Abdoullie Sanyang’s False Claims on ECOMIG Deployment

By Mai Ahmed Fatty

Recent claims by Abdoulie Sanyang regarding the 2017 ECOMIG deployment in The Gambia are nothing short of deliberate falsehoods. Any suggestion that he had knowledge of, or played a role in, the intervention is a distortion of history and a fabrication of the highest order. As someone directly involved at the forefront of the negotiations, I can state unequivocally that Sanyang’s assertions are baseless. I was the only Coalition Leader who attended the first closed-door meeting of ECOWAS Heads of State in Abuja in December 2016, where the legality of regional military intervention in The Gambideliberated. I also participated in the decisive Bamako meeting with President-elect Adama Barrow, where the decision to intervene militarily was unanimously endorsed. In Abuja, I was accompanied by Hon. Hamat Bah on behalf of the Coalition. During consultations at Aso Rock, I was summoned alone by the Heads of State to present the legal and political justification for intervention. In Bamako, I joined President-elect Barrow in the critical session where ECOWAS leaders resolved to authorize the use of force to uphold the will of the Gambian people. These engagements, along with numerous bilateral negotiations, were conducted under strict secrecy and delicate diplomacy, entrusted to me with the full authority of then President-elect Barrow. As the first Minister of Interior under the Coalition Government, I was fully privy to the high-level decisions shaping the ECOMIG mission in The Gambia. Abdoulie Sanyang’s claims are, therefore, not only false but also indicative of a troubling propensity for disinformation.

It is both shocking and disappointing that Sanyang would resort to such fabrications. His assertions are reckless, misleading, and without merit. The truth of The Gambia’s transition must not be distorted by fanciful inventions.

Six Defeats Too Many? UDP Cyber Warrior Warns Darboe

Nanama Keita, a UDP cyber warrior known for his open support of Mayor Talib Bensouda’s candidacy as UDP flagbearer, has urged Ousainou Darboe not to contest the presidency in 2026. In a Facebook write-up, Keita stated: “If Ousainou Darboe were my father—and I say this with the utmost respect for a man old enough to be one—I would plead with him not to contest the presidency in 2026.”

He argued that Darboe, a veteran lawyer who rose to become Foreign Minister, Vice President, and at one point the de facto President, has already achieved enough to secure his place in history. According to Keita, Darboe does not need the presidency to validate his legacy, and a continued pursuit of the office could risk overshadowing his accomplishments. Keita warned that another defeat—what would be Darboe’s sixth in three decades—could have damaging consequences for both the UDP and its long-time leader. “If a struggle begins and ends with one individual, then it was never truly a collective struggle—it was always about that individual,” he wrote. However, Keita also noted that the situation could be turned into an opportunity. He suggested that Darboe could strengthen his legacy by focusing on renewal within the UDP, championing a successor, and leading a generational transition. Doing so, he argued, would demonstrate that the UDP is bigger than any one individual and would secure the party’s future beyond 2026. He concluded with a pointed question: Will 2026 be about Darboe himself, or about the future of the UDP?

Lamin J Darboe Slams UDP’s Flag Bearer Process as “Unfair and Undemocratic”

The United Democratic Party’s (UDP) recently launched flag bearer selection for the 2026 presidential race is already mired in controversy, as prominent Gambian lawyer Lamin J Darboe has accused the party of manipulating the process to sideline challengers and shield its leadership from competition. Darboe, who holds both Gambian and British citizenship, disclosed to The Standard that he had intended to vie for the party’s ticket. However, a clause requiring applicants to renounce dual nationality within just 14 days has effectively eliminated his chances. He dismissed the condition as both impractical and unnecessary, given that the presidential polls are more than a year away.

