The Masenbeh Ward By-Election – A Turning Point for the National People's Party (NPP)

The recent by-election in the Masenbeh ward of the Kiang region serves as a vivid reminder of the unpredictable and often tumultuous nature of our political landscape. The United Democratic Party (UDP) has once again asserted its dominance in this constituency, reclaiming a seat that was vacated due to the unfortunate passing of their sitting councilor. While the UDP's victory reflects its entrenched support within the region, it also presents a critical moment of reflection and strategy for the ruling National People's Party (NPP).

Despite our loss, it is essential to acknowledge the progress we made during this electoral battle. Our candidate secured a greater number of votes than in the previous election, signaling a growing acceptance of the NPP's message and vision among the electorate. This incremental increase is not to be underestimated; it indicates that the citizens of Kiang are beginning to see the promise in the NPP's policies and initiatives. It is a testament to the tireless work and dedication of our party members who have passionately engaged with the community, listened to their concerns, and advocated for their needs.

We must respect the choice of the electorate in Masenbeh ward. Democracy thrives on the voice of the people, and the NPP acknowledges that the voters have spoken. It is our duty to not only accept the outcome but to learn from it. The most effective political parties are those that can adapt and evolve based on the feedback from their constituents. The NPP is determined to analyze the factors that contributed to this result, understand the aspirations of the people, and recalibrate our strategies accordingly. In the coming years leading to the next general election in 2026, the NPP will focus its efforts on bridging the gap between our party's vision and the expectations of the people of Kiang. Our commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive Lower River Region remains steadfast. We recognize that winning the hearts and minds of the electorate takes time, effort, and, most importantly, a sincere dedication to serving their needs. As the coordinator for the Lower River Region diaspora, I can assure you all the the NPP LRR Diaspora is more committed than ever to galvanizing support for the NPP in our region. We believe there is a tremendous opportunity for us to showcase our achievements and articulate our plans in a way that resonates with the diverse communities within the region. We must underscore the positive impacts of our governance while being open and transparent about the challenges that lie ahead. While the UDP may currently hold the reins in Masenbeh, we must remain optimistic about the potential for change. The dynamics of political allegiance can shift, and it is essential for the NPP to remain proactive in its engagements. We intend to mobilize our grassroots support and foster a sense of belonging among all constituents, inviting them to share in our vision for a brighter future. In conclusion, the Masenbeh ward by-election should serve not as a setback for the NPP but as a stepping stone towards greater realization of our goals. We are steadfast in our commitment to transforming the Lower River Region and moving these communities beyond their historical ties to the opposition. Under the leadership of our esteemed President Adama Barrow we will rise to the challenge, learning from this electoral experience, and emerge stronger as we strive to turn the tide in favor of the grey party, the NPP, by 2026. It is not just a political journey; it is a commitment to the people we serve. Let us forge ahead with determination and purpose. Yaya Dampha NPP Diaspora coordinator for LRR

Gambian journalists Must Transition Conjecture journalism" to "interpretative journalism."

Fatoumatta: I have frequently voiced my concern that journalism in The Gambia has reached a troubling low in terms of professionalism and the quality of content offered to its readers and audience. It is my sincere hope that Gambian journalists will transition from the practice of "conjecture journalism" to embrace "interpretative journalism." This leads me to question whether cartoonists actively participate in our newsrooms or if cartoon creation is integrated into the curriculum of Gambian journalism schools. The inclusion of editorial cartoons is not merely beneficial but essential for enriching the journalistic content we provide. For media outlets needing in-house cartoonists, hiring a dedicated artist is highly advisable. At The Independent, we had the privilege of working with notable talents like the late Pa Dacosta, Njogu Touray, Momodou Camara, Kolley, and Ghanaian artist Mr. Kofi, who contributed impactful editorial pieces on pressing issues. Today, many journalists grapple with the fundamental principles of their craft. This is the crux of my argument: individuals lacking robust journalistic training are in positions to teach it. Journalism is not just a job; it is a revered profession that demands the same rigor and training as any other field. Unfortunately, some people have stumbled into journalism out of desperation or chance, while others believe that a knack for writing fiction or essays equates to journalistic excellence. In stark contrast, I chose to pursue journalism purposefully, seeking the comprehensive training essential for this role. It is crucial to emphasize that professional training must extend to journalists and media owners alike.

