Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 91/2006, 25-26 October, 2006
Editorial
PRESIDENT JAMMEH, THE MUSLIM LEADERS AND
ETI NDAANAN VS FOROYAA
The Muslim elders visited President Jammeh to orchestrate what has been
established as a tradition between the executive and the Muslim leaders after
every prayer that marks the end of the fast month. This started during the
colonial period. This is usually an occasion where the elders speak their minds
regarding the functioning of the executive and the impact of the policies on
their congregations. President Jammeh would utilize the occasion to make policy
statements on controversial issues. However, people were therefore waiting to
hear what he would come up with this time. On his part when he spoke the
pattern was different this time. First and foremost, the chairman of the Banjul
Muslim elders reminded the President of what he said about Islam and
tolerance of diversities, the Imam of Banjul praised the President for his
achievements and called on the press to write such achievement and the international
community to emulate Gambia’s religious tolerance. All the other spokespersons
dwelt on the same message. The Amir of the Ahmadiyaa Mosque added more to the
message by emphasizing the importance of the shepherds to look after the
sheep in the homes, villages, communities, districts, mosques, divisions and the
nation at large. The representatives of the Islamic council spoke about the
responsibilities of leaders and those with knowledge for the success and
failure of society.
The President in his turn simply thank them for all the good things they
said, noting that since the people had given him a new mandate he will try to
prove that he deserves to be trusted. This is the shortest speech he has ever
given on such occasion. Readers would recall that this was preceded by the
dissolution of the cabinet and the reappointment of members of an incomplete
one. Foroyaa cannot read and will not try to speculate on what is going on in
the mind of the President. We will wait and see. We however maintain that
Gambia demands an Executive that is a good listener who wants hear his people’s
concerns and one who responds to these concerns with immediacy.
In our view, the Executive should tell the religious leaders that he is more
interested in people’s concerns than praise.
It is not a sign of disrespect to tell the president that 3 onions were
being sold for 10 dalasis; that a cup of sugar costs5 dalasis, a cup of rice
costs 3 dalasis. In short 6 cups of rice a day is equivalent to the daily income
of many daily paid workers. There is nothing wrong in asking the President to
find out what is wrong with the price hike and do something about it. In the
same vein, there is nothing wrong in telling the President that government
upper basic and high schools are not sufficient to accommodate students; that
the private schools are charging 5000 dalasis. There is nothing wrong in
asking whether government cannot provide subsidies to private schools at
reasonable rates so that they could cut down in the tuition and fees and keep them at
the same rate as government schools. These and many others regarding the
need to promote the rule of law and liberty could be raised. In our view, a
healthy dialogue is what is necessary at all times between the executive and
representatives of civil society. They should be encouraged to speak the truth in
good faith in the public interest.
In short, a leadership that is open and responsive to the needs and interest
of the people become an informed and secure leadership.
See Our Next Editorial, Eti Ndaanan Vs FOROYAA (The Beauty Of Respect For
Freedom Of Expression.)
UDP Election Petition Struck Out
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The Chief Justice, Abdoukarim Savage, on Friday struck out the petition
filed at the Supreme Court by the United Democratic Party, UDP, on the 22nd
September Presidential election.
In his ruling, the Chief Justice said that the plaintiff, Ousainou Darboe,
has failed to appear in court and has not been represented. Justice Savage
struck out the case, since the plaintiff cannot prosecute it’s case.
In her submission, Ida Drammeh, who stood for the APRC said that the matter
should be struck out because the plaintiff has failed to appear before the
court.
Appearing for the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Amie Joof Conteh
agreed with Madam Drammeh’s submission, noting that the plaintiff has not
shown interest in pursuing the case.
Emmanuel Fagbenle, who appeared for the Attorney General concurred with his
learned colleagues. The case was thus struck out.
Bunja Darboe & CO Case Testimonies Continue
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Captain Yaya Darboe and the independent witness, Tijan Bojang, have
testified in the ongoing treason trial. Below are the testimonies of the duo.
One Tijan Bojang, from Sukuta village testified before the General Court
Martial at the Yundum Barracks on Tuesday 17th October 2006.
