Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Opinion: Diaspora Agitators Are Abusing Gambia’s Democracy for Their Own Gain

By Samba Baldeh
It is nothing short of tragic that those who played no role in the long and painful struggle to remove dictatorship from The Gambia—those who were completely absent until late 2014, when their close relatives became victims of tyranny—are today the loudest voices urging our youths into the streets against the police, despite the reality of democracy and rule of law in this country. People like Juka Ceesay, Tukulorr Sey, Ben Suwareh, and other self-styled diaspora “activists” have reduced politics to little more than adrenaline-seeking agitation. Their noise on Facebook and WhatsApp is their only claim to relevance. Since their emergence in the final years of Jammeh’s rule, they have devoted themselves to destabilising The Gambia—not through constructive ideas or sacrifice—but through endless noise-making from their living rooms in the U.S. and U.K. Let’s be honest: no nation has ever developed by turning its youth into idle protesters who blame the government for every shortcoming while refusing to take responsibility for their own growth. Development comes from action, discipline, and hard work—not constant ranting online. Take Juka Ceesay as an example. She tragically lost her brother in 2014, but rather than channelling her grief into something productive, she has turned it into a lifelong campaign of bitterness against President Barrow. Tukulorr Sey thrives on the dopamine of Facebook likes, patrolling timelines for division, her activism more about attention than nation-building. And then they dare to call this “democratic struggle.” Protest is indeed a right—but it is not a lifestyle, nor a business model for collecting diaspora donations. This culture of endless protests that these individuals are exporting into The Gambia is toxic, unsustainable, and fundamentally dishonest. In the very countries they live—America, the U.K.—no one can protest without permits and strict rules. Why then do they expect The Gambia, a young democracy, to tolerate chaos disguised as activism? Turning social media into a circus of division is not activism. It is the abuse of democracy. And it feeds directly into the argument many African thinkers have made: that Africa is being pushed into “democracy” without the time to build the strong institutions and disciplined civic culture that the West took centuries to develop. Instead of direct colonial interference, today’s destabilisation comes through diaspora loudmouths whose motives are anything but national interest. President Barrow must not be distracted by this posturing. During Jammeh’s brutal era, many of these so-called activists were silent, enjoying their personal lives abroad. Now, suddenly, they parade as the conscience of the nation while insulting judges, security officers, and civil servants who are simply carrying out their duties. Even in America, if you defy the law in protest, you face arrest. But when Gambian law enforcement upholds the same principles, these diaspora agitators scream “dictatorship.” This hypocrisy is nauseating. Democracy without law and order is not democracy—it is anarchy. And to the Gambian youth: stop letting yourselves be manipulated by these attention-seekers thousands of miles away. You have opportunities before you—education, entrepreneurship, community building. Instead of wasting your energy on Facebook live streams and protests for protest’s sake, invest in building your own future. This country needs builders, not pawns for diaspora egos. Finally, the UDP—once respected as a voice of maturity in opposition politics—must reflect deeply. Aligning with every anti-government bandwagon only diminishes its credibility. Opposition must mean offering alternatives, not promoting chaos. The time has come to draw the line: democracy is not a toy for diaspora adventurists. It is the lifeblood of our nation, and it must be protected from those who would abuse it for likes, donations, and personal validation.

Sunday, August 24, 2025

Police Confirm Suspected Baby Dumping in Tallinding Farokono

By JarraNews Staff Writer
The Gambia Police Force has confirmed the arrest of a 25-year-old woman in connection with an alleged case of baby dumping in Tallinding Farokono. According to a police statement issued on Sunday, August 24, 2025, the suspect, identified as Isatou Jawneh of Farato, was apprehended by members of the public after allegedly attempting to abandon a newborn. She was escorted to the Tallinding Police Charge Office by a crowd along with the infant. Police said officers immediately transported the baby to Kanifing General Hospital, where the child was sadly pronounced dead on arrival. During questioning, Ms. Jawneh reportedly admitted that although she is married, the pregnancy resulted from a relationship with her boyfriend. Due to the size and intensity of the crowd gathered at the station, she was later transferred to Bundung Police Station for her safety. The body of the deceased baby has been transferred to the Banjul mortuary for preservation and a possible postmortem examination. Police say investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Clearing the Misconceptions: Understanding the Police Intervention

