FIRST LADY FBB CALLS FOR REGIONAL COLLABORATION TO ENHANCE SERVICES FOR GBV SURVIVORS

The First Lady of The Gambia, Fatou Bah Barrow, has called on her fellow First Ladies in the region to collaborate in addressing the negative socio-cultural contexts that perpetuate Gender-Based Violence (GBV). “I wish to assure my continued commitment to the call for gender equality and the empowerment of women. I also pledge to work closely with the First Ladies of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Senegal to jointly tackle the effects of negative social and cultural norms on GBV by enhancing services for survivors. Additionally, we will engage in community dialogue and raise awareness,” she remarked.

First Lady Barrow expressed gratitude to the UNFPA and the governments of The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Italy for organizing this important side event during the 69th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women. "We have learned and witnessed the sharing of experiences on best practices and lessons from the progress registered over the 30 years of implementing the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in our region and beyond," she added. She emphasized the importance of building a regional movement focused on transformative change through strategic partnerships across the continent. The movement aims to eliminate barriers to gender equality and actively invest in adolescent girls over the next five years, ahead of Beijing+40, with the ultimate goal of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, First Lady Barrow highlighted that her organization, FaBB, in collaboration with the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), will forge partnerships with civil society and local communities to create a safer and more inclusive environment free of GBV. This new movement seeks to dismantle the stigma surrounding GBV, which often deters survivors from reporting incidents or seeking help due to fear of retaliation, social exclusion, or disbelief. First Lady Fatou Bah Barrow delivered her closing statement at an event organized by the Governments of The Gambia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Italy, and UNFPA. The event was moderated by Ms. Cecile Mazzacurati, Gender & Human Rights Advisor at UNFPA, and took place on Monday, March 17th, at the UN Headquarters in Conference Room E. The Gambian delegation was ably represented by the Secretary General and Secretary to Cabinet, Mr. Alieu Njie, Spouse of the Vice President, H.E Mariama Jallow, Permanent representative to the United Nations, Lamin B. Dibba, Ambasador Momodou Lamin Bah amongst other delegates.

Momodou Sabally Rubbishes UDP'S Lare Sisay

On the Conspiracy Theory and Outlandish claims of Lare Sisay My initial My initial reaction to Lare Sisay’s claim that President Barrow plans to rig the 2026 election was to ignore the outlandish allegations of a disgruntled retired conspiracy theorist. But knowing the gullibility of some people in a society whose literacy levels are still quite low, I thought of a measured rebuttal based on facts and figures. Indeed a fasting Sarahulleh or Kiangka man may be easily swayed by claims of an old man who once worked for the UN. With hunger and thirst at the throats of these my favorite ‘sanaws’ they may be misled by a man they would not imagine could stoop so low as to make claims that are false during this holy month of restraint and repentance. But men like Lare Sisay who seem not to be bothered by either moral or spiritual laws, can do anything in their unrestrained desire for worldly gain and fame. Therefore it is obligatory to set the record straight