“It is impossible to renounce British citizenship in two weeks. The UDP’s deadline is designed to shut people like me out, not to promote fairness,” Darboe lamented. “Preferential Treatment” for Party LeaderDarboe went further, openly questioning whether the rules are being selectively applied to protect Secretary General and long-time Party Leader Ousainu Darboe. “Are we about to witness preferential treatment for the Party Leader, while ordinary members are trapped by arbitrary conditions?” he asked pointedly. He accused the leadership of sidelining loyal supporters who contribute financially to the party while shielding executives who do little to sustain it. “In 2020, I was abroad in the UK and sent D10,000 for the party congress—twice the contribution of the entire executive committee combined. Yet somehow, loyalty and commitment are measured in ways that exclude people like me,” Darboe fumed. History of Rigged ProcessesThe lawyer reminded Gambians that this is not the first time UDP has betrayed its own democratic rhetoric. He cited the 2021 selection process as a sham. “Four people applied, but only Ousainu Darboe was even given a hearing. The rest of us were ignored. That was not a contest—it was an anointment, in flagrant violation of both UDP rules and democratic principles,” he said. Darboe suggested that the party’s leadership is more interested in preserving its grip on power than fostering genuine competition. “To hear senior figures recently cite my name as an example of UDP democracy is an insult, because what I experienced was the exact opposite,” he added. A Party at a CrossroadsWith the 2026 elections looming, Darboe’s withdrawal highlights a growing rift within the UDP. Once considered the country’s strongest opposition force, the party now faces mounting questions about its credibility, internal democracy, and its willingness to embrace change. For Lamin J Darboe, however, the verdict is clear: “The system is rigged, and I will not lend legitimacy to a process that mocks both fairness and transparency.”

Ex-Military Officer Abdoulie Sanyang Arrested at Banjul Airport

By JarraNews Staff Writer

Banjul, 18th August 2025 – Former military officer Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang was arrested on Sunday night at the Banjul International Airport, security officials have confirmed. The arrest took place between 21:00 and 22:00 hours on 17th August 2025, after his arrival details were flagged through the flight manifest. Mr. Sanyang was initially detained at the Airport Police Station before being handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Interpol Bureau for routine background checks. He was later transferred to the Brusubi Police Station, where he is currently in custody. Authorities link his arrest to statements he made during a live appearance on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on West Coast Radio, aired on 14th August 2025. Officials say the remarks carry serious national security implications. It could be recalled that during the broadcast, Mr. Sanyang claimed he had returned to The Gambia to join the movement known as GALA (Gambians Against Loathed Assets), a pressure group he says is planning demonstrations aimed at removing President Adama Barrow from power before the 2026 presidential elections. "Sanyang claimed he had evidence suggesting that President Adama Barrow’s National People’s Party (NPP) manipulated the 2021 presidential election. He also alleged that the government was behind the attack on Gambia’s paramilitary officers, which left two police officers dead."

Mr. Sanyang also alleged that he was the chief architect of the 2016 Solo Sandeng protest against the former President Yahya Jammeh, as well as the “brain” behind the deployment of ECOMIG Forces in The Gambia. He further declared that he is part of a group prepared to unseat President Barrow. For now, Mr. Sanyang remains in custody at the Brusubi CID, as investigations continue.

