Gambia Emphasizes Integrated Border Management for Enhanced Trade Facilitation

In a significant stride towards improving trade processes, Hon. Yankuba Darboe, the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), underscored the Gambian government's commitment to integrated border management during a recent workshop on coordinated border management. This five-day event, gathering representatives from various sectors including Customs, the Gambia Police Force, and the Immigration Department, aims to consolidate efforts to craft a comprehensive framework for border management. During his keynote address at the workshop hosted at the Senegambia hotel, Darboe articulated the government's recognition of Coordinated Border Management (CBM) as paramount for enhancing trade facilitation. He stated, “Our goal is to improve border efficiency, streamline our trade processes, and foster robust inter-agency collaboration.” Central to these discussions is a Draft Strategy for 2025-2029 developed by the GRA, aimed at modernizing border management and facilitating smoother trade operations. This strategy is part of a broader initiative to bolster The Gambia’s trade ecosystem. Since 2021, The Gambia has collaborated with the World Customs Organization (WCO) through the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, which focuses on implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Darboe highlighted the areas identified for improvement, such as ongoing border delays and procedural complexities that hinder efficient trade.

Currently, border operations in The Gambia involve 6 to 10 government agencies, which presents significant challenges. Darboe emphasized the importance of CBM reforms in addressing these issues, stating that better coordination would lead to reduced trade costs and stimulate economic growth. Despite the ongoing initiatives, Darboe acknowledged gaps in practical knowledge regarding CBM implementation. He outlined the GRA's requirements for capacity-building, which include standardizing operating procedures across border agencies, harmonizing data for effective exchange, and devising comprehensive risk management strategies. The workshop also featured insights into a draft inter-agency standard operations framework on CBM, developed by a working group representing various border agencies. This framework was crafted through virtual sessions with WCO experts, highlighting the collaborative approach needed to establish a robust border management system. Key elements of the draft framework encompass legal provisions, operational guidelines for border agencies, and protocols for the efficient physical movement of goods through ports. Additionally, it addresses expedited clearance systems for various goods categories, enhancing the overall efficiency of border operations.

In closing, Darboe pointed out that the implementation of capacity-building initiatives within the GRA would lay the foundation for standardized operating procedures at all points of entry in The Gambia. He further reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts among border agencies to facilitate effective trade flow while ensuring proper revenue collection. Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Jim Clarke from the WCO reiterated the critical need for information-sharing between border agencies to ensure seamless trade operations while safeguarding The Gambia’s revenue interests. Their collective efforts signify a proactive approach to developing a modern and integrated border management framework.

Lawyer Melville Roberts Open Letter To Amie Bensouda

Dear Mrs. Amie Bensouda, I pen this letter with a heavy heart, burdened by sorrow yet driven by a profound sense of love and disappointment. It is not easy to address you, a woman I have long admired and respected, whose legacy transcends common admiration. However, the truth compels me to speak, even when it is difficult.

The recent cease and desist letter directed at Kurang has shaken me—not for its legal implications, as you are undoubtedly one of the finest legal minds of our time, but for the emotional weight it carries. It signifies a rift, a silence, an unwillingness to engage in open discourse. Instead of fostering dialogue, it conveys a sense of threat and deterrence.

You have dedicated your life to fighting against injustice, illuminating dark corridors of truth, and giving voice to the voiceless. This course of action—this legal silence cloaked in warnings—wounds deeply. Many, including myself and Kurang, have raised questions regarding the actions of the Commission. These inquiries are not attacks; they are a quest for clarity and understanding, born out of a sincere desire for truth. My love for you remains steadfast. I believe in the greatness that resides within you—a greatness rooted not in the exercise of power but in the pursuit of justice. I implore you not to allow this moment to cast a shadow on your legacy. Do not let the public, who have cherished your name, perceive you as someone who would silence uncomfortable truths. I do not believe you personally sold Jammeh’s assets. As a lawyer, I understand the structure, limitations, and responsibilities involved. While you served as lead counsel, the final decisions rested with a broader collective. However, leadership also encompasses how one responds to challenges. The nation deserves clarity and a robust rebuttal to the concerns raised. Unfortunately, the threat of legal action only stirs suspicion and obscures the transparency you have always championed. We can disagree while still holding each other in mutual respect. I can challenge certain actions yet honor your name. However, I cannot support a narrative that stifles legitimate dissent through intimidation. That is not who you are. You have stood before Lady Justice with grace and dignity, inspiring generations to see justice as a calling rather than merely a profession. As someone who cares deeply for you, I want you to know that you are cherished. After Kurang publicly insulted me for defending you, I stood tall, advocating for him when he faced arrest and detention. I chose to rise above personal attacks. I refuse to be diminished by baseless claims; I remain steadfast in my truth. I will not stand idle as your name is tarnished, nor will I support an environment where dissent is quashed by the threat of lawsuits. Please, rise above this situation, not out of obligation to Kurang or to me, but in honor of the values you have so ardently defended throughout your life. Demonstrate to the world that your voice confronts truth, embraces it, and responds with clarity and courage. With unwavering respect and affection, Melville Robertson Roberts, Esq. Derbyshire, England

