When businessman Basiru Jawara recently branded Adama Barrow as Gambia’s new Babili Mansa, some thought that the business mogul was just taking a jab at the new Gambian leader. Basiru was right to some degree. Like Jammeh, Mr. Barrow too loves being glorified. Traditional griots, highway Imams, journalists, and religious leaders have joined the Barrow ego to massage bandwagon.

There is this new leadership political cult developing in the so called new Gambia, in which a select few will discreetly re-brand the old Jammeh ruling propaganda tactic. Gambians will never learn. A country cannot pride itself around the image of its leader; only a backward nation will venture into such foolish glorification.

On Friday, a Freedom Newspaper source was travelling on board the Bambatenda/Ellitenda ferry. He saw a silver Volkswagen car in the ferry plastered with president Adama Barrow’s picture. He was told that the vehicle belongs to Momodou Lamin Touray, the former Imam of the State House mosque under dictator Jammeh’s rule. Imam Touray is also the president of the Supreme Islamic Council.

Imam Touray was heading towards Soma at the time. He shared the same ferry with our source. Our source then decided to photograph the car, in an attempt to expose the culture of “ Dogo, Dogo” and Barrow mystification in the new Gambia.

Imam Touray was a staunch supporter of dictator Jammeh and his APRC party. He replaced Imam Abdoulie Fatty, shortly after Jammeh sacked the controversial Imam.

Unless Gambians begin to put faith in country, and themselves, nothing will change under the sun. We have seen highway Imams currying favours from the Executive in the name of the religion. We have also seen griots associated with the state media heaping praises for Adama Barrow. Some section of the media has transformed themselves as propagandists for the regime.

It is now evident that there are people in this country, who enjoy worshipping and glorifying their leaders. Lack of self-esteem, confidence, and patriotism in one’s self makes such folks to live such a misguided lifestyle.

A legacy is never bought. One must work for it. Gambians, including those calling themselves leaders should stop fooling themselves. Jammeh’s past buffoonery should teach any leader, who worth his or her salt to focus on issues that will unify and develop the country than investing on fake delusional personality cult venture.

Imam Touray must have missed Babili Mansa Jammeh. Barrow is his new Babili Mansa. Laugh Out Loud (LOL).

Written By Pa Nderry M’Bai

Email: panderrymbai@gmail.com

Tel: 919-749-6319

The post Gambia: New Babili Mansa-Supreme Islamic Council President Touray Plastered His Car With President Barrow’s Pictures! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

A RIDE ON THE GRAVY TRAIN IN THE 3^RD BEGINNING

WE ARE REPORTING THAT THIS TRAIN IS “DERAILED” RUNNING OF THE TRACKS LAID OUT FOR RECOVERING THE GAMBIA!

There you see the Engine – the power source represented as the voters that wished for change.

Behind it are the various cars that convey the government and followed by the baggage car.

Let us review what comprises this train that left the station in January 2017 on its promised destination of New Hope, Freedom, Harmony, Security and the stated Economic Development

Each of the cars are defined as the Ministries of The Gambia and the last car is the Baggage Car conveying the Finance and Debt.

As the train creeps to its destination we see first the Foreign Affairs car with the now daunting task of the Returnees and Missteps by certain Ministers in foreign relations. The handling of many of these events has definitely slowed the train.

Look, here comes the Interior Ministry car which lost some weight with a change of leadership but still cannot get a grip on the security issues, the functioning of agencies responsible for contracts that should have tenders – bids and proper vetting procedures.

It is closely followed by Finance that is pleading with the international donors for even more funds as the debt in the baggage car get even heavier with a so-far added $1,000,000,000 figuring in the Nawec Turkish Take or Pay – China Ports deal – etc, etc. Where will all this debt money be found when it comes due?

Trying to stay attached is Agriculture with good experience and intent the Minister is hard at it. Unfortunately, many of the working relationships are out of sync with the boss. It is now commonplace for many of the staff to be on a Trek and collecting per diem but admittedly the farmer do not see them as they seek a marketing scheme to earn a basic income in the rural areas. ‘Grow what you eat’ takes on a new meaning when you cannot sell the rest of the crop.

Now the train has slowed down as it enters the current time frame and we see the Lands car faced with an ungodly number of land disputes while new projects are awaiting approval of allocations that appear to be blocked or at least Sidetracked until certain Favors are collected by the Conductor.

We skip some of the cars and check the last ones on this journey.

The Justice car is loaded with various legal issues. Litigation of Arbitration cases in Europe, which have expended some published amounts of $40,000,000 to try to settle claims against asset seizure and contract cancellations. Another $500,000 is in the works for the African Petroleum case.

That car is well positioned in front of the Executive cars with the VP and President riding with enough staff to require the lengthening of the train. So be it. The number 47 comes to mind regarding a US conference attended by the VP as the sought after per diem is deducted from the baggage car. The President has been dissuaded from waving from the back of the train by the private security in and around all areas of the car. He would like to explain it all but had no idea what they had got him into or how to get off the Gravy Train.

Will the train make it to the “3 Years” station without derailing?

Perhaps it would be better to shut it down for top to bottom maintenance.

Time to Drain the Mangrove!

Again, the Main Task now is to establish faith through Positive Actions. Where are the Wise Minds?

The Author

COG – CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT GROUP

There is much to do!

Volunteers Welcomed

The post Gambia: A RIDE ON THE GRAVY TRAIN IN THE 3RD BEGINNING appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

Dear Pa,

It is important you continue telling Gambians what is going on in the Gambia today. Please kindly help publish this for the good of our country.

GNPC Furniture Contract for Petroleum

Pa, I am one of the hardworking Gambian suppliers who has put in a bid for GNPC furniture for Petroleum House and I have been surprised at the level of corruption in that organization headed by the very corrupt aide of former dictator Yahya Jammeh. He is no other person other than Mambureh Njie.

Pa, I was very surprise at first until I remember this is the former Jammeh SG, who is used to such corrupt practices under his former Boss. I will not blame him but the current government for recycling such stinky potatoes back into the government.

Since October, my company put in a bid for a major project worth tens of millions of Dalasis for the furnishing of Petroleum House, which was advertised in the papers. It is now April, 5 months later and we haven’t heard nothing from GNPC about the position of the contract. They have not written to us or even return our bid security.

