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By Sheriff Saidykhan 

Following the recently called off protests by disgruntled commuters and passengers using the ferry services from Banjul to Barra, the Coalition of Progressive Gambians (COPG) have condemned the arrest of protesters. 

“We wish to convey our solidarity with the people affected and those who wanted to express their civic rights and also condemn the move by the security forces to arrest those who came to protest without ill will but to express their rights and voice out their problem,” the release said

The group reminded the powers that be; of the ‘NEVER AGAIN’ slogan, saying the country will not be plunge back to oppressive rule.

“We want to remind the government, the National Assembly and security forces that when Gambians pronounced NEVER AGAIN and pursued change, they wanted to realize a reliable system change. Gambians never expected to slide back into the oppressive and brutal regime that led this country for two decades,” according to the release.

The group further called on the government of President Adama Barrow to repeal the 1997 constitution and the Public Order Act causing human rights violations.

“The total repeal of the 1997 constitution and the Public Order Act, must be the basis of a reliable system change. It\

Team Outpost 

Kairaba Conversation and Leadership Organization (KairCLO) has on Wednesday held a daylong national symposium on waste management, marking the centenary year of the late Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara.

The event held at Ocean Bay Hotel, Cape point Bakau brother together civil society organizations and people from different walks of life, to mitigate strategies towards combatting the effects of environmental degradation, with the THEME “Waste Management and Transformation Opportunities in the Gambia”. 

Speaking at the gathering, Dr. Sidat Yaffa, Deputy Vice Chancellor UTG and Director of WASCAL Gambia Thanked KairCLO for the initiative, saying the late Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara envisioned the Banjul Declaration towards conserving the flora and fauna of the environment.

“Sir Dawda had a vision decades ago to protect the flora and fauna of the environment” he said.

Boubou Hallow, representing the Minister for environment said waste is dump at the informal dumpsite, adding that they emit to greenhouse gas or global warming.

“Most of these wastes are either burnt or rotten, and it has lot of effects to the environment and global warming”. 

Environmentalists, called for waste management for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

By Sheriff Saidykhan 

President Basirou Diomaye Faye has promised to strengthen the existing bilateral relations between Gambia and Senegal.

He made these remarks on Saturday during his first state visit to Gambia. 

“I will continue to strengthen the bilateral relations between Gambia and Senegal. The two countries continue to live harmoniously as one. The people of these two countries continue to live in peace, without any segregation or division,” he said 

He said Gambia and Senegal are one nation, despite the colonial enclave of the British and the French. 

He further expressed delight and extended gratitude for meeting his counterpart President Adama Barrow. “We are very delighted for your warm welcome meeting you as a friend and a partner’’ said Diomaye Faye.

The two heads of states discussed range of issues including: security, defence, trade and several other matters. 

Fraternity and solidarity, he said, is a Pan-African project envisioned by his government for the development of Africa.

By Sheriff Saidykhan 

Enhancing Africa’s Response to Transnational Organised Crime (ENACT) in partnership with the European Union (EU) has on Wednesday called on member states of the African Commission to take urgent action in combatting Transnational Organised Crime across the continent.

The event held at Kairaba Hotel, brought together human rights lawyers and people from different walks of life to devise strategies towards combatting transnational organised crime.

Dr. Feyi Ogunade, Enact Regional Coordinator highlighted key concepts to understanding the human rights systems in Africa.

Speaking at the gathering, the EU Representative Mr. Raphael Brigandi said the Enact project is committed to strengthening Africa’s capacity to combat Transnational Organised Crime 

He said Enact accomplishes this goal by creating awareness, producing evidence -based knowledge, building skills and providing technical expertise to government\

                         Political Commentator  Diagnoses The UDP Controversy!