Lawyer Files D144 Million Defamation Claim Against Kurang

Gambian Legal Firm Issues Cease and Desist Regarding D144 Million Defamation Claim Antouman A.B. Gaye & Co., a distinguished legal firm in The Gambia, has formally issued a cease and desist letter on behalf of their client, Mrs. Amie N.D. Bensouda, targeting Alagi Mamadi Kurang, the former Secretary of the Janneh Commission, over allegations of defamation. The legal notice, dated May 16, 2025, demands that Kurang immediately cease making damaging assertions regarding Bensouda's purported involvement in the sale or acquisition of assets seized from former President Yahya Jammeh.

The correspondence states that Kurang has undertaken a seven-year campaign characterized by defamatory posts on social media and in media interviews, employing derogatory language and false claims intended to undermine Bensouda’s reputation. The letter calls for Kurang to retract all defamatory statements and provide a full and public apology. Should Kurang fail to comply within seven days, the legal firm will pursue further action, including a lawsuit seeking D144 million (approximately $2 million) in damages.

Lawyer Melville Roberts Open Letter To President Barrow

By Lawyer Melville Roberts

A Plea for Integrity: Why The Gambia Should Withdraw Its Endorsement of Ba Tambadou for the ICJ Dear Mr. President, esteemed Gambians, In the life of a nation, there are pivotal moments when silence can amount to complicity, and the act of speaking out, even at the risk of misunderstanding, becomes essential for the integrity of our nation, our conscience, and our historical narrative. Today is one of those critical moments.

I write to you not out of animosity, nor with any political agenda, but from a place of profound sorrow and unwavering conviction, fueled by my deep love for this country. I understand all too well the weight of justice when it is manipulated, misrepresented, or neglected because I have experienced it firsthand. The Gambian government’s decision to endorse Mr. Abubacarr Tambadou for a position as judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) resonates deeply with our national journey. While it may appear admirable to see one of our own elevated within the ranks of global justice, we must confront a troubling reality that calls for serious reflection. We must not be deceived by titles or accolades. True character is revealed not by the allure of global platforms but by the positive impact made at home. In the past, Ba Tambadou ignited hope. As the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, he stood as a symbol of renewal for a nation emerging from two decades of dictatorship, holding the aspirations of victims in his hands. He was positioned to honor our shared pain with fairness, truth, and humility. Yet, Mr. President, those hopes have been dashed.

To many, Ba Tambadou will not be remembered as a champion for justice but as a gatekeeper, determining who received justice, when, and under what circumstances. His tenure was marred by selective prosecutions and inconsistencies in upholding the spirit of the Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Commission (TRRC), revealing a disheartening trend of protecting the powerful while relegating victims to the shadows. I urge you to consider the families still searching for justice, the survivors who witnessed perpetrators evade accountability, and the countless individuals who have endured suffering only to be told that some lives are worth more than others when it comes to justice. Beyond the courtroom and commissions, a more profound issue remains: the management of former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets. Under Ba Tambadou’s watch, the sale and disposal of these properties—ill-gotten gains from a suffering nation—have raised serious concerns regarding transparency and ethical conduct. Accusations of selective auctions, undervalued asset sales, and a lack of clear revenue channels cannot be ignored. Properties that belonged to the people of The Gambia have been sold off, but to whom and at what price? Why has there not been a clear public account of the recovered wealth, and whether it was truly returned? Additionally, troubling reports concerning the accuracy of translated legal documents persist. Allegations of misrepresentation or selective interpretation have clouded proceedings that should have been unassailable. Such issues do not represent minor grievances; they strike at the very foundation of justice, suggesting manipulation rather than fairness. How can we expect an individual characterized by such controversies, however eloquent, to adjudicate matters involving genocide, war crimes, and global accountability? The ICJ is not merely a trophy to reward political affiliation or global praise; it stands as the last resort for the world’s gravest injustices. It demands unwavering integrity, independence, and a transparent history that can endure global scrutiny. Mr. President, this decision transcends politics. It defines who we are as a people. It will determine whether the victims of Jammeh’s regime perceive justice as a hollow performance or a genuine truth. It will signal whether The Gambia, the smallest country on the African mainland, can continue to be a beacon of moral courage—not just in words but in deeds.

