Gender Platform Officials Meet President Barrow At State House Where The President Disclosed His Government’s Commitment To Women Advancement.
President Adama Barrow assured women activists of his government’s commitment to the advancement of women. The President made the remarks on Wednesday when he received members of the Gender Platform, an advocacy group promoting women’s political participation and leadership in governance.
State House said: “President Barrow expresses appreciation in receiving the team and called on educated women to step forward and participate in electoral politics and governance.
“The President of Gender Platform, Ms Tabu Njie-Sarr said their audience with President Barrow was to seek his support for a guaranteed quota of women representation in the National Assembly and other governance structures. Ms Njie-Sarr said since the attainment of independence women continued to be underrepresented in political office thus the call for reserving two seats in each region for contest among women, to change the status quo.
“Also present at the meeting at the State House was the Minister of Women, Children and Social Welfare, Honourable Fatou Kinteh, who welcomed the advocacy to increase women’s representation. She called on the Gender Platform team to continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders in all the processes to attain their objective.
AD
“Other speakers included Honourable Fatoumatta Njie, National Assembly member for Banjul South and Maimuna Secka, representative of the Gambia Association for the Physically Disabled including rural women’s representatives, all of whom emphasised the importance of ensuring women are equally represented in elective and other leadership positions.”President Adama Barrow assured women activists of his government’s commitment to the advancement of women. The President made the remarks on Wednesday when he received members of the Gender Platform, an advocacy group promoting women’s political participation and leadership in governance.
State House said: “President Barrow expresses appreciation in receiving the team and called on educated women to step forward and participate in electoral politics and governance.
“The President of Gender Platform, Ms Tabu Njie-Sarr said their audience with President Barrow was to seek his support for a guaranteed quota of women representation in the National Assembly and other governance structures. Ms Njie-Sarr said since the attainment of independence women continued to be underrepresented in political office thus the call for reserving two seats in each region for contest among women, to change the status quo.
“Also present at the meeting at the State House was the Minister of Women, Children and Social Welfare, Honourable Fatou Kinteh, who welcomed the advocacy to increase women’s representation. She called on the Gender Platform team to continue to work closely with relevant stakeholders in all the processes to attain their objective.
“Other speakers included Honourable Fatoumatta Njie, National Assembly member for Banjul South and Maimuna Secka, representative of the Gambia Association for the Physically Disabled including rural women’s representatives, all of whom emphasised the importance of ensuring women are equally represented in elective and other leadership positions.”
TRRC Hears Testimony of Executive Director of Article- 19
By Nelson Manneh
Mrs Fatou Jangne-Senghore, executive director of Article 19, on Thursday told the Truth Commission that in 1999, the government wanted to introduce a National Media Commission for the media outlets to register their businesses with that body.
She said since that body was not independent, they wrote a Memorandum to the Gambia Government, and the Gambia Press Union took the Gambia Government to the Supreme Court and challenged the constitutionality of the National Media Commission Act.
She added that the government subsequently scrapped the National Media Commission.
She added: “Unfortunately, in December 2004, Deyda was killed, while the State proceeded to amend two existing laws and increased the bond on people interested in establishing newspapers and the law on defamation was made harsh.”
The witness testified that Journalists were prosecuted under the previous regime and the government at the time heavily relied on defamation and publication of false news to bar them from executing their functions. Mrs. Senghore informed the Commission that the NIA frustrated journalists and also embarked on a lot of arbitrary closure of media houses.
The Veteran Human Rights Activist recalled that in 2004, Article 19 wrote to the former head of State to investigate the brutal killing of Deyda Hydara. She said their letter to the Gambian leader also raised concern on the amendment of certain sections of the Criminal Code which made it difficult for journalists to operate freely. She testified Journalists Abdoulie John, a reporter with the Associated Press (AP), was put on constant surveillance and his passport was eventually seized by the authorities.
She said: “We facilitated his relocation to Senegal and he only came back after the change of government.”
She said they conducted legal analysis of some of the laws and shared the document with the government.
She said they used to commemorate the anniversary of the murder of Deyda Hydara every year on December 16.
She said in October 2016, she had a meeting with Attorney General and Minister of Justice Mama Fatima Singhateh regarding human rights issues in The Gambia. She said at meeting, they could not agree on anything because the political situation was tense at the time. She said former Attorney General Singhateh, told her the case of the late Ebrima Solo Sandeng was beyond her remit.
She said about 100 Journalist went into exile during the days of the Jammeh administration; adding that those people were provided assistance by her organization. She added that they did not limit the assistance they were providing to only journalists, but assisted other people by guiding them and referring them to appropriate bodies for assistance.
She said many journalists including Abdoulie Ceesay, (former Managing Director of Terenga Fm) suffered unlawful detention in different detention centers.
The witness told the commission that some of the people who went to Senegal needed a lot of medical attention because they suffered psychological trauma and sexual violence.
She added: “People accused of being Gay or lesbians also took sanctuary in Senegal for fear of their lives because many of them were targeted by the Jammeh regime.”
2016 Presidential Elections
On the role she played in the 2016 Presidential Elections, the witness revealed that Gambians both at home abroad realized that if the opposition was not united it would be difficult to uproot Yahya Jammeh from power.
She testified: “The likes of Jeagan Grey Johnson mobilized resources which enabled Gambians and opposition parties to come together and a coalition was achieved.”
Mrs Fatou Jangne-Senghore, executive director of Article 19, on Thursday told the Truth Commission that in 1999, the government wanted to introduce a National Media Commission for the media outlets to register their businesses with that body.
She said since that body was not independent, they wrote a Memorandum to the Gambia Government, and the Gambia Press Union took the Gambia Government to the Supreme Court and challenged the constitutionality of the National Media Commission Act.
She added that the government subsequently scrapped the National Media Commission.
She added: “Unfortunately, in December 2004, Deyda was killed, while the State proceeded to amend two existing laws and increased the bond on people interested in establishing newspapers and the law on defamation was made harsh.”
The witness testified that Journalists were prosecuted under the previous regime and the government at the time heavily relied on defamation and publication of false news to bar them from executing their functions. Mrs. Senghore informed the Commission that the NIA frustrated journalists and also embarked on a lot of arbitrary closure of media houses.
The Veteran Human Rights Activist recalled that in 2004, Article 19 wrote to the former head of State to investigate the brutal killing of Deyda Hydara. She said their letter to the Gambian leader also raised concern on the amendment of certain sections of the Criminal Code which made it difficult for journalists to operate freely. She testified Journalists Abdoulie John, a reporter with the Associated Press (AP), was put on constant surveillance and his passport was eventually seized by the authorities.
She said: “We facilitated his relocation to Senegal and he only came back after the change of government.”
She said they conducted legal analysis of some of the laws and shared the document with the government.
She said they used to commemorate the anniversary of the murder of Deyda Hydara every year on December 16.
