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  By Amadou Manjang The Gambia Center for Victims of Human Rights Violations is currently working on towards translating the report and recommendation of the Truth, Commission into Mandinka, Wollof, Fula and Jola. The aim and objective of the report is geared towards helping the general public to understand the Commission's report and recommendations for Gambians’ to take ownership of the accountability process of the country. Sheriff Kijera, the Chairman of the Center stated that the translation will be both available in electronic media and outreach sensitization to inform the general public about the report. He made these remarks during an interview with The Outpost recently, at the Victim Center in Brusubi. He said the Truth Commission and the Center are working in tandem with international Coalition of Sight of Conscience to translate the report. “People need to understand what is in the TRRC report, because there should be a public ownership of the process to hold the governm

   By Alimatou S Bajinka Modou Njai, the Director of Health Promotion and Education at the Ministry of Health, said the country was expecting to have cases of  the Omicron variant.  He made these remarks in an interview with The Outpost on Tuesday 11th January 2022, at his office in Kotu.    “We were expecting to have cases of Omicron variant” said Modou Njai.  The new Omicron variant he said, has been first detected by his Ministry in other African countries.  He said his Ministry have confirmed 26 cases of the Omnicron variant in the country. “As long as it was in the nearby countries we knew we wont escaped. We stood our grounds and began preparing for it. Recently after various sequences we were able detect 26 cases” he concluded.

  By Alimatou S Bajinka Modou Njai, the Director of Health Promotion and Education at the Ministry of Health, who doubles as the chairperson of the risk communication and community engagement of the covid-19 public response, has said that low uptake of coronavirus vaccine has plummeted cases of the virus. He made these remarks during an interview with The Outpost on Tuesday 11th January 2022, at his office in Kotu. “Low uptake of covid-19 vaccine and the movement of people in an out of the country, causes the recent surge in covid-19 cases” he said. The covid-19 measures prescribed by the WHO he said, has not been observed by the public. This according to him, has increased cases of COVID-19  “Protocols and precautionary measures are no more observed by people. There where hand wash buckets in many houses and public places, but all those are no more seen anywhere. People are no more washing there hands and wearing face masks. Many are reluctant in taking the vaccine. There are no contr

  Photo credit: Majac By Sheriff Saidykhan The Gambia Press Union (GPU) called for the safety and security of journalists ahead of the Parliamentary and local government elections. Many journalists in the country for the past years suffered string of assaults by party supporters. After the December Presidential election, the press union renewed call for the government to ensure the safety and security of journalists during elections. Muhammad S. Bah, President of Gambia Press Union (GPU) said the union has engaged security forces and politicians over the safety of journalists during elections. The welfare and safety unit of the GPU, he said is committed to ensuring the safety and security of journalists at all times. “The safety of journalists is very important. And the GPU is very much concerned about the safety of journalists. That is why we have distributed 100 press jackets. We have also trained several journalists on safety and we also shared safety tips to ensure journalists are

By Sheriff Saidykhan The Ministry of Local Government and Land (MOLGL) acting under section 151(1)(a) of the Local Government Act, 2002, is set to establish a Commission of inquiry to investigate into allegations of fraud and malpractice at the Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC). This was revealed in a letter sent from the above Ministry to Mayor Talib Bensouda dated 4th January 2022. This medium has been reliably informed that the KMC under Mayor Bensouda, has allegedly been embroiled in fraud and malpractice, from April 2018 to date.  The Commission seeks to inquire the many allegations of fraud and malpractice at the KMC.  The letter from the ministry states that the Commission seeks “to ascertain the alleged soliciting of bribe by the former Deputy Mayor of the Council and other councillors”. According to the letter, the Commission shall complete its inquiry within three months from the date of establishment of the inquiry, although no date has been set for when this Commission of In

