Gainako Newspaper

.....KUDOS TO FREEDOM NEWSPAPER.
...................................By Yero Jallow ...........................Posted January 3rd, 2007
As the Freedom Newspaper is about to clock one year, I wish well its pioneer, Pa Nderry Mbye and his entire team.
Going through the Freedom archives, it is certain that the paper has been very informative, just like the other Gambian papers
online and at home. As a team member of Gainako, I recall being given space by all the online papers and forums, where I
interacted greatly for a long time. One must not forget previous associations, in fact I consider myself as part and parcel of all
these great media outlets. While there may be a lot of detractors among us, one must according to journalistic ethics give
tolerance, acceptance and diversity a peaceful headway. Freedom and liberty, is a God given right and we must continue to
redeem it at all cost. I am calling on the very Administration composed of “criminal rulers”, whose deeds are helping to
multiply activists in our time by their very whims and caprices on the innocent citizenry of our motherland, to examine its
actions and change soon for the better before its gets too late.

While thanking Nderry and his team, I also want to thank all Newspaper and forum editors, contributors
and fans everywhere. The relationship is an interdependent one. I also want to offer my advice over certain
things that if maintained or put to place will ensure that the paper fulfills its mission. Whatever advice is given
herein is also signaled to other media outlets.

The hacking spree constantly observed at the Freedom must seize immediately to protect people who committed themselves
to giving information to the paper.

Freedom must continue to verify and authenticate its stories to avoid the paper being reduced to a mere gossiping place by
any angry person.

Freedom must begin to engage Jammeh in full gears while exposing his mal-practices to bring to shine the other side of the
coin.

Freedom must not only focus on politics. They must enlighten people on other areas like Agriculture, Tourism, Culture, et
cetera et cetera.

Freedom and all other papers must continue to offer voice to people, and truly represent national interest.

Freedom and all other papers and forums must act as peaceful canopies for people under their protection.

Freedom and all other papers must seek cover under one umbrella, the GPU
which will maintain a standard for operations.

Finally, I want to reiterate my continuous and unflinching support for all media outlets regardless of differences in political
ideology.

In the Struggle,
Yero Jallow,
Associate of GON.

Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
..........................................Issue No. 013/2007 ...............Posted February 3rd, 2007

Editorial
DR. MBOWE, IS THERE A CURE FOR HIV/AIDS OR NOT?
The government of the Gambia has established the National AIDS Secretariat. The
President of the Republic is the chairperson of the committee responsible for
exercising control and direction of the secretariat.
The World Bank initially gave US$ 15 million to the government to establish a
National programme to control HIV/AIDS in 2001 for a period of 4 years.
The primary focus of the secretariat had been to conduct sensitisation programmes to
educate the Gambia people that HIV/AIDS has no cure; that people should abstain or
conduct safe sex to prevent HIV/AIDS infection.
Furthermore, the public has been informed that those living with HIV/AIDS should be
protected from discrimination that their lives may be prolonged by good nutrition,
solidarity and tolerance of the public, effective treatment of opportunistic
infections, clean environment and relaxation.
What is not clear from Dr. Mbowe’s review of CD4 counts is whether he is implying
that the opportunistic infections are being treated to prolong the lives of those
infected or that the infection is actually being cured. There is no mention of blood
test to confirm that any of the patients is free from the infection.
To avoid confusion, it is necessary for Dr. Mbowe to come out clearly to explain
whether the treatment of HIV.AIDS patients are designed to cure them or to help them
to live with HIV/AIDS in a better manner. This is the burning issue of the day. Dr.
Mbowe needs to call a press conference to clarify matters so that the sensitisation
efforts of NAS will not go in vain.