She said in October 2016, she had a meeting with Attorney General and Minister of Justice Mama Fatima Singhateh regarding human rights issues in The Gambia. She said at meeting, they could not agree on anything because the political situation was tense at the time. She said former Attorney General Singhateh, told her the case of the late Ebrima Solo Sandeng was beyond her remit.
She said about 100 Journalist went into exile during the days of the Jammeh administration; adding that those people were provided assistance by her organization. She added that they did not limit the assistance they were providing to only journalists, but assisted other people by guiding them and referring them to appropriate bodies for assistance.
She said many journalists including Abdoulie Ceesay, (former Managing Director of Terenga Fm) suffered unlawful detention in different detention centers.
The witness told the commission that some of the people who went to Senegal needed a lot of medical attention because they suffered psychological trauma and sexual violence.
She added: “People accused of being Gay or lesbians also took sanctuary in Senegal for fear of their lives because many of them were targeted by the Jammeh regime.”
2016 Presidential Elections
On the role she played in the 2016 Presidential Elections, the witness revealed that Gambians both at home abroad realized that if the opposition was not united it would be difficult to uproot Yahya Jammeh from power.
She testified: “The likes of Jeagan Grey Johnson mobilized resources which enabled Gambians and opposition parties to come together and a coalition was achieved.”
The Supreme Court this week ruled the 54 million dalasis loan scheme by members of the National Assembly was unconstitutional and ordered for its scrapping from the budget.
Below is the full judgment;
Below is the full judgment;
The Doomed D54M Loan Scheme By MPs: What The Supreme Court Exactly Said.
The Supreme Court this week ruled the 54 million dalasis loan scheme by members of the National Assembly was unconstitutional and ordered for its scrapping from the budget. Below is the full judgment;
D54M Loan Scheme: Sponsor YaKumba Jaiteh Breaks Her Silence May 7, 2021 .
Yakumba Jaiteh insisted the Supreme Court vindicated her intentions for a multi-million dalasis loan scheme proposal she sponsored for MPs.
Jaiteh last year moved a motion for 54 million dalasis to be given to MPs as loan so that they could build their houses. The MPs had slashed the budget of a number of government departments and allocated it to themselves.
Two civil society groups then sued them insisting it was illegal – and the Supreme Court this week held that the act was unconstitutional.
But Mrs Jaiteh insisted on Thursday: “The Supreme Court Ruling on the 54million Loan Scheme is partly bizarre, giving its interpretation of word ‘amend’ in S101 of the constitution, which I do not agree with and will give my reasons in another post.
“Although the SC did not agree with the procedure used by National Assembly in approving the loan scheme. The Supreme Court vindicated my intentions for a loan scheme and proffered the exact same reasons and arguments I gave on the floor of the house.
“To those that were opposed to the loan Scheme and viewed it as “self serving” or a “conduct to improperly enrich NAMs”, the SC has completely disagreed with you lot.”
Jaiteh last year moved a motion for 54 million dalasis to be given to MPs as loan so that they could build their houses. The MPs had slashed the budget of a number of government departments and allocated it to themselves.
Two civil society groups then sued them insisting it was illegal – and the Supreme Court this week held that the act was unconstitutional.
But Mrs Jaiteh insisted on Thursday: “The Supreme Court Ruling on the 54million Loan Scheme is partly bizarre, giving its interpretation of word ‘amend’ in S101 of the constitution, which I do not agree with and will give my reasons in another post.
“Although the SC did not agree with the procedure used by National Assembly in approving the loan scheme. The Supreme Court vindicated my intentions for a loan scheme and proffered the exact same reasons and arguments I gave on the floor of the house.
“To those that were opposed to the loan Scheme and viewed it as “self serving” or a “conduct to improperly enrich NAMs”, the SC has completely disagreed with you lot.”
Sami Pochonki resident missing for over 7 years May 7, 2021, 11:09 AM | Article By: Sulayman Waan
Information has reached The Point that one Seray Ceesay, 40, a resident of Sami Pochonki in the Sami District of the Central River Region north (CRR) has been missing since 2013 leaving his family in constant worry.Speaking to The Point exclusively, Tumani Ceesay, close relative to the missing man said Mr. Seray was last seen in 2013 when he travelled to neighbouring Senegal for greener pasture but never returned home.
“Seray was a hard working man in the village and a good footballer. He travelled to Senegal in 2013 leaving his two wives and four children at home,” he said.
He added that at some point, Seray Ceesay called home and informed the family that he wanted to return to the Gambia but since then, the family has never heard anything about him.
It is not clear whether Mr. Cessay is jailed in Senegalese prisons or dead but the family does not know anything about him since 2013.
Speaking sorrowfully, Tumani said Seray’s mother passed away in his absence and both wives returned to their various homes after having waited on their husband for long and his whereabouts is unknown to any family member.
“The father has also turned blind due to stress,” Tumani said anxiously.
Tumani described the loss of his brother as havoc for the family, thus he called on government, rights advocates and individuals to help them find their loved one.
“Seray was a hard working man in the village and a good footballer. He travelled to Senegal in 2013 leaving his two wives and four children at home,” he said.
He added that at some point, Seray Ceesay called home and informed the family that he wanted to return to the Gambia but since then, the family has never heard anything about him.
It is not clear whether Mr. Cessay is jailed in Senegalese prisons or dead but the family does not know anything about him since 2013.
Speaking sorrowfully, Tumani said Seray’s mother passed away in his absence and both wives returned to their various homes after having waited on their husband for long and his whereabouts is unknown to any family member.
“The father has also turned blind due to stress,” Tumani said anxiously.
Tumani described the loss of his brother as havoc for the family, thus he called on government, rights advocates and individuals to help them find their loved one.
Gambia, Nigeria navies renew commitment to combat piracy
MAY 6, 2021.
By Omar Bah
The Gambia and Nigeria naval commands have renewed commitment towards working closely to fight against piracy and illegal fishing in the sub-region.
The two countries’ high navy commands were speaking during a formal welcoming event of a new Nigerian Navy survey vessel, NNS Lana. The vessel, built in France, was handed over to the Nigerian Navy in Saint Nazaire on 15 April. The vessel sailed from France on 16 April 2021 and is expected to stop over in 4 countries/ports, including The Gambia where it will spend at least four days.
In accordance with naval tradition, the ship berthed at the Banjul port for logistics including fueling, food/fresh water and preventive maintenance.
As part of security protocol, senior officers from the Nigeria Naval Headquarters received the ship which conveyed a goodwill message on behalf the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Chief of Naval Staff (Nigeria) to The Gambia for their hospitality and use of berthing facilities
Speaking at the event, the Gambia Navy Commander, Madani Senghore, said berthing of the Nigerian Navy vessel in Banjul clearly demonstrates the strong relationship the two countries continue to share and the leadership role Nigeria continues to play in the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa, particularly in maritime safety and security.
“The Gambia and Nigeria navy have been partners since 1996 and more so, Nigeria has been playing a leading role in the establishment of the Yaoundé Architecture of which Gambia is a member, though we are not in the same group,” he said.
