The National Human Rights Commission, The Gambia

PRESS RELEASE

NHRC/PR/27012020/(05)

27 January 2020

Violent Clashes Between 3 Years Jotna Concerned Citizens and the Police Intervention Unit on 26^th January 2020.

The NHRC received with great concern news of violent clashes between members of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) and 3 Years Jotna Concerned Citizens on Sunday 26^th January 2020.

The NHRC is informed that a number of protestors and PIU officials were injured, 137 arrested and the operational the license of two FM radio Stations suspended.

The NHRC in its Press Release dated 14^th January 2020, following two meetings with executive members of the 3 Year Jotna Concerned Citizens and the Inspector General of Police and some members of his a senior team on January 9^th, expressed its concern regarding the tension that was already brewing between the two bodies.

Unfortunately, the incident on the 26^th January confirmed the fears raised by the NHRC, that if the misunderstanding was not addressed, it may lead to public order.

The violence of this nature must be avoided at all costs. The NHRC stands by its statement published on 14^th January 2020 and indulges both the law enforcement agencies, the 3 years Jotna Concerned Citizens and any other entity to exercise restraint and abide by the law.

In this regard, the NHRC is requesting that all those who are arrested are accorded due process as stipulated under Sections 17 and 19 of the 1997 Constitution; those injured are afforded the right medical treatment; and that the government reconsiders its decision to suspend the licenses of Brikama-based Home Digital FM and Tallingding Kunjang-based King FM radio stations.

The NHRC reiterates that as a nation, everybody abides by the rule of law and due process to prevent anarchy and lawlessness in the country. The NHRC also reminds the State and its agents that they are the primary duty bearers who have the obligation to respect, protect and fulfill the fundamental rights of everyone living within its jurisdiction. Everyone also has the responsibility to build a peaceful and prosperous Gambia where human rights are respected and enjoyed by everyone.

The NHRC will closely monitor the situation to ensure that human rights standards are observed and maintained.

_________________

Emmanuel Daniel Joof

Chairperson NHRC

Contact

Name: Isatou Njai Cham

Director of Communications and Media

The Gambia National Human Rights Commission

National Secretariat, P. O. Box 2858, Kotu (opp. DSTV),

The Gambia

Tel: (220) 3353107; 3353106; 3353110

Email: es@gm-nhrc.org; Website: www.gm-nhrc.org

WOJAG/GPU Validates Sexual Harassment Bill

Photo: WOJAG Members.

By Ousman A. Marong

Women Journalists Association of the Gambia (WOJAG) in partnership with the Gambia Press Union (GPU) has on Friday 24 January 2020 validated the sexual harassment policy bill.

The policy seeks to end the happenings of sexual harassment in the workplace.

The objective of the policy is to serve as a framework for the presentation, correction, and protection from sexual harassment and actions to promote gender equality in the media.

The policy is part of the 12 month project that was secured by the Women Journalists through the GPU with funding from UNESCO.

Speaking at the validation ceremony held at Tango Conference hall, Fatou Touray delivering a keynote speech on behalf of WOJAG President Sarjo Camara said “This policy will help each and every one of us to be able to report on sexual harassment in the media industry.,”

She said the bill is about addressing the unacceptable act in the media by breaking the silence through reporting perpetrators.

“All complaints of harassment will be taken seriously and be treated with urgency and respect as well as with confidence. No one will be victimized for making a complaint,” she remarked.

She urged journalists to critically scrutinize the document and share the information saying the document belongs to all journalists.

She hailed UNESCO and Gambia Press Union for supporting the initiative.

In her part, Maimuna Sidibeh, Principal Officer UNESCO revealed that quite numbers of women newspaper journalists in the county are sexually harassment and this harassment ranged from degrading comments to physical sexual assault.

She said the increasing number of sexual harassment of female journalists is a cause for concern adding that when the draft bill is passed would serve as a warning tool to end all forms of sexual harassment in newsrooms.

She further revealed that there have been instances where superiors demand “sex” from their young employees.

She said the most vulnerable people to such act are the newcomers into the profession before they can be given assignments or even have their stories published?

She cited the IFJ statistics to reveal that “at least one in every two journalists suffered sexual harassment, psychological abuse, online trolling and other forms of human rights abuse”.

“Workplace discrimination had denied many competent female journalists their deserving right to move up the ladder or even to cover very important beats for the political or economic departments of the media houses. Most of these beats or assignments are often given to male journalists some of whom are not as competent as their female colleagues in the same department,” she noted.

She challenged publishers to adopt the bill and abide by its rules and conduct.