Mr. Bojang told the court that while he was at his home on 23rd March, he
received a phone call from his friend called Lamin Cham. He said Cham asked him
to go and be an independent witness pertaining to the coup plot, which he
agreed to do so. He narrated that he then went to the major crime unit at the
NIA where he found the accused person, Yaya Darboe, Abdoulie Sowe and his
friend, Lamin Cham. He said there were other officers from the Serious Crime Unit
and his friend Lamin Cham, introduced him to Abdoulie Sowe, that he is his
friend, and he (Cham) has called him to serve as the independent witness. He
said that, he was later taken to a room where he was introduced to Yaya Darboe
as an independent witness. He explained that Abdoulie Sowe then told him
that there is pen and paper to write his own statement or he (Sowe) can write it
on his behalf, but Yaya wrote his statement. He added that before he signed
as an independent witness, he asked Yaya, whether, he was forced to write the
statement and he replied in the negative. He said that after Yaya signed, he
also signed and then left. At this juncture, DPP, Fagnbele, asked him
whether he will be able to recognise the statement and by how. He said that by
looking at the signature of the accused person and his own signature, he will be
able to recognise the statement.
WITNESS CROSS EXAMINED BY COUNSEL TOURAY
Counsel Borry Touray asked the witness whether this is the first time for
him to served as an independent witness. Mr. Bojang replied that this is the
first time in his life time that he has served as an independent witness. Mr.
Touray put it to him that the, Major Crime Unit is at the Police headquarters
in Banjul and not at NIA headquarters, that Abdoulie Sowe has told the court
that the statement of Yaya Darboe was obtained at the NIA and not at the
Major Crime Unit at Police headquarters. Mr. Touray told the witness that the
accused person’s eye was swollen at that time. Bojang replied that both eyes of
the accused person were normal. Touray put it to the witness that his only
role was to go to the NIA and sign the statement of Captain Yaya Darboe; he
also told the witness that he did not spent more than two minutes there. The
witness said, Captain Darboe has spend almost ten (10) minutes to write his
statement. Borry Touray said, “I’m putting it to you that you were not present
when Captain Yaya Darboe was making his statement, and I’m putting it to you
that you are not saying the truth.” “I’m saying nothing, but the truth,’
replied the witness.
CROSS EXAMINATION BY COUNSEL LAMIN JOBARTEH
Counsel Lamin Jobarteh asked the witness whether it is true that he is a
mansoner and whether he (the witness) understands measurement. Mr. Bojang
replied that he understands measurement, but that his step father, who taught him
mansonery did not teach about 6mm, 1mm and 1 inch. Mr. Jobarteh, asked him,
whether he had ever built a house and to tell the court about the dimension of
the house. The witness said he had built a house before, but could not
estimate the dimension. Counsel Jobarteh asked him to explain the size of the
blocks and the height of the fence he is building. Bojang said that the sizes of
the blocks are four (4) inches and the height of the fence could be eight to
nine “courses” from the ground. He also said that the height of the fence
would depend on how tall the owner wants it to be. Jobarteh further asked him
about the depth of the foundation of the fence, he replied two inches down, but
later said the depth of the foundation is two metres into the ground.
Jobarteh put it to him that he (Bojang) is an NIA officer and not a masoner. Mr.
Jobarteh asked him if he is building a story building or a skyscraper, he
replied that he is building a fence. Mr. Jobarteh put it to him that, even the box
he is standing in is les than two metres tall, and that there is no serious
crime unit at the NIA headquarters. The witness replied that he does not know
whether the box he is standing in is less than two metres. He added that
there is a serious crime unit at the NIA. Mr. Jobarteh asked him how many
accused persons he signed for as an independent witness and whether he will be able
to identify any of the accused persons apart from Yaya Darboe. Mr. Bojang
said, he cannot tell how many accused persons he had signed for as witness and
that he cannot identify any accused person, but that he can identify the
statements that he had signed. Mr. Jobarteh asked him whether he had seen any of
the accused persons with an injury on the head. He replied that he has not
seen any accused persons with an injury on the head. Jobarteh put it to him
that he (Bojang) was once posted at the Kanilai Junction as an NIA Officer, and
further asked him whether he will be surprised if he brings his (Bojang’s)
NIA Card at the next sitting. Bojang replied that he had never been an NIA and
has never been posted at Kanilai junction and that he will be surprised if
Jobarteh can produce his NIA card.
