Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 43/2006, 5-7 June, 2006
Editorial
A NATION IN FEAR
The Gambian Nation is in fear; fear of the whip of the power that be.
Though eyes are wide open, lips are sealed and ink does not flow. Some are
even scared to cough.
Fear of the whip has clouded our hearts and minds to the extent that we
cannot speak or write the truth. Even lawyers are too scared to defend the law.
Public servants clock in and out of work not knowing when the axe will fall on
them. Journalists and internet users are turned into slaves of
self-censorship for fear of being picked up and treated like bandits treat their captives.
This atmosphere continues to prevail as the unwarranted arrests and
continued detention beyond 72 hours go on unabated. Such a picture sickens the nation
and undermines its integrity.
The president should put a stop to this trend. Lamin Fatty has been held in
detention for two months without trial. He was charged since 14th May but is
yet to be brought before any court of law. Mariam Denton is still held
without trial. The same applies to Abdoulie Kujabie, Ngorr Secka, Buba Saho, Foday
Barry and Kemo Balajo of the NIA; Ex-Lt. Colonel Vincent Jatta, former Chief
of Staff, etc. What does this tantamount to other than detention without
trial? We don’t want a police state in The Gambia.
The President should ensure that all detainees are speedily brought to court
or released forthwith. He should also ensure that the security forces
respect the 72 hour deadline provided for by the constitution.
Furthermore, he should ensure that those still detained have access to
lawyers of their choice and are not kept incommunicado. Lest he forgets he should
warn his security forces seriously not to lay a finger on a detainee.
It is only by sticking to the above that he can convince us that he is
really serious about law and order. Let the law take its course. Let justice guide
our actions towards the common good, then peace and tranquillity will
follow.
Power does not belong to any individual, but to the people who entrust
individuals to take charge of the nation on their behalf. They can replace anyone
who is in a position of authority. And we mustn’t forget that, one who
humbles himself shall be exalted, but one who is haughty shall be humbled.
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN SEPTEMBER
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in a press release has fixed the
date of the incoming presidential elections to Friday, 22nd September 2006.
According to the release, the date has been fixed in consideration of the Holy
Month of Ramadan, which falls in October 2006.
Supplementary Registration of Voters
The release goes on to say that supplementary registration of voters will be
conducted over a period of two weeks from 14th June to 2nd July 2006.
For the information of the reader, the president was elected on 18th October
2001 and assumed office on 18th December 2001. According to section 63(1)
of the constitution, “The term of office of an elected president shall.... be
for a term of five years…” Thus the term of office of the president should
expire on 18th December. However section 46 of the constitution empowers the
IEC to fix the date within 3 months before expiration, i.e. between 18th
September and 18th December. It states: “There shall be an election for the office
of president in the three months before the expiration of the term of the
incumbent president…” The date fixed by the IEC is 22 September. Again ac
cording to section 46 the date is to be fixed by the IEC.
“WE HAVE FAILED”
SAYS MAJORITY LEADER
In winding up the debate on the resolution for the National Assembly to
conduct its affairs and business in strict conformity with the provisions of the
Constitution and Standing Orders, the Majority Leader and Member for Upper
Fulladu West, Hon. Churchill Falai Baldeh, told his colleagues that they have
failed by committing the mistake they have committed. He thanked God for
putting sense in them.
He told his colleagues that there are many constitutional provisions that
require an ACT of the National Assembly to be operational but that those Acts
are still not enacted. One such Act, the Majority Leader said, is provided
for by Section 92 of the constitution which empowers the electorate to recall
their representatives if they are found wanting. The Majority Leader pointed
out that there is no authority that can increase or reduce salaries in this
country. That responsibility he said is vested in the National Assembly. He
told his colleagues to take the blame of making the mistake for not strictly
conducting the business and affairs of the National Assembly according to the
provisions of the Constitution.
GAMCO AND THE GNUT TRADE
By Yaya Dampha
The Gambia Agricultural Marketing Company (GAMCO) was the sole buyer of the
groundnut crop in the 2004/2005 trade season. However in the 2005/2006 trade
season GAMCO’s participation is very much limited. It was our desire to find
out the reason for lack of participation and answers to other issues that
motivated us to approach GAMCO. In short, FOROYAA was interested to know whether
GAMCO had fully repaid to the banks the hundred and twenty million dalasis
it had borrowed, why the farmers are still unpaid and why GAMCO had written to
all GGC depots asking them not to receive nuts from the other buying agents,
especially the Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Societies (FACS).
When I met Mr. Kaba Jallow of GAMCO and asked him to clarify these issues,
he said he would not comment on the loans and FACS issues until our reporter
tells him what FACS and the banks are saying.
He indicated that the reason why private buyers failed to participate in the
season after taking all the forms relating to consumer price and world
market price, when called upon by the Government to do so is mainly because of the
prices.
Mr. Kaba Jallow finally promised that when the company manager is back in
town he will make sure that he arranges an interview with this reporter.
However, at the time of going to press farmers over the country are not
fully paid yet and the first rain has started in Soma area.
FARMERS COMPLAIN
Abdoulie Dibba
Farmers are aggrieved over the poor trade season, which made it difficult
for them to make ends meet.
Tamsir Gaye of Kumbya pointed out that they have been neglected by the APRC
government over the years, noting their situation has worsened this year. He
indicated that before the beginning of the trade season, they were promised
that there would be no credit buying and that the trade season would go on
smoothly. Tamsir said these promises have not been honoured. He said during the
previous season, a bag of rice was given to them on loan by businessmen in
their village at a price of D850 per bag and that in most homes in the village,
people consume three to four bags coupled with the little coos that they
have. He said, because of the credit buying this year, the coos that they
harvested has been sold to enable them buy food and other items.
“By the time, our monies would be paid, the cost of coos would automatically
go up. So instead of poverty reduction for the farmers, they are increasing
our poverty,” he said. Tamsir indicated that he and many of his colleagues
were happy when the SoS for Agriculture, Yankuba Touray, said over Radio Gambia
that the farmers would be paid before the end of April 2006. “To our
disappointment up to date, 20th May 2006, nothing has been paid to us. If the
Government cannot buy the groundnut of the farmers, if they cannot provide seeds
and fertilizers for the farmers, then what can they do for us?” he asked.
A farmer in Pallen village expressed similar concerns but added that if the
development of the infrastructure would create hardship for the people, then
it is better to develop the agricultural sector so that the livelihood of the
people would be improved. He concluded by calling on politicians to put
aside egocentrism and have the interest of the people by doing their best to
solve the suffering of the people.
