Gambia Armed Forces Personnel Injured in Road Traffic Accident

The Gambia Armed Forces deeply regret to inform the public that eight members of the 3 Infantry Battalion were involved in a road traffic accident. The incident took place on Sunday, 11th May 2025, between 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM, while the troops were returning from a joint security patrol between Badari and Kundam. The injured personnel have been transported to Bansang Hospital for medical treatment. The Chief of Defence Staff expresses his thoughts and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. The Military Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Opinion: Against Misguided Praise for Ousainou Darboe

By Balang Sisay

A Call to Accountability: Standing Firm It is both disheartening and infuriating to witness yet another attempt to mislead the Gambian populace, this time by an 80-year-old figure who seems unable to discern the line between morality and the legal consequences of his actions. The recent post by Lamin Sabally, which vainly glorifies Ousainou Darboe’s appearance on Menbe Kereng, is not only misguided but also an outright insult to the intelligence of the Gambian people. For Lamin Sabally, it is a shame to see you perpetually writing such nonsense about the UDP and its leader. You now have the audacity to express your opinions, yet when Yahya Jammeh was in power, you were among the journalists who melted down as if you never existed. You should be ashamed to raise your head. Ousainou Darboe has long been ensnared by the very consequences of his own actions—decisions rooted in self-interest, political deception, and manipulation that have marred his career. Rather than owning up to his past missteps, he resorts to twisting the narrative, a tactic unbecoming of any leader worthy of respect. While it’s true that Gambians are a forgiving people, we are not naive. We refuse to overlook a man who has repeatedly demonstrated untrustworthiness. His role in the disintegration of the coalition, the exclusion of principled leaders like Halifa Sallah and Seedia Jatta from President Barrow’s cabinet, and his involvement in the dubious Banjul 9 ambassadorial appointments are all matters we cannot forget. Now, he stands on a national platform, attempting to rewrite history and evade accountability. We must not let this happen. Gambians deserve the truth, not a sanitized version of events shaped by a politician desperately clinging to his legacy. To the producers and host of Menbe Kereng, a program that commands respect nationwide, I implore you to remain impartial. Ask the tough questions that hold leaders accountable. Do not allow Darboe to undermine our collective memory or intelligence with empty platitudes. Gambians are vigilant. We are engaged, and we demand integrity from those who seek to lead us. The time for superficial narratives and evasive rhetoric is over—let us stand firm in our pursuit of accountability and transparency. The future of our nation depends on it.

Opinion: The Forces Undermining Our Democracy

By Balang Sisay

In a recent political showdown, Mamadi Kurang faced a significant defeat at the hands of seasoned politician Hon. Halifa Sallah. Kurang, relying on his limited educational background and bravado, underestimated Sallah's decades of experience and insight, leading to a miscalculation that exposed his shortcomings. Meanwhile, Baboucarr Keita, who gained fleeting fame from a highly publicized divorce, seems out of touch with the current sentiments of the Gambian people. Citizens have moved on from personal drama and are now dedicated to fostering a stable, progressive nation. Keita's recent actions appear driven by desperation, revealing a lack of genuine political substance and an opportunistic approach that uses public sentiment for his own gain.

A troubling trend is emerging among certain political actors, characterized by naïveté and a shallow understanding of the nation's political landscape. Their inexperience and misplaced trust make them vulnerable to being manipulated by individuals with more dangerous agendas. Perhaps they should take a lesson from figures like Killa Ace and Alieu Bah—not for their political stances, but to grasp the critical balance between activism and chaos. After a series of public embarrassments, these individuals attempted to stage a comeback through provocative actions that undermine our democracy and the rule of law. Citizens cannot disregard established rules and expect to be rewarded.