Mai Ahmad Fatty
Recent events surrounding the aborted protest at the headquarters of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) have sparked a wave of commentary, much of it driven by speculation and misinformation. To provide clarity, it is important to separate fact from perception and examine the situation from a legal and civic perspective. First, let us address some of the misleading claims circulating: The police did not act to enforce PURA-approved data tariffs. The police did not intervene to shield the commercial interests of GSM companies. The police did not suppress the protest out of a desire to deny citizens their rights. The police did not act to appease the ruling National People’s Party (NPP). Such assertions are unfounded and amount to deliberate disinformation aimed at undermining public trust in law enforcement. The Legal and Practical Context The choice of protest venue raised legitimate concerns. The PURA building also houses a commercial bank and private offices. Any obstruction could have impeded access to these facilities, caused fear among occupants, and disrupted essential services such as ATMs. Additionally, the site is located next to a foreign diplomatic mission, which carries special protections under international law. Any breakdown of order in such proximity could have serious consequences. A fundamental principle of democracy is that the right to protest does not override the rights of others to access public facilities or private businesses. Peaceful assembly is protected, but obstruction of public life is not. Courts worldwide have consistently upheld this distinction. The Police Mandate Based on these principles, the police had legal grounds to intervene when there was a strong likelihood of disruption. However, intervention should always follow recognized standards: Warnings first: Protesters should be given the chance to relocate. Minimal force: Only the force necessary to restore order should be applied. This approach balances competing rights — protecting freedom of expression while safeguarding access to businesses, public services, and roadways. The Broader Implications The protest site was in the heart of a busy commercial district, along Pipeline Road, one of the country’s most vital highways. The risk of major disruption was undeniable. Well-trained police forces around the world often manage such situations by designating alternative protest areas, a step that should have been part of the organizers’ planning. Civil society organizations, such as the E.F. Small Center, have raised legitimate concerns. These voices are essential in a democracy. Yet, the preferred approach is to exhaust dialogue and legal avenues before resorting to the streets. This builds trust and partnership between citizens and law enforcement, while reinforcing respect for the rule of law. The Way Forward The police are tasked with serving and protecting, not oppressing. Protesters, on the other hand, enjoy the right to assemble and speak freely — but always within the boundaries of the law. The guiding principle remains clear: one must either obey the law or be held accountable under it. Ultimately, citizens must recognize that the State and Government are not separate from us — they are us. Peace, law, and order serve everyone’s best interest. Holding public officials accountable must always be done within the framework of legality. May peace prevail in The Gambia. 🇬🇲

GFF Officials Attend CAF Strategic Roundtable in Kampala

By JarraNews Staff Writer
The President of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF), Hon. Lamin Kaba Bajo, and the Federation’s General Secretary, Mr. Lamin Jassey, are currently in Kampala, Uganda, where they joined 18 other representatives of African football federations at the CAF IMPACT Strategic Roundtable. The high-level gathering, convened by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is aimed at strengthening governance and accountability within the sport across the continent. The CAF IMPACT program—described as a flagship initiative—seeks to ensure the proper implementation and utilization of development funds, while promoting transparency, sound financial management, and improved football infrastructure among CAF Member Associations and Zonal Unions.
Speaking after the first day of discussions, General Secretary Jassey highlighted the importance of the forum, noting that it brought together presidents and general secretaries from more than 19 member associations for an engaging roundtable exchange on the future of African football governance. The conference continues in Kampala with deliberations expected to shape reforms and best practices in football administration across Africa.

