LamToro News

LamToro News An online media outlet covering national security matters in The Gambia.

Follow us on our social media platforms; Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Tiktok, Linkedin, our Website, https://www.lamtoronews.com
More information, contact us on Mobile: +491776979099 or email: [email protected]

Can the Gambian Opposition Recreate 2016—or Will Fragmentation Seal Its Fate?By Alagi Yorro Jallow: The Witness Bench  #...
08/08/2025

Can the Gambian Opposition Recreate 2016—or Will Fragmentation Seal Its Fate?

By Alagi Yorro Jallow:
The Witness Bench # 0079

Fatoumatta: The purpose of political formation is the conquest, exercise, and preservation of power within the bounds of democratic principles. Yet in The Gambia, since the return to full multiparty democracy in 2017, we have witnessed a proliferation of political parties with little electoral anchorage. Many exist more on paper or in media soundbites than in the hearts of the electorate. For some, obtaining a party registration is less about ideology and more about bargaining power, an entry ticket to negotiate positions in a coalition government, should victory arise.
This transactional approach has hollowed out the spirit of politics. Political speech has lost credibility. Commitments are fluid. Convictions are negotiable. And in this climate, Gambian democracy risks vanishing into the meanders of personal ambition, clan loyalty, and fear of losing power. Principles, values, and ethics are too often sacrificed at the altar of expediency.
With less than a year to the 2026 presidential election, the opposition faces a stark dilemma. President Barrow has already built a formidable grand coalition. The opposition, by contrast, remains fragmented—divided into rival camps and coalitions of varying intensity and electoral weight. Despite strong showings in urban local elections, the opposition remains weak in rural regions, where the ruling party maintains a firm grip. The electoral system, based on a simple majority without a second round, further compounds the challenge. One vote is enough to win it all.
In this context, the opposition’s failure to unite risks a programmed defeat. The euphoria of local victories may be misleading. Without a unified front, the opposition will struggle to overcome the structural advantages of incumbency, especially in rural areas where patronage networks run deep.
The youth, disillusioned yet hopeful, remain a critical demographic. Their appetite for change is real. But speeches alone will not suffice. The opposition must offer a credible, collective alternative, one that transcends individual ambition and speaks to the lived realities of ordinary Gambians.
Is the opposition aware of its historic responsibility? Can it rise above internal contradictions and forge a coalition not of convenience, but of conviction?
The 2016 coalition that ousted Yahya Jammeh was not perfect, but it proved that unity is possible and powerful. Today, the stakes are no less urgent. The opposition is endowed with knowledge, experience, and public goodwill. What remains is the political will to act.
In mature democracies, ideological divisions often hinder coalition-building. But in The Gambia, the obstacle is not ideology—it is opportunism. The politics of portfolio cabinet seats and ambassadorial appointments too often take precedence over principle. This vulnerability is easily exploited by the ruling party, which has the resources to co-opt, divide, and neutralize.
Fatoumata: If the opposition fails to introspect and unify, it will not only lose an election, but it will forfeit the chance to redefine Gambian politics. The citizens deserve more than recycled promises and recycled alliances. They deserve a new vision, one rooted in integrity, imagination, and courage. The time for hesitation is over. The time for unity is now.

A Tribute to Fatoumatta Jawara: The Audacity of Courage in the Silence of Men!!By Alagi Yorro JallowFatoumatta: In the r...
07/08/2025