Modou Gaye of Ngayen Sanjal expressed similar concerns. He expressed disgust
with the drudgery they encounter daily and called on the government to help
them repair their solar panel as it facilitates accessibility to water for
them. This reporter talked to many people in the villages mentioned regarding
the issues raised by the people and they confirmed the issues as true,
regardless of political affiliation.
NAMS ASSERT THEMSELVES
Registering his support to the motion to conduct the business and affairs of
the National Assembly in strict conformity with the provisions of the
constitution and the standing orders, the member for Tumana, Hon. Netty Baldeh,
asserted that they must legislate against perennial absenteeism of Secretaries
of State. He indicted that Secretaries of State do not read their constitution
and thereby fail to attend Assembly sittings unless they cannot help it.
Hon. Baldeh indicated that Section 74 of the constitution stipulates that “the
Vice President and Secretaries of State shall be collectively responsible to
the National Assembly for any advice given to the President in cabinet and the
Vice President and each Secretary of State shall be accountable to the
President and the National Assembly for the administration of the departments and
other businesses of Government, committed to his/her charge.” Hon. Baldeh
asserted that Section 77 (4) States that “The Vice {resident or a Secretary of
State shall, when requested by the National Assembly, report to the National
Assembly on any matter concerning a department or other business of
Government, committed to his/her charge and shall be entitled to attend and speak in
the National Assembly whenever any Bill or other matter concerning such
department or business is being debated.” Hon. Netty Baldeh asserted that they must
come up with a private members Bill to force Secretaries of State to attend
National Assembly sittings or be fired. Hon. Baldeh argued that in such a
situation too, members of his party would pull out.
SEVERE FIRE DEVASTATES THREE HOUSEHOLDS
By Musa Barrow
In what turned out to be a rather catastrophic incident, a rampaging fire on
Wednesday 31st May 2006 burnt down three apartments belonging to three
different families in London Corner, thereby robbing the victims of almost all
their household materials.
Speaking to Foroyaa, one Momodou Yoro Jallow, a businessman, in whose house
the fire initially erupted, said that he had lit a candle in his house and
went out to pray at the mosque around
11 pm but when he returned, he realised that his house was on fire. Mr.
Jallow further explained that efforts to salvage some of his belongings from his
house proved futile as the raging fire was too fierce for anybody to
approach. Mr. Jallow revealed that apart from losing all his household materials,
which ranged from TV set, a fridge and clothes, he also lost an amount of
eighteen thousand dalasis (D18, 000.00) in cash. What makes matters even worse for
Momodou Yoro Jallow is that his national documents such as an Identity Card
and mobile phone, were all reduced to ashes by the outrageous fire which took
a protracted period of nothing less than three hours before it was eventually
extinguished by a joint operation by fire men from three different fire
stations, eye witnesses pointed out. As such, Mr. Jallow whose life has been
dealt a blow by this devastating fire outbreak, appeals to all for assistance, as
he struggles to rebuild his shattered life.
According to another victim, Salimatou Jallow, who considered herself to be
lucky, said she was sleeping with her children in her house when she suddenly
heard a knock on the door. She said when she woke up; she was greeted with
shouts of “fire.” Mrs. Jallow expressed relief that not a single household
item of hers was burnt, but the roof of her house was severely burnt by the
blazing fire.
Attempts to talk to the two other victims, one Saikou Conteh, a mechanic by
profession, and Musa Camara, a customs officer, proved futile, as they were
not around when our reporter visited the fire ravaged compound. But it is
understood that, they also lost virtually all their household materials
DARFUR REPORT
We are publishing the report of the report of the Pan-African Parliament on
Darfur in series. The head of the mission was Honourable Abdul Katuntu, from
Uganda and the rapporteur Halifa Sallah the Gambia.
(Part 4)
4. 1 Fragility of the peace
Discussions with the security forces of the government, on the ground
indicated that they are viewed with distrust by many people in the IDP Camps. They
alleged that they are also target of attacks. In fact a report was given of
the killing of the head of the government police post in Nyala near the Kalma
camp, because of an armed attack, on their camp, few weeks before our
arrival. There is lack of confidence and trust between government police and the
governed in Darfur, the security forces and those who are to be secured. The
fragility of the security situation became evident when one of the armed groups
declared that it could no longer respect the cease fire. The government of
the state in Northern Darfur immediately declared a state of emergency and
established checkpoints in strategic areas. The AU mission was informed that the
security of the Representatives of the armed opposition in the Cease-Fire
Commission and its sectors could no longer be guaranteed. Within a matter of
hours a war situation prevailed in Darfur and our mission was caught up in it.
However when the declaration was revoked through our intervention, the state
of emergency was revoked and the militarization dissipated within a matter of
hours. This confirms the fluidity of the security situation in Darfur.
Part Five
HUMANITARIAN ASPECT
4 .1 Displacement
The first sector we visited was Tine, in Western Darfur, close to the Chad
border and Abeshe in Chad. The village of Tine is deserted. The houses had
been razed to the ground and all the villagers in the surrounding areas had
moved to Chad to become refugees. A total of over 123,000 people were reported to
have been displaced. The Kalma camp in Nyala is reported to contain over
100,000 displaced persons. It is estimated that one third of the population of
Darfur became
displaced. This put the figure at between 1,500,000 and 2,000,000 millions.
The deaths are still being counted. The value of properties destroyed is yet
to be quantified
5.2 Human Rights
The Advisory Council on Human Rights in Sudan is monitoring some complaints
and facilitating the appointment of judges to look at the cases of rape,
murder and other forms of violence against the people of Darfur. There is
evidence of rape and violence against women. However, the judges are having
difficulty in winning the trust and confidence of alleged victims who often enquire
what they would gain by exposing culprits. They also have serious resource and
logistical constraints. Cases were reported of missing family members,
detention without trial of some displaced persons, the use of whip during arrests
and indiscriminate destruction of life and property during raids.
5.3 Humanitarian Assistance
The conflict in Darfur has resulted in a humanitarian disaster. People have
been displaced from their agricultural lands. Their food stock and livestock
have been lost; millions depend on humanitarian aid. The facility we visited
for the storage of humanitarian aid at Kalma camp revealed the existence of
stocks of oil, corn and other grains. There was no stock of fish or meat. When
people were asked the content of their meals in the villages they mentioned
meat, milk and other grains. There is need for nutritionists to study the
diet being provided through humanitarian assistance. The health status of the
women and children needs assessment. We have received reports on child
mortality and morbidity rates in the camps. This will require further study by
experts. The situation of pregnant women and children needs special study by
competent agencies. It is not clear whether the children in the camps are receiving
proper education and proper nutrition. Their appearance leaves much to be
desired. Skin diseases, bare footedness, poor clothing, lack of proper
sanitation indicate inadequacy of care. Waste disposal is also problematic. Our
attempts to discuss with some people in the camps for displaced persons on the
issue of HIV / AIDS was abortive. This means that the issue of HIV / AIDS has
not come to the notice of many people in the camp. It is therefore very clear
that while the focal points of the armed opposition had been to take over
major military and security installations in Darfur, cease weapon and weaken
authority of the government over the people and the territory of Darfur, the
reaction of the government has been to use its air power and heavy weapons to
deprive the armed opposition of any liberated territory to consolidate. What
both have achieved is a traumatized, displaced and insecure population who are
beginning to have more trust for outside forces than their own citizens.