    By Alagie Saidy-Barrow 

If you are familiar with Game Theory in any of the social sciences, then you may have heard about the “prisoner’s dilemma”. The prisoner’s dilemma is a “concept” in game theory that provides a “foundation” on why two or more rational individuals or organisations, etc., would choose to cooperate or compete against one another. In its simplified form, the prisoner’s dilemma refers to two individuals, let’s say in this case, Kenbugul and Terrenna, who are both in remand at Mile Two, charged with kidnapping a Badibunka. 

If Kenbugul and Terrenna both refuse to cooperate with Police Prosecutor Ceesay Chopsa, then Kenbugul and Terrenna will only serve ONE YEAR EACH in Mile Two for the lesser charge of “hanging out” with a Badibunka, which is a simple misdemeanour in Kiang. However, if Kenbugul betrays Terrenna and cooperates with Prosecutor Ceesay Chopsa, then Kenbugul will not serve any time, and Terrenna will serve FIVE YEARS in Mile Two. Similarly, if Terrenna betrays Kenbugul, Terrenna will not serve any prison time, and KENBUGUL WILL SERVE five years in Mile Two.  If they both cooperate with Prosecutor Ceesay by betraying one another, they will each serve THREE YEARS for their participation in the kidnapping of the Badibunka. 

Ordinarily, one may think Kenbugul and Terrenna will cooperate and look out for their mutual welfare by not cooperating with the prosecutor. You’d think they have a common interest in not implicating one another. The bummer is Terrenna and Kenbugul cannot communicate at all, and so neither one knows what the other will do. Hence the dilemma. To cooperate or not! What would you do if you were Kenbugul or Terrenna? 

In game theory, the prisoner’s dilemma is what “social scientists use to investigate and model” Kenbugul and Terrenna’s decision-making process to cooperate or compete. Understanding why two “rational” individuals, factions, camps, groups or organisations may not cooperate or collaborate on an issue regardless of how it affects society is essential to understanding the political landscape of Gambian politics. 

You don’t have to be a political scientist to acknowledge that the UDP and its supporters will play a significant role if we are to see the backs of the NPP/APRC cabal. But you also do not have to be a card-carrying member of the UDP to know that despite the denials or blame-shifting by some of the leadership in the party, all is not well within the party. Some in the UDP are faced with a prisoner’s dilemma within the party: Cooperate with the known by remaining with the tried and tested or spring forth into the unknown with the new and untested. Some want to stay with the existing one because they think it serves their interest, while others want to spring forth into the future because that is what serves their interest. I am sure some only see the people\

Passengers crossing from Banjul to Barra route have lamented their growing frustration over the closure of the ferries.

On Friday, the Kanilai ferry had experienced engine failure near the turning buoy en route to the Barra lander. Due to the severe weather conditions, the ferry was unable to reach the lander and eventually drifted towards the beach. 

Lamin Jammeh, a frequent traveller from Banjul to the Barra route expressed his frustration, saying it will delay the transportation of goods and services. This he added will hinder the socio-economic development of the country.

“As a frequent traveller of Banjul Barra ferry crossing, it will be very stressful to see the closure of the Ferry service, it\

Fellow Gambians, at home and abroad, 

Friends and Residents of The Gambia,

Once again, we devote thanks and praise to Allah for living to witness another Eid-ul-Fitr.  With this gift of life and other Divine mercies in mind, the moment should encourage us to remember and pray for the sick and seek Allah\

Team Outpost 

President Adama Barrow has called on religious leaders to preach peace in the country.

The annual Eid-ul-Fitr Meeting with Banjul Elders is a practice initiated during the colonial days to bring issues of concern to the leadership. President Barrow thanked the Banjul Elders for expanding the annual event to include representatives of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, Ahmadiya Jamaat and religious sects. 

He urged his guests and all Gambians to maintain the peace in the country, emphasising the obligation of all citizens to live and work hard for the country. 

President Barrow called on Muslim Preachers to understand that even though The Gambia is 95% Muslim, the Constitution and other laws of the land govern the country, and not Sharia Law. “There are Laws that may not favour everyone but must be respected by all for peace to reign.” He emphasised. 