To elevate journalism above mediocrity, we must embrace a broader range of elements and techniques. Merely being adept at writing fiction or essays does not guarantee journalistic quality. While not every newspaper needs to include cartoons to be considered legitimate, editorial cartoons are a vital component for many respected publications. They deliver visual and often satirical insights into current affairs, political climates, and societal issues. Cartoons have the unique ability to distill complex subjects into easily digestible content, shaping public opinion and sparking essential discussions. While some newspapers may choose to forgo them, those that include cartoons often discover that they significantly enhance readers' comprehension of the news, offering perspectives that straightforward text may fail to convey. In the diverse realm of journalism, editorial cartoons occupy a distinguished and irreplaceable niche. With an impactful mix of humor, satire, and visual storytelling, they reveal the hidden dimensions of society, prompting us to confront uncomfortable truths and strive for improvement. Editorial cartoons are cherished in journalism for numerous reasons: they present powerful visual commentaries that transcend linguistic barriers and encapsulate intricate ideas. They effectively mirror pressing societal challenges while using humor to provoke thought and challenge established norms. The tradition of editorial cartooning boasts a remarkable history, with trailblazers like James Gillray and Thomas Nast employing their art to critique political and social issues. Cartoons stand as emblems of free expression, empowering cartoonists to elevate underrepresented voices and confront those in authority. They play an educational role by presenting political matters and events in a way that is accessible and engaging, provoking reflection among readers. As instruments of public scrutiny, cartoons boldly address corruption, inequality, and injustice through visual commentary. Their power lies in the ability to shape public sentiment, question authority, and distill complex issues into relatable imagery that resonates across diverse audiences. Ultimately, cartoons and their creators enrich journalistic discourse by offering a unique, engaging, and often poignant lens through which we can understand news and social events.

Man Jailed For Exposing A Lady's Nude

A resident of the Upper River Region has been sentenced to ten years in prison for sharing intimate images of a woman in an online forum, marking a significant legal stance on the misuse of social media in the context of freedom of speech The individual, a Malian national, faced two counts: stealing a mobile phone and committing acts of online sexual abuse. In December of the previous year, he unlawfully acquired a Samsung mobile phone valued at D9,500, which belonged to a certain lady from Upper River Region. After obtaining the phone, he accessed the private photo files and subsequently shared intimate images of the woman without her consent, including forwarding these images to her husband residing in Europe. The prosecution illustrated that this act was motivated by a desire to "humiliate and cause distress" to the victim. In a ruling delivered by Magistrate Peter Che of the Basse court, the defendant was found guilty on both charges. He was sentenced to three years for the theft and seven years for the online sexual abuse, with both sentences to be served consecutively.

The implications of this landmark judgment extend beyond the individual case, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in the digital age, particularly within the Gambian context where the frameworks of freedom of speech and newfound democracy are frequently misinterpreted. This ruling sets a vital precedent that indicates the legal system's intolerance for the misuse of social media as a tool for harassment and exploitation. As society grapples with the responsibilities that come with these freedoms, it becomes increasingly important for individuals to recognize the line between expression and abuse. The judgment underscores a crucial call for individuals who have suffered similar violations to consider legal action against those who exploit or disseminate personal images without consent. In conclusion, this case serves as a potent reminder of the necessity for responsible usage of social media, alongside the essential support for victims. Society must rally together to ensure that such abuses are addressed decisively, safeguarding the dignity and privacy of all individuals in the digital landscape

Essa Bokar Sey’s Lies Exposed

By Alagie Yorro Jallow The final tell-all interview featuring Essa Bokar Sey, conducted by journalist Ebrima Baldeh, brought to light several critical issues. Unfortunately, the interview came across as more of a public relations exercise focused on personal branding, laden with half-truths. We challenge Essa Sey to leverage the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) to substantiate his claims. Former Ambassador Essa Sey must recognize that 75% of his supporters among the Gambian people are far from naive; they possess the critical thinking skills necessary to analyze information rigorously. Gambian journalists must guard against manipulation and refrain from disseminating information without thorough evaluation. It is crucial to engage in logical analysis rather than merely echoing concepts and theories without scrutiny. The Gambia unequivocally provides for both a Freedom of Information Act and an Access to Information Act, granting every citizen the right to access official information. Essa Sey asserts that he wrote a letter to Yahya Jammeh in May 2003, urging him to adhere to a term limit; however, he was recalled from his position just a month later. It is vital to highlight that the 1997 constitution does not stipulate term limits. This incongruity raises pressing questions about why Essa Sey would claim to have advised Jammeh on a matter that was non-existent.

Fatoumatta: Consider the Latin maxim, "onus probandi actori incumbit," meaning "the burden of proof lies on the one who asserts." In other words, "he who alleges must prove." If Essa Sey indeed penned a letter to Yahya Jammeh on May 2, 2003, the question remains: why has he not produced a copy of this letter? Regardless, he still has the right to utilize the Freedom of Information Act to formally request a copy of the supposed correspondence he claims to have sent regarding the term limit. This transparency is not only warranted; it is essential for accountability in our democratic discourse.