A Tribute to Fatoumatta Jawara: The Audacity of Courage in the Silence of Men!!
By Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: In the rich tapestry of Gambian history, certain names resonate with profound significance, symbolizing sacrifice and the unyielding power of resilience. One such name is Fatoumatta Jawara—an extraordinary young woman who stood audaciously when others hesitated, a voice that shattered the oppressive silence of tyranny. In a time when fear gripped the hearts of many, Fatoumatta emerged as a beacon of courage, defiantly challenging not only a brutal dictatorship but also the societal norms that sought to limit her.
Her story transcends mere struggle; it stands as a testament to the transformative power of conviction and the indomitable spirit of those who dare to envision a future of freedom. Fatoumatta Jawara’s life is a clarion call for action. She teaches us that tyranny flourishes not only through the actions of the oppressor but also through the complicity of the oppressed. Her journey exemplifies unwavering determination, laser-like focus, and unbridled fearlessness, inspiring a new generation of Gambians—especially women—to seize the mantle of the fight for justice and equality.
As Wole Soyinka wisely stated, “The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism.” Fatoumatta Jawara's life and legacy serve as powerful rebukes to silence, complacency, and inaction. She has shown us that when one woman rises against injustice, she ignites a flame that compels a nation to follow. For her sacrifices, her bravery, and her relentless pursuit of freedom, Fatoumatta Jawara will forever shine as a beacon of hope and resilience for generations to come. Fatoumatta Jawara was more than just a youth politician or a pro-democracy activist; she represented audacity, courage, and unyielding determination in the face of tyranny.
At a time when many Gambians, including men, faltered in the face of Yahya Jammeh’s oppressive regime, Fatoumatta stood resolute. She joined the ranks of fearless pro-democracy activists, demanding electoral reform and justice, fully aware of the life-threatening risks that lay ahead. Her journey was anything but easy; it was fraught with unimaginable suffering and profound sacrifice. Alongside her courageous colleagues, Fatoumatta boldly protested against a regime that thrived on fear and repression. Their leader, Ebrima Solo Sandeng, paid the ultimate price when he succumbed to brutal torture that claimed his life.
Fatoumatta and her fellow activists, too, endured horrific abuses, including imprisonment and sexual violence, yet their spirits remained unbroken, resolute in their fight for justice. Fatoumatta’s sacrifice, along with that of her comrades, became the very seed of freedom for The Gambia. Their bravery ignited a movement that dismantled the chains of dictatorship, and it is because of their unwavering courage that Gambians today breathe the liberating air of freedom and democracy.
Her story serves as a powerful testament to the strength of resilience and the unyielding human spirit. Fatoumatta Jawara’s legacy is not merely one of suffering and struggle but a beacon of hope and triumph. She exemplifies how true transformation often demands extraordinary courage, and it is the bravery of individuals like her that paves the way for a brighter future. Fatoumatta Jawara embodies defiance—defiance against oppression, silence, and the restrictive expectations of a patriarchal society.
During the harrowing years of Yahya Jammeh's tyranny, many Gambian men, even those in influential positions, succumbed to a suffocating silence. In stark contrast, Fatoumatta chose to act. Her story, like that of countless young female activists throughout history, radiates courage that illuminates the inaction of others. As Wole Soyinka powerfully articulated in his timeless work, *The Man Died*, “The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.” In The Gambia, it was not just men who were silenced by fear; entire institutions and communities were paralyzed by oppressive inertia. Yet, young women like Fatoumatta shattered that silence, wielding their courage as both a shield and a sword. They bravely spoke out when others stood by, challenging not only the dictator’s iron-fisted rule but also the deeply entrenched societal norms that sought to suppress their voices.
Fatoumatta Jawara redefined the image of an African freedom fighter. Unlike iconic figures such as Winnie Mandela and Rosa Parks, whose legacies were already solidified, Fatoumatta emerged as a fearless young woman and opposition politician in The Gambia, steadfastly opposing tyranny. During Yahya Jammeh's oppressive regime, she took a courageous stand when few men—and even fewer women—dared to confront the status quo. Her battle centered on The Gambia’s electoral laws—unjust legislation deliberately designed to entrench oppression and sustain Jammeh's iron grip on power following his coup in 1994.
When presidential candidacy fees skyrocketed from 10,000 Gambian dalasi (about $161 or £132) to an astonishing 500,000 dalasi (around $8,050), Fatoumatta, along with protest leader Ebrima Solo Sandeng and other activists, ignited a powerful movement demanding electoral reform. Their bravery came at a devastating cost: Sandeng was brutally tortured to death, while Fatoumatta and her comrades endured r**e, torture, and imprisonment.
Yet, their sacrifices—etched in blood, sweat, and tears—became the driving force behind The Gambia’s eventual liberation. Her journey is a reflection of the struggles faced by other fearless women around the world. One cannot help but think of Liberia’s Leymah Gbowee, who united women to bring peace during the civil war, or South Africa’s Ruth First, who bravely fought against apartheid. These women, like Fatoumatta, understood that complacency in the face of injustice is tantamount to complicity. Their sacrifices transcend borders, resonating as powerful calls for freedom and equality.
Fatoumatta's activism was marked by profound personal sacrifice. On April 14, 2016, she and her fellow activists boldly confronted the oppressive Jammeh regime during a pivotal peaceful protest, demanding justice and systemic reform. While heroic figures like Solo Sandeng, Solo Koroma, Lang Marong, Fatoumatta Camara, and Nogoi Njie are rightly celebrated for their contributions, Fatoumatta's fearless declaration of "enough is enough" deserves equal recognition. That fateful day ignited a movement for national freedom, ultimately leading to Jammeh's defeat on December 1.
