The Alkamba Times

04/24/2025

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04/24/2025

Join us in wishing Mr. Alieu Sagnia, the Chairman of the TAT Editorial Board, a very happy birthday! Thank you for your service!

04/24/2025

A renowned Zimbabwean war veteran and former ZANU-PF Central Committee member has warned citizens to stay indoors as political tensions in the country continue to escalate. In a recent video, Blessed “Bombshell” Geza said: "It is time President Mnangagwa goes, because there are many corrupt people around him. The reason why I am saying 'stay at home' is because I don't want you to be part of crossfire. I cannot reveal so much information, but something is about to happen." Geza has meanwhile called for Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to assume leadership and has also expressed fears that civilians could become victims of clashes between security forces loyal to him and those defending alleged corrupt figures within the ruling party. The government meanwhile has urged Zimbabweans to remain calm, as lockdown measures enter their third day. Will these deepening divisions within the ZANU-PF affect Zimbabwe's 2028 elections?

04/24/2025

Today’s Gambia Comic News by Amran Gaye

04/24/2025

UDP Slams NPP for Tribalist Rhetoric in Banjul, Urges Unity Against Divisive Tactics

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has strongly condemned the National People’s Party (NPP) for inflammatory tribalist remarks targeting the Fula ethnic group, leaked from an NPP WhatsApp group in Banjul. The viral audio, featuring a woman linked to the ruling party disparaging Fulas and urging People’s Progressive Party (PPP) candidate Momodou Salieu—a Fula of Guinean descent—to “go to Guinea Conakry,” has sparked outrage amid a heated campaign in Half Die Ward.

The UDP, in a statement by Administrative Secretary for Media and Communication Tombong Saidy, accused President Adama Barrow’s NPP KERENG KAFFO administration of exploiting ethnic divisions to undermine opponents and cling to power. The remarks, which labeled Fulas as “betrayers,” reflect a broader pattern of targeting Mandinka and Fula communities to sow discord, the UDP claimed.

“Banjul thrives on its multicultural fabric,” Saidy said. “The NPP’s vile rhetoric is an assault on The Gambia’s motto: ‘One Gambia, One People, One Nation.’” The UDP highlighted the NPP’s panic as the PPP gains ground in Half Die Ward, suggesting the divisive tactics signal the ruling party’s weakening influence.

The UDP demanded an immediate apology from the NPP, an investigation by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) into possible electoral code violations, and a national dialogue on ethnic tolerance led by civil society and religious leaders. They warned that President Barrow’s silence could deepen divisions, drawing parallels to regional conflicts like Ivory Coast’s civil war.

As The Gambia’s democracy faces the threat of tribalist fearmongering, the UDP called on voters to reject hatred and support leaders focused on unity and development. “The NPP’s time is up,” Saidy declared. “The people of Half Die Ward—and all Gambians—deserve better.”

04/24/2025

MAJaC Students’ Week 4.0 Launches with Vibrant Celebration of Ethical Journalism

The Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC) kicked off its Students’ Week 4.0 yesterday with a lively march from Westfield to the traffic lights, marking the start of a week-long celebration themed “From Ethics to Impact: Nurturing the Future of Responsible Journalism and Communication.”

The opening ceremony, led by MAJaC Students’ Union Chairlady Awa Touray, highlighted the pivotal role of ethical journalism in fostering a responsible media landscape. Touray urged future media professionals to use their influence to inform and uplift society ethically. Notably, this year’s event was entirely student-organized, showcasing their leadership and commitment to the field.

MAJaC President Adama Sanneh delivered a keynote address, reinforcing the importance of ethical practices in journalism and communication. He commended the Students’ Union for their efforts and highlighted MAJaC’s expanded programs, including Communications, Film & Photography, and Digital Media Production, as vital to responsible communication in the digital era. Sanneh encouraged students to engage critically and embrace ethical journalism as their “superpower.”

The week features a diverse lineup of competitions, dialogues, performances, and teamwork exercises, fostering community and showcasing student talent. Organized by student teams named after prominent Gambian institutions and leaders, the event symbolizes the values aspiring communicators aim to uphold.

MAJaC Students’ Week 4.0 promises to be a dynamic platform for students to connect, learn, and grow, reinforcing their commitment to ethical journalism and its transformative impact on society.

Story by: Aja Beyai

04/24/2025

Burkina Faso President Honors U-17 Football Team Amid Failed Coup Attempt

Despite a recent failed coup attempt, Burkina Faso President Captain Ibrahim Traoré welcomed the nation’s U-17 football team to the State House to celebrate their commendable performance at the CAF U-17 Championship in Morocco.

Traoré praised the young athletes for their dedication, as the team secured an impressive fourth-place finish in the tournament. Morocco claimed the championship title, with Mali as runners-up and Ivory Coast taking third place. The president’s recognition of the team underscores a moment of national pride amid ongoing political challenges.