MASS ARRESTS IN BADIBOU
By Yaya Dampha
The defeated UDP candidate in Lower Baddibou, Mr. Kebba F. Singhateh and (15)
fifteen of his supporters were arrested on Saturday by officials of the Police
Intervention Unit,(PIU).
According to Mr. Lamin Buna Singhateh [ a brother to the defeated candidate ], one
Miss Jamba Barrow (a cousin to Hon. Suku Singhateh) had a brawl with Mr. Faburama
Singhateh at the market and it ended in a physical fight. He said that later in the
day, one Lamin Singhateh came and found the UDP candidate’s son brewing China Green
tea (Attaya) and assaulted him; that an MP (name witheld) later called the police
who came and arrested Kebba F. Singhateh, Lamin Singhateh, Ebrima Dambelly, Omar
Ceesay, Faburama Singhateh, Alhagie Ngum, Jololi Barrow, Mafafu Saho, Lang Jumbo
Singhateh, Faburama Gasama, Bubacarr Singhateh, Ousman Suso, Burama Jaliba,
Buramanding Singhateh, Buranding Danso and Dembo Makalo. Nine of the arrestees are
detained at
Farafenni Police Station while the other six are detained at Kerewan Police Station.
The family members have raised concern over the arrest and detention of their loved
ones and called on the authorities to release them.
However, sources close to Farafenni Police confirmed the arrest of the nine people.
When contacted, Police Relations Officer (PRO) Aziz Bojang said when complaints were
made to the police they had to arrest those suspected and that it is only the court
that can prove guilt. He said if somebody lodges a complaint with the police, they
(the police) have to proceed to effect the arrest of those alleged to have committed
the offence, but that this does not mean that the police are siding with the party
that complained.
Superintendent Bojang however did not say anything as to why the Lower Badibou UDP
candidate and his supporters are still being detained for over six days which is
beyond the required constitutional duration of 72 hours or three days.

GROUNDNUT TRADE IN LIMBO
By Yaya Dampha
The groundnut trade season is in limbo as farmers throughout the country complained
of lack of buying centers.
When Foroyaa got the information, this reporter went round the country to interview
farmers. It was discovered that the buying centres are not functional this year.
According to farmers in the Lower River Region, they were told that they should take
their nuts to the Tendaba GGC depot for sale. When this reporter visited Tendaba, he
was told that there is cash with the depot managers throughout the country, but they
were told not buy below five tons of groundnut.
In some parts of the CRR the farmers interviewed said they are not able to sell
their nuts because the only buying center is in Kudang Tenda and Kuntaur depot which
are far from their places. A farmer said he has only three tons for sale, but he
could not sell it because it is below the recommended five tons that the depots are
accepting.
Many farmers said they have to combine their nuts in order to have the recommended
five tons quantity for sale.
In U.R.R, the farmers are faced with the same problems but the situation there is
better than all the other places, because the farmers in U.R.R have an association
and private buyers go to villages to buy nuts. However they registered their
disappointment over the government’s failure to buy their nuts.
In the N.B.R the only buying centre is Barra. The farmers complained that the buying
centre in Barra is not strategically located, as it is far from their villages. The
farmers there said they have resorted to selling their nuts in the weekly markets
(lumos).

SERGEANT BUBA MENDY STILL DETAINED
Sergeant Buba Mendy of The Gambia Armed Forces is still detained at the maximum
security wing of the Mile Two Central Prison, a source informed this paper.
Mendy was arrested and detained shortly after the alleged coup plot led by Colonel
Ndure Cham was purportedly quelled by The Gambia Armed Forces. A source close to
Mendy’s family said the latter is kept incommunicado. The source went on to say that
the family was allowed access to him only once, and since then, they have not been
allowed to see him. The source said the members of his family are not aware of any
charge against him.
According to reports, the wife of the latter was pregnant at the time of his arrest.
. The source further indicated that the continued detention of Mendy has affected
his family, including his wife.

RAMBO JATTA DETAINED AT FATOTO POLICE STATION
Mr. Ousman Rambo Jatta, the councillor for Bakau Ward, who was arrested since August
2006 and detained in various Police Stations in the country, is now detained at
Fatoto.
Jatta is reported to have spent some weeks in Fatoto Police Station. He is said to
have been transferred to Fatoto after he spent three months at Sare Ngai Police
Station. He was earlier detained at Sibanor, Gunjur, Kotu, Jareng and Mile Two
Prison. He is reported to have been accused of attempting to act in a violent manner
at an IEC registration centre in Bakau. He was charged and arraigned in court, but
the state has failed to produce him in court. It is reported that Jatta is
physically healthy.