The collective silence of men, the apathy of society, and the complicity of institutions underscored the critical importance of her voice. Fatoumatta shattered the illusion that Gambian women were mere spectators in the political arena; she emerged not only as a participant but as a transformative leader. Her actions proved that young women could be the architects of liberation even in the face of widespread inaction.
Fatoumatta’s journey towards liberation was riddled with unimaginable suffering. She endured months of brutal detention in Mile II and Janjangbureh prisons, facing severe charges that sought to silence her. Her testimony laid bare the harrowing conditions of her imprisonment: isolation, denial of medical care, and severed ties with her family. Yet, her resolve remained unbroken. On December 8, 2019, she regained her freedom through a presidential pardon—a bittersweet victory after enduring unimaginable injustice.
Today, Fatoumatta's legacy stands as an enduring symbol of courage and an urgent call to action. She reminds us that tyranny thrives not only through the actions of oppressors but also through the complacency of the oppressed. Her journey exemplifies unwavering determination, resilience, and courage, inspiring young Gambians—especially women—to continue the relentless pursuit of justice and equality.
As we honor Fatoumatta Jawara, let us fully embrace the lessons her life teaches us. We must strive to protect the freedoms she fought so valiantly for, ensuring that her sacrifices were not made in vain. Her name will forever be etched in the annals of Gambian history as a beacon of bravery, a symbol of resistance, and a champion of democracy.
Fatoumatta Jawara’s activism parallels the spirit of global icons like Malala Yousafzai, who defied violence to advocate for girls' education, and Tawakkol Karman, the Yemeni activist whose dedication earned her the Nobel Peace Prize. These extraordinary women, like Fatoumatta, understood that inaction in the face of injustice is tantamount to complicity. Their sacrifices resonate across borders, serving as powerful clarion calls for freedom and equality. Beyond her remarkable political achievements, Fatoumatta's profound humanity shines through.
As a devoted wife and mother, she adeptly balances her responsibilities with grace and humility. Her deep empathy for others, forged in the crucible of her own suffering, fuels her unwavering commitment to societal progress. She is not just a politician or an activist; she embodies resilience and hope for all Gambians.
“Still I rise”she seemed to say,
A warrior against the tides of fear,
Her voice—unyielding, clear—
A guide for generations yet to come.
Fatoumatta Jawara's life is not merely a narrative of struggle; it is a powerful and urgent call to action. She illuminates the stark reality that tyranny flourishes not only through the bold actions of oppressors but also through the troubling silence of the oppressed. Her remarkable journey epitomizes determination, focus, and fearlessness, inspiring young Gambians—especially women—to persist in the fight for justice and equality. The gravest threat to freedom lies in the absence of criticism.
Fatoumatta Jawara's life and legacy stand as potent rebukes to silence, complacency, and inaction. She has shown us that when one woman boldly confronts injustice, she has the power to galvanize an entire nation. For her sacrifices, courage, and steadfast belief in freedom, Fatoumatta Jawara will forever shine as a beacon of hope and resilience for generations to come.
Fatoumatta Jawara shattered the conventional image of an African freedom fighter. Unlike iconic figures such as Winnie Mandela and Rosa Parks, whose contributions are well entrenched in history, Fatoumatta emerged as a fearless young woman and opposition politician in The Gambia, standing firmly against tyranny. During Yahya Jammeh's oppressive regime, she dared to challenge the status quo when few men—and even fewer women—would. Her story is one of extraordinary resilience and triumph in the face of overwhelming odds.
Today, she represents hope and determination, inspiring countless Gambians. Her election as a Member of the National Assembly for Talinding Kunjang in April 2017 stands as a powerful testament to her unwavering commitment to justice and democracy. Within the National Assembly, she plays an active role in the Standing Committees on Defence and Security and the Select Committees on Health and Regional Governments, tirelessly advocating for a brighter future for The Gambia.
As a dedicated supporter of her former political party, the United Democratic Party (UDP), Fatoumatta's journey has been characterized by relentless persecution. On July 14, 2016, she was arrested for courageously protesting in favor of electoral reforms. Despite her critical role in the demonstration, she was not initially charged under the Public Order Act; instead, she disappeared from public view, held incommunicado while her family remained in anguish over her fate.
Her journey was marked by profound personal sacrifice. Fatoumatta endured eight harrowing months in custody, finally regaining her freedom on December 8, 2019, through a presidential pardon after Adama Barrow's election. During her imprisonment, she faced brutal conditions. Her testimony exposed the torment she experienced at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) headquarters and Mile II prison, where she was denied medical attention and access to her loved ones. Yet, against all odds, Fatoumatta emerged stronger, embodying determination, focus, and fearlessness. As a devoted wife and mother, she exemplifies hard work, humility, and an unwavering commitment to progress.
Fatoumatta Jawara’s story serves as a poignant reminder that the struggle for freedom often demands extraordinary sacrifices. Fatoumatta Jawara will always be celebrated as a gallant freedom fighter who made profound sacrifices for The Gambia’s liberation from tyranny. Her journey inspires not only Gambians but especially young women, affirming that both men and women have vital roles in the quest for national liberation. As we honor her legacy, let us fervently strive to protect the freedoms she so valiantly fought for and ensure that her sacrifices resonate through time.

