Issue No. 40/2006, 25-28 May,2006

*Editorial*

*ARE THE FARMERS FORGOTTEN?*

Agriculture is the base of the economy of this country. The majority of the
population are farmers who rely on cultivation of the land for their
survival. The government has been unable to deal with the problem of
marketing agricultural products particularly the principal cash crop,
groundnut. Even in years when there is bumper harvest buyers could only buy
a tiny fraction of the crop. Moreover despite the annual promise by the
government that there would be no credit buying, this is now the order of
the day. This year seems to be the worst. The rainy season is fast
approaching and a good number of farmers have not been paid. After receiving
information that one-quarter of what is owed to the farmers has been paid *
FOROYAA* investigated what was taking place on the ground.

We enquired from the following seccos whether groundnuts which were taken
from the farmers had been paid: Jappeni, Kudang, Sankwia, Salikenne, Basse,
Kaur, Farafenni and Kwinella. The answer was the same throughout. Movies
owed are yet to be paid.

The farmers have now lost total hope and confidence in the government. It
cannot buy their groundnuts nor can it get the private sector to do.

Needless to say, groundnut trade requires the mobilisation of huge financial
resources and expertise. The private sector entrepreneurs may be willing to
take risks in this sector only if they expect high returns, that is, low
producer price and high world market price. The private sector will not be
expected to be zealous to venture into the trade if the government fixes a
producer, which the private sector considers high at a time when the world
market price has fallen.

Clearly, the government policy of leaving the farmers at the mercy of the
private sector and playing the role of facilitator has not yielded any
fruitful result.

Will the government pay heed to the cries of the farmers by ensuring that
the balance 36 million dalasis still owed is paid or are they just helpless
in the situation?

Needless to say, the Secretary of State for Agriculture is advised not to
make further promises until payment is effected. Otherwise, he will continue
to make promises, which may not be fulfilled.





*Interview With Halifa*

*Foroyaa:* The subject of Discussion everywhere is the importance of unity
among the opposition. What do you have to say to this?

*Halifa:* One thing that leaders cannot do is to teach the people how to win
an election. On this score it is the people who are better teachers. The
call for unity is nothing new. When we went to the US for the July
4thSymposium in Atlanta in 2003, some Gambians questioned the
representatives
of the opposition parties whether any of their parties could contest and win
a Presidential election in the face of a divided opposition. The answer was
in the negative. In the same vein, a delegation comprising supporters of all
the political parties came from the URD during our negotiations to indicate
that they would not entertain the meeting of any individual party in the URD
while the negotiation was on. They urged us to complete our negotiation and
go to address them as a united front. The people saw strength in unity from
the very beginning. They were overwhelmed with joy when we signed a
Memorandum of Understanding. They turned up in their tens of thousands after
NADD was registered to attend the first public meeting of the Alliance. They
supported us fully during the by election. The representatives of political
parties behaved, extremely well. All of us told the people that when the
time comes we will select one person to put before them. The supporters of
all the political parties accepted this in the open. The ground was very
fertile for a united front. The people had preferences as to who should be
flag bearer but would have settled for a candidate in or outside of the
Executive Committee.

*Foroyaa:* What went wrong?

*Halifa:* That is obvious. A split occurred before we selected a candidate
for the presidency. This created a split among the supporters.

*Foroyaa:* What was the cause of the split?

*Halifa:* You have to interview Mr. Darboe and Mr. Bah whose parties decided
that it was in their best interest to leave: As Coordinator I worked very
hard to ensure that we operated on the principle of unanimity. This meant
that an individual party had veto powers. Hence no body could become a
Presidential candidate without the approval of each of the Executive
Members. In short, if Mr. Darboe and Mr. Bah remained members of NADD they
could veto any selection of Halifa Sallah as flag bearer. No body's
selection could be imposed on any leader.

Foroyaa: Many people are saying that Mr. Darboe and Mr. Bah left because the
person with majority support was not selected?

*Halifa:* They left before any selection was done.

*Foroyaa:* some are saying that they could have left because they
anticipated that a person other than Mr. Darboe would be selected?