Part SIX
THE POLITICAL ASPECT
6.1 Opinions On The Political Situation
Representatives of the Sudanese government indicate that Sudan has been
operating a secular government; that states have their governments, cabinets and
parliaments. They argue that the
composition of their central government is not based on race, tribe or place
of origin; that 6 ministers in the Sudanese cabinet are from Darfur. They
highlighted many senior positions such as Chief of Staff occupied by people
from the Darfur region. They informed the mission that they are conscious of the
poor infrastructural development in Darfur but attributed this to the long
standing conflict in the South which they claimed diverted resources to
prosecute the war. They indicated that they have worked out a comprehensive plan
for the sharing of power and resources in Sudan that could address the problem
of Darfur. They made reference to the Navaisha agreement between the
government and SPLA. The agreement will eventually lead to the creation of an upper
and lower house to accommodate diversity and density of populations; that the
states in the regions would have a great degree of autonomy to run their
governments and parliaments and further share power at the federal level. They
claimed that they are interested in a speedy negotiation at the Abuja talks to
bring peace to Darfur.
They argue vehemently that there is no plan to carry out ethnic cleansing in
Darfur; that the problem is mainly between the pastoralists and
agriculturalists who are engaged in a struggle for land; that the pastoralists are mainly
from the Arab tribes while the agriculturists are mainly from the non Arab
tribes.
GAMBIA GOVERNMENT UNDER ATTACK
A number of international organisations have made strong criticisms against
the Gambia government on its human rights records. These organisations have
called on the government to reverse this trend and went further to call for
the African Commission on Human Rights to temporary move its headquarters from
The Gambia.
Amnesty International
Amnesty International has noted the following:
“At least eight others are reportedly still detained without charge, some of
them in incommunicado, in either the headquarters of the National
Intelligence Agency (NIA) or the Mile Two Central Prison. They are: former chief of
staff, Lt Colonel Vincent Jatta, senior lawyer, Mariam Denton, former NIA acting
Deputy Director General, Ngorr Secka, NIA Director of Operations, Foday
Barry, former NIA senior officer, Kemo Balajo, and NIA official, Buba Saho. They
are at serious risk of torture. Abdoulie Kujabi is reportedly still in
hospital, and so is Ngorr Secka.”
They also noted that: “Other lawyers have been denied access to their
clients, or cannot meet with them in private.”
They further pointed out that: “On 14 May, reporter Lamin Fatty who was
arrested on the 10th April was charged with publishing false information, but he
has not yet appeared in court. He was charged despite his newspaper having
published an apology to correct the story that gave rise to the charge.”
Finally, Amnesty International did indicate that: “The Independent has not
yet been allowed to resume production.”
They then recommended the following actions:
“- asking the authorities to release Lamin Fatty and Mariam Denton
immediately and unconditionally, as they are prisoners of conscience;
- expressing concern that at least eight people are still detained without
charge, some of them held incommunicado, for their supposed involvement in an
attempted coup;
- urging the authorities to order independent and impartial investigations
into all reports of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment;
- urging the authorities to give all the detainees regular access to their
families, lawyers and any medical attention they may require;
- urging the authorities to release those held without charge immediately,
unless they are to be charged with a recognizably criminal offence;
- if they are charged, asking for details of the charges against them and
when they are to be put on trial;
- urging the authorities to ensure that all those charged with crimes that
carry the death penalty have adequate legal representation at all stages of
the proceedings against them.”
The concerned authorities are the President and the Secretaries of State for
the Interior and Justice.
International Federation of Journalists
The International Federation of Journalists which claims to represent
500,000 journalists in 110 countries noted that: “Three journalists, Pa Modou Faal
of the national television GRTS, Musa Sheriff of Gambia News & Report
Magazine, and Malick Mboob, Communications Officer of Royal Victoria Teaching
Hospital were arrested last Friday by the Gambian security forces. Lamin Cham, the
BBC stringer in the Gambia was equally arrested by the security forces.”
The organisation then went on to make the following demands: “We demand the
immediate and unconditional release of these four journalists and Lamin Fatty
who is held since 10 April. While the next summit of the African Union will
be held in The Gambia next July, we call on the President of this
organization, Denis Sassou Guesso, and the President of the AU Commission, Alpha Oumar
Konaré, to obtain the release of these arbitrarily detained journalists and
citizens”.
Reporters Without Borders
Reporters Without Borders in its statement on the human rights situation in
The Gambia urged the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to pull
out of Banjul because of the climate of fear imposed by President Jammeh.
The organisation expressed their dissatisfaction with the way the
authorities are handling the investigation on the murder of Deyda Hydara. They also
made reference to arrested journalists like Musa Sheriff, Malick Mboob, Pa Modou
Faal, BBC reporter Lamin Cham, Lamin fatty, Madi Ceesay and Musa Saidykhan.
They also indicated that Omar Bah apparently went into hiding to avoid
arrest
West African Human Rights Defenders Network (WAHRDNet)
The West African Human Rights Defenders Network noted that: “Our delegations
have just visited your country and have seen first hand the deplorable state
of human rights. Furthermore, fear stalks every part of Gambian society as
testified to by the many ordinary Gambians that we have spoken with during our
visit. May we bring to your attention the fact that our team which tried to
visit the Central Prison (Mile Two) in Banjul, having learnt of the
deplorable conditions and the death of 23 inmates there, from January 6 to April 11,
2006, was stopped by your loyal security forces?”
WAHRDNet also opined that the closure of The Independent, Sud FM and Citizen
FM is unlawful and unacceptable and violates the universal right to “seek,
receive and affect information and ideas through any media regardless of
frontiers”.
WAHRDNet in their open letter called on the “government to respect the rule
of law and honour the freedom of the press as enshrined in your country’s
constitution and as stated in Articles 3 and 9 of the African Charter on Human
and People’s Rights, which the Republic of The Gambia signed and ratified in
1983.”
STUDENT CHARGED WITH TREASON
By Modou Jonga
Mr. Mustapha Lowe is a second year Gambia College PTC student and is
currently facing treason trial alongside other men at the High Court in Banjul, for
his alleged involvement in the March 21 foiled coup.