Pa, which bidding process takes 5-6 months for you to explain? All of us who bided knows that it is because of their preferred supplier, who they made a deal with could not be given the contract because they will be exposed. We make noise about this to many people in the government and the Ministry, and it reached their ears so they decided to let it cool down hoping that we will forget, but I am letting them know that there will be no retreat no surrender.

Pa, can you imagine that after putting in our bid which says clearly that transportation and insurance costs should be included, they turned around and write a so called clarification letter to all the companies that they should clarify whether we included transportation and if not what is the transportation cost?

When my company received this strange letter and replied that of course our prices, we did our investigations and contacted the other suppliers and find out that we all stick by our initial price except one company who they already had a deal with to increase their price by one million dalasi under the excuse that this was the transportation cost?

We also found out that the one million dalasi was to be the ‘cut’; the cut for former hungry baboons of dictator Jammeh, who want to make GNPC their Banana farm (Mambureh Njie and his Finance guy Amadou Jobe).

Pa, this is illegal and against GPPA in the Gambia. Everyone knows that you cannot increase your price after your bid has been opened. These peoples did not just increase the price, but they went on and recommend; to give the contract to that company.

To my surprise, one of our contacts told us that until we were prepared to give a cut of more than the one million dalasi already offered and accepted, we cannot have the contract. We refused because this is New Gambia and people like Mambureh Njie cannot spoil the Gambia during Jammeh’s time and still continued to spoil the government of Adama Barrow too.

We are hardworking Gambians, who deserve to win contracts in a fair and balance way without taking millions out of our hard-owned monies.

Pa, this is daylight corruption and bribery and need to be exposed.

Sign:

John

Editors note: The views expressed by the author do not represent the position of the Freedom Newspaper. Mr. Mambureh and Jobe could not be reached for their own side of the author’s allegations. Thanks for your attention.

The post Gambia: Corruption At GNPC; Company Owner Accuses Management Of Abusing Competitive Furniture Supply Bidding Tender Process! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

Adou Boy is on and about today looking for “Cherreh” the locally made Gambian food. Cherreh is on Adou’s mind. He is preoccupied with eating, and sleeping. He has no clue about the daunting task associated with the presidency. Another buffoon has occupied the State House.

This president is seemingly out of touch with the realities of the day. He is obsessed with flashy cars, elegant dresses, and food. In the meantime, the average Gambian cannot afford one basic meal a day.

Unemployment is at all time high, while the Gambian currency, the dalasi has lost its value against international currencies such as the dollar, the pound, and the CFA Franc. Toilet paper has more value than the dalasi today. Inflation is also jumping the roof.

The country is battling with official corruption; nepotism; rule of law crisis; and security breaches. The Gambia is at a stands still under Barrow’s leadership.

Instead of visiting the collapsed health facilities, Adou Boy is thinking about his big stomach. He was spotted at the trade fair today. He was accompanied by his wife Fatoumatta Bah Barrow.

Adou Boy has proven that he cannot rule the Gambia. He has no agenda on the table that can uplift the living conditions of the citizenry. His distractions will not work.

Adou, as you visit the trade fair, doctors are on strike. Patients are dying in large numbers. When will you visit the RVTH hospital?

In as much as you are a “chopser” please remember that people voted you into office to serve and not to play around. Get back to work in the interest of the nation.

The post Gambia: Cherreh Is On Adou Boy’s Mind Today appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

See evidence of GNPC corruption on fuel supplies

Pa, see evidence of what I get from one of my sources. I believe what this particular supplier is telling you about these so called hungry enablers of Jammeh about the furniture contract is true and they should be exposed; all they know is “chop rek” from one deal to the other. I am also a supplier who put in a bid for the supply of light fuel oil in October 2017 and offered a very good premium for the supply of both Gasoil and Petrol and my premiums were less than USD 50 plus platts.

See below GNPC invoice and ministry of finance price structure what the platts amount was for November. If they had gone with my price my bill will have only been eg USD 548.91 per ton for AGO(Diesel) for that month. Here they paid USD 654.64 per ton for 470 metric tons, an extra USD105.73 per ton is added after trader premium, freight to Banjul, insurance and ocean losses this is over invoicing.

Now multiply USD 105.73 by 470 tons that is USD 49,693.10 just for a single transaction per month for a single product what about petrol (PMS)? Where is all that extra USD 49,693.10 equivalent (D2,385,268.80) going per month? Government should step in and investigate.

We also know it cannot be retailer price because retailer price USD (684.31/ton) is more than the invoice USD (654.64/ton) for that month. if they want to claim discount that is even more suspicious because how can you verify such discount. It can be more, and they will lie; it is less and pocket the remaining. President Barrow’s Government wake up if not, soon it will be hundreds of millions missing from a struggling government.

Please see attached the invoices.

The post Gambia: Another Smoking Gun: See evidence of GNPC corruption on fuel supplies appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

Former members of dictator Yahya Jammeh’s assassin team called the jungullars have relocated from Guinea Conakry, where they were granted sanctuary by the Conde government to join the MFDC fighters in the bushes of Casamance, the FREEDOM NEWSPAPER can authoritatively report. Among the jungullars, who joined the MFDC is Sanna Manjang, a career killer and onetime Jammeh loyalist. Manjang and co are staying in one of the MFDC camps next to the Gambian side of the border. The camp is situated around Foni.

A RELIABLE and DEPENDABLE source, who reached us said he has been in touch with the jungullars. He said Mr. Sanna Manjang is using a Gambian phone number to communicate with friends, family members and former colleagues in the army. Our source has promised to furnish us with the list of the jungullars currently being harbored by the MFDC fighters.

According to our source, he doesn’t think that Mr. Manjang and co poses any threat to the Gambian state, but he was quick to point out that they are being harboured by the MFDC rebel group.

“From what I know, Sanna and co left Guinea Conakry out of hopelessness. They felt being abandoned by Yahya Jammeh. They have decided to get closer to home by joining the MFDC fighters. They are hosted at a camp very close to the Gambian border on the Foni end,” said our source.

Sanna Manjang, regularly calls Gambia, and he is increasingly frustrated. He is said to have regretted being used by the Kanilai monster. ” He is a changed man now. He prays regularly. He left over 13 kids behind in the Gambia. He is now with the MFDC rebels,” said our source.