Reporters without Borders issues its 2007
annual press freedom survey
The survey, published on 1 February, reports on press freedom in 98 countries and
includes the main violations of journalists’ rights in 2006 and regional aspects of
media and Internet freedom.
The report (in English, French, Spanish and Arabic) can be read at www.rsf.org and
downloaded in its entirety or by region.
“The report lists the worst violations in repressive countries, including major
culprits North Korea, Eritrea, Cuba and Turkmenistan, but also looks at democracies,
where progress needs to be made too,” the organisation says.
“A disturbingly record number of journalists and media workers were killed or thrown
in prison around the world in 2006 and we are already concerned about 2007, as six
journalists and four media assistants have been killed in January alone,” the
report’s introduction says.
“But beyond these figures is the alarming lack of interest (and sometimes even
failure) by democratic countries in defending the values they are supposed to
incarnate.”
“Almost everyone believes in human rights these days but amid the silences and
behaviour on all sides, we wonder who now has the necessary moral authority to make
a principled stand in favour of these freedoms.”
Media workers in the Middle East were once again the victims of the region’s chronic
instability. 65 journalists and media assistants were killed in Iraq and
kidnappings were more frequent there and in the Palestinian Territories. Despite
repeated promises, the region’s governments have not introduced significantly
greater democracy.
In Latin America, the murder of nearly a dozen journalists in Mexico with virtual
impunity, the continued imprisonment of more than a score in Cuba and the
deteriorating situation in Bolivia (nevertheless the best-ranked country of the
South in the Reporters Without Borders annual press freedom index) are all signals
to the international community to be very vigilant.
Press freedom violations in Asia peaked with 16 media workers killed, at least 328
arrested, 517 physically attacked or threatened and 478 media outlets censored in
2006. Censorship is very widespread and complete freedom to speak and write is rare
in Asia.
Many African governments, especially those in the Horn of Africa, distrust media
workers. The killers of journalists are also not being punished in Gambia and
Burkina Faso.
Dictatorships also seem to be tightening their grip on the Internet and at least 60
people are in prison for posting criticism of the government online. China, the
leading offender, is being copied by Vietnam, Syria, Tunisia, Libya and Iran and
more and more bloggers and cyber-dissidents are in jail.
The survey, published on 1 February, reports on press freedom in 98 countries and
includes the main violations of journalists’ rights in 2006 and regional aspects of
media and Internet freedom.
“Almost everyone believes in human rights these days but amid the silences and
behaviour on all sides, we wonder who now has the necessary moral authority to make
a principled stand in favour of these freedoms.”
Dictatorships also seem to be tightening their grip on the Internet and at least 60
people are in prison for posting criticism of the government online. China, the
leading offender, is being copied by Vietnam, Syria, Tunisia, Libya and Iran and
more and more bloggers and cyber-dissidents are in jail.

TRIAL OF OLD YUNDUM RESIDENTS
By Modou Jonga
The trial involving Mustapha Jadama and 16 other accused persons was on Wednesday
31st January, 2007 adjourned to 6th February due to the absence of the police
prosecutor.
The accused persons who were present in court, pleaded not guilty to the criminal
charge preferred against them. They are arraigned in court for acting without legal
authority in a manner that is calculated to lead to incitement of violence,
destruction or damage to property.
The case which has been in court for over one month, has so far heard the
testimonies of three prosecution witnesses. All three are officers of the Police
Intervention Unit who are attached to the Brikama Police Station.

TREASON TRIAL DEFERRED
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The treason trial involving Tamsir Jasseh, Alieu Jobe, Omar Faal Keita and Demba Dem
could not proceed at the High Court on Wednesday due to the illness of one of the
accused persons.
Emmanuel Fagbenle, director of public prosecution submitted that Demba Dem was taken
to hospital. At this juncture, Fagbenle applied for an adjournment of the hearing.
Defence lawyer Lamin Jobarteh told the trial judge, Justice Yeboah that he does not
know the state of his client. Jobarteh also said that he only came to understand
that very day that Dem was taken to the accident and emergency unit at the Royal
Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) in Banjul.
Justice Yeboah adjourned the trial to the 7th of February. Dem and others are
standing trial for their role in the alleged March 21st foiled coup d’etat.