*Halifa:* I have made it categorically clear that the way the MOU was framed
nobody could be selected without the consent of Mr. Bah and Mr. Darboe in
particular or any of the Executive Members in General. Each had veto power
to stop the selection of any candidate. In that event we should go for
primaries and only the people could put an end to the impasse.

This is precisely why I rejected my nomination in the first effort and then
declared that I was not interest in accepting the position of flag bearer
unless it was accorded to me unanimously.

*Foroyaa:* What then is the reason for the split?

Halifa: This is why I say that you should interview Mr. Darboe and Mr. Bah
to get their opinion on the issue.

*Foroyaa:* What is the way forward?

*Halifa:* First and foremost, the split led to the formation of an alliance,
which tried to retain the original membership UDP/NRP. This has resulted in
persons loyal to each alliance trying to use every explanation to justify
its position. If there is to be unity, those who are to negotiate should
know the position of each alliance. The similarities on the basis of which
we can unite and the differences which need to be addressed to minimize the
obstacle to unity. In my view, the first task to be accomplished is to get
each side to abandon derogatory remarks against the leaders.

*Foroyaa:* Do you sincerely believe that there is a basis for unity?

Halifa: Those who are to do the negotiation should take note of the
following development before we formed NADD. First and foremost, we
recognised that each party had its legitimate right to put up its own
candidate to seek political office. We acknowledged that if each did so
there would be a split which could make it easier for the incumbent to win.
We saw the importance of unity and questioned how we could get the
supporters to each party to support one candidate and how we could win the
confidence of the none party voters and the APRC supporters to come to our
side. We recognized that we must get a candidate whom the leaders of each
party could convince their supporters to endorse. Secondly, the candidate
should be someone whom the party voters and the voters who currently support
the APRC would be happy to endorse. We agreed that we will select such a
person through consensus or through a primary. This is the first
consideration.

Secondly, we decided to offer those who would relinquish their right to
stand as a Presidential candidate concession. The first concession was to
make the mandate of the Presidential candidate put up by the alliance
transitional and short lived. In short, the person will not wield executive
powers as he or she wishes. In that the Vice President and the members of
cabinet will be determined by the executive committee of the Alliance on a
proportional basis. Furthermore, the programme of the Government shall be
that negotiated and accepted by members of the Alliance. In short, the other
leaders accepted to surrender their rights to an executive that will also
surrender its right in favour of collective leadership. Finally, the person
selected would also remain neutral to enable the leaders who surrendered
their rights to seek the mandate of the people for five years to do so in
the next following elections on an equal footing, by not participating in
such elections as a candidate or a supporter of any candidate. This is the
political chemistry of the Alliance called NADD.

It is necessary for the negotiations to indicate what the political
chemistry of the UDP/NRP Alliance is? What are they offering to help bring
about unity?

*Foroyaa:* Some say that you should meet half way. What is your opinion?

*Halifa:* People should make concrete proposals. What is half way? You know
we all compromised 180 degrees to curtail the operation of our original
parties in favour of NADD. We even lost our seats in the name of our
original parties. We have also regained our seats as NADD. We would lose
these seats if we were to dissolve NADD to form a new alliance. Hence the
dissolution of NADD to form a new alliance is inconceivable. The option left
is to form a loose alliance with other parties. If that is to be, what will
be the basis of the agreement; on what ticket will the Presidential
candidate run if a compromise were to be reached on a joint candidate? How
will the terms of the agreement be enforced? Those who are suggesting a new
alliance should work out these details as quickly as possible and forward it
to the NADD Executive and that of the UDP/NRP alliance.

*Foroyaa:* Would you be willing to step aside?

*Halifa:* I am a compromised candidate. My asset is my determination to
serve. I accepted to serve NADD because I honestly thought that no party or
individual in NADD had an axe to grind with me and that each of the leaders
will not find it difficult to convince their membership that I will be a
willing tool of the Executive in translating its objective of putting an end
to self-perpetuating rule and empowering the people. However, I have come to
see that my perception was not quite accurate as I served as coordinator. I
am simply waiting for Gambians to tell me what role I Should play to serve
them better. The options are many to me. Infact, as I address these
questions I have received a call from the Pan African Parliament indicating
that I should leave today as part of a mission to (had to deal with the
crisis in that country. I have no special interest occupying any post in the
Gambia. If it is recognition and respect I have enough of them; if it is
money I would have accepted President Jammeh's offer of Ministerial post 12
years ago. I am not competing with anybody for the presidency. Any day I am
asked to call it a day, I will be glad to do so. I will dispatch my report
on Darfur and my vision of the Pan African Parliament just to give an idea
of what I am doing for African without hoping to be a President.