What transpired in our country recently was not a demonstration; it was a blatant violation of our laws. We cannot afford to tolerate such lawlessness, which threatens our national stability. I recall a time when we believed anything was possible, only to see silence from those who once critiqued our actions for not adhering to due process. While the right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in The Gambia's 1997 Constitution, it must be exercised responsibly, without infringing on the rights and safety of others. Crossing this line transforms protected expression into unlawful disruption. This constitutional right is not only legal; it is also moral and cultural. However, we must not conflate disorder with freedom. Since taking office, President Adama Barrow has made significant strides in enlarging democratic space, displaying resilience in the face of harsh criticism toward his government and family. Observing recent processions across the Greater Banjul Area reveals a contrast: small factions reveling in unauthorized protests while the broader population remains committed to lawful governance. Some distant critics, motivated by personal grievances against the Barrow administration regarding past injustices, are using figures like Mayor Rohey Lowe for their own agendas, despite her lack of awareness of their political backgrounds. Our collective memory serves as a reminder of the past. President Barrow is emerging as a steady figure during this tumultuous time, calmly guiding the nation while upholding the rule of law. The international community is observing closely, and we seem poised to overcome yet another hurdle in our journey toward democracy. Bravo, President Barrow! Listening to influential voices like Papa Njie Girigara provides renewed hope for our national unity. I join Pa Njie in urging the Barrow government to review the situation of those recently detained and allow history to render its judgment. I remain optimistic that such measures will be taken. May Allah protect us from discord and mischief. Ba Lang!

"Exposed: Baboucarr Bob Keita’s Web of Lies and Dark Allegations Unraveled by GRA Chief"

It has been established beyond all reasonable doubt that Baboucarr Bob Keita is not merely a habitual liar but also a menace to society, with serious allegations of sexual assault hanging over him. His recent claims of a threatening phone call from President Adama Barrow two years ago are nothing more than a vivid fabrication—an utter manifestation of his delusional thinking, as unequivocally demonstrated by Mr. Yankuba Darboe, the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority. In a statement addressing the Gambian public and all concerned citizens, Mr. Darboe emphatically denies Keita's distortions. He states that the so-called "heated argument" was merely a figment of Keita's imagination, crafted to garner sympathy and spread misleading narratives. Mr. Darboe, who facilitated the only genuine interaction between Keita and the President, made it clear that the self-proclaimed confrontation was nothing but a desperate attempt to manipulate public perception.

Contrary to Keita’s outlandish claims, the interaction was rooted in reconciliation, spearheaded by Mr. Darboe’s familial ties to Keita through marriage. Their prior acquaintance was nonexistent until last year, yet Keita now exploits this connection to fabricate stories. The divergence between reality and Keita's sensationalized accounts is stark; the President’s response to Mr. Keita’s apology was gracious and devoid of any threats or intimidation.

Mr. Darboe meticulously details how he facilitated the call, allowing Keita to deliver his apology in the presence of the President, who demonstrated commendable restraint and dignity by quickly forgiving him without further ado. Vile twists of truth surrounding Senegalese politics and personal slights against his family are nothing but bold-faced lies. To the Gambian people, Baboucarr Bob Keita stands exposed not only as a purported victim but also as a manipulative individual who seeks to distract from his own criminal behavior. His constant spinning of malicious untruths not only undermines the integrity of our leadership but threatens to damage the very fabric of our society. Let it be clear: the only intimidation at play is Keita’s calculated attempt to rally support for his image while obfuscating his own dark reality.

Youth-Led Accountability protest Hijacked by Political Opportunists

By Alagi Yorro Jallow

The Opposition’s Political Calculations and Reclaiming the Mn ovement: No Place for Political Exploitation. Alagi Yorro Jallow Fatoumatta: In every political crisis, survival instincts take over. When youth activists took to the streets to demand full disclosure of Yahya Jammeh’s confiscated assets, sold under questionable circumstances, they ignited a movement built on transparency, justice, and accountability. But in the shadows of their courage, opportunistic politicians and diaspora figures are now hijacking their struggle for political mileage. Instead of standing beside these brave activists, certain figures have turned the protests into photo-ops for their personal branding. Some have rushed to detention centers, capturing selfies with arrested youth, while others have hosted press conferences in luxury hotels, masquerading as architects of the movement. These attempts to steal credit from genuine grassroots activism dilute the integrity of the fight and distort the core purpose of the protests.

