Senegal galled by Gambia executions, recalls ambassador

Gambian president Yahya Jammeh wants to carry out all executions by the end of September. Photograph: Seyllou/AFP/Getty Images

Reports say Senegal President Macky Sall who is angered by the execution of two Senegalese death row inmates by the Gambia, had asked his ambassador in Banjul to return home on Wednesday.

Imam Bakawsu Fofana reportedly flee Gambia

Gambian Muslim cleric, Imam Bakawsu Fofana was detained in June 2012

A popular Gambian Muslim cleric, Imam Bakawsu Fofana is reported to have fled the country.

A neighbor who wished not to be named told The Voice on Monday August 27 “the Imam crossed the Gambian border on Sunday into the Southern Senegal region of Casamance to seek for refuge.” 

While on a routine reporting to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) almost on a weekly basis since June 2012, followinghis release from detention, Bakawsu managed to escape reported attempts by theagency to re-arrest him on August 14.

Embattled State Agents Given Bail

Principal Magistrate Alagbe Taiwo Ade of the lower court in Banjul on Monday, August 27 granted bail to two embattled officers of Gambia’s National Drug Enforcement Agency (the NDEA).

Former Director of Intelligence and Investigations Mr. Foday Barry and Crime Management Coordinator Mr. Pa Habib Mbye who are accused of “theft, conspiracy and negligence of official duties” were granted a bail bond of D300, 000 ($1000) each guaranteed by two Gambians. 

Gambia, Turkey extent cooperation beyond security

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Gambia, Turkey extent cooperation beyond security

The governments of the Gambian and Turkish on Monday agree to extend their long term cooperation beyond defence and security.

Gambia’s ministry of tourism and culture and the Turkish diplomatic mission to Gambia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) designed to create an avenue for cooperation in the field of tourism.

Gambia confirm first executions in 27 years

President Jammeh pledged to have all death row inmates executed by mid-September. Photo | BBC |

The Government of The Gambia Monday confirmed it killed nine death row prisoners. It said they were killed by firing squad on Sunday August 26.

The government had earlier denied reports that the prisoners were executed on the night of August 23, four days after President Yahya Jammeh vowed “his government will execute all death sentences in the country by September.”