Africa at a Crossroads After Alaska Summit: Between Autonomy and Dependency

By Dr. Lang Fafa Dampha

The recent summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska has reshaped global geopolitics in ways that could reverberate far beyond Europe and Asia. Africa, already navigating fragile security landscapes and developmental challenges, now faces fresh uncertainties as global powers recalibrate their strategies. For African nations, the meeting’s implications are more than distant diplomatic maneuvers. The choices made in Washington and Moscow influence aid flows, investment opportunities, security partnerships, and the continent’s role in multilateral institutions. With both the U.S. and Russia intensifying their engagement in Africa—albeit through different means—the continent risks becoming a renewed arena of great-power competition. A Renewed Struggle for Influence The Alaska summit raises the prospect of either heightened rivalry or cautious cooperation between Washington and Moscow over Africa. Russia has expanded its footprint through military ties, private contractors, and resource-driven deals in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic. These partnerships, while offering immediate security assistance, often spark concerns about governance, sovereignty, and long-term stability. The U.S., meanwhile, has traditionally emphasized counterterrorism, governance reforms, and trade. A shift in Washington’s global posture—either towards deeper engagement or disengagement—could determine whether Africa benefits from renewed investment in health systems, infrastructure, and democratic institutions, or faces declining support at a critical time. Security Vacuums and Russian Opportunism With France’s influence waning in the Sahel and Washington signaling elements of retrenchment, Moscow appears poised to fill security gaps. Its model of offering military support in exchange for access to natural resources has gained traction, though often at the cost of transparency and democratic accountability. Should Western focus on Ukraine diminish, Russia may redirect even greater resources to Africa, reinforcing its influence in fragile states and resource-rich economies alike.

Dr.Lang Fafa Dampha Economic and Diplomatic Fallout The Alaska summit could also shape Africa’s economic trajectory. A thaw in U.S.-Russia tensions may relieve some pressure on African states forced to “choose sides,” giving them more diplomatic flexibility. It could also ease global grain markets, stabilizing food supplies for nations heavily dependent on wheat and fertilizer imports from Russia and Ukraine. Yet, the risks are considerable. Reduced Western pressure on authoritarian regimes could embolden leaders resistant to democratic reforms. Meanwhile, if the U.S. shifts attention away from Africa, critical areas such as healthcare, climate resilience, and education may face funding shortfalls—stalling progress on sustainable development goals. The Risk of Marginalisation As global powers redraw their strategies, Africa faces the danger of being treated as a peripheral player rather than an active stakeholder. Mounting debt, climate shocks, migration pressures, and recurring coups already strain many African governments. Increased reliance on Russia or China for relief may solve short-term crises while deepening long-term dependency. A Moment for African Agency Despite these risks, the Alaska summit presents an opportunity for Africa to redefine its role in global affairs. Strong states such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Algeria—along with the African Union—can seize this moment to demand greater inclusion in global governance, from climate negotiations to trade rules and security frameworks. By strengthening continental unity and prioritizing sovereignty, transparency, and accountable governance, Africa can resist being drawn into proxy rivalries. Instead, it can leverage a multipolar world order to negotiate partnerships on more equitable terms. Conclusion: The Burden of Leadership The Alaska summit underscores a central truth: Africa’s future will not be determined solely by decisions in Washington, Moscow, or Beijing, but by the resolve and vision of African leaders themselves. The continent now stands at a crossroads. Choices made in the coming years—between dependency and autonomy, between short-term deals and long-term reforms—will define whether Africa remains a stage for external rivalries or emerges as a confident actor in its own right. The stakes could not be higher. Without decisive leadership rooted in unity, integrity, and foresight, Africa risks perpetuating cycles of instability and exploitation. But with strategic vision and strong institutions, this moment of global realignment could mark the beginning of a new chapter—one in which Africa asserts, rather than defends, its place in the world.

Her Excellency Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow – Champion for Women and Children

Yesterday, a new chapter of hope and partnership was written as Her Excellency Mrs. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow, First Lady of The Gambia, graced Birmingham Women and Children’s Hospital with her presence.

From the moment she arrived, her warmth and compassion filled the halls. Guided by the hospital’s Chairman and CEO, Her Excellency walked through the maternity wards, bereavement centres, and neonatal units — meeting the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to give every mother and child the best start in life. She listened, she asked, and she envisioned how such expertise could be shared to benefit families back home in The Gambia.

This visit was more than a tour; it was a heartfelt mission. In partnership with the Fulbe Africa U.K. Association and the Gambian Mission, Her Excellency led meaningful discussions on building lasting ties between our two nations’ healthcare systems.

Her message was clear and inspiring: when governments, communities, and partners unite, the power to transform lives becomes unstoppable.

Her Excellency continues to be a voice for the most vulnerable — a First Lady whose vision for healthier mothers and children extends far beyond borders.