07/08/2025
07/08/2025
Press release
07/08/2025

Press release

UDP RESPONDS TO SEEDY NJIE’S FALSE ACCUSATIONS AND ATTEMPTS TO DIVIDE THE NATIONThe United Democratic Party strongly ref...
07/08/2025

UDP RESPONDS TO SEEDY NJIE’S FALSE ACCUSATIONS AND ATTEMPTS TO DIVIDE THE NATION

The United Democratic Party strongly refutes the recent false and divisive statements made by Hon. Seedy Njie on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez on West Coast Radio, which are dangerous fabrications and a desperate attempt to mislead the Gambian people.

Hon. Njie accused the UDP of tribalism, blocking the 2020 draft Constitution, and orchestrating voter intimidation against non-Mandinka communities, allegations that are baseless and reckless.

The UDP is the most diverse and inclusive political party in The Gambia. From its inception, it has drawn support from every region, ethnic group, and faith.

It is the NPP and its allies who have continuously used tribal rhetoric to manipulate and divide our people for political gain. Seedy Njie and the NPP engage in:
1. False, tribalistic and divisive politics.
2. Mr.Njie's statements on Coffee Time are dangerous, divisive and intended to sow discord among Gambians.
3. For the NPP to accuse the UDP of ethnic politics is the not only disingeneous, but a fabrication of immense proportions.
4. What Gambians and the UDP want and expect are free, fair and transparent elections so that only Gambians can elect heir leaders and this is what election integrity is all about.

Regarding the 2020 Draft Constitution, Hon. Njie needs to be reminded that by the time the bill reached the National Assembly, eight UDP Members had been expelled from the party for siding with President Barrow and undermining both the party and the draft Constitution.

It is false to claim UDP had an absolute majority. These expelled members no longer acted on UDP’s mandate. The blame lies squarely with the President Barrow and his collaborators, which sabotaged a process the entire nation had invested in.

It is a deliberate action of misleading the public for Hon. Njie to claim that the UDP deployed armed men to intimidate non-Mandinka voters, or that a UDP government would deport ethnic minorities.

These are dangerous, tribalist lies designed to provoke fear and tension. The UDP stands for one Gambia, one people, where all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, are protected, respected, and treated equally under the law.

This is the same Seedy Njie who defended former President Jammeh’s refusal to accept the election results of 2016 and voted for a state of emergency that nearly plunged The Gambia into chaos. He followed Jammeh into exile in Equatorial Guinea, only to return and secure a political lifeline through a nomination by President Barrow.

Someone with such a track record of undermining democracy and supporting dictatorship has no credibility to speak about patriotism or national unity.

UDP calls on Gambians to reject tribal politics and uphold the values of truth, democracy, and unity.

