No Inclusion Without Investment: GFD Calls for Action

By Madi S. Njie

Farafenni, North Bank Region — December 4, 2025

Federation urges government, donors and the public to strengthen funding and policy support for persons with disabilities at its Farafenni AGM.

The Gambia Federation of the Disabled (GFD) on Thursday held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Farafenni, reflecting on a year of notable advances for persons with disabilities, while underscoring persistent financial and institutional challenges facing the organisation.

The meeting, hosted at Wallimann Hotel, drew representatives from 19 Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), alongside board members and staff, to assess the Federation’s performance in 2025 and chart a path forward amid growing demand for inclusive development and stronger national backing.

Presenting the annual report, GFD Chairman, His Worship Muhammed Krubally, outlined achievements spanning employment creation, entrepreneurship, education and disaster preparedness. He highlighted the successful placement of a person with disability at the Mansa Koko Area Council as a significant milestone in the Federation’s push for workplace inclusion.

Krubally, who also serves as Principal Magistrate at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court and is the country’s only visually impaired magistrate, revealed that the Federation’s Special Needs Entrepreneurial Fund—launched in 2024 with support from the Human International Foundation—had trained and equipped 25 persons with disabilities in business skills during its first phase. A second phase in 2025 saw another 25 women graduate under the initiative, further strengthening economic self-reliance within the disability community.

In November 2025, GFD rolled out a micro-credit scheme, disbursing D1.5 million to 60 beneficiaries, each receiving D25,000 to boost small-scale enterprises.

On healthcare, the Chairman said the Federation conducted regional training sessions in first aid, health and hygiene to promote better access to essential services. GFD also strengthened collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to promote disability inclusion in disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

Inclusive Education and Advocacy Drive

Inclusive education remained central to the Federation’s agenda. GFD, in partnership with the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), developed a specialised training manual for teaching learners with disabilities, aimed at improving learning outcomes and accessibility in schools nationwide.

Krubally further reported on advocacy milestones, referencing The Gambia’s ratification of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 2024. He urged the government to reinforce its international commitments by adopting the Oxfam Protocol alongside the already ratified Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Financial Realities and Resource Mobilisation

Resource mobilisation emerged as a recurring concern during deliberations. Acting Executive Director Sainey Camara acknowledged that while approximately 40 per cent of funding now comes from reliable donors, financial limitations continue to constrain operations.

Treasurer Ousman Bojang presented the 2024 financial report, revealing a total income of D5.57 million—of which D3.6 million originated from the national treasury. Expenditures stood at D3.3 million, leaving a net balance of D2.27 million. Bojang assured the gathering that financial management remained transparent and accountable.

Capacity Gaps and Policy Endorsements

Members raised concerns over staffing constraints and limited funding, calling for intensified fundraising, volunteer recruitment and strategic partnerships to enhance service delivery. The AGM also approved new policies on finance, human resources and resource mobilisation to align GFD with international best practices and donor requirements.

Camara also disclosed that new disability groups from the Central River Region have submitted applications for membership, pointing to the Federation’s growing national footprint. Dedicated structures for women, youth and elderly persons with disabilities have also been established to enhance representation and inclusion.

The meeting closed with renewed calls for collective responsibility in advancing disability rights and programmes, particularly ahead of the 2026 national elections.

The AGM followed commemorations of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3, marked by a parade led by the Farafenni Scout Band and addresses from regional authorities, including the North Bank Region Governor and the Chairman of the Kerewan Area Council.

As it moves into 2026, the Federation reaffirmed its commitment to securing equal opportunities, dignity and participation for persons with disabilities across The Gambia.

Police Arrest Suspect in Alleged Murder of Woman in Brikama Misira

By JarranewsTV Staff Reporter, Banjul

The Gambia Police Force has announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the alleged murder of a woman in Brikama Misira.

According to police, the suspect—identified as Sulayman Saidykhan, 26, a native of Bakary Sambouya—is alleged to be linked to the killing of Fatou Sambou, a resident of Kembujeh Madina.

Investigators disclosed that the suspect has made new statements which contradict his earlier account. He initially claimed to be a former member of The Gambia Armed Forces who was dismissed in 2014 over drug-related offences. However, during further questioning, he recanted and said the claim was false, explaining instead that he only lived at Yundum Barracks with his brother, who is no longer serving in the military.

Police also stated that the suspect admitted the military trousers he wore at the time of his arrest were not issued to him by the armed forces but were given to him by a friend.

The Gambia Police Force has reassured the public of its commitment to a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation, adding that further updates will be provided as inquiries continue.

