GAMTEL FIBRE CABLE VANDALISED IN BUNDUNG

Gambia Telecommunication Company GAMTEL has been suffering from persistent fiber cable cuts over the past months. The vandalism has now cost the country's main telecommunication company millions of dalasi.

Recently there has been another case of fibre cable vandalism in Bundung. The scene was visited by GAMTEL's Managing Director and senior management staff and technicians to gauge the effects of damage, technical evaluations, and how to quickly restore services to their esteemed customers. Speaking to reporters the managing director Lamin A. Tunkara begins by apologizing to the affected customers for the interruptions of services they paid for describing it as an unfortunate scenario. He renewed his resolve to providing better and eeficient services to the costomers and promised that the cables cutswill be restored within a short time.

PRO Theresa Gomez, Core Network Director Ebrima Jammeh, and Director of Planning Kebba Ndow were all at the Bundung Nusrat Junction where the cable carrying over 800 customers was cut. Kebba Ndow call on the general public to be observent and report cases of cable vandalism when they see it. He said GAMTEL is not about Lamin Tunkara or any personality but the Gambia. He said it not in the interess of GAMTEL to see their services down. He said GAMTEL management is estrimely sorry for the breakdown in service delivery. Mr Ndow pointed out that there was in fact another fiber cable cuts on Wednesday morning which is affecting their major costomers like AFRICEL,GAMCE,COMIUM AND others.He said they have another team of technicians on their coming to see to it that those services are restore and functional.

Col. Darboe And Binta Jamba Testified Against Sonko In Swiss

source malagen news

First witness testifies against Gambia’s former interior minister Ousman Sonko in crimes against humanity trial in Switzerland Bellinzona, Switzerland–The first witness in the crimes against humanity trial of 55-year-old Ousman Sonko—Gambia’s former interior minister—told a Swiss Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona that Sonko treated her like a sex slave. Binta Jamba is the widow of Almamo Manneh—a former soldier in Gambia’s State Guards—an elite military unit guarding the Gambian presidency. In 2000, Manneh was accused of a coup and was killed under mysterious circumstances. Sonko is currently on trial in Switzerland for crimes against humanity for his alleged role in a series of crimes perpetrated against Gambians under the 22-year rule of former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh. Jammeh ruled Gambia with an iron fist and was accused of numerous human rights violations, including murder and severe torture. Sonko first served in the military, rising through the ranks to command the State Guards in 2003.

