Government Exposed As Sonko Exonerates Superant Fronteres Over Ambulance Donation

 

 

Karamo Sonko Of UDP

 By Ousman A. Marong

 

The United Democratic Party's Regional Executive Member for Lower Niumi District, Mr Karamo Sonko, has confirmed the ambulance among its fleet of medical items was donated by the Superant Frontieres, a Spanish Charitable Foundation, through his partnership and not that of the government.

Sonko has further accused the government of President Adama Barrow of using the donated ambulances to score political points and also to canvas votes ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.

The UDP candidate for the Essau Ward made the exposure over the weekend during a Current Affairs radio program on Niumi FM radio called the Eyeball Show, anchored by Ousman A. Marong and Mam Jarra Camara.

The opposition United Democratic Party, UDP's Karamo Sonko, narrated how the donation and partnership came about.

He said the donation came from Buba Jammeh, a family member who is the Gambian representative of the Spanish Charitable Foundation (Superant Frontieres).

“Buba Jammeh is a family member who wishes to support my candidacy and party politics. Upon my defeat to Michele Mendy during the local government elections, I still want to live up to my campaign promise, which is to plough back to society. Mr. Jammeh, ask me what I think should be done for the Essau District Hospital. I told him I wanted his support through Superant Fronteres to donate medical supplies and an ambulance to the Essau District Hospital,” he narrated.

It could be recalled that in November of 2024, the government of the Gambia, through the Ministry of Health (MoH), is said to have secured a donation of essential medical supplies with an ambulance through a partnership with their Gambian, NGO, was made possible to donate to the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), and the Essau District Hospital, respectively.

According to Karamo Sonko, the government's claim of securing a partnership deal with Associacia Superant Fronteres, a Spanish Charitable Foundation to donate to the said hospitals was through his gesture and not the other way around.

He narrated how the donation and partnership came about, conjugating it to Buba Jammeh, a family member who is the Gambian representative of the Spanish Charitable Foundation (Superant Frontieres).

“Buba Jammeh is a family member who wishes to support my candidacy and party politics. Upon my defeat to Michele Mendy during the local government elections, I still want to live up to my campaign promise, which is to plough back to society. Mr. Jammeh, ask me what I think should be done for the Essau District Hospital. I told him I wanted his support through Superant Fronteres to donate medical supplies and an ambulance to the Essau District Hospital. My partners, upon agreeing to give support to the Essau District Hospital, have shipped the medical supplies in containers and shipped them to the Gambia, except for the ambulance, which came via land and was stocked in Morocco. Officials at the Morocco border held the ambulance because they said people took them from Spain to Africa in the name of donation and later sold them. The involvement of government in this was when the ambulance was stranded in Morocco and they were to prepare us a border crossing clearance document to indicate that the said ambulance was indeed meant for hospital donation and nothing more,” he narrated.

He thanked Bakary Sanneh, the OIC at the Essau District Hospital, for guiding and providing them (the donors) with what kind of support the hospital needed.

He continued: “They (the government), believe that my intention and wish to donate to the hospital with an ambulance was impossible. They were not taking us seriously,” he said.

Sonko challenged anyone to provide proof indicating that the donation was through a government partnership and not his.

He said: “It would be mind-boggling for one to think to suggest that the donated materials came through government. If that were so, why was no single government representative present during the handing-over ceremony at the Essau District Hospital? This should tell you they (the government), have nothing to do with the donation.”

The philanthropist cum politician compounded his chest and bravely stated what he has done for the people of the North Bank Region, NBR, the government of President Adama Barrow hasn't done a quarter of it.

Sonko, who lost against Michael Mendy in the local government elections asked the people of the North Bank Region particularly, Barra, Essau, Mayamba, etc to give their back to President Adama Barrow, and his NPP, party saying he had nothing to offer to the people of NBR, and that he is taking them a ride.

“Let me tell you one secret in politics and that is the regions or towns that always prove their loyalty to any ruling government are always the regions or towns that the government give its back to in terms of development. Why do you think your radio station was not part of the media houses that benefited from the D40 million Dalasi government's good image media contract? It's simple and it's just that your media house is stationed in rural Gambia and Niumi (Essau), a region that the president gave his back to,” he concluded.

