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Photo credit: Reuters  (Reuters) - Fifteen people were killed and more than 150 were missing after a boat carrying 300 passengers capsized near Mauritania's capital Nouakchott on Monday, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Wednesday. The Atlantic migration route from the coast of West Africa to the Canary Islands, typically used by African migrants trying to reach Spain, is one of the world's deadliest. Summer is its busiest period. The IOM said the Mauritanian coastguard rescued 120 people and that 10 of them were taken to hospitals while efforts to locate the missing continued. It said the passengers were travelling from Gambia and that they had spent seven days at sea before the shipwreck. Ibba Sarr, a fishmonger at a waterside fishmarket in Nouakchott, said that strong winds in the past had two days moved the bodies closer to the shore and he saw around 30 bodies being collected from the beach. "Surely other lifeless bodies will be discovered in

  Team Outpost     Lawmakers of the National Assembly have yesterday confirmed and approved the appointment of five commissioners for the Access To Information (ATI) along with a proposed package remuneration. The Ministry of Information is pleased to announce that the National Assembly has confirmed the appointment and approved the salary scale of the Information Commissioners. This decision marks a significant step forward in the implementation of the Access to Information (ATI) Act 2021, which aims to promote transparency, accountability, and access to public records and information. On 8th July 2024, the Hon. Minister of Information, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, moved a motion at the National Assembly for the confirmation of the appointments and remuneration packages for the Information Commissioners. These appointments, made by H.E. President Adama Barrow, in accordance with sections 42 (1) and 42 (2) of the ATI Act 2021, followed a comprehensive and inclusive nomination process. The nomin

By Sheriff Saidykhan   Sirra Ndow, the Country Director of African Network against Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances (ANEKED) has said that accountability is not negotiable in the face of injustice and gross human rights violations.  She rebuked exiled former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh’s called for unity and forgiveness, saying that cannot be possible at the expense of justice, accountability and reparations for victims. “In our context, unity and forgiveness is essential; however, it cannot come at the expense of justice, accountability, and reparations for victims. It also cannot come at the expense of reforms to ensure that no one can ever do what he did to Gambians and The Gambia.” she said. In a recent telephone interview with this medium, the rights activist highlighted the significance of Jammeh’s prosecution to victims. She added that Jammeh committed human rights violations against Gambians and non Gambians alike. “As to why Jammeh's prosecution is imp

   Celestine Kujabi  Team Outpost  Celestine Kujabi, the Secretary General of Coalition of Progressive Gambians (COPG) has said that the country is facing rampant and indiscriminate corruption.  He said the high rate of institutional corruption, and those running the said corrupt institutions have shown no remorse for corruption. “It's very sad for a population that prides itself in strong religious beliefs with good ethics to register such a high rate in rampant and indiscriminate corruption. Unfortunately our institutions are also occupied and managed by a human resource who has no sense of remorse for corruption.” he said. In a telephone interview with this medium on Monday, he further stated that the government of President Adama Barrow is not sensitive to the adverse effects of corruption in the country. He added that the changes made in the Anti-Corruption Commission manifested the government's lack of commitment to fight corruption. “If we have a government which is not

  Team Outpost  The African Network against Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances (ANEKED), has on Tuesday concluded a weeklong legal empowerment training for different communities across the country. The weeklong training was meant to educate individuals about the upcoming trial of Michael Correa, its significance, legal procedures and potential outcomes.  Michael Correa, 41, was an alleged member of this notorious death squad, set up by former President Yahya Jammeh whose members have confessed to committing torture and other serious human rights abuses. Sirra Ndow, ANEKED Country Director said people's participation is important to fully trial and the accountability process.  “For people to engage and participate meaningfully and support the process, it is, therefore, necessary to ensure they understand the basics of legal procedures and processes.” she said. She added: “Many people have shared that they did not know that we do not have some of the laws, such as en

On Friday 12 July 2024, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice issued a landmark decision in a case of enforced disappearance in The Gambia during the regime of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, by which it found that the Republic of Ghana violated the right to information, as guaranteed by article 9 (1) of the African Charter on Human and People's Rights of 27 June 1981 and article 19 (2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The ECOWAS Court also ordered the Ghanaian Government to release to the Plaintiff, no later than four months from the date of service of its Judgement, documentation and a videotape in its possession in relation to that enforced disappearance, including the 2009 joint UN/ECOWAS investigation report, the Ghanaian coroner’s/pathologist’s report on the bodies returned by The Gambia to the Republic of Ghana in 2009 and a report on the disbursement of the money paid by The Gambia to Ghanaian families. In

Team Outpost  The Gambian-U.S based criminologist has called for tougher action to control guns in the country. Mod Lamin Faye, a specialist on law enforcement and national security matters said proper investigation needs to be done to ensure accountability into the shooting incident that involved a pupil at Wellingara School, West Coast Region. He made these remarks during the weekend in a telephone interview with this medium. “The child took the gun from the house to the school, so investigation should start from the house.” said Mod Lamin Faye. The Gambia Police Force (GPF) said they are currently investigating the shooting incident at the Wellingara Lower Basic School, which was reported by the vice principal of the school last week.  The police quickly responded by dispatching their personnel at the scene, recovered the firearm and secured it. At a time of going to press this medium contacted the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Gambia Police Force (GPF), to no avail.  He sa