*Foroyaa:* What is your advise to NADD Militants.

*Halifa:* Leaders come and go but the people own the country. There duty is
to enlighten, mobilize and organise the people for their political,
economic, social and cultural emancipation. Let them continue with their
cultural revolution to empower the people through songs, theatre, community
meetings and so on so that they take ownership of their minds. This is the
way they can decide who to put in position of leadership so that they can
take charge of their collective destiny and ensure that it is a destiny fit
to be claimed as their own, a destiny, of liberty, dignity and prosperity.





*TEACHERS AND STUDENTS SPEAK OUT*

*By Amie Sanneh*

ActionAid-The Gambia, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Education Fund
(CEF) on Saturday held an advocacy activity called "big hearing" for
teachers and students from various regions across the country to voice out
the problems they encounter in their respective regions. The discussion
forum was part of activities to mark the Global Week of Action (GWA) in The
Gambia

A teacher from Region Two said teachers in that region are beleaguered by
lack of teaching materials. He also stressed the need for the provision of
residence for teachers. He further complained of unqualified teachers
(untrained teachers) teaching in schools, and therefore stressed the need
for teachers to be trained. He urged the Department of State for Education
to look into the promotion of teachers, noting that teachers should be
promoted.

A female teacher from Region Three complained of the lack of laboratory
equipment in senior secondary schools in that region. She also revealed that
due to lack of laboratory equipment, they are not offering pure Science
subjects to their students.

On the issue of the appointment of untrained teachers in schools, she said
this is due to the shortage of teachers and thus urged the Education
Department to offer training to untrained teachers.

A student from Region Four pointed out that they (students) are fearful of
becoming teachers.

She said teachers are doing their utmost and need to be motivated, noting
that if they are motivated, their status will be elevated.

Another student from Region Three said that his region lacks technical
teachers to teach subjects like Wood Work and Metal Work. He added that not
all students will have the opportunity to work in offices in the future. He
called on the Education Department to intervene and provide equipment for
their laboratories to help teachers to teach technical knowledge.

Another teacher dwelt on the retention of teachers, saying teachers need to
be motivated in order to retain them in the education sector.

One student from Region Five threw light on the problems faced by teachers.
He said teachers cannot buy a bag of rice from their salary, not mentioning
the payment of house rent. He stressed the need for increment of teachers'
salaries, saying if we are to achieve tangible goals in education, teachers
should not be "left out."

A teacher from Region Six, revealed that accommodation and transportation is
a problem affecting them.

Another problem she said is the late promotion of teachers in Region Six.

She however urged the Education Department to consider the plight of
teachers in Region Six.


GAF SPOKESPERSON SHUTS THE DOOR

*By Yaya Dampha*

The Gambia Armed Forces' Public Relations Officer, Lieutenant Lamin Gano,
said he did not know if Sergeant Buba Mendy is charged or not. The GAF
Spokesperson made this remark when our reporter asked him to shed light on
why Sgt Mendy is detained and whether he is charged.

Responding to our reporter's questions, PRO Gano said: "I don't know if Buba
Mendy is charge or not." He said all those detained are now under the
judiciary and the NIA, who according to him, are competent enough to handle
those matters. He said as from now, all matters relating to the detainees
should be directed to the NIA and the judiciary.




CORPORAL EBRIMA JOOF STILL DETAINED

*By Yaya Dampha*

Corporal Ebrima Joof of the Gambia National Army (GNA), who was arrested and
detained several months ago, is still languishing in detention at Mile Two
Central Prison. His detention has been confirmed by the GAF spokesperson. He
was arrested by the security forces more than four months ago and since then
the family members cannot tell his whereabout.

Cpl Joof's brother who talked to our reporter said the family had made
several efforts to establish his place of detention, but their efforts did
not bear fruit.