Senghore said Nigeria has been organising a lot of symposiums to look into issues that transgress national boundaries to overcome the challenges of maritime security in the region.
“So the acquisition of this vessel clearly demonstrates that Nigeria has the capacity and as our partners – we will look forward to them for support towards overcoming maritime security and illegal fishing challenges,” he said.
The representative of the Nigeria Navy [NN] Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan, expressed profound gratitude to his Gambian counterpart for their hospitality as he relishes the strong mutual relationship the two countries continue to share.
He said the new vessel was conceived as a replacement of the previous NNS Lana, a survey ship that was decommissioned about ten years ago.
Admiral Hassan said survey services and charting waterways play a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation as well as delivery of maritime security.
“Hence, NNS Lana will not only enhance the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment but the ship will serve as a critical component in the projection of naval power for enhanced maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. It will also play a critical role in the protection of maritime resources and preservation of law and order at sea, thus contributing significantly to the promotion of global maritime commerce,” he said.
He said the new vessel has an Automatic Weather Station (AWS), wet and dry laboratories, scientific and technical workshops as well as operating and processing rooms for survey data.
The 60-metre-long ship, he added, has a maximum speed of 14 knots and a capacity of 50 crew.
He said the ship would afford the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Department the leverage to successfully and systematically conduct hydrographic surveys and charting of Nigeria’s waters.
“It would also afford Nigeria with the opportunity of keying into the General Bathymetric Charts of the Oceans (GEBCO) Seabed 2030 project and the Global Multi-Resolution Topography (GMRT) synthesis project which would ultimately facilitate Nigeria’s accomplishment of its obligation under SOLAS Convention in accordance with President Muhammadu Buhari’s deliberate and sustained policies on maritime safety and security,” he said.
The Nigeria High Commission Charge d’Affaires, Eche Abu Obe, expressed delight over the mutual relationship Gambian and Nigeria continue to share.
“Due to the brotherly relations we share with The Gambia, you can stay for a longer time without having any hitches. We hope and pray that the relationship continues in the same manner. Sailing of the vessel in Banjul is an indication that we are still close and we can only continue to have cohesive relations between each another. So we hope the vessel will achieve its purpose and we are looking forward to seeing the coming of many of these vessels,” he said.
The Gambia and Nigeria naval commands have renewed commitment towards working closely to fight against piracy and illegal fishing in the sub-region.
The two countries’ high navy commands were speaking during a formal welcoming event of a new Nigerian Navy survey vessel, NNS Lana. The vessel, built in France, was handed over to the Nigerian Navy in Saint Nazaire on 15 April. The vessel sailed from France on 16 April 2021 and is expected to stop over in 4 countries/ports, including The Gambia where it will spend at least four days.
In accordance with naval tradition, the ship berthed at the Banjul port for logistics including fueling, food/fresh water and preventive maintenance.
As part of security protocol, senior officers from the Nigeria Naval Headquarters received the ship which conveyed a goodwill message on behalf the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Chief of Naval Staff (Nigeria) to The Gambia for their hospitality and use of berthing facilities
Speaking at the event, the Gambia Navy Commander, Madani Senghore, said berthing of the Nigerian Navy vessel in Banjul clearly demonstrates the strong relationship the two countries continue to share and the leadership role Nigeria continues to play in the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa, particularly in maritime safety and security.
“The Gambia and Nigeria navy have been partners since 1996 and more so, Nigeria has been playing a leading role in the establishment of the Yaoundé Architecture of which Gambia is a member, though we are not in the same group,” he said.
Senghore said Nigeria has been organising a lot of symposiums to look into issues that transgress national boundaries to overcome the challenges of maritime security in the region.
“So the acquisition of this vessel clearly demonstrates that Nigeria has the capacity and as our partners – we will look forward to them for support towards overcoming maritime security and illegal fishing challenges,” he said.
The representative of the Nigeria Navy [NN] Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan, expressed profound gratitude to his Gambian counterpart for their hospitality as he relishes the strong mutual relationship the two countries continue to share.
He said the new vessel was conceived as a replacement of the previous NNS Lana, a survey ship that was decommissioned about ten years ago.
Admiral Hassan said survey services and charting waterways play a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation as well as delivery of maritime security.
“Hence, NNS Lana will not only enhance the safety of Nigeria’s maritime environment but the ship will serve as a critical component in the projection of naval power for enhanced maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. It will also play a critical role in the protection of maritime resources and preservation of law and order at sea, thus contributing significantly to the promotion of global maritime commerce,” he said.
He said the new vessel has an Automatic Weather Station (AWS), wet and dry laboratories, scientific and technical workshops as well as operating and processing rooms for survey data.
The 60-metre-long ship, he added, has a maximum speed of 14 knots and a capacity of 50 crew.
He said the ship would afford the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Department the leverage to successfully and systematically conduct hydrographic surveys and charting of Nigeria’s waters.
“It would also afford Nigeria with the opportunity of keying into the General Bathymetric Charts of the Oceans (GEBCO) Seabed 2030 project and the Global Multi-Resolution Topography (GMRT) synthesis project which would ultimately facilitate Nigeria’s accomplishment of its obligation under SOLAS Convention in accordance with President Muhammadu Buhari’s deliberate and sustained policies on maritime safety and security,” he said.
The Nigeria High Commission Charge d’Affaires, Eche Abu Obe, expressed delight over the mutual relationship Gambian and Nigeria continue to share.
“Due to the brotherly relations we share with The Gambia, you can stay for a longer time without having any hitches. We hope and pray that the relationship continues in the same manner. Sailing of the vessel in Banjul is an indication that we are still close and we can only continue to have cohesive relations between each another. So we hope the vessel will achieve its purpose and we are looking forward to seeing the coming of many of these vessels,” he said.
NAMS REACT TO D54M LOAN BLUES
MAY 6, 2021.
By Tabora Bojang
Various members of the National Assembly have expressed mixed feelings to the Supreme Court’s ruling against their proposed D54 million loan scheme.
In a landmark ruling on Monday, the apex court ruled that the constitution does not accord the National Assembly the power to create a new budget in the estimates, since any motion seeking to create a new budget line must be done by the executive and not the Assembly.
The court further declared as unconstitutional the lawmakers’ attempt to create the D54 million loan scheme for parliamentarians and staff of the Assembly and called for its retirement from the 2021 budget.
But while a few lawmakers welcomed the court ruling, several others expressed dismay at the decision.
Jarra East NAM, Sainey Touray said he received the decision with “mixed reactions” because he expected the court to “strike” out the case for lack of merit.
“I was definitely of the view that people who took the matter to the court have no case against us. I expected the court to dismiss it but on the contrary, my expectations were dashed,” Touray said.
He argued that the Supreme Court could have decided otherwise if it was guided by section 153 of the 1997 constitution.
