GAMBIA SECURES DUTY-FREE EXPORT DEAL WITH CHINA

Landmark Trade Agreements Open Chinese Market to Gambian Groundnuts and Cashew

The Gambia has taken a significant leap forward in its international trade ambitions after signing two landmark agreements with the People’s Republic of China, securing duty-free access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets for its leading agricultural exports—groundnuts and cashews. The historic signing took place during the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the implementation of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held in Changsha, Hunan Province, from June 11 to 15, 2025. Representing The Gambia, the Hon. Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Mr. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, formalized The Gambia’s participation by signing two key documents: the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development and the Protocol on Groundnut and Cashew. Strengthening Bilateral Economic Ties The Framework Agreement outlines a shared vision for deeper cooperation and mutual economic benefit, underscoring a commitment to reciprocity, sustainable growth, and strengthened trade relations between the two countries. The agreement provides a strategic platform to boost investment and trade flows, especially in agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Groundnut and Cashew Protocol: A Boost for Farmers The standout achievement of the mission is the Protocol on Groundnut and Cashew, which grants Gambian exporters duty-free access to the Chinese market under China's Duty-Free Quota-Free (DFQF) Market Access Preferential Scheme. This move is widely hailed as a game-changer for The Gambia’s agricultural economy. It is expected to: Open new and lucrative export opportunities for local farmers and processors Diversify The Gambia’s export markets beyond traditional regional partners Increase the contribution of agriculture to national GDP Attract further investment into the value chain of key cash crops "This agreement is a critical milestone in our efforts to secure sustainable international markets for Gambian products," said Minister Joof. "We are committed to building on this momentum to drive inclusive growth, empower our farmers, and strengthen our position in global trade." Commitment to Inclusive Economic Growth The agreements come at a time when The Gambia is actively pursuing economic diversification and trade-led growth. Through FOCAC and other bilateral engagements, the country aims to broaden its trade horizons while deepening strategic ties with global partners like China. Minister Joof reaffirmed the government’s dedication to expanding trade opportunities, enhancing export competitiveness, and improving market access for Gambian products through targeted diplomacy and investment promotion. A New Chapter in Gambia-China Relations The signing of these agreements marks a new era in Gambia-China cooperation. Analysts believe that this move not only strengthens bilateral relations but also positions The Gambia as a model for small economies seeking to integrate into global value chains through strategic partnerships. As the outcomes of the FOCAC framework begin to take shape, The Gambia stands to benefit from enhanced connectivity, market access, and sustainable development—hallmarks of a modern, forward-looking trade agenda. For more business and trade updates, follow [Newspaper Name] on [Social Media Handles]. Would you like this tailored for online publication, including SEO optimization and headline variations?

In Defense of Our Jarranka Wife: No More Silence on the Abuse of Her Mojoress Rohey Malick Lowe

In the rich fabric of African culture, and especially within our proud Jarranka tradition, a wife is not just a partner to her husband — she is a daughter of the soil, a sister to every man, and a mother to the community. When a woman marries into Jarra, she becomes one of us — and we, as her people, owe her our protection, our voice, and our unwavering solidarity. Today, we rise to say enough is enough. No more abuse. No more silence. We stand with Her Mojoress Rohey Malick Lowe, the Mayor of Banjul, not only because she is rightfully defending herself, but because she is our wife, and she deserves justice. Mayor Lowe has spoken openly and courageously about the pain she has endured — not from enemies, but from within her own political family, the United Democratic Party (UDP), to which she has given years of service, dignity, and loyalty. While she has faced continuous harassment and character assassination at the hands of individuals like Mark Janneh, the party leadership — including her own husband, Mboge Saidykhan, a Jarranka and a UDP member — has remained disturbingly silent. This silence is betrayal. We Ask: Where Is the Loyalty? We, the sons and daughters of Jarra, do not understand how a man can watch his wife, a mother to his children, be dragged through the mud — insulted, humiliated, and ostracized — and remain silent. Mboge Saidykhan, this is not the Jarranka way. In our culture, we shield our women from disgrace. We don’t hide behind politics when a woman of integrity and courage is being crushed by lies. This is not just a political matter — this is a matter of dignity. Mayor Lowe has stood tall for years, serving her city, leading with purpose, and building a legacy far beyond politics. She reminds us: “Politics does not pay my bills.” This is a woman who built herself long before she held office — who raised her mother up, built homes, and achieved success through determination and hard work. And yet, instead of celebration, she has received condemnation. For years, she has been the target of coordinated attacks, particularly from within her own party — for what reason? Because she dared to be vocal? Because she wouldn’t kneel to a faction? Or simply because she is a strong woman in a space where weak men feel threatened by strength?

