tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4048609319170518052024-02-25T05:18:26.278-05:00Sidi SannehSidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comBlogger1342125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-21172777145637965112021-05-27T10:14:00.000-04:002021-05-27T10:14:26.061-04:00Open Letter to President Adama Barrow of The Republic of The Gambia <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcpeU2c3dpblWHUTMLBQeGgdNqOIZu3LcXkL-PitOnfFVe_OVBvk2TRkJR2VktbXczhk1UldyZAnTpMMVBL75QZ137KXkMDF-aFZBj_VGzSTAXKrDok58StPXvDxR099veklkxczPUA1q/s344/Right2know+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="111" data-original-width="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcpeU2c3dpblWHUTMLBQeGgdNqOIZu3LcXkL-PitOnfFVe_OVBvk2TRkJR2VktbXczhk1UldyZAnTpMMVBL75QZ137KXkMDF-aFZBj_VGzSTAXKrDok58StPXvDxR099veklkxczPUA1q/s320/Right2know+logo.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs__az-PeFb2Z7rNZO4TcDwPGxkoKYTfkeXyFL1g8tsKMeK1XA2SKa84dOai9yAYWKY0AUmbps-07Dx-A1_O_GIRPvsHsZXDlcDawNyp3u2b3QenZzQPUxHUHnWyp8BCxpjJIk6yGZiR8/s379/DUGA+DC+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKs__az-PeFb2Z7rNZO4TcDwPGxkoKYTfkeXyFL1g8tsKMeK1XA2SKa84dOai9yAYWKY0AUmbps-07Dx-A1_O_GIRPvsHsZXDlcDawNyp3u2b3QenZzQPUxHUHnWyp8BCxpjJIk6yGZiR8/s320/DUGA+DC+Logo.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div></div><p></p><p>Your Excellency</p><p>President Adama Barrow
President of the Republic of the Gambia
No 1 Anne Marie Javouhey Ave, The State House
Banjul
The Gambia
24th May 2021
Your Excellency, President Adama Barrow,
Disenfranchisement of 200,000 Diaspora Gambians cannot be allowed to continue under
your watch
The undersigned Gambian diaspora organizations and individual citizens, resident in foreign
countries, are deeply concerned about the slow pace of preparedness of the Independent
Electoral Commission (IEC) to actualize diaspora voting for the Presidential Election
scheduled for December 2021. </p><p>We are equally worried that barely seven months to the said Presidential Election, the apparent
lack of commitment on the part of other relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs (MoFA), responsible for diaspora affairs and the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the line
Ministry overseeing the IEC, have evidently failed to show reasonable haste, to coordinate their
efforts in order to expedite the necessary processes that will ensure that the diaspora’s right to
vote in compliance with both existing laws and government policy, materializes in good time
for the scheduled election. </p><p>Your Excellency, we respectfully draw your attention to the policy statement contained in your
government’s flagship policy documents, the National Development Plan (NDP), 2018-2021,
specifically under the heading of ‘Diaspora in Development’, as one of the seven (7) critical
enablers of the NDP, in which your government gave a cast-iron guarantee to actualize the
enfranchisement of the Gambian Diaspora, in accordance with sections 39(1) and 26 of the
1997 Constitution. We also call your attention to the recent Supreme Court ruling in the case
of Bakary Bunja Dabo and others vs Attorney General of the 27th January 2021, in which the
country’s apex court reaffirmed the right of Gambians living abroad, to be registered and to
vote in all elections and referenda amongst other rights. </p><p>Your Excellency, continuing to tolerate the disenfranchisement of the Gambian Diaspora is
proven to be difficult, because it is the same as disenfranchising the whole of Kerewan Local
Area Council, which has a similar population size to the Gambian Diaspora. It will also amount
to a deliberate and direct discrimination of around 9% of the Gambian population, in clear
violation of constitutional provisions (Sections 17 and 33) of the 1997 Constitution, based
merely on where a citizen resides. The supreme laws of the Gambia prohibit such act, the
Gambian people abhor it, and so should you, Your Excellency.</p><p> As the 2021 presidential elections draws closer, the Gambian Diaspora and their supporters at
the home front, continue to demand for the Gambian Diaspora’s legal right to be registered and
to vote, and we call on Your Excellency to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the promise
you made to the 8th region of the Gambia (The Diaspora) in your NDP, is respected and
fulfilled. The implementation of this legitimate demand will be in keeping with the obligations
of your government to respect the Constitution of the Gambia, to project a culture of sound
democratic practice, to promote the principles of popular and inclusive participation, and to