“I have nothing to say but respect the verdict of the court because a lawmaker will always remain a lawmaker and not a lawbreaker,” he added.
The Member for Banjul South, Touma Njai congratulated the civil society for taking the matter to the Supreme Court, saying it is a demonstration that “our democracy is at work.”
“I have always been against these loan allocations from the onset because I don’t subscribe to personal gains while in office and I will not support any member [NAM] to enrich him or herself. We cannot create a budget line and do an oversight function on that same budget,” she said.
Touma added that her fellow NAMs could liaise with the Ministry of Finance and get them to create a budget line and then request the allocations.
Foday Drammeh, member for Tumana said even though he does not subscribe to the loan allocation, he is “disappointed” with the apex court’s decision to overturn it.
“I am disappointed because I was never with the notion that the court will overturn the scheme since lawmakers have powers to propose certain things in the budget. But again, this is the beauty of democracy; the court’s judgement has to be respected and it may well serve as a lesson for both the lawmakers and the public,” Drammeh said.
Minority Leader and Member for Niamina Dankunku, Samba Jallow said he is “very happy” with the decision of the Supreme Court.
“This shows that there is democracy working in our country. We represent the citizens and since they felt our decision was wrong and subsequently sought redress at the Supreme Court, which has powers to interpret the laws and they ruled in favour of the citizens that we represent, then I am happy with the ruling,” Jallow said.
Asked if the NAMs would apologise to Gambians for the “unlawful move,” Jallow replied: “No! No! I don’t think it needs an apology. When we were doing it, we did it with the right conscience and the right principle. We [NAMs] are bound to make errors and if the court declares it unconstitutional, I don’t think it warrants an apology.”
Central Baddibu NAM, Sulayman Saho reacted: “We have to respect the decision of the Supreme Court but I am not happy with their judgement because parliament can allocate and this is what we have done. I don’t think there is anything fundamentally wrong in what we did; maybe they could argue about the timing.”
He said the current parliament is only setting the precedence to ensure lawmakers are financially independent to serve their purpose.
“We are not stealing or begging but taking a loan we thought we could pay,” he added.
Various members of the National Assembly have expressed mixed feelings to the Supreme Court’s ruling against their proposed D54 million loan scheme.
In a landmark ruling on Monday, the apex court ruled that the constitution does not accord the National Assembly the power to create a new budget in the estimates, since any motion seeking to create a new budget line must be done by the executive and not the Assembly.
The court further declared as unconstitutional the lawmakers’ attempt to create the D54 million loan scheme for parliamentarians and staff of the Assembly and called for its retirement from the 2021 budget.
But while a few lawmakers welcomed the court ruling, several others expressed dismay at the decision.
Jarra East NAM, Sainey Touray said he received the decision with “mixed reactions” because he expected the court to “strike” out the case for lack of merit.
“I was definitely of the view that people who took the matter to the court have no case against us. I expected the court to dismiss it but on the contrary, my expectations were dashed,” Touray said.
He argued that the Supreme Court could have decided otherwise if it was guided by section 153 of the 1997 constitution.
“I have nothing to say but respect the verdict of the court because a lawmaker will always remain a lawmaker and not a lawbreaker,” he added.
The Member for Banjul South, Touma Njai congratulated the civil society for taking the matter to the Supreme Court, saying it is a demonstration that “our democracy is at work.”
“I have always been against these loan allocations from the onset because I don’t subscribe to personal gains while in office and I will not support any member [NAM] to enrich him or herself. We cannot create a budget line and do an oversight function on that same budget,” she said.
Touma added that her fellow NAMs could liaise with the Ministry of Finance and get them to create a budget line and then request the allocations.
Foday Drammeh, member for Tumana said even though he does not subscribe to the loan allocation, he is “disappointed” with the apex court’s decision to overturn it.
“I am disappointed because I was never with the notion that the court will overturn the scheme since lawmakers have powers to propose certain things in the budget. But again, this is the beauty of democracy; the court’s judgement has to be respected and it may well serve as a lesson for both the lawmakers and the public,” Drammeh said.
Minority Leader and Member for Niamina Dankunku, Samba Jallow said he is “very happy” with the decision of the Supreme Court.
“This shows that there is democracy working in our country. We represent the citizens and since they felt our decision was wrong and subsequently sought redress at the Supreme Court, which has powers to interpret the laws and they ruled in favour of the citizens that we represent, then I am happy with the ruling,” Jallow said.
Asked if the NAMs would apologise to Gambians for the “unlawful move,” Jallow replied: “No! No! I don’t think it needs an apology. When we were doing it, we did it with the right conscience and the right principle. We [NAMs] are bound to make errors and if the court declares it unconstitutional, I don’t think it warrants an apology.”
Central Baddibu NAM, Sulayman Saho reacted: “We have to respect the decision of the Supreme Court but I am not happy with their judgement because parliament can allocate and this is what we have done. I don’t think there is anything fundamentally wrong in what we did; maybe they could argue about the timing.”
He said the current parliament is only setting the precedence to ensure lawmakers are financially independent to serve their purpose.
“We are not stealing or begging but taking a loan we thought we could pay,” he added.
Sillah says Barrow’s ‘death’ comments blown out of proportion
MAY 6, 2021.
By Alagie Manneh
President Adama Barrow has come under heavy criticism for comments he made while addressing a group of former National Assembly members and governors.
The president said his party would prefer death to shame in the coming election.
“NPP is not taking the December presidential election lightly. We are ready for anything as far as the elections are concern and when you are about to start a war, there are two things to bear in mind – death or shame. You either take death or shame and we the NPP will rather take death than shame,” the president said to his guests.
His comments were severely criticised by opposition leaders and activists, who labeled the remarks “unpresidential, dangerous and reckless”.
But his information minister, Ebrima Sillah, who was asked on the Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on West Coast Radio to clarify the comments, blamed critics for “blowing everything out of proportion”. “I don’t know what to clarify in this because this was a simple statement…” he told the host Peter Gomez. “No. No, the comment is perfectly presidential.”
Sillah said the “problem” was the translation of the words into Mandinka from English.
“I think that was the problem,” he said. “I actually listened to the president’s statement and, what he was saying was that we are going into the December election with high hopes that the NPP would win. And that every militant and supporter of the NPP should work hard for that victory because to be defeated at the polls means a huge embarrassment. And sometimes you rather prefer to take the option that you die than to be embarrassed in such a manner or to be humiliated. This is a common saying in Mandinka.”
Still defending the comments, Mr Sillah said many Kora players have used the “phrase to do heroic songs”.
“Sometimes, Peter, in this country, people always want to take things out of context and blow them out of proportion. I just don’t want to be commenting on some of those things because you [don’t] want to be given a lot of unnecessary attention to them,” he stated.
President Adama Barrow has come under heavy criticism for comments he made while addressing a group of former National Assembly members and governors.
The president said his party would prefer death to shame in the coming election.
