KERR FATOU

09/22/2025

It is essential in these times of civic uncertainty that we, as students and young Gambians, take a deep breath and remind ourselves what democracy truly means. Recentannouncement of the redeployment of the former Auditor General, and the consequent appointment of Mr. Amadou Cherno Sowe as the new Auditor General, has stirred public debate. What the Office of the President has made clear is that this decision was not meant to undermine the National Audit Office or its independence, but rather was a move made under the President’s constitutional powers and guided by considerations of public sector experience and qualifications.

We in the NPP Students’ Wing believe this is not the time for anger or confusion, but for calm reflection and confidence in our institutions. This is why we organized a leadership training for 150 student leaders from all regions across the country. Young people must resist rhetoric that seeks to recruit you into conflict under claims of “defending democracy” when the real priority should be building your own capacity, through education, character, service, and serving The Gambia with honor and skill. Democracy is not sustained only through protest; it is sustained when citizens understand constitutional processes and respect them, when civil servants do their work professionally, and when accountability is real.

To Mr. Amadou Cherno Sowe, we extend our congratulations on stepping into this important role. You now carry responsibilities not just to audit public finances, but also to fortify public trust. To the staff of the National Audit Office, we urge consistency, impartiality, and integrity in every audit, in every report. Let your work show that The Gambia’s oversight institutions can be relied upon, free from political pressure, operating in full transparency.

Finally, to every citizen and civil servant: your rights include access to justice. When you see decisions, you believe to be unfair or damaging, the law provides means for redress. The courts, parliamentary oversight, the public records are all tools for accountability. There is no justification for taking matters into your own hands when legal and peaceful routes are available.

We stand confident in the leadership of President Barrow and in the durability of The Gambia’s laws and democratic norms. Our nation grows not by division, but by institutions upheld, by youth disciplined and educated, and by leaders and citizens alike choosing integrity. May we be measured, steadfast, and true.

NPP Student WingIt is essential in these times of civic uncertainty that we, as students and young Gambians, take a deep breath and remind ourselves what democracy truly means. Recentannouncement of the redeployment of the former Auditor General, and

09/21/2025

POLICE PUBLIC NOTICE

POLICE PUBLISHES PHONE NUMBERS AT HEADQUARTERS AND REGIONAL LEVELS NATIONWIDE FOR SWIFT POLICE RESPONSE

Date: September 21, 2025

In a bid to bridge communication gaps and ensure the safety of all citizens, the Gambia Police Force hereby introduces temporary telephone numbers at both Police Headquarters and Regional Commands.

These numbers will serve the public while the national toll-free hotlines are being finalized, to report all matters of security concern, lodge complaints, or seek urgent police assistance.

The public is encouraged to use these numbers responsibly, as they are strictly intended to enhance community safety and foster swift police response.

1. POLICE HEADQUARTERS
• Commissioner of Operations –
Lamin Jaiteh – 3969018
• Crime Management Coordinator (CMC) –
Boto Keita – 3908375
• Public Relations Officer (PRO) –
ASP Modou Musa Sisawo – 9968885 / 3808535

2. BANJUL
• Commissioner – Amie Nyassi – 3201678
• Chief of Operations – Kemo Sanneh – 3024111

3. KANIFING MUNICIPALITY (KM)
• Commissioner – Samba Jawo – 7875468
• Chief of Operations –
Ansumana F. Sanyang – 3749966
• Regional Crime Officer – Pateh Bah – 3951242

4. WEST COAST REGION (WCR)
• Commissioner – Foday Balajo – 3971005
• Chief of Operations (Brikama) –
Momodou K. Sanneh – 3950364
• Chief of Operations (Brusubi) –
Sulayman Kah – 3600835
• Regional Crime Officer –
Amadou Kujabi – 3919123

5. LOWER RIVER REGION (LRR)
• Commissioner – Alhagie I. M. Joof – 3077744
• Chief of Operations –
Abdoulie Jallow – 3970364
• Regional Crime Officer –
Ebou Badjie – 3146426

6. NORTH BANK REGION (NBR)
• Commissioner – Juldeh Camara – 2003574
• Chief of Operations (Lower NBR, Essau) – Dawda Jobe – 3969601
• Chief of Operations (Upper NBR, Farafenni) – Nfamara Sanneh – 3146399
• Regional Crime Officer –
Mballow Jobe – 3571143

7. CENTRAL RIVER REGION (CRR)
• Commissioner – Jawara Demba – 3970299
• Chief of Operations –
Bakary Jadama – 3950554
• Regional Crime Officer –
Simon Gomez – 3950067

8. UPPER RIVER REGION (URR)
• Commissioner – Yerro Mballow – 3584315
• Chief of Operations – Lamin Jaiteh – 3428082
• Regional Crime Officer –
Sang B. Nameria – 3152193

The Gambia Police Force encourages the public to make full use of these contact numbers to report crimes, concerns, or any matter requiring police attention.