04/24/2025

The Managing Director of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Nfansou Bojang, has refuted claims that the Gambia violated any regulations in connection with “Operation Assad,” a covert mission allegedly involving the smuggling of valuables linked to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

In a Wednesday interview on GRTS’s Good Morning Gambia, Bojang dismissed allegations stemming from a Reuters investigation. The investigation claimed a private jet registered in The Gambia, operated by a Syrian-Lebanese businessman, was used to transport cash, gold, and other assets from Damascus to Russia and Dubai in late 2023. The investigation cited flight records, whistleblower accounts, and intelligence sources, alleging the jet operated under the guise of diplomatic cargo.

Bojang clarified that the aircraft was not registered in The Gambia in 2023 and emphasized that the country’s Civil Aviation Act was fully adhered to. “The Gambia has a robust aircraft registry system, and our processes are in total consonance with international standards,” he said. He explained that aircraft ownership does not require the plane to be based in the registering country, stating, “Once registered in The Gambia, it can operate anywhere, as long as it meets safety standards.”

“Aircraft are owned by individuals. You can own an aircraft without owning an airline. If you own an aircraft as an individual, you are at liberty to rent it out to any airline operator that you agree with in terms of fees and charges,” said Mr Bojang.

04/24/2025

As The Gambia’s Draft National Land Policy (2026–2035) undergoes public consultation, land rights activists and Kombo’s land-owning communities, led by the Securing Futures collaborative, are calling for sweeping reforms to address decades of systemic dispossession. The group’s detailed critique, released today, highlights the policy’s failure to confront the State Lands Act 1991, a law they argue has facilitated one of the largest wealth transfers in Gambian history from Indigenous communities to elites.

“Our land is our story, our identity, the very essence of who we are as Kombonkas,” said Mba Mariama Bojang, a Kombo elder whose ancestral land was reclassified as state property. The State Lands Act, enacted under pressure from the 1980s Structural Adjustment Programs, redefined communal lands as state-owned, turning customary owners into tenants and enabling widespread seizures. In Brufut alone, 1.01 km² of land—valued conservatively at USD35.03 million—was expropriated for developments like Brufut Heights and AU Villas, with communities receiving as little as 0.05% of the market value in compensation.

Securing Futures’ report documents systemic abuses, including corrupt land allocations to state officials and violent crackdowns on resisting communities in areas like Sukuta and Brusubi. The group accuses the government of prioritizing elite interests and international development agendas, noting that the policy draft was initiated under World Bank funding conditions rather than a genuine commitment to equity.

04/24/2025

The Managing Director of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Nfansou Bojang, has refuted claims that the Gambia violated any regulations in connection with “Operation Assad,” a covert mission allegedly involving the smuggling of valuables linked to former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

In a Wednesday interview on GRTS’s Good Morning Gambia, Bojang dismissed allegations stemming from a Reuters investigation. The investigation claimed a private jet registered in The Gambia, operated by a Syrian-Lebanese businessman, was used to transport cash, gold, and other assets from Damascus to Russia and Dubai in late 2023. The investigation cited flight records, whistleblower accounts, and intelligence sources, alleging the jet operated under the guise of diplomatic cargo.

By: Ousman Saidykhan The Managing Director of the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Nfansou Bojang, has refuted claims that the Gambia violated any regulations in connection with “Operation Assad,” a covert mission allegedly involving the smuggling of valuables linked to Syrian President B...

04/24/2025

Securing Futures’ report documents systemic abuses, including corrupt land allocations to state officials and violent crackdowns on resisting communities in areas like Sukuta and Brusubi. The group accuses the government of prioritizing elite interests and international development agendas, noting that the policy draft was initiated under World Bank funding conditions rather than a genuine commitment to equity.

As The Gambia’s Draft National Land Policy (2026–2035) undergoes public consultation, land rights activists and Kombo’s land-owning communities, led by the Securing Futures collaborative, are calling for sweeping reforms to address decades of systemic dispossession. The group’s detailed crit...

04/23/2025

Press Release: Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia Launches Women Sports Reporters Commission

The Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (SJAG) is proud to announce the historic launch of the Women Sports Reporters Commission (WSRC), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering and amplifying the voices of women in sports journalism. The launch will take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 4:00 PM at the NaNa Conference Hall.

The event will include a panel discussion with prominent female sports journalists, athletes and administrators, as well as networking opportunities for all attendees.

The establishment of the WSRC underscores our commitment to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in sports media. This commission will provide a platform for women sports reporters to thrive, address unique challenges, and champion the coverage of women’s sports, which is vital to the growth of the sporting ecosystem in The Gambia.

04/23/2025

In a detailed statement, the Sheriff clarified that the High Court’s order was directed solely at SCB, with no penal notice attached. The Sheriff complied by opening the mandated interest-bearing account and notified SCB’s Managing Director via a letter dated April 17, 2025, instructing the deposit as ordered. The Sheriff emphasized that its role in enforcing injunctive orders is limited to serving the order and preparing a return of service, enabling contempt proceedings by the benefiting party if the order is not followed. “The Sheriff does not have the powers to direct compliance with an injunctive order or to force a party to comply,” the statement read, dismissing claims of overreach or misconduct.

