Two journalists threatened with death in hostile e-mails

Photo : Baboucarr Ceesay et Abubaccar Saidykhan

Reporters Without Borders is deeply concerned by death threats received in e-mails yesterday by the journalists Baboucarr Ceesay and Abubaccar Saidykhan, against whom charges of conspiracy and inciting violence were dropped earlier this week.

Amid media censorship, two papers hit newsstands

The Mirror's 1st edition and The Daily Standard's 2nd edition/PHOTO/MSJOOF

Two newspapers have hit the newsstands in and around Banjul, the Gambian capital this month, October 2012. 

The Mirror and The Daily Standard are the latest addition to the Gambian newspaper publishing industry, which is often characterised as “not free.”  The new newspapers began publishing a month after the “arbitrary closure” of two leading independent newspapers, The Standard and The Daily News. 

Peaceful demonstration is right

ALSO IN THIS ROUNDUP...

• PAC/PEC Not A Witch-hunting Body 
  
  
  • Jammeh sacks Minister Waa Juwara

  

Criminal case against two Gambian journalists ‘killed’

Mr. Baboucarr Ceesay (L) and Abubacarr Saidykhan were charged "for wanting to demonstrate peacefully" PHOTO/Daily News

The Voice newspaper has gathered that the criminal charges brought against two Gambian journalists who requested a permit to demonstrate peacefully against the August execution of nine death row prisoners is “death and buried”.

The case which dragged for more than a month without legal proceedings was finally “killed” on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 following a meeting the two journalists had with the authorities upon the invitation of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lamin Jobarteh.

UTG historian denounce demolition of historical heritage near Timbuktu

An ancient shrine in Timbuktu is destroyed in this photo taken on July 1, 2012/CNN

Mr. Ensa Touray, a history lecturer at the University of The Gambia is of the view that “knowledge” in all areas of human interest has been embedded in Timbuktu, a place he regarded as a “centre for intellectuals” across the horn of Africa.

Mr. Touray, who was speaking at a press conference organised by the History Club of the University of The Gambia (UTG) at the Brikama campus, denounced the on-going turmoil that led to the destruction of several valuable shrines and historical heritages in and near Timbuktu, an ancient town in Mali.

An eye for an eye justice to address murder: Imam Drammeh

Gambia's president Yahya Jammeh ordered for the execution of 9 death row inmates in August 2012/PHOTO/AFP2011

 The Imam of the colonel Moumar Gaddafi Mosque in Kotu, Momodou Lamin Drammeh is of the view that “an eye for an eye justice” (kill and be killed) is the only remedy to an increasing murder rate in The Gambia.

The Imam, who was speaking to this reporter at his residence at Kotu on October 17, claimed that the August 2012 execution of death row inmates by the government is not only in line with the nation's constitution but in line with Islamic law (Shari’ah) as well.

‘No Woman Shall Die Giving Life’

Also see... H.E. Sherriff lays first stone of an RFH training centr

• ‘No Woman Shall Die Giving Life’

“COMMEMORATION OF UN DAY 2012,” the headline said, announcing the intention of the United Nations (UN) System in The Gambia to join the rest of World to commemorate UN Day on Wednesday, 24^th October, 2012.

“No Woman Shall Die Giving Life” is the theme chosen by the UN System to commemorate the Day, which is a “global advocacy event that offers a unique opportunity for the global community to reflect on and take stock of the work of the United Nations.”  

US embassy, Africell opens 2nd American corner

On Monday, the United States Embassy in Banjul in collaboration with Africell, a leading GSM service provider officially opened a new American Corner in Bundung.

The new corner, the second in Gambia, is situated at the GSM Company’s new customer care services building. The first is located at the Comium complex along the Kairaba Avenue.

The Corner will provide services ranging from culture, education, government, history, and current affairs, empirical literature, internet access, DVDs collections, books, videos etc meant to widen the horizon of all learners.

GMC oppose calls to relocate African Commission

GMC leader Mai Ahmad Fatty

The opposition party, the Gambia Moral Congress, has put up a strong disagreement to the call by the Civil Society Forum of African NGOs “to relocate the Banjul-based African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) from The Gambia to another AU member state.” 