Respect Our Police – A Call for Unity and Decency

There is a growing and troubling tendency among some Gambians to look down upon our police officers, often dismissing them with the statement: “We pay your salaries.” This mindset is not only disrespectful, but it is also factually misguided and socially dangerous. Let us be fundamentally clear: every civil servant in The Gambia – from teachers to nurses, soldiers to police – is paid through the Consolidated Revenue Fund, which is made up of taxes and duties contributed by all Gambians, including the very police officers being insulted. In fact, many police officers directly contribute through payroll taxes, indirect taxes on goods and services, and even license and regulatory fees. It is entirely possible that a police officer pays more tax than the very individual who arrogantly claims to “pay his salary.”
The police are not outsiders. They are not strangers “living off the people.” They are our people: our brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, uncles, and neighbors. They walk the same streets we do, struggle with the same high costs of living, and share in the same national destiny. Their uniform is not a sign of superiority, but of responsibility – the responsibility to maintain law and order, often at great personal risk. A society that constantly disrespects its law enforcement institutions is a society that invites chaos. We cannot demand safety and peace yet ridicule and undermine those tasked with protecting both. To insult a police officer in uniform is not just an attack on an individual – it is an attack on the very fabric of law and order that holds our nation together. Criticism of misconduct is valid and necessary. Accountability is important. But blanket disrespect, public humiliation, and casual insults toward all police officers are unjust and counterproductive. Respect does not mean blind obedience; it means recognizing their role, their sacrifices, and their shared humanity.
To my fellow Gambians: let us rise above this habit of disdain. Let us treat our uniformed men and women with the same dignity we expect for ourselves. Respecting our police is not about inflating their egos – it is about preserving our peace, strengthening our democracy, and reminding ourselves that we are one people bound by mutual duty and respect. Peace is everybody’s responsibility. Respect is everybody’s duty.

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Editorial: The Menace of Cyber Bullying and the Attack on Superintendent Lamin Sarr

In recent days, our nation has witnessed an alarming and dangerous trend: the use of online platforms to malign, insult, and defame individuals who are merely carrying out their duties to the nation. The latest victim of this toxic culture is Police Superintendent Lamin Sarr, a respected officer whose only “crime” was upholding the rule of law and ensuring public order. Superintendent Sarr, acting within the bounds of his mandate, dispersed unlawful protesters who sought to disrupt peace and stability. His actions were not personal. They were not political. They were in strict alignment with the laws of The Gambia, laws that safeguard our democracy, protect citizens’ freedoms, and preserve the peace we all cherish. When protesters ignored repeated warnings to disperse, Superintendent Sarr gave the order for their arrest. This was not an abuse of power—it was a lawful exercise of his authority. Those who defy lawful police orders and persist in unlawful assemblies face arrest and prosecution under Gambian law. That is how a nation governed by law operates. No individual or group has the right to flout the law and then vilify the officers who enforce it. And yet, instead of being commended for his courage and professionalism, Sarr has become the subject of relentless online harassment. Cyber bullies, hiding behind screens and false bravado, have chosen to defame his character, insult his person, and circulate malicious publications. Let it be stated clearly: those engaged in this online harassment are not exercising freedom of expression—they are committing crimes.
Cyber bullying, online defamation, and the deliberate circulation of falsehoods are prosecutable offenses under Gambian law. More than that, they are also violations of international cybercrime prevention conventions to which The Gambia is a party. Offenders may be held criminally liable, and prosecutions can extend beyond national borders. Those who believe that cyberspace provides them immunity are gravely mistaken. The law is clear: online abuse is a crime, and criminals will face justice. Freedom of speech, expression, assembly, and movement are indeed sacred rights guaranteed to every Gambian. But these freedoms are not absolute. They come with responsibilities. They must be exercised with respect for truth, for justice, and for the dignity of others. To abuse these freedoms by weaponizing social media against individuals is to betray the very principles of ethical governance and responsible citizenship. We must be clear: online platforms are not exempt from accountability. They cannot and must not be used as breeding grounds for character assassination. The circulation of defamatory material not only destroys reputations but also undermines trust in our institutions, weakens social cohesion, and threatens the peace we have worked so hard to maintain. Superintendent Lamin Sarr deserves respect, not ridicule. He represents the many men and women in uniform who stand between order and chaos, often at great personal risk. To vilify such an officer is to vilify the rule of law itself. We therefore call upon all Gambians—especially those active online—to reflect deeply on the power of their words and the consequences of their actions. We urge the relevant authorities to take firm measures against cyber bullying and defamation, ensuring that our digital spaces remain platforms for constructive dialogue, not weapons of destruction. Peace-loving Gambians should celebrate officers like Lamin Sarr, who uphold the law with integrity and courage. Let us rise above pettiness, resist the temptation of online mob justice, and instead build a culture of respect, truth, and responsibility—both offline and online. Because in the end, a nation that allows the destruction of its protectors through defamation will ultimately erode its own peace and stability. And those who believe they can commit crimes in the digital world without consequence should think again—the law is watching, both at home and