West Africa Fights Back: Organised Crime Takes Aim At Human Trafficking

 

 

Photo: Members Of TOC.

 

 By Ousman A. Marong

 

The Transnational Organised Crime (TOC), West Africa in collaboration with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights(ACHPR), together with the CSO groups working on human rights, UNODC, IOM, OHCHR, Interpol, Academics and researchers specializing in TOC, human rights and related fields with funding from the European Union (EU), is poised to take step in combatting Human Trafficking, armed conflicts fueled by illicit trafficking, extrajudicial killings, force labour and other forms of exploration that constitute grave violation of human dignity.

 

Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) poses a significant threat to human rights across Africa, undermining governance, security and development. However, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) is playing a critical role in promoting and protecting human rights in the face of these threats.

The meeting was held on Friday, 13th March 2025 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo. The convergence brought together human rights lawyers, CSOs, migration experts and people from different sectors to devise strategies towards combatting TOC causes.

Dr Feyi Ogunade, Regional Coordinator, Transnational Organised Crime, TOC, said the converging was meant to examine how the African Commission can combat and address Transnational Organised Crime.

“It is always my belief that TOC causes can be addressed. We did not do much on Transnational Organised Crime. We primarily focus on human rights issues, which are the promotion and protection of civil, political and social rights. There are other obligations that the African Commission can address, and that's Transnational Organised Crimes. When you look at the interface at the conference on human rights and TOC, you see so many violations of human rights and TOCs. A typical example is human trafficking, smuggling in person from the time people are being smuggled till they enter the boats from Libya to the Mediterranean Sea. Thousand and thousands of would-be migrants or smugglers have lost their lives. More people have died in the Shara desert,” said Dr Feyi Ogunade, regional coordinator of Transnational Organised Crime.

 

In her part, Enya Braun, EU Programme Manager on Governance Cooperation (PMGC), said Transnational Organised Crimes know no borders, and its impact reaches societies threatening governance, security and the fundamental rights of people across the world.

 

She continued: “The European Union (EU) has now recognised the urgency of addressing Transnational Organised Crime not only as a security challenge but also as a way of human rights concerns. TOC undermine the rule of law, enables corruption and weakens state institutions, leaving communities vulnerable and deprived of basic protection.”

Background Of Transnational Organised Crime (TOC).

Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) in Africa manifests in various forms, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and cybercrime. These criminal activities traverse national borders, necessitating a coordinated and multifaceted response. The ACHPR, established by the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, is mandated to promote and protect human rights, interpret the African Charter and ensure its implementation. Strengthening the ACHPR's capacity to address TOC is crucial to safeguarding human rights and promoting justice.

Expert Weighs In: Can West Africa Defeat Transnational Organised Crime?

Photo: Members of TOC
Photo Credit (Pa Modou Cham)

By Mam Jarra Camara 

Enhancing Africa's Response to Transnational Organised Crime (TOC), on Friday 14 March 2025, challenged the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, ACHPR, together with the CSO groups, UNODC, IOM, OHCHR, Interpol, Academics and researchers specializing in TOC causes with funding from the European Union (EU), on West Africa's Transnational Organised Crime struggle. 

The event was held at the Sir Dawda Kaira, Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo, and brought together human rights lawyers, migration personifiers and people from different walks of life pinning strategies towards combatting Transnational Organised Crimes (TOC). 

Dr. Feyi Ogunade, regional coordinator of Transnational Organised Crime, TOC, expresses concerns and believes that the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR), could do more in tackling human rights violations related to TOCs. 

He said that even though there are mechanisms under the ACHPR to address other human rights violations, there is still a need for more advocacy on TOC and its related causes of human rights violations, thus needing to be fortified.

