Forensic Expert Testifies in PIU Shooting

Francis Jatta, a forensic expert working in the Criminal Records Office of the Gambia Police Force (GPF), is the latest witness to testify in the police shooting case involving Ousainou Bojang and his sister, Amie Bojang. The forensic officer detailed that his department is responsible for maintaining records of convicted criminals, conducting crime scene investigations and analyzing evidence such as fingerprints. The prosecution alleged that on 12 September 2023 while at the Sukuta traffic lights, Ousainou Bojang, shot three police personnel with a gun, resulting in the death of two leaving the other with life-threatening injuries. Ousainou denied the allegations in court.

Ousainou Bojang, a resident of Brufut, is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, committing a terrorist act, and assault causing grievous bodily harm. His sister, Amie Bojang, is charged with accessory after the fact to murder. Officer Jatta said he recognised Ousainou Bojang after having met him once. He added that he does not know Amie Bojang. The witness said on the 13th of September 2023 upon arrival at work, he was instructed to set up a team to visit a crime scene at the Sukuta-Jabang traffics light. The team was constituted and he was part of it. He testified that it was headed by Ebrima Kanyi and the other members Tunan Bass Manga and Edrisa Jarju. The witness said the team worked together with officers from the Anti-Crime Unit and those from the Brikama Police Stations (Salia Gaye and Yaya Bojang). He added that Police Commissioners Pateh Bah, Fakebba Darboe, Thomas Aki Gomez and Pateh Jallow were also found at the scene. Upon reaching the scene, Jatta explained that they conducted interviews to gather information about the incident. Two empty bullet cases were discovered by the Anti-Crime police at the location and the area was secured by setting up a perimeter to prevent unauthorized access. The witness said they conducted searches in the area and took photographs. He added that they were informed about a nearby vehicle that was parked where they found another empty bullet casing. They followed the route taken by the accused person and continued the search to a junction to the petrol station’s first junction on the right and at the edge of the junction they discovered a live round near a junction in Sukuta. Their search continued along a footpath at the first junction, hoping to find the murder weapon, but to no avail. The witness testified that the team returned to Banjul after the search. He said the ballistic evidence gathered was forwarded to the Gambia National Army for ballistic examination because the police lack ballistic examination equipment. The army was to do an analysis. At this point, the case was adjourned till today for continuation of the hearing.

Former Jammeh Minister Ousman Sonko Sentence To 20 Years In Prison

Former Gambian minister of Interior Captain Ousman Sonko who have been standing trial on human rights violations including murder and rape during the dictatorial rule of Yahya Jammeh becomes the second Gambian tried and convicted abroad for crimes they committed in The Gambia. Switzerland's Federal Criminal Court on Wednesday ruled that former Gambian Interior Minister Ousman Sonko was guilty of crimes against humanity committed while in several positions of authority from 2000 to 2016. Trial International said on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that Sonko had been sentenced to 20 years in prison. Ousman was initially arrested and detained in Sweden where he filed asylum in 2015. He was later denied asylum by the Swedish and deported to Spain where he first landed after leaving the Gambia. Sonko managed to traveled to Swiss where he filed asylum for the second time. He was later arrested there and detained until Trial International file a case against him for muder, torture, rape and muder.

Sonko had denied all charges during the trial. He is the most senior official ever to be tried in Europe using universal jurisdiction that allows the most serious crimes to be prosecuted anywhere. What was Sonko accused of? Sonko, 55, was accused by Swiss prosecutors of carrying out a number of serious offenses, including murder, torture and rape, between 2000 and 2016 under the regime of former Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh. He was said to have committed the crimes first within the army, then as inspector general of the police and finally as the interior minister from 2006 to 2016. A number of civil parties testified during the trial.

His lawyers had argued that Sonko should not be tried for crimes against humanity because the alleged offenses were isolated acts for which he had borne no reponsibility. They said the offenses were rather committed by the National Intelligence Agency and the Junglers paramilitary group, over neither of which he had authority or control, according to the lawyers.

The former interior minister, who was sacked from The Gambia's government in 2016, has been in Swiss custody since he was arrested in January 2017 after applying for asylum. Jammeh ruled The Gambia in authoritarian manner from 1994 to 2016. He went into exile in Equatorial Guinea in January 2017. It could be recalled that The Federal court of Germany had earlier on tried and Sgt. Bai Low to life in prison for the Muder journalist Deyda Hydara and others.

Dr. Manta Drammeh Tumbs Up Successful OIC Hosting

By Prof. Alhagi Manta Drammeh Despite postponing the Summit for at least on two occasions, the Gambia has finally hosted this international forum of politicians, policymakers, scholars and business community from the Muslim Ummah and other observer countries. The Gambia made it. It is historic and memorable.

As a Gambian and part of the OIC’s International Islamic Fiqh Academy delegation, I felt proud that the Gambia was able to host such a grand Summit, despite the size and resources. Many people were wondering whether it would take place or not. Finally, it happened. Others were wondering what kind of country was going to host it and what kind of treatment were they going to have.

Putting politics aside, I believe that the Gambian people and the Government should be congratulated on the successful organisation of the Summit. I think many of the delegates spoke of their satisfaction with the organisation and commended the Gambians for their hospitality and humanity. The Gambia is the Smiling Coast of Africa. That culture of hospitality has to be developed and nurtured in generations to come. One felt the sense of security from the airport to the kairaba Conference Centre and around the hotels where the delegates stayed during the Summit. One also observed the amount of training that went into creating efficient liaison and protocol officers for the Summit. I met some of my own former students who recognised me, as I taught them remotely greeting me and welcoming me. I really felt proud and satisfied to see those young men and women excel in their career trajectories.