According to sources, Cpl Joof was in charge of the "Operation no Compromise
Rice" (APRC rice) outlet in Kanifing for many years. He is accused of
mismanaging over two million dalasis. Sources added that CPL Joof's
compounds in Brusubi and Amdalai were seized by the authorities after his
arrest. The compound in Amdalai is said to be a family compound.

Speaking on the detention of CPL Joof, GAF spokesperson, Lt Lamin Gano,
said: "I cannot tell you anything about CPL Joof, hence his case is either
with the police or the judiciary." He said those two institutions should be
in a better position to throw light on the matter.

When contacted, the police PRO, Aziz Bojang, said: "It is the responsibility
of every institution to account for its men." He said since Joof is a
soldier the army spokesperson should be able to say something about him. He
indicated that even if a soldier is arrested by the police, they always hand
the individual to the army who would try him or her at a court martial. He
added that the police will take the responsibility of a soldier in the event
that the army dismisses that soldier and refers him to civil court.


GAMBIAN TEACHERS NEEDED

*By Amie Sanneh*

The Secretary of State for Education, Fatou Lamin Faye, has stressed the
need for Gambians to take up teaching as a profession.

She said if non-Gambian teachers are extracted from the system, then the
national teacher requirement needs would shrink enormously.

The SoS for Education made this statement while observing the Global Week
Action (GWA) on the theme: "Every child needs a teacher" at the National
Assembly.

She said what is needed is to encourage teachers to stay and to attract more
Gambians to join the vocation.

She said inorder to uplift the image of teachers and make it more dignified
and attractive, they need to be rewarded accordingly. "Importantly, Gambians
must come forth to be trained as teachers and run the schools. It is noble
to strive for self advancement through the acquisition of wealth or through
lucrative enterprises and professions but it is nobler to serve humanity,
for this has eternal rewards that can never be quantified," she remarked.

Commenting on the theme, she pointed out that each child must be provided
and equipped with the requisite knowledge to become a productive and
acceptable member of the world.

For this to happen, she said, families should teach their children or create
the necessary conducive environment for them.

SoS Faye posited: "Every child needs a teacher does not mean access to any
teacher but one who is academically and professionally adequate, and could
serve as a role model, parent, friend, educator, etc."

She however noted that her department is more than willing to work with all
those who share similar concerns and are interested in partnership and
collaboration. "On the other hand, we beseech those who are less concerned
about the education of the youths to ponder over the problems that confront
African countries in general and The Gambia in particular in order to
realise what difference they can make," she concluded.





*A MILLION FACES TO PETITION*

*UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY*

*By Bubacarr K. Sowe*

A campaign on the control of small arms trade is currently gathering a
million signatures and faces or images worldwide. The campaign is aimed at
petitioning the United Nation General Assembly during their next sittings.

In The Gambia, the exercise is being conducted by the West Africa Network
for Peace Builders (WANEP), the International Action Network on Small Arms
(Iansa), Youth Crime Watch, Youth Ambassadors of Peace, and the National
Youth Council. Within a week, The Gambian team is expected to collect about
a total of 10, 000 signatures and faces.

A participant and member of the Youth Ambassadors of Peace, Yankuba Jah,
told *Foroyaa* that arms are scattered all over the continent and it is of
paramount importance that a control mechanism is put in place.

"The petition will be handed to United Nations General Assembly in their
next sitting. The Amnesty International and Oxfam-America are going to
submit this petition to the General Assembly," said Mr. Jah.

He added: "In The Gambia we started last Monday and we hope to finish within
a week. That is on Sunday. If we can get the 10, 000 signatories it will be
good, but if we exceed it too, that is a plus for us."

Mr. Jah said that at the beginning of the campaign, they had encountered
constraints in certain places including Brikama, due to the lack of
understanding over the use of their images and identity.  Statistics have
shown that every minute, more than one person is killed by armed violence.
You can add your face to the "Million Faces" petition at *
www.controlarms.org*

* *



*PIU OFFICIALS DISPERSE DISGRUNTLED SCOUTS*

*By Annia Gaye*

Scouts, who were bent on disrupting the election of a new executive
committee for The Gambia Scout Association, were on Saturday dispersed at
the GOVI Resource Centre by officers of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU).
The scouts, who are mainly from the Greater Banjul Area, are of the view
that a new executive committee should not be elected because the
association's account is not audited.