Those who have been following Lare in the media already know that this man has no respect or appreciation for facts and #figures; and this is evidenced by outlandish claims he made in an interview on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez citing financial figures that fall way above what the recurrent and development budget numbers of NAWEC could ever come close to. This is one of the reasons why (with hindsight) I am comfortable that President Barrow won the 2021 election. Imagine a man like this being Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service in this country? I honestly wanted UDP to win the 2021 election. But when we lost, I eventually accepted the decree of Allah and moved on. And then gradually I later saw and heard things that further convinced me that (perhaps) the results obtained may be the in the best interest of our country as dictated by the Most High. A person like Lare calling the shots at State House could spell disaster. And perhaps that’s what former President Yahya Jammeh knew and fired him within 72 hours of his appointment as Secretary General in 1994, rendering him the shortest lived SG in the history of this country. In a recent political event where a top UDP member from Central Badibu defected to join the NPP, I stated unequivocally that, with my greater acquaintance with the political realities of this country since I switched sides to NPP, I owe the (now-retired) Chairman of the IEC an apology for my previous claims that the 2021 election was rigged. As for the scoffers who may want to rant about my reversal of position regarding the 2021 election result, I can assure them that I am very comfortable changing my position on a matter once I have better and more reliable correct information. I don’t want to have anything to do with a consistency based on wrong information once I come to know the truth about a matter. As a student of the sage of Concorde, I am not interested in “foolish consistency”. Indeed, the American Philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson is right: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.” Having joined the NPP, and toured the length and breadth of this country, I am convinced that the NPP actually has more supporters among the eligible voter population than the opposition parties combined. This is the fact and I am not afraid of admitting my errors once evidence is presented and known. That is why I find Lare Sisay’s claims that President Barrow and the NPP cannot win the next election ridiculous. This man, who has never conducted, or spoken at, a proper political rally, cannot claim knowledge and expertise on turfs that are foreign to him. But a man with his ego can make any claims despite their baselessness. His further prognostication of Barrow losing the 2026 election based on the results of the statistically insignificant Massembeh Ward by-election makes his contingent ridiculous claims of Barrow declaring a state of emergency to extend his stay in power beyond 2026, ridiculous and malicious. Taking the 1213 total votes cast in the Massembeh Ward by-election as a percentage of the total of 859 thousand votes cast in the 2021 election yields 0.1 %. Who, in his right mind, would consider that a reliable sample size that would yield the desired confidence level, and margin of error to make any respectable prediction in this age of data science in a knowledge economy? Instead of engaging himself in making baseless ridiculous claims aimed at misleading the public, the old man Lare Sisay should perform ablution, pray two rakas and seek forgiveness from God for his false statements. This man who was the brain behind the UDP’s ill-fated 5-points Agenda should know that he does not possess the sagacity or tenacity to change the course of history in this country. It is people like Lare, who actually cost the UDP the 2021 election by bringing in plagiarized blueprints that are alien to the realities and emotions of the targeted voting population; and, hence, inadvertently laid a red carpet for President Barrow and the NPP to be blessed with a cakewalk into State House in 2021. This is the truth; and Lare Sisay’s vain imagination can never twist that fact into his imagined alternative reality in this blessed country called the Smiling Coast of Africa where the youths are very very very happy. Momodou Sabally Special Adviser to the President of the Republic of The Gambia; Former Secretary General, Presidential Affairs Minister, and former Campaign Manager of UDP.

Selective Justice and Its Implications: Biases Within Civil Society Selective

Alagi Yorro Jallow Fatoumatta: Selective justice is one of the most contentious issues facing Gambian society, particularly in the post-Jammeh era. Justice systems—both transitional and institutional—are meant to be bastions of fairness and accountability. Yet, when justice is perceived as selective, it undermines trust and deepens societal divides. In The Gambia, the outcomes of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC) have sometimes been viewed as biased. While the TRRC has successfully uncovered stories of oppression and facilitated justice for many, critics argue that certain individuals have evaded accountability due to their political connections. This threatens the integrity of the justice system, creating a hierarchy where the politically influential escape consequences that ordinary citizens cannot. The situation becomes even more troubling when individuals with links to oppressive regimes or questionable dealings are embraced by political factions. Such actions send a clear and disturbing message: justice is not blind; it is selective. To rebuild trust, we must have a justice system that is transparent, impartial, and insulated from political interference. Justice must be equitable for all Gambians, ensuring that reconciliation is grounded in fairness rather than exclusion. The challenge of selective justice and bias in Gambian society not only erodes trust but also jeopardizes national unity, particularly in terms of international representation.