Victim Center Chair Say President Barrow let Gambians down

Photo: Sheriff M. Kijera

By Ousman A. Marong

The Chairman of the Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violation, Sheriff Kijera, has on Monday reacted to the granting of a permit to the supporters of the Alliance for Patriotic Reconciliation Construction Party (APRC) to protest in demand for former President Jammeh’s possible return to the country as a free man.

“President Barrow had let all of us down by issuing a permit to the APRC,” he said.

It could be recalled that on Wednesday 16 January 2020, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mahmud Jobe decided to grant a permit to officials of the APRC Party to protest.

The granting of the permit came at a time when the IGP’s office refused to approve #Operation “3-years jotna” a movement to protest demanding for President Barrow to step down and honor his campaign promised.

“It is disappointing to see President Barrow letting us down. He (President Barrow) together with his government let all of us (Gambians) down. The decision from the IGP to issue the permit to supports of the APRC to protest was a political move. Such a decision does not come from the IGP himself. I am sure the move is politically motivated," he remarked.

He made the disclosure at a press conference held at the Center for human rights violations in Kotu.

It could also be recall that former president Jammeh’s name has been adversely mentioned at the Truth Commission as someone responsible for gross-human right violation.

He alleged that President Barrow wants to prolong and self-perpetuate himself into power.

“He (President Barrow) wants to contest the next Presidential election so he will do all he could in order to get the support of the APRC. He is aiming to go in for an alliance with the APRC party in order to achieve his long dream of ruling,” he asserted.

He revealed that all the victims of former President Jammeh are disappointed with the move to grant APRC the permit to protest.

He stated that they (the victims) have written a permit to the IGP and that they will embark on a massive protest come Saturday 25 January 2020.

“We are calling on all and sundry to turn up in their thousands and join us to demonstrate for a possible bring Jammeh to justice. Jammeh must face justice; Jammeh must answer to all the allegations against him, “he quired.

He said Gambians are closely monitoring the TRRC where various testifiers alleged to have ordered from him to mime Gambians.

“He (Jammeh) cannot go scot-free. He and all those behind  all heinous crimes against any Gambian must be held responsible,” Mr. Kijera vowed.

 He said victims of former president Jammeh are in dire need for justice. He added that many victims are still nursing the wounds inflicted on them by former President Yahya Jammeh.

Photo: Former President Jammeh

Jammeh Succeeded In Dislodging Jawara Due To Fractions Divisions- Says Prof Saine

By Ousman A. Marong

Professor Abdoulie Saine of Miami University has on Monday 20 January 2020 told the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission (TRRC) that former President Jammeh succeeded in dislodging Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara due to political fractions, and ethnic divisions within the Gambia National Army (GNA).

“The GNA was a fractured institution with numerous challenges thus exacerbated with political and ethnic division,” he said.

According to him, the army in those days does not subscribe to the civilian belief because they (army) thought theirs was best.    

The 69-year-old said order, disorder, greed and competition from the army with their civilian counterparts visa-visa the politicians were also contributing factor towards the successful overthrowing of Sir Dawda.

He made the deliberation at Dunes Hotel in Kololi, testifying before the commission on the 11 sessions of the public hearing.

On Military Institutions

He said former President Jammeh's view on issues was also seen as a believer in which he (Yahya Jammeh) referred to as witch-craft.

“Jammeh and his cohorts were hosts with religious leaders, interest individuals who were preserved and in the end, the winner takes no cost. We were living in a “dog eat dog wall” system of governance,” he asserted.

Sectorial and Environment Factors

He said the creation of ''ghetto's'' with different “Terri-Kaafo’s” within the officers-co also contributed to the unseating of former President Jammeh.

He revealed that former President Jammeh succeeded in becoming a dictator by restoring the death penalty.

He said Jammeh succeeded more in self-perpetuating himself by banning some political parties.

On Professional Association (the Bar)

“The press was muzzled to the core with arson attacks on some media houses seeing thus seen to be critical of the regime,” he remarked.

He said the culture of silence was the order of the day.

He alleged that Jammeh was using machinery’s judges to rule in his favor.

He said Jammeh was also using luminaries to help him craft the constitution.

GNTDA appeal to the government On High taxation

Photo: GNTDA Members.

By Ousman A. Marong

 The Gambia National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA) has on Saturday 18 January 2020 appealed to the government to expedite action on the promise to assist its members with flexible taxation.