Jamba, who first testified before Gambia’s Truth Commission in October 2019, said she was raped multiple times by the former interior minister at various locations in The Gambia, events she said left lasting physical and emotional scars. Between January to December 2000, Jamba told the court Wednesday, “I was just like a sex slave to him.” Jamba said she was impregnated by Sonko twice between 2000 to 2002 and was forced to abort both pregnancies, which, she said, were arranged by Sonko. (Abortion is illegal in the Gambia.) “I was very sick after the abortions… I was constantly bleeding,” said Jamba, as she broke down in tears. Sonko’s lawyer, Philippe Currat, had no question for Jamba on the substance of her testimony. Currat later explained that Jamba’s statement was contradictory, and his questions would have added little value. Manneh’s murder From 1994 until early 2000, Manneh, Jamba’s husband, was close to Jammeh and implicated in the torture of several high-profile political detainees, including former ministers of Gambia’s first president, Dawda Kairaba Jawara, in 1995, an investigation by Gambia’s Truth Commission found. Some detainees were “beaten and kicked by the soldiers, who subjected many of them to mock executions. They were threatened frequently by Almamo Manneh and [his colleague] Bubacarr Bah, who would tell them that they were waiting for the order of the (Capt. Yahya Jammeh) to kill them and cut them into pieces and throw them to the dogs. This caused the detainees great fear and anguish as they genuinely believed that they would be killed,” the Commission found. It is unclear why Manneh fell out with Jammeh. However, Jamba, who described her husband's relationship with Jammeh as a “good” one, said Manneh’s murder was orchestrated by Sonko. “Yahya Jammeh, Ousman Sonko, and Ismaila Jammeh [Sonko’s orderly] planned and organized the killing of Almamo Manneh, which was carried out by the group sent out to lure him to Bund Road,” where Manneh was killed, said the Commission. But at the hearing on Wednesday, Sonko declined to speak on the specifics of Manneh’s killing. “I cannot comment as far as the case of Almamo Manneh is concerned,” said Sonko. “In my statement, I did not refer to anything [that reveals] operational [details]…I am still bound by the official secrecy act.” Horrific torture of Lt. Col. Bunja Darboe The second witness to take the stand on Wednesday was Lt. Col. Bunja Darboe, a serving Gambian soldier, arrested on allegation of his involvement in a 2006 coup. Darboe was allegedly tortured and forced to write a statement implicating himself, a document used as prima facie evidence against him at the court-martial in Banjul. “All they said was that a speech was found on me. But that was not true. They forced me to write it,” said Lt. Col. Darboe. “Sonko is here, and I challenge him to tell the truth.” Sonko was then chief of Gambia’s police who allegedly sat on a panel of security officer that oversaw the torture and interrogation of detainees including Darboe. The investigation by the Truth Commission found that such panels were accompanied by brutal torture of Junglers— members of a hit squad who operated under Jammeh’s orders. Darboe said his torturers placed a plastic bag over his head, and he was subjected to horrific torture. He then broke down in tears. “My hand was hurting me. Everywhere was paining me. When they were beating me, my hand was fractured and also dislocated. One of them cocked a pistol and asked me to say my last prayers. I could not say anything,” said Darboe. “At that moment, I just wanted to die. I did not want to live. I was fed up with the humiliation. The pain was so extreme that I could not bear it. I was helpless.” *Editor’s note: Bunja Darboe is not related to the author. This story was a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project.

police Arrested 11Persons With Stolen Items During Fest

The Anti-Crime Unit (ACU) has arrested eleven individuals suspected of theft across various locations and seizing items, including mobile phones, cash, passports, and other documents. These individuals will be processed to court accordingly.

Among the recovered items is a Swiss passport and associated documents. If you have lost a Swiss passport or any belongings, please contact or visit the Anti-Crime Unit situated in Banjulunding for assistance.

Your cooperation is crucial in aiding the ongoing investigations. Contact: 9968885/3915507

NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL ON A FACT FINDING MISSION IN FONI

The National Security Council (NSC) on Monday 1 January 2024 was in the Fonis on a fact finding mission. It could be recalled that the Senegalese Armed Forces clashed with elements of the Movement of Democratic Forces of Cassamance (MFDC) sometime in 2021 and 2023 along our Southern border with the Republic of Senegal. The spillover effect of the conflict had affected Gambians living in the border villages of Jiffanga, Kusamai, Siwol, Tamba Kunda, Jillanfari, Karunorr, Balenh, Gikesh, Kantimba and Kappa.

The intermittent fighting, according to reports, caused disruption of economic activities such as farming due to heavy bombardment and exchange of fire, including mortar shells and other projectiles. It was also reported that, these shells, which sometimes land on the Gambian side of the border do not explode on impact. The fighting had eventually led to an influx and displacement of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as closure of schools. It had left a lot of Gambians in the area traumatized and in fear causing villagers to evacuate the most vulnerable ones, such as the elderly, women and children to safer zones.

It is against this backdrop that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency Adama Barrow dispatched members of the NSC to visit the affected communities in Foni.

The aim of the visit was to commiserate with them as well as gather firsthand information on the situation in these Villages. The delegation comprised of the Honourable Ministers of Defence and the Interior, the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff of the y Armed Forces, the Inspector General of Police, the Deputy Director General of State Intelligence Services, NAMs and Chiefs of Foni, the Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency and other stakeholders. Details of the engagements by the delegation will be provided in subsequent releases.