“NPP is not taking the December presidential election lightly. We are ready for anything as far as the elections are concern and when you are about to start a war, there are two things to bear in mind – death or shame. You either take death or shame and we the NPP will rather take death than shame,” the president said to his guests.
His comments were severely criticised by opposition leaders and activists, who labeled the remarks “unpresidential, dangerous and reckless”.
But his information minister, Ebrima Sillah, who was asked on the Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on West Coast Radio to clarify the comments, blamed critics for “blowing everything out of proportion”. “I don’t know what to clarify in this because this was a simple statement…” he told the host Peter Gomez. “No. No, the comment is perfectly presidential.”
Sillah said the “problem” was the translation of the words into Mandinka from English.
“I think that was the problem,” he said. “I actually listened to the president’s statement and, what he was saying was that we are going into the December election with high hopes that the NPP would win. And that every militant and supporter of the NPP should work hard for that victory because to be defeated at the polls means a huge embarrassment. And sometimes you rather prefer to take the option that you die than to be embarrassed in such a manner or to be humiliated. This is a common saying in Mandinka.”
Still defending the comments, Mr Sillah said many Kora players have used the “phrase to do heroic songs”.
“Sometimes, Peter, in this country, people always want to take things out of context and blow them out of proportion. I just don’t want to be commenting on some of those things because you [don’t] want to be given a lot of unnecessary attention to them,” he stated.
‘Jammeh leaves a legacy of atrocities for Gambians’ May 6, 2021, 2:02 PM | Article By: Adama Tine.
The chairman of The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations in an interview with this medium revealed that former President Yahya Jammeh left a legacy of atrocities; a legacy of broken homes; a legacy of battered economy and a legacy of a very serious fragmented community and society in this country.Sheriff Muhammed Kijera made this statement following the discussion that took place between the Gambia’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations under Jammeh, Samsudeen Sarr, and President Adama Barrow on Monday.
It was revealed that during the discussion, the issue of reconciliation with Jammeh had been discussed. However, it’s not clear to The Point the outcome of their discussion.
“Jammeh is as a citizen of this country, he has every right to return to this country as Gambian, but he does not have the right to return as a free citizen because he has questions to answer with regard to the alleged Human Rights Violations perpetrated on Gambians,” he said.
He added that with the testimonies coming from the TRRC, Yahya Jammeh is seriously implicated by the testimonies revealed by the junglers and other perpetrators.
“Yahya Jammeh does not deserve to be treated as a statesman because of his track record; what he has left behind in The Gambia, leaving so many widows behind, leaving so many innocent children fatherless, destroyed so many homes and left a very weak and fragile economy for the Gambian populace,” he continued.
“Adama Barrow is a very terrible disappointment as far as moral consciousness is concerned. He let down every Gambian, because in the first place, he shouldn’t have granted an audience with Samsudeen Sarr after everything he said about Barrow’s own government and the people of The Gambia,” he added.
“Samsudeen Sarr did everything possible at the level of the UN when he was serving as Gambia’s permanent representative to delegitimize the coalition government of Adama Barrow. He made several audio recordings rubbishing the efforts of the TRRC and the efforts of the Ministry of Justice as well as the efforts of the government of The Gambia in trying to forge ahead with establishment of the transitional justice programme,” he pointed out.
According to Kijera, “Samsudeen Sarr himself is an enabler of Yahya Jammeh, he is a perpetrator, he has been adversely mentioned at the TRRC, therefore; he does not deserve the respect and the audience at the level of the presidency at the State House.”
When asked for his opinion about the ideal venue for a Jammeh trial, Kijera said for security reasons, Jammeh should be tried outside because there are victims who are so hurt and will do anything to revenge which is not safe for him. “Therefore, the ideal country he’ll recommend is Ghana.
It was revealed that during the discussion, the issue of reconciliation with Jammeh had been discussed. However, it’s not clear to The Point the outcome of their discussion.
“Jammeh is as a citizen of this country, he has every right to return to this country as Gambian, but he does not have the right to return as a free citizen because he has questions to answer with regard to the alleged Human Rights Violations perpetrated on Gambians,” he said.
He added that with the testimonies coming from the TRRC, Yahya Jammeh is seriously implicated by the testimonies revealed by the junglers and other perpetrators.
“Yahya Jammeh does not deserve to be treated as a statesman because of his track record; what he has left behind in The Gambia, leaving so many widows behind, leaving so many innocent children fatherless, destroyed so many homes and left a very weak and fragile economy for the Gambian populace,” he continued.
“Adama Barrow is a very terrible disappointment as far as moral consciousness is concerned. He let down every Gambian, because in the first place, he shouldn’t have granted an audience with Samsudeen Sarr after everything he said about Barrow’s own government and the people of The Gambia,” he added.
“Samsudeen Sarr did everything possible at the level of the UN when he was serving as Gambia’s permanent representative to delegitimize the coalition government of Adama Barrow. He made several audio recordings rubbishing the efforts of the TRRC and the efforts of the Ministry of Justice as well as the efforts of the government of The Gambia in trying to forge ahead with establishment of the transitional justice programme,” he pointed out.
According to Kijera, “Samsudeen Sarr himself is an enabler of Yahya Jammeh, he is a perpetrator, he has been adversely mentioned at the TRRC, therefore; he does not deserve the respect and the audience at the level of the presidency at the State House.”
When asked for his opinion about the ideal venue for a Jammeh trial, Kijera said for security reasons, Jammeh should be tried outside because there are victims who are so hurt and will do anything to revenge which is not safe for him. “Therefore, the ideal country he’ll recommend is Ghana.
after CAF disapproves Independence Stadium.
The Confederation of African Football has excluded The Gambia’s only stadium from the list of venues approved for Caf and Fifa matches. The list was released a few days ago in time for the start of the World Cup qualifies in Africa. The Gambia, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritius, Central African and Chad are among some 20 countries affected.
However, since The Gambia is not in the world Cup qualifiers, (having lost the preliminaries to Angola) the country may not necessarily and practically feel the ban immediately, at least until next year by which time the country would have upgraded the Independence Stadium.
Contacted for reactions to this development, Ebou Faye the General Manager of The Independence Stadium, said the ban is all the same an undesirable feeling. ”We have always known the poor state of the stadium and have in fact started maintenance work. Things like Scoreboard and re-grassing of the pitch to international standard may pose a big challenge but the biggest challenge would be to fix seats on the pavilions. That would require a lot of money,” Ebou Faye said.
However, since The Gambia is not in the world Cup qualifiers, (having lost the preliminaries to Angola) the country may not necessarily and practically feel the ban immediately, at least until next year by which time the country would have upgraded the Independence Stadium.
Contacted for reactions to this development, Ebou Faye the General Manager of The Independence Stadium, said the ban is all the same an undesirable feeling. ”We have always known the poor state of the stadium and have in fact started maintenance work. Things like Scoreboard and re-grassing of the pitch to international standard may pose a big challenge but the biggest challenge would be to fix seats on the pavilions. That would require a lot of money,” Ebou Faye said.