“I have worked for the ACHPR as its legal expert for many, many years and even with that, I strongly believe that TOC causes can be addressed and that the ACHPR can do more in addressing TOCs. ACHPR has for a long time been focusing on addressing other human rights issues, such as the promotion of civil, political and social rights, while limited focus is put on human rights violations related to TOCs. When you look at the interface at the conference on human rights and TOC, you see so many violations of human rights and TOCs. A typical example is human trafficking and smuggling. All types of rights are being violated from the time people are being smuggled till they enter the boats from Niger to Libya down to the Mediterranean Sea,” he said.

He concluded by emphasizing the need for CSO's Collaboration with the ACHPR, saying it's crucial in Safeguarding human rights and promoting justice for TOC victims. 

The gathering was in attendance with magistrate Hassan Jallow, who retorted that the Gambia back in the day was not known, with numerous murder causes linking the increase in murder cases to TOCs.

“All these cases are by-products of TOCs. We at the courts will do our utmost best in making sure that perpetrators who are brought before us answer to the crimes they have committed.” 

Enya Braun, the European Union (EU) Program Manager on Governance Cooperation (PMGC), reiterated the EU’s commitment and support to the ACHPR in promoting human rights and tackling TOC-related human rights violations. 

“The EU had long recognized the urgency of addressing TOC not only as a security challenge but also as a human rights concern. TOCs fuel Human trafficking and undermine the rule of law. It also enables corruption and weakens state institutions, leaving communities vulnerable and deprived of basic protections. EU remains committed to supporting African-led initiatives in addressing Transnational organized crimes and its consequences.”

Gambian Europe-Bound Boat Carrying 207 Migrants, One Woman and 9 Minors Arrived In Spain

By Ousman A. Marong 

A Gambian Europe-bound boat carrying 207 migrants, one (1) woman, and nine (9) minors this morning arrived safely in Spain. The Spanish sea rescue vessels disembarked the 2010 migrant passengers at the El Hierro Isla del Meridiano. El Hierro is nicknamed Isla del Meridiano, meaning the Meridian land. It is also the farthest south and west of the Canary Islands (an autonomous community of Spain), in the Atlantic Ocean on the Coast of Africa, with a population of 11,659 in 2023. Its capital is Valverde. The 207 people, including one woman and 9 minors who were unaccompanied, according to the report, are currently feeling DYC, and the Spanish authorities have taken good care of them. We will give you more updates on this. Our International patterns are working hard to bring us up to speed. Photo: Credit Akum Elvis.

The Arrest And Detention Of Voice Newspaper Journalists A Justification Of President Barrow Preparing Jah A Successor

Photo: (Member of NEPA)
Photo: Credit The Point.

 Opinion

 By Ousman A. Marong

 

The arbitrary arrest and detention of Musa Sheriff, Managing Editor of The Voice Newspaper, together with his deputy Momodou Justice Darboe, is enough justification for one to draw a conclusion suggesting that President Adama Barrow has chosen a successor as he prepared and planned to exit and hanging his political boots in the balance.

If the duo's arrest and detention have anything to go by, with no iota of truth suggesting that the President has chosen a successor (Muhammed Jah) as part of his preparatory exit plan, why arrest the gentlemen?

The arrest and detention of Sheriff and Darboe is nothing but a tactical move to frustrate and stifle them and their media organization.

It is mind-boggling to arrest Darboe, release Sheriff, and ask him to report the following day only to rearrest him and release him on bail, charging him and his deputy editor (Momodou Justice Darboe) with "false publication", subjecting them to daily police reporting with continuous harassment and intimidation tactic meant to silence them.

I, therefore, call on the government of the Gambia, through the Office of Inspector General of Police (IGP), to avoid using the lazy man's approach in the case of The Voice Newspaper Journalists and unify Gambians.

The office of the IGP, through the President, shouldn't have wrongfully arrested the Journalists without taking significant steps to redress the matter into a civil cause.

The office of the IGP has adopted a lazy man's approach by wrongfully arresting Momodou Justice Darboe and Musa Sheriff.