CROSS EXAMINATION BY LAMIN MBOGE
Defence counsel Lamin Mboge asked the witness to tell the court the time he
received a phone call from Lamin Cham and where he met Yaya Darboe, Lamin
Cham and Abdoulie Sowe. The witness replied that he cannot tell the actual hour
he received a call from Lamin Cham, but that it was in the morning. He added
that he met Yaya Darboe, Lamin Cham, and Abdoulie Sowe at the Major Crime
Unit at the NIA. Mboge further asked the witness whether he can remember the day
and date that he was called and whether he knew what had happened to captain
Yaya Darboe before he was called. The witness replied that he can remember
the date but not the day. According to him, he was called on the 23rd March
2006. He added that he only knows what happened in his presence. Mboge asked him
whether he saw armed men. He went further to ask the witness the number of
men who were in uniform and armed. Bojang said he saw an armed officer and he
was the only one in uniform. He further asked him how he came to know that
those people are officers and whether he is close to them. Bojang replied that
he knew them because they are Lamin Cham’s friends and they used to visit
each other. He was quick to say that he is not close to them. Mr. Mboge also
asked him whether he was present when Yaya was being interrogated by the Panel.
Mr. Bojang replied that he was not at the panel, but in another room, with
Cham, Sowe and some of the accused persons. Mboge said. “I’m putting it to you
that, you were not present at the time Yaya gave his statement, because it
was taken in the middle of the night, you are only called in the morning to
come and sign.” The witness maintained that he was present. Counsel Mboge
finally put it to him that he is a state agent and is being paid for that. He
replied that he has not been paid, but that he is a good citizen.
CAPTAIN YAYA DARBOE’S TESTIMONY
Captain Yaya Darboe has testified in the ongoing court martial at Yundum
Barracks.
In his testimony, Darboe told the court that he was arrested on 21st March
and whisked away to Mile Two Central Prison. He said he was arrested at his
residence at Bursubi. He said when they arrived at Mile Two Central Prison, he
was taken to the conference room where he was undressed and searched. He said
he was led into a cell which was locked by the officers. He said before his
the soldiers left, he had asked them where he was going to sleep, and they
pointed to a concrete slab and said that is his bed. He noted that he slept
peacefully that night without a mosquito coil, blanket or a mattress.
“It was on 22nd March around midnight, when I was almost sleeping,
Lieutenant Colley entered the security wing with some officers. I don’t know the
officers. They were all armed and some of them were dressed in military camouflage
and some in black. The armed officers in camouflage had AK 47 and those in
black had Propel Grenade Launchers (PGL). My cell was opened. He (Colley)
asked me to follow them. I was not told any reason why I should follow them. When
we reached the conference room of the prisons, that was the time I was told,
I was going to the NIA to answer some questions. I was handed over to those
soldiers in black-black. They handcuffed me and asked me to join a black
Toyota pick up. I joined and we headed for the NIA office. I was scared when I
was asked to join them (soldiers), because that is the first time I saw that
type of uniform (black) in The Gambia,” he remarked.
He said while they were going to the NIA, he was insulted and beaten by the
escorts.
Darboe said, “Some of them said you young boys came to the army recently and
you were given ranks, and you want to over throw the government.” The driver
said “Don’t finish the chop, wait until I join you.” I was being referred
to as the food. At the NIA, one tough guy in black uniform signaled me to
follow him. He led me outside. There are two flower beds there. There I met
somebody who called himself Hell Manger and he said ‘Yaya Darboe, welcome to hell
fire’. He asked me to kneel down. I was surrounded by eight men in black
uniform. I was still in handcuff. The Hell Manager knelt down and said he was
going to teach me the rules of hell fire. He said you have to obey what the Hell
Manager tells you if you want to go out of that place. He said from that
hell fire, you are going to charity house. Before he proceeded to the next rule,
one Lieutenant Musa Jammeh intervened and said Darboe Kunda, and I said
Jammeh Kunda. Then he said ‘I know you very well.’ Because of that I did not
want you to suffer a lot. Musa Jammeh asked me to follow the procedure so that I
can go free. I said ‘you know me. I am not part of the alleged coup plot.’
