𝗚𝗭 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗟𝗧𝗗

22/04/2025

UDP Condemns Frivolous Spending by NPP-Controlled Kerewan Area Council: Taxpayers’ Money Wasted on Luxury While Communities Suffer.
The United Democratic Party (UDP) is deeply alarmed by the reckless and self-serving expenditures of the NPP-controlled Kerewan Area Council (KAC), led by Chairman Papa Tunkara. Instead of addressing the dire needs of the North Bank Region (NBR)—a region starved of basic services—the council has prioritized luxury and extravagance at the expense of taxpayers.
Under the NPP’s leadership, KAC has squandered millions on unnecessary luxuries while failing to fund a single community project since taking office. The council spent a staggering D7.6 million on two high-end vehicles for the Chairman and CEO, while communities cry out for clean water, feeder roads, good markets and agricultural support, etc. This D7.6 million constitutes more than 20% of the budget on 2 high-end vehicles when they don't have a single waste collection vehicle.
Even more egregious is the council’s obsession with foreign trips. Last year, the Chairman and CEO jetted off to United States of America for a so-called "Mayoral Conference," costing taxpayers nearly D1.5 million —a trip that yielded no tangible benefits for the North Bank Religion. Now, they are planning another wasteful excursion (the same Mayoral Conference) this time, including the Chief’s Representative, with an estimated cost exceeding D2 million. Mark you, this a conference can be attended through virtual participation, but they chose to waste taxpayer’s money to attend in person.
The NBR remains one of the most underserved regions in The Gambia. Families struggle to access clean water, farmers face impassable feeder roads to their rice fields, and basic infrastructure is crumbling. Yet, the NPP-controlled council has turned a blind eye, choosing instead to live in luxury at the expense of the poor.
To add insult to injury, the Chairman initiated the constructions of the Chairman’s Residence and a new Council Office Building instead of constructing the Pakau Njogu and Madina Serign Mass markets that he inherited from the previous council. This raises serious questions about the NPP’s led Council’s priorities.
The Barrow-led NPP KERENG KAFFOO government has remained conspicuously silent on KAC’s excesses, proving once again that the NPP prioritizes political patronage over public welfare. If the central government refuses to rein in its own councils, how can Gambians trust them to manage national resources responsibly?
The UDP demands an immediate halt to these frivolous expenditures and calls for a full audit of KAC’s finances. Taxpayers’ money must be redirected to boreholes, feeder roads, waste collection, markets, agricultural support, etc. —not luxury cars and useless foreign travels. The people of NBR deserve leaders who serve them, not themselves. They increased rates and taxes by 100% just to waste taxpayers’ money frivolously - the KERENG NDINGOS are emulating the KERENG BAAS.
Enough is enough. The NPP KERENG KAFFO must be held accountable for this blatant misuse of public funds.
Tombong Saidy
UDP Administrative Secretary for Media and Communication

19/02/2025

Breaking news::Beginning February 19, 2025, Meta is currently deleting older Facebook Live videos that are more than 30 days old, meaning any live stream on Facebook older than a month will be automatically removed from the platform and users will no longer be able to access them; this is part of a new storage policy update by Meta to manage server space.
Key points about Meta's live video deletion policy:
* 30-day expiration: All live videos on Facebook will now expire after 30 days and be automatically deleted. �
* Notification before deletion: Users will receive notifications before their live videos are removed. �
* Download option: Meta encourages users to download any important live videos they want to keep before they expire.

19/02/2025

Slavery begins here!! You are going to be enslaved, none of the Minister, permanent secretary neither directors children are there, We waiting for any of them to come out here and start crying foul! We have warned them not to go! But they never listen! When governments are trying to create jobs for their citizens, our government is busy selling our capable youths to one of the most racist places on the planet just for 200 dollars! My heart bleeds!
First Batch of 22 Gambian Female Migrant Workers Depart for Saudi Arabia
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment (MoTIE) has confirmed that the first batch of twenty-two (22) Gambian female migrant workers departed for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday, 17th February 2025.
“In a significant step for the Bilateral Labour Agreement between The Gambia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Hon. Baboucarr O. Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE) on Monday, 17th February 2025 presided over a farewell ceremony for twenty-two (22) Gambian women recruited as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia,” the Trade Ministry said.
The Ministry further disclosed that a second batch of twenty-three (23) Gambian women is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia on 27th February 2025.
“Held at his ministry’s conference room, the event marks the first deployment of workers under the agreement signed in 2023 and the second batch of workers comprising twenty-three (23) women are expected to leave for Saudi Arabia on the 27th February, 2025. Minister Joof encouraged the women by emphasizing the importance of this economic advancement opportunity and highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring their safety and well-being while abroad,” the statement continued.
According to the statement, the Minister assured that the government, in collaboration with licensed agencies, would closely monitor the welfare of the workers and provide them with the necessary support throughout their stay in the Kingdom. He also urged the workers to remain law-abiding, respect their Saudi employers, and report any concerns or complaints to the staff of the Gambian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Trade, or the licensed agencies.
Hon. Joof described the occasion as significant, not only for the workers and their families but also for The Gambia. He emphasized that the agreement offers a promising opportunity for Gambians to secure employment and support themselves and their families.
It is worth recalling that during the 2023 Africa-Arab Summit in Saudi Arabia, The Gambia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed two key agreements: the Bilateral Labour Agreement for the Recruitment of Domestic Workers and the Bilateral Labour Agreement for the Recruitment of Skilled Workers. These agreements aim to provide a structured and regulated framework for the recruitment and employment of Gambians in Saudi Arabia, with provisions covering fair wages, favourable working conditions, and other essential protections.

