 35 women businesses in the fashion and horticulture sectors with equipment valued at over GMD3 Million. In addition, with the support of ITC nine HUB members in the fashion and agric business were granted machines and equipment worth over USD90,000. Support is also being provided to the Ministry of Fisheries and Natural Resources in the form of 15 insulated Ice Boxes to reduce post-harvest losses of women fish mongers.”

17/01/2024

16TH JANUARY 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE DISPATCH/ RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

BY HON HABIB SECKA AND THE EIGHT (8) EXPELLED AND ONE (1) DISMISSED EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

AUZUBILLAHI MINAL SAITANI RAZIM, BISMILLAHIR RAHMANIR RAHAM, ALHAMDULILLAHI RABBIL ALAMIN
ASALAM MUALAIKUM WARAHMATULAI WABARAKATU.

Esteemed Comrades, members of the APRC Party, and fellow Gambians,
In my capacity as the Second Deputy Party Leader of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), a position bestowed upon me by the Former President of The Gambia, Founder, and Leader of the APRC Party, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Doctor Alh Yaya A.J.J Jammeh.

As we commence this New Year, I extend my warmest greetings and wishes for prosperity to the entire nation of The Gambia and its residents.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the APRC National Interim Executives, under the interim leadership of Hon. Yahya Tamba, the committed APRC militants, and supporters led by His Excellency Sheikh Professor Doctor Alhajie Yaya A.J.J Jammeh Babili Mansa.

I also extend my infinite love, respect, and gratitude to my family, mother, Aja Binta Kanyi, the APRC National Women Mobilizer Aja Nano Touray, my colleague Honorable Seedy Bojang, and all security and protocol personnel.

Special acknowledgments go to the APRC USA CHAPTER, GAMBIANS NEED JAMMEH BACK CHAT GROUP, KAFOTI KAFO under the leadership of the Iron Lady Awa Sanyang of Finland, and to all diaspora branches and forums of APRC Babili Mansa.

I offer my best wishes and prayers to the esteemed heroes of APRC, Baitullah Almaurous, and Yankuba Touray, seeking the Almighty's protection for them and their families.

I extend appreciation to the media houses, social media platforms, chat groups, and individuals for their efforts in distributing this message.

In my capacity as the Second Deputy Party Leader, I am steadfastly committed to preserving APRC's legacy and political standing under the able leadership of Babili Mansa.

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28/12/2023

https://ctvafrica.blogspot.com/2023/12/association-of-licensed-forex-bureaus.html

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