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Mawlid Al-Nabi around the world: In pictures

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                                     By Sheriff Saidykhan Muslims around the around on Wednesday 27, September 2023 commemorated Mawlid Al-Nabi, the birth of the Holy Prophet of Islam, and the seal of all the Prophets sent by Allah to mankind.  Mawlid Al-Nabi, is an important occasion on the  Muslim calendar, that signifies the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace And Blessings Be Upon Him). Mawlid Al-Nabi, is commemorated every year on the 12th of the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar.  Below is the selection of images showing Muslim commemorating Mawlid Al-Nabi around the world. Muslims gatered for Mawlid at Medina Baye Khasida recitations at Touba Tivavoune   

State Varsity Students Body lament concern over lecture delay

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      By Amadou Manneh The students union of the University of the Gambia (UTG) have raised their growing concerned over delay of lectures. This semester’s lecture was announced to commence on 11th of September 2023 but the date has now been rescheduled to 2nd October to allow Faraba campus to complete work. “We cannot wait till October 2nd to begin lectures,” Kemo Fatty, the student president said. kemo  stated that the delay of lectures may interrupt the academic calendar again. Last semester’s lectures were compacted as the lecturers were rush to complete their lectures.  The examinations were conducted early, because the university management was trying to restore academic calendar to normalcy.  The  academic calendar was disrupted by corona virus pandemic that caused exams to be conducted late. according to Kemo, students had to endure the ordeals of last semester so that this semester could be smoothly conducted.’ he further concluded  that any further delay in the commencement o

Two slain officers laid to rest

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                                                                   | Constables  Pateh Jallow and Sang J. Gomez have been laid to rest.|  By Amadou Manneh Constable Pateh Jallow was laid to rest in his hometown of Foni Kansala, while Constable  Sang J Gomez was buried in his home village of Kitty 1 yesterday. The two officers were killed on Tuesday when an alleged shooter Ousainou Bojang shot them at Sukuta-Jabang Traffic light. The burials of the officer was attended by Senior Service Chiefs and Senior Government Officials. Inspector General of Police Abdoulie Sanyang has attended the burial of Sang J Gomez in  Kitty 1. “They paid their final respects to PC Sang J Gomez in his hometown of Kitty,” the Acting Public Relation Officer of the Police, Modou Musa Sisawo said. He said that  the Gambia Police Force and the Government presented charitable tokens to assist the grieving family of the two slain officers. General Sanyang reiterated his solemn commitment to PC Gomez's family, as

Police arrest six more suspects

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  By Amadou Manneh Gambia Police Force has arrested six more suspects in relation to Tuesday's shooting at Sukuta-Jabang traffic light, National Security Adviser Abubakar Suleiman Jeng said. He made these  revelations during a press briefing at the police headquarters on Friday. The main suspect of the shooting, Ousainou Bojang was arrested on Wednesday in southern Senegal. The recent arrest brought the number of suspects into police custody to seven. The shooting led to the death of two police officer and a serious injury to another officer who is currently hospitalise.   Jeng said the police are working tireless to uncover the motives of the shooting.  Howeverthe identities of the six suspects was not disclosed. The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Modou Sowe said the the boots and clothes of the prime suspect at the night of the shooting were recovered. He said investigation into the matter is still in progress.

Police Nabbed Alleged Killer of Two PIU Officers

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  By Amadou Manneh    The Office of The Inspector General of The Gambia Police Force (GPF) has confirmed the arrest of the alleged shooter, Ousainou Bojang from Brufut Bojang Kunda in connection to the recent shooting at the Sukuta traffic light junction. On Tuesday a gun man attacked Paramilitary Officers at the Sukuta-Jabang Highway killing two male  officers and wounded one female officer. Ousainou Bojang  was captured in Jululung, Cassamance in Senegal after a manhunt was launched against  him.  The police said the suspected killer is under police custody, and there are ongoing investigation aims at unveiling the motives behind the shooting of the police officers. “The Gambia Police Force remains dedicated to sharing pertinent information from this investigation that is suitable for the public,” Modou Musa Sisawo, the the Ag PRO states.  Meanwhile, President Adama Barrow has visited the wounded officer who is currently receiving treatment and presented hundred thousand dalasis [D10