“We want the government to help us with flexible taxation so that it will enable us to create more job opportunities for the youth. We are also calling on them (the government) to strictly adhere to the call in order to reduce many of our members embarking on the perilous journey locally dubbed “back-way”. Majority of our members are leaving the profession embarking on the perilous back-way journey all because of the heavy levy tax from the government,” said Chairman Badu Faal.

According to him, a human being without a proper requires skill is like a runaway horse.

They made the plea on Saturday 18 January 2020 at a press conference held in Latrikunda Sabji, in Serekund East constituency graduating its first cohort’s badge.

The association was formed on 15 April 2016 with the aim and objective of boosting the tailoring and dressmaking in the country.

Faal further challenged parents to send in their kids to acquire skills. “We are not requesting anything from you (the government) other than to reduce the heavy taxation on us, he appealed.

He said since they came up with the initiative and presents it to the government to assist his association, nothing practical good had been achieved.

Mamodou Salieu Jallow, President GNTDA said "our area Latrikunda Sabji is in an instance, our the region has within the last two years, trained over 400

Youth on various vocations skills different from tailoring and dressmaking and some of these trainees are doing quite well,” he boasted.

In his part, Sakou Marong, National Assembly for Latrikunda Sabji said the government had instituted measures that would create a congenial atmosphere for the private sector to flourish.

He said apart from granting loans and micro facilities for groups and individual business enterprises, the government was also training most of the unemployed youth in various vocations to become useful citizens in the future.

Photo: Members of GCCI on the high table. 

GCCI and Collaborators launch 14 Edition of Annual Trade Fair

By Ousman A. Marong

The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) in partnership with  YEP, KONRAD, and GIZ  Gambia has on yesterday 16 January 2020 launched the 14th edition of the annual trade fair Gambia international, slated to take place from 21 March to 12 April 2020.

The theme for this year’s edition is "GCC 2020-partner to progress." The annual trade fair aimed to promote and support the entrepreneurship industry.

It is also to ensure the ease and access to market by creating networking opportunities and visibility for small and medium entrepreneurs.

Bajara Jabbie, Chairman Trade fair Gambia International 2020 (TFGI) said “GCCI support youth and women empowerment by creating an avenue of development for them and also to create business opportunities for young entrepreneurs.”

He revealed that the last figures from the private sector Development Strategy has shown that small and Medium Enterprises constitute over 90 percent of the Gambia Business Community.

He added that SMEs contribute to the creation of jobs thereby reducing unemployment,

“The previous Trade Fair saw over sixty thousand visitors within three weeks and we expect a surge in visits in the upcoming edition. We expect to record over 450 participants including participants from the ECOWAS region and Asia,” he remarked.

He is hopeful that this year’s 2020 Trade Fair be a successful one adding this year’s Trade Fair will be bigger and better.

He stated that stalls will be allocated base on first come first serve while urging members of TFGI to do their payment at any nearest Guaranty Trust Bank branches.

  Alieu Secka, GCCI chief executive officer said they (GCCI) do not increase the prices of stalls for the past four years.

His remarks came at a time some vendors questioned about the high cost of rented stalls.

“The commerce industry is working tirelessly to make sure that people and their properties are secured,” he asserted.

He unveils GCCI’S plans in extending the trade fairs to Farafenni, Soma, Basse, and Brikamabaa before the end of the year.  “We (GCCI) will decentralize the Trade Fair so that it will not be regarded as Banjul Chamber of commerce only but the Gambia chamber of commerce.”

In her part, Sarata Conateh, director of business development lamented that one of the greatest challenges they are face with is the mindset of the exhibitors whom she said are with the habit of tending to believe that the trade fair is a money-making venture.

She said a trade fair is a place where people go to exhibit in order to be known by showcasing their talents and ideas on how to improve on their product and services.

Photo: Members of "3-years jotna"

“3-Years Jotna” Chair Says With Or Without Permit They Will Take To Streets Come Sunday

By Ousman A. Marong

 The Chairman of #Operation “3-years jotna”, Abdou Njie has said that they ("3-years jotna) will carry on their Sunday planned protest with or without permission from the police.

He said they ("3-years jotna" will carry on their planned protest even though the police refused to grant them the permit.

According to him the letter they (“3-years jotna”) received from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) indicated that they (the police) cannot grant them (“3-years jotna”) a permit to protest.

He said the police told them ("3-years jotna") that their refusal in granting them the permit is based on the condition that they (the police) cannot guarantee their safety.

“The police never said we cannot take to the street as earlier planned," he said.

He poised that they (“3-years jotna”) are in touch with their lawyers nationally and internationally.

