By David Kujabi Abstract: The African continent has witnessed a surge in coups and political unrest in recent years, with several West African nations affected by political instability. This article delves into the regional threats and their potential impact on The Gambia, focusing on the indicators of conflict. Drawing on recent coups in Africa, political developments in neighbouring Senegal, and the current situation within The Gambia, this article explores the key factors that could exacerbate the risk of violent conflict in the region and provides recommendations to mitigate these risks and foster stability. Introduction: The Gambia is generally characterized by…
Author: Gainako
This is the welcome statement of Dr Baba Yusuf Musa, Director General of WAIFEM delivered on 18th September 2023 at the opening ceremony of the regional workshop organised by the West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM). The event is organised in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). 1. I welcome you all to the opening ceremony of the IMF/WAIFEM Regional Workshop on Balance of Payments (BOP) and International Investment Position Statistics. Firstly, I wish to express our utmost appreciation to the President, Government and the good people of The Gambia for welcoming us to conduct these…
The Gambia’s National Assembly approved a 38-point resolution on the FPAC’s Report on Monday 18th September 2023 aimed at recovering millions of funds identified as misused or not accounted for by Auditors. Below is the entire statement issued by Parliament yesterday. RESOLUTION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON FPAC’s REPORT 2023 WHEREAS the National Assembly considered the recommendations of the Consolidated Report of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) for the period June 2022 to July 2023 on the 2019 Audited Accounts of the Government, Annual Activity Reports and Audited Financial Statements of Public Agencies and Institutions, City, Municipal and…
Demands Public Apology from Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) By GPU, (Fajara, 17 September, 2023) – The Gambia Press Union (GPU) hereby expresses its total rejection of a recommendation by the National Assembly to refund more than half a million dalasi of “unconfirmed” expenditure of funds some by media houses that benefitted from the government’s Covid-19 relief package. The GPU is also demanding a public apology from the Assembly’s Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) for the unfair and malicious attribution of the funds to the Union. The GPU was not at any point responsible for the management of…
By Biran Gaye Women residents of Bundung-Ka Kunda Constituency protested against water shortage in their community on Wednesday, 6th September 2023 as President Adama Barrow’s convoy arrived in Bundung. President Adama Barrow had visited the New Model Bundung Police Station to preside over its inauguration; however, he was welcomed by women with empty buckets chanting “we need water” and “gio, gio” which translates to water in Mandinka. It can be recalled that the Hon member for Bundung-Ka Kunda, Hon Sulayman Jammeh, had pledged to resign over the water shortage plaguing his community. Our reporter spoke to Hon Jammeh who had…
FATAL SHOOTING OF POLICE OFFICERS AT SUKUTA TRAFFIC LIGHTS JUNCTION By the National Human Rights Commission, 13th September 2023, The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is deeply saddened by the news of the shooting and death of two police officers by an unknown gunman. According to reports, another Police Officer was seriously injured and is currently in critical condition. The incident is as unfortunate as it is cowardly and totally condemnable. The Gambia Police Force and all other security and law enforcement agencies are responsible for the maintenance of public order, peace and security in the country. In the exercise…
ATTEMPTS BY SOME NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS TO REPEAL THE LAWS WHICH CRIMINALIZE FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION/CUTTING (FGM/C) IN THE GAMBIA By the National Human Rights Commission, 12th September 2023 The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is gravely perturbed and concerned regarding attempts by some members of the National Assembly advocating for the repeal of the Women’s Amendment Act 2015. This Act prohibits and punishes the practice of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) in the country. The legal prohibition of FGM/C came after a long struggle, community awareness, social mobilization, and advocacy by women’s rights defenders and organizations in the country premised on…
STATEMENT BY THE AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARY PRESS NETWORK ON DEVELOPMENTS AT THE PAN-AFRICAN PARLIAMENT By APPN The African Parliamentary Press Network (APPN) is very much worried about developments at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the legislative arm of the African Union (AU). Article 17, Clause 1 of the Constitutive Act of the AU states, “In order to ensure the full participation of African peoples in the development and economic integration of the continent, a Pan African Parliament shall be established.” FUNCTIONS OF THE PAP The objectives and functions of the Parliament are set out in the Protocol to the Abuja Treaty relating to…
By Madi Jobarteh In 1994, as a journalist with Radio Gambia, I had the privilege of being the first and only Gambian journalist to interview the imam who came from Mecca to consecrate the State House Mosque. One of my questions to him was about the position of female circumcision in Islam. His answer was that female circumcision does not affect in any way, positively, or negatively the piety of a woman in Islam, noting that practising it or not is irrelevant in Islam. He was one of the imams at Kaaba. The conditional approval of female circumcision by the…
By Uthman A N Jeng In a breathtaking display of determination and raw talent, The Gambia’s National football team (The Scorpions) secured a place in the African Cup of Nations Championship (AFCON) for the second time, thanks to late match-winning heroics by the legendary Muhammed Badamosi. Muhammed Badamosi, a towering figure in the field, with his imposing height, possesses an enviable physique that gives him a commanding physical presence on the pitch. His aerial prowess is nothing short of remarkable, and it’s in the air where he truly shines. His flicks and headers are akin to works of art, precision…