The jungullars are not stranger to the MFDC rebels. They used to interact with the rebels during Jammeh’s rule.

Jammeh has been accused in the past by Senegal of harbouring and arming MFDC rebels during the stint of the 22 years in power. A charge, he repeatedly denied.

Now that some of the jungullars have been granted sanctuary by the MFDC rebels; observers believed that their presence along the border could likely poses as a security threat to the Senegambian region.

The MFDC is likely going to use them in their operations. Mr. Manjang and co are vulnerable for exploitation by the MFDC–given the predicament they found themselves today.

Written By Pa Nderry M’Bai

Email: panderrymbai@gmail.com

Tel: 919-749-6319

The post Gambia: Jammeh’s Assassin Team Relocates From Guinea And Are Now Hosted By The MFDC Rebels At A Camp Next To Foni! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

A furious Ousainou Darboe has accused the people of his native Bansang town of being haters, anti-establishment; and anti-UDP. He also accused the people of Bansang of being anti-sons of the region, who are serving the current Barrow administration—notably he Ousainou Darboe, Ambassador Momodou Lamin Sedat Jobe, Ambassador Faye Ceesay, Finance Minister Amadou Sanneh, and Chief Justice Assan Jallow. Mr. Darboe made the damning accusations during a political rally held in Basang over the weekend.

The UDP Leader, cum Gambian Foreign Minister is not happy that the leader of the National Reconciliation Party Hamat Bah, has sponsored candidates in Bansang to oppose the UDP in the upcoming Janjangbureh Council elections. Darboe couldn’t fathom why the NRP should fill in candidates in Bansang, when in his own words, the UDP acted in good faith in the past legislative elections not to oppose the NRP in Saloum, Niamina, Nianija, and elsewhere across the country.

“The NRP has decided to fill in candidates in Bansang; that’s their business. We never oppose them in the past elections; why should they sponsor candidates in Bansang? We know that the people of Bansang are opposing the UDP because of their dislike and hatred for me Ousainou Darboe, Amadou Sanneh, Sidat Jobe, Faye Ceesay, Amadou Sanneh and Assana Jallow. The indigenous citizens of this town are the ones spearheading the hate against us. Go ahead and vote the NRP or the opposition; you will live to regret it. Voting for the opposition; means stabbing one’s self on the foot,” Darboe warned.

“The people of Bansang are shameless. I am part of you; and yet you have demonstrated that you don’t like your own son. If you dump me; know that the people of Baddibu, and other regions have embraced me and the UDP. You hated us for no reason. Keep in mind that the people of Bansang benefited more than any other region in the Gambia, in the Barrow government. You are the people, who kept saying that Adama Barrow listens to Darboe more than any other person in his government. We have more officials from Bansang serving in Barrow’s government compared to other regions in the country. Momodou Sidat Jobe is a native of Bansang; he is president Barrow’s Ambassador in France; Faye Ceesay is from Bansang; he is Gambia’s Ambassador in China; Amadou Sanneh is from Bansang; he is the Minister of Finance; Assan Jallow is from Bansang; he is the Chief Justice of the Gambia; and my humble self, who is the Minister of Foreign Affairs,” Darboe added.

The ranting Mr. Darboe never minces his disappointment with the people Bansang. He warned the residents of the town that voting for the opposition would mean enabling the opponents of the UDP. He also talked about the possibilities of the people of Bansang suffering if the current crop of Bansang natives serving the Barrow regime are out of power.

Darboe Hijacked Chinese Doctors

Mr. Darboe also said he denied regions such as Baddibu, Farafenni, and Buwiam access to the Chinese doctors, who were deployed in the country to provide healthcare services to the Gambia and her people just for the sake of the people of Bansang. He said it was through him that he diverted the Chinese healthcare project meant for the country to the Bansang hospital.

“I ensured that the Chinese doctors were posted to the Bansang hospital. I never send them to Baddibu, Farafenni, or Buwiam. Despite our efforts to make development available to the doorsteps of the people of Bansang, you are bent on hating on us. If you don’t like us; know that there are other regions in the country, who love and cherished the UDP. I understand there was climate of fear during Jammeh’s rule. Some of you were afraid to vote for us, but that era is over; you have no excuse now; the reality is that you don’t like us. Whether you like it or not, the UDP is will sweep the polls come 2021,” Darboe remarked.

Mr. Darboe also talked about his plans to construct roads in Basang and its surrounding villages. But he maintained that in order for that happen, the people of Bansang must embrace their sons and daughters serving in the government.

Written By Pa Nderry M’Bai

The post Gambia: Darboe Attacks The People Of His Bansang Native Town; Branding Them Haters Of The UDP Ahead Of The Council Elections appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

It has been over a month that Gambian doctors have been on what they called “sit down strike.” A delegation representing the Gambian Resident Doctors Association yesterday met with the country’s Vice President Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang to discuss the impasse, which had brought Gambia’s virtually collapsed heath sector to its knees, the FREEDOM NEWSPAPER can reveal. Dr. Ebrima Bah and one Dr. Njie represented the medical fraternity at the meeting held at the VP’s office, sources familiar with the story have intimated.

The goal of the meeting was to finalize the resolution document aimed at finding a lasting solution to the impasse. It has been brought to the attention of the Freedom Newspaper that the resolution of the Congress was REMOVED from the document, leaving only the resolutions of the March 23rnd VP meeting.

At a closed door meeting yesterday, the VP Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang has come to the realization that she cannot apologize on behalf of the Health Minister Saffie Lowe Ceesay, who is the main source of the doctors’ strike. She has accused Gambian doctors of stealing drugs from health facilities to open private pharmacies.

The doctors have taken offense of her wild unsubstantiated accusations. Hence, which led to the doctors’ nationwide showdown.

The Vice President, we gathered, has pleaded with the doctors to call off the strike and report back to work. She told them that “ her engagement is a sign of respect and confidence the government has in doctors.”

Meanwhile, the Secretary General Habib Drammeh has been tasked to constitute a task force before the end of the week to resolve the matter. The task force comprises the Resident Doctors Association (Gard), Elders, and other stakeholders. The task force is going to oversee the proposed reform in the health sector, as demanded by the striking doctors.