"No, I Will not Inherit Anyone's Enemy"

By Alagi Yorro Jallow Fatoumatta: In a world where divisive politics and hatred threaten to tear societies apart, it is crucial to stand firm against the forces that seek to sow discord. The Gambia, a nation rich in cultural diversity and heritage, faces challenges that could undermine its unity and progress. This article addresses the toxic elements that jeopardize our nation's future and emphasizes the importance of rejecting inherited enmities and embracing a spirit of cooperation and understanding. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, "Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." This powerful message from his 1957 speech in Montgomery, Alabama, serves as a reminder that love and understanding are the only antidotes to hatred and division Fatoumatta: No, I will not inherit anyone's enemy. If Gambia were to perish, which we do not wish for, it would be due to hatred, hypocrisy, tribalism, toxic divisive politics of populism and identity politics, “Hasidiya” and “Sohorr,” and alternative truths—destroyed by spiteful hearts and deceitful speech. People who despise others without reason and seek to enlist you in their campaign of hate. But they should know this: I will never take on someone else's enemy. Never! These individuals, consumed by bitterness and hostility, trapped in resentment and wrongdoing, are found everywhere: places of worship, homes, workplaces, in the media (especially social media), on talk shows, call-in programs, and in academia. They detest their country, its leaders, and all that is good; they likely even despise themselves. Recently, I discussed on this platform how Gambians have conflated bias, discrimination, contempt, prejudice, and hate without sympathy when addressing issues of ethnic-tribal chauvinism and Islamist populism. I stand by every word in that article, with no apologies. The incident caused quite a stir and was quite revealing. Some individuals we regard as 'men of God' are just ordinary men, prone to the same weaknesses as anyone else. However, God's standard remains steadfast, bearing this seal: God knows those who are truly His. And there are those men of God who disguise themselves as democrats and patriots. What then am I addressing? The haters, the manipulators, and tribal bigots who desire for you to adopt their hatred. Those filled with antipathy and hostility towards others, seeking to enlist you into their ranks. And when you resist, the accusations multiply: you've sold your soul to the Devil, your god is your appetite (and mine is indeed substantial!). Your cravings have blinded you to reason. And so forth. What is my response to all this? I refuse to take on your adversaries. I echo a famous musician's words I can’t remember her name: “I can't kill myself I can't kill myself Allow me to enjoy life In this life, I can't kill myself Fatoumatta, I can't kill myself”. Indeed, if I start to hate anyone at this stage in my life, it's akin to self-destruction. I would be ingesting poison. Hatred is toxic, and consuming it won't harm your neighbor, only yourself. Occasionally, a politician who masquerades as a self-proclaimed activist and a tribal bigot who supports the opposition and other politicians, who supports the opposition and hates other people's political choices and shares political affiliations and tribal heritage, attempted to contact and engage me in tribal toxic politics. Failing to reach me, he reached out to my friend, a close friend from my province and also a member of the former pro-democracy activism leadership during the struggle for resistance to authoritarianism and struggle for democracy and free press. What was the message, relayed to me later by my friend? "All you Fulas are backing the Adama Barrow government..." Truly? A Fula-led government. Such a hateful sentiment! A malevolent mind. Because President Barrow is of mixed heritage, a Mandinka father and a Fula mother, and two of his wives are Fula and his uncles Sarahules and grown-up in Banjul in a Wolof community, the president represents the Gambia national identity, they claim the government is Fula-dominated. Is it wrong for a man to be true to his ethnicity? The initial cabinet formed by President Barrow in 2017 was a representation of Gambia's national character, with the Mandinka being the majority among the ethnic groups.

Fatoumatta: I have always maintained that God has distributed all ethnicities and religions in nearly equal proportions across the country, and no single ethnicity or faith can negate the existence of another. We must coexist and work together to improve our nation. During my over thirty years of diligent observation of Gambian politics under President Barrow’s rule in eight years, I have never detected any signs of ethnic or religious prejudice. Mandinka is the dominant tribe and no government cannot be formed with a fair representation of the Mandinka ethic. This has been the norm for decades until despot Yahya Jammeh personalized power and exploited ethnic politics for his political survival. Nevertheless, the government has always embodied the Gambian spirit, obliging the President to serve all Gambians, regardless of ethnicity or faith. Therefore, I must bear the brunt of those who misunderstand. I cannot sacrifice my well-being. Allow me some indulgence. It has reached a point where my words are twisted by detractors. They misrepresent them, add a negative spin. When I say 'A', they claim I said 'B, C, and D'. Their goal? To incite animosity and scorn against me. I simply laugh and dismiss their pettiness. They fail to realize that on the Day of Judgment, every thoughtless utterance, including malicious online tirades, will be accounted for. That Day of Reckoning is inevitable... For those who expect me to adopt their animosity towards President Barrow due to his ethnic or religious background, I have news. He was, is, and will continue to be my President. My support for his administration during his first and second terms is not the reason. Although I could have accepted a prestigious position, I choose not to, despite the honor in serving one's country. But President Barrow will always be my President, any day. Thus, attempts to enlist me among his adversaries are in vain. No, I refuse to take on anyone's enmity.