demonstrate respect for the rule of law. </p><p>Your Excellency, the implications of doing anything less, by continuing the illegal policy of
deliberate inaction on the part of your government, and the continuing disenfranchisement of
bona fide Gambian citizens, who just happen to live abroad, will prolong the more than two
decade long policy of marginalization by the ousted dictatorship, that deprived the Gambia
Diaspora of their constitutional entitlement to participate in national affairs since the advent of
the second republic. In fact, anything short of registering the Gambian Diaspora, in line with
constitutional stipulations, to actualize the Gambian Diaspora’s right to vote in the December
election, will call into question, the legitimacy and credibility of the Presidential Election; and
could trigger further unintended consequences. It will also no doubt, Your Excellency,
negatively impact on your legacy. </p><p>So, as we endeavor to find an expeditious path to the realization of our full legal entitlement
to participate in national decision making at the highest level, along with our brothers and
sisters, and our larger Gambian family, please be assured Your Excellency, of our highest
consideration and respect. </p><p>Yours Sincerely </p><p><b>Ndey Jobarteh </b></p><p>For and on behalf of the under mentioned signatories. </p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Right to Know (R2K) </b></p><p><b>Democratic Union of Gambian Activists (DUGA) </b></p><p><b>Gambia House </b></p><p>Cc:
Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) </p><p>Ministry of Justice (MOJ) </p><p>Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) </p><p>Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA) </p><p>Joint Committees of the FASC and LGRA of the National Assembly of the Gambia </p><p>African Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights </p><p>British High Commissioner to The Gambia </p><p>EU Delegation to The Gambia </p><p>Article 19</p>Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-23372304079844861242020-10-07T10:28:00.000-04:002020-10-07T10:28:20.666-04:00The fracture that threatens the peace and stability: A re-publication<p> </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_D_UlNnrkVjV5jpXxPNOCfifBWJ9s3OM62qsKZSoV98ZOAWTEynWBoCl5vjS5a-voVqOHwJH6lqYqvOkP-a1hiSR-p9BmU4_YWiBLIehqkNJKfVzy4gm_AtE_muVBCQfF3IS8kbuN_z2-/s1600/Barrow+and+Darboe.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_D_UlNnrkVjV5jpXxPNOCfifBWJ9s3OM62qsKZSoV98ZOAWTEynWBoCl5vjS5a-voVqOHwJH6lqYqvOkP-a1hiSR-p9BmU4_YWiBLIehqkNJKfVzy4gm_AtE_muVBCQfF3IS8kbuN_z2-/s320/Barrow+and+Darboe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barrow and Darboe </td></tr></tbody></table><b>Re-publication of a blogpost first published October 7th, 2018</b><br /><div>----------------------------</div><div>The coalition of opposition parties that contested the December 2016 presidential elections against the regime of Jammeh, although it ended up victorious, was wittingly or unwittingly made to fracture. Halfway into the three-year transition government of Adama Barrow, discernible cracks, deep enough to prove irreparable, emerged, confirming the temporary nature of what can now be characterized as a political alliance of convenience - an admission that would have invited the wrath of the partisan supporters of the coalition.<br /><br />Presidential candidate Adama Barrow was the by-product of the political realities of the time when the leader of the single largest opposition party, Ousainou Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) was imprisoned for leading a demonstration to demand the release of the body of Solo Sandeng, a member of his party's executive and youth leader killed by paramilitary police. In addition to facing a leadership deficit, the unification of a plethora of opposition parties into a coercive and unified force to contest the December 2016 presidential elections, will again, prove to be a special challenge after failures in three successive times in 2001, 2006 and 2011.<br /><br />The coalition of opposition parties was finally realized but not before it became a precondition of the electorate who demanded it. Days into the campaign, it became clear that the electorate will not tolerate another fragmented opposition to fail at the hands of a well-financed and state-subsidized incumbent candidate with all the state machinery behind him. Only a coalition of all of the opposition parties can defeat Jammeh. In response to this demand, a convention of opposition parties was convened, literally days before the December 1st 2016 elections, that produced an obscure UDP party treasurer of unknown quantity to many named Adama Barrow, the UDP party treasurer, as the coalition's candidate for the presidency.