He said ‘wait, wait He said ‘I know you are part of this thing. All am
interested in now is for you to give me the names of all those who are involved
and you go free.’ I never accepted to be part of the coup plot. As this was
happening, I heard a knock on my left eye. I fell down unconscious for about 10
seconds. The only thing I could feel was stick raining on all parts of my
body. Then Lieutenant Jammeh intervened and I was asked to sit down. Then my eye
started bleeding. All this was to get the statement they wanted from me.
After thirty minutes of torture, I asked them to give me time to tell them what
they wanted. Then one of them who understood my language said I should not
joke with them. The torture lasted for one hour thirty minutes. Then one of
them said “Tomorrow you are going to come and give a statement” I gave them a
story since they controlled me. They wanted me to say that I am part of the
coup. They pin pointed certain parts of the story which they were not happy
with. My eye bled for about thirty minutes. Musa intervened and asked me further
questions. There was a man standing near me with a yellow bag. I could hear
that man whispering to Musa, and Musa said “No need.” Darboe remarked.
He further told the court that one of the interviewers had indicated that he
(Darboe) should be ready for burial. He said about five sticks rained on his
body.
He said at this juncture, the Hell Manager asked the others to start the
burial (the beating). He noted that they beat him at that stage, adding that the
beating was painful.
“They were using branches of a palm tree to beat me. The pain was too much
and I started screaming. Any time I screamed too loud, the Hell Manager took
sand and put it into my mouth. I spitted the first part of the sand out. The
Hell Manager asked those beating me to stop and he cautioned me. He asked me
why I am throwing the sand out. I told him, I throw it because it is sand.
Then he said you have no choice of food in hell. I tried to explain. I said this
is not food. He said don’t play with me. The sand should not come out again.’
The burial (beating) started again. The branches of the palm tree were
broken and it could not be used for beating any more and so they said the burial
is over. Then the Hell Manager said I should prepare to go to the charity
house. Then he brought about five cables. You have to crawl or roll from hell
fire to charity house,” he pointed out.
He said he was at this juncture told that the cables would be used to beat
him and the faster he reached charity house, the better for him. He said he
rolled to charity house while his hands were still in handcuff. He said he was
struck with a bundle of cables while he was rolling to charity house. He
alleged that the beating stopped when he reached charity house. He noted that two
of the men brought a concrete block and put it on his back while he was
lying on the ground.
He said the purpose of the beating was for him to say what they wanted from
him.
“They wanted my statement to conform with the statements of Captain Saikou
Seckan and Captain Bunja Darboe’ he told the court.
He said they later lifted the block from his back and put it aside. He said
the Hell Manager had told him that he is going to make a statement and if he
deviates from what he told them, the lessons meted out to Pharing Sanyang and
Wassa Camara will be meted out to him. He said he spent about one hour,
forty five minutes at the NIA before he was taken back to the Prison.
He said the following day he was put on board, a vehicle and taken to the
NIA. He said at the NIA office, he was led into a room where he met the
investigators. He said the table in the room had blood stains and a hammer. He said
he had told the investigators that he has not discussed a coup plot with
anybody. He said he later entered a room with Abdoulie Sowe where his statement
was taken. He said the independent witness, Tijan Bojang, entered the room
after he had written and signed his statement. He further indicated that Tijan
Bojang also signed the statement.
He said he was tortured on the 6th and 7th April 2006.
“This time with Captain Bunja Darboe. We were all tortured at the same time.
I was taken for treatment at the eye clinic at RVTH on 21st of April. I was
asked to go back on 24th April,” he remarked.
He pointed out that his medical papers were given to the Medic Officer at
the prisons. He said on 26th March, they were taken to the NIA so that their
statements would be recorded by GRTS television. He said while at the NIA on
26th March, Sowe asked him to add words like, “I will lay an ambush. I will
demolish any plane that land and I will deal with any person who wants to
interfere with the operation” to his statement.