I extend my gratitude to all individuals of goodwill who have made a positive impact on the world. I hold no ill will towards anyone and stand firmly by my words and actions. If we are not vigilant, hatred could be the downfall of the Gambia, and the involvement of religious and political leaders in such negativity is alarming. Relying on resentment is futile. Unfortunately, Gambia's political leadership is displaying such resentment towards a man whose only intention is to serve and dedicate himself to the nation. While the Gambia has yet to make significant strides in security, economic recovery, and anti-corruption efforts, there is hope that he will be inspired to address these pressing social issues. I affirm my choice and my right to my chosen path. As Martin Luther King Jr. also wisely noted, "Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it." This sentiment resonates deeply as we confront the toxic elements that threaten our nation's unity. As Shakespeare said, if you hate me, I will always be on your mind; if you love me, I will forever be in your heart. Fatoumatta: In conclusion, the path to a prosperous and united Gambia lies in rejecting hatred and embracing a spirit of unity and cooperation. By refusing to inherit enmities and standing firm against divisive forces, we can build a nation that thrives on mutual respect and understanding. Let us work together to create a brighter future for all Gambians, where every individual is valued and every voice is heard. As William Shakespeare aptly put it, "Love me or hate me, both are in my favor." This quote underscores the idea that whether we are loved or hated, we remain in the thoughts of others. It is a reminder that our actions and choices will always leave an impact, and it is up to us to choose love and unity over hatred and division.

Ebrima Baldeh: A Talented Journalist Who Missed an Opportunity for Critical Inquiry

By Alagi Yorro Jallow As a journalism lecturer and former journalist, I feel it is essential to highlight that Ebrima Baldeh deserves far greater recognition for his outstanding interview with Gambians in the public sphere, especially considering the challenges he faced. That said, I was disappointed with his recent interview featuring former Gendarmerie Sergeant and Yahya Jammeh-appointed ambassador, Essa Boker Sey. Unfortunately, it came across more as a public relations strategy than a rigorous journalistic examination. Baldeh needed to investigate Sey's past as an enabler of Jammeh and understand why he has shifted to a role as a critic advocating for term limits, especially considering that his former boss systematically dismantled the 1997 constitution to eliminate such limits. This situation raises an important question: Why did Sey remain silent about constitutionalism during his time as ambassador and protest against Yahya Jammeh, or resign his job to protest against removing the term limit clause in the constitution, only to begin advocating for term limits now that he is no longer in office and with elections approaching next year? Where is consistency and principle?

Regrettably, the interview felt like a superficial PR exercise aimed at polishing former Ambassador Sey's image, focusing primarily on his role at the OIC secretariat rather than scrutinizing his complicity with dictatorship. I expected Baldeh to conduct thorough research on his guest's past actions during Yahya Jammeh's oppressive regime. Sey's statements and postings on the Gambia L listserv before the advent of Facebook were not only controversial but actively supported a dictator. Baldeh had a responsibility to delve deeper into Sey’s history as an enabler of Jammeh. Ebrima Baldeh is undoubtedly a skilled journalist and a prolific writer with significant gravitas. His previous inquiries have been pointed, direct, and genuinely in the public interest. Colleagues like Alieu Ceesay and Sultan Jammeh posed follow-up questions that were incisive, probing, and impactful. Their delivery exhibited professionalism and authority, projecting confidence, knowledge, and preparation. While their exceptional interviewing skills allowed them to navigate away from pre-submitted questions seamlessly, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed that Baldeh failed to fully expose the evident weaknesses in Sey’s mental and intellectual faculties, which Sey has worked diligently to conceal. Fatoumatta: Ebrima Baldeh’s interview should serve as a blueprint for engaging with carefully curated and reclusive individuals like Essa Boker Sey. This is especially true when compared to the disgraceful public relations spectacles produced by some social media talk show hosts. However, throughout the interview, it was disheartening to witness weak, unchallenging questions that left obvious follow-up prompts neglected, resulting in a dialogue that left viewers confused and unsatisfied. Baldeh had a unique opportunity to push for accountability, and it is disappointing that it was not fully realized.