Fatoumatta: It is disheartening that Gambians are often treated unequally regarding nominations and support for prestigious global positions. Instead, personal biases, political allegiances, and hypocrisy frequently overshadow principles of fairness and merit. A glaring example of this troubling pattern is the recent endorsement by the United Democratic Party (UDP) of Abubacarr Tambadou for the honorable position of Judge at the International Court of Justice, a moment celebrated as a national triumph. In stark contrast, the same enthusiasm was conspicuously absent when Dr. Mamadou Tangara, the country’s Foreign Minister, was nominated for the role of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Rather than rallying support, a wave of significant opposition emerged from certain political quarters, including UDP supporters, despite Dr. Tangara’s commendable record in promoting Gambian diplomacy. This raises a pressing question: why the inconsistency?

Ideally, civil society should function as a neutral advocate for equity, justice, and progress. However, when biases infiltrate this sphere, the capacity to hold political actors accountable diminishes, further weakening the democratic framework of the nation. In The Gambia, civil society organizations (CSOs) have been pivotal in championing human rights and good governance. Yet, their autonomy is often called into question due to perceived allegiance with political parties or individuals. Such biases erode the moral authority of CSOs, hindering their effectiveness in advocacy and mediation. Selective advocacy—where some issues receive attention while others are sidelined based on political or personal motives—significantly undermines public trust. A robust and unbiased civil society is essential for nurturing national dialogue, advocating for marginalized voices, and ensuring that leaders are held to account. To achieve this, CSOs must firmly commit to neutrality, inclusivity, and transparency, prioritizing the collective good over individual or partisan interests. The failure to adopt a new constitution serves as a stark illustration of how political self-interest can stall national progress. Fatoumatta: A new constitution was envisioned as a fresh start for The Gambia, embodying the principles of democracy, equality, and justice. Its rejection, however, has left many Gambians disillusioned, sowing deeper divisions within society. The rejected draft constitution was crafted to address pivotal issues—such as term limits, enhanced checks and balances, and robust protections for human rights. The rejection of this crucial document, influenced primarily by partisan interests, not only reflects a disinterest in national priorities but also underscores the challenges of uniting a fractured political landscape on matters that should unify the nation. Moving forward, the adoption of a new constitution must be treated as a national imperative. This undertaking requires authentic dialogue among all stakeholders, free from political gamesmanship. Gambians deserve a constitution that resonates with their aspirations, champions fairness, and establishes a solid foundation for sustainable governance. A Path Forward: To confront these interconnected challenges, The Gambia must embark on a collective journey of introspection and action. Reforming Justice Systems: We must create robust mechanisms to safeguard the justice system from political interference. This includes a thorough review of TRRC recommendations to ensure accountability and fairness for everyone. Strengthening Civil Society: It is crucial that civil society organizations uphold strict neutrality, diligently holding all political actors accountable. The time has come for a united commitment to justice, equity, and genuine democratic progress for all Gambians. Fatoumatta: The Gambia stands on the brink of transformation. By confronting the critical issues of selective justice, inherent biases, and the urgent need for a new constitution, the nation can embark on a path toward unity and prosperity. To realize the vision of inclusivity and progress that its people deserve, The Gambia must embrace fairness, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to national interests. Selective justice poses a significant threat to social equity in The Gambia, eroding the foundational principles of fairness, equality, and trust that are vital for a just society. Consider its far-reaching impacts: Selective justice undermines public confidence in the legal and judicial systems. When people perceive that certain groups or individuals receive preferential treatment based on political affiliations, social status, or connections, it breeds a profound sense of injustice. This disillusionment discourages citizens from seeking justice through legal channels, fostering a culture of impunity and deepening societal resentment. The inequitable application of justice exacerbates existing societal disparities. Marginalized groups often bear the brunt of selective justice, lacking the political power and resources to influence outcomes in their favor. This deepening of social inequities fuels divisions along class, ethnicity, and political lines, further fracturing the social fabric. Fatoumatta: In a politically polarized environment like The Gambia, selective justice heightens tensions and divisions within society. When justice appears to favor one group over another, it fosters mistrust and animosity between communities. This polarization not only undermines national unity but also hampers collective efforts to tackle shared challenges. In the context of transitional justice—especially with the ongoing work of The Gambia's Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC)—selective justice can derail attempts at reconciliation. If certain individuals or groups are perceived as immune to accountability due to political biases, it compromises the legitimacy of reconciliation processes and further exacerbates wounds from past injustices. When citizens lose faith in justice due to perceptions of bias, they often disengage from civic life. This apathy can lead to lower voter turnout, diminished community involvement, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness regarding the potential for positive change. The economic ramifications of social inequity driven by selective justice are equally concerning. A culture in which corruption and nepotism thrive stifles investment and innovation while restricting opportunities for upward mobility. Access to justice and resources should not depend on connections but rather on merit. Furthermore, selective justice undermines the rule of law, creating a system in which laws are applied inconsistently. This not only weakens the foundation of governance but also cultivates the perception that the system serves the privileged few rather than the populace at large. Fatoumatta: To address these pressing challenges, The Gambia must prioritize comprehensive reforms that promote transparency, accountability, and impartiality within the justice system. By strengthening institutions, fostering a culture of meritocracy, and ensuring the judiciary is free from political influence, The Gambia can achieve social equity and restore vital public trust. The time for action is now—together, the nation can forge a brighter and more equitable future.