AU Urged to Put African Languages and Culture at the Heart of Integration

Dr.Lang Fafa Dampha

A new policy call warns that Africa’s unity project will falter unless the African Union embeds the continent’s own languages, cultural values, and indigenous knowledge into governance, education, and development. Experts say that mother-tongue learning, grassroots engagement, and traditional knowledge systems are vital for sustainable growth—key goals under Agenda 2063. From the early days of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU) of today, Africa’s integration drive has too often sidelined its greatest assets—its languages, cultures, and indigenous knowledge systems—in favour of externally imported models of governance and development. While initiatives such as the Inter-African Bureau of Languages and the African Academy of Languages were created to promote African languages as tools of unity, their impact has been hampered by limited institutional commitment and resources. This neglect, rooted in colonial legacies, has left governance, education, and economic planning disconnected from Africa’s diverse identities and priorities. Experts argue that genuine integration demands a fundamental shift: embedding African languages and cultural values at the heart of policy, governance, and education. Mother-tongue instruction, for instance, boosts learning outcomes and civic participation, while cultural industries—such as Nollywood and African music—generate jobs, strengthen identity, and project African creativity globally. Indigenous knowledge, from traditional farming to water conservation, offers proven, sustainable solutions to local challenges. When integrated with modern science and supported by African research institutions, these systems can drive innovation and resilience. Grassroots participation is equally critical. Policies co-designed with communities, in their own languages, ensure local ownership, enhance social cohesion, and align development with lived realities—key goals under the AU’s Agenda 2063. As Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, warned, Africa’s political and economic liberation cannot be complete without cultural revival. For the AU, reclaiming and institutionalising Africa’s languages, cultural values, and indigenous knowledge is not symbolic—it is the cornerstone of a self-determined, sustainable, and united future.

Tragic Infant Death in Wellingara Sparks Renewed Calls to End FGM

By JarraNews Staff Writer

WELLINGARA — The death of a one-month-old baby girl in Wellingara, allegedly linked to complications from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), has prompted fresh calls for justice and stronger protections for children in The Gambia. In a statement expressing “profound sorrow and indignation,” a community leader and National Assembly Member for Old Yundum condemned the incident, describing it as “a painful reminder of the urgent need to protect our children from harmful practices that rob them of their health, dignity, and future.” The lawmaker emphasized that opposition to FGM does not equate to opposition to religion or culture. “I deeply respect the rich traditions and spiritual values that shape our communities,” the statement read. “However, culture must never be used to justify violence, and faith must never be distorted to permit harm.” FGM has been banned in The Gambia since 2015, and the country is a signatory to several international agreements that obligate it to protect girls from such practices, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the Maputo Protocol. The legislator urged authorities to conduct a full investigation into the child’s death and to prosecute anyone found responsible. “If it is confirmed that FGM contributed to the death of this one-month-old girl, accountability must be pursued swiftly and with unwavering integrity,” the statement continued. “As both a resident of Wellingara and the elected representative of the people of Old Yundum, I bear a profound moral responsibility to speak on behalf of the voiceless and stand in defense of the most vulnerable among us,” the lawmaker said, adding that the tragedy should serve as “a turning point” in the fight to eradicate FGM. “The loss of this innocent child must not be forgotten,” the statement concluded. “Our nation must renew its unwavering commitment to protecting every child’s right to life, safety, and dignity.”

A Direct Rebuttal to Dr. Lamin Manneh: The Right Meaning of “Militia”

By Yaya Dampha Coordinator NPP Diaspora Sweden

Dr. Manneh, before you dismiss the term “militia” as a dangerous fabrication, it is important to ground this discussion in facts, law, and the plain meaning of words. The term “militia” is not a vague political insult — it has a clear and universally understood meaning: a group of civilians organized to act like an armed or enforcement body outside the official state security apparatus, often self-appointed to enforce laws or protect political interests.