GMC believes that removal of the African Commission from The Gambia does not provide effective and durable approach to the “endemic problem” of mal-governance in Africa, the party’s leader Mai Ahmad Fatty, said.

“It provides no guarantee or safeguard against the possibility of grievous rights violations by a future government in the next country to host the Commission, if The Gambia were to lose it,” argues Mr. Fatty.

Ghana heads to decisive presidential elections

By Lamin Jahateh
Lamin Jahateh is a Gambian journalist and the editor and publisher of Gambia News Online.

 

In the absence of Mills, Ghana needs a man who can continue with his plans and do more to take Ghana to the next level.

Late President Mills (right) transformed Ghana into one of the fastest growing economies in the world in 2011 [EPA]

Authorities extend media censorship to individual journalists

Ms Binta Bah, a senior judicial correspondent of The Daily News/PHOTO:Facebook

Following the arbitrary closure of two of the leading independent newspapers, The Standard and The Daily News by NIA agents who claim the order was from President Yahya Jammeh on September 14, the authorities in Gambia have extended the developing trend of media censorship to individual journalists working with the two papers.

Africa's Leadership Fails Billionaire Mo Ibrahim's Test, But Technocrats Rise

The Billionaire Who's Squandering His Wealth On African Leaders

By Harvard professor Calestous Juma

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has announced that it could not find a winner for its US$5 million prize for good governance in Africa. The selection panel said no candidate had met all of the criteria, as was the case in 2009 and 2010.

The foundation has set high and commendable standards for performance, which African leaders should aspire to achieve as the continent works to strengthen other democratic institutions. Two decades ago Africa’s leadership was dominated by autocrats, many of whom had risen to power through military coups. 

But it appears that the road to democracy is being bridged by a rising technocracy.

Campaign to strip Gambia of ‘human rights title’ intensifies

52nd Ordinary Session: 9th - 22nd October 2012. Yamoussoukro, Cote d'Ivoire/PHOTO:ACHPR

Human rights NGOs gathering in the Cote d’Ivoire city of Yamoussoukro, to participate in the 25^th anniversary and 52^nd Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), have intensified calls for Gambia to be stripped of its title: “Human Rights Capital of Africa”. 

The Gambia is regarded as such because it hosts the ACHPR, however, in an October 6, 2012 resolution on Gambia, rights defenders said: “The Gambia Government is best known for its contempt of the principles of human rights; and its continued acts of rights abuse calls for it to be stripped of the privilege of hosting a Pan African Organ.”

Gambia: CSAG highlights prison condition, rights abuses

Dr. Janneh was recently released from a Gambian prison where he was serving a life sentence: Photo/Facebook

The Civil Society Associations Gambia, CSAG which is partaking in the 25^th anniversary and 52^nd Session of the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) in Yammousoukro, Cote D’Ivoire, said it highlighted the “conditions of prisoners”, “human rights abuses” and “disregard for the rule of law” in The Gambia.

COUNTRY RESOLUTION

Gambian president Yahya Jammeh: PHOTO/AFP

Gambia: Governance, Democracy And Respect For The Rule Of Law

Women should take lead reducing risk and managing natural hazards: UN

An estimated 200 million young people are affected by reported disasters each year and thousands of them are killed and injured, says United National Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his message, marking the International Day for Disaster Reduction.

The theme of for this year's Day observed on October 13, 2012 is “Women and Girls: the [in] Visible Force of Resilience”. 

The Police And The Two Journalists

It is a trite law that he who asserts must prove, that Justice delay is Justicedined, that Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done: Abubacarr Saidykhan/Photo:Facebook

Global hunger declined, but remain at ‘serious’ level

An October 11, 2012 Global Hunger Index (GHI), a report on world food production, shows that global hunger has declined since 1990, but not dramatically, and remains at a level characterized as “serious.”

“Across regions and countries, GHI scores vary greatly. The highest GHI scores occur in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa” said the co-publishers of the report International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Welthungerhilfe, and Concern Worldwide.

Risk to global financial stability have increased: IMF

In its latest assessment of the global financial sector, the International Monetary Fund, IMF says the risks to global financial stability have increased and financial markets have been volatile as European policymakers grapple with the ongoing crisis. 