The Sheriff categorically denied allegations that its actions, including recalling the bailiff from SCB’s premises, were influenced by a senior lawyer or a Supreme Court judge, labeling the claims “utterly false and misleading” with “far-reaching consequences.” The office clarified that the bailiff’s presence was solely to serve the order and the letter regarding the account, with no further directive from the court. The Sheriff’s call to the bailiff was to ensure compliance with this limited role, not obstructing enforcement.

The Sheriff urged the publication’s source to pursue accountability through established judicial and legal channels, noting that no individual mentioned is immune to such processes. The office also highlighted that the injunctive order is under appeal, with a stay of compliance sought pending the appeal’s outcome, and called for restraint to allow the legal process to unfold.

04/23/2025

The planned deportation of Fatou Tamba, a 55-year-old woman who has lived in the UK for 18 years, was canceled at the last minute, bringing relief to her friends, family, and supporters. However, those close to her say the fight is far from over, as the “bigger” issue of her uncertain immigration status remains unresolved.

Tamba has spent the last eight years in Liverpool and is a well-known and cherished figure in the city’s refugee and asylum-seeker community. She has worked tirelessly with local groups to support women arriving in the region, building a life that includes her partner, son, and brother in the UK. Despite her deep ties to the community, Tamba faced deportation to The Gambia, where her family fears she could be in grave danger due to her association with the country’s former government.

In March, Tamba was detained by immigration officials during a routine check-in and transferred to Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre in the North East. Her scheduled deportation on Tuesday evening prompted a desperate campaign by her loved ones and activists, who warned that returning to The Gambia could expose her to persecution, kidnapping, or even death. A petition to stop the deportation gained significant traction, and campaigners held protests, including an action by the No To Hassockfield group that physically blocked a van from leaving the detention center.

On Tuesday, Tamba’s lawyer received notification from the Home Office that the removal order had been canceled until further notice, though no new deportation date was provided. Her brother, Lamine Tamba, with British citizenship, expressed cautious optimism, stating, “We are very pleased, but we know this is one victory, and a bigger victory is needed.” He hopes Tamba’s application to remain in the UK based on her family life will be accepted, allowing her to work and contribute to society.

04/23/2025

The planned deportation of Fatou Tamba, a 55-year-old woman who has lived in the UK for 18 years, was canceled at the last minute, bringing relief to her friends, family, and supporters. However, those close to her say the fight is far from over, as the “bigger” issue of her uncertain immigration status remains unresolved.

Tamba has spent the last eight years in Liverpool and is a well-known and cherished figure in the city’s refugee and asylum-seeker community. She has worked tirelessly with local groups to support women arriving in the region, building a life that includes her partner, son, and brother in the UK. Despite her deep ties to the community, Tamba faced deportation to The Gambia, where her family fears she could be in grave danger due to her association with the country’s former government.

The planned deportation of Fatou Tamba, a 55-year-old woman who has lived in the UK for 18 years, was canceled at the last minute, bringing relief to her friends, family, and supporters. However, those close to her say the fight is far from over, as the “bigger” issue of her uncertain immigratio...

04/23/2025

Modou Mboob, a prominent figure in the Citizens’ Alliance (CA), has formally withdrawn his candidature for Secretary General and Party Leader positions, citing the need for peace and unity within the party. The announcement follows months of internal revitalization efforts led by current leader Dr. Ismaila Ceesay.

In December 2024, Mboob declared his intent to contest for CA leadership at the party’s National Congress, driven by concerns over the party’s declining activity and fading core values. “I resolved to challenge the status quo and lead the call for change,” Mboob stated, highlighting the dormancy of regional structures at the time.

Modou Mboob, a prominent figure in the Citizens’ Alliance (CA), has formally withdrawn his candidature for Secretary General and Party Leader positions, citing the need for peace and unity within the party. The announcement follows months of internal revitalization efforts led by current leader Dr...

04/23/2025

The Sheriff categorically denied allegations that its actions, including recalling the bailiff from SCB’s premises, were influenced by a senior lawyer or a Supreme Court judge, labeling the claims “utterly false and misleading” with “far-reaching consequences.” The office clarified that the bailiff’s presence was solely to serve the order and the letter regarding the account, with no further directive from the court. The Sheriff’s call to the bailiff was to ensure compliance with this limited role, not obstructing enforcement.

The Sheriff of the High Court of The Gambia, Omar Jabang, has issued a strong rebuttal to a publication by this outlet on April 22, 2025, which alleged a conspiracy involving a Supreme Court judge, the Sheriff, and a senior lawyer to undermine a High Court order in a high-profile case between 82 Sta...

04/23/2025

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