A Shame on the UDP Leadership It is a national shame that a party which so quickly issues press statements to defend others could not muster the courage to defend one of their own — a woman who has held the party’s banner high, a symbol of leadership for Gambian women across the country. When insults were hurled at her, when audios circulated demeaning her and even targeting her family, UDP stood silent. But when the insults were directed at others — when it was politically expedient — the party had plenty to say. Selective justice is injustice. We are forced to ask: Is the UDP a party that only defends women when it’s convenient? Or are they prepared to stand for every woman who serves them, even when she challenges the status quo? Jarra Will Not Be Silent To the bullies within the UDP, especially those hiding behind screens and WhatsApp audios — hear this clearly: you are attacking our wife, our sister, our pride. Rohey Lowe married into Jarra, and with that comes our unwavering protection. Your cowardice is noted. Your silence, Mr. Mboge Saidykhan, is remembered. We are a community that knows the value of a woman. In our culture, a woman is a pillar — and when one is attacked, the community rises. That is who we are.

To Rohey Lowe: Stand Tall Your voice, Her Mojoress, is echoing across the land. And now it echoes through Jarra too. You are not alone. You are not an outcast in the eyes of your people — you are our pride, our example, our Jarranka Queen. To the women of The Gambia — let this be a message. Silence is no longer our portion. We must speak, we must rise, and we must protect one another. If the party will not defend its own, the community will. Our Final Word: Never Again We the Jarrankas declare today: Never again will a woman be bullied into silence because she dares to lead. Never again will a Jarranka wife be left alone to fight battles she should never have fought. To the UDP: address your rot or lose the moral ground you claim to stand on. To Mboge Saidykhan: it is time to be a husband, not a spectator. To Rohey Malick Lowe: the entire community of Jarra stands with you — not behind you, with you. Shoulder to shoulder. No more bullying. No more abuse. No more silence. We are Jarra, and we defend our own. Issued by YayaDampha Concerned Son of Jarra In defense of our wife, our leader, and our pride — Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe

A Firm Response to Abdoulie Saine

Abdoulie Saine, your track record speaks volumes about your approach to patriotism and national service—one that borders on self-interest rather than true dedication to our country. Your authoritarian tendencies have not gone unnoticed; your students have called you out for imposing your will without engaging in meaningful dialogue. Such behavior is a blemish on the principles of democracy and civility we strive to uphold in The Gambia. To label someone like Alkali Conteh as "uneducated" is not only brash, but it reveals your own insecurities. This petty jab only highlights the contrast between your failures and Conteh’s commendable legacy. Alkali Conteh’s journey is defined by resilience and a genuine commitment to uplifting our nation. From teaching in classrooms across the country to serving as a diplomat and leading efforts to oust the oppressive Jammeh regime, his dedication and integrity are well-documented and commendable. In stark contrast, your own public record is a litany of high-profile failures: the STGDP ended in turmoil, CORDEG—a initiative intended to unify the diaspora—collapsed during your tenure, and your attempts at leadership in academia and politics left more division and disillusionment in their wake than cohesion. These are not the actions of a visionary leader or a true patriot. Before you throw around accusations of failure and lack of experience at others, Mr. Saine, take a long, hard look in the mirror. Accountability begins with honesty, and the overwhelming evidence of your past missteps serves as a reminder that history remembers us for our actions, not our words.

