Soni FM Radio

13/05/2025

STATEMENT BY HON. AMIE COLLEY, INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBER FOR FONI BREFET CONSTITUENCY

APRIL 20, 2025

To the People of Foni Brefet and the Gambian Public:

I write to reaffirm my unwavering commitment to serving you as an Independent Member of the National Assembly. My loyalty lies with you—the constituents who entrusted me with this mandate—and with the progress of The Gambia. As from today I will fully support President Adama Barrow’s national development agenda that leads to his progressive and transformative development initiatives across the country.

These initiatives align with my principles of legislative commitment for a better gambia for progress, democracy, peace and the welfare of all Gambians. Moving forward, I will actively support legislative and policy measures that advance these shared goals. My decisions in the Assembly will remain guided by principle, not party affiliation, as I continue to serve as an independent representative.

Let me be unequivocal: I am not joining any political party. My support for the government’s agenda is rooted solely in its merits and the tangible benefits it brings to The Gambia people. I remain accountable first and foremost to my constituency and the Constitution of The Gambia.

Together, we can build a stronger nation—united in purpose, but diverse in representation.

Yours in service,


Hon. Amie Colley

07/05/2025

Professor Basamba Njoll Drammeh Speaks on Minister Hamat Bah's Comment and Lawyer Darboe's Reaction

Speaking to Soni FM Online Radio on the Saasa Bire Xibaru program hosted by journalist ML Susso, Professor Basamba Njoll Drammeh addressed the recent exchange between Hon. Lawyer Ousainou Darboe and the Minister of Lands and Local Government, Hon. Hamat Bah.

The controversy stemmed from Minister Bah’s statement suggesting the government might consider writing Friday sermons for imams if they continue to be "unmindful" of their words. Lawyer Darboe, in reaction, called the comment "discouraging and disappointing," particularly considering the shared struggle he and Hon. Bah endured to free the Gambia from dictatorship and bad governance.

In response, Professor Basamba acknowledged Hon. Darboe’s significant role in Gambian politics, despite their differing political ideologies. He argued, however, that there was nothing discouraging or disappointing in the minister’s comment. According to Professor Basamba, as the official responsible for religious affairs, Minister Bah has the authority to intervene in matters that could destabilize the country through religious means.

“Anything that threatens the country's peace, especially from the religious front, must be addressed—and Minister Bah is the right person to do that,” Professor Basamba said. He added that it is every individual’s right—including Mr. Darboe's—to express disagreement, but any message or comment usually has a reason behind it.

Professor Basamba clarified that Minister Bah's statement was a warning to certain imams who, according to him, are promoting violence under the guise of religion. “We all know it's not practically possible to write sermons for all imams in the country,” he said. “But religion should not be used as a political tool to destabilize the country.”

He emphasized that imams should not act as politicians. “If an imam wants to enter politics, they should resign and actively join political life, then they won’t have to worry about the minister's oversight,” he said. Imams, he added, should always preach peace—because peace benefits both the ruling and opposition parties. Without peace, elections can’t take place, and a state of emergency could be declared, which would hurt democratic processes.

Concluding his remarks, Professor Basamba warned against those using religion for political gain. “If you ask me about the fate of politicians hiding behind Islam, I’ll say: anyone inciting violence should be arrested, charged, and brought before a court to face the law. Even Hon. Darboe knows this—as a lawyer. The same applies to journalists who publish false and inciting information without evidence.”

Next Episode Teaser: Freedom of Speech for Imams and Imam Bakawsu Fofana’s Reaction to the President’s Comment

🖋️ Ismaila Juwara

06/05/2025

Sahel Conflict – Part 2
Professor Basamba Njoll Drammeh Speaks on the Sahel Conflict
Saasa Birre Xibaru Air | Soni FM Online Radio | Every Monday, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

In the second part of the discussion on the long-standing Sahel conflict, Professor Basamba Njoll Drammeh shared deep insights and recommendations on Saasa Birre Xibaru Air this Monday.

When asked about potential solutions to the conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced countless families, Professor Drammeh emphasized that this is an internal conflict among Muslims, and should not be left to one country, government, or military to solve alone.

“Muslim brothers are killing Muslim brothers—militaries are killing rebels, and rebels are killing both soldiers and innocent civilians,” he lamented. “If care is not taken, this conflict will soon be classified as genocide against the Fula people,” he warned, noting that the Fula—who make up a significant portion of the affected population—have lost many lives, livestock, and valuable resources. He also acknowledged that other tribes are suffering alongside the Fula.

Professor Drammeh stressed that the only path to peace is through dialogue and sensitization. He called on the 57 Islamic nations to unite in their efforts to bring peace to the Sahel. “I appeal to President Adama Barrow, the current Chairperson of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to constitute a special commission to address the Sahel conflict. This commission should invite rebel leaders and relevant stakeholders to the table for meaningful discussions on the way forward.”

“If this is truly about spreading Islam and not a political or territorial agenda disguised under religion,” he continued, “then guns and bombs are not the solution. Instead, ask for the freedom to teach and spread the Deen. It will be much easier because over 80% of the Sahel population are already Muslim. We must stop killing our own children and destroying our own countries.”

Professor Drammeh concluded by urging Muslim nations not to allow external forces to divide Muslim brothers and sisters for selfish interests. “The Sahel needs unity, understanding, and collective Islamic leadership to bring about lasting peace.”

Written by: Ismaila Juwara | Soni FM Online Radio

06/05/2025

Good morning.
Here are today's newspaper headlines. Tuesday, 6th May, 2025.

03/05/2025

03/05/2025

Live at Pasamas football field
Passamas Vs Basse FC

03/05/2025

Pasamas mandinka Vs Basse FC highlights

02/05/2025

President Barrow will travel to Gabon to attend the inauguration of President-Elect Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema on Saturday, May 3rd, the Office of the President has announced. He is scheduled to depart Banjul International Airport at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 2nd.

General Oligui Nguema, who led Gabon’s 2023 coup, was recenly elected president with over 90% of the vote in the country’s first election since the fall of a 50-year political dynasty.

The high-turnout election - recording 87% participation - was widely viewed as a pivotal moment for the oil-rich Central African nation, with local observers reporting that the vote was conducted under largely satisfactory and transparent conditions.

02/05/2025

Good morning.
Here are today's newspaper headlines. Friday, 2nd May, 2025.

01/05/2025

Batapa 11 vs Boro Kanda Kasse highlights