Speaking to this reporter, Alagie Player, the scout commissioner for the
Greater Banjul Area said the election of a new executive committee should be
preceded by the auditing of the association's account and the Jacob's
Foundation Project. He said they don't know the amount of money in the
association's account.

However, other regions wanted the election to be conducted but officials of
the Independent Electoral Commission who were present at the scene, declined
to carry on with the election process.



*LEARNING TO FIGHT MALARIA*

*By Musa Barrow*

Statistics have shown that malaria kills millions of children in Sub-Saharan
Africa every year, and the vast majority of deaths could have been prevented
if the necessary information was disseminated.

It is against this background that Aid for Orphans and the Disabled (AFOD),
a non-political and charitable organisation, on Saturday 13th May 2006,
embarked on a two-day training workshop for its members at Sunrise Nursery
School in Bundung Borehole.

In his opening remarks, the Chief Executive of Aid for Orphans and the
Disabled, Mr. Lamin Fofana, said the objectives of the two-day training are
to equip their members with the requisite knowledge for the battle against
malaria and to use the training as a spring board to get the wider community
on board. Mr. Fofana also used the occasion to applaud Catholic Relief
Services (CRS) for providing the necessary financial assistance, which they
used to organise the workshop.

Speaking on the gigantic achievements of AFOD since its formation two years
back, the Chief Executive said through assistance rendered to his
organisation by philanthropists and institutions, and also through
contributions from its members, AFOD has been able to embark on public
awareness campaigns and capacity building programmes. According to him,
currently his organisation is sponsoring ten students who are attending
senior secondary schools.





*DARFUR REPORT*

*We are publishing the report of by the Pan African Parliament on Dafur in
series.*

*The head of the mission was Honourable Abdul Katuntu, from Uganda and the
rapporteur Halifa Sallah the Gambia*.

* *

*Part 1***

*The Executive summary***

*1.1 Population, Development and Governance*

The demographic and historical overview indicates the genesis of the crisis.
Sudan is the largest country in Africa covering 2.5 million square
kilometres. It is reported that it is populated by 250 tribes. This reality
poses challenges of development and governability. Sudan shares borders with
9 African countries such as Libya, Chad, Central African Republic, Eritrea,
Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Egypt and DRC.

Darfur covers an area of 256,000 km2. It is populated by 80 tribes who are
mainly nomads and farmers, living in remote villages.

During the British colonial administration, Darfur, which lies in the West
of Sudan, was administered as a closed district just like

Southern Sudan. No attempt was made to invest in the development of its
infrastructure or promote agricultural and industrial development.

The colonialists administered the territory by indirect rule through local
Sultans and Chiefs. Our findings reveal that the political and
socio-economic marginalization of Darfur persisted after independence.

*1.2 Causes of the conflict*

While acknowledging the low level of infrastructural development in Darfur
and the poverty of the people, the government claims that this is not the
cause of the current conflict. It argues that the war in the South had
undermined efforts to develop Darfur and other parts of the country which
had been neglected by previous governments. It claims that it has a
comprehensive plan for the sharing of resources and power between all the
regions, to bridge the gap. It attributed the causes of the conflict to the
exploitation of the existing conflicts between the nomads and farmers over
land, for farming or grazing, by the opponents of the government.
Sympathizers of the government argue that a split in the ruling Popular
Congress Party allegedly led to the creation of the Turabi faction. They
accuse this faction of being behind the war in Darfur. They claim that the
people of Darfur share one religion and that colour does not determine
membership to an Arab tribe. They attribute the allegation of racially
motivated atrocities and genocide to hostile propaganda by the armed
opposition. Some opposed to the armed opposition classify it as a rebellion
of the Zaghawa and Fur tribes and insisted that only three tribes in Darfur
are involved in the conflict.

On the other hand, the armed opposition attributes the genesis of the crisis
to a deliberate policy by the government to keep Darfur economically and
politically marginalized. The SLM, in particular,

11 emphasizes that repeated calls have been made on the government to focus
its attention on the socio-economic problems of Darfur and the lack of
security of the Non-Arab tribes.