Responding to various issues raised by the speakers, including the state of the traffic on the Bertil Harding Highway, the President urged all road users to be patient as work progresses within the Greater Banjul Area. 

Relatedly, the President cautioned people doing negative propaganda about “Operation Clear the Roads” - regarding hawkers who illegally occupy the roads. He pointed out that a few people wrongly put the clearing of the streets as a fight against people with low incomes trying to make a living. President Barrow added that people should be aware of the risks of accidents posed by such illegal occupants on roadsides. “I will stand by what is for the greater good, and I want to emphasise that the ‘operation clear the roads’ is here to stay.” President Barrow asserted. 

The Gambian leader encouraged all to keep their environment clean, especially as The Gambia prepares to host the 57 countries of the Muslim Ummah during the 15th OIC Summit.

On the electricity issue, the President maintained his pledge that there would be universal access to electricity countrywide, as work on electricity was in high gear. He underscored the importance of infrastructure as it relates to different aspects of development, including electricity, roads, hospitals, and infrastructures.

On independent funding of development projects, the President emphasised digitalising the tax system to enhance revenue collection. He clarified that the Government has not increased taxes; instead, it ensures leakages are blocked and the businesses pay the correct taxes. 

To address the price hikes on imported food items, particularly rice, the President urged Gambians to take agriculture more seriously to cater to the demand for rice. Already, the Government is supporting Gambian investors, including the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, in growing rice for commercial purposes. “We expect that if we grow more rice locally, we would not complain about the price of imported rice.” 

The Chairman of the occasion. Alhajie Momodou Senghore, on behalf of Banjulians, commended the Government for improvements in electricity, saying, “You cannot make a judgement on NAWEC based only on the urban area only. Nationwide, there is verse improvement in electricity access.” He also thanked the Police for their efforts in controlling crime. Mr Senghore, however, raised concerns about the state of the traffic while the road works are ongoing and the phenomenon of abled-bodied women and their children begging on the streets and in heavy traffic. 

The President of the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, Sheikh Essa Darboe, called for the Government to extend its dialogue initiative to religious leaders. Speaking earlier, he appealed for people to respect religious leaders. 

Other speakers included Alhajie Ebrima Jagana and Amir of the Ahmadiya Jamaat, Baba Trawalleh. 

The Minister for Religious Affairs, Honourable Hamat Bah, urged Preachers to promote peace and urged Gambians to take up agriculture to address the price hikes on imported commodities such as rice. He also highlighted that the Gambian youth want to avoid taking up unskilled jobs, citing the dominance of non-Gambian youths in the construction and other sectors.

Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alajie Alieu Mass Kah, led the prayers, and Bilal, Bai Sait Secka, delivered the vote of thanks. On behalf of the Sherrif Association, the Gambia Chapter presented a gift to President Barrow and re-echoed the congratulation earlier speakers extended to him for winning the Africa Peace Promoter Prize 2024. 

The Vice President, H.E Muhammed B.S Jallow, the Cabinet Ministers, Senior Government Officials and other dignitaries attended the occasion to enhance and promote dialogue on issues of concern to citizens and the Government.

Team Outpost

The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (COPG) have critiqued government foreign policy. 

The group expressed its deep concern over the recent treatment of Gambians in the diaspora particularly on the recent deaths of Gambians in Egypt and Germany and the inhumane treatment of Gambians deported from Germany. 

“In the 21st century where international law and order in line with human rights is advocated globally, it is disappointing and disheartening to see the gross violation of human rights by custodians of the laws in those countries that champion the advocacy of human rights. 

We call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to come out and explain to The Gambian people the reasons for the deaths and inhumane treatment of Gambians abroad and deportees as well” the release said.

The group further called on the government through its foreign ministry, to redefine its foreign policy approach to deploy the right personnel with ethical standards.

“Its time for the Ministry to redefine The Gambia\

By Sheriff Saidykhan

 The Gambian-U.S based criminologist have dismissed the cybercrime bill initiated by the government of President Adama Barrow to effectively crush online freedom of expression and dissent.