Gambian author says Gambia needs ‘reading framework' to improve literacy rate

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By Amadou Manneh Modou Lamin Age-almusaf Sowe, a Gambian author , said the  Gambia should conduct a national teachers' competency tests for teachers and also develop reading framework for the students. “We have been doing very well in internal and external examinations, but there is  need to conduct a national teachers' competency test every 5 years and lay off teachers who are not fit enough to remain in the teaching system,” he remarked. He said that those who pass the test should have a salary increment, and those who fail the test can be compensated and work on improving themselves. He made these remrks in a telephone interview with The Outpost Media over the weekend. According to him this will improve the country’s literacy status and its education system. The Gambia has, according to UNESCO, a literacy rate of 50.78%, while the male literacy rate is 61.77%, and the female literacy rate is 41.58%, showing a big gap between the sexes. “This means that there are more males l

Industrial action: COPG to protest, amid unmet demands

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  Seedy Cham, COPG Chairman By Sheriff Saidykhan     The Coalition of Progressive Gambians (COPG) is set for a nationwide protest, amid government's failure to fulfil their demands, chief among which is the cost of living conditions in the country.  “We opted therefore to plan and call for a nationwide protest to ensure our concerns and demands are considered and addressed,” the statement said.  The pressure group further reminded the government of President Adama Barrow of the concerns presented to the Permanent Secretary for Interior. “The Coalition of Progressive Gambians therefore calls on government to take these concerns seriously and swiftly address the short term concerns and demands presented. The short term demands and concerns included addressing the high cost of living, the audit and TRRC Recommendations  and most importantly bringing back the Draft Constitution. The COPG express disappointment on the failure of government to address the concerns and demands presented t

London Corner Residents Lament Concern over Access to Road

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  By Sheriff Saidykhan & Amadou Manneh The residents of London Corner especially those near the water-channel have lamented their growing predicaments  over access to road in the past two days.  The residents stated that the rain of the past two days have prevented them from going out of their houses. They also stated that they are finding it difficult to go to the shop or market because the roads are filled with stagnant waters. They further adduced that, if any heavy downpour occur the water will cause floods in their homes and houses. Bintou Bah,  a resident said the rain of the past two days haven’t flooded in their house yet but it has blocked their roads. Bintou’s house was flooded in the last August flash flood  that caused deaths and destruction  across the country.     She said that the water channel  has been unsafe for residents to go out and about, because it is dangerous to walk in the potholes fill with dirty waters. Nyima Barjo another resident in the area said that

Niger Junta to charge President Bazoum with ‘high treason’, ECOWAS Condemns

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                By Amadou Manneh                          Niger Military Junta is set  to charge former President  Mohamed Bazoum with ‘high treason’ following his overthrown from office. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in a press statement have condemned the ‘high treason charge’ against Bazoum.  “This is another form of provocation and contradicts the reported willingness of the military authorities in the Republic of Niger to restore constitutional order through peaceful means. ECOWAS  still recognise Mohamed Bazoum as the president of Niger and demanded the military junta to reinstate him to power.  ECOWAS condemns his illegal detention and calls for his immediate release and reinstatement,” the statement said. In  July the military junta of Niger had overthrown the democratic elected government of Mohamed Bazoum causing widespread condemnation from the international community.  ECOWAS imposed sanctions on Niger military junta and further threatened a militar

Halifa Sallah diagnosis the political crisis in Senegal and Niger

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                    By Amadou Manneh       Honourable Halifa Sallah, Secretary General of the People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism, (PDOIS) has diagnosed the current political crisis in Senegal and Niger.   In Niger, last week the military junta overthrown the democratic elected government of Mohamed Bazoum. This sparked widespread condemnation from the international community.  The Economic Community Of West African States [ECOWAS] has imposed sanctions on Niger’s military junta and further threatened military action. The West African body further called on the junta to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum. Meanwhile, in Senegal the fierce opposition leader and  Macky Sall’s  main challenger, Ousmane Sonko faces disqualification from running in the upcoming election, following widespread demonstrations in Dakar. In an interview with Peter Gomez on West Coast Radio, popular Coffe Time Show on Tuesday. Halifa Sallah the de facto leader of PDOIS states th