According to reliable sources, Mr. Lowe who was arrested earlier in March,
is said to be a nephew to the leader of the abortive March 21st coup plot,
Colonel Ndure Cham. He appeared at the High Court on Friday May 26th 2006. Mr.
Lowe is represented by a renowned Gambian lawyer, Borry Touray.
A friend of Mustapha Lowe said he was extremely shocked and disappointed
that his friend is charged with treason. “It was indeed terrible when I visited
him in Mile II. He told me, he was initially charged for hiding a fugitive
but was later charged with treason,” the friend said.
Mr. Lowe who is believed to be in his twenties and posted to Sinchu Alagie
Lower Basic School for his teaching practice will appear again at the High
Court on June 9th alongside other people alleged to have been involved in the
March 21st foiled coup including Capt. Bunja Darboe, Capt. Pierre Mendy,
Tamsir Jassey. Capt. Yaya Darboe, Capt. Abdou Karim Jah, and Alieu Jobe.
Gambian Gets Nieman Fellowship
Alagi Yorro Jallow, Managing Editor and co-proprietor of The Independent is
among 28 US and international journalist who have been named to the 69th
class of Nieman Fellows at Harvard University, USA.
Established in 1938, the Nieman program is the oldest midcareer fellowship
for journalists in the world. The fellowships are awarded to working
journalists of accomplishment and promise for an academic year of study at the
university. More than 1,100 journalists from 77 countries have studied at Harvard as
Nieman Fellows.
Alagi Yorro Jallow (Gambia), managing editor of The Independent newspaper,
will study the links between economic development and democracy, along with
politics, human rights, media development and public policy. Jallow is the
Bingham Fellow, with funding provided by the Barry Bingham Jr. Fund.
The Nieman Foundation also publishes the quarterly magazine Nieman Reports
and is the home of the Nieman Program on Narrative Journalism and the Nieman
Watchdog Journalism Project to encourage reporters and editors to monitor and
hold accountable those who exert power in all aspects of public life.
APRC NAM DUTA KAMASO EXPELLED
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
The Head of State, President Yaya Jammeh, who is also chairman and leader of
the APRC political party, has acted under the powers conferred on him by his
party, to expel Mrs. Duta Kamaso, APRC National Assembly Member for Wuli
East Constituency, with immediate effect.
This development was made known to the public in a GRTS Radio and Television
announcement. According to the announcement, Mrs. Kamaso was involved and
found to be engaged in activities detrimental to the party and the state.
However, prior to Mrs. Kamaso’s expulsion, Foroyaa learnt from an eyewitness
that Mrs. Duta Kamaso, NAM for Wuli East, was detained at the Serious Crime
Unit of the Police headquarters but later transferred to the NIA
headquarters. Her house was searched and according to relatives the police found nothing.
Our source further said that Mrs. Kamaso told him that she was arrested on
her way from Dakar, Senegal, at the border village of Amdalai. Mrs. Kamaso is
the second APRC NAM to be expelled from the party. It could be recalled that
in 2004, Dawda Bah, the then APRC NAM for Nianija constituency was also
expelled in a similar manner.
FORMER NIA DIRECTORS NOT IN THEIR RVTH BEDS
Mr. Abdoulie Kujabi and Mr. Ngorr Secka were admitted at the Accident and
Emergency Unit Ward of the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital and later
transferred to the private wards. The duo was arrested following their alledged
involvement in the March 21st abortive coup plot.
Reliable family sources informed this paper that Messrs Kujabi and Secka
were removed from their RVTH beds by the security forces and taken to the
medical unit inside the Mile Two Prisons. It is reported that the security forces
later, on Thursday, came and took away the two security detainees from the
RVTH. According to our source, the two were removed without the recommendation
of their doctors that they be discharged. Our source further revealed that
they are now being admitted at a medical unit inside the prison.
When I visited the RVTH on Saturday, he also discovered for himself that
Ngorr Secka and Abdoulie Kujabi were not in their wards. Efforts to talk to
both the hospital’s Public Relations Officer and the NIA proved unsuccessful.
However, Foroyaa will try to confirm the whereabouts of Messrs. Secka and
Kujabi
Issue No. 44/2006, 8 - 11 June, 2006
Editorial
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND TORTURE
Yesterday, 6th June 2006, the National Assembly ratified the Convention
against torture and other cruel inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
Accordingto the Convention, torture means any act by which severe pain or
suffering whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person
for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a
confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is
suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third
person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or
suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or
acquiscence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity.
The ratification of the Convention imposes on the Executive and the National
Assembly to ensure that torture becomes a criminal offence.
The Convention calls for strict penalties to be imposed for torture and for
those who carryout torture and flee their country to be subjected to
extradition treaties between countries, which have ratified the Convention.
The Convention went further to make it a requirement for state parties to
ensure that education and information regarding the prohibition against torture
are fully included in the training of law enforcement personnel, civil or
military, medical personnel, public officials and other persons who may be
involved in the custody, interrogation or treatment of any individual subjected
to any form of arrest, detention or imprisonment.
Foroyaa sees the need to start this education to enable Gambians to know
that it is a crime against humanity to systematically subject one’s fellow human
being to torture. The human mind is delicate. The human skin is soft. Any
subjection to isolation and intimidation can cause pain to the mind. any
subjection to beating, electric shocks, and other cruel punishment can lead to
physical pain. Why should a human being subject another to such pain. what is the
objective? History has shown that regimes which utilize torture
systematically to silence public dissent ends up building records of torture that
ultimately undermine their national and international integrity as victims of
castrations, electric shocks, beatings and other injuries escape their motherland
and reveal their ordeal to human rights institutions in other countries. It is
such records that lead to the international isolation of governments. It is
therefore necessary for the National Security Council of the Gambia to do
what is required by article 11 of the Convention on torture. It states that each
country shall keep under systematic review interrogation rules,
instructions, methods and practices as well as arrangements for the custody and treatment
of persons subjected to any form of arrest, detention or imprisonment with a
view to preventing any cases of torture. Foroyaa has always emphasised that
a government usually gets the type of law enforcement agents that it is
committed to establish. Law enforcement agents depend on rewards and punishments
or conscience to carryout their functions. No law enforcement agent will
torture a person if he or she knows that he or she will be repremanded for it. A
head of state or minister or secretary of state for interior who loves the
people of his or her country will quickly conduct investigation on any
allegation of torture and make public pronouncement of the results of investigations
to defend the integrity of a government. Such actions would give confidence to
the citizenry to report violations and put an end to the culture of
impunity, cruelty and oppression of human beings by those who have allowed their
conscience to die. Only a person who forgets that he or she can get ill and die
young or that he or she will get old and go to his or her grave can play the
role of a god above his or her fellow human beings. A truly humane person will
hate to inflict pain on his or her fellow human being. This is the sovereign
Gambian who should be a citizen of the Gambia in the 21st century. We hope
all Gambians from the executive accross the board will strive to be that just
and humane citizen. Gambia will then be a model nation in the 21st century.