 Women Journalist Association of The Gambia – WoJAG is concerned with the recent reports of physical, verbal, and cyber-attacks on two of its members, Kaddy Jawo of Malagen and Jainaba Sonko of QTV Gambia. Kaddy was physically assaulted and verbally abused by security officials at the National Assembly on Monday July 8th, 2024 while she was at the Assembly to cover parliamentary proceedings. The attacker alleged Kaddy was not modestly dressed and therefore will not be allowed entry in the legislative house. The abuser’s attack left life-threatening bruises on Ms. Jawo’s neck. Jainaba on the other hand was subjected to online threats, bullying and insults after a video of hers was circulated online where she criticized the conduct of peaceful protesters on QTV’s morning show. WoJAG condemns in the strongest of terms the actions of the National Assembly security officer and the Cyber bullying on the said young women Journalist. The public and the assembly are urged to desist from practic

Team Outpost  The Gambia government through the Ministry of Health has declared the emergence of Poliovirus Outbreak in the country. “It is with a deep sense of concern that I write to inform you that the country has experienced another outbreak of a new strain of Poliovirus cVDPV from the environmental surveillance site located at Banjul.” the release said.  According to the release three environmental samples collected from Tallinding Daru Salam, Kotu Agua Gambia and Banjul were sent for sequencing to the Regional Polio Laboratory in the Republic of Senegal.  “We received the results in May 2024 and the sample collected from the Banjul site was positive for cVDPV 2” the release added. The results showed that the virus is genetically linked to the virus currently circulating in Guinea Conakry. The Ministry further called on the support of the general public to respond to the outbreak.

Team Outpost  The Gambia Police Force (GPF)  are currently investigating a shooting incident at Wellingara Lower Basic School, at West Coast Region, which was reported by the vice principal of the school. The incident has caused panic and shock for the residential areas. The police quickly responded to the scene, recovered the weapon, and secured it. The public will be duly informed of any developments as the investigation into the incident continues.  This is a developing story. 

By Sheriff Saidykhan  Lare Sisay, Retired Senior Manager at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and a leading voice of the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), has said that fighting hate speech in the country must start with himself the President  He made these remarks at the Popular Coffee Time Show on West Coast Radio with Peter Gomez on Thursday.   “I heared the National Human Rights Commission talking about hate speech is bad, it creates conflict. It must start with him the President, and those that surrounds him that make incendiary statements.” he said  He called on the government of President Adama Barrow to focus on the ‘bigger picture’ of the country, chief among which is the cost of living crisis. To deflect and demonize he said, is the typical strategy of the government. “When you demonized an opposition party, or an individual, you loose heavily in terms of what input they can bring to solve the problems of the country.” said Lare Sisay.            On

COPG SG Team Outpost  Celestine Kujabi, the Secretary General of Coalition of Progressive Gambians (COPG) has said that they will protest if the 2020 Draft Constitution is not presented at the National Assembly before November.  Following the recent pronouncement by the President Adama Barrow during the State of the Nation address on Thursday for a referendum in December, the CoPG said it is not yet convinced that there is going to be a referendum in December.  “It must be noted that this is not the first time the President is making such a pronouncement. Our concern is not only a delay for a referendum but the amendment or changes that may be made in some of the provisions that are not in favor of the ruling party and also the commitment by the ruling party to support the original form of the constitution which all stakeholders are calling for.” he said. He continued: “It's evidently clear that if certain provisions or clauses are tampered most of the stakeholders will reject it.

Team Outpost  President Adama Barrow has reiterated his commitment to hold a referendum on the new draft Constitution in December 2024. “Since 2017, my administration has embarked on significant legal reforms. Our efforts include introducing a new Constitution, and we remain committed to pursuing it this year. It is hoped that a referendum on the new Constitution will be held in December 2024.” he said  He made these remarks on Thursday during the State of Nation Address. The SONA address is a constitutional requirement for the President to appear before lawmakers to update the citizens on the current state of the country, according to section 77 (1) of the 1997 Constitution. The speech features range of issues, including the Economy, National Security, Health, Education among others.                                                            On The Economy He said In 2023, the Gambian economy surpassed the projected growth rate for Sub-Saharan Africa and stood at 5.3%.  “This resulted

Team Outpost  Hon. Seedy SK Njie, Deputy Speaker of The National Assembly addressed a workshop on "Constitutionalising Rights in the 21st Century – A Comparative Workshop for Constitution Makers, Gender Perspectives in The Gambia." The workshop was held in Oxford from June 19th to 21st, 2024. Deputy Speaker Njie emphasised The Gambia's strong commitment to gender equality, citing efforts undertaken since independence and under the current leadership of President Adama Barrow to create a just and equitable society. He outlined these efforts from constitutional, parliamentary, policy, and international perspectives. The Gambian Constitution of 1997 enshrines gender equality as a fundamental right, with Section 28 specifically prohibiting discrimination based on gender. Other provisions reinforce this principle, while directive principles of state policy call for the eradication of all forms of discrimination and the prohibition of harmful cultural practices. Hon Njie pledge