He revealed that their lawyers asked them to carry on with their planned protest in accordance with the law.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday held in his Tallending resident, Mr. Njie admitted that the police have all the rights to deny them a permit on condition that they (the police) cannot guarantee their safety.

“No amount of intimidation or threats will scare us from carrying our planned protest. You may display all your weapons at us, but that wouldn’t prevent us from taking to the street,” he vowed.

He warned supporters of President Barrow including foreigners to stay away in order to avoid provoking them (“3-years jotna).

In his part, Sheriff Ceesay, Deputy Leader of “3 years Jotna” said the IGP’s refusal in granting them the permit would not prevent them from protesting.

“Power belongs to the people. We have seen anti-government protest uprooting leaders in countries like Sudan, Algeria, Lebanon, Bolivia and Iraq to list a few, he remarked.

He said if a leader disregards his people he will never deliver and corruption, nepotism, and instability will become the order of the day.

He challenged the security apparatus to distance themselves from carrying out illegal orders from their superiors adding this will harm the citizens.

He alleged that President Barrow did not trust his own security saying this is the reason we still have the Ecomig forces in the country.

Photo: Bai Lamin Jobe (Photo Credit Culled from Facebook)

MoTWI Signs MoU With Senegal On Interstate Transit

By Ousman A. Marong

The Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure (MoTWI) together with their Senegalese counterpart on Friday 10 January 2020 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to mark the start of the implementation of the Single Transit Guarantee Scheme between The Gambia and Senegal.

 The MOU is targeted at promoting free movement of goods within Senegal and the Gambia and to forms part of the ECOWAS adopted Convention relating to Inter-State Road Transit of Goods (ISTP) and its supplementary convention A/SP.1/5/90 establishing a Community Guarantee Mechanism to facilitate the movement of goods in the West Africa-Sub region.

The scheme is to allow cross border passenger vehicular movement between the Gambia and Senegal as per the Road Transport Agreement signed between the two countries during the Presidential Council Meeting in March 2018.

Honorable Bai Lamin Jobe, Minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure (MoTWI) said “the interstate transport permit (ISTP) and the interstate road transit disc are introduced and issued by member states which allow one to operate a vehicle registered in one the state as authorized in accordance with article 3 of the bilateral transport agreement between the two countries for free movement of people and goods.”

He revealed that in a start, a flexible quota allocation of hundred (100) permits will be allocated for The Gambia while one hundred and fifty (150) will also be allocated to Senegal respectively.

He further stated that the quota will be reviewed periodically by the two parties and adjusted when required.

“Vehicles issued with an ISTP shall use the official terminal stations of either state to load and off-load passengers with the exception of the vehicles operated by the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) and Dakar “Dem Dikk” and any other Gambian and Senegalese vehicles with the same capacity operating under the same conditions in accordance with the principle of reciprocity and equal treatment,” he remarked.

He said non-commercial vehicles including private, tourist vehicles, and public service vehicles with an ISTP shall not be required.

He outlined that “Laisssez-passer” or entry permits on non-commercial vehicles (including private and tourist vehicles) in transit which are not covered under this inter-state Transport permits regime shall continue to apply  entry permits or “laissez-passer” at the point entry customs posts of both states.

He mentioned that the implementation applicants must complete an application form with proof of ownership with a valid vehicle license and registration of a valid vehicle testing certificate.

Hali Gaye, Director-General of Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) in a remark said the move was critical to show ECOWAS that the national guarantors could establish the mechanism. He therefore called on GPA staffs, customs officers, clearing agents, importers of both countries to ensure the success of the system.

Photo: GAF Officials.

GAF Decorates 18 Soldiers

By Ousman A. Marong

Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has on Friday, 10 January 2020 decorated eighteen (18) soldiers to various ranks.

The decoration ceremony was held at the  army joint headquarters in Banjul and was presided over by Massaneh Kinteh, Chief of Defense Staff alongside with his deputy Major General Yankuba Drammeh and host of senior soldiers.

The decorated soldiers rose to the ranks of Lieutenant-Colonel, Major, and Captain.

Amongst the decorated soldiers 10 were promoted to the ranks of Captain and the other 6 were promoted to the ranks of major while the remaining two (2) rosed to the ranks of Lieutenant-Colonel.

 "Effective leadership at all levels of command is the duty and responsibility of the officer core," said the army chief.

  

Addressing senior officers at the army joint headquarters in Banjul The army chief categorically put it to his men that promotion in the army goes with greater challenges.

"I expect you (the promoted soldiers) to face the difficulties with the right attitude," he cautioned.

He further challenged his men to prepare themselves in order to face the realities associated with their new ranks.