The destiny of the country lies in tehhands of the people.
JOURNALIST CLOCKS 60 DAYS IN DETENTION
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Lamin Fatty, Independent Newspaper reporter who was arrested since 10th
April 2006 clocks 60 days in detention today at the National Intelligence Agency
(NIA) headquarters. The constitution requires a detainee to be brought before
a court of law within 72 hours (3 days) of one’s detention or be released
with or without condition.
When FOROYAA got in touch with the Police Public Relations Officer, Aziz Y.
Bojang, to enquire about Lamin Fatty’s situation he noted that the detained
journalist will only appear in court, “if investigations are completed.”
The family members are concerned about the continuous detention of Mr.
Fatty. They said that even though they now have access to him in detention, they
could not understand why he is still held without trial.
Lamin Fatty’s mother, who is in poor health, has called on the government to
quickly decide the fate of her son who is still incarcerated at the NIA
office in Banjul.
INTERVIEW WITH HALIFA
Foroyaa: What was the purpose of your mission to Chad?
Halifa: The bureau of the Pan African Parliament constituted a mission to
Chad comprising three members. The mission was mandated to meet members of the
executive, the legislature, judiciary, opposition parties, the media, unions,
human rights organisations, women organisations and others to gather
information and report findings to parliament so that it can influence the process
of maintaining peace and security in Chad.
Foroyaa: What was the outcome of your mission?
Halifa: I cannot go into details before our report is discussed and made
public. What I can say is that after meeting, the prime minister of Chad and
many members of the executive, the chief justice and President of the
Constitutional Court, the legislature, opposition party leaders, members of the press,
leaders of unions and other civil society organisations, we finally had a
meeting with President Idriss Deby for almost three hours. The Chadian nation is
ready for dialogue and ex-president Felix Malloun has been appointed to
facilitate the process. We spoke to him for hours and we left assured that at
least an internal mechanism to commence dialogue in Chad was evident.
Foroyaa: You are confident that all is ok with Chad?
Halifa: As I said, the process has been started. Before our departure I
cannot predict the ultimate outcome. The situation is complex and there are many
stakeholders. We will forward all our observations to the parliament for
action.
Foroyaa: On the home front, you should now be aware that the date for the
presidential elections has been scheduled for 22nd September 2006, what is
your opinion?
Halifa: Two developments have been announced by the Independent Electoral
Commission, that is, the supplementary registration of voters and the
presidential elections. The supplementary registration of voters is scheduled for a
period of two weeks starting from 19th June to 2nd July 2006. My concern is
that this is the period when activities will be taking place in connection
with the AU Summit. In my view, it would have been best to hold the
supplementary registration of voters after the end of the AU Summit.
Secondly, section 46 of the constitution states that there shall be an
election for the office of the president in the three months before the expiration
of the term of the incumbent president.
Section 63 of the constitution states that the term of office of an elected
president shall be for a term of five years.
President Jammeh assumed office on 21st December 2001. Hence his five-year
term will expire in December. This means that presidential elections can take
place any time between September and December.
Foroyaa: So the IEC is in order?
Halifa: the IEC has authority to fix the dates for election. I am just
concerned with key issues.
Foroyaa: Such as?
Halifa: Section 96 of the constitution states that there shall be a general
election of all the members of the National Assembly, which shall be held
three months after the date of election of the office of the president. The
constitution is categorical in stating that National Assembly elections shall be
held exactly three months after the date of election of office of president.
Hence if we hold presidential elections on the 22nd September we will be
constitutionally required to hold National Assembly election in December a month
specially set to determine the budget of the country. I maintain that
holding the presidential election in November when the rainy season would have
almost come to an end and National Assembly election in February would have been
a better option.
Foroyaa: What are you going to do?
Halifa: Our executive is to meet and we will convey our concerns to the IEC
if we deem it necessary. Notwithstanding, we will continue with our
preparations as required by the IEC.
Foroyaa: Is NADD ready?
Halifa: NADD was created in 2005 to prepare for the presidential elections.
There was a split and the Kombo East by-elections confirm the viability of
creating NADD. The Gambian people have been appealing to me to work for the
unity of opposition forces so that the preparations we have made since 17
January 2005 would not be in vain. I am open to tangible proposals..
Foroyaa: Do you mean to say that NADD cannot go it alone?
Halifa: What is NADD? NADD is not about individual parties going it alone.
It is based on the principle of a unified opposition. The presidential
candidate who can win on the side of the opposition will have to be accepted and
supported by people who are ready to vote for the opposition and to earn
crossover from the APRC. No one can be a leader without being accepted and supported
by all sides in the opposition.
Foroyaa: What type of unity do you envisage?
Halifa: I have already stated in no uncertain terms that IN the way NADD was
constituted no person could emerge as a flag-bearer unless one received the
total support of all the members of the executive committee or the support of
the grassroot members of all the parties at a primary. In short, each
executive committee member had veto power as representative of a party. The only
authority we had to put pressure on people not to delay the process is the
moral authority to explain to the people who were responsible for any delay. When
the UDP and NRP left, the rest of the executive selected me as flag-bearer.
Just as I accepted the role of coordinator as an answer to the call for
national duty, I also accepted to be NADD’s flag-bearer. In the same vein I am
ready and willing to answer to any call by the NADD executive committee for the
type of unity that can bring about the desired democratic change. I am ready
to perform any duty that time and circumstances dictate. I do not have any
personal interest in being a President, Vice president, Minister or Secretary
of state of any Executive branch of the state. I have already declared that I
will not be a member of any government that will preside over the poverty,
voicelessness or powerlessness of the people and I will never help anyone to
get to or stay in power who is likely to or is actually presiding over the
poverty and oppression of the people.
Foroyaa: Don’t you think time is against you?
Halifa: The peoples’ minds can be made up in a day. What is essential is for
the opposition to put it’s house in order in response to a unique historical
opportunity to pioneer the building of a society where people genuinely
own and control power and where those entrusted with power are so controlled by
institutions and institutional codes and processes that they are unable to
abuse power even if they wish to do so. This is the way forward. We are simply
wanting to receive the recommendations that should help shape a, focused,
principled, patriotic and energized opposition.
Foroyaa: What concretely can bring the NADD and UDP/NRP alliance together.
Halifa: The NADD will meet soon to discuss the suggestions made. I will
convey a statement to the nation before Monday on comments made on this score.
The UDP/NRP noted a position we will state our own.
Foroyaa: How did you read the situation in the country after your return?