Mod Lamin Faye, a specialist on law enforcement and national security matters made these remarks recently in a telephone interview with The Outpost Media.

“It just did not make sense. Cybercrime doesn\

 ARTICLE 19, a human rights organisation have diagnosed the draft cybercrime bill as a threat to effectively crush online  freedom of expression and dissent.

“ARTICLE 19 is deeply concerned that a draft cybercrime bill (the Draft Bill) currently under consideration in the Gambia will serve to effectively crush online freedom of expression and dissent”.

On 18 March 2023, the proposed 2023 Cybercrime Bill (the draft Bill) was approved in the 

first reading in the National Assembly of the Gambia and committed to the second reading in the Assembly Business Committee.

ARTICLE 19, further expressed discontent of the  Draft Bill to be ‘fatally flawed in its current state,’ and urge the drafters to address its severe shortcomings to bring it in line with international standards on freedom of expression.

“In our analysis, ARTICLE 19 provides a close look at structural flaws and legal issues in the Draft Bill. We also note that nations, including the Gambia, are currently debating an international convention on cybercrime at the UN level that would require the Gambia to rewrite its domestic legislation, so question the need for the Gambia to create its own bill at this time. While ARTICLE 19 has been critical of the draft Cybercrime Convention at the UN, the Gambia’s Draft Bill does not meet even the low standard that the UN draft convention sets” according to Article 19.

The Bill would make an alarming scope of online speech a crime under the guise of combating ‘cybercrime’. 

“The majority of proposed offences have nothing to do with cybercrime, apart from having the word ‘cyber’ or ‘computer’ attached. Instead they represent a broad effort to criminalise a wide range of speech online, from ‘false news’ and ‘prurient’ speech, to causing ‘harm’ to the ‘self-esteem’ of political figures”.

According to according 19, the Bill would make media organisations, civil society, and their senior leadership individually criminally liable for stories and investigations. 

“Under the Bill, senior leadership of corporate entities would be individually criminally liable for the actions of entities, and they would have the burden to prove that they actively conducted ‘due diligence’ of published content. Given the Bill’s wide criminalisation of ‘false news’ and statements made against the reputation of officials, the Bill would put the editors and leadership of any media or human rights organisation at risk for any story or investigation issued by that entity. This creates a potent weapon for the government to  cripple any opposition media or civil society groups”. 

In addition to several article-specific recommendations, Article 19 strongly recommends:

“The inclusion of a reference to the Gambia’s obligations under international human rights law to protect and promote freedom of expression, as well as an affirmation that no provision of the Bill will be used to stifle the activities of journalists, human rights defenders, or dissidents.

The removal of content-based offences, including in Article 12(7), which punishes ‘pornographic’ and ‘prurient’ content, as they are not compatible with international law.

Provision for a mandatory independent review of any preservation or production orders issued by law enforcement, the elimination of the automatic gag order for recipients, and provision for the opportunity to judicially challenge the validity of such an order. The inclusion of clear requirements of ‘serious harm’ before criminal liability attaches and definition of key terms, such as what it means to ‘expeditiously’ or ‘sufficiently’ comply with orders, in order to provide legal certainty. The striking off of Article 16(2)(vii), which allows compelled decryption and undermines a necessary tool for the realisation of the right to freedom of expression by journalists, human rights defenders, and the public at large. The striking off of articles dealing with offences that are not cyber-dependent offences.

 They have absolutely no place in cybercrime legislation and uniformly constitute restrictions on freedom of expression by criminalising valid criticism of public officials. The striking off of articles that explicitly eliminate the requirement for specific intent to impact computer systems or data. Instead, the Bill must make it clear that every cyber-dependent offence requires specific, dishonest intent. ARTICLE 19 stands ready to offer any additional assistance and expertise that would be helpful to the Gambia as it continues to consider the Draft Bill”.