Let us focus on building a country where all Gambians—Mandinka, Fula, Jola, Serer, Wolof, Aku and others—can live and thrive in peace and dignity.

UDP MEDIA TEAM

Source: UDP

ALHAMDULILAH: The missing boy has been found. He is safe and sound. Mustapha Sanneh, the 10-year-old boy from Wellingara...
06/08/2025

ALHAMDULILAH: The missing boy has been found. He is safe and sound.

Mustapha Sanneh, the 10-year-old boy from Wellingara who went missing since Friday has been found safe and alive.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their concern.

ALHAMDULILAH

ALERT!! MISSING CHILD A 10-year-old boy Mustapha Sanneh has gone missing since on Friday, family sources say. Anyone who...
05/08/2025

ALERT!! MISSING CHILD

A 10-year-old boy Mustapha Sanneh has gone missing since on Friday, family sources say.

Anyone who comes across him anywhere can kindly call the following numbers +220 2221815 or +2202918704 or report to the nearest police station to get in touch with his family.
We pray for his quick and safe return to the family.🙏

Details:
Mustapha Sanneh 10years
Mother: Kaddijatou Singateh
Father: Mamah Sanneh
Address: Wellingara Abu Sey

EFSCRJ Decries the Violation of Kexx Sanneh’s Right to Freedom of AssemblyPUBLIC STATEMENT          5th August 2025EF Sm...
05/08/2025

EFSCRJ Decries the Violation of Kexx Sanneh’s Right to Freedom of Assembly

PUBLIC STATEMENT
5th August 2025

EF Small Centre is deeply worried and condemns the decision by Alport Banjul company for arbitrarily ending their contract with citizen journalist and activist Kexx Sanneh for his participation in GALA anti-corruption protests. We have gathered from media reports that the company ended its contract with Kexx due to pressure from the Government. Kexx was quoted in the media stating that (https://gambiaj.com/activist-says-alport-banjul-fired-him-over-participation-in-anti-corruption-protest/),

““He [Salih] said the decision was influenced by my participation in demonstrations against the government, implying that their partnership with me became inconvenient,” ... “I would rather eat sand than stay silent in the face of corruption,” … “I did not sign a contract to surrender my Gambian citizenship or to give up my constitutional rights to hold the government accountable. The struggle continues for a better Gambia.”

We wish to state our total solidarity with Kexx Sanneh who is a founding member of the Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA), a legitimate and necessary people organization in the fight against corruption in the Gambia. Alport Banjul has not only blatantly violated the rights of Kexx Sanneh, but the company has also violated Section 25 and 26 of the 1997 Constitution. Section 25(d) guarantees the right to “freedom of assembly and demonstrate peaceably without arms.” Section 26(a) states that every citizen has the right “to take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly or through freely chosen representatives.”

Alport Banjul has not provided any evidence of Kexx violating his contract. The activism of Kexx have not threatened or injured the reputation or business of Alport Banjul. Kexx, as a citizen has the right and duty to participate and influence public affairs as laid down in law. In this regard, Alport Banjul has no legal justification to terminate Kexx’s contract. This illegal decision by Alport Banjul does not only violate Kexx’s rights, but also tantamount to interference in the internal political affairs of the Gambia by attempting to prevent a citizen from taking part in national affairs. Furthermore, and quietly seriously, Alport Banjul has set a dangerous precedent that severely threatens human rights in this country.

EFSCRJ is hereby hugely concerned by this illegal decision of Alport Banjul, and we hereby demand the following:
1. The immediate restoration of the contract with Kexx Sanneh. Henceforth, Alport Banjul to submit itself to the Constitution and other laws of the Gambia and protect human rights and the rights of its workers.
2. Failure of reinstating Kexx Sanneh, we urge him to take legal action against Alport Banjul for breach of contract. EFSCRJ is ready to stand in support of that decision.
3. The Department of law and the National Human Rights Commission to engage Alport Banjul to ensure that they uphold the law and respect human rights.

We wish to commend Kexx Sanneh for his conscious decision to uphold the Constitution and perform his duties to his country as required of all citizens under Section 220 of the Constitution.
2025 – The Year of Transparency and Accountability.
Source: EFSCRJ

The Gambia Government and Corruption: Response to Dr. Ismaila CeesayBy Madi Jobarteh.The Minister of Information Dr. Ism...
05/08/2025

The Gambia Government and Corruption: Response to Dr. Ismaila Ceesay

By Madi Jobarteh.