Thursday, August 21, 2025

From Election Hero to Corruption Suspect: Police Recommend Charges Against Njai

By JarraNews Staff Writer
Alieu Momar Njai, the retired election chief once celebrated for presiding over the historic 2016 polls that ended Yahya Jammeh’s 22-year rule and forced the former dictator into exile, now finds himself at the centre of a corruption storm. Police investigators have recommended that the 91-year-old former chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) face charges of corruption and abuse of office. A ten-month probe, launched after auditors flagged suspicious transfers of over 301 million dalasis into private bank accounts of election returning officers, uncovered widespread financial mismanagement within the Commission. According to investigators, Mr. Njai personally authorised nearly 16 million dalasis in what they describe as unlawful allowances to staff. The report also recommends prosecuting IEC Finance Director Anthony Robert Secka for negligence and for approving irregular transfers of public funds into private accounts. Further findings point to procurement violations and an overpayment to a contractor worth almost $100,000. The police file, now with the Ministry of Justice for legal advice, could mark a dramatic fall from grace for a man once hailed as the guardian of The Gambia’s democratic transition.

Sanyang Remanded as Arson Case Heads to High Court

Radio Interview Lands Sanyang in Mile II
By JarraNews Staff Writer
KANIFING, August 22, 2025 — A dramatic turn of events unfolded at the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court yesterday when Abdoulie Sanyang, who recently made controversial remarks on Coffee Time with West Coast Radio, was hit with four serious criminal charges and ordered remanded at Mile II Central Prison. Sanyang is accused of Arson, Seditious Intention, Incitement to Violence, and Obstruction of Judicial Proceedings under the Criminal Offences Act 2025. Of these, Arson — a capital offence carrying life imprisonment — dominated court arguments, as it stripped the Magistrates’ Court of jurisdiction. Acting Principal Magistrate Thomas Touray presided over the arraignment, where prosecutors pressed for the case to be sent to the High Court. They argued that although three of the counts could technically be tried before the Magistrates’ Court, all four should move together. The State further stressed that under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Act, Arson is non-bailable, and urged the court to remand the accused while awaiting trial. The application was granted in full: all charges were transferred to the High Court, and Sanyang was ordered to remain in custody at Mile II. This ruling marks the beginning of what could become one of the most closely watched trials of the year, given the gravity of the charges and the high-profile platform where the alleged offences originated.

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Seven Navy Officers Dismissed Over Security Breaches

By JarraNews Staff Writer
BANJUL, 19 August 2025 – The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has discharged seven naval personnel with immediate effect after uncovering what military investigators described as deliberate misconduct and gross breaches of discipline that endangered national security. The dismissal, announced Wednesday, follows a series of high-profile arrests between May and June involving two speedboats and a yacht believed to have been used in activities that compromised the integrity of naval operations. Military intelligence, working alongside other security agencies, concluded that the seven officers were directly involved in unauthorized maritime activities linked to Altima Sea Sport Limited, a company nowinvestigation for activities inconsistent with its declared operations. According to findings, the officers prepared and launched vessels without authorization, coordinated movements in breach of duty, and benefitted materially—including cash rewards and livestock—while betraying the trust vested in them as servicemen. Cell-site analysis and corroborated testimonies provided irrefutable evidence of collusion.
The GAF named those dismissed as: Lieutenant (N) Abba Nyassi Fleet Chief Petty Officer (FCPO) Musa Dampha Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Ismaila Jobe Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Musa Jammeh Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Alagie Secka Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Ebou Marong Leading Seaman (LS) Lamin DK Sanneh In a statement signed by Acting Public Relations Officer Captain Kemo Kanuteh, the Armed Forces stressed that the action reflects its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, collusion, and any breach of military ethics. “These individuals acted in direct violation of their oath of service and posed a clear risk to operational security,” the statement read. “Their removal is necessary to preserve discipline, safeguard national interests, and maintain public trust in the Armed Forces.” The military leadership reaffirmed its commitment to discipline and professionalism, vowing to defend the sovereignty of The Gambia while ensuring that “indiscipline or misconduct of any kind will not be tolerated.”