By Amadou Manjang “Don’t Judge the Book by the Cover” by Modou Lamin Age-Almusaf Sowe has been launched on Friday 7th January 2022.  The book was first printed and published in 2006 in The Gambia when the author was 14 years old.  The launching was held at the Ebunjan Theatre in Kanifing. The event was organised by the International Association of African Authors and Scholars (IAAAS). Yankuba Darboe, the Commission General of Gambia Revenue Authority urged young Gambians to develop the culture of reading and writing.   Ousman M. Touray, Pan-Africanist said that African’s need to take control of their narratives by engaging in reading and writing.  He urged his fellow youths to develop the habit of reading and writing, as a soul search to find solutions to African problems.   Hassoum Ceesay, at the Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) highlighted the significance of the book to readers of African Literature.  The prolific Gambian historian added:  “The book has added strong voice to Gambi

  By Alimatou S Bajinka Mrs Lucy Sarfo, the Principal of Methodist Spacial School for differently able said the school has been facing transportation problems, adding that this has affected the education of students in the school. This reporter was out and about to look into the plight of students with disabilities at Methodist Special School at Kanifing.  The Principal of the school, said the school was allocated with one school bus. This unfortunate situation she said, has hindered the educational careers of students. “some of our students are on the waiting list due to transportation problems. We have only one vehicle to carry all the students to and fro; from school, so to reach out to every students in the country with only one vehicle becomes impossible especially those at Banjul and beyond, the only thing we can do is to put them on a waiting list and look for other means, that is to appeal to the government and also to some Good Samaritans for support so that the differently ab

  By Sheriff Saidykhan Miko Alazas, Media and Communications Officer of the International Organisation for Migration in The Gambia, said migrants has for the past months faced unprecedented challenges due to coronavirus commonly dubbed “covid-19”.  He made these remarks recently during an interview with The Outpost at IOM office along Kairaba avenue.  “First of all, migrants can be more vulnerable in terms of health crisis. The mobility of migrants can be impacted as we have seen around the world. Migrants often times have more difficulties in accessing health care and health services, are often discrimated” he stressed.  He further stated that, migrants are blamed for the spread of the coronavirus, adding that this has affected their livelihoods.  “Migrants were been blamed for the spread of the coronavirus, and generally migrants would have their livelihoods affected just like anybody else” he said.  Returned and reintegration of migrants he said, has posed social and economic effect

By Sheriff Saidykhan Passengers crossing from Banjul to Barra are currently stranded at the Banjul ferry terminal since in the morning. Lamin K. Jammeh, a frequent traveller at the Banjul terminal said passengers are stranded outside, due to technical failures from the ferry service. “Hundreds of people sitting and others standing outside the waiting room at the Banjul ferry crossing terminal, for more than five hours without crossing to Barra due to technical failure” he said. The predicaments faced by passengers he said, compelled many passengers to take boats to cross. He said the unfavorable climate at the ferry terminal, forced many passengers to postpone their trip. He added: “Several attempts were made to pull the Kunta Kinteh ferry but the attempts didn't pay any dividends, due to an old rope they were using. Passengers are now using boats to cross to Barra which is very risky because of the heavy wind in the sea. Some decided to postpone their journey till  tomorrow hence

MOH to embark on nationwide COVID-19 Vaccination By Alimatou S Bajinka The Ministry of Health(MOH) will embark on a nationwide vaccination campaign against the new COVID-19 variant slated for 18-24th December 2021. The vaccination campaign is geared towards raising awareness on the new variant.  Mr. Gebriel Gando, speaking on behave of the Executive Direction Ministry of Health, Mr Modou Njie, highlighted the significance of the vaccination campaign, saying “we are about to roll out a COVID-19 campaign vaccination from Banjul to Kanlaji. The reason for the mass vaccination is due to the invent of the new variant, which is the Omicron variant which currently hits many countries across the globe, however the country has not yet recorded the new variant, but our lab scientists are everyday sequencing, every positive they have and verifying to see if  it’s omicron or not, but as at now, we are free from it” he remarked. He made these remarks at a press briefing held at the office of the Mi