They claim that, instead of addressing the problems, some powerful men in
the government who were racially motivated established an underground
association to give wealth, land and power to Arabs and push African tribes
out of Darfur to become refugees in neighbouring countries. They call this
ethnic cleansing. According to them these aims were racially motivated and
their implementation took the form of integrating the janjaweed into the
popular defence forces to give support to those who raided villages to
abduct women and children, loot cattle and camels and burnt houses.

They claim that the Sudanese population knows the difference between Arab
and Africans, even if the claims of being Arab do not sometimes go along
racial lines. They indicated that they took up arms to protect their people
from the burning of their villages, the raping of women and the seizure of
their properties. According to them their primary objective is to protect
their people and create a new democratic Sudan that will respect the
political, social and economic rights of the people of all regions

*1.3 Consequences of the crisis*

*A. Military*

The intensification of the war has led to the proliferation of weapons and
the arming of militias and revenge attacks. Villages have been razed to the
ground and their populations dispersed or killed. It is reported that 80% of
the people in Darfur were armed during the peak of the crisis.

*B. Security*

A climate of insecurity exists in the villages and people are unable to
cultivate the land or take care of their animals. The people in the camps
are afraid to return because of memories of atrocities. There is a
development of pro-government or pro- armed opposition camps and the
villagers are being classified as government sympathizers or rebel
sympathizers. If this continues, any dismantling of the camps could lead to
the intensification of the war as displaced persons find security in being
combatants.

*C. Humanitarian*

It is claimed that between 1. 5 and 2.5 million people are displaced and are
either staying in the IDP camps or have moved across the border to become
refugees. Farms have been abandoned and houses, livestock and other
properties lost. Most depend on Food Aid. Even the families of some
parliamentarians from Darfur are refugees in Chad. Female Judges are
conducting judicial inquiries on rape and other violence against women.
However their resources are inadequate.

*1.4 The Prospects For a solution*

In order to arrest the humanitarian catastrophe the government and armed
opposition were drawn to the negotiation table on 8 April 2004. The parties
signed the Humanitarian Cease-fire agreement. The agreement has two
components. The first component comprises the cessation of hostilities by
abandoning military action and hostile propaganda; ensuring access to
humanitarian assistance and guaranteeing the free movement of goods and
people.

The second aspect deals with negotiations to establish a democratic
political culture in Darfur that would guarantee the population their
economic, political and social rights. The protocol further made reference
to the return of displaced persons to their homes. A Ceasefire commission
was mandated to monitor any violation of the agreement and the Chairperson
of the Assembly of Heads of State is charged with the responsibility of
facilitating the negotiation for political settlement.




MURDER SUSPECT DIES IN PRISON

*By Fabakary B. Ceesay*

Faburama Minteh (alias Faks) who was incarcerated at the Mile Two Central
Prison for allegedly killing one Lamin Marong in Dippakunda in 2002 has
recently passed away.

According to family members, the young man passed away after he was
allegedly stricken by illness. However, family members could not tell the
type of disease that killed him. They said no autopsy was carried out on the
body of the young man. According to them, they were informed that Faburama's
demise was spurred by an illness.

Family members further indicated that the young man died on the 29th of
April and his body was lying at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital
mortuary up to the 4th of May before his body was given to them.

According to family sources, Faburama died a week before they were aware of
it. They said they knew about Faburama's death through his friend who went
to the prison to visit him. When the friend was informed that Faburama has
died, he (the friend) also informed the family. The family members noted
that they were told by the authorities that they (authorities) did not have
any address, which they could have used to inform the family members.




SPAIN'S ENVOY VISITS GAMBIA

*By Musa Barrow*

A Spanish envoy met with officials of the Department of State for Foreign
Affairs on Tuesday. The meeting is to pave the way for a visit to The Gambia
by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Spain. The Spanish
Government has launched a diplomatic offensive in West African with a view
to curb the flow of migrants to the Canary Islands, a Spanish territory
which is situated off the coast of North Africa. According to news report,
7000 African migrants have landed on the Island this year, nearly2000 of
them this month alone. Thousands of West African youths, in their bid to
escape poverty and in search of greener pastures, have succeeded in making
the risky journey to Spain through the Sahara Desert and across the
Mediterranean Sea. The Government of Morocco has taken drastic measures to
block this route. Many Africans are now boarding local fishing boats Jam
with migrants leaving the long unguarded coast line of Senegal and
Mauritania to make the week long journey to the Canary Islands.