Militias may or may not carry firearms — what defines them is that they operate outside state authority, taking law enforcement into their own hands.

The 2021 Pre-Election Reality Before the 2021 presidential election, the United Democratic Party (UDP), through its senior official Ebrima Dibba, formed and led a squad of young men and women touring the country. These groups visited communities with the stated purpose of stopping certain individuals from registering as voters — people the UDP believed were “not Gambians.”

This action was not backed by a court order. It was not sanctioned by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). It was not conducted by the police, immigration, or any legal body mandated to determine citizenship or voter eligibility. Yet The Gambia’s electoral laws already provide: A clear process to challenge voter eligibility during registration. The establishment of a Revising Court by the IEC to adjudicate disputes over eligibility. By bypassing this legal process and physically intervening in communities to decide who should or should not be registered, these UDP youth squads acted as self-appointed enforcers of the law. That is, by definition, militia behaviour.

Why This Matters Dr. Manneh, the danger here is not in using the word “militia,” but in normalizing political groups taking over functions reserved for state institutions. Whether armed or unarmed, once a political party mobilizes its own force to enforce its own interpretation of the law, it undermines both the constitution and the electoral process. To deny this reality is to rewrite history. Gambians witnessed it. They saw groups moving from village to village in the name of “preventing fraud,” intimidating would-be registrants, and creating a climate of fear. No amount of press conferences or legal threats will erase that collective memory. Conclusion The truth is simple: If a group is organized by a political party, operates outside the law, and enforces political objectives through intimidation — it is a militia. What happened in 2021 under Ebrima Dibba’s leadership meets that definition. Refuting this with rhetoric instead of facts only deepens public mistrust. Gambia’s democracy does not need private enforcement squads, no matter which party they serve. It needs parties that trust the law, not bypass it.

Indigenous Rights and Ethical AI Key to Africa’s Sustainable Future – Dr Dampha

By JarraNews Staff Writer

Banjul, 9 August 2025 The Executive Director of the Pan-African Centre for Cultures and Languages, Dr Lang Fafa Dampha, has urged urgent action to protect Indigenous languages, cultures, and rights, calling them essential to Africa’s and the world’s sustainability. Speaking on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, themed “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures”, Dr Dampha described Indigenous communities as “custodians of cultures and languages that carry the keys to sustainable living.” He noted they comprise up to 500 million people globally, occupying 22% of the Earth’s land and representing most of the planet’s 7,000 languages and 5,000 cultures. He warned of growing threats, including land dispossession, economic exclusion, and the erosion of heritage. “Every time a language dies, we lose a way of seeing the world,” he said. On artificial intelligence, Dr Dampha highlighted its potential to revitalise endangered languages and connect Indigenous youth, but cautioned against risks such as misrepresentation, cultural appropriation, and environmental damage from AI infrastructure. The Centre’s strategy rests on three pillars: Cultural and linguistic rights – supporting communities to preserve and pass on their heritage. Data sovereignty and ethical innovation – ensuring control over cultural and linguistic data. Inclusive participation – involving Indigenous peoples in decisions on land, climate, technology, and development. Dr Dampha stressed that traditional knowledge can restore ecosystems, guide sustainable consumption, and strengthen social cohesion. He called for governments and partners to go beyond symbolic gestures by funding initiatives, enforcing protections, and amplifying Indigenous voices. “In defending Indigenous rights, we defend justice; in safeguarding Indigenous languages, we preserve humanity’s wisdom,” he concluded.

Editorial: Stop the Nonsense — Barrow’s Gambia is Not Jammeh’s Gambia

Some voices — many of them loud only because they can now speak without fear — are peddling the absurd notion that President Adama Barrow’s leadership is no different from Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year reign of terror. This is not just wrong; it is shameless, insulting, and a betrayal of truth. Let’s be clear: under Yahya Jammeh, The Gambia was a prison without walls. Fear was the currency of governance. Journalists were abducted, tortured, and sometimes killed. Political opponents vanished into thin air. The courts bent to the will of one man. The press was muzzled, the people silenced. Speaking your mind could cost you your freedom — or your life.