Furthermore, your attempts to belittle Alkali Conteh by distorting the truth about his career are downright disingenuous. Mocking his work experience is not only shortsighted but a disservice to the incredibly valuable roles that many play across various sectors, including grocery stores. Your intellectual arrogance is staggering, and your condescension towards others is both childish and damaging. Your claims of Alkali Conteh lacking political experience are laughable, especially since you sought his support to lead the CoRDEC movement in North Carolina. It’s telling that your own ambitions crumbled under the weight of your so-called political prowess. Let’s not forget that you are the same Abdoulie Saine who once taught at Miami University and who advocated for inclusion and equality in the 2020 Constitution. Your inability to secure a vice-chancellor position at the University of The Gambia and your subsequent bitterness toward the Barrow administration further reveal your inability to unite or lead effectively in any capacity. In this moment, I urge you to step back from your lofty pretensions and recognize that education devoid of humility is futile. It’s time for you to relinquish your misguided self-righteousness and allow Alkali Conteh to shine. Leave behind the intolerance and animosity, for in true patriotism, we recognize and uplift those who genuinely serve our nation. The time for reflection and humility is now. Choose to build instead of tear down. I rest my case. Faye Biram Kanifing South Gambia

Hon. Fatou Kinteh Receives Prestigious African Union Women’s Impact Award

The Honorable Fatou Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, has been recognized with the esteemed African Union Women’s Impact Award at the Global Excellence Summit & AU Agenda 2063 Women’s Impact Awards 2025, held on May 23rd and 24th in Lagos, Nigeria. In an official statement, the organizers expressed their admiration for Minister Kinteh’s exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the rights and advancement of women in The Gambia and throughout the African continent. The high-profile summit was jointly organized by the Global Excellence Summit & Awards (GESA) and the African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassadorial Assembly – Women and Gender Committee. Hon. Kinteh was lauded as a visionary leader in governance and women’s empowerment. Her award acknowledges her significant contributions to gender inclusion, leadership, and human development, both nationally and internationally. Her efforts continue to inspire a new generation of leaders, championing cross-border solidarity and propelling sustainable development and inclusive growth.

The summit brought together a distinguished assembly of African and global leaders, diplomats, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Due to scheduling conflicts, the award was presented on Hon. Kinteh’s behalf by His Excellency Mohamadou Musa (Papa) Njie, The Gambia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria.

Amie Bojang-Sissoho On The Role of Ministers In Governance

Dear Mantawrawally Blog, I would like to take a moment to share my thoughts on the captivating analysis regarding the role of Ministers in governance. It is my belief that political parties craft manifestos to outline their governance plans, providing voters with a clear picture of what they can expect once in office. Consequently, every government seeks to identify individuals who will champion and advance this developmental agenda. Ministers are entrusted as leaders of policy advocacy, illustrating how the governing party is translating its campaign promises into reality through a comprehensive development agenda.

Though Ministers are political appointees, their technical expertise is crucial in working alongside Permanent Secretaries, who must remain non-partisan to uphold the national interest. Permanent Secretaries, as civil servants with permanent appointments, play a vital role in safeguarding governance systems, procedures, and processes from potential misuse. They are the skilled professionals who guide politicians, ensuring that efforts to achieve development goals are conducted in accordance with good governance practices and the rule of law. Even when they may not align with the party in power, Permanent Secretaries, as technical heads of their Ministries, are expected to uphold professionalism and not undermine the government of the day. Their unique position allows them to serve any ruling party, while political appointees are loyal only to the government that appointed them. Once leadership changes, political appointees often depart as well. However, this does not imply that political appointees cannot excel in their areas of expertise; indeed, many Ministers may claim to be "technocrats," thus preserving their chances for reappointment by future administrations. Permanent Secretaries should serve as mentors to Ministers, facilitating the successful implementation of government policies while aligning party interests with national priorities for sustainable development. Nation building is an ongoing journey, yet different governments adopt varying approaches and emphasize diverse priorities. The actions and strategies employed in nation building are shaped by the ideologies and perspectives of those in power. Regardless of the ideology they espouse, leaders share a common aspiration to provide citizens with: 1. Quality healthcare services 2. Accessible education for all 3. A boost in mechanized agriculture, manufacturing, and marketing 4. Robust road infrastructure 5. Affordable and accessible electricity By fostering an enabling environment, governments can stimulate job creation and economic growth, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods and well-being of their citizens within a framework of good governance and democracy. This divergence in governance significantly influences how the ruling party approaches its developmental goals. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Alagi Yorro and Yaya Dampha for igniting such an engaging debate. There remain numerous unanswered questions regarding this discourse, which I believe should be brought to the annual National Dialogue level, allowing Gambians to contribute further insights on “party politics, political appointments, and governance in The Gambia.” Such candid discussions are essential for guiding citizens toward promoting good governance and fostering a sense of responsible public service. Wishing everyone a blessed Eid Mubarak. Warm regards, Amie Bojang-Sissoho DPPR 6th June 2025.