Ebrima Migrants Situation

19/02/2025

International - Football

FC Barcelona reclaimed the top spot in La Liga on goal difference after a controversial 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Monday night. The match's only goal came from a penalty, while Rayo saw a strong penalty appeal denied and had a goal disallowed due to a questionable offside call.

19/02/2025

International

Helsinki police reported a significant rise in crime in 2024, mainly driven by increases in fraud, theft, and petty theft. However, serious violent crimes such as homicide, attempted homicide, and aggravated assault have declined.

Reports of sexual offences have risen considerably, partly due to legislative changes. While youth crime growth has been curbed since 2023, the overall crime rate remains high. A recent survey by the University of Helsinki indicates that young people’s perceived threat of violence has also increased.

Authorities recovered €12.67 million from economic crime cases, which police view as a major success. To address rising crime, the Helsinki Police Department has restructured its operations, focusing on preventing youth-related crime, curbing street gang activity, and countering organized crime.

Police Chief Jari Liukku emphasized the department's commitment to meeting public expectations by improving emergency response times and increasing police presence, relying on skilled personnel, strong partnerships, and enhanced efficiency.

19/02/2025

International

Many U.S. federal government employees were dismissed over the holiday weekend as managers confronted a Trump administration demand to fire workers by Tuesday, reported The Washington Post, said Xinhua.

19/02/2025

This picture below is Ebou Secka, who allegedly killed Ebrima Ceesay and dumped his body into the river, somewhere in Foni. According to the victim's father Alh Baba Ceesay, his son was a taxi driver who was booked by the alleged killer on a private hire to the airport 🛫, 'since that day, my son never returned home'. Mr Ceesay has been looking for his son for over three months before the news broke out that a dead body was found in the river around Foni. This dead body was identified as 'my son who I have been searching everywhere for over ninety days', Alh Baba said.
Ebou Secka was eventually, arrested by the police at the border and charged with murder.
According to The Gambia Police Force, the allegedly killer, Ebou Secka escaped while under police es**rt to Mile 2 Prison. Since then the police have been looking for him, while the victim's father continues his quest for justice.
If you see this man in the picture anywhere, pls contact the nearest police station or raise an alarm.
Please, share his picture so that Alh Baba Ceesay can have justice for his killed son

Pa Modou

19/02/2025

Gambian Diplomat Dr. Alieu Manjang Publishes Second Book in N'ko: Kilondingholu (Orphans)
Dr. Alieu Manjang, a prominent researcher in Language Policy and advocate for local languages in education, has published his second book in the N'ko script, titled Kilondingholu (Orphans). This marks his second publication within a year, reinforcing his commitment to promoting indigenous languages and literature.
The novel narrates the struggles of Lang Fill’s children—Jonsaba and her siblings—who became the subject of social stigma and discrimination following the tragic and successive deaths of their parents and stepmother. The family’s decision to move from their ancestral compound due to conflicts between the wives of Lang Fill and his elder brother, Lalo, set off a chain of misfortunes. The mistreatment they suffered at the hands of their uncle’s first wife, Tomaring, and the larger community of Koringkunda only strengthened their resilience. Eventually, their patience and perseverance earned them widespread admiration, culminating in their remarkable contributions to their village. Even their once-distant second uncle, Fodayba, a wealthy civil servant who had abandoned them, later sought their kindness and support.
Beyond its compelling storyline, Kilondingholu underscores the virtues of patience and resilience. It also highlights the significant role of women in family structures and serves as a repository of Mandinka vocabulary. The book provides a wealth of indigenous knowledge, cataloging traditional names of trees, grasses, herbs, fish, main dishes, utensils, tools, and birds, making it an invaluable linguistic and cultural resource.
Speaking on the occasion of the book’s release, Dr. Manjang expressed immense joy at the rapid publication of his second book within a year. He urged intellectuals and the educated elite to embrace and promote their national languages, emphasizing their role in empowering communities and fostering knowledge production and acquisition. Drawing comparisons with developed nations, he highlighted how linguistic self-reliance has contributed significantly to national progress and intellectual advancement.
Dr. Manjang’s publication reaffirms his dedication to language policy advocacy and the revitalization of African languages in literature and education. Kilondingholu is expected to make a substantial impact in both literary and linguistic circles, furthering discussions on the importance of indigenous language preservation and usage in contemporary education and intellectual discourse. Dr. Manjang’s work contributes significantly to the promotion of N'ko, a script developed in 1949 by Solomana Kante to transcribe Africa languages. The script has become a cornerstone of literacy and cultural preservation in West Africa.