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JOB VACANCY AT GAMBIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION

🇬🇲 THE GAMBIA FOOTBALL FEDERATION (GFF)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT 

POSITION: PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Reports to: General Secretary

Location: Football House, Kanifing, The Gambia

JOB PURPOSE

To lead, manage, and develop the procurement function of the Gambia Football Federation. The Procurement Manager will oversee the strategic and operational procurement of all goods, services, and works in a transparent, efficient, and cost-effective manner in compliance with GFF policies, national laws, and FIFA/CAF standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Procurement & Tendering

Implement procurement policies and best practices

Develop procurement guidelines across departments

Manage the full tendering cycle (RFQ, ITT, RFP)

Ensure fair and transparent bid evaluations

Source suppliers for equipment, kits, travel, medical supplies, and services

Contract & Supplier Management

Negotiate pricing and contract terms

Draft and manage supplier contracts

Monitor performance and supplier compliance

Compliance & Reporting

Ensure compliance with GPPA, GFF, FIFA & CAF regulations

Maintain accurate procurement records

Prepare regular procurement reports

Budget & Cost Control

Work with Finance on budgeting

Identify cost-saving opportunities

Monitor market trends and pricing

Stakeholder Engagement

Liaise with all GFF departments

Serve as the main contact for procurement issues

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree in Procurement, Business, Finance, or related field

Minimum of 5 years experience in procurement or supply chain management

Proven tendering and contract management experience

Strong knowledge of procurement laws and ethics

Professional qualification (e.g., CIPS Level 4 or above)

Experience in public sector, NGO, or sports organization

Knowledge of GPPA regulations

Familiarity with FIFA/CAF financial governance

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

Excellent negotiation and analytical skills

Strong communication and reporting abilities

Advanced MS Office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Strong organization and multitasking ability

High attention to detail

Experience with procurement software is an advantage

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Integrity and ethical leadership

Self-driven and proactive

Team-oriented and collaborative

Ability to work under pressure

Strong commercial awareness

WORKING CONDITIONS

Location: GFF Headquarters, Kanifing

Hours: Full-time (flexible hours during tournaments and national engagements)

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Friday, 19th December 2025 at 12:00 NOON

HOW TO APPLY

Submit:

CV

Cover Letter

Copies of Certificates

Address to:

General Secretary

Gambia Football Federation

Kanifing East Layout

The Gambia

NPP DIASPORA COORDINATOR RESPONSE TO FENDA DARBOE

By Yaya Dampha NPP Diaspora Coordinator 

Fenda, your passionate concerns about President Barrow’s intention to seek a third term would have carried moral and political weight had they not been anchored in selective memory, selective outrage, and selective principles. But the truths you conveniently ignore are louder than the statement you issued.

Let’s start with the law, since you claim the “constitution” is being abused.

1. There Is NO Law in The Gambia That Bars President Barrow From Seeking a Third, Fourth, or Tenth Term

Your entire argument collapses on the foundation of legality.

The 1997 Constitution is unambiguous: there are no presidential term limits, because the 2017 Draft Constitution—which your own father championed—was rejected in parliament.

So how can a president be condemned for acting within the law, while your own father seeks a sixth attempt at the presidency, also within the law?

You cannot demand constitutional obedience only when it suits your family’s political ambitions.

2. If “Leadership Is Not Possession,” Why Is Your Father Seeking a 6th Flagbearership at Almost 80+?

You speak of leaders “clinging to power”—but your own father has clung to the UDP leadership for over two decades, losing five consecutive presidential elections, refusing to hand over the baton, and presiding over the most fragmented opposition party in Gambian history.

If Barrow running for a third term is “unsettling,” then what do we call:

Ousainou Darboe seeking flagbearership for the 6th time?

The party splitting three times under his watch?

Young, competent UDP leaders fleeing because there is no space to grow?

Talib Bensouda forming his own movement?

Lamin J. Darboe forming his own party?

You speak of “making room for new voices”—yet your father has silenced every rising voice around him, insisting on being UDP’s only presidential candidate until nature decides otherwise.

If your words are sincere, then the first place to preach this gospel of renewal is your own home.

3. You Mention “The Will of The People”—But the People Rejected Your Father by 200,000 Votes

In 2021, when your father finally faced President Barrow head-on, the electorate delivered a message that could not be misinterpreted:

A nearly 200,000 vote defeat.

Not slim.

Not ambiguous.

Not questionable.

But overwhelming—the will of the people in its clearest form.

So if respecting “the will of the people” is the standard, then your father should have retired in 2021, accepted that Gambians chose Barrow twice, and opened the UDP for younger, stronger, more electable leaders.