Alagi Yorro Jallow Writes Yaya Dampha Clarifies

Rebuttal to Alagi Yorro Jallow: Understanding the Role of Ministers as Political Appointees Dear Alagi Yorro Jallow, Thank you for sharing your insights on the role of cabinet ministers in governance, particularly in the context of The Gambia. While I appreciate the importance of neutrality and professionalism in public service, it is vital to understand the unique nature of political appointments and the realities of governance in a democratic framework. Your critique of the expectation that ministers act as representatives of the ruling party overlooks a fundamental truth of our political system: ministers are political appointees chosen by the president who often share a political vision and mandate. This alignment is not only logical but necessary for coherent governance. Ministers who support the president's agenda ensure that the policy direction is consistent, unified, and conducive to achieving the administration's goals. It is essential to recognize that the essence of democracy involves a political majority that has earned the right to govern—often through a clear electoral mandate. In this context, cabinet ministers cannot merely be viewed as neutral public servants devoid of party affiliation, but rather as integral components of the political framework that advances the electorate's will. It is perfectly normal for these officials to engage in political activities that promote the policies they are responsible for implementing—this is not a betrayal of public trust, but a reflection of their chosen role within a political system. You invoke the Swedish model of governance to highlight a standard of ministerial neutrality. However, it is crucial to remember that different political cultures yield different norms. Sweden’s consensus-driven, multi-party system functions distinctly from The Gambia’s political landscape, where the ruling party needs its ministers to actively participate in promoting its agenda to ensure stability and social cohesion. The challenges facing our country—economic development, social justice, and institutional integrity—require an engaged cabinet that rallies behind the president's vision, mobilizing support and resources to tackle pressing issues. Furthermore, your argument about the integrity of public institutions is valid, but it is essential not to conflate party activities with a loss of that integrity. Political engagement by ministers does not inherently diminish their ability to serve the public effectively. Instead, when ministers are energized and committed to promoting the political agenda they were appointed to support, they can mobilize resources, galvanize public support, and drive policy initiatives that align with the president’s vision—ultimately benefitting the nation as a whole. Your comparison to other democratic systems, including that of the U.S., also needs careful consideration. Ministers—be they secretaries or otherwise— in many systems serve under the dictates of political appointees who share decided political objectives. The role of a minister inherently involves answering not just to the public, but also to the political leader who appointed them. It is a symbiotic relationship where loyalty to governance can coexist with loyalty to the party that reflects the will of the voters. Arguing that cabinet officials could be undermined by wearing party colors or engaging in political rallies disregards the reality that active political participation is often necessary to achieve accountability, transparency, and support for government initiatives. Ministers who are open about their political affiliations and who actively rally support can create pathways for innovative solutions and cooperative governance, all while remaining dedicated to the majority sentiments that brought them to power. Lastly, it is paramount to recognize that a healthy democracy thrives on competition, debate, and—yes—partisan engagement. The Gambia deserves ministers who can combine their political affiliations with a dedication to serve all Gambians, working from a place of shared commitment to national progress. Dismissing the political role of cabinet ministers as inherently detrimental is a simplistic view. In a dynamic political landscape, engaged and politically-aware ministers can drive the country forward, balancing party loyalty while addressing the diverse needs of our populace. In conclusion, rather than viewing the involvement of ministers in political matters as a detriment, we must appreciate their role in furthering the political agenda of the government they serve, recognizing that this is a vital feature of a functional democracy. Sincerely, Yaya Dampha