“Trust me, the GARD impasse is more exhausting than the Jammeh political impasse.
35 days and still counting. Our Bukhari (VP Tambanjang) and her ECOMIG (all stakeholders) are all up to save the face of the Jammeh (Saffie Lowe Ceesay). When shall we be delivered,” said a source of knowledge about the ongoing negotiations spearheaded by the VP.

In another development, the Freedom Newspaper has been reliably informed that the VP sent out an email to the striking doctors shortly after the meeting; telling them that they “ the doctors should not strike again in the future.” Th VP’s last-minute email has caused a major setback to the ongoing mediation to resolve the doctors’ strike.

A source said the doctors have objected to Madam Tambajang’s admonishment urging them not to embark on a strike action again. So far, no breakthrough has been accomplished in the ongoing doctors’ strike.

Written By Pa Nderry M’Bai

Email: panderrymbai@gmail.com

Tel: 919-749-6319

The post Gambia: VP Tambajang Told Doctors Not To Strike Again In The Future In An Email; Says ” I Cannot Apologize On Behalf Of Saffie Lowe.” appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

Travellers between Banjul and Serre-Kunda yesterday had to wait for about an hour before they could proceed to their destined destinations, as Denton Bridge was the scene of a nearly deadly military confrontation, the FREEDOM NEWSPAPER can reveal. It all went down, when a lone armed Gambia Navy soldier, disembarked from a vehicle and accosted the police intervention unit PIU, AKA ( PARAS) on duty. The disorderly and furious soldier, then started cocking his gun towards the PARAS, which has caused a total pandemonium at the bridge.

The soldier, whose named is yet to be established by the Freedom Newspaper, was earlier yesterday travelling from Serre-Kunda heading towards Banjul, when he got stopped at the bridge. He was not happy that he was subjected to routine security control by the PIU officers on duty. He proceeded to work, and as soon as he commences duty, he left his guard post in Banjul, fully armed and headed for Denton Bridge. The soldier took a swing at the PIU officers upon his arrival at the bridge—threatening to shoot and kill them.

As curious travellers watched the unfolding melee, long lines of vehicles could be seen stranded on the busy Banjul Highway. The Navy soldier was subsequently overpowered and taken into custody by the PIU officers.

Apparently, there is growing resentment among the personnel of the Gambia Armed Forces towards the PIU officers. The PIU officers have taken over the security of the president and Gambia’s internal security shortly after president Barrow assumes office. This hasn’t augured well with some section of the military.

The Army Spokesman could not be reached for comment at press time.

In another development, the arrested soldier has been identified as Navy Corporal Seedy Bojang. He is currently under the custody of the military police.

Written By Pa Nderry M’Bai

Email: panderrymbai@gmail.com

Tel: 919-749-6319

The post Gambia: Military Confrontation At Denton Bridge; As Lone Navy Soldier Threatens To Shoot And Kill PIU Officers! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

A Manjiekunda Forex (money changer) was robbed at gunpoint yesterday, the Freedom Newspaper can reveal. The robber fled with a cash amount of seven thousand dalasis (D7,000) including the Forex lady’s cellular phone. The incident happened at 10 AM Wednesday morning at the Forex bureau in Manjie—next to the petrol station.

The lady, who was robbed was identified as one Awa Jallow. Ms. Jallow was in her Forex shop, when a man alighted from his motorbike and walked into the Forex bureau.

The robber was wearing a helmet at the time. He was armed. He pointed his gun towards Awa Jallow, and ordered her to surrender the money in her safe and cellular phone. He also ordered her to lie on the floor.

Awa Jallow cooperated with the robber. She handed the D7,000 dalasi she had in her possession before lying on the floor. The robber then took to his heels.

A panic-stricken Awa Jallow later reported the matter to the Manjie police station. A statement was obtained from her by the officers on duty.

The robber is at large. He is yet to be taken into custody, according to Awa Jallow’s twin sister Adama Jallow.

“My twin sister Awa Jallow, has been completely traumatized by the incident. She was taken off guard by the robber, who walked into the Forex bureau and demanded that she must surrender the money she had. She has no other alternative other than complying. She was about to leave the Forex bureau when the robber walked in,” she told the Freedom Newspaper.

“As we speak, Awa has no phone. The robber left with her cellular phone and D7,000 dalasi she had in her possession at the time of the robbery. I am in class right now. If I get home, I will let Awa use my phone and call you,” she added.

The Gambia has of recent witnessed a dramatic increase on petty stealing, pickpocketing and armed robbery.

“The robber is yet to be apprehended. He is at large. My sister is very nervous and worried. This is the first time that she has experienced such an incident,” Adama Jallow said.

The police spokesman could not be reached for comment.

Written By Pa Nderry M’Bai

The post Gambia: Manjie-Kunda Forex Dealer Got Robbed At Gunpoint; Robber Flees With D7,000 Cash and Mobile Phone appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

“ We understand there have been attempts to resolve our client’s claim, but no resolution has been achieved. We make it clear that our client remains open to reasonable settlement terms. As you will be aware however, Article 14.2 of the Master agreement says as follows: All disputes arising out of or in connection with this agreement shall be finally settled under the laws of the International Chamber of Commerce. In the event that settlement is not reached, our client will have no choice but to request arbitration through the ICC pursuant to Article 4, Paragraph 1 of the ICC rules 2017. We expect a response to this letter within 14 days,” a letter issued by the lawyer for Pristine Gambia Limited and was addressed to Gambia’s Justice Minister Abubcarr Tambadou reads. The letter was also copied to the Interior Minister Ebrima Mballow.

Lawyer Edwin Coe’s letter to the Gambian government services as a notice to the authorities in Banjul before Pristine will commence litigation in earnest against the regime at the International Center For Settlement Of Investment Disputes.

“The Master Agreement was entered into by the Government of the Republic of The Gambia acting through the Department of State for Interior and NGOS affairs. The Second Agreement was entered into by the Government of the Republic of The Gambia acting through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,” the letter stated.

The Master Agreement said lawyer Edwin Coe, had an initial term of five years, which was extended by the Second Agreement, to which we run below.

“The two agreements related to the provision of a national identity system, along with the provision of various other documents and related services. We are instructed that you have breached several of the terms contained in both agreements. Our clients claimed damages as a result of your breaches, as outlined below. In the event that settlement cannot be reached, our client will have no choice but to seek arbitration in accordance with the dispute resolution process prescribed by the Master Agreement through the International Chamber of Commerce (“ICC”),” Lawyer Coe contends.