<br /><br />Recognizing his lack of experience in governance with low public profile, presidential candidate Barrow pleaded for patience, and solicited support and assistance from coalition members in his quest for the presidency. After his surprise win, followed by a political impasse that lasted several tense weeks of negotiations, Jammeh finally decided to vacate State House under threat of the ECOMIG forces. He went into involuntary exile to Equatorial Guinea and President-elect Barrow assumed office in January 2017,<br /><br />Few days after he won the presidential elections, Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the UDP was released on bail from Mile II prisons and subsequently pardoned together with other senior members of his political party. The man the incoming president refers to as his political 'father' swiftly assumed a central role in the kitchen cabinet of the incoming administration and helped shaped the cabinet. He assumed the post of Foreign Minister, a strategic error in the eyes of some astute observers of the political scene. By insisting on being a member of the cabinet, the UDP leader voluntarily subordinated himself to his political 'son', The President.<br /><br />Mr. Darboe's subsequent promotion to his current position of Vice President notwithstanding, the prevailing view is that he should have opted to stay away from assuming a cabinet post in a transition government that would have allowed time to take care of his health after being a imprisoner at Yaya Jammeh's notorious Mile II prisons before embarking on the task of preparing his party for the next presidential elections. This option would have also made it possible for him to act as adviser to the Barrow government while concurrently strengthening the UDP into a formidable political machine in time for the 2021 presidential elections.<br /><br />It can be argued that by joining the transition government, Darboe inadvertently introduced an element of competition between the boss (Barrow) and his subordinate (Darboe), a role reversal that is manifesting itself in a very complex relationship between the two gentlemen. <br /><br />Conversely, Adama Barrow's performance as president only adds to the imbroglio the transition is turning out to be. The results of the first eighteen months of the Barrow has been anything but encouraging. On the economic management front, the economy is still anemic with high youth unemployment. Little or nothing has happened on the restructuring front which was a top priority of the coalition because the institutions were seriously seriously weakened under Jammeh. Lack of fiscal discipline is still pervasive despite promises to control the recurrent budget.<br /><br />The scourge of corruption has come to be associated with the Barrow government with a series of recent scandals involving over US$750,000 deposited into and transferred from the First Lady's Foundation, SEMLEX, the 57 vehicles gifted to parliamentarians and the latest being the alleged D10,000 per month stipend offered to some parliamentarians by President Barrow which was reported by a sitting member of the National Assembly.<br /><br />Barrow's record has caused him to lose political support by increasing doubts about his ability and competence to manage The Gambia as president, further making his political position untenable. Thus his recent move to organize a Youth Movement to rival a similar movement in the party he calls home - the United Democratic Party led by Ousainou Darboe.<br /><br />Tensions are already high as a result of competing camps within the same political party, with allegations of huge sums of money being handed out to UDP leaders in the length and breadth of the country by the Barrow camp as a means of encouraging them to switch allegiance from Darboe too Barrow. In fact, social media is awash with rumors including a claim that Barrow dispatched a delegation to Darboe encouraging him to step down from the leadership of the UDP that will permit him to be nominated the presidential candidate of the UDP in the 2021 presidential elections.