APRC SUPPORTER ACQUITTED AND DISCHARGED

By Modou Jonga
Alimamo Gibba, a supporter of the APRC and a resident of Pirang Village in the Kombo
East was on Wednesday 31st January 2007, acquitted and discharged on an assault
charge. He was acquitted after the prosecution failed to adduce sufficient evidence.
The judgment was delivered by Magistrate E.F M’bai at the Brikama Magistrate’s
court. Mr. Gibba is alleged to have assaulted one Oley Touray (a supporter of the
United Democratic Party) with a stone on the 15th May 2006 at Pirang Village in the
Western Region.
Three prosecution witnesses have testified on the said assault case. They included
the complainant, Oley Touray, Lamin R. Darboe and Sergeant Bunja Darboe of the
Brikama Police Station. Mr. Gibba entered his defence on 19th December 2006.
The case has dragged for more than two months at the said court.

IEC ON KEMESENG’S RESIGNATION
The IEC has reacted to a story published in one of the local newspapers. The story
is centered on the resignation of Kemeseng Jammeh from NADD. Below is the press
release issued by the IEC.
“The INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION has learnt with utter dismay the insinuations
made by the Clerk of the National Assembly on the matter relating to the resignation
from NADD of the former NAM for Jarra West, Kemeseng Jammeh.
In accordance with Section 91 subsection 1 (d) of the Constitution of the Republic
of the Gambia (1997), Kemeseng Jammeh ceased to be a member of the National Assembly
because he resigned from NADD. Through a copy of the letter to NADD dated 1st
January 2007, prior to the nomination of candidates for the National Assembly
Elections, the IEC was informed of his resignation from NADD.
Section 91 subsection 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of the Gambia (1997)
stipulates that “the Clerk of the National Assembly shall inform the INDEPENDENT
ELECTORAL COMMISSION of any vacancy among the members of the National Assembly.”
One can therefore deduce from the aforementioned that the onus for the giving of
information on the occurrence of a vacancy lies under the ambit of the Clerk of the
National Assembly and not the INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION. Kemeseng Jammeh
should have notified the National Assembly.”

“MY VICTORY WAS A LANDSLIDE” SAYS SULAYMAN JOOF
By Amie Sanneh
The APRC elected representative for Serrekunda West, Sulayman Joof, has described
his victory as a landslide, noting that he scored 69 percent of the votes cast.
In an interview with Foroyaa at his residence, he expressed concern towards the
development of his constituency.
Commenting on his plans for the constituency, Sulayman Joof noted that he will
continue to raise issues that concern his constituency at the National Assembly to
ensure that there is improvement in the life of his people.
Honourable Joof also promised his constituents that their will be an extension and
provision of clean water supply, quality road network, skill centres and the
empowerment of women.
He also complained about the low voter turnout and said it is his concern.
“We will start to educate the electorate to come out and vote as they did during the
presidential elections,” he said.
Mr. Joof said it is a serious matter, because for some people, once they have voted
in the presidential elections and saw how the results went, they do not bother
anymore, because to them, they feel that they know the results already.
“Another reason that might have led to the low voter turn out is voter apathy as
people may feel tired to vote because they have voted just four months ago,” said
Joof.
He also explained that some voters may think that the National Assembly Elections
are not important and as a result would not bother to vote.
These are the very ones who would make demands to their parliamentarians”.
The Serrekunda West NAM expressed happiness for his re-election, describing it as an
honour. He thanked his supporters and urged them to continue to rally behind the
APRC party.