The Gambia government in a recent statement said cabinet has decided to award the biometric ID Card and Passport project to Semlex. Semlex is a Belgian biometric company. The company is under investigation in Belgium.

The biometric contract was never subjected to international public tender. It was awarded to Semlex through single sourcing.

The Pristine Chief Executive Officer Abdou Draman Touray died some weeks ago. His company has instructed their lawyer to take up the matter with the Barrow government.

As evident on the Pristine Lawyer’s letter, his clients will resort to dragging the government to the ICC if consensus is not reached on the proposed settlement. It is not clear how much Pristine is claiming in terms of damages against the Gambia government.

Written By Pa Nderry M’Bai

The post Gambia: Pristine Lawyer Puts Gambia Gov’t On Notice; Says Pristine Will File For Punitive Damages Against The Barrow Gov’t At The International Center For Settlement Of Investment Disputes appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

Controversy greets the death of a Gambian soldier, who was found dead in a well in the village of Madiana on Wednesday, amid conflicting reports about the real identity of the demised soldier. The soldier in question was enlisted into the Gambia Armed Forces with the name Baboucarr MS Bah. RELIABLE AND DEPENDABLE sources have told the FREEDOM NEWSPAPER that the deceased’s actual birth name is Sheriffo Kujabi and not Baboucarr MS Bah, as reported by the Army Command. The late Mr. Kujabi must have joined the army with fake aliases or stolen identification. For more on the story, we contacted the Army Spokesman Major Lamin K Sanyang and this is what he has to say: “ Well for now, that is not part of the investigations we are conducting at the moment. We are trying to establish the cause of his death for now; verifying whether he is Baboucarr or Sheriffo, that’s a totally different ballgame for us. At the moment, what we are preoccupied with is unraveling what led to his untimely demise and being dumped in a well in Madiana.

The Army spokesman said one cannot completely rule out the possibility of folks joining the army with fake credentials, but he was quick to point out that GAF’s vetting standards for aspiring recruits was next to none.

“That’s what I am saying. As far as our records show, he is Baboucarr MS Bah. So, if the possibilities of having those kinds of instances we cannot rule them out. But we have not come across those kinds of instances that go to show indicate that people come here with false pretense. However, if any of those incidences come up; we have our due process; standing operational procedures that are put in place to deal with those kinds of situations. For the case of Baboucarr MS Bah, as far as we know, he might have had some other names, but from our records when the case came up, we were able to identify him as Baboucarr MS Bah,” PRO Sanyang told Freedom Radio Gambia in an interview on Friday.

Below is a brief transcribed version of the Q and A interview we had with the army PRO. Tune in to Freedom Radio for the rest of the interview.

FN: I am calling you in regards to the incident in Madiana. What actually happened?

Well, as we speak, a soldier of the Gambia Armed Forces by the name corporal Baboucarr MS Bah, who was on sick leave and was at Yundum Barracks I BM; his remains were found in a well at Madiana on Wednesday. So, the body has been recovered and taken to the RVTH mortuary and we have begun the investigations to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death.

FN: And Major Sanyang do you suspect foul play in the death of Mr. Bah?

Well, we do not want to preempt the investigations. Like I said, we have started the investigations; so, once we are done with whatever investigations we are conducting at the moment, we will be able to brief the public about our findings. So, for now, it would too early to speculate on what might have led to his death.

FN: We are receiving mixed reports here; conflicting reports. The soldier has been identified as Babocuarr Bah, as you rightly stated, but in some quarters, he is being identified as Baboucarr Kujabi.

I can tell you for a fact that the corpse we have identified from that well being a member of the Gambia Armed Forces; and from our records he goes with the name Baboucarr MS Bah.

FN: And where is the Sheriffo Kujabi name coming from?

Well.. You said you have your sources; probably is from those sources. But as far as our records go, for the Gambia Armed Forces, we know him as Baboucarr MS Bah.

FN: And Major Sanyang is it possible that some people joined the army by using fake papers; using people’s IDS; is that a possibility?

Well that’s totally a different ballgame. Anything is possible. But what I can tell you for a fact is that the Gambia Armed Forces, we recruit men into our ranks by their presentation of their valid national document ranging from birth certificate, national ID Cards, and even up to Alkalo and Chief attestation. So, those are documents we based on, and those are authentic as far as we know because they are from legal government authorities. So, if anybody comes and there is a recruitment with valid documents that can be authenticated, and it is authentic, we have no course but to take you. Of course, we have own our internal security scrutiny bodies; like the police CRO, the National Intelligence agency all those bodies scrutinize their papers. So, once everything is done and you are found credible with everything, we take you onboard. So, the authenticity it behooves on the individual coming forward to present himself for recruitment.

FN: Mr. Sanyang, is it possible that there are certain members of the armed forces who joined the force through false pretense because as we speak, the demised soldier is being identified as Sheriffo Kujabi, and not Baboucarr Bah as reported by the army?

That’s what I am saying. As far as our records show he is Baboucarr MS Bah. So, if the possibilities of having those kinds of instances we cannot rule them out. But we have not come across those kinds of instances that go to show indicate that people come here with false pretense. However, if any of those incidences come up; we have our due process; standing operational procedures that are put in place to deal with those kinds of situations. For the case of Baboucarr MS Bah, as far as we know, he might have had some other names, but from our records when the case came up, we were able to identify him as Baboucarr MS Bah.

FN: Is the army command going to investigate whether he uses someone’s identification to join the army?

Well for now, that is not part of the investigations we are conducting at the moment. We are trying to establish the cause of his death for now; verifying whether he is Baboucarr or Sheriffo, that’s a totally different ballgame for us. At the moment, what we are preoccupied with is unravelling what led to his untimely demise and being dumped in a well in Madiana.

FN: Is it true that the late Mr. Bah, known as Sheriffo Kujabi had a history of mental health issues?

It would be difficult for me to ascertain that. All that I can say is that he was on sick leave off late until his untimely demise. Medical issues for the Gambia Armed Forces; those are private and confidential matters and not up for public scrutiny or discussions. So, all that we can say is that he was sick leave; the nature and circumstances of illness, I don’t think it is professional for me to divulge for the consumption of the general public.