      Team Outpost  Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of South Africa has been sworn in for second term in office, at a ceremony held in Pretoria on Wednesday. His party, the Africa National Congress (ANC) fall short to secure 50% in the last month general election. The ANC agreed to struck an agreement deal with the Democratic Alliance to form a coalition government. The event saw the attendance of African Head of States, and leaders of Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, a bloc of 11 countries. Cyril Ramaphosa promised to dutifully uphold the constitution, without fear, favor or ill will. “I, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, swear that I will be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and will obey, observe, uphold, and maintain the Constitution and all law of the Republic,” the 66-year-old said in his oath of office. He further thanked African leaders across the continent who attended the ceremony. “As South Africa, we are honored and deeply humbled by the presence here

  Team Outpost                                Acting under Section 123 (1) of the Local Government (Amendment) Act, 2006, His Excellency, President Adama Barrow has effective immediately, appointed the following Government officials as Governors: Mrs. Fanta Bojang Njie Samateh Manneh, current Deputy Permanent Secretary (DPS), Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources as Governor of West Coast Region (WCR); Ms. Fatou Jammeh Touray, DPS, Ministry of Agriculture is new Governor, North Bank Region (NBR); Ms. Ramou Sarr, DPS, Ministry of Transport, Works & Infrastructure as Governor, Lower River Region (LRR); Mr. Musa Mbye, DPS, Ministry of Youths & Sports as Governor, Central River Region (CRR);  and Mr. Abdoulie Kah, DPS, Ministry of Defence as Governor, Upper River Region (URR). Meanwhile, President Barrow has redeployed the following Governors: Mr. Lamin Saidykhan, Governor, NBR, as DPS Ministry of Agriculture; Mr. Samba Bah, Governor, URR, as DPS Ministry of Fisheries; Mr. Ousm

Team Outpost  The National Nutrition Agency (NANA) in partnership with the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) have today concluded a three day capacity building training for stakeholders on the Fortification Monitoring and Surveillance (FORTIMAS) Data Collection on Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) at Foni, Bwaim.  Participants were also equipped with the technical know how to test fortify food through the use of lab equipments. Malang Fofona, acting ED of NaNA acknowledged that the Gambia is doing well in terms of reducing micronutrient deficiencies. “Besides Nigeria and Senegal I must say the Gambia is third in terms of ranking.”  he said. He challenged participants to take the training seriously and share the knowledge acquired from the training. Cherno Omar Bobb, a participant said the training has enhanced his knowledge on Gambia's Large-Scale Food Fortification. He added that the training will enhance his reporting skill.

Team Outpost  Muhammed S. Bah President of the Gambia Press Union, (GPU) has urged the government of President of Adama Barrow through the Sheriff of the High Court to reconsider the eviction notices to over 950 landlords and property owners in Farato, requiring them to vacate their properties by June 13, 2024. “I urge President Barrow and Minister Hamat Bah to intervene swiftly and ensure that the interests of the majority are protected,” he urged.  The court decision stated that the land belongs to the Alkalo of Bafuloto. In his regular Facebook activism Muhammed S. Bah, said these homeowners, who legally purchased their land from Manor Properties, have built homes and invested their life savings into these properties.  The impending evictions, he said, threaten to render thousands of Gambians homeless, “creating a scenario ripe for conflict and instability.” He added: “The government must act to mediate this dispute and find a solution that prevents mass homelessness and upholds the

By Sheriff Saidykhan  The National Nutrition Agency (NANA) in collaboration with the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) has on Tuesday concluded five days capacity building Training of Trainers (ToT), on the use of Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) on Life Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) in Foni, Bwiam The objective of the taining participants will develop the skills to apply Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC), and the Inter Personell Communication (IPC) effectively in their work. Serign Faye, veteran broadcaster one of the task force officers applauded the organisers for the training. saying they have facilitated a conducive learning environ for all the participants. Antoine Mendy, of CRS thanked NANA for successfully conducting the training. Aziz Ceesay, Director of SBCC at NANA expressed delight and extended gratitude to the partners for their unflinching support to NANA, geared towards improving the nutritional status of the country. Mutarr Seckan, Cadet C

Team Outpost  National Nutrition Agency (NANA) in partnership with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop (CRS) has on Friday kick-off five days capacity building Training of Trainers (ToT) on Large Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) in Foni, Bwiam. The training brought together nutritionists, stakeholders and experts to brainstorm on the need for the revival of food fortification in the country. During the training participants will develop the skills to apply Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC), and the Inter Personell Communication (IPC) effectively in their work. Ousman Dem, Program Manager, Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) said the training is vital as it will equip participants on food fortification knowledge and skills. Adama Jallow, of Point Newspaper said the training will enable him to acquire requisite knowledge on food fortification. “I will be equiped with an additional knowledge for better improvement.” he said. The training on the use