19/02/2025

Gambia's President Adama Barrow is sparking outrage after signaling his intention to seek a third term. The president is currently serving his second term in office. Still, with his intentions now clear of running in the next election, Gambians are worried it could jeopardize the country's democratic progress. So why is the president thinking of running, and what are the implications of his actions should he not back down? Mimi Mefo talks to Degen Jobe from the Center for Research and Policy Development and DW correspondent Sankulleh Janko in Banjul.
Please find the link in the comment section below

18/02/2025

Independence Statement by H.E. ANM Ousainu Darboe, Secretary General and Party Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP)
Fellow Gambians,
Today, as we mark 60 years of independence from British colonial rule, we reflect on the journey of our nation with pride, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose. On this historic day, February 18, 1965, The Gambia emerged as a sovereign nation, full of promise and potential. As we celebrate this milestone, we honour the sacrifices of our forebears who fought tirelessly for our freedom and laid the foundation for the nation we call home.
The Gambia has come a long way since independence. We have weathered challenges, celebrated triumphs, and demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity. Our diversity, unity, and shared values have been the bedrock of our national identity. However, as we look back on six decades of self-rule, we must also confront the realities of where we stand today and the work that lies ahead.
Independence was not just about raising our flag and singing our national anthem; it was about building a nation where every Gambian could thrive in freedom, dignity, and prosperity. It was about creating a society rooted in justice, equality, and opportunity for all. Sadly, 60 years on, we must admit that the full promise of independence remains unfulfilled.
While we have made strides in certain areas, the Gambian people continue to grapple with poverty, unemployment, inadequate healthcare, and a struggling education system. Our youth, who represent the future of this nation, are left disillusioned by the lack of opportunities and the failure of successive governments to prioritize their needs. The dreams of our independence heroes for a prosperous and self-reliant Gambia have been betrayed by poor governance, corruption, and a lack of visionary leadership.
Since coming to power in 2017, the government of President Adama Barrow has failed to deliver on its promises to the Gambian people. The coalition that brought him to power was built on the hope of a new dawn—a Gambia free from the oppression and mismanagement of the past. Yet, seven years on, the Barrow administration has been characterized by inefficiency, corruption, lack of accountability, and a glaring absence of tangible development.
The Gambian people deserve better. They deserve a government that prioritizes their welfare, creates jobs for the youths, invests in infrastructure, and creates an enabling environment for economic growth. Instead, we have witnessed a government that is more focused on self-preservation than on serving the people. Corruption remains rampant, and public resources are squandered with little to show for it. The Barrow administration has failed to address the pressing issues of unemployment, rising cost of living, security, and the need for quality healthcare and education.
As we celebrate 60 years of independence, we must also look to the future with hope and determination. The Gambia has the potential to be a beacon of progress and prosperity in West Africa. We have a youthful population, abundant natural resources, and a rich cultural heritage. What we lack is the leadership to harness these assets for the benefit of all Gambians.
The United Democratic Party (UDP) remains committed to the ideals of democracy, justice, and development. We believe in a Gambia where every citizen has access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. We believe in a Gambia where the rule of law prevails, and where leaders are accountable to the people. We believe in a Gambia that is united in its diversity and resilient in the face of challenges.
To realize the Gambia of our dreams, we must demand more from our leaders. We must hold them accountable for their actions and inactions. We must work together to build a nation that prioritizes the welfare of its people over the interests of a few. The UDP stands ready to lead this charge. We are committed to providing the visionary leadership that this country needs to move forward.
As we celebrate this milestone, let us remember that the true meaning of independence lies in our ability to shape our own destiny. Let us honour the sacrifices of our forebears by working tirelessly to build a Gambia that is free, just, and prosperous. Let us unite as one people, with one vision, and one purpose.
Fellow Gambians, the future of our nation is in our hands. Let us seize this moment to recommit ourselves to the ideals of independence and to the pursuit of a better tomorrow. Together, we can build a Gambia that we can all be proud of—a Gambia that truly reflects the hopes and dreams of its people.
Happy Independence Day, and may God bless The Gambia.
H.E. ANM Ousainu Darboe
Secretary General and Party Leader,
United Democratic Party (UDP)