UDP"s Favoritism And Unequal Treatment of Gambians Exposed

By Alagi Yorro Jallow

Discrimination, Bias, and the Unequal Treatment of Gambians in International Opportunities. The ongoing issue of selective justice and bias in Gambian society is a significant barrier to national unity, particularly in the critical domain of international representation. It is deeply troubling that Gambians are not treated as equals in nominations and support for esteemed global positions. Instead, political allegiances, personal biases, and hypocrisy overshadow the essential principles of fairness and meritocracy. A recent example starkly illustrates this troubling pattern: the United Democratic Party (UDP) fervently backed Abubacarr Tambadou for the prestigious role of Judge at the International Court of Justice, a decision that was widely heralded as a source of national pride. In stark contrast, this enthusiasm was conspicuously absent when Dr. Mamadou Tangara, the country's Foreign Minister, was nominated for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Instead of rallying support, significant opposition emerged from certain factions, including UDP supporters and surrogates, despite Dr. Tangara’s outstanding contributions to Gambian diplomacy.

This inconsistency raises a crucial question: why this double standard? Is it merely a reflection of political affiliation or blatant favoritism? If Abubacarr Tambadou, despite his controversial exit from government service, can garner widespread support, why did Dr. Tangara face hostility for seeking a position that would elevate The Gambia’s global standing? This troubling disparity not only deepens divisions but also undermines the very essence of national unity. The repercussions of such bias extend well beyond individual candidates. A culture of exclusion not only inflicts harm on those directly involved but also tarnishes the nation’s reputation and deprives it of crucial opportunities for enhancing its global influence. By failing to support competent Gambians for international roles, we are limiting our collective ability to contribute meaningfully to global discourse and pursue our national interests. It is imperative to recognize that this selective approach to international nominations erodes the sense of shared purpose among Gambians. True progress can only be realized when political loyalties are set aside, and every citizen is afforded an equal opportunity to excel based on merit. A national commitment to prioritizing qualifications, achievements, and merit over political affiliations in the nomination and support of Gambians for global roles is vital.

This merit-based approach not only enhances the country’s credibility but also bolsters its standing on the international stage. It is essential to implement transparent and impartial processes for endorsing candidates for international positions. We must establish robust mechanisms to ensure that decisions are free from favoritism or political agendas and are rooted in fairness and national interest. Civil society, including media outlets and non-partisan organizations, must actively champion transparency in these processes while holding political actors accountable for their endorsements or objections. Creating an equitable and inclusive system for international nominations has the potential to heal divisions and cultivate a stronger national identity. This moment presents a unique opportunity for Gambians to unite, placing national interests above personal agendas. A nationwide dialogue could serve as a crucial platform for rebuilding trust and addressing these grievances, bringing together stakeholders from all sectors to discuss strategies for ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and unity in representing The Gambia on the global stage. Fatoumatta: If bias and exclusion persist unchecked, the long-term consequences could be dire: deeper societal divisions, a profound erosion of trust in our institutions, and a significant miss in positioning The Gambia as a leader in global affairs. It is imperative for Gambians to collectively strive for a future where every citizen, irrespective of political affiliation, is treated as an equal and valuable representative of our nation. When any Gambian rises on the global stage, the entire nation benefits. It is only by embracing fairness, merit, and inclusivity that The Gambia can truly emerge as a shining beacon of unity and progress in the international arena.