During cross examination, Captain Darboe told the Prosecutor, Fagbenle, that
he did not see Lieutenant Colley at the NIA. He denied Fagbenleh’s claim
that Abdoulie Sowe read a cautionary statement to him. He also told the court
that Abdoulie Sowe did not force him to make a statement. He said he dated his
statement because Sowe asked him to do so. Fagbenle put it to Darboe that
there is no office at the NIA called hell. Darboe replied that he did not enter
any office called hell. Fagbenle put it to him that there is no officer at
the NIA called Hell Manager. Darboe replied that he did not say that Hell
Manager is an NIA officer. Asked by Fagbenle whether the arms he talked about are
official arms, the witness replied in the positive. He said he has been
seeing those arms and is familiar with them. He said the people who tortured him
are different from those who were at the investigating panel.
APRC SUPPORTER IN THE DOCK
By Modou Jonga
The trial involving an APRC supporter Alimamo Gibba accused of assaulting
one Oli Touray, a supporter of the United Democratic Party has been adjourned to
2nd November 2006 by the Brikama Magistrate Court.
On Tuesday 17th October, 2006, the Police Prosecutor 1831 Sanyang applied
for an adjournment following the absence of the complainant. The alleged
assault was said to be committed on May 15th 2006 at Pirang village following the
announcement of the results of the Kombo East By-election. A stone was
allegedly thrown by the accused which hit the complainant on her forehead, and, as a
result injured her.
BABY NEEDS URGENT SUREGERY
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Fatoumata Tunkara, the daughter of Suntukung Tunkara has been diagnosed with
hydrocephalus at Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) since June.
Fatoumata, who is recommended to undergo a ventroculo peritoneal shunt
surgery in Dakar, could not undergo the operation due to her parents povert.
Meanwhile, the parents are requesting for assistance towards the treatment
of their daughter.
“Fatoumata has been very sick and admitted at the RVTH. After undergoing
treatment for a reasonable length of time with no significant improvement, the
doctor decided to refer the case for further diagnosis to Dakar.” The helpless
parents are requesting for assistance, to save the life of Fatoumara Tunkara.
You can contact the father, Suntukung Tunkara on 7060820.
PA SALLAH JENG’S CASE SUFFERS SETACK
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The trial of Mayor Pa Sallah Jeng has been deferred due to the absence of
the third prosecution witness, Abdul Othmam.
It was adjourned by Justice Monageng to the 2nd of November.
Mr. Jeng is charged with six counts of criminal offences. He was alleged to
have, interalia, illegally or dishonestly received per diem payments at the
rate of 230 pounds over and above the official allowance of 100 pounds per day
and thereby caused financial loss to the Banjul City Council (BCC); to have
internationally single sourced and directed the purchase of three compactors
to the tune of D1,500, 000 in violation of Section 45 of The Gambia Public
Procurement Act and Section 12 of The Gambia Public Procurement Regulations to
the detriment of the economy of The Gambia; that in abuse of authority of his
office, he personally single sourced and forcefully directed the BCC to pay
the sum of D50, 000 for a second hand 25 KVA generator, already installed at
BCC premises without the required approval. Jeng has denied all the six
counts of criminal charges preferred against him.
IN BRITON MURDER TRIAL
BAIL APPLICATION DENIED
By Modou Jonga
The murder trial involving Kate Afori and others resumed on Tuesday 17th
October 2006 at the Brikama Magistrate’s Court. The four Nigerians were accused
of killing Mr. William West, a British national in Sanyang Village in the
month of June.
In their first appearance in court, the widow, Mrs. Kate Afori West pleaded
guilty to the murder charge preferred against her while the three Nigerians,
Favour Akponegbeta Abokou, Idriss Masade and David Bathran pleaded not guilty
to the murder charge.
1831 Sanyang held brief for the prosecutor ASP Tijan Badjie.
In the opening of the trial, Lawyer Mbye said he is asking the court to
accelerate the hearing of the criminal matter. Lawyer Mbye based it on a motion
dated 3rd October 2006 supported by an affidavit sworn to and signed by the
fourth accused. Lawyer Mbye urged the court to exercise its power and duty to
make such further orders as the circumstances of the case demand and deserve.
In conclusion, Lawyer Mbye applied for bail to be granted to the accused
person, despite acknowledging that the offence under which his client and
co-defendants were charged with is a capital offence. He further urged the state to
provide evidence to the court on the alleged murder.