NHRC, Victims Centre move to facilitate implementation of TRRC recommendations
MAY 5, 2021.
By Omar Bah
The National Human Rights Commission has reached an agreement with the Victims Centre to ensure the effective monitoring of the TRRC recommendations.
The agreement, signed at the NHRC’s office yesterday, will also see the rights commission work closely with the Victims Centre to promote the #NeverAgain campaign which seeks to bring to an end any form of human rights violations in the country. The agreement also entailed a host of other important areas that the two institutions will collaborate on.
The TRRC is expected to conclude its public hearings this month [May 2021], prepare a final report containing its findings and recommendations that will be submitted to the President in early July.
The NHRC executive secretary, Cherno Omar Barry, said the commission has already started putting all the necessary measures in place to ensure the government implements the TRRC recommendations.
“The NHRC has already prepared a concept note on how it will now constitute the monitory mechanism of the recommendations. However, it is important to note that we do not implement – What we do is to ensure that we put in the required mechanism to pressure the government to implement the recommendations,” he said.
He said the commission is planning to constitute a team that will comprise elements of either the state, CSOs, NHRC and others who will provide means to ensure the experiences under Jammeh “will not have to happen again”.
“As a body mandated to promote and protect human rights in The Gambia, we will make it a commitment to reach out to all institutions, agencies and organisations that have a role to play in ensuring that justice is seen to be done and rights of all individuals are protected,” he said.
The agreement with the Victims Centre, Dr Barry added, will also strengthen the #NeverAgain campaign.
He said the Victims Centre is “a very important component to ensuring that the aftermath of the TRRC became a very essential moment for all those who had their rights violated”.
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations national coordinator, Adama Jallow, assured the NHRC that the Victim Centre will fully implement the MOU. “This MOU commits us to work together more closely towards the pursuit of justice and human rights in the Gambia,” he said.
He said the Victims Centre and NHRC will work with other CSOs to ensure that the TRRC Recommendations are implemented. He said the Centre is planning to meet political parties before the Presidential Election to ensure that they are committed to implementing the TRRC recommendations
In a similar development, the NHRC also inked an MoU with the Department of Labour to foster a mutual relation between the two institutions.
Dr Barry said under the agreement the Department Labour and NHRC would share information on numerous issues, especially on the number of complaints they receive.
The Commissioner of the Department of Labour, Nyallow Barrow said the agreement is very crucial given the fact that both institutions are dealing with issues of promoting and protecting human rights. He said the agreement will facilitate the effective sharing of information and as well transfer of matters that cannot be handled by an individual institution.
The National Human Rights Commission has reached an agreement with the Victims Centre to ensure the effective monitoring of the TRRC recommendations.
The agreement, signed at the NHRC’s office yesterday, will also see the rights commission work closely with the Victims Centre to promote the #NeverAgain campaign which seeks to bring to an end any form of human rights violations in the country. The agreement also entailed a host of other important areas that the two institutions will collaborate on.
The TRRC is expected to conclude its public hearings this month [May 2021], prepare a final report containing its findings and recommendations that will be submitted to the President in early July.
The NHRC executive secretary, Cherno Omar Barry, said the commission has already started putting all the necessary measures in place to ensure the government implements the TRRC recommendations.
“The NHRC has already prepared a concept note on how it will now constitute the monitory mechanism of the recommendations. However, it is important to note that we do not implement – What we do is to ensure that we put in the required mechanism to pressure the government to implement the recommendations,” he said.
He said the commission is planning to constitute a team that will comprise elements of either the state, CSOs, NHRC and others who will provide means to ensure the experiences under Jammeh “will not have to happen again”.
“As a body mandated to promote and protect human rights in The Gambia, we will make it a commitment to reach out to all institutions, agencies and organisations that have a role to play in ensuring that justice is seen to be done and rights of all individuals are protected,” he said.
The agreement with the Victims Centre, Dr Barry added, will also strengthen the #NeverAgain campaign.
He said the Victims Centre is “a very important component to ensuring that the aftermath of the TRRC became a very essential moment for all those who had their rights violated”.
The Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations national coordinator, Adama Jallow, assured the NHRC that the Victim Centre will fully implement the MOU. “This MOU commits us to work together more closely towards the pursuit of justice and human rights in the Gambia,” he said.
He said the Victims Centre and NHRC will work with other CSOs to ensure that the TRRC Recommendations are implemented. He said the Centre is planning to meet political parties before the Presidential Election to ensure that they are committed to implementing the TRRC recommendations
In a similar development, the NHRC also inked an MoU with the Department of Labour to foster a mutual relation between the two institutions.
Dr Barry said under the agreement the Department Labour and NHRC would share information on numerous issues, especially on the number of complaints they receive.
The Commissioner of the Department of Labour, Nyallow Barrow said the agreement is very crucial given the fact that both institutions are dealing with issues of promoting and protecting human rights. He said the agreement will facilitate the effective sharing of information and as well transfer of matters that cannot be handled by an individual institution.
Minister Sillah:“ “Government will continue to build a media environment that is free, friendly and geared towards upholding the rights of all media practitioners”
MAY 5, 2021.
Banjul, The Gambia — As The Gambia joins the rest of the world in commemorating World Press Freedom Day, the Government under the leadership of His Excellency President Adam Barrow, wishes to assure the media fraternity of its unflinching commitment to media pluralism and press freedom in the country.
Since the election of President Barrow into office in December 2016, The Gambia has seen a proliferation of media houses with 33 radio stations, 6 television channels, 4 daily newspapers and several online media platforms all operating freely without undue restrictions from the state.
Equally, The Gambia Government has shown commitment in repealing all laws deemed inimical to press freedom by presenting and defending several Bills before the National Assembly in 2019 that are now at Committee stage for consideration. The Government keenly awaits the passing of these Bills by the National Assembly to finally expunge the obsolete media laws from the country’s statute books.
Notably, the Access to Information Bill which aims to ease difficulties citizen face in accessing non-classified public information was also presented before the Assembly since 2019.
Our efforts in promoting a vibrant media landscape in The Gambia have been recently recognized in the 2021 Global Press Freedom Ranking by Reporters Sans Frontiers (RSF). Of the 55 African countries assessed by RSF, The Gambia is ranked 9th in West Africa and 10th in sub-Saharan Africa. This is very significant for a country that is coming out of decades of human rights abuses. We have been trailing behind many countries in media freedoms for so long.
The Government will continue to build a media environment that is free, friendly and geared towards upholding the rights of all media practitioners. This new trajectory is a far cry from what happened during 22 years of the past regime when The Gambia was known for less pleasant things including the abuse of human rights and the detention and in some cases killing or disappearance of journalists.
In just under five years, the Barrow administration has been able to turn things around and restore The Gambian people’s dignity and honor. The Gambia Government now promotes and protects fundamental human rights for all. Gone are the days when fear and terror ruled over the great and innocent people of this country.