These lines connect you directly to your Regional Commissioner of Police, Chief of Operations, or Regional Crime Officer, all of whom are reachable at all times.

The Police remain committed to protecting lives, property, and ensuring public safety nationwide.

09/21/2025

Meeting Between Ambassador Bah and Congressman Vern Buchanan Strengthens U.S.–Gambia Partnership

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, His Excellency Momodou Lamin Bah, Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to the United States of America, met with Congressman Vern Buchanan of Florida, Chairman of the House Democracy Partnership, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding ties between The Gambia and the United States and built upon Congressman Buchanan’s previous visit to The Gambia in 2024 as part of a Congressional delegation.

Discussions focused on advancing key areas of cooperation and mutual interest, including:
•The continuous presence of the United States Embassy in Banjul
•Expanding engagement through Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) programs
•Supporting the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)
•Promoting the Transitional Justice Process in The Gambia
Ambassador Bah emphasized the importance of continued dialogue with influential members of Congress to strengthen bilateral relations and promote shared democratic values. The meeting provided a platform to explore new avenues of collaboration for the benefit of both nations.

Saikou Ceesay

First Secretary
Embassy of The Gambia
Washington D.C.

09/21/2025

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09/21/2025

The UK, Canada and Australia announce their formal recognition of a Palestinian state - our correspondent explains what that means

In a video statement, released on social media, PM Keir Starmer says the move keeps "alive the possibility of peace" and that the UK will "keep fighting to bring" home Israeli hostages
In his own video statement, Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu accuses the nations of "giving a huge reward to terrorism" and says a Palestinian state "will not happen" - here's how other Israeli politicians reacted

Families of those still being held in Gaza express concern - in an open letter to Starmer, they say recognition "complicates efforts to bring home our loved ones"

Earlier, Deputy PM David Lammy defended the UK's position, telling the BBC "now is the time to stand up for a two-state solution"

By BBC News

09/21/2025

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09/21/2025

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09/21/2025

PUBLIC STATEMENT 21st September 2025

EFSCRJ Statement on the International Day of Peace 2025: Act Now for a Peaceful Gambia

The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of Peace, a day dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among nations and peoples. This year’s theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful Gambia,” speaks directly to our urgent reality as a nation.

Peace is more than the absence of war. It is the presence of justice, good governance, respect for human rights, equitable service delivery, and accountability. Sadly, The Gambia today faces growing threats to peace that cannot be ignored.

Key Threats to Peace in The Gambia

The Gambia continues to grapple with multiple and interconnected challenges that undermine national stability and social cohesion:

1. Corruption and Abuse of Power: Rampant corruption erodes public trust and diverts resources away from essential services, leaving communities vulnerable and impoverished.

2. Selective Enforcement of the Law and Weaponizing Institutions: When the law is applied unequally and state institutions are used to protect certain individuals while oppressing others, it breeds resentment and injustice.

3. Poor Service Delivery and Mismanagement of Public Resources: Erratic electricity and water supply, inadequate health care, failing schools, and crumbling infrastructure deepen public frustration and instability.

4. Lack of Robust Constitutional and Governance Reforms: Delayed or watered-down reforms allow authoritarian practices to persist, undermining democratic institutions and citizen participation.

5. Unresolved Land Disputes: Conflicts over land ownership and usage continue to spark tensions across communities, threatening social harmony.

6. Rising Cost of Living and Limited Economic Opportunities: Inflation, unemployment, and poverty are pushing families to desperation, especially youth and women who face increasing deprivation.

These conditions are not just governance failures; they are human rights violations. When people lack access to justice, dignity, and opportunity, the foundation of peace is destroyed. Unfortunately, the necessary political will and leadership continue to be deficient in responding to the urgent needs and threats to peace in the Gambia. Political intolerance and polarization based on ethnicity, partisan and religious factors remain widespread.