AT THE COURT MARTIAL WO2 JABANG CROSS EXAMINED
By Fabakary B. Ceesay & Annia Gaye
Warrant officer second class, Nfally Jabang of the Gambia Armed Forces, was cross
examined by defense counsel Lamin S. Camara, at the court martial at Yundum barracks
on Thursday 1st February 2007.
Defense counsel, Lamin S. Camara, asked the witness, when was the video cassette
recorded and whether it was recorded during the course of their investigations. WO2
Jabang replied that the tape was recorded on the 26th March 2006 and that it was
recorded during the course of their investigation. He said that Captain Wassa Camara
made the request for the accused persons to appear on TV, but was quick to say that
the request was not made in writing. He said the recording was made in the presence
of two police officers, Lamin Cham and
Abdoulie Sowe, the two independent witnesses, Babou Loum and Tijan Bojang and the
three (3) GRTS crew, Modou Sanyang, Director, one Alieu and their assistant. WO2
Jabang admitted that he was not present when the recording was done but that he made
the arrangements for the recording. Jabang indicated that since he was not inside
when the recording was taking place, he did not know what had transpired there.
Counsel Camara asked him, whether he had seen the accused persons when they were
taken to the NIA and how many of them he saw, Jabang responded that, he saw them and
that they were six (6) in number; namely, Captain Bunja Darboe, Captain Camara,
Captain Yaya Darboe, captain Wassa Camara Tamsir Jasseh and their Marabout (five
names were mentioned). Mr. Jabang denied picking up the accused persons from the
Mile Two to the NIA complex, adding that he did not know what happened at mile two
prison. Camara asked him whether he noticed that Captain Bunja Darboe’s hand was
broken and he replied in the negative. He added that he never knew that Captain
Bunja Darboe’s hand was broken. “I’m putting it to you that Captain Darboe’s hand
was broken. When exhibit M (video tape) was made, I’m also putting it to you that
none of the accused persons has made a request to speak to the general public,:
Jabang replied , “It was requested by Captain Wassa Camara to Sowe and that it was
brought to the panel that the accused wanted to appeal to the public on TV.” Counsel
Camara asked whether the accused were cautioned and whether the cautionary words
were put on the video tape. He said that, the accused were cautioned by Lamin Cham
and Abdoulie Sowe but that it was not on video tape. WO2 Jabang indicated that the
accused persons were cautioned before they were taken for recording. Camara
asked, under who’s authority was the video tape shown on TV, he replied that it was
under the panel’s authority. Camara asked whether he entered the recording in his
diary of action. WO2 Jabang said, “It is contained in the police diary.” “I’m
putting it to you that it is not correct that it was contained in the police diary,”
says Camara. Wo2 Jabang replied “Well if you wish, but it is correct that it is
there in the police diary.” Sitting continues on the 8th February, 2007.

UDP CANDIDATE AND SUPPORTERS GRANTED BAIL
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
Mahamadou Saibo Sagnia, the UDP candidate for Basse constituency in the recent
parliamentary elections and nine of his supporters were on Monday granted bail by
Justice Monageng of the Banjul High Court. Justice Monageng has urged each of the
accused persons to sign a bond of D8000 and to provide a Gambian Surety.
Mr. Sagnia and his co-accused who are on trial at the Basse Magistrate’s Court were
charged with unlawful assembly and conduct conducive to the breach of peace. Four of
them are facing an extra charge of common assault.
The prosecutor is Corporal Juldeh Camara and the trial Magistrate is Amadou Baldeh.
The accused persons were represented at the High Court by Neneh Cham.
The accused persons are suppose to appear at the Basse Magistrate’s Court on the 8th
February 2007.
Ousainou Darboe, The UDP leader has confirmed the release of the ten accused
persons, who were remanded.