18/02/2025

18/02/2025

Fellow Gambians,
As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the independence of our beloved country, the Gambia. This celebration signifies not just our liberation from the shackles of colonisation but also our shared dreams and aspirations for a united, progressive, and prosperous self-governed Gambia. Independence Day celebrations should thus serve as a pivotal moment to reflect on our country's developmental progress.
Today, after 60 years of self-rule, we are still grappling with the harsh realities of a sinking ship with problems that include:
(1) High and unaffordable cost of living in which prices go up uncontrolled on a daily basis, leaving the poor and highly underpaid public servants in a desperate situation;
(2) a very unsafe and insecure environment in which armed robberies, murders, burglaries, drug trafficking and other serious and violent crimes are now a daily occurrence with our police and security agencies ill-equipped and under-motivated to handle the situation;
(3) poor, disorganised and under-resourced healthcare sector that cannot offer our citizens anything other than substandard medical services and paracetamol, leaving way too many Gambians with no healthcare except those who can afford to travel abroad in search of good healthcare;
(4) a failing agricultural sector that deepens our reliance on imported poor quality food for our survival;
(5) lack of opportunities for our women folk and youths, resulting in many of them taking perilous journeys across the Atlantic Ocean in search of greener pastures;
(6) an underperforming economy that relies on transactional arrangements instead of holistic macroeconomic policies, resulting in the mortgaging of the most significant money-making assets of the country to foreign entities.
All these are occurring in the backdrop of a crushing debt burden now standing at D120 billion and a perennially self-inflicted budget deficit (of D3 billion this year). This is a deeply troubling culture of waste, mismanagement, theft of public resources, corruption and nepotism. This undesirable state of affairs does not merit celebration; rather, it calls into question who we are and what we want for our people, ourselves and our posterity. In essence, what are our priorities:
Are we truly celebrating genuine independence, or are we blindly ignoring the struggles and suffering of our citizens? Instead of honouring our nation's spirit, are we highlighting the pain that many endure? Clearly, we are standing at crossroads. We must recognise that the economic crisis we face is not solely a consequence of global challenges but a direct result of poor leadership and reckless fiscal policies.
This current government has consistently prioritised lavish spending over genuine and meaningful progress. The alleged decision to allocate a staggering 100 million Dalasis for useless independence celebrations, 61 million Dalasis on a meet the people’s tour, which is more a political campaign than public consultation, over a billion Dalasis on unnecessary vehicles not just for high-ranking officers, but also for friends and party supporters, and excessively provisioning for President’s office by 100s of millions of Dalasis at the expense of the needs of the masses exemplifies a gross and irresponsible misalignment of national priorities. Instead of investing in critical needs such as food security, reliable electricity supply, healthcare, and education, the government opts for wasteful spending and unsophisticated opulence that serves only to heighten our collective despair.
We can no longer afford the consequences of rampant corruption, wanton waste, and mismanagement, which have left our citizens more vulnerable as international support dwindles. Therefore, I call upon you, my fellow Gambians, to take a stand for change. We cannot endure another five years of hardship, ineptitude, corruption, waste and neglect. We deserve leadership that prioritises the well-being of the ordinary people, the youths and the women. One that understands their struggles and works earnestly to uplift them and our nation.
Let us look to the future and commit to a new era—one in which the dignity of the people, their welfare, their security, their healthcare, education, and progress are restored for all and to our beloved Gambia. Let us envision governance that ends corruption and wasteful spending, holds all officials accountable, prioritises the welfare of the people and economic development, and fosters national unity.
In contemplating our journey ahead, let us reject the politics of division, insults and incompetence and choose a united and progressive vision for the Gambia that guarantees our sovereignty and our independence. Come 2026, let us vote for change, accountability, and a Gambia that truly reflects the dreams and aspirations of all our people. Let us all vote APP-Sobeyaa. The choice is CLEAR!
As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us hold on to the hope and promise of a brighter future ahead. May our unity and determination guide us toward the Gambia we aspire to be.
Wishing everyone a happy and joyful Independence Day celebration!
Essa Mbye Faal
Secretary General and Party Leader
APP Sobeyaa