<br /><br />The political maneuverings have taken its toll with Barrow spending more time politicking at the expense of his main task of governing a country whose economy and security are both in a fragile state as a result of 22 years of bad governance. Popular dissatisfaction with Barrow style of governance is growing with every new scandal that has cost him dear, further dimming his chances of securing an <a href="http://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2018/02/president-barrow-must-set-down-in-2019.html">extended term of five</a> instead of the current three stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding - the document outlining both his Manifesto and his term of office as a non-party affiliated candidate of the coalition of the unified opposition parties.<br /><br />The peace and security implications of an uncertain alliance between President Barrow and Vice President Darboe are great and may have played a part in the Gambian president, inappropriately and publicly requesting through the AU Chairperson the extension of the ECOMIG Mission in The Gambia to 2021, instead of through ECOWAS as dictated by and in accordance with AU's principle of subsidiarity. This is a move that signals to donors, investors, tourists and Gambians that the peace and security of the country cannot be guaranteed by the transition government, even after eighteen months at the helm, thus sending a message that is anything but reassuring.<br /><br /> ####<br /> </div>Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-24467176603563628252020-08-10T17:48:00.000-04:002020-08-10T17:48:05.309-04:00The Barrow administration must intervene in the Bakoteh - Kololi land grab <p> <b>By public demand, we are republishing this blog post first published June 1st, 2017</b></p><p>------------------------------------------------------------------------</p><p>The youth of Kololi, Bakoteh, Manjaikunda, Sanchaba and satellite towns are battling Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC), Global Properties and Swami India International Ltd. for a parcel of land that initially belonged to the State by an Act of Parliament. <br /><br />In 1991, the Land Act was passed transferring the land to the State. It is unclear when it was transferred to the Kanifing Municipal Council. Equally unclear was whether the transfer was done according to law and if so when did the transfer took place and what were the terms and conditions of the transfer.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4UOWy6kl6TBSzjMncm1qIt5nD8Mx-8LortiUwKgDcc9bw-PEOgLOJ6XeUGgPm2qYzkZO_fgshCRdpfOLWCNzjO9rwtZevssFboSEcMgLfGuwSsxm1Dc76xjgR0DKSIjlPLcLwCVMm1A/s1600/Kololi+Bakoteh+land+sold+by+Jammeh+%2528enhanced%2529+%25282%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="960" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4UOWy6kl6TBSzjMncm1qIt5nD8Mx-8LortiUwKgDcc9bw-PEOgLOJ6XeUGgPm2qYzkZO_fgshCRdpfOLWCNzjO9rwtZevssFboSEcMgLfGuwSsxm1Dc76xjgR0DKSIjlPLcLwCVMm1A/s320/Kololi+Bakoteh+land+sold+by+Jammeh+%2528enhanced%2529+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br />The second question is under what authority was the Kanifing Municipal Council acting when it sub-leased the entire track of land, measuring 58,743 sq m and a distance of 992 meters to Swami India International Ltd. on the 15th August 2015 and a total measly sum of D 5,646 (five thousand, six hundred and forty six dalasi) paid on 13th October of the same year as cost of the title deed ("fencing fee"), good for 99 years. We are in possession of a copy of the sub-lease signed by the CEO of KMC.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUghJNsz44ouTp3XswNmuFOcguaLnGkvzuhyphenhyphenYBWFH28sdMLQAx1pC0fezV6AUiqg6Szbij5fURipBWk4m_CCTaQv6-B0SY0XMsfXwRUp1-duDiFH9rPIIfm4dwyP-aaiSgnUOjlfMs-Y8/s1600/Kololi+Land+Protests+%2528Lease+-+partial%2529.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUghJNsz44ouTp3XswNmuFOcguaLnGkvzuhyphenhyphenYBWFH28sdMLQAx1pC0fezV6AUiqg6Szbij5fURipBWk4m_CCTaQv6-B0SY0XMsfXwRUp1-duDiFH9rPIIfm4dwyP-aaiSgnUOjlfMs-Y8/s320/Kololi+Land+Protests+%2528Lease+-+partial%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p><br />What is the relationship between Swami India and Global Properties and how did these two entities come to own this huge track of land and what were the details of the deal. Did KMC or the Mayor, Yankuba Colley or any members of the KMC benefit financially? How were these financial proceeds treated? <br /><br />What is/was Yaya Jammeh's role in all of the shenanigans going on not only in Kololi but also in Gunjur and Kartong? It doesn't look like much has changed since Jammeh left town in January. <br /><br />These questions are important and require answers because the lives of tens of thousand, in not hundreds of thousands of lives are impacted by this huge land transaction that will not nothing but to sow the seeds of instability in a country that is trying to find its feet after 22 years of pillage by Jammeh and his cronies.