Building Peace: Duties of Key Stakeholders

To achieve a peaceful Gambia, EFSCRJ calls on every stakeholder to act decisively and responsibly:

• Government must lead by example through transparent governance, zero tolerance for corruption, equitable service delivery, and completing long-delayed constitutional and governance reforms. It must treat all citizens equally before the law.

• Political Parties should prioritize national interest over partisan gain, reject inflammatory rhetoric, hate speech, and promote constructive dialogue.

• Community and Religious Leaders have a vital role in mediating conflicts, fostering reconciliation, and promoting unity among diverse groups.

• Citizens must exercise their rights peacefully, hold leaders accountable, and resist corruption and divisive practices at the community level.

• Media plays a crucial role in educating the public, exposing wrongdoing, and promoting truth and reconciliation without bias or sensationalism.

• Civil Society Organizations should actively play their watchdog role in holding government accountable for corruption, human rights abuses, and governance failures. CSOs should provide civic education and create platforms for public participation, empowering citizens to peacefully advocate for their rights.

Call to Action: Act Now for a Peaceful Gambia

EFSCRJ calls on all Gambians to recognize that peace is everyone’s responsibility. The choices we make today will determine whether our nation moves towards stability and prosperity or slides into division and conflict.

We therefore urge:

• Immediate and comprehensive governance reforms to strengthen democracy.

• Independent and fair justice mechanisms to resolve disputes.

• Economic policies that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable.

• Respect for human rights and protection of civil liberties at all times.

Let us act now, with courage and unity, to build a Gambia where peace is rooted in justice, equality, and shared prosperity.

2025 – The Year of Transparency and Accountability
www.efscrj.org

09/21/2025

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09/21/2025

The recent appointment of Mr. Cherno Amadou Sowe as the Auditor General of The Gambia represents a pivotal moment for accountability and governance in our nation. However, a troubling legal ambiguity surrounds his assumption of duties, one that touches the core of our constitutional order and the rule of law. As a legal practitioner, I find it necessary to examine this issue closely. If the guardian of public finance fails to adhere to procedural requirements from the outset, what moral authority can it assert to hold others accountable?

The facts, based on the National Audit Office’s own communications, are clear. A media release dated September 18, 2025, states that Mr. Sowe has “officially assumed the duties of Auditor General.” It outlines his meetings with deputies, staff, and external stakeholders such as the Accountant General. Even more notably, a suspension notice dated September 17, 2025, was issued under his name, invoking the authority of his office to suspend a staff member indefinitely.

Now, let us turn to the law. The framework governing this appointment is established not by internal policy but by supreme and statutory law.

Section 158(3) of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia clearly states: “Before assuming the functions of his or her office the Auditor General shall take and subscribe to the prescribed oaths.”

Likewise, Section 12 of the National Audit Office Act, 2015, leaves no room for interpretation. It reaffirms that the appointee “shall, before assuming the functions of his or her office take and subscribe before the President, the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath for the Due Ex*****on of Office.”

The language used is mandatory and explicit: “shall” and “before assuming the functions.” This is not a mere technicality to be addressed later. It is a condition precedent a constitutional requirement that must be fulfilled before the powers of the office can be lawfully exercised.

The oaths of allegiance and due ex*****on are solemn commitments to the Republic. They represent the transition from a civilian appointee to a constitutionally empowered officer, duty bound to serve without fear or favour. To overlook this step is to disregard the covenant between the office and the state.

This leads to the essential, and still unanswered, question: Had Mr. Sowe taken these oaths before the President prior to September 17?

The National Audit Office’s silence on this matter is telling. Their public announcement, which proudly declares the assumption of duties, would have been the appropriate place to confirm this fundamental legal step. The absence of such confirmation is both noticeable and troubling.

ScreenshotFamara Singhateh By: Famara SinghatehAuthor's Introduction:Mr Singhateh is a dual-qualified Barrister and Solicitor and the Head of the West Africa Practice at A-Law International Law Firm in Brussels, Kingdom of Belgium. His practice

09/21/2025

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09/21/2025

Malawi police have arrested eight people for alleged electoral fraud as the country awaits the final results of Tuesday's general election. The suspects, who were working as data entry clerks, are accused of attempting to manipulate figures. The electoral commission is on high alert after the 2019 election, when former President Peter Mutharika’s victory was annulled due to widespread irregularities.

Early tallies show Mutharika leading, with President Lazarus Chakwera in second place. A candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote to avoid a run-off. President Chakwera’s party has already filed a complaint citing irregularities, though details remain unclear. The commission has until Wednesday to announce verified final results.

Story by DW Africa