Transcribed and interviewed By Pa Nderry M’Bai

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Ministry of Interior: Stop your wicked dealings…

As a former staff of the Ministry, I wish to register my acute disappointment with the existing activities at the Ministry of Interior. Since the advent of the new dispensation, the Gambian people have not seen any realistic changes in the maintenance of law and order which could fundamentally be blamed in the way it conducts business. There is no strategy or a sense of direction.

The Ministry officials namely, the Minister and his Permanent Secretary are focused on money making ventures at the expense of peace and security thus depriving the Gambian community. There were times when services were closed due to travels. You rarely find them in office, so we must question what they are doing.

The Permanent Secretary is regularly found loitering in the offices of the receptionist and on the ground floor where he is busy chastising and being flippant towards the Kiangka staff at the Ministry. Minister Mballow: why were you adamant on having Kodou (Secretary) and a non staffer of the Ministry to travel with the IGP? IGP flatly refused…

Only recently, the select Committee on Defense and Security of the National Assembly, were on a conducted tour of the Security Services of the country, they went to the ministry only to find that the PS and his Deputy were out of the country ( a regular habit) rendering the Ministry functionless for over a week. The National Assembly members were very furious with what they found. They could only meet the Minister, who seemed naive with the functions and activities of the Ministry. The Minister is a stranger to administration; he could not separate the chaff from the corn in another words he does not make a distinction between an Act and a Policy. But you cannot blame the minster he retired just five years into the service with a corporal rank.

In fairness, he lacks the clout and experience to run the affairs of the Ministry. Sadly, he is being dictated and manipulated by his pet officer called one Abdoulie Cham. Maybe time to question their relationship. Cham has a flirtatious demeanor, renowned for corrupting senior Government officials with ease just to earn their spurious favors. He clumsily navigated his way through to the position of superintendent just under ten years without any serious or useful credentials. He tried such corrupt practices at his former work place at Fire Service but was shown the exit door.

Minister Mballow is tenacious to have Cham elevated and posted to foreign missions mainly to share the spoils of the mission. Only recently, he donated some livestock to the minister to settle a deal. Cham is most frequently at the Minister’s house in Sinchu or at the office. Let’s remember Abdoulie Cham successfully helped his own wife be redeployed from the prison service to the police force. How did he do this?

The Ministry is a travesty. Staff are busy looking how to fill their deep pockets. The line departments are experiencing grave setbacks in their daily operations. Licenses and passports are intermittently halted for no obvious reasons. National Identity Cards are not in issuance for close to 18 months. Gambians are suffering. Travelling within the sub-region is an absolute nightmare. Drugs are being trafficked without much check. This is because check points that help in monitoring traffickers are not allowed to operate. Why? Mr. Dibba, can you tell Gambians your relationship with the SEMLEX Company? And why are you lobbying to become an Ambassador to Sierra Leone?

PS Bully Dibba is not fit to be Permanent Secretary. He created chaos and disharmony within the services. He manipulates unscrupulous officers with questionable persona like S.T of Immigration and a senior police Commissioner to undermine their service chiefs. S.T gave Bully Dibba money (a regular habit) to lie against his DG by fabricating lies he could not prove or corroborate. Bully did the same when he was PS lands. He wrote against staff he considered obstacles to his corrupt gimmicks. He sold land to many without following correct procedures. Barrages of complaints are being launched on the illegal land deals that implicate him. Government should set up a land commission to get to ground level to peel away the surface to reach the truth. Many staff had their matching orders while he was at lands, thanks to Bully Dibba.

He also conspired against IGP Kinteh who was out of town during the Busumbala APRC-UDP clash. He used the prevailing situation to recommend changes in the police top command. Again, why? He wanted the IGP redeployed to the Foreign Service so that a senior police commissioner [name withheld] to become IGP. He also recommended the redeployment of a senior police officer to another service. The plan failed leaving Bully Dibba angry and frustrated. He is on record both on radio and television, for saying that the police were seriously neglected during the former government as their functions were being carried out by soldiers who were growing bigger and fatter by the day. The Paras have started molesting soldiers in traffic that they are now in charge. A recent case includes an incident at Denton Bridge involving a naval officer who was insulted seriously, resulting in a melee. PS is an inciter of violence.

We are now at a point where questions need to be asked about an account known as the ‘forms account’. Grippingly, monies have been used by the said Bully Dibba, yet there is no accounting for his misuse. This account had millions of Dalasi. The ministry and Immigration officials must explain.

Bully Dibba, you underestimate the intellect and awareness of the average Gambian, you are being watched by many, and even your close associates are realizing you are in the job for the wrong reasons.

Written By A Concerned Gambian

Editors: The views expressed by the author do not represent the position of the Freedom Newspaper. Opinion pieces written by non-Freedom staffers do not reflect the views or position of this medium. Thanks for your attention.

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“ We will be escalating our strike on Tuesday to stop all services until government takes us seriously and negotiate in good fate,” according to competent sources close to the Association of Gambian Resident Doctors. The doctors intend to shutdown Gambia’s health sector come Tuesday. This followed, lack of consensus between the striking doctors and the government to resolve the impasse.

“There was almost a breakthrough in negotiations with the VP few days ago, however a joint document could not be signed because the VP apparently changed wordings on the document last minute, this was specifically related to ordering doctors to forfeit their rights to future strike,” said our source.

“Insiders informed us that this move was most probably the work of the SG Drammeh, who as head of the civil service has no civil service experience and was apparently reported to have threaten doctors that government will mobilize the resources they have at their disposal to resolve this,” our source added.

The striking doctors have been infuriated with the government’s move to stop their March salary. They have consulted amongst themselves to brace up for the Tuesday nationwide to boycott the health facilities.

“Threats have been made on stopping salaries despite work for the minimum days required for salary payment under the general orders, threats also have been made to stop the scholarship of those of our members currently studying abroad. So, while we are negotiating, the PS health is busy giving Directives as the accounting officer of the ministry to hospital CEOS. As a result, we will be escalating our strike on Tuesday to stop all services until govt takes us seriously and negotiate in good fate,” said our source.

The post Gambia: Striking Gambian Doctors Vowed To Escalate Strike Action On Tuesday; Doctors Will Boycott All Health Facilities appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

The Jah oil gas station in Brikama got robbed in the early hours of Monday, the Freedom Newspaper can reveal. The armed robber fled with an unspecified amount of cash. It is reported that the robber was able to flee with over one million dalasis. The alleged robbery occurred on Monday at 9 AM Gambian time. The robber was armed with AK 47 riffle.