Faltering market confidence has led to capital flight from countries on the ‘periphery’ to the core of the euro area. 

Loan repayment poses ‘major threat’ to Gambia’s ability to attain sustainable growth

VP addresses sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly/PHOTO:United Nations.

Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy, Vice President of The Gambia has noted with concern that debt servicing still poses a major threat to Gambia and other African countries’ ability to attain sustainable growth while calling on the Bretton Woods institutions, like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, to consider debt cancellation to these countries.

NRA asked to account for D85 million meant for road maintenance

Also in this roundup...

• Gambia security officer allegedly involved in drug deal  
• NYSS says government subvention not encouraging 
• Gambia Competition Commission decries ‘insufficient funding’ from government

  

GLOBAL FINANCIAL STABILITY REPORT: IMF

IMF’s Viñals addresses reporters during Tokyo news conference: ‘Further policy efforts are needed to gain lasting stability’ (IMF photo)

Mounting Risks, Euro Area Worries Fuel Financial Instability

IMF Survey online

October 10, 2012

• Confidence remains fragile despite recent policy actions
• Euro area crisis principal risk amid internal capital flight
• Emerging markets susceptible to shocks from Europe; United States and Japan need to address fiscal challenges
• Policymakers must act swiftly to restore confidence

Cash-strapped GCCI forced to forgo plans

Almami Fanding Taal, CEO GCCI has been presiding over a cash-starved body: PHOTO/ Gamwriters

GCCI changes hands

There has been a change in hands at GambiaChamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), the apex body of all private businesses in the country.

On October 5, delegates put an end to the terms of the serving president of the GCCI and its board members by electing a new president and a new board of directors who are tasked with the responsibility of steering the affairs of the body for the next two years. 

Libyan diplomat mute over sparkling revelations

The head of the steering committee of the Libyan affairs in The Gambia Mr. Adel AAlkish has remain mute over revelations accusing him of "sexually harassing" one Jankey Drammeh, a waitress at Al Baba restaurant in Kotu.

Mr. Alkish also ignored allegations of unlawful termination to one of his staff, Alhagie Jammeh, who until his dismissal has been working for the embassy since 2006. 

“I have no time for you, I don’t mind about the allegations and in fact if you want to get any response talk to my lawyer,” he said, but before this reporter could ask for his lawyer’s contact Mr. Alkish switched off his phone immediately.

Police put ‘bulldozer operative’ on trial

Operation Bulldozer, a brain-child of the Gambian leader,Yahya Jammeh: POTO/MSJoof

The police in Banjul, Gambia’s capital have brought criminal charges against Musa B. Sanneh, a member of the President Yahya Jammeh-established joint-security organisation, Operation Bulldozer.

OperationBulldozer, a brain-child of the Gambian leader, was setup in May 2012 for what Yahya Jammeh said was meant to “clean the country of criminals.” 

First next-generation NICE Centre opens in Tabokoto, The Gambia

Cutting the ribbon! Official opening by the Managing Director of NICE International, the Managing Director of NICE Gambia, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Communication and Information Technology: PHOTO/NICE-Gambia

Exiled Gambian journalist launch news site

Omar Bah was declared wanted by the Jammeh-Government in 2006

An exiled Gambian journalist living in Providence, Rhode Island, USA has launched a news website called American Street News (ASN) - www.americanstreetnews.com.

The ASN, according to Omar Bah, a former editor at the Daily Observer in Banjul, is aimed at reporting news and current affairs in Rhode Island communities and beyond. 

Gambia continues to dip into consolidated fund

Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Abdou Kolley

The Gambia government claims it under budgeted its 2012 fiscal year and requested the house of parliament to support its quest to access an additional funding close to D500 million with less than three months to the end of the year.

Gambia’s real gross domestic product (GDP), the total value of goods and services that the country produced in 2011, fell by about 5 percent, while economic activity remained weak for much of 2012, according to a September 18 International Monetary Fund (IMF) statement. 

Despite global slowdown, African economies growing strongly

Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to grow at 4.8 percent in 2012, broadly unchanged from the 4.9 percent growth rate in 2011 and largely on track despite setbacks in the global economy, according to the World Bank’s new Africa’s Pulse, a twice-yearly analysis of the issues shaping Africa’s economic prospects.