A Year In Office IGP Touray’s Impactful Transformation of Police Force

On March 15, 2024, Seedy M. Touray was warmly welcomed into The Gambia Police Force Headquarters as he officially assumed the role of Inspector General of Police. His appointment marked the beginning of a new era—one focused on reform, modernization, and strengthening national security and international cooperation. A great leader stays connected to his people. From the outset, IGP Touray prioritized engagement with officers, conducting presentations of his vision and extensive visits to key units, including the PIU, Police Garage, Mobile Traffic Unit, and ACU, to assess operations, identify challenges, and implement solutions. To enhance efficiency, he established a Senior Management Team (SMT) to streamline decision-making and improve coordination. He also engaged all units within the headquarters to reinforce discipline and operational readiness. IGP Touray emphasized professionalism, discipline, and modernization, overseeing the commissioning of new police vehicles, deployment of critical resources, and infrastructure improvements to ensure that officers are well-equipped and motivated to serve effectively. Strengthening Logistics & Transportation: One of the immediate challenges IGP Touray tackled was logistical and transportation constraints within the force. With strategic planning and support from the government and development partners, he successfully secured over 20 new vehicles for the GPF. These additions significantly enhanced operational efficiency, rapid response capabilities, and police visibility across the country. Officers are now better equipped to patrol communities, respond to emergencies, and uphold law and order. Enhancing Road Safety: In response to the rising number of road accidents, IGP Touray initiated the Highway Patrol Unit, a specialized force dedicated to enforcing road safety laws. This initiative has been a game-changer, significantly reducing road incidents and strengthening compliance with traffic regulations. The unit’s presence on major highways has saved countless lives and ensured safer roads for all road users. Advancing Criminal Investigations: Recognizing the importance of scientific accuracy in criminal investigations, IGP Touray spearheaded the enhancement of the GPF Forensic Laboratory. By equipping it with modern forensic tools, the lab has significantly improved crime detection, evidence analysis, and case resolution rates. These advancements have strengthened the credibility of police investigations, ensuring that justice is delivered with precision and efficiency. Securing the OIC Summit: One of the biggest tests of IGP Touray’s leadership was ensuring the successful conduct of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit in The Gambia. This high-profile international event required meticulous planning and seamless execution to guarantee the safety of world leaders, dignitaries, and citizens. Under his command, the GPF implemented a comprehensive security strategy, deploying officers across key locations, enhancing surveillance, and coordinating closely with international security agencies. The outcome was a smooth, incident-free summit, reinforcing The Gambia’s capacity to host global events securely and efficiently. Resolving Major Criminal Cases: Under IGP Touray's leadership, the GPF has demonstrated exceptional efficiency in resolving major criminal cases. Notably, the recent apprehension of armed robbers showcased the force's commitment to maintaining public safety. All major criminal cases have been thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, reinforcing the GPF's dedication to upholding the rule of law.

Financial Contributions & Development: The GPF has also made significant financial contributions under IGP Touray's leadership. In just one year, the force generated over D240 million in revenue for the government, highlighting the GPF's role in national development and economic contribution. Commitment to Staff Welfare & Promotions:

IGP Touray understands that a motivated and well-supported police force is essential for effective law enforcement. Under his leadership, he has prioritized officer promotions, particularly for female officers, ensuring equal opportunities and inclusivity within the GPF.