Endorsing Ba Tambadou is not a neutral act; it implicitly suggests that his actions in The Gambia were acceptable. It tells the victims of Yahya Jammeh’s regime that the individual who oversaw their initial quest for justice, despite falling short, is now fit to pass judgment on global atrocities. That message is deeply flawed and profoundly damaging...See More

Editorial: They All Failed The President in their Duties

As we reflect upon the complex legal landscape of our nation, it is crucial to confront uncomfortable truths about our past. The emergence of youth groGambians Against Loathed Assets (GALA) raises important questions regarding their true motives and agendas. It has become evident that GALA has deviated from its original mission for accountability, accepting the role of seeking political favor for its financiers. Their recent actions, which include organizing unlawful protests, threaten to destabilize our country rather than promote the well-being of the Gambian people.

The role of former Attorney General Baa Tambidu in this unfolding saga deserves particular scrutiny. Rather than facing challenges, Tambidu misused his office to mislead the public and mismanage the situation surrounding the seized assets. It has become apparent that he engaged in the wrongful sale of these assets at giveaway prices, raising serious concerns about corruption and malpractice during his tenure. The commission tasked with investigating the financial dealings of former President Yahya Jammeh operated under Section 200 of the Gambian Constitution, with the explicit mandate to investigate and report on illicit financial activities without the authority to dispose of assets. However, the misuse of power by individuals like Tambidu undermined this mandate and jeopardized the integrity of the commission's work. Attempts to unfreeze these assets for sale, driven by misguided motives, were ultimately rejected by the courts, reinforcing the notion that such actions exceeded legal authority.

The involvement of key individuals within this framework raises further concerns about governance, transparency, and accountability within our legal institutions. Notable among these figures is Justice Jaiteh, whose intervention in the matter fell outside of his jurisdiction and raises questions about the independence of the judiciary. Moreover, the role of the Minister of Justice, as a political appointee and principal legal advisor to the President, is critical. Justice Dawda Jallow’s failure to address these irregularities and his apparent complicity in these transactions undermine the integrity of his office and call for his honorable resignation due to incompetence. President Adama Barrow is currently awaiting the findings of the National Assembly Select Committee investigating the alleged sales of properties belonging to Yahya Jammeh. The President has committed to ensuring that anyone found culpable will face accountability. It is imperative for every Gambian to access the report when it is released, demonstrating our collective expectation that the President will act decisively based on the findings. We recognize President Barrow as a democratic leader, steadfast in his commitment to due process and accountability, and it is disingenuous to suggest otherwise.

In addition, we must address the misguided calls from figures such as Neneh Freda Gomez and her fellow immature attention seekers who urge our youth to launch a nationwide protest akin to the Arab Spring with the aim of removing President Barrow from power. These aspirations are disconnected from the current realities of our governance and stand to undermine the essential work the governmentis doing towards democratic reform.

The hypocrisy in these calls is glaring. Neneh Freda Gomez and her allies failed to oppose the tyrannical regime of Yahya Jammeh while it brutally suppressed dissent, imprisoned citizens, and forced many into exile. In fact Neneh and her family were supporting Yahya Jammeh. Their past alliances with a despot starkly contrast with their current positions of opposition. Neneh, in particular, should reflect on her prior actions and cease her duplicity. In conclusion, we must acknowledge that the failures of the commissioners, the Attorney General, and the Minister of Justice extend beyond individual missteps; they jeopardize the stability and integrity of our country. Accountability must be pursued; those responsible should be held answerable for their actions. It is time for The Gambia to embrace transparency and uphold the rule of law for the benefit of all citizens.