Halifa: I read this thing about the freedom newspaper and the arrest of Duta
Kamaso. She is still in detention. What is the women movement doing about
this? Many women do give example of elected women National Assembly members as
example of women empowerment. How are they to explain what happened to Duta?
I guess they should now acknowledge that empowerment can only come with the
creation of democratic institutions and culture of respect for core values of
democracy, human rights and justice, it is my conviction that sustainable
leadership must be based on widening the frontiers of freedom, democracy,
respect for human rights and dignity of the sovereign people. Power based on fear
is a house constructed in thin air. All of us should stop romanticizing about
empowerment of our people and work to liberate them.
Hal
TWO HOTELS SOLD,
Unknown To GTA And….
In laying their report before the National Assembly, the chairman of the
National Assembly Select Committee on Tourism, Hon. Musa Sillah, National
Assembly Member for Janjangbureh, told Deputies that during their discussion with
stakeholders in the tourism industry, they discovered that two hotels namely,
Senegambia and Palm Beach Hotels, were sold unknowingly to The Gambia Tourism
Authority and the Department of State for Tourism. Hon. Sillah told Deputies
that during their discussion, the issue of the sales of the two hotels were
raised. He indicated that the representative of the Department of State for
Tourism told them that they were aware of the sales of one of the hotels but
not the other. As for The Gambia Tourism Authority they indicated that they
were not aware of the sales of the two hotels.
In seconding the laying of the report, Hon. Momodou Sellu Bah indicated that
the sale of Senegambia and Palm Beach Hotels are of great concerns. “The
Hotels are sold without considering the fate of the workers working in those
hotels and whether they will be retained or paid their benefit is the question.”
Hon. Bah pointed out that during the discussion, The Gambia Tourism
Authority indicated that they were not aware of the sale of these two hotels.
On his part, the member for Serrekunda East, Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta
told his colleagues that there is a need to review The Gambia Tourism Authority
Act. He emphasized that it is a serious problem for two hotels to be sold
unknowingly to The Gambia Tourism Authority and the Department of State for
Tourism. Hon. Jatta told the committee to further investigate as to how many
workers were involved, how many were retained and finally how many were laid off.
ARRESTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE EVACUATED
By Amie Sanneh
The Gambian authorities are currently working with their Senegalese
counterparts to facilitate the evacuation of the sixty-nine illegal immigrants who
were arrested by the country’s security forces on Friday.
The sixty-nine illegal immigrants who wanted to travel to the Canary Island
via The Gambia were arrested after their activities were discovered by the
country’s security forces.
Giving a vivid picture of how the immigrants (bound for Spain) were
arrested, Cadet ASP Lamin Jatta said an immigration officer visited a friend at a
guesthouse opposite the Gambia Ports Authority on Friday around 4 pm and
happened to meet them at the said guesthouse. He inquired from the illegal
immigrants whether they are footballers from Senegal. He said on investigation, the
immigrants told the plain clothes officer that they wanted to travel to the
Canary Island via The Gambia, but they did not want to be arrested by The
Gambian security and that was why they said they were footballers. Cadet Jatta said
the plain clothes officer promised the immigrants that he would help them.
He said it was at that juncture that the illegal immigrants told the plain
clothes officer that their leader is at Tanji and is waiting for them.
Cadet Jatta said the plain clothes officer talked to the leader of the group
who identified himself as Abdoulie Barr. He said Barr told the plain clothes
officer that sixteen of them were in the boat at Tanji. He went on to say
that the officer, with some members of the Navy, went to Tanji and arrested the
illegal immigrants.
He said on investigation, they learnt that the amount paid by each illegal
immigrant may range from CFA 300,000 to CFA 500, 000.
Cadet Jatta said the leader, Abdoulie Barr, and his accomplice are currently
helping the authorities in their investigations.
Cadet Jatta concluded by advising those who wish to travel to Europe to
avoid doing so illegally. He said it could be risky and they may even lose their
lives on the journey.
OFFICERS BEATEN BY SOLDIERS, HOSPITALISED
By Lamin Fatty
Reports reaching Foroyaa have confirmed that two officers posted at the
Wellingara Police Station, one policeman and an immigration officer, were said
to be hospitalised after they were seriously beaten by soldiers who were said
to be defending a Nigerian friend. According to reliable sources, the two
officers were reported to have arrested a Nigerian man for lack of an alien
registration card. But according to sources, the man upon arrival at the station
offered the officers D1000.00 for him to be released. But the officers
rejected the offer on the ground that the amount was too small. According to
sources, the man told the officers that he has more money at home for them if he is
given the chance to reach his residence. It is purported that the officers
then went with him to his residence. However, when they arrived at his
residence, he managed to call his soldier friends who quickly came and dealt with the
said officers mercilessly.
When contacted to shed light on the information, the Immigration PRO, ASP
Lamin Jatta denied the story regarding it as baseless and unfounded. But
according to him there will be no mercy for any officer who is found wanting. He
said no immigration officer is allowed to receive bribe from any alien, and no
alien is also allowed to offer bribe to any officer. According to him any
officer caught taking bribe or any alien caught giving bribe to an immigration
officer will be dealt with according to the law.
LAND SALE TO SETTLE D68 MILLION CASE
By Surakata Danso
Information reaching Foroyaa indicates that the Government is currently
engaged in the sale of Land to refund D68 million. The source indicated further
that one Mr. Winston Able Thomas and Gam Investment, between the 4th and 26th
of February, 2004, took the sum of D68 million from the Central Banks that
the intention of the said loan was to supply the Foreign Exchange Department
with the equivalent of D68m in foreign exchange.
Foroyaa’s source further lamented that by March 2004 the State had filed a
case against Mr. Thomas and the forex bureau of Gam Investment for failure to
honour the contract, a case which he said was later withdrawn by the State.
Our source finally told this reporter that the state had now taken land from a
family member of Mr. Thomas to pay the money. It is not clear whether the
money derived from the sale would serve as the final settlement of the case.
The said land is situated between Old Yundum, Jabang, Burfut and Sukuta on the
coastal highway.
“PASSPORT ISSUANCE IN FULL SWING”
Says Immigration PRO
Fabakary B. Ceesay
This year seems to be a difficult year for the Immigration Department in
their attempt to adequately issue passports to the public. In late February, the
Deputy Director of Immigration, Sako J.M Drammeh, denied shortage of
passport books but confirmed that there was a failure in the network of their
computer system.
However, Foroyaa had been informed that the Immigration Department cannot
meet the demands of the public on a daily basis. It was said that they could
not issue more than twenty five (25) passports a day since many weeks ago. The
applicants, who spoke to Foroyaa, expressed their unhappiness about the
serious delay in issuing passports. One applicant said he had applied for a
passport since late April but could not have his passport up to the time of going
to press. Another one said he had applied since the first week of May, “and
any time the officers give me a date, they never honour it.”