Officers were also supplied with new sets of uniforms, enhancing their professional appearance and morale. His dedication to staff welfare and professional development has significantly improved morale, making the force more committed and efficient in serving the nation. National & International Recognition: The GPF’s transformation under IGP Touray’s leadership has earned both national and international recognition. The GPF was honored as the Best National Police Service in West Africa for 2023/2024, while IGP Touray himself received the Golden Star Award for Exemplary National Service in the Subregion. These prestigious awards highlight his visionary leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence in law enforcement. Strengthening International Cooperation: IGP Touray has actively worked to position The Gambia on the global security stage. His participation in the United Nations Police Chiefs Summit in New York and his engagement with Interpol have strengthened international collaboration, allowing the GPF to adopt best practices in fighting transnational crime, terrorism, and cybercrime. Additionally, his visit to the Rwanda National Police, a force known for its efficiency, provided valuable insights into community policing and security reforms. Furthermore, the historic visit of Senegal's Inspector General of Police, General Mame Seydou Ndour, in January 2025, marked a significant milestone in bilateral security cooperation, paving the way for enhanced collaboration between the two nations. A Future of Strength: In just one year, IGP Seedy M. Touray has proven himself to be a transformational leader, dedicated to strengthening the GPF, enhancing security, and ensuring the well-being of his officers and citizens. His bold reforms, strategic leadership, and commitment to excellence have set the Gambia Police Force on a path to greater efficiency and professionalism. With momentum on his side, IGP Touray continues to lead the Gambia Police Force into a new era of policing—one that is stronger, smarter, and more committed than ever to the safety and security of the nation.

Response to Sulayman Jeng’s article on the NPP

  I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to address the assertions you have made in your recent article, one that critiques the National People's Party (NPP) and its supporters in comparison to other political entities like the People's Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS) and the United Democratic Party (UDP). Firstly, I would like to acknowledge your right to express your opinions about our party and its leadership. However, I must bring to light the glaring mischaracterizations and oversimplifications in your analysis of the NPP. The assertion that our party lacks educated and capable individuals is both misleading and unfounded. The members of the NPP are not only educated, but they possess diverse professional experiences that enrich our political discourse. To suggest otherwise is a disservice to the dedication and hard work that countless party members have invested in our nation’s governance. You criticize our supporters for allegedly failing to engage meaningfully on social media. It is essential to recognize that many members of the NPP are actively involved in governance and policy-making rather than engaging in the often-toxic environment of social media. The NPP is focused on building a party that preps the next generation of leaders rather than indulging in idle online debates. We understand the importance of constructive engagement, and while we value discourse, our priority remains the development of programs and policies that benefit Gambians across the board. NPP is not cultist party and we are far from being bunch of disgruntled people whose lack getting what they wanted makes them rebellious unpatriotic citizens.

Your observations about loyalty are also worth examining. Loyalty isn’t merely about vocal support on social media; it extends to the commitment to national progress and the willingness to engage in meaningful initiatives. Our party is committed to creating an environment where respect for our leaders goes hand-in-hand with healthy criticism. The achievements of President Barrow and the NPP are evident in multiple sectors, and rather than focus solely on rhetoric, we invite constructive engagement on how to improve our governance. Furthermore, characterizing the support for the NPP as “empty barrels” neglects the real work that many of our members are doing behind the scenes. Each party boasts unique challenges and strengths, but labeling supporters as ineffectual overlooks the complexity of political engagement. Instead of seeing our discourse as competitive, we encourage constructive dialogues that elevate our collective political maturity. I also want to respectfully highlight that dismissing our concerns regarding governance and national leadership does not serve the Gambian populace. Your call for self-reflection within the NPP is noted, and I assure you that we are constantly evaluating our progress, our strategies, and our responsibility to our citizens.

Lastly, I invite you and others to engage in meaningful discussions that transcend the biases we may hold. Political growth in our beloved Gambia can only occur if we share our insights and promote a collective future rather than furthering division. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I hope we can pursue deeper engagement for the betterment of our nation. Yaya Dampha NPP Coordinator Lower River Region Diaspora Association