Hit And Run Driver Arrested By Soldiers

Following the tragidic killing of over half a dozen of children in Jarunehkoto CRR South by a hit and run truck driver two days ago the personals of the Gambia armed Forces stationed at Lamin koto military camp apprehended the driver. The driver who was later identified as Yuspha Bojang is said to resident of Kombo Brikama but a citisen of Southern Senegal Casamance. According to sources from military police the Personnel of the Gambia Armed Forces Laminkoto Military Camp on Saturday 10 December 2023 apprehended a truck driver who ran over a jubilant crowd killing 7 on the spot. The rest were rushed to the hospital where another person was declared dead on Sunday 11 December 2023. The crowd were celebrating a football victory.

The Laminkoto Military Camp was informed about a hit-and-run incident at Jarumeh Koto between the hours of 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm involving a truck driver who ran into a jubilant crowd crushing over a dozen people, killing 7 on the spot leaving some critically injured. Laminkoto Military Camp immediately dispatched a patrol team. The driver been aware of the presence of the military diverted towards Kerr Nyaga, Nyamina District, CRR North going towards Senegal. He hid the vehicle in a nearby bush and went hiding in the bush. The patrol team discovered the truck and took it to the Laminkoto Military Camp and then continued on the hot pursuit. The driver noticing that the team was getting closer, he ran to the Firdausi Police Station in Firdausi in Niani CRR North to avoid being arrested by the soldiers.

The patrol team led by the Officer Commanding, Laminkoto Military Camp, Major Malick Boye took him from there and hand him over to the Deputy Police Commissioner CRR, Juldeh Camara at the Jamjanbureh Police Station. Driver is helping the police in establishing facts surrounding the unfortunate and tragic incident.

Defense Lawyer “Kumba Killed Lamarana In Self Defense”

Defense Counsel Suggested Kumba Killed Lamarana Jallow (Lama) Out of Self-Defense The defense lawyer, Sagarr, cross-examined the state's ninth witness, Momodou Touray, in the murder case involving Kumba Sinyan. Sinyan was charged with the murder of her boyfriend, Lamarana Jallow, by cutting his stomach with a razor blade, causing his death. Counsel Sagarr began by asking Touray, the witness, about his rank in the police force. Touray stated that he is the Chief Inspector at the Special Crime Unit in Bakau. Sagarr then inquired about Touray's whereabouts at the time of the incident, to which Touray responded that he was in Bakau, working as the Officer in Charge of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

He testified that he was the lead investigator in the case, responsible for investigating the allegations and compiling a report for potential prosecution. He clarified that he supervised a team of officers, with Crime Scene Officer Samba Bah being one of them, and others provided assistance as needed. Counsel Sagarr proceeded to ask Touray if he had given a statement regarding the matter, to which Touray confirmed that he had. When asked if he had the original copy of the statement, Touray mentioned that it had been filed. Sagarr then asked Touray to verify whether the statement was his and when shown to him, to which Touray confirmed it was his statement and handwriting. Sagarr then expressed the intention to tender the witness statement as evidence, and the prosecution raised no objections. The presiding Judge marked and admitted the statement as a defense exhibit.