The Immigration Spokesperson, Cadet ASP Lamin Jatta, has shrugged off
allegations that they cannot issue passports to people since April. “That is a
total misinformation,” he said. PRO Jatta said they have a problem in their
printing system, but that it only lasted a week, and that they have resumed
producing as usual.
DARFUR REPORT
We are publishing the report of the report of the Pan-African Parliament on
Darfur in series. The head of the mission was Honourable Abdul Katuntu, from
Uganda and the rapporteur
Halifa Sallah the Gambia.
Part 5
They informed the mission that the villages are led by headmen who engage in
consultations to solve their local problems, that the situation in Darfur
has been complicated by the presence of an armed opposition, which has
destroyed the security infrastructure. They indicated that it is the aim of the
government to disarm the Janjaweed to ensure the governability of Darfur. They
argued that the Arab and African tribes have intermarriages and that there is no
distinction between Arab and non Arab to lend justification to allegation of
genocide.
The representatives of Sudanese Justice and Equality Movement at the CFC
indicated that their movement is not a faction of any movement established by
Turabi. It is claimed that the members of the movement came from diverse
backgrounds and have the aim of creating a new Sudan that would not marginalize
places like Darfur. Representatives of the Sudanese Liberation Movement
indicated that what is happening in Darfur is not an accident; that it started with
the establishment of an association it called the Arab Congregation in 1987
that had the primary objective of excluding the non Arab population from
holding any position of influence in the country. They claim that for many years,
Arabs in general were posted to be governors of the states in Darfur.
According to them, this led to a deliberate policy to seize land from African Tribes
by Arab nomads who were armed by security forces; that many efforts were made
to alert the government to the growing strength of the Janjaweed and the
escalation of their atrocities against the non Arab tribes. They argue that the
Government ignored all the abuses and further alleged that the Government
security forces would even carry out raids to confiscate the weapons of non Arab
tribes who pose resistance to the Janjaweed just to make them more
vulnerable to their attacks.
What is evident is that, the local issues of Darfur and its National
Character interrogate the policies that have been pursued since the Republic came
into being. The issue of property and its protection, the issue of protection
from inhumane and degrading punishment, the issue of discrimination on the
basis of race or tribe, the issue of having a say in how one’s community is run,
the issue of water and land for grazing and cultivation, the issue of sexual
harassment and violence against women cannot be reduced simply to a tribal
or racial affair. These are all questions of governance, as we know it today.
It is alleged that the smaller Arab tribal groups in Darfur are seeking
security by linking to powerful groups in the government and that members of the
Fur and Zaghawa tribes who are isolated are also being motivated to seek
security by allying with the armed opposition. This ultimately creates the camp
of the government and the camp of
the armed apposition. If these two forces continue to arm the population the
conflict will appear like a civil war among tribes. It is very common for
the people in the camps to identify a whole tribe as being the perpetrators of
their suffering. This deepens ethnic hatred and division.
The factors which motivated the farm and the cattle owners to ally with
either force and give the conflict a tribal and racial dimension need to be
addressed and articulated into a comprehensive National Settlement Plan. This
requires the transformation of the armed opposition into a legal opposition and
the transformation of the government into one that protects the lives and
properties and guarantee the security of all citizens, irrespective of their
tribe, race or origin.
6.2 The Prospects for Political settlement
Sudan is sitting on a knife’s edge. Darfur is the knife. The war has
revealed the worst in the contending forces. However, the focus of the international
Community on the atrocities has forced all sectors of the conflict to be
self searching and forward looking. Every Sudanese refuses to be seen as a
tribalist, racist, or anti nationalist. The members of the National Assembly, the
Ministers, the Judges, the Public Servants are constantly pointing out the
homogeneity of the Sudanese population despite their diversity. They constantly
point out that people with features which ordinarily qualify them to be
called Arabs are Nubians or members of other tribes. Others with features which
would ordinarily qualify them to situate their origin in an African tribe are
classified as Arabs. Being an Arab, they would argue, is both a racial and
cultural issue. Those who possess Arab racial features but do not have Arab as
their mother tongue are not considered Arabs. Those who do not have Arab
racial features but have Arabic as their mother tongue are considered Arabs.
However representatives of the armed opposition claimed that these notions
are misconceived. They argue that the discrimination by Arabs against non
Arabs is subtle and does not involve all Arabs; that it is known mainly by the
people in Sudan. They argue that the Arab tribes and the African tribes
intermarry; that those whose fathers are Arabs become accepted as Arabs but those
whose fathers are non Arabs remain as non Arabs; that despite religious and
linguistic harmony there are distinct socio- cultural factors which separate
Arabs from non Arabs and that some Arabs are in pursuit of racial supremacy. The
armed opposition claim that it is only after their resistance had impacted
on the Sudanese state that the situation of the non- Arabs began to change.
They, however, maintain that their resistance is not a racial one because some
Arabs are in support of
the creation of the new Sudan which treats all people as equals. Hence, it
is evident that all over Sudan there is a growing realization of the diversity
of its people and the need to promote harmony, despite the diversity. This
is an asset, which can foster National consciousness and cohesion. In short,
it is becoming clear to all Sudanese that the quickest way to negate the
Sovereignty of a state is not just to be threatened by an armed opposition; on the
contrary, it is to over react to such an opposition to the point of
alienating and traumatizing the vast majority of the population. That is the surest
way of inviting foreign intervention under popular appeal.
GAMBIA RATIFIES UN RESOLUTION 55/282
Bubacarr k. Sowe
The United Nations Resolution 55/282 (International Day of Peace) was on
Monday ratified by the National Assembly Members.
Moving the motion before the House, the Secretary of State for Justice,
Sheik Tijan Hydara, said the purpose of the resolution is for the promotion of
peace and to have a world free of violence.
Sidia Jatta, Member for Wuli West, questioned why it had taken the cabinet
so long to bring the protocol to the Assembly. “This was signed in 2001, it
should have been here by 2002. I would like to tell the SoS for Justice to
bring issues as soon as they arise,” Mr. Jatta said.
The Honourable Member for Sami, Edrissa Samba Sallah, said corruption,
nepotism and unfairness are some of the factors that engineer war. He added that
peace should not be celebrated, instead people should work towards achieving
it.
Churchill Baldeh, Majority Leader, said they should celebrate peace by using
prayers instead of partying. “We would urge Government to celebrate the day
by using our scarce resource, instead of throwing out big parties,” Mr.
Baldeh noted.
He said for the past three years, the farmers have not been paid and
bringing them to the city for celebration does not mean creating peace.