The story run by the medium did not in any way breach or violate any journalist's principles or ethics. It's a story with wings that any journalist interested in running a story can. If the state continues to operate in such a way, it would bring censorship amongst journalists and further derail efforts in citizens and institutions coming forward to play part their part in the recent commissioning of the ATI. The news was welcoming to us as Niumikas, but perhaps jealous Jarrankas police officers had to steal the show by arresting the Journalists who had run the story.

Yours, in the watchdog spirit

Ousman A. Marong

Chairman Journalists International Forum for Migration, JiFORM,

County Coordinator Mediteranean Foundation for Survival of African Migrants, MFSAM.

Ousman A. Marong: Gambian Journalist Appointed Gambia Coordinator Of MFSAM

  

Photo: (Ousman A. Marong).

The General Manager, GM, of Niumi FM, a privately-own radio station in rural Gambia, has been appointed Gambia Coordinator Volunteer of The Mediterranean Foundation for the Survival of African Migrants (MFSAM) as a prestigious organization representing the African Migrants, and Refugees across the length and breadth of Europe, Asia, and the USA. 

His appointment took place in Germany on Tuesday, September 10, during the board of directors meeting. 

Mr Marong will serve in the role alongside, Okpalaji Kenechi, project director in Abuja, Nigeria.

As county coordinator, the highly experienced Mr Marong Sectary-General Migration Reporter's Association of the Gambia (MiRAG), blogger at News Bite Gambia, said he is committed to supporting African Migrants through media advocacy with international partners such as the Mediterranean For the Survival of African Migrants, Journalists International Forum for Migration (JiFORM), German Refugees Association among others. 

"Our youths at this crucial moment, particularly so because of the bad governance on the continent and the sustainability challenges facing the youths, requires that we remain Steadfast and continue to work to ensure that migration on the continent is as important as ever, and migrants activist feel safe to do their work," Mr. Marong, said in a statement.

He added that revitalizing other countries associations across the continent, including in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Tunisia, Algeria, etc will be a top priority during his coordination.

"This is by no means an easy task, but it has to be done," Mr. Marong asserted.

MFSAM works to fight against irregular migration and Human trafficking amongst others. To advocate through their loadable awareness program to the public about the dangers of traveling through the Mediterranean and Sahara desert. We fight for migrants and Refugee rights, act as a leading voice, and have a rescue team of migrants at sea.

Below is Mr. Marong's appointment letter

Schoolgirl Escapes Rape Attempt, Rescued by Donkey Cart Driver on Her Way Home from School

 

Schoolgirl Escapes Rape Attempt, Rescued by Donkey Cart Driver on Her Way Home from School

 

 By Ousman A. Marong

 

In a heart-pounding incident on a Wednesday afternoon, a young schoolgirl, whose identity is being protected, narrowly escaped an attempted rape in the suburbs of Kerr Chebo, located in the Upper Niumi District of the North Bank Region (NBR).

 

According to reliable sources, the girl had just finished her school day and was on her way home, accompanied by her younger schoolmates, when they encountered a menacing stranger. The situation took a terrifying turn when the unknown man approached them with malicious intentions.

 

One of the younger students who witnessed the incident provided an account of the events, stating, "As the unknown man approached, he suddenly grabbed the 13-year-old girl (whose name we won't disclose) by the neck and forcefully began to pull her away from her friends. In sheer panic, we sprinted to inform our elders at home about the dire situation. While running, we encountered a man travelling with a donkey cart and urgently conveyed the matter to him. Thankfully, we were very close to reaching home at that point."

 

The eyewitness emphasized that no sexual assault took place, and the girl remained physically unharmed. "The assailant was unsuccessful in his attempt to harm the girl. She courageously resisted his advances and put up a fierce struggle to protect herself. Observing the man with the donkey cart approaching, the assailant hastily fled into the nearby bushes," the witness added.

 

It is worth noting that students from various villages, including Kerr Alagie Yerro, Kerr Chebo, Kerr Sidiki, Malick Nana, Chiller Jurunku, Prince, Bafuloto, Ksowa, and many others, come to Kerr Chebo to attend school. The distance between these remote villages and the school in Kerr Chebo often spans over 5 kilometres, traversing rugged, bushy roads.