FORMER PRESIDENT SIR DAWDA JAWARA LEAVES FOR NIGERIA
By Amie Sanneh
The former President of the first Republic of The Gambia, Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara,
on Wednesday evening left for Nigeria to head an ECOWAS delegation on a fact finding
mission on the electoral process in Nigeria due this year.
Shortly before his departure, Sir Dawda told journalists at a press briefing held at
the Banjul International Airport VIP lounge that his main task will be to meet
stakeholders across Nigeria such as the executive, Judiciary, legislature, media and
the civil society.
He said as a former president of this country he feels honoured and proud, not only
of himself but also The Gambia to head the ECOWAS delegation which is commissioned
to explore and investigate on the situation in Nigeria in the run-up to their
forthcoming presidential election. Responding to questions, Mr. Jawara described his
mission as significant, noting that it will enable ECOWAS to have an idea on the
situation of the election in Nigeria. Sir Dawada revealed that Nigeria has a
population of 75 million people and 50 million managed to be registered.
After completing their mission he said they hope to report to ECOWAS and give them
what transpired on the ground and also give advice.
Mr. Jawara hoped that the report will enable all those concern to conduct an
election which can be regarded as free and fair. He stressed the need for elections
to be conducted in a free and fair manner.
He also emphasised the need for good governance in Africa, noting that the media has
an important role to play in maintaining good governance and to ensure fairness in
any election process.
Also speaking at the press briefing Nuru Jobe, head of finance and operations at the
ECOWAS Bureau in Banjul, described Sir Dawda’s mission as a heavy burden bestowed on
him. He said he is hopeful that with Sir Dawda’s experience, he will live up to
expectation and make the flag flying high.
Mr. Jobe indicated that it is a challenging task, given Nigeria’s realities. He
added that ECOWAS came up with this Protocol and it will have a positive impact
towards the promotion of good governance and democracy.
Mr. Jobe expressed his hope that upon the completion of this mission, the election
process in Nigeria will be 90 percent free from hitches. He also said that
shortcomings will be included in the report to serve as lessons to be improved upon
in future.

WHAT WAS SUSAN WAFA OGOO DOING AT SIBANOR VILLAGE
The people of Sibanor Village were stunned by the unceremonious visit of SOS Susan
Wafa Ogoo on Wednesday 24th January. At around 8:10pm four cars with registration
numbers BJL 4464 D, BJL 8012D, C W D 1 and BJL 6888 D stopped at Faburey Kunda and
from them came out the Secretary of State, the Commissioner Western Division and a
few other people whose identity could not be confirmed. When this reporter was
informed of the
SoS’s presence in the village, he tried to enquire from the people what precipitated
the Sos’s visit to the village at that time. Some of the women and young men who
said they had a meeting with the SoS said she made it to the village to persuade
them to vote for the APRC candidate Ebrima Janko Sanyang not for his sake but for
the sake of the APRC and its leadership. One of the young men who spoke to me
emphasised that there is no amount of persuasion that would make them shift their
allegiance. Both men and women who spoke to this reporter vowed they would not yield
to any inducement, saying simply they could not withstand the malign and insults
metted to village elders by the incumbent and his supporters.
Two Arrested
On a separate development, two people were arrested by a mob of youths who threaten
to beat them mercilessly but with the timely intervention of the IEC Assistant
Returning Officer, the two men were taken to the Sibanor Police Station. When the
Assistant Returning Officer, Mr. Babucarr Samba was contacted the following day he
highlighted the reasons for the arrest of the two people. “I was on my way to the
primary school to check the placing of the ballot boxes and grounding of all flags
as required by IEC when my attention was called. I was told that the two people were
from Foni Kansala District and were caught canvassing for votes when it was cooling
off day, a day when all political activities were to cease” He said he then escorted
the
two men to the police station where he gave his statement to the NIA operative at
Sibanor, Mr. Tamba, and also the police in his own hand writing and left. When I
asked him if the two were still in detention, he said he understood they had been
released. The Station Officer at Sibanor was contacted but he declined to comment,
saying the Police PRO is the right person to be contacted. However, frantic efforts
were made to reach the PRO but to no avail.

DR HENRY CARROL ON TAMBA FOFANA’S DETENTION
By Abdoulie Dibba
Dr. Henry Carrol, the Solicitor General, has informed this reporter that he does not
know why Tamba Fofana is still detained by the authorities.
Dr. Carrol made this statement during an interview with this reporter on Thursday.
The Solicitor General confirmed that the court has made an order for Tamba to be
released from custody, but he could not explain why Fofana is yet to be released by
the authorities. He (Carrol) asked this reporter to contact the arresting authority
and find out whether the bail conditions have been met. This reporter has learnt
that the bail conditions have been met, but Fofana continues to languish in
detention.
Fofana is the head teacher at the Kudang Lower Basic School. He was arrested a week
before the presidential election.

Correction!!!
Results for National Assembly Elections for Niamina East as published in Foroyaa
Issue No. 11/07 (29-30January) are 2586 votes for Foday Jallow of APRC and 2401
votes for Ebrima L.S. Marenah the independent candidate instead of 2554 votes and
2041 votes, respectively, as reported before.

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