We recognize that rectifying the ills of the past is an ongoing process. The Gambia Government is sincerely cognizant of the fact that democracy does not and cannot exist in a vacuum hence our citizens need to get the right and relevant information to enable them make informed choices.
Therefore, the Government of The Gambia under President Adama Barrow remains resolute in providing the necessary conducive environment for the media to operate freely and ethically within the laws of the country.
Since the election of President Barrow into office in December 2016, The Gambia has seen a proliferation of media houses with 33 radio stations, 6 television channels, 4 daily newspapers and several online media platforms all operating freely without undue restrictions from the state.
Equally, The Gambia Government has shown commitment in repealing all laws deemed inimical to press freedom by presenting and defending several Bills before the National Assembly in 2019 that are now at Committee stage for consideration. The Government keenly awaits the passing of these Bills by the National Assembly to finally expunge the obsolete media laws from the country’s statute books.
Notably, the Access to Information Bill which aims to ease difficulties citizen face in accessing non-classified public information was also presented before the Assembly since 2019.
Our efforts in promoting a vibrant media landscape in The Gambia have been recently recognized in the 2021 Global Press Freedom Ranking by Reporters Sans Frontiers (RSF). Of the 55 African countries assessed by RSF, The Gambia is ranked 9th in West Africa and 10th in sub-Saharan Africa. This is very significant for a country that is coming out of decades of human rights abuses. We have been trailing behind many countries in media freedoms for so long.
The Government will continue to build a media environment that is free, friendly and geared towards upholding the rights of all media practitioners. This new trajectory is a far cry from what happened during 22 years of the past regime when The Gambia was known for less pleasant things including the abuse of human rights and the detention and in some cases killing or disappearance of journalists.
In just under five years, the Barrow administration has been able to turn things around and restore The Gambian people’s dignity and honor. The Gambia Government now promotes and protects fundamental human rights for all. Gone are the days when fear and terror ruled over the great and innocent people of this country.
We recognize that rectifying the ills of the past is an ongoing process. The Gambia Government is sincerely cognizant of the fact that democracy does not and cannot exist in a vacuum hence our citizens need to get the right and relevant information to enable them make informed choices.
Therefore, the Government of The Gambia under President Adama Barrow remains resolute in providing the necessary conducive environment for the media to operate freely and ethically within the laws of the country.
Supreme Court rejects D54M NAMs loan
MAY 5, 2021.
The Supreme Court yesterday declared as unconstitutional lawmakers’ attempts to create a D54 million loan scheme and called for its scrapping from the 2021 budget.
The Supreme Court ruled that the National Assembly has no powers to create a new budget line in the budget estimates. Last November, nominated National Assembly member Ya-Kumba Jaiteh moved a motion to create a new budget line of D54.4 million as a loan scheme for lawmakers and staff of the National Assembly.
But two leading CSOs, Gambia Participates and Centre for Research and Policy Development, filed a legal challenge on the decision.
The groups filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court seeking for the court to declare that the amendment done by the National Assembly is “in contravention of sections 151,152 and 155 of the Constitution and a violation of section 47 of the Public Finance Act, 2014”.
The groups also wanted a declaration that the approval of the annual estimates of revenue and expenditure for the year 2021 with the inclusion of the sum of D54.4 million as loan to National Assembly Members and staff of the National Assembly service was a ‘usurpation’ of the powers given to the president in section 152 of the Constitution and a violation of clause 70 of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.
The groups wanted an order directing the Auditor General not to grant approval for the withdrawal of the sum of D54.4 million or any part of it by the National Assembly or the National Assembly Service.
They also wanted an order directing the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs not to pay from the Consolidated Fund or any Fund of the government the sum of D54.4 million or any money at all to the National Assembly members or staff of the National Assembly Service as loan pursuant to the approved estimates of revenue and expenditure of the Government for the year 2021.
In his ruling Tuesday, Justice Gibril Semega Janneh said the Constitution “does not accord the National Assembly the power to create a new budget line in the estimates. The National Assembly cannot pass a resolution creating its own budget line. The National Assembly cannot initiate its own budget line”.
Justice Janneh said the power to create a new budget line is vested in the President. “Any motion or resolution seeking to create a new budget must be brought by the Executive and not the National Assembly,” he said.
Gambia Participates reacts
In a statement shared with The Standard, Gambia Participates said: “Gambia, today we have saved you D54.4 million. In December 2020, in a joint suit with CRPD we took the National Assembly of the Gambia to court for creating a loan scheme for themselves in the 2021 budget. Today the Supreme Court has declared the action unlawful and called for the removal of the said amount from the 2021 budget”.
The Supreme Court ruled that the National Assembly has no powers to create a new budget line in the budget estimates. Last November, nominated National Assembly member Ya-Kumba Jaiteh moved a motion to create a new budget line of D54.4 million as a loan scheme for lawmakers and staff of the National Assembly.
But two leading CSOs, Gambia Participates and Centre for Research and Policy Development, filed a legal challenge on the decision.
The groups filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court seeking for the court to declare that the amendment done by the National Assembly is “in contravention of sections 151,152 and 155 of the Constitution and a violation of section 47 of the Public Finance Act, 2014”.
The groups also wanted a declaration that the approval of the annual estimates of revenue and expenditure for the year 2021 with the inclusion of the sum of D54.4 million as loan to National Assembly Members and staff of the National Assembly service was a ‘usurpation’ of the powers given to the president in section 152 of the Constitution and a violation of clause 70 of the Standing Orders of the National Assembly.
The groups wanted an order directing the Auditor General not to grant approval for the withdrawal of the sum of D54.4 million or any part of it by the National Assembly or the National Assembly Service.
They also wanted an order directing the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs not to pay from the Consolidated Fund or any Fund of the government the sum of D54.4 million or any money at all to the National Assembly members or staff of the National Assembly Service as loan pursuant to the approved estimates of revenue and expenditure of the Government for the year 2021.
In his ruling Tuesday, Justice Gibril Semega Janneh said the Constitution “does not accord the National Assembly the power to create a new budget line in the estimates. The National Assembly cannot pass a resolution creating its own budget line. The National Assembly cannot initiate its own budget line”.
Justice Janneh said the power to create a new budget line is vested in the President. “Any motion or resolution seeking to create a new budget must be brought by the Executive and not the National Assembly,” he said.
Gambia Participates reacts
In a statement shared with The Standard, Gambia Participates said: “Gambia, today we have saved you D54.4 million. In December 2020, in a joint suit with CRPD we took the National Assembly of the Gambia to court for creating a loan scheme for themselves in the 2021 budget. Today the Supreme Court has declared the action unlawful and called for the removal of the said amount from the 2021 budget”.
CONTROVERSY OVER SAM SARR-BARROW MEETING
MAY 5, 2021.