The pump clerk refused to surrender the money in her safe, when confronted by the robber, who was ridding on a motorbike. Sounds of warning gunshots were heard at gas station, prompting the sales clerk to surrender the money she has in her possession.

The robber left his motorbike behind. He immediately fled the scene of the crime. He is currently pursued by Gambia’s law enforcement agents.

Jah Oil is owned by Hamidou Jah. Mr. Jah was contacted for comment by the Freedom Newspaper, but he declined to speak to us. As soon as this Editor identified himself to him, Hamidou hung up the phone.

The police spokesman could not be reached for comment at press time.

The post Gambia: Jah Oil Petrol Station In Brikama Got Robbed! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

The Gambian government has reinstated the recalled Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Omar OG Sallah, the Freedom Newspaper, he been reliably informed. Mr. Sallah received his reinstatement letter yesterday, according to competent sources.

OG Sallah was recently recalled for home service, but the Diplomat refused to report to Banjul. It was Sallah’s contention that he was appointed on a three-year contract by the former dictator Yahya Jammeh. Hence, which led to his continued squatting at the Gambian mission in Saudi Arabia.

A source, who reached us said the Barrow government has rescinded the recalling of Ambassador Sallah. Sallah was informed in a letter he received yesterday that he has been reinstated with immediate effect.

Mr. Sallah is not getting along with his staff. The news of reinstatement was received with shock by the embassy staffers.

Mr. Sallah’s daughter Alima Sallah was married to dictator Yahya Jammeh. The couple later divorced.

OG Sallah has family relationship with the Vice president of the Gambia Fatoumatta Jallow Tambajang. The wife of Alpha Barry, is related to Sallah’s wife. Alpha Barry’s mum and VP Tambajang are sisters. They shared the same mum and dad. VP Tambajang is Alpha’s mother.

It is reported that OG’s daughter Alima Sallah is living with the VP. OG has the backing of the VP. Sallah is keeping his job—thanks to his family ties with the VP.

PS Njogu Bah was terminated, together with other PS on contracts. Yet OG Sallah is being treated as a scared cow. Sallah has been given special preference by the Barrow administration.

The Barrow government has been transformed as a family enterprise. Alpha Barry is the Board Chairman of the Gambia Ports Authority.

OG Sallah is a retiree. He was onetime declared persona non grata by the former government of dictator Muammar Gaddafi of Libya. This followed, allegations that embassy staffers in Tripoli were allegedly engaged in smuggling Alcohol in Libya.

Alhagie Mustapha Faye, AKA Alikalagi, was in Libya, when the incident occurred. He told me in past radio program that OG Sallah and co were expelled from Libya, because alleged alcoholic beverages trafficking. The expulsion of OG and co from Libya, happened during the administration of former president Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara.

OG Sallah has served in various Ministries in Jawara’s government. He was among the officials, who welcomed the 1994 coup headed by dictator Jammeh.

The post Gambia: Breaking News: Ambassador OG Sallah Reinstated; Thanks To VP Tambajang! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

The Association of Resident Doctors are on the verge of reaching a major breakthrough with the Gambian government to find a lasting solution to the month-long doctors’ strike, the Freedom Newspaper can authoritatively report. The doctors spent hours yesterday engaging the Vice President and her staff. No definitive consensus was reached during Wednesday’s talks. But the president of the Doctors Association Ebrima Bah is optimistic that something positive might emerge from the talks coming hours.

Dr. Bah wouldn’t go into the details about the nature of the talks and its terms and conditions. He believes that the end is near, and an agreement would soon be made.

The lawyers representing the Doctors Association were present during the talks, according to competent sources familiar with the story.

“We are hopeful of an agreement because of the long public holidays, and weekend; the issue is just a few technical terms and their long-term implications; our lawyers are looking at the wordings; so, we don’t get victimized by the words written today. We hope to wrap up tonight, otherwise until Monday, which both parties do not want,” said a source close to the ongoing talks.

The Gambian doctors have been on a strike for a month now. The doctors are protesting recent allegations made by Health Minister Saffie Lowe Ceesay—accusing them of stealing drugs from health facilities. The doctors have debunked the Health Minister’s allegations—saying it is unfounded.

The Doctors had earlier planned to shutdown the entire health system on Wednesday, but they were invited by the Vice President for further negotiations. For now, both parties are hopeful that an amicable resolution would be reached to resolve the matter.

The post Gambia: Breaking News: A Near Breakthrough To Resolve The Doctors Strike Is In The Offing! appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

Two Out-of-State Men Indicted on Federal Fraud Charges Involving a Credit Card Scheme

St. Louis, MO – Omar Leigh and Kolley Touray were indicted on multiple fraud counts involving a conspiracy to commit bank and mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, the purpose of the conspiracy was to profit from the use of stolen Bank of America customers’ personal identifying information that they had purchased from the Dark Web. Leigh used the bank’s automated telephone service to request that the bank mail new credit cards and new personal identification numbers, “PINs,” to the addresses on file for the customers. Through use of software that allowed them to imitate the customers’ telephone numbers, the conspirators were able to defeat the bank’s verification process that relied on comparing the telephone number used to call the bank with the customers’ telephone number it had on file.

When the bank mailed the new cards and PINs to the addresses on file for the customers, Leigh and Touray drove to the customers’ homes and stole the credit cards and PINs from their mailboxes. Immediately after leaving the residences, Leigh and Touray drove to Bank of America automated teller machines to initiate cash advances on the accounts using the fraudulently obtained credit cards and PINs.

Omar Leigh, 25, Smyrna, GA, and Kolley Touray, 39, Milwaukee, WI, were indicted by a federal grand jury today on one felony count each of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, four felony counts of bank fraud, one felony count of possession of stolen mail, one felony count of access device fraud, and five felony counts of aggravated identity theft.

If convicted, each count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, and bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and/or fines up to $1 million; possession of stolen mail carries a term of incarceration of 5 years and/or a fine of up to $250,000.00; and aggravated identity theft is a mandatory two years in prison consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. In determining the actual sentences, a judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Berry is handling the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

SOURCE: US JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

………………………………………………….