Darboe’s Opposition to the Parliamentary Inquiry Is Challenge To Transparency ?

By Alagi Yorro Jallow

Darboe’s Opposition to the Parliamentary Inquiry: A Challenge to Transparency? Is This About Partisan Interests or Governance Integrity. Transparency Must Prevail Over Political Calculations In a stunning turn of events, UDP Leader Ousainou Darboe has publicly urged President Barrow to block the parliamentary inquiry into the sale of Yahya Jammeh’s assets, citing partisan interests. His statement, delivered in Mandinka and now circulating widely, raises serious concerns about the future of accountability in The Gambia. For years, Gambians have demanded full transparency regarding the disposal of Jammeh’s confiscated wealth, suspecting irregularities, insider dealings, and financial mismanagement.

The establishment of a Parliamentary Select Committee was seen as a critical step toward uncovering the truth. Yet, Darboe’s opposition to this investigation raises fundamental questions—is this about protecting political allies, or does he genuinely believe the inquiry is flawed? Blocking an investigation into potential financial misconduct risks undermining public trust and setting a dangerous precedent. If transparency is negotiable based on political convenience, then what does that mean for future accountability efforts? If Darboe is indeed opposing the inquiry, it raises critical questions about his motivations. Is his concern genuinely about partisan interests, or does he believe the inquiry lacks fairness and transparency? Given the historical significance of Jammeh’s asset disposals, blocking an investigation could The sale and disposal of former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets have long been shrouded in controversy, raising serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and potential insider dealings. The establishment of a Parliamentary Select Committee to investigate these transactions was widely seen as a necessary step toward financial justice. Yet, reports suggest that UDP Leader Ousainou Darboe has urged President Barrow to block the inquiry, citing partisan interests. If true, this stance demands scrutiny—why would a leader of one of The Gambia’s largest opposition parties seek to halt an investigation into potential financial mismanagement? Is this about partisan interests or governance integrity? Darboe’s opposition raises two possible interpretations? A strategic political move—If UDP believes the inquiry is politically motivated, Darboe may view it as an attempt to target specific individuals or factions rather than pursue genuine accountability. Concerns over procedural fairness—If the inquiry lacks clear oversight mechanisms, Darboe may fear it will be used selectively rather than conducted with full transparency. However, blocking an inquiry entirely rather than advocating for fairer investigative processes risks undermining public trust. Gambians deserve full disclosure, and any attempt to halt scrutiny could be perceived as shielding potential wrongdoing. Fatoumatta: If Darboe actively discourages the inquiry, he risks alienating voters who demand accountability. The Gambian people have consistently called for transparency, particularly regarding Jammeh’s financial dealings. Any leader who stands in the way of such investigations may face public backlash, as citizens increasingly demand clean governance and institutional integrity.

Furthermore, blocking an inquiry could set a dangerous precedent, signaling that financial investigations can be obstructed based on political convenience. This would weaken The Gambia’s democratic institutions, making future accountability efforts more difficult to enforce. Fatoumatta: Regardless of political affiliations, accountability should never be negotiable. If Darboe has concerns about the inquiry’s fairness, he should advocate for stronger oversight and procedural integrity, rather than calling for its outright dismissal. The Gambian people deserve answers—not political maneuvering. If the inquiry is conducted with full transparency, it will serve as a crucial step toward restoring public trust in governance. Any attempt to block or weaken this process must be met with firm resistance from civil society and the electorate. Fatoumatta: The Gambian people deserve unfiltered truth, not political maneuvering. The parliamentary inquiry into the sale of Yahya Jammeh’s assets is not about partisan interests—it is about accountability, integrity, and restoring public trust in governance. If political leaders begin cherry-picking which investigations should proceed based on political convenience, The Gambia risks slipping into a dangerous precedent where transparency is conditional, rather than fundamental. Darboe’s opposition to the inquiry may raise strategic concerns, but blocking investigations into financial mismanagement only weakens democratic institutions. Leaders must advocate for fairness, not prevent scrutiny altogether. If transparency is indeed a priority, then allowing the inquiry to proceed without obstruction is the only path forward. Fatoumatta: In governance, accountability is non-negotiable. Gambians must reject attempts to silence investigations, ensuring that truth is never compromised for political expediency. https://www.facebook.com/reel/706452825098317