European States have in the recent past applied stringent measures to curb
the flow of migrants to Europe. Spain's proximity to Africa makes it
vulnerable to the growing influx of clandestine migrants to Europe.

Senegalese Foreign Affairs Minister Cheikh Tidiane Gadio had talks with the
Spanish Foreign Secretary of State Bernadino Leon. According to newspaper
reports, Gadio indicated that Senegal has agreed to work with Spain to try
to halt the departure of boats carrying clandestine migrants and crack down
on people smuggling drugs. Reports have it that they cannot accept deportees
purporting to be Senegalese just like that; they will be willing to assist
their nationals who are stranded abroad, including bringing them home if
necessary. 19 boats carrying 1500 would be migrants were reportedly
intercepted last weekend.

The migration of these desperate West Africans is a thorn in the flesh of
the Spanish authorities; the youths who see migration to Europe as the only
viable alternative to their future are very determined to make the journey
even if it means risking their lives. A Gambian who called from Spain
advised Gambians not to make the journey to the Canary Islands because it is
just too risky. He was however quick to add that the Spanish Government
should strive to mend fences rather than build fences.


YOUNG GAMBIAN SEEK ASSISTANCE

A Youngman, aged 22, approached Foroyaa in the early hours of Monday to
explain his ordeal.

Momodou Jobe alias (Modou Pol) explained that all his sewing materials was
ravaged by fire on or about to 22nd March, 2006.

He said he went to school up to grade 4, but due to financial constraints,
he became a school drop-out.  After leaving school, he decided to go to
Senegal to learn the art of sewing.  He said he spent three years in Senegal
as an apprentice, and in 1995 he came back to The Gambia.  "I work for
people on contract basis during feasts and the little I earn from those
contracts was what I used to purchase a sewing machine."  After one year of
contract I decided to rent a small stall and started my own tailoring shop.


I started my own tailoring shop with one machine and after a year.  I was
able to buy two more machines, one (1) manual and an electrical one commonly
known as 'Zigzag.'  I worked hard with my apprentice and in the second year,
I brought a second 'Zig-Zag' machine."

On Wednesday 22nd March, 2006, I woke up in the morning to go to work.  When
I arrived at my work place, I was mesmerized by the destruction caused by
the fire.  I couldn't belief my eyes.  All my belongings had been burnt to
ashes the items ravaged included 3 Zigzag and 2 manual machines one of them
I had bought a few days before.   As a bred winner in a poor family.  I feel
my hopes are really shattered.  I am therefore seeking assistance from all
good Samaritans individuals, organizations or NGOs those willing to assist,
can contact me on (220) 9816771, 44833156.  I look forward to the
cooperation of the general public.





*REPORTER CHARGED WITH FALSE PUBLICATION*

*By Bubacarr K. Sowe*

Aziz Bojang, the Public Relations Officer of The Gambia Police, has said
that the detained reporter of *The Independent* Newspaper, Lamin Fatty, has
been charged with false publication and broadcasting.

Speaking to *Foroyaa* on Monday, ASP Bojang said Fatty's charge is contrary
to section 181A (1) of the Criminal Code Amendment Act 2004. When asked
about the general well-being of Fatty, Bojang said he did not know his
condition. He added that all he can say is that Fatty is at the National
Intelligence Agency (NIA).

On when the detained journalist will appear in court, the Police spokesman
said: "When investigations are ready."

Lamin Fatty was arrested in April and has since then remained in NIA
custody. Prior to his arrest, his paper, *The Independent*, was closed down
and its general manager and editor-in-chief were detained for weeks.

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface
at: http://listserv.icors.org/archives/gambia-l.html

To Search in the Gambia-L archives, go to: http://listserv.icors.org/SCRIPTS/WA-ICORS.EXE?S1=gambia-l
To contact the List Management, please send an e-mail to:
[log in to unmask]
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