Fatoumatta: Beyond the superficial political showboating, a deeper, more troubling trend is emerging: strategic undermining of the youth protests.The swift release of detained protesters—without securing tangible commitments from the government—represents a lost opportunity to force genuine engagement. Instead of securing direct assurances, activists were allowed to disperse without concessions, weakening the leverage they built through civil disobedience. This moment should have been used to demand a full-scale investigation into the undervalued sale of properties and expose the network of insiders who benefited from Jammeh’s confiscated assets.

A more assertive approach is needed—one that ensures a thorough reassessment of all seized properties, leveraging the damning revelations of former Janneh Commission Secretary Alhaji Mamadi Kurang and investigative journalist Mustapha K. Darboe. Their findings, along with scrutiny of former Attorney General Baa Tambadou’s role in these transactions, must become central to the youth’s demands for full accountability. Fatoumatta: Meanwhile, opposition figures are attempting to capitalize on the unrest, not by amplifying the youth’s cause, but by distorting it to fit their own agendas. Instead of legitimately supporting the movement, they have co-opted the protests through self-serving press releases and staged conferences, falsely positioning themselves as the architects of the revelations regarding Jammeh’s asset sales.

However, the government’s sudden compliance in releasing the full asset list suggests it is responding out of pressure, not principle. This reaction—borne out of political survival instincts—signals a potential consolidation of power, rather than genuine accountability. Fatoumatta: This moment is too critical to be ceded to opportunists. The youth, alongside the Gambia Youth Leadership Association (GALA), must recognize that politicians—whether domestic or in the diaspora—do not truly represent their interests at the political table. The National Youth Council must seize this moment, ensuring that demands for transparency extend beyond protest rhetoric and into structured action. By joining the Task Force, young activists can transform symbolic resistance into policy influence, preventing both government manipulation and political co-optation of their movement. The message to all self-serving opportunists is clear: this fight belongs to the youth. It is not for political theatrics, not for career-building, not for clout-chasing. It is about justice, integrity, and the right of the people to demand truth without interference.

Fatoumatta: Enough is enough. The youth must remain in control of their struggle, keeping political opportunists at bay and ensuring this fight remains focused on lasting change—not fleeting self-promotion.

Bubscarr Bob Keita and His Associates: A Warning to Gambians

By Yaya Dampha Coordinator NPP Diaspora

As Gambians prepare for the 2026 presidential elections, it is crucial to recognize the political posturing of individuals like Bubscarr Bob Keita and his associates. Their attempts to capture the spotlight and manipulate public sentiment reveal a troubling agenda, one that poses significant risks for our nation. Bob Keita, once entangled in a highly publicized legal case surrounding serious allegations, may have momentarily garnered attention and misguided support. However, it is essential to understand that any popularity gained during such tumultuous times does not equate to genuine public trust or integrity. Many supporters during his trial may have been motivated by a desire to protect men from unsubstantiated accusations, yet this does not excuse or validate his actions. The reality remains that those who engage in questionable behavior do not possess the character necessary to lead our country.

The upcoming elections provide an opportunity for Gambians to reflect critically on the qualifications of those vying for political power. We must prioritize leaders who embody integrity, maturity, and a genuine commitment to serving the people. In contrast to Keita and his associates, President Adama Barrow and the NPP are focused on fostering a stable and productive environment for all Gambians. Under his leadership, we can continue to build a brighter future, grounded in trust and accountability. It is evident that individuals with dubious backgrounds cannot be entrusted with the responsibilities of governance. The era of relying on clowns and disruptors to steer our political direction must end. The youth protests we have witnessed are a call to action, not just for political change, but for a deeper understanding of the qualities we seek in our leaders.

Let us stand firmly behind President Adama Barrow and the NPP, as they work tirelessly to protect the interests of The Gambia. Together, we can ensure that our nation is led by those who truly aspire to contribute positively to our society, rather than those who seek to capitalize on chaos and confusion. It's time to prioritize character and vision in our quest for true representation and leadership.