On his turn, the counsel for the fourth accused Lawyer C.O Secka, said he is
in total agreement with the submission made by Lawyer Mbye with regards to
the orders sought. He further added that the matter is a criminal matter and
is a capital offence under which bail is rarely granted. Lawyer Secka, however
lamented that the liberty of the accused person is hanging on the balance
and proceeded to the court to grant the orders sought including a speedy trial.
In his ruling, Magistrate E.F. M’bai denied the bail application sought by
the counsel for the second and the fourth accused persons respectively.
Meanwhile, the trial was adjourned to Tuesday 31st October 2006.
D1.8 MILLION FRAUD CASE
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
A woman alleged to have committed fraud was arraigned before principal
Magistrate Kebba Sanyang of the kanifing Magistrate Court on Wednesday 18th
October 2006.
Margaret C. Drammeh was accused of attempting to withdraw money from an
account that does not belong to her. She is also alleged to have written two (2)
letters to managers of two different banks. The banks are said to be the
Guaranty Trust Bank and Trust Bank. The state counsel indicated that the
defendant is charged with 114 counts.
The trial magistrate, Mr. Sanyang asked the counsels to take a convenient
date so that all the counts can be properly read out to the accused. “The
charges are too numerous to be mentioned today or we will be here up to 17:00
hours,” he said. The defence counsel applied for the accused to be granted bail.
Principal magistrate Sanyang granted her bail in the sum of D1.8 million with
two Gambian sureties. The case is adjourned for further hearing. The state
counsel was Marie Saine and defence, Lamin S. Camara.
UDP SUPPORTER ATTACKED IN BRIKAMA
By Modou Jonga
Reports have it that on Friday 13th October 2006, an electrician by
profession and a supporter of the United Democratic Party, Jerreh Samura, was
attacked by employees of the Brikama Area Council, for wearing a shirt bearing the
symbols of the said party.
The said attack on Mr. Samura, which eventually led to actual bodily harm
was reportedly started by the supervisor of the cleansing service of the
Brikama Area Council, Mr. Jang Luwang Konteh last week.
According to another electrician who was at the scene, Mr. Samura, the
assault on his colleague happened in the morning of Friday, when they were ordered
by their boss to go and do some electrical works at the council. Mr. Jabbi
said upon reaching the council, they were approached by the said cleansing
supervisor who reprimanded and ordered Mr. Samura out of the council for wearing
a shirt (which was worn under a shirt).
Mr. Samura is said to have complied and was moving out of the Council
premises. The eye witness said Mr. Samura was confronted at the gate of the Council
by Mr. Konteh who told him that “Politics is over” and as such described
the wearing of the shirt as provocative to the APRC Party; and that it should
not be won on the council’s premises. The eyewitness said the other employees
joined the supervisor in assaulting Mr. Samura. “After assaulting my
colleague,” stated the eyewitness, “he was taken to the office of the Chief Security.
” In the course of the assault, the said shirt was torn off. The eyewitness
said they were later ordered out of the office of the Chief Security. Were
ordered out.
Speaking to this reporter, Mr. Lang Marong, warned all employee of area
Council particularly the Brikama Area councils, to desist from such dangerous
misconduct. Mr. Marong, further described the attack on Mr. Samura, as a threat
to national peace and order and urged the council to be mindful, since it is
the constitutional right of every Gambian to show his/her support to any
political party.
“The council is to serve the best interest of The Gambian people and not the
APRC party” he posited meanwhile the Kombo Central UDP Youth President Lamin
Jatta, told this reporter that his party is on the verge of taking the
attack on the colleague to court but said their efforts are frustrated by the
Police.
When contacted, the Chief Security of the council declined to comment.
Meanwhile, both the Public Relation Officer and the Chief Executive could not be
reached for comment. The relevant authorities in the council, when contacted
by this reporter said they could not confirm story. These authorities included
the security Chief, Dembo Jassey, and the Acting Chairman of the council
Ousman Gaye. When this reporter told the Chairman that he was told that the
Public Relations Officer of the council, Sergeant Modou Joof, had traveled, he
replied:
“This is news to me, you just informing me about it.”