 

Excluding South Africa, the continent’s largest economy, growth in Sub-Saharan Africa is forecast to rise to 6 percent. African exports rebounded notably in the first quarter of 2012, growing at an annualized pace of 32 percent, up from the -11 percent pace recorded in the last quarter of 2011.

African countries have not been immune to the recent bout of market volatility stemming from the Euro Area crisis, as well as the growth slowdown that is occurring in some of the largest developing economies, in particular China, which remains an important market for Africa’s mineral exporters.

Lawmaker lambast state broadcaster, GRTS

GRTS TV: PHOTO/grts

The National Assembly Member of Lower Fulladu West disctrict, Hon. Omar Tobb is of the view that the State-owned Gambia Radio and Television Service (GRTS) is failing Gambians in the execution of its mandate.

“GRTS has failed Gambians in the past two years especially in my area Lower Fulladu West,” he said in an adjournment debate on September 26, 2012 which culminated the 3^rd Legislative Session of the National Assembly.

Gambia: Ahmadiyya condemns ‘anti-Islam’ film

Amirs Travwlly (Left) and colleagues @ 35^th Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) April 2011

In an October 4, 2012 media dispatch, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in Gambia says it “strongly condemn” the act of disrespect to the honour of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (SAM).

In September, a film titled “Innocence of Islam” deemed insulting to the Prophet was uploaded on Utube, an online video site, sparking widespread violent protests across the Muslim world. 

VP stress need for nonstop economic growth for LCDs

VP addresses sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly/PHOTO:United Nations.

Gambia’s Vice President is of the view that for developing countries to continue to benefit from the appreciable growth they are experiencing and in order to compromise their capacities to bring education and healthcare to their peoples, debt cancellation or forgiveness is still a major option. 

“Debt servicing still poses a major threat to our ability to attain sustainable growth,” Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy told the United Nations 67^th General Assembly in New York on September 26, 2012.

Back to Africa festival to promote cultural values

By Bakary Ceesay

The ARIWA Back to Africa Festival, the second edition to be staged at the Kombo South-District village of Batokunku, is slated for 25^th - 27^th January, 2013.

The organisers of the festival, said ARIWA (a Yoroba word meaning for “being patient”) cultural showpiece is designed to promote Africa’s cultural norms and values.

Wake up from slumber VP tells United Nations

VP addresses sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly/PHOTO:United Nations.

In an address in New York to the 67thsession of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 26, 2012, Gambia’s vice president said the paralysis displayed by the UN member states common security mechanism is astounding.

Gambia: Quality education remains a challenge

Gambia struggle to give quality education to citizens, admits Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE): PHOTO: Fatou Lamin Faye Minister of BSE.

By Jainaba Manjang, The Voice Newspaper

After 47 years of independence, The Gambia, a low income and highly indebted poor West African country, is struggling to give her citizens the quality education they desire.

CCG welcomes Dr. Janneh’s release

Jesse Jackson with former Gambian dissidents Amadou Scattred Janneh (left), a graduate of Knoxville College and the University of Tennessee, and Tamsir Jasseb (right), a Navy veteran of Desert Storm./ Photo by Roy Lewis

Pressure groups, the Coalition for Change-Gambia (CCG) and the Civil Society Associations- Gambia (CSAG) have issued a statement welcoming the release from prison of Dr Amadou Scattred Janneh, national coordinator of the CCG.

Statement!

VP addresses sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly/PHOTO:United Nations

Delivered by H.E. Dr. Isatou Njie-Saidy Vice President of The Republic of The Gambia on the occasion of the 67th United Nations General Assembly, 26 September 2012 New York,USA

Drug agency arrest suspected drug trafficker

News reports monitored on Gambia TV, GRTS revealed officials of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA) have arrested and detained a Nigerian suspected of drug trafficking.

John Agwy, 32, who the NDEA described as uncooperative with investigators was arrested during the early hours of September 14, 2012 at the Banjul International Airport. He had flown into the Gambia on board an Arik Airliner from Nigeria.