Five Convicted in Jabang Drifting Case

By Staff Reporter
The Brusubi Magistrates’ Court has handed down convictions to five young men involved in a dangerous drifting incident along the Sukuta–Jabang Highway, a case that sparked public concern over reckless driving. The court imposed both prison sentences and heavy fines on the offenders. The sentences are as follows: Momodou Martin Sanyang: D25,000 fine and three years’ imprisonment with hard labour. Serigne Mass Gaye: D1,000 fine and three months’ imprisonment with hard labour on one count; D25,000 fine and three years’ imprisonment with hard labour onanother. Muhammed Bah: D20,000 fine (or two years’ imprisonment with hard labour in default) and an additional D25,000 fine plus three years’ imprisonment with hard labour.
Ismaila Faal: D25,000 fine and three years’ imprisonment with hard labour on one count, plus D20,000 fine (or two years’ imprisonment with hard labour in default) on another. Samba Ceesay: D25,000 fine and three years’ imprisonment with hard labour. The court directed that Sanyang and Gaye, both juveniles, serve their sentences at Jeshwang Prison. The Gambia Police Force (GPF) welcomed the verdict, noting that it reflects the authorities’ determination to combat reckless driving and safeguard road users. The police commended the efforts of the Anti-Crime Unit, responding officers, and the Prosecutions Unit, while also thanking the Jabang community for its cooperation in apprehending the suspects. Police spokespersons reiterated that reckless driving, including drifting, will not be tolerated, and assured the public of continued enforcement to ensure safety on the country’s roads.

Tunkara Refutes Sanyang’s Remarks on April 14 Protest

Lamin A. Tunkara has strongly refuted recent comments made by Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang during an interview with West Coast Radio, describing them as “egregious, reckless, and a deliberate distortion of facts.” Mr. Tunkara said the remarks falsely implicated him in the events of April 14, 2016, when Gambians staged a peaceful demonstration demanding electoral reform and addressing the Senegalo-Gambia border impasse.
“The protest involved citizens—including my own brothers—who were exercising their constitutional rights in a peaceful and democratic manner,” Tunkara stated. “To suggest that I played any role in instigating harm is not only false but an insult to the sacrifices of those who stood for justice.” He emphasized that his role at the time, like that of many others, was solely focused on uniting Gambians in the pursuit of democratic change. “My involvement in national affairs has always been guided by principles of justice, fairness, and transparency,” he noted. Tunkara further accused Mr. Sanyang of politicizing a sensitive moment in the country’s history. “Unlike Mr. Sanyang, I have always stood for the values that underpin a free and democratic society,” he said. Reflecting on the events of 2016, he expressed pride in his contribution, alongside thousands of Gambians and international partners, who acted “out of conviction and ism.” He added: “Some paid a heavier price than others, but all did so in the service of The Gambia.” Now serving in government, Tunkara reaffirmed his commitment to the country’s leadership and development. He urged Sanyang to exercise “greater caution and responsibility” in his public statements, warning against “using subterfuge to court relevance.” “As a nation, we must move forward not by tearing each other down, but by building on the sacrifices, hard work, and progress that brought us this far,” Tunkara concluded.

Bajo’s Leadership Steers Gambian Football to Historic Heights Amid Unfounded Criticism