NADD FLAG BEARER ON THE ELECTION
The APRC leadership capitalized on these prejudices against UDP to tell the
youths that if they vote for NADD they will be wasting their votes; that UDP
will take over the country. On the other hand, many who were bitterly against
Yahya also maintained that if they vote for NADD Yahya will win. When GRTS
broadcast the Buba Sanyang story, the APRC cashed on it to sow the seed of
doubt regarding the legitimacy of my candidature. Hence the swing of the youth
vote to Yahya and the apathy or protest displayed by others for not voting can
easily be explained.
This swing of Gambian voters into apathy and tribal sentiments makes it
difficult to explain the outcome of the results on the basis of intimidation or
corrupt registration practices.
At the final phase of my campaign I received reports of Mandinka speaking
youths and Jola speaking youths being insulted by their parents in the foulest
of languages for not joining tribal band wagons. Whenever I met UDP or APRC
convoys the youths will rush to greet me with the usual statement “we love you”
. However, the sentiments of their parents and tribal peers took control of
them.
This is why at the time of my campaign I continued to emphasise that
Gambians can either be dictated by tribal or other sentiments or by truth. If we are
dictated by truth it would set us free. If we are dictated by sentiments we
will remain captives of our own deeds.
Being a part of the living political history of the Gambia at its moment of
happening compels me to rethink about the true nature of the people we call
Gambians and my role as a servant aimed at promoting their liberty and
prosperity. Unlike Senegal where political leadership no longer hinges on
manipulating tribal notions to be in political office in the Gambia the canker worm
called tribalism is alive and obstinate to the missiles of clarity and civic
education. It concedes only to state power and selfish interest.
Although, I have always subscribe to the view that it is the duty of every
good citizen to be ready to die for his country and people I am no longer sure
whether I have a people that are fully convinced that they are first and
foremost a Gambian people. I am no longer sure whether I should join the group
of representatives or the group of civic educators and help to shape a new
social consciousness that can shape the sovereign Gambian social being. A
purposeful life is a battle to be relevant. Is one relevant by pursuing a field of
national duty where one is loved and disowned at the same time? How is one to
overcome such absurdity? It was common to hear the slogan in my constituency
Darboe for President, Yahya for President and Halifa for National Assembly.
The president executes to solve problems. The national assembly merely points
out the problems and the solutions but have no executive power to solve them.
Is it not an irony to want Halifa in the National Assembly and not to
exercise executive power to solve the problems?
What type of son and daughter does this nation want? What type of service do
they want from them? What is the demand of the current political situation?
Is NADD relevant? Should it continue to exist? Should it perish? Should
opposition parties revisit their strategies and tactics? Should they remain apart
or should they negotiate a rapprochement what is the way forward for me?
What is the way forward for NADD? What is the way forward for Gambia?
These are questions I posed to NADD Executive. They are questions I have posed
to myself? They are questions I am posing to every Gambian? They require
honesty and objectivity to be answered.
CORE INFLATION RISES TO 1.4%
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Core Inflation, which excludes prices of energy and other food items, has
risen slightly to 1.4 percent compared to 1.3 percent in July 2005 said reports
from the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG).
According to a report from the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
inflation remains low and non-volatile. “End period inflation, measured by the
Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 1.4 percent in July 2006. The 3.6 percent
increase in non-food consumer price inflation was offset by 0.1 percent decrease in
food prices,” say the MPC.
It also say that revised projections indicated a balance of payments (BOP)
surplus of D240 million (US$8 million) in 2006, but lower than the surplus of
D320.9 million (US$11.2 million) in 2005. This is reflected in the main
projected decline in the capital account surplus and widening of the current
account deficit.
“Gross International Reserve was estimated to increase by D168 million (US$
6.0 million) to D3 billion (US$99.2 million) against D2.7 billion (US$ 93.7
million) in 2005. The Gambia is current on all its debt service obligations,”
revealed the MPC.
The Committee added: “Domestic revenue totaled D760.1 million in the second
quarter of 2006, higher than the target by D3 million. This was mainly as a
result of buoyant tax revenue, which exceeded the budget estimate by D61.5
million, net lending totaled D1.1 billion and was below the ceiling by D78.2
million, or 7.1 percent. The overall budget deficit (excluding grant) of D336.9
million, was lower than the budget estimate of D418.1 million.”
PREPARATON FOR LOCUST INVASION
By Isatou Bittaye
The Africa Emergency Locust Project is prepared for possible locust invasion,
” said the Locust Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr. Shiekh Tijan
Sosseh.