Having said that lessons can be learnt for future conferences and Summits at different levels. More learning is needed in management and coordination. Speakers of Arabic language could be increase as they know the culture and civilisation of the Arab world. What is Next?

As the Banjul-OIC Summit ended on a peaceful note, let now look forward. The summit has put the Gambia on the world map particularly in the Arab world. Some would confuse Gambia with Zambia. Diplomatically, the Gambia can be instrumental in resolving pending issues among them the Palestinian-Israel question and the Sudanese crisis. The Gambia is known for its quiet diplomacy based on dialogue and engagement. This goes back to the era of Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawar who played a key role in binging about peace between Iraq and the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1980s.

It is a great privilege that the Gambia is assuming the chairmanship of OIC for the next three years. This means that the Gambian President would be the spokesperson of the Muslim Ummah for the next three years. Economically, the Gambia can lobby for investment projects in terms of health and agricultural. The Gambia can secure scholarships for its students from OIC member countries. In addition, the Gambia is on a good footing to seek assistance from technologically developed OIC member countries to help the Gambia develop its technological and scientific base. The Gambia could be promoted as a safe tourist destination. Finally, we urge the Government of the Gambia to seize this opportunity to build on the success of the organisation of OIC summit, despite there are lessons to be learnt for the future. This opportunity should not be politicised but all the Gambians should see themselves in it and be a part of it..

Sulayman Camara Addresses False Media Reports/Hateful Rhetorics

As the Media and Communication Secretary of the NPP, I address the recent surge of misinformation and baseless allegations circulating in various quarters regarding the performance of our esteemed Party Leader and President of the Republic, His Excellency President Barrow.

It has come to our attention that certain individuals, driven by ulterior motives and devoid of factual basis, have resorted to peddling blatant lies and engaging in idle bickering aimed at undermining the accomplishments of our government. Such attempts to discredit the successes of President Barrow and the NPP administration are not only misguided but also detrimental to the progress and stability of our nation. First and foremost, let it be unequivocally clear that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit hosted by The Gambia under the leadership of President Barrow was a resounding success. Any claims suggesting otherwise are nothing more than malicious fabrications intended to sow seeds of doubt and confusion among the populace. The OIC Summit served as a platform for constructive dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding among member states, further solidifying The Gambia's position on the global stage.

Furthermore, attributing the increase in commodity prices to the government's negligence is not only disingenuous but also a gross misrepresentation of reality. The rise in commodity prices is a global phenomenon influenced by various factors beyond the control of any single government. It is irresponsible to assign blame where none is due and to spread falsehoods for political gain. As for those individuals who propagate hateful rhetoric calling for President Barrow to step down, let it be known that such calls will fall on deaf ears. President Barrow was duly elected by the people of The Gambia to lead our nation, and he remains steadfast in his commitment to fulfilling his mandate. He will not be swayed by the empty rhetoric of those who seek to divide our nation for their own selfish interests. In fact, President Barrow is poised to embark on an industrial tour next week, during which he will inaugurate five new hospitals in different parts of the country. Additionally, he will visit various industries across the nation, reaffirming his dedication to promoting economic development and improving the welfare of all Gambians. These tangible actions speak volumes about President Barrow's commitment to substance politics and his unwavering focus on delivering real results for the Gambian people.

In conclusion, let me reiterate that President Barrow and the NPP administration are here to stay, undeterred by the misguided attempts of detractors to derail our progress. We urge all Gambians to see through the veil of misinformation and stand united in support of our government's efforts to build a better future for our beloved nation.

Over 35 Million Dalasis Worth Of Equipments For GPF

In yet another development the Gambia Police Force gratefully received equipment and items valued at more than 35 million dalasis, donated by the German Police Support Team (GPST) in a ceremony at the Police Intervention Unit headquarters in Kanifing today

The head of the police Inspector General of Police Seedy Mukhtar Touray, upon receiving the items, expressed profound gratitude to the GPST for their steadfast support in skills transfer and logistical provisions. He highlighted the crucial role of the GPST in the transformative agenda of The Gambia Police Force, which aims to create a professional service that respects human rights and the rule of law. He assured that the donated equipment would be effectively utilized by the beneficiary units to enhance their service capabilities.

Steffen Haas, the Deputy Head of the GPST Project, provided an overview of the extensive training and logistical support the GPST has offered to the GPF over the years. He also announced an additional upcoming support of 25 million dalasis and reaffirmed the GPST's commitment to continue this beneficial collaboration.

The ceremony included the inauguration of a pavilion funded by the GPST and showcased the newly acquired items, including four Toyota minivans, three Toyota Hilux pickups, fifteen Yamaha bikes, ten Canon cameras, and various crime scene kits designated for the PIU, Mobile Traffic, HR, and Forensic Units. The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, partners, and stakeholders of the Gambia Police force were all in attendace

Pateh Jallow Appointed AIG Of Police

The fire brand police officer Pateh Jallow have been named as Assistant Inspector General of The Gambia police force. Pateh is carier police officer with high skill military background. He is fearless, honest, dedicated and service conscious officer whose loyalty is unquestionable. Pateh Jallow's appointment was relayed in a statement released by the police media and communication unit. Bellow is the full texth of the statement from the police

The Gambia Police Force has announced a significant reshuffle of its top management, effective Monday, May 13, following the retirement of former Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Landing Bojang. The reshuffle, initially disclosed on Wednesday, May 8, includes the redeployment of AIG Demba Sowe from Police Administration to Crime Management and AIG Ebrima Bah from Police Operations to Police Administration. Additionally, regional Commissioner Pateh Jallow of KM has been appointed Acting AIG of Police Operations.

This strategic realignment also encompasses various transfers among Regional Commissioners and some Unit heads, underscoring the GPF's commitment to optimizing operational effectiveness and enhancing response capabilities.