The Minister of Information Dr. Ismaila Ceesay and other Government officials such as the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Seedy Njie as well as Pres. Barrow himself are fond of saying that they are committed to combating corruption. They claim that they want to adhere to the rule of law, and the Government will not prance on anyone without legal justification. This morning Minister Ceesay was on Coffee Time with Peter Gomez to further buttress these points. To defend his Government’s fight against corruption, he mentioned a list of audit reports and police investigations which he said are ongoing.

I contributed to the program to say that his list was inexhaustive as there are many more cases of corruption. I urged him to issue a statement so that citizens can see and read the list as a matter of transparency and accountability. Instead of accepting my suggestion, he challenged me to provide more cases of corruption as he denied my assertion. Let me therefore provide him and the public with an overview of corruption cases in his Government.

First of all, the 1997 Constitution and the laws of the Gambia intend to have a corrupt-free government. The Constitution contains several provisions aimed at combating corruption, but its effectiveness is limited by gaps in enforcement, institutional independence, and clarity.

For example, Section 222 outlines a Code of Conduct for public officers, including provisions against conflict of interest, abuse of office, and acceptance of bribes or gifts. It also mandates declaration of assets and liabilities. Further, the Constitution establishes the executive, legislature, and judiciary as separate arms of government, providing a structural basis for checks and balances designed to prevent, detect and punish corruption.

The National Assembly is empowered to summon ministers and public officials, question expenditures, and form oversight committees such as the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) and the Public Enterprises Committee (PEC) as well as the Public Petitions Committee (PPC) to prevent, detect and punish corruption.

On auditing and financial oversight, Sections 160 to163 create the Auditor-General and the National Audit Office, which are tasked with auditing public funds and reporting directly to the National Assembly. This creates a constitutional backing for independent financial scrutiny of government accounts. Finally, the Constitution guarantees judicial independence (Section 120) and establishes the Office of the Ombudsman (Section 163A), which can investigate maladministration and misconduct in the public service.

Section 160(5), states, “Wherever discrepancies of a criminal or fraudulent nature are discovered during the audit of accounts by the Auditor-General, he or she shall immediately cause a report of his or her findings to be submitted to the Inspector General of Police.”

Indeed, the Auditor General has referred several cases to the IGP. But consistently, the Auditor General has lamented the perennial delays, lack of follow-up and the weak enforcement of sanctions or corrective actions by public institutions including the IGP. They have noted that many institutions ignore audit recommendations with no consequences.

Key among these institutions that fail to implement audit recommendations are the National Assembly, the Inspector General of Police and the Office of the President. The NAO had audited Government financial accounts for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 with serious financial and performance discrepancies found for which there was no accountability from these institutions mentioned above.

For example, in the 2017 report, NAO found withdrawals of D669M were made from the ‘Special Security Account’ without the approval of the Accountant General. The NAO had recommended in a previous audit exercise that this illegal account should be closed but it was ignored by this Government.

Similarly, the Auditor General reported in the 2018 audit of Government accounts that,

“We noted that D23,675,354.00 was spent on procurement of eleven (11) vehicles; initial payment of D14,761,004 was made in 2017 and final payment was made in 2018. However, the delivery of Nine (9) vehicles were made to the Office of The President before the contract for this procurement was signed in December 2017.”

These are just the tip of the iceberg of the massive corruption in the Government. These reports have been reviewed and approved by the National Assembly and queries referred to the IGP, yet there has been no accountability. The IGP has had several audit reports under investigation including reports on EFSTH, IEC, Ports and others for years now without conclusion or action.

The Final Report of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) approved in June 2025 over audited Government accounts from June 2022 to July 2023 reveals serious and widespread instances of corruption, misappropriation, and misuse of public funds across various ministries, agencies, and local government institutions. These, including over D62.5 million in cheques, were reported as cancelled and still withdrawn from the bank, suggesting fraudulent activity. The Report showed gross misuse of the Contingency Fund where about D474 million was used for expenditures that should have been budgeted for. The Auditor General said the virements made from the fund violated the 1997 Constitution.