Halifa Sallah Reacts to ‘Senegambia bridge mortgage’ agreement

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By Amadou Manneh Honourable Halifa Sallah, Secretary General of the People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) has reacted to the ‘Senegambia bridge mortgage’ agreement  with Africa50. The government of the Gambia has signed $100 million agreement with Africa50 to manage and operate the Senegambia Bridge. The agreement sparked public debate that described the agreement as mortgaging of the bridge but the  government said the agreement is a  sale transaction, mortgage or privatisation contract. Halifa Sallah stated that  the Senegambia bridge is a ‘sovereign property and  must not  be dispose in any way unless the national interest is secured.’ He made these remarks at a PDOIS press conference held on Thursday 3, August 2023. He said that the Senegambia bridge is a source of revenue that was build  to replace the ferries that where plying and they were also a source of revenue. “Now our ferries are dying. Any document that truly has the national interest

Climate activist urges African leaders to fight against climate change, others

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  By Sheriff Saidykhan Muhammed Hydara, Climate change activist has urged African leaders to fight against climate change, and foster a sustainable future for the continent.  In a telephone interview with The Outpost Media over the weekend, Muhammed Hydara said there is need for African leaders to collaborate with other nations to address global climate challenges.  “By taking this action, Afriacn leaders can contribute significantly to the fight against climate change,” he said. He said the impacts of climate change in Africa poses far-reaching consequences. “More Intense Heatwaves: Pose health risks and heat-related illnesses. Water Scarcity: Changing rainfall patterns and increased evaporation lead to shortages and affect agriculture.  Food Insecurity: Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather cause crop failures and shortages. Desertification: Fertile land turns into desert, leading to loss of arable land. Coastal Threats: Rising sea levels and extreme weather endanger coastal

Migration activist calls for the intervention of African leaders into migrants crisis in Tunisia

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  By Sheriff Saidykhan Yahya Sonko, rights activist of Gambian migrants based in Baden wüttenberg, Germany has called African Union (AU) leaders to intervene into the growing  plight of African migrants in Tunisia.  Speaking to Outpost in a telephone interview on Tuesday, Yahya Sonko said there is need for African leaders to address the growing worsening conditions of African migrants in Tunisia.  “African leaders need to come together and fight this. It should not be Gambia or Nigeria, it should be African leaders coming together to find a solution to track down this human trafficking networks within Africa. To try and look for possible solutions,” he said.  The push factors he said, has greatly contributed to the illegal migration crisis in Africa. “I think what has contributed to the worsening conditions of African migrants is the push factors. In Africa we start complaining about migrants when something happen to them in Tunisia or Libya, or other countries.  Usually as citizens we

NACOFAG and ROOTS project on Nationwide consultations for Food processors

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The National Coordinating Organization for Farmers Associations in the Gambia NACOFAG in collaboration with the ROOTS Project recently supported the National Association of Food Processors (NAFP) for the conduct of Regional Consultations for the 6 Agricultural Regions and the Greater Banjul Area. According to the National Coordinator of NACOFAG, Alieu Sowe, the objective of the consultation is to reorganize the membership of the Association, its Regional committees, Governance structure in terms of roles and responsibilities, access to information, markets and stakeholders partnership building at the Regional levels. “The consultation will also pave the way for the preparation of the Association Regional and National Congresses through a decentralization approach. Before its Congresses, the event will also highlight the mapping and identification of the addresses, contacts, gender, and the three main products of each of the Processors. The establishment of Regional and National WhatsAp

Seedy Cham Says Lawmakers Should Cut Expensive Spending

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      By Sheriff Saidykhan Seedy Cham, the Chairman of Coalition for Progressive Gambia (COPG) has cautioned lawmakers  to limit their exorbitant spending of the tax payers money, amid the cost of living conditions in the country. He made these remarks in an online interview with The Outpost Media on Tuesday 18th July 2023. “There are lot of discussions about the vehicles for National Assembly members.  Also the vehicles are very expensive. I am not saying they should not have vehicles, but they need to sacrifice their time on the current difficult times of the country,” he said. He said many of the lawmakers are only focusing on travelling benefits, clothing allowances among others. “There only focus is on salary increments, clothing allowances and travelling. Plus their travelling has no impact and benefits for the country,” he remarked.  Taxation without representation he said, has visibly appeared in our mainstream politics.    “National Assembly members are elected by the people t