Instead, he is preparing for a sixth attempt, at nearly 80, with no strategy except nostalgia.

Where is your outrage about that?

4. You Invoke Morality, but Ignore Political Bullying Against Barrow

You lament that Barrow “fears what comes after he leaves,” yet you forget the years when:

He was mocked as an “accidental president,”

Insulted, belittled, and disrespected by the same people who rode on his popularity to gain relevance,

And then rejected them when he became his own man.

Your father was in prison when Barrow won in 2016, yet when Barrow governed independently, he was treated as a traitor—as if he owed his presidency to your family name.

That is not moral leadership.

That is political entitlement.

5. Democracy Means Choice—Not Selective Condemnation

The constitution allows Barrow to run.

The constitution allows Darboe to run.

The constitution allows Gambians to choose.

If Barrow is truly unpopular, the ballot box—not family press statements—will decide.

And if UDP truly wants change and renewal, then Darboe must lead by example and step aside, not insist on a lifetime monopoly over the yellow flag.

FINAL WORD

You speak of power being “borrowed” from the people. You are right.

But the same people who can reject Barrow can also reject your father.

And they already have—five times.

So before condemning Barrow for running legally, constitutionally, and with broad support, perhaps the better question is:

What is stopping YOU from telling your father—who has lost five elections, fractured his party three times, and is approaching 80+—to finally allow the youth of UDP to lead?

If third terms are undemocratic, then six attempts are not leadership.

They are obsession.

And if BarrowMustGo because he seeks reelection, then by your own logic—

DarboeMustStepDown.

Yaya Dampha 

RESPONSE TO TOMBONG SAIDY AND MEMBERS OF THE UDP ON THE BORRY MATTER

 

By Yaya Dampha, NPP Diaspora Coordinator – Sweden

The attempt by Mr. Tombong Saidy and some members of the UDP to equate the reckless and dangerous incitement to violence issued by Lawyer Borry S. Touray with the political statement made by Hon. Demba Sabally is not only dishonest, but also dangerously misleading to the public.

These two statements are not equal, and they are not comparable, either in law, in meaning, or in consequence.

Lawyer Borry Touray was not responding to any political metaphor or campaign rhetoric. He openly called on the youth to take the law into their own hands, to confront the state, and create disorder. That is a textbook definition of incitement to violence. In every democratic society, encouraging citizens to rise against public order, to disobey the law violently, or to provoke chaos is a criminal offence. There is no democracy in the world where such statements are harmless or protected as “free speech”. 

By contrast, Hon. Demba Sabally’s statement — made in direct response to UDP’s own declaration that the 2026 election is “do or die” — was not a call to violence. It was political rhetoric expressing commitment, sacrifice, and determination in the face of an aggressive political narrative already introduced by the UDP leadership. It was metaphorical, not operational. It contained no instruction, no mobilisation for violence, and no encouragement of lawlessness.

To suggest that both statements are the same is either intellectually dishonest or politically desperate.

Mr. Saidy claims the law is being applied selectively. But selective application would mean similar wrongdoing being treated differently. Where is the video of Hon. Sabally instructing citizens to riot? Where is the recording of him calling on youths to dismantle law and order? Where is the statement in which he urges violence? There is none — because it does not exist.

Freedom of speech is not freedom to incite violence.

Freedom of speech does not grant the right to provoke unrest.

Freedom of speech does not include the right to destroy the peace of a nation.

When a lawyer — who should be a custodian of the law — publicly encourages anarchy, it is not political expression; it is a threat to national stability. The state has not only the right but the duty to act.

The UDP and its allies must stop confusing political defence with moral confusion. Defending incitement today is defending chaos tomorrow. History shows us exactly where this road leads: instability, suffering, and national regression.

Democracy is not damaged when the law is enforced.

Democracy is damaged when lawlessness is defended.  Democracy is destroyed when incitement is normalised. Just like how some of you are portraying it.

Justice is not selective when it is applied correctly. It only appears “selective” to those who believe political loyalty should grant immunity.

The law is not a party card.

 The Constitution does not wear party colours.

 Public safety is not subject to political negotiation.

The Gambia has suffered enough instability in its history. We will not return to the days when reckless statements set communities on fire and leaders pretended innocence afterward or you all thinking in the same myopic manner. 

Let it be crystal clear:

 Political speech is protected.

 Incitement is a crime.

 Law is law.

 And no one is above it.

If Mr. Saidy and the UDP truly believe in democracy, they should be the first to defend peace, legality, and responsibility — not excuse recklessness because it comes from someone wearing the same political badge.

History will not judge us by party loyalty.

 It will judge us by whether we stood on the side of law, peace, and truth.