Continuing the cross-examination, Counsel Sagarr asked Touray about the first meeting between the witness and the accused. Touray stated that they met at the Bakau Police Station on September 14, 2022, early in the morning before 8 am. Touray mentioned that other police officers, including Mariama Sowe, were present during that meeting. He clarified that he was not the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) at that time, as that role was held by Binta Njie. Senior Counsel Sagarr then inquired about when Njie became involved in the case. Touray simply responded that he could remember that. The defense questioned Touray about his previous statement regarding his claim that the investigation would continue, Touray stated that he did not recall making that statement. The court reviewed the case file and found that Touray had indeed stated that the investigation would continue after returning to the station. The defense then asked Touray about the evidence collected during the investigation and to whom it was sent. Touray mentioned that the investigative results were sent to the Ministry of Justice. When asked for a copy of the evidence, Touray explained that it would either be with the ministry or stored in the files. Sagarr proceeded to ask Touray about when the accused was officially charged with murder. Touray stated that he did not know the time but the information would be in the records. Sagarr then inquired about who determined the charges. Touray responded that he and one of his Junior. The defense brought up his (Touray) previous statement, where he mentioned that the accused (Kumba) had confessed to him committing the murder. However, Touray claimed not to remember the date. When pressed about where the confession took place, Touray mentioned that it occurred at the Kairaba police station, with himself, Officer Bah, Mariama, and station personnel present. He confirmed that a cautionary statement was obtained from the accused, and in that statement, she admitted to killing the victim. However, when shown the cautionary statement, Touray stated that he did not author it and could not tell whether the confession was recorded. Sagarr Further questions whether he (Touray) questioned the accused about self-defense. He stated that she mentioned self-defense but did not provide further details. Sagarr inquired if the investigation delved deeper into what she meant by self-defense, to which Touray replied that she had only mentioned cutting a wound on her hand but said she cut the stomach of Lama with a razor blade. Sagarr then asked if Touray knew if the accused had been taken to the hospital for further examination. Touray responded negatively. Counsel Sagarr put to the witness that the accused had a cut on her hand, but Touray clarified that it was a small cut and confirmed that she had shown it to him. When asked if further examination was conducted on her injuries, Touray stated that he did not examine her further, because Kumb only discussed the wound on her hand. Sagarr then asked Touray if they had taken the accused to the hospital for an examination, to which he replied that they had not. Counsel Sagarr questioned Touray about his familiarity with taking statements and how he supervised the process. Touray confirmed his familiarity and expressed satisfaction with his supervision. When asked if the accused's lawyer was present during the statement-taking, Touray mentioned that the family and a lawyer were present. Sagarr asked the witness whether a lawyer was present but Kumba's lawyer, the witness negatively. Senior Counsel Sagarr emphasized the importance of a lawyer being present as a constitutional right, which Touray acknowledged. Sagarr then inquired if an independent witness was provided during the statement-taking, to which Touray answered affirmatively. However, he clarified that it was not him who provided the witness, but rather there was an independent witness present. Senior Counsel Sagarr raised a question about the timing of the independent witness, suggesting that they were brought up after the statement was taken. Touray disagreed, stating that it occurred before. The defense then claimed that the accused was not cautioned properly, but Touray insisted that she was. Sagarr challenged Touray's knowledge about the legal distinction between killings and murder saying not all killing implies murder, to which Touray admitted he did not know. Sagarr told the Toura witness, that PW7 didn't testify that Kumba confessed to the killing, Touray pointed out that he was PW9 and not PW7. Counsel Sagarr argued that the accused's confession of self-defense does not necessarily imply murder in the particular circumstance. The judge intervened, indicating that it would be up to the court to determine. Counsel Sagarr then asked Touray to review a document referred to as Exhibit G and determine its content. However, the state counsel objected, stating that Touray previously stated he did not make the statement, so he should not be questioned about it. Counsel Sagarr clarified that he was challenging the claim of the confession being present in the voluntary statement. Touray stated that he did not know but reiterated that the accused confessed to killing her boyfriend with a razor blade. The defense further questioned Touray about whether he took pictures of the victim, to which he confirmed that he did. However, he stated that the pictures were with the crime scene officer. Sagarr asked Touray if he was familiar with the case, to which Touray replied affirmatively. When asked when the case file was transferred to him, Touray mentioned that it was on September 14, 2022. Sagarr inquired about Touray's visit to the crime scene, to which Touray confirmed that he had visited on the same day in the morning. Counsel Sagarr asked if Touray was present when the accused person was visited at her house, to which Touray replied affirmatively. However, when asked if he was present during the first visit to the crime scene for evidence collection, Touray stated that he was not there. Counsel Sagarr questioned whether Touray attended the evidence collection, to which Touray responded negatively. At this point, Counsel Sagarr stated that she had no further questions for Touray, and the witness was discharged. The state counsel promised to call the last state witness and the case was adjourned to Wednesday at 13:00. Source Kexx Sanneh