Pa Samba Jow: alledged visa fraud scandal undermines our country’s integrity

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  By Sheriff Saidykhan Pa Samba Jow, Gambian political analyst, and rights activist based in Washington DC, U.S.A. said the recent alledged visa fraud scandal involving three Gambian diplomats at the U.S embassy has undermined the integrity of the country’s governance system.  The alledged scandal has led to their immediate expulsion by the U.S. State Department to depart the U.S. with their families on the 17th July 2023. The diplomats are Abdu Cham, Alhagie Babou Joof  and Mustapha Sosseh. Speaking to West Coast Radio popular Coffee Time show with Peters Gomez on Tuesday, Pa Samba Jow said he made series of enquiries to speak to the  Embassy staff, but added that his efforts remains unanswered at the borders of inquiry. “I made few calls to the Information Secretary of the Embassy, neither pick up or return my calls. I also called the personal number of the Ambassador without success.  I  then decide to call the official number of the Embassy it was put on hold and transferred my cal

Mod Lamin Conteh: medical and health still lack diagnostic equipments

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By Sheriff Saidykhan Dr. Mod Lamin Conteh, Medical Doctor at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) has said that the health sector still lack upto date medical diagnostic and therapeutic equipments in the country.   The diagnosis elimination to evidence base medicine he said, cannot be achieve in any country without latest technological equipments. He made these remarks in an interview with The Outpost Media on Saturday 8 July, 2023 at his residence in Wellingara, West Coast Region (WCR).  “Is the Gambia showing signs to get into those aspects of life? At this pace even  100 years to come we are not going to compete with countries that have cutting edge technologies in their therapeutic facilities,” he posited.  He further highlighted the numerous  challenges facing the health sector ranging from modern medical equipments, among others.  “We struggle to get the basic equipments (Boos pressure machines, sterile gloves, BM machines, wrecked CT scanners and MRI, the Sad reali

IYS Chapters trains students on diverse skills

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  By Sheriff Saidykhan The Inspiring Young Stars Chapters, an integral arm of the Inspiring Young Stars organization has recently trained  students on diverse acquisition skills at various  schools in the country.  The flagship project forms a network of after school chapters in the country to help support Upper Basic and Secondary school students to become aspiring leaders through peer to-peer mentoring and positive discussions in a chapter style format.  The objective of the flagship program is aim at creating a new generation of inspired, healthy and empowered leaders with the vision to create a network of united agents of change across different  schools in the country  This medium was given a rare glimpse of the activities of various school chapters that  have been actively involved in diverse educational activities, each chapter adopted their own school wide culture and reinforcing learners participation in a rewarding and unique manners, this as a result impacted greater members

State varsity student’s union President decries over inadequate facilities, others

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       By Sheriff Saidykhan Kemo Conteh,  President of the University of the  Gambia student’s union has decried over the growing inadequate facilities at the University. He made these remarks in an interview with The Outpost Media on  Monday June 19, 2023. Limited space to accommodate student's he said, has been one of the main challenges facing student's at the University.  “There are limited space to accommodate the overwhelming number of student's. Many of our classes are over-crowded, not conducive and not stimulating for learning at all.  It is suicidal and fatal to squeeze hundreds of student's in classes that are meant to accommodate only fifty student's. The focus of the University management is not to commensurate or proportionate intakes with the existing space, but enrolling more than the existing space can accommodate, which is as a results of their thirst for more money from tuition fees, without respecting the rights of student's,” he lamented.  H

Lare Sisay To Government: Do Not Weaponise State Institutions Against Critics

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  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 criticised President Adama Barrow for his continues weaponisation of the state institutions against the opposition voices in the country.  He made these remarks on Tuesday 13, June 2023 at the West Coast Radio popular Coffee Time show with Peters Gomez.  In his own words: “The recent example is a UDP MP who filed a case in Bundung against a lady who was insulting , using a tribal carte to pit Mandinka and Jolas against one another. He went to the police station and filed the case.  The station commander got a called from upstairs, and according to him, the station officer called him in his office  and said I can't do anything about this because upstairs called to say let her go. So this is a weaponisation of the police. And of course the issue of arresting opponents. Momodou Sabally was arrested  a