By JarraNews Staff Writer
In the face of misinformed online chatter and unfounded accusations, the leadership of Retired Captain Lamin Kaba Bajo has proven to be one of the strongest pillars of Gambian football’s rise in recent years. Contrary to claims by detractors who attempt to link him with delays in the Independence Stadium renovations, facts show that Bajo and his executive team at the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) have been focused on building institutions, strengthening grassroots structures, and raising the international profile of Gambian football. Setting the Record Straight on Stadium Renovations
It is worth clarifying that the Ministry of Youth and Sports—working with the central government—is solely responsible for the rehabilitation of the Independence Stadium in Bakau. The protracted work, though delayed, has now been completed and certified by CAF and FIFA, restoring the facility to international standards. The GFF, under Bajo’s stewardship, had no control over the stadium reconstruction process. In fact, Gambia was not alone in suffering the inconvenience of moving home matches abroad while renovation work was ongoing. Many African nations, from Sierra Leone to Liberia, have also endured similar displacements due to CAF bans on substandard venues. Gambia itself hosted “home” matches in Morocco against Seychelles and in Franceville, Gabon against the Panthers during this period—decisions compelled by CAF, not the GFF. Achievements Under Bajo’s Watch While critics spread half-truths online, Bajo’s record speaks volumes. Under his leadership, Gambian football has reached milestones once thought unimaginable: Senior National Team Breakthrough: The Scorpions qualified for their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2021, advancing all the way to the quarter-finals. They followed this with a second consecutive AFCON appearance in 2023—proof of consistency, not chance. Youth Football Excellence: The Young Scorpions, Gambia’s U-20 side, became WAFU Zone A Champions in 2018 and 2020, while finishing as runners-up in the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and securing multiple bronze medals in earlier editions. Women’s Football Growth: Through FIFA-backed “Live Your Goals” initiatives and inter-school competitions, more than 2,200 Gambian girls have been introduced to the game. Regular U-15 jamborees and U-17 pathways have been established to nurture future stars. Leadership That Builds Institutions Captain Lamin Kaba Bajo’s leadership has been marked not by empty rhetoric but by visionary planning and institution-building. The structures he and his executive have put in place—from grassroots football to elite national squads—are laying a foundation that will serve Gambian football for generations. As one sports commentator put it, “You can argue opinions, but you cannot argue results. Bajo’s era has given Gambian football its most successful decade.” Conclusion Those attempting to tarnish Bajo’s name over stadium works are barking up the wrong tree. The facts are clear: stadium rehabilitation is a government project, not a federation mandate. Meanwhile, Bajo and his team have delivered unprecedented results on the pitch and in institutional development. History will not remember the noise of the critics, but the legacy of a leader who helped transform Gambian football into a continental force.
This story was produced by JarraNews Staff Writer -

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Suntou Touray's Response to Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang’s Remarks on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez

By Suntou Touray – DHM London
Former Gambian army officer, Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang, now based in Switzerland, recently appeared on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on West Coast Radio. In that interview, while recounting his supposed role in the struggle against the former dictator Yahya Jammeh, Mr. Sanyang made several claims that are misleading and require immediate correction. Most notably, he alleged that he met me in Geneva during human rights advocacy meetings. This is categorically false. I have never met Mr. Abdoulie Sanyang in person—neither in The Gambia, Geneva, nor anywhere else. The only interaction I recall with him was a brief greeting over Skype many years ago, long before WhatsApp and other modern platforms became common. For clarity: I attended the 2014 Universal Periodic Review (UPR) advocacy meeting in Geneva, organized by Mr. Yaya Dampha of Amnesty International Sweden, where we engaged with UN officials on Gambia’s human rights crisis under dictatorship. I also participated in the 2015 Socialist International Conference in Geneva alongside Mrs. Janiaba Bah (Sweden) and Mr. Yahya Darboe (USA), representing the UDP. At no point was Mr. Sanyang present in any of these forums. His attempt to insert himself into events where he played no role is misleading and disingenuous. These fabrications undermine the sacrifices of Gambians—both at home and in the diaspora—who genuinely risked their lives, freedom, and livelihoods in the fight for democracy. History must be told with honesty, not embellished with false claims of heroism. Equally troubling was Mr. Sanyang’s comparison between the presidency of H.E. President Adama Barrow and the brutal dictatorship of Yahya Jammeh. Such comparisons are both dishonest and unfair. Let us be reminded: Mr. Sanyang never set foot in The Gambia during the years of dictatorship, yet today he freely enters the country, grants interviews, and criticises openly without fear. That freedom itself is a testament to the democratic space created under President Barrow’s leadership. Unlike Jammeh’s regime of repression and fear, President Barrow’s administration accommodates dissent, tolerates criticism, and strengthens the rule of law. To equate this openness with dictatorship is not only an insult to the truth but also an insult to those who suffered under real tyranny. For the sake of historical accuracy and respect for those who sacrificed everything for The Gambia’s freedom, we must ensure that our national dialogue is rooted in truth, integrity, and sincerity—not self-promotion or fantasy. Mr. Sanyang’s distortions cannot and must not go unchallenged. I rest my case.