The Member for Jarra West said the resolution is long over due. Nominated
Member Nyimasata Sanneh Bojang said peace needs a decent celebration. “
Whenever there is war, it is the women who are victims, killed, widowed and made to
suffer a lot of atrocities,” she said.
FORESTRY DIRECTOR IN HOT SOUP
By Sarjo Camara Singhateh
The Director of Forestry, Mr. Jatto Sillah, was dragged to court by one
Momodou Lamin Koma for failing to honour a promise he made at the Brikama
Magistrates’ Court.
Mr. Koma said he is a Divisional Legal Officer working with district
tribunals. He said on the 30th Septemeber 2002, he caught members of staff of the
forestry department who were involved in the illegal felling of 2000 pieces of
rhum palm.
He said when the incident happened, the NIA investigated the matter and the
director agreed to pay 30% of the value of the 2000 pieces which is 6662
dalasis plus cost 7000 dalasis to Mr. Koma and 70% of the amount to the state
coffers.
On his testimony, Mr. Koma said though the amount is small Mr. Sillah should
honour the court order.
He said he knows that Mr. Sillah is reluctant to pay this amount to both the
state and to him.
He stated that since 23 March 2003 when the judgement was made, Mr. Sillah
did not bother to comply with the decision of the court.
Mr. Koma said that they sent Mr. Sillah the judgement debtors surmons but he
did not turn up.
Delivering his judgement Magistrate Mbye said that Mr. Sillah should comply
or spend three weeks at Mile Two.
Magistrate Mbye said Mr. Sillah should not put himself above the law. He
stated that the case had been dragging in court for the past three years and he
has shown no respect for the law.
DR. PAMELA REPLACED
By Yaya Dampha & Bubacarr K. Sowe
Dr. Pamela Ozanbido, the former Chief Medical Director at the Royal Victoria
Teaching Hospital (RVTH) went on leave to Germany over five months ago.
According to sources, Dr. Pamela went to Germany in the midst of a saga involving
over 32, 000 Euros donated to the Campama Psychiatric Unit. She is said to
have applied for a leave and had since then not returned.
Foroyaa is reliably informed that Dr. M.O Njie is now appointed acting Chief
Medical Director and he has since last month assumed responsibilities. The
RVTH Public Relations Officer could not be reached for confirmation
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS CLASH WITH FISH MONGERS
By Lamin Fatty
The Association of Fish Mongers in Tanji has bitterly complained over the
behaviour of some immigration officers, who were said to have broken into the
house of one Sainabou Joof in search of an alien.
According to a spokesperson of the Association of Fish Mongers, they are not
opposed to paying alien registration fee but the immigration authorities
should also understand that it is not a right for them to be beating and
breaking into peoples’ privacies.
According to the women at the riverside, the way the officers execute their
duties needs to be reviewed. They said some people nearly lost their lives
because of the behaviour of the officers. One Alagie Jammeh was reported to be
seriously beaten by the immigration officers until he was admitted. Alasan
Ngum was also said to be beaten, stamped on and finally tied with ropes, when,
according to him, he had already paid for his alien ID card.
When contacted the immigration PRO, Cadet ASP Lamin Jatta, denied the
allegations, describing them as baseless and un-warranted.
According to him, law enforcement officers were deployed to Tanji to check
documents. He said on their arrival, they were viewed with suspicion and they
started throwing stones at the officers and threatened to hijack the
immigration officers’ vehicle. ASP Lamin Jatta said one officer sustained minor
injuries. However, ASP Jatta emphaised that it is one’s duty to carry valid
documents. He said officers are employed to check official papers and they have the
right to see them. He finally said since co-operation is a two way process,
the general public must also play their part. But he also reminded the
officers to execute their duties effectively and efficiently in line with the
principles of their profession.
NYIMASATA REPLACES DUTA IN ECOWAS PARLIAMENT
During the sitting of Monday, 5th June 2006, the Speaker of the National
Assembly, Hon. Bellinda Bidwell, told Deputies that: “Following the expulsion
of Hon. Duta Kamaso from the APRC ruling party, she is no longer a member of
the National Assembly and by virtue of this fact, she is also not a member of
the ECOWAS Parliament in which we elected her last week.” Hon. Bidwell
pointed out that based on this fact, there is a vacancy which needed to be filled.
She told Deputies that from the information she received from Abuja, the
resolution restricting the election of ECOWAS Parliamentarians from elected
members of Parliaments has been abrogated. Therefore, she said both elected and
nominated members of Parliament could now be elected to the ECOWAS Parliament
by their National Parliaments.
At this stage, the National Assembly Member for Wuli West, Hon. Sidia Jatta,
suggested that since Hon. Nyimasata Sanneh Bojang is the only female member
in the Assembly, they should unanimously elect her to fill the vacancy since
they are to elect a female member. On his part, the Member for Lower Fulladu
West, Hon. Musa Baldeh, proposed that since there are only two nominated
members in the National Assembly, they should be left to discuss between
themselves as to who would fill the vacancy. This suggestion was however not accepted
by Deputies. On his part, the Member for Kombo Central, Hon. Madi Bojang,
indicated that he has a different opinion with the Member for Lower Fulladu
West but concurred with the Member for Wuli West. He emphasized that since Hon.
Nyimasata Sanneh Bojang is present and she is the only female member, she
should be elected unanimously. On his part Hon. Fabakary Tombong Jatta, Member
for Serrekunda East, asked whether the ECOWAS Parliament has specifically
stated that the number of female representatives should be two (2) or on a
percentage basis. In response, the Hon. Speaker told him that the ECOWAS Parliament
directive indicates 30 percent and that 30 percent should include two (2)
female members. On his part Momodou Sellu Bah, National Assembly Member for
Basse indicated that for him, he has never bought the idea of having two female
representatives at the ECOWAS Parliament. The Speaker however told him that
it is an ECOWAS directive and that the only thing they can do is to ask “our
representatives to raise it at the ECOWAS Parliament when they go.” At this
stage, the Speaker put it to vote and all the members present, except Hon. Musa
Baldeh, Member for Lower Fulladu West, endorsed Nyimasata Sanneh Bojang to
be part of the representatives of the ECOWAS Parliament. Hon. Nyimasata Sanneh
Bojang therefore replaces Hon. Duta Kamaso in the ECOWAS Parliament.
31 Witnesses For Treason Trial
Information reaching this paper indicates that the State had listed a total
of 31 witnesses to testify against the porported 21st March 2006 coupists.
The source also indicates that the State has filed two indictments, there by
giving way to two separate trials.
The source finally informed this paper that the State intends to drop
charges against the seventeenth alleged coupist, Mustapha Lowe, who is reported to
be a student.
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