He said that locusts are presently in Mauritania and there is a possibility
that they may reach Senegal, if Mauritania cannot control them. He said if it
reaches Senegal, The Gambia will be at risk of locust invasion. He indicated
that the favourable conditions in Mauritania like rainfall, humidity and
soil moisture make the locusts to lay their eggs there which hatch. Mr. Sosseh
said the locusts affect the Sahelian countries in the sub-region and The
Gambia is an “invasion center.” He indicated that the team of the Africa
Emergency Locust Project is presently scouting for locusts and their aircraft is also
prepared for any locust invasion. He indicated that research on Bio
pesticides locust control, like metarhezium and the barrier treatment is ongoing. He
said that FAO has launched a new initiative to carry out trials designed to
optimize barrier treatment. He further added that the chemical pesticides used
in the last campaign in 2004 has affected the people according to research
and now researchers have decided to use the Bio-pesticides treatment which is
not harmful to human beings. He noted that the AELP will collaborate with
NARI to check whether the Bio pesticides locust control will be effective for
The Gambia. He urged the farmers and Gambians to be patient, noting that the
AELP is prepared for any locust invasion.
ALIEU JOBE AND OTHERS IN COURT FOR TREASON
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Tamsir Jassey, Alieu Jobe, Omar Keita (alias Omar Faal) and Hon. Demba Dem
were arraigned before Justice Avril Anin-Yeboah on Wednesday.
Mary Saine who appeared for the state, told the court that the first
prosecution witness had started giving his testimony, but did not finish before the
previous judge, Justice Agim. Saine added that she is not aware that Lamin
Jobarteh and Lamin S. Camara, defence counsels, have formally come back to the
case, since they withdrew from it under Justice Agim.
Lawyer Camara admitted withdrawing from the matter, but submitted that the
accused persons have a constitutional right to be represented in court.
Mr. Jobarteh informed the court that when he applied to withdraw from the
case, the then judge urged him to continue until his clients secured a lawyer.
He submitted that the charges against his clients should be amended or
struck out since they were jointly charged with others.
He said that he would object to the continuation of the case under the new
judge and argued for it to start afresh.
Jobarteh also objected to the continuation because the testimony of the
state witness is not available to him.
In her ruling, Justice Anin-Yeboah said the matter will proceed since it is
not before a different court. “It is the same constituted High Court,” she
said. Justice Anin Yaboah added that the lawyers who wish to resume defending
the accused persons should forward a formal application. On the charge sheet,
she ruled that the court is satisfied with it because it is in order.
The matter will continue on the 25th and 26th of October.
HOSPITAL PRO ARRESTED
By Yaya Dampha
Reports reaching this reporter have it that Nuha Jawara, the Public Relation
Officer (PRO) at Bansang Hospital was on Tuesday morning, 10th October
whisked away from his family and relatives.
It is said that one Jibel Jabbi wrote a letter and addressed it to the
Commander of the Kudang Army Camp alleging that Nuha Jawara and Mr. Touray planned
to attack the Kudang barracks because the election results were not fair and
transparent. The letter also alleged that Nuha Jawara used his motorbike to
get to the rural people telling them not to vote for APRC. The alleged letter
was given to one Morro Jabbi who dropped it in Farafenni on the evening of
Monday 9th October 2006. The Security forces were said to be uncomfortable
when they heard that two civilians were engaged in subversive activities.
The two suspects were allegedly arrested and taken to an unknown detention
center. Further investigation revealed that they were first taken to Kudang
and later moved to Farafenni Army barracks.
When contacted, the GAF Public Relations Officer (PRO) Captain Lamin Gano
confirmed that Messrs Jawara and Touray were arrested by soldiers when they got
Jibel Jabbie’s letter. He said that upon their arrest they were taken to
Farafenni Barracks and then to Fajara Barracks.
PRO Gano however, stated that after their investigation they realised that
the information was not true. He clearly stated that the said Mr. Jibel Jabbie
who reported these two people did it out of spite in order to settle scores
with Mr. Jawara. The army has referred the matter to the NIA who decided to
arrest Mr. Jabbie for lying against the hospital PRO and his friend. At the
time of going to press, they were all detained at the NIA Office in Banjul.
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