In Marh 2024, the National Assembly considered the recommendations of the Consolidated Report of the Standing Committee on Public Enterprises (PEC) for the period 2019 and 2020 on fourteen State-Owned Enterprises. The report highlights massive corruption and misappropriation and other malpractices and passed a unanimous resolution for recovery of public funds and reforms. Meanwhile the Public Petitions Committee had found massive corruption and abuse of office within the GTBoard and the Ministry of Tourism with no one facing consequences.

Talking about virements, FPAC said D79 million in virements was used to create new positions without approval. Contracts worth D649,300 were single sourced without GPPA approval. Imprest disbursements totaling D2.18 million were made without proper authorization by the Permanent Secretary. Additional D651,706 was disbursed without supporting imprest requests. Payment vouchers totaling D1.54 billion lacked adequate documentation. Department of Geology showed a D3.27 million discrepancy between GTR receipts and bank deposits. IFMIS and GTR receipts at the Ministry of Justice and Geology Department could not be matched with deposit slips, totally an unreconciled amount of D7.3 million. These are findings by the NAO.

These findings paint a disturbing picture of systemic corruption, mismanagement, and impunity across multiple levels of government. FPAC has recommended investigations by Police and recovery of funds, as well as sanctions against Accounting Officers, and reforms in financial oversight and control systems. Nothing has happened.

Over the years, the Auditor General conducted several Special Audits on Government projects & contracts. These included the Banjul Rehabilitation Project, COVID-19 Response Fund, Eco-Tourism facilities, Road, and Culvert Projects, Securiport, and several projects under the ministries of Health, Interior, Fisheries, and Finance, among others.

The recurring and consistent theme in all these special audit exercises is the lack of supporting documentation such as payment vouchers, receipts, bank statements, and other key documents to justify expenditures. Public officials flatly refuse to share necessary documents with NAO. The Auditor General found payment vouchers totaling over D1.5 billion were unsupported during project audits. There is also the perennial issue of non-compliance with GPPA procurement rules with several instances of unjustified single-sourcing, inflated contract costs, absence of procurement planning, and contracts awarded without tendering, approval, or documentation of value for money.

The issue of unretired imprest is persistent as ministries and project managers routinely fail to retire imprest, thereby violating financial regulations. There are also cases of imprest disbursed without approval, or in excess of allowable limits. Then there is the issue of overpayments to contractors due to poor contract supervision or misclassification of funds. Contracts executed without completion certificates or evidence of deliverables. To cover up acts of corruption, officials fail to keep or destroy records. Ministries and agencies often fail to maintain proper records, thereby making audit verification difficult or impossible. The list goes on and on…

Evidently, this brief article is just a snapshot into the massive corruption in this Government. Yet, no one is held to account. Apart from the case of former PS Fisheries Bamba Banja, no senior official has ever been convicted. The case of former Governor Abba Sanyang keeps dragging like the rest.

I hereby challenge Dr. Ismaila Ceesay to a debate on corruption in this Government on Coffee Time anytime, if it pleases Peter Gomez.

I will conclude to say that not only is the Barrow Administration corrupt, but Pres. Barrow himself and his officials such as Dr. Ismaila Ceesay actually actively encourage, protect, and reward corruption. When they make such statements as corruption is as old as mankind; that audit reports are mere opinions; that we cannot just arrest people like that; or ignore, promote or redeploy officials implicated for corruption in audit reports then they are not only running away from responsibility but are actively supporting corruption and corrupt officials.

The evidence of their words and actions can be seen in the flagrant and widespread corruption currently prevailing across the Government since 2017. The fact that a parliamentary inquiry is currently taking place over the outcome of the Janneh Commission on the disposal of the Jammeh Assets, does anyone need any more evidence of the culture of corruption under pres. Adama Barrow? Meanwhile, I have not even mentioned the reports of investigative journalists and civil society organizations exposing the culture of corruption under Barrow.

For The Gambia, Our Homeland

Adresse

Schwarzwald Baar Kreis, Baden-Württemberg
Villingen-Schwenningen
78050

Benachrichtigungen

Lassen Sie sich von uns eine E-Mail senden und seien Sie der erste der Neuigkeiten und Aktionen von LamToro News erfährt. Ihre E-Mail-Adresse wird nicht für andere Zwecke verwendet und Sie können sich jederzeit abmelden.

Service Kontaktieren

Nachricht an LamToro News senden:

Teilen