ST. LOUIS • Two men have been indicted here on federal charges accusing them of buying stolen Bank of America customer information on the “dark web” and using it to make ATM withdrawals, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Thursday.

Omar Leigh, 25, of Smyrna, Ga., and Kolley Touray, 39, of Milwaukee, used that stolen information, the bank’s automated telephone system and equipment that spoofed customer phone numbers to trick the bank into sending out new credit cards and PINs, prosecutors said.

When the bank mailed out the cards, the pair stole the envelopes from customer mailboxes and immediately drove to ATMs to make cash withdrawals, prosecutors said.

Leigh and Touray now face charges of one felony count of conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, four felony counts of bank fraud, one felony count of possession of stolen mail, one felony count of access device fraud, and five felony counts of aggravated identity theft.

A mug shot of Leigh was not available.

Source: Stltday website.

The post Gambia: Breaking News: US FEDS Says Omar Leigh Of Atlanta, And Kolley Touray Of Milwaukee Used Bank Customer Identities From ‘Dark Web’ To Make ATM Withdrawals appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

The United Democratic Party (UDP) maintained a slight lead in Thursday’s council ward elections; followed by the Gambia Democratic Congress Party (GDC). The GDC had captured a significant number of seats in rural Gambia, and in the Kombos. The party is barely less than three years old. It has performed extremely well in the just concluded polls.

In Farafenni, the Saloum, Niaminas, Basse, Jarras, and in the Kombos, the GDC had a comfortable lead ahead of the other competing parties.

The GDC candidate won the Old Yundum seat, where president Barrow’s home address is associated with. Mr. Barrow owns a house in Old Yundm.

The GDC’s electoral success in the upcountry, has been attributed to Mama Kandeh’s solid infrastructural investment in rural Gambia. The GDC leader has dug boreholes for many communities. He has also constructed bridges in some localities. Kandeh’s investments is now payoff, with voters voting for his candidates.

In the KMC area, the GDC, had grossly underperformed. The UDP outperformed GDC in KMC. Even the opposition PDOIS performed better than the GDC in KMC.

The GDC has a lot of work to do ahead of the Mayoral elections scheduled for May, if it wants to win KMC and Banjul. The party doesn’t seems to have a viable grassroots coordination in KMC and Banjul.

Clearly, Thursday’s polls, have confirmed that no party can win a 50 percent electoral system of voting. The opposition votes combined, the UDP, which is often referred to as the biggest party, had performed below the 50 percent margin. What does this mean? It means parties that formed alliances had better chances of winning future elections than individual parties.

Voter turnout was poor. There was voter apathy. Few people showed up to vote. The low voter turnout can be attributed to lack of proper sensitization by the IEC to educate voters about the importance of the ward elections.

In Banjul, the UDP outperformed the opposition parties. It remains to be seen that the UDP couldn’t win a single seat in Banjul in the past Legislative elections. The party’s Thursday’s electoral swept came as a surprise to many Banjulians. But there is a bigger secret behind the UDP victory in Banjul. We will expose what happened in Banjul in our subsequent publications.

The Gambia Moral Party (GMC) has under performed in Thursday’s elections. The party was not a winner at all. The GMC leader Mai Fatty should revisit his party’s grassroots engagement strategy to see how to make the party viable.

Dictator Yahya Jammeh’s APRC party won few seats in the Kombos and rural Gambia. The party has a long way to make a comeback. Jammeh’s ugly past is hunting the party.

The PDOIS, which is Gambia’s oldest party won couple of seats. Though, the PDOIS results doesn’t suggest that the party is ready for prime time in future major elections.

Hamat Bah’s NRP party also won some seats. The NRP has been out-shined by the GDC in areas believed to be NRP onetime strongholds. For example, in the Niaminas, the GDC outperformed the NRP.

Written By Pa Nderry M’Bai

The post Gambia: The Winners And The Losers Of Thursday’s Council Ward Elections appeared first on Freedom Newspaper.

In the wake of the councilors election that took place on Thursday, three prominent party leaders have shared their thoughts on the importance of a vote, which was marked by a low turn out. As 2 candidates went unopposed, 407 contestants ran for councilorship including 25 independent candidates who challenged the monopoly of political parties in various wards.

“It is important that this institution (Municipal and Local Governments Council) is put in place. The electoral circle is now completed,” United Democratic Party leader (UDP) told this reporter.

Gambians went to polls to elect their local representatives that would serve at grassroots level. There are high expectations among voters that the new democratic dispensation will ignite debate over their plight.

Darboe said UDP put up candidates in all KMC wards because it is the largest and richest municipality. “We needed to put people in the municipality who will judiciously manage the resources for the benefit of the community,” he said.

UDP leader went further to decry the situation that prevailed during APRC administration where KMC failed to ensure good service delivery. “Even refuse was improperly collected by the municipality,” he added.

Halifa Sallah of PDOIS, who spoke to this reporter, said nobody ever thought that by now Gambians will be having election with another President in office other than the one who ruled the country for 22 years.

“This shows that there are no losers or winners in an election.There are representatives, and those waiting to be representatives if the people decide to select them,” said PDOIS emblematic figure with an emphatic tone.

He went on to say the fundamental lesson that has been learnt is power belongs to the people, and leadership must be accountable to the people.

“When people own power, you do not judge them when they decide to entrust it to whoever they desire,” Halifa said.

When asked whether the upcoming Council will be a Council with a difference, he said it depends on the citizenry who should be able to select the best would be able to serve them.

“A transparent administration is what we expect,” he said.

In a similar vein, PPP’s Omar Amadou Jallow emphasized the importance of the election, saying councilors are in direct contact with their community.

“The Councils are the institutions that manage the resources and revenues of the community. It is very important for people to see Councils election as very important component of national development” he said.

In light of the country’s new political dispensation, O.J said we are building a foundation on democratic, sustainable culture.

“I would like to appeal to all party leaders to see the elections as a process geared towards uniting The Gambia, but not dividing the country.”

Official results released by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) have it that UDP won the election with 62 seats of 120 wards while GDC was able to secure 23 seats. The former governing party APRC won 18 seats. The remaining seats go to PDOIS (7 seats); NRP (5 seats); GMC (1 seat); PPP (1 seat). GPDP and NCP failed to win seat, while 3
independent candidates were able to emerge victorious in their respective wards.

Written by Abdoulie JOHN

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