By Amadou Manjang Opposition leaders urged to seek redress rightfully John Charles Njie, Chairman of the Association of Non Governmental Organization (TANGO) has urged the opposition presidential candidates to seek redress at the court, following IEC announcement of President Barrow, as the winner of the Presidential election. He said: “December 4th is free, fair and transparent throughout as observed and reported by observers,” he said. He added that the election was done in an atmosphere of transparency, adding that the election was free and fair. He called on the presidential candidates to reflect on the Janjanbureh Peace Accord to seek legal and peaceful redress or any disagreement. He made these remarks over the weekend, in a joint statement of Civil Society Organization held at Coco Ocean in Bijilo.  He said that they noted the rejection of election results by UDP, GDC and Essa Faal, however they have also recognized their constitutional right to seek redress legally.

Gambians voted in “democratic transition” test for stability By Sheriff SaidyKhan Gambians’ across the country have turnout in masses to vote in the country's first post dictatorship Presidential election. Many voters described the election as the democratic transition test for stability in the country.  The six presidential candidates were: Adama Barrow, National People’s Party, the incumbent president; Essa Mbye Faal, an independent candidate; Abdoulie Ebrima Jammeh, National Unity Party; Ousainou Darboe, United Democratic Party; Mama Kandeh, Gambia Democratic Congress and Halifa Sallah People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism. Sona Manjang, a voter, has said that she wants the continuity of peace in the country,  She said that everyone has a choice to vote for any candidate, but that should not cause alienation among people. Isatou Jallow, a registered voter said she was to vote without fear, adding that this is an unprecedented election for her. The votin

      By AMADOU MANJANG  President  Adama Barrow, the presidential candidate for National People’s Party (NPP) has vowed to win the presidential election slated for December 4 th 2021. He advised his supporters to vote peacefully, adding that there is no need to incite violence in the country. He said politics should not divide Gambians ahead of the election. He made these remarks on Wednesday 1 st December 2021, at a rally held at Tallinding, Buffer Zone. “We will win peacefully,” he bragged. President Barrow stated that, he did not want “personal politics” he further described the NPP APRC alliance as a step towards national reconciliation.  T he Gambian leader praised his supporters for their show of solidarity, whilst urging them to come out and vote on election day.  He said the NPP led coalition, is stronger than any opposition party. But critics argued that the alliance has undermines the welfare of the victims of the APRC regime.     The final submitted report of the Truth Re

             Article 19 calls government, others to provide ATI ahead of elections            By Sheriff Saidykhan ARTICLE 19 in collaboration with the Centre for Human Rights (Pretoria) and The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has on Tuesday 30th November 2021 called on the government and politicians to provide proactive disclosure of Access to Information (ATI) ahead of the Presidential election.  The daylong zoom event was anchored on “Enhancing Access to Information during elections in The Gambia” The event held at the Human Rights office in Brusubi, brought together Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s), human rights actors and media practitioners to mitigate strategies for the effective implementation of Access to Information Act.   The objective of the event was to raise awareness on the right of access to information in The Gambia. Bintou Jaiteh, from Article 19 spoke of the importance of Access to Information, in the drive towards engaging citizens’ participation in decision making proc

Lawyer Darboe reminds Kombo North of UDP struggles, calls for change  By Sheriff Saidykhan Ousainou ANM Darboe, the Presidential candidate for the United Democratic Party (UDP) has reminded Gambians of the struggles fought by the party during the repressive rule of former president Yahya Jammeh. Lawyer Darboe described the struggles of the late martyrs of the party saying they fought to liberate the country from the brutal rule of former president Yahya Jammeh.   He made these remarks on Saturday 27 November 2021 at the “ALL KOMBO RALLY” held at Brikama, West Coast Region.   “Many of our members were captured here in Brikama. They tortured them and violated their right for no crime, only because they are supporting UDP” he decried. The veteran human rights lawyer jogged the minds of thousands of supporters during the bitter struggles of the party. He called on supporters of the party to come out in full swing and vote for UDP.                     