The army chief went on to advise the newly promoted officers to maintain the highest standard of discipline, loyalty, and commitment to national duty and to leave up to expectations.

“I do not doubt your abilities as officers and through your capacities we can make an impact on the reform process of the Gambia Armed Forces,” he stated.

Deputy CDS, Yankuba Drammeh, on the other hand, reminded the officers of their oath.

“This is a very strong oath that we (soldiers) normally take. I believe you will keep up to the promises.  Promotion in the Military is not about mere decoration it goes with additional responsibility with commitment," he said.

A promoted Soldier.

Lieutenant-Colonel Abdoulie Manneh, speaking on behalf of his fellow promoted officers said “to whom much is given, much is expected.”

 

The promoted soldiers also echoed a similar sentiment saying promotion in the army is based on hard work and that hard work goes with promotion.

He hailed President Barrow as the commander in chief of the Armed Forces (GAF) and CDS Kinteh in their quest in promoting them (the soldiers).

The promoted soldiers took seven different oaths which are oaths of office, secrecy, trust, allegiance to the commander in chief of the Gambia Armed forces (GAF), allegiance to the state and allegiance to the people of the Gambia.

Photo: New Badala Estate.

TAF Africa Global Launches New Estate

By Ousman A. Marong

TAF Africa Global, the leading Estate developer across the sub-region has today Friday 10 January 2020 launched its new Dalaba Real Estate.

The Dalaba housing Estate is the newest launched by TAF Africa Global in their bit to build ten thousand (10,000) houses in the Gambia over the next 10-years.

“We plan to construct one thousand (1000) houses every year in order to meet this target,” said Mustapha Njie, CEO, TAF Africa Global.

According to him the reason why TAF Africa Global came with the project is to make an affordable house for every Gambian.

He made the revelations at the launching of their new build Dalaba Housing Estate along the Sukuta Jabang Highway.

The Dalaba housing Estate is a beautiful gated community strategically located along with the newly constructed Sukuta, Jabang Highway.

It is 10 minutes drives from the Senegambia strip and 15 minutes’ drive from the Banjul International Airport.

“If we build one thousand houses means we have created 25 percent on youths and unemployment,” he said.

He outlined that Africa is facing a growing meltdown of an affordable housing crisis with a total number of 52 million housing deficit while urging key drivers to dwell in supporting Real Estate developers.

In her part, Mariama Ndure representing the Minister of Lands and Regional Government lauded TAF Africa Global in their contribution in complementing government effort.

“I have been reliably informed that since the launching of the project in June 2018 consumption activities around the area have surged which will definitely help fast-track develop the area. The government of the Gambia will continue to create the enabling environment for ease of doing business,” she remarked.

This she said is, without doubt, complementing government efforts. She advised the occupants of the new Dalaba Estate to keep the place in good condition.

Photo: Members of Sammagi

The Gambia to Participate In Bi-Annual International Livestock Program In Senegal

By Ousman A. Marong

Sammagi in partnership with GamSheep breeders Association of the Gambia is gearing up to participate in the upcoming ADAM Livestock championship slated to take place in Dakar, Senegal from 17-27 January 2020.

Based on upbeat market development on livestock, the bi-annual 13 international livestock program of agro-food and sheep breeders Association is all set for growth.

Speaking at a press briefing held at Kanifing Mr. Ousman Corr revealed that the trade-fair would be graced by international and regional livestock enthusiasts in which The Gambia will participate for the first time.

 “The continued coordination and collaboration of various livestock actors in the Gambia caught the eye of our fellow livestock breeders in neighboring Senegal. As a result, we have been invited to participate in the bi-annual 13 international livestock show and championship organized by the Senegalese national livestock association ADAM,” he stated.

He said the selected animals to leave the shores of the Gambia to Senegal are fully prepared to represent the Gambia in the upcoming event.

The selected Sheep

“We are expected to leave for Dakar this coming Sunday 12 January 2020 and are expected to return back on Wednesday the 29. To make sure the Gambia leaves a mark at the event, Sammagi Association, Gamsheep breeders, Professional breeders are working hand-in-glove to represent team Gambia,” he echoed.

PRO Corr further stated the significant role livestock plays in the economy of the county, saying it's through these realizations thus motivated them (livestock industry) to come up with the idea of setting up livestock association.

In his part, Alieu Badjie member of Sammagi Association challenged the citizenry’s to dwell into livestock animal breeding.

“We have all it takes to get into livestock animal breeding. We have favorable climatically conditions which are suitable for our animals,” he concluded.