Today, under President Barrow, Gambians live in a country where no one fears expressing an opinion — not in the market, not on the radio, not on Facebook. The judiciary operates independently. Journalists publish freely. The flow of information is open and uncensored. The police are not instruments of political vengeance.

Ironically, many of those now shouting the loudest in criticism — including some in the diaspora who were silent as church mice during Jammeh’s brutality — are only able to do so because this government tolerates and protects their right to speak. They could never have dared utter a fraction of their current criticisms under Jammeh without paying a heavy personal price. The difference between the two eras is not subtle. It is night and day. Jammeh ruled with a fist of iron and the shadow of fear; Barrow presides over a climate of freedom, tolerance, and openness. Under Jammeh: fear ruled, voices were silenced, journalists jailed, opponents disappeared. Speaking your mind could cost your life. Under Barrow: freedom of speech, independent courts, free press, open criticism — even from those who hid in silence during Jammeh’s brutality. If you think they’re the same, try saying today’s criticisms back in 2005 under Jammeh… and imagine how long you’d stay free. Freedom is here. Respect it. Defend it.

Pistol, Live Rounds Seized at Amdalai Border

By JarraNews Staff Writer

Amdalai, The Gambia — Security officers at the Amdalai Border Post have intercepted a Senegalese national carrying a pistol and twelve live rounds during routine screening. The incident occurred on Tuesday, 5th August 2025, when operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG), stopped 49-year-old Papa Dethialao Thiam as he travelled from Cassamance through The Gambia to Dakar, Senegal.

Following the interception, Mr. Thiam was handed over to Amdalai Border Police for further checks. During questioning, he produced a valid Senegalese firearm licence and claimed to be employed by the Senegalese Ministry of Interior. In accordance with existing security cooperation between the Gambia Police Force and the Senegalese National Police, and after consultations with Senegalese authorities, the suspect was transferred to Senegal for further investigation. Police officials have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding national borders and maintaining public safety, urging citizens to remain alert and report any suspicious activities. ---

Gambia Armed Forces Denounces Vulture Slaughter by Personnel

Banjul, 8 August 2025 — The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has issued a strong condemnation following the shocking discovery that one of its personnel, Lance Corporal Jallow Alieu, was allegedly involved in the mass killing of vultures for ritualistic purposes. The act, reportedly carried out in collaboration with a civilian, Mr. Ebrima Khan, has provoked national outrage and raised serious concerns about wildlife protection.

Both suspects are currently in custody—Lance Corporal Jallow under the Military Police, and Mr. Khan under Police detention—as investigations intensify. According to preliminary findings, the pair are accused of deliberately hunting vultures and harvesting their heads, reportedly for use in ritual activities. The Armed Forces swiftly disassociated itself from the act, labeling it “unlawful, disgraceful, and a grave violation” of both national and international wildlife protection laws.

“This heinous act runs counter to the core values of the Gambia Armed Forces,” a statement from the military read. “We are a disciplined and professional institution that holds its members to the highest standards, in uniform and beyond.” The military emphasized its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship, declaring zero tolerance for any conduct that undermines biodiversity or contravenes The Gambia’s Wildlife Conservation Act and Animal Welfare Law. The Chief of Defence Staff and the High Command have vowed that justice will prevail, and that all individuals found culpable will face the full weight of military and civil law.

“The GAF is fully cooperating with environmental and law enforcement agencies to ensure a comprehensive investigation,” said Acting Public Relations Officer Captain Kemo Kanuteh. “We remain committed to upholding our duty not just to national security, but to the preservation of The Gambia’s natural heritage.” The Armed Forces have called on the public to remain vigilant and continue working alongside authorities to protect endangered species and preserve the nation’s fragile ecosystems. By JarraNews Staff Writer