Honourable Halifa Sallah Halifa Sallah says Gambians should unite to vote for change   By Amadou Manjang   Halifa Sallah, the presidential candidate for People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), has said that Gambians should unite and vote for change, adding that change cannot happen without unity.   “Gambians have to unite before we can bring change,” he said.   He further said that no one has a vote based on tribe, arguing that every Gambian has an equal vote by virtue of being a Gambian.    “We shall invite and know that we are all equal with one vote” he remarked.   Sallah made these remarks on Friday 26 November 2021 in Bwaim, Foni. Hon. Sallah,  is on the campaign trail ahead of the 4th December presidential elections.   The seasoned politician observed that, the country is still faced with the same problems and issues since independence.   He blamed the previous regimes for their lack of visionary foresight, and failure to register development

GPU-UNOWAS Kick-off training on hate speech for journalists' By Alimatou S Bajinka The Gambia Press Union (GPU) in partnership with the United Nation of West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), and National Democratic Instutute (NDI) converged six days training on “hate speech”.  The training, is divided into three batches slated from Tuesday 23-28  November 2021, held at Sunset Beach Hotel in Kotu. The training, is aimed at building the capacity of journalists' on how to appropriately tackle hate speeches especially during elections. Mr. Emmanuel D. Joof, the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) underscored the importance of the training, adding that hate speeches are rampant on social media platforms, intended primarily to incite violence.  “I emphasis that this training is important, necessary, and timely, if you today scan the social media, the amount of hate speech, unsavoury and bigoted statements, and misinformation that is transmitted is boundless and m

“Accountability Is Non-Negotiable, Inevitable”-  Sirra Ndow   By Amadou Manjang Sirra Ndow, the Country Coordinator of African Network against Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances (ANEKED) has said that accountability is inevitable for the people who bear the highest responsibility of human rights violations that occurred in the past regime. She added that the forgiveness by victims should not deter the prosecution of perpetrators by the state, adding that the state has a responsibility to ensure that the victims get justice.  She further stated that securing justice is another step for the victims.  The human rights defender who is also a victim of human rights violations under Jammeh's regime made these remarks at the international conference held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre in Bijilo.  Ayeshah Jammeh, the program officer of Gambia Centre for Victims of Human Right Violations said the prevalence of justice must be delivered.   Mrs. Jammeh recou

  DCAF Successfully Concludes Training on Election Reporting for Thirty Gambian Journalists   By Sheriff Saidykhan   The Geneva Centre for Security Governance (DCAF) in partnership with Gambia Press Union (GPU), through the support of the European Union (EU), on Friday 19 November 2021 completed a five days intensive training for thirty Gambia media practitioners across different media outlets. The training was held at National Nutrition Agency (NANA), along the Bertil Harding Highway.   The training dubbed: ‘The Role of Media in Monitoring and Objective Reporting on Election and Security’ among other things, gave journalists the opportunity to interact, share experiences and better understand the safety and security considerations associated with in elections reporting.     Ken Isaac, Head of DCAF office in Banjul spoke of their determination to continue to support capacity building of Gambian journalists and media practitioners.   Muhammad S. Bah, President-elect of Gambia Press Unio

    ICC Advisor says: Jammeh Must Be Prosecuted, “Impunity is not an option”   By Amadou Manjang    The special adviser to the International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor, Adama Dieng, has said that The Gambia needs to prosecute the crimes that were committed under Yahya Jammeh’s brutal rule.     He added that if The Gambia fails to prosecute the crimes, then the International Criminal Court under international jurisprudence will take the matter and investigate.   “Justice must happen and justice will happen. Impunity is not an option,” he firmly stated.   Dieng believes that there should be no circumstances where the crimes should be left unpunished.    Dieng made these remarks on Wednesday 17 November 2021 at the International Conference held at Sir Dawda Kairaba Conference centre.     The International Conference was organised by the Advocate for Justice and Human Rights, Justice Truth Dignity, Gambia Bar Association and IHRDA on the theme ‘from Truth to Justice- the Impleme