By Omar Bah
The chairman of the Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations has described as disturbing and disappointing President Barrow’s decision to meet Samsudeen Sarr, a former Gambian military officer and diplomat.
The former Gambia’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations under Yahya Jammeh, Samsudeen Sarr, on Monday announced he met President Adama Barrow and reported the president’s willingness to reconcile with former president Yahya Jammeh and ensure his safe return.
However, Sarr has since clarified that the discussion for former president Yahya Jammeh’s return was just a proposal he made to President Barrow during their meeting.
“The issue of Samsudeen Sarr’s visit to the State House is quite disturbing and very disappointing on the side of the presidency. It should not have happened in the first place – we have all heard about the various statements made by Samsudeen Sarr with regard to the entire transitional justice process particularly the TRRC,” Sheriff Kijera told The Standard yesterday.
He alleged that when Jammeh reneged on his decision to accept the election results, Sarr tried at all levels to delegitimise the government of Adama Barrow at the United Nations.
Kijera said the victims’ families are particularly disturbed by the fact that they have attempted to meet Barrow on several occasions without success.
“For the president to go that far, I think is disappointing and it raised a big alarm as far as implementing post-TRRC recommendations is concerned. For a government to entertain such an enabler of Jammeh is dangerous. Sarr has rubbished all the efforts of the Ministry of Justice, the government and the TRRC despite the various testimonies that we have heard from perpetrators,” he said.
He said the recent comments from Defence Minister, Sheikh Omar Faye and those from Mr Sarr have raised serious concerns on the government’s intention towards implementing the TRRC recommendations.
“The Adama Barrow government is now from one scandal to another – I don’t know what is wrong with them – there is so much incompetence at the level of the presidency as far as handling sensitive issues of the transitional justice process is concerned. If the president is reluctant and feels quite sensitive to meet the victims, I don’t see any reason why he should entertain the enablers of Jammeh at the State House,” he said.
Kijera said the president’s actions clearly demonstrate that he has a political agenda to appease the APRC and Jammeh.
“That is the simple fact. We are in an election year and they will do anything to win this election by any means necessary,” an unhappy Kijera said.
Commenting on Sarr’s proposal for Jammeh’s safe return, Kijera contended: “Well, I heard the government spokesperson has categorically rejected the claim and term it as bogus but the return of Yahya Jammeh is a non-negotiation for a start – there is no compromise on that. We have made our point very clear to the president and the government that Jammeh has a right to return to the country as a citizen but not as a free man. He has to face justice for the crimes committed by his government”.
“The government has that responsibility to establish an accountable mechanism to try Yahya Jammeh and all those who bear the greatest responsibility of perpetuating crimes against Gambians,” he said.
Sam Sarr reacts
Reacting to the Victims Centre chairman’s comments, Samsudeen Sarr countered: “For their indication that the president shouldn’t have given me any audience because of my alternative views that are contrary to theirs or for not agreeing with the conventional wisdom goes to illustrate their undemocratic tendencies. The TRRC they are relying on to justify their existence and legitimacy is by my standard outrageously flawed and shouldn’t be used by any sane person as a barometer to judge my moral, political or intellectual obligations. Most of them to me behave and speak like quintessential hustlers who without this job have nothing to offer the poor Gambia. So please convey my message to them that I am entitled to my beliefs in the same way they are to theirs and any attempt to silence me will tantamount to exercising the very dictatorial tendencies they have been hopelessly trying to attribute to former president Yahya Jammeh, Babili Mansa. I rest my case.”
The chairman of the Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Rights Violations has described as disturbing and disappointing President Barrow’s decision to meet Samsudeen Sarr, a former Gambian military officer and diplomat.
The former Gambia’s deputy ambassador to the United Nations under Yahya Jammeh, Samsudeen Sarr, on Monday announced he met President Adama Barrow and reported the president’s willingness to reconcile with former president Yahya Jammeh and ensure his safe return.
However, Sarr has since clarified that the discussion for former president Yahya Jammeh’s return was just a proposal he made to President Barrow during their meeting.
“The issue of Samsudeen Sarr’s visit to the State House is quite disturbing and very disappointing on the side of the presidency. It should not have happened in the first place – we have all heard about the various statements made by Samsudeen Sarr with regard to the entire transitional justice process particularly the TRRC,” Sheriff Kijera told The Standard yesterday.
He alleged that when Jammeh reneged on his decision to accept the election results, Sarr tried at all levels to delegitimise the government of Adama Barrow at the United Nations.
Kijera said the victims’ families are particularly disturbed by the fact that they have attempted to meet Barrow on several occasions without success.
“For the president to go that far, I think is disappointing and it raised a big alarm as far as implementing post-TRRC recommendations is concerned. For a government to entertain such an enabler of Jammeh is dangerous. Sarr has rubbished all the efforts of the Ministry of Justice, the government and the TRRC despite the various testimonies that we have heard from perpetrators,” he said.
He said the recent comments from Defence Minister, Sheikh Omar Faye and those from Mr Sarr have raised serious concerns on the government’s intention towards implementing the TRRC recommendations.
“The Adama Barrow government is now from one scandal to another – I don’t know what is wrong with them – there is so much incompetence at the level of the presidency as far as handling sensitive issues of the transitional justice process is concerned. If the president is reluctant and feels quite sensitive to meet the victims, I don’t see any reason why he should entertain the enablers of Jammeh at the State House,” he said.
Kijera said the president’s actions clearly demonstrate that he has a political agenda to appease the APRC and Jammeh.
“That is the simple fact. We are in an election year and they will do anything to win this election by any means necessary,” an unhappy Kijera said.
Commenting on Sarr’s proposal for Jammeh’s safe return, Kijera contended: “Well, I heard the government spokesperson has categorically rejected the claim and term it as bogus but the return of Yahya Jammeh is a non-negotiation for a start – there is no compromise on that. We have made our point very clear to the president and the government that Jammeh has a right to return to the country as a citizen but not as a free man. He has to face justice for the crimes committed by his government”.
“The government has that responsibility to establish an accountable mechanism to try Yahya Jammeh and all those who bear the greatest responsibility of perpetuating crimes against Gambians,” he said.
Sam Sarr reacts
Reacting to the Victims Centre chairman’s comments, Samsudeen Sarr countered: “For their indication that the president shouldn’t have given me any audience because of my alternative views that are contrary to theirs or for not agreeing with the conventional wisdom goes to illustrate their undemocratic tendencies. The TRRC they are relying on to justify their existence and legitimacy is by my standard outrageously flawed and shouldn’t be used by any sane person as a barometer to judge my moral, political or intellectual obligations. Most of them to me behave and speak like quintessential hustlers who without this job have nothing to offer the poor Gambia. So please convey my message to them that I am entitled to my beliefs in the same way they are to theirs and any attempt to silence me will tantamount to exercising the very dictatorial tendencies they have been hopelessly trying to attribute to former president Yahya Jammeh, Babili Mansa. I rest my case.”
|
|
|
|
|
|