<br /><br />Last week Monday, the youth of the area, their parents, elders came out to<a href="http://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2017/05/demonstrations-tomorrow-monday-by.html"> peacefully display</a> their grievances against the CEO of Global Properties, Saul Frazier and Swami India International Ltd. The issue is more than losing a football field, when every inch of open space is consumed by a handful of greedy land speculators and their contractor friends. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnfW7s7dNWVirfje1R0ByhAkDm6ZTGya01fWOp8nwSD8xGk9JHUXKXLlwTxXO8ib34Ze3F68OSNdktxQQ24_2iA7MWWF-cqI0VD31AJH3vwMG828nYPlbFbI0zeRz_mVaAP_OCXwnsHk/s1600/Kololi+LAnd+Protest+6+.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnfW7s7dNWVirfje1R0ByhAkDm6ZTGya01fWOp8nwSD8xGk9JHUXKXLlwTxXO8ib34Ze3F68OSNdktxQQ24_2iA7MWWF-cqI0VD31AJH3vwMG828nYPlbFbI0zeRz_mVaAP_OCXwnsHk/s320/Kololi+LAnd+Protest+6+.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br />We decided to go to press earlier than planned because we learned the police intend to storm and occupy the area, after bribery attempts and other enticements by the land grabbers have failed. According to our sources, the police they have been going around family compounds urging the youth not to participate in demonstrating against the police; at whose direction one might ask.<br /><br />It is their right to peacefully demonstrate if they so chose. Where were these land grabbers when some of the colleagues of these same young people were being killed, maimed, tortured, exiled and sent to Mile II prisons by these very same policemen were doing the bidding for Yaya Jammeh? They are the very same elements the authorities want to unleash on these young men and women who are fighting what they believe to be an injustice. <br /><br />We are respectfully requesting that the Barrow government intervene in this and similar cases in Farato, Gunjur and Kartong to avert what can only be characterize as a potentially explosive environment. Gambians will not expel a dictator of 22 years only to permit the same conditions that prevailed in the Jammeh era to continue under the Barrow government. Things cannot stay the same. They will have to change for the better. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjVXTFYyDyW6PI1TWaAQYmgKgWcoBKZjIvKl4xHoSoOa1MKNNIMo-1qWWrqVSd10u8TjfKVd3h4LeKo9eNgpZVgMLp9b1iArjOGunewy9EVP_lzIdB0SYGX-Ga7chLZC3OrWtfDObWUA/s1600/Kololi+Land+Protest+1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjVXTFYyDyW6PI1TWaAQYmgKgWcoBKZjIvKl4xHoSoOa1MKNNIMo-1qWWrqVSd10u8TjfKVd3h4LeKo9eNgpZVgMLp9b1iArjOGunewy9EVP_lzIdB0SYGX-Ga7chLZC3OrWtfDObWUA/s200/Kololi+Land+Protest+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>Sources on the ground disclosed that legal recourse is being contemplated and maybe an imminent outcome of what is considered to be a blatant misuse of political and financial power against the residents of Kololi, Bakoteh and the other affected satellite towns. It is an option that promises to enjoy a wide public support. <br /></p>Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-53018216216870091102020-07-13T18:01:00.000-04:002020-07-13T18:01:41.912-04:00Press Release of the US Embassy in Banjul, The Gambia on the continued progress in advancing Fiscal Transparency <br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">EMBASSY
OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">Banjul, The Gambia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">For Immediate Release<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span> Kathryn
Edwards, Public Affairs Officer, 439-2856<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">July
13, 2020</span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<h1>
PRESS RELEASE: The Gambia’s Continued Progress in Advancing Fiscal
Transparency<o:p></o:p></h1>
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On June 15, 2020, the United States Department of State
released the 2020 Fiscal Transparency Report, which assessed that The Gambia
made significant progress in its continuing efforts at government fiscal
reform. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Department’s fiscal
transparency review process assesses whether governments meet minimum
requirements of fiscal transparency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
the purpose of this report, the minimum requirements of fiscal transparency
include having key budget documents that are publicly available, substantially
complete, and generally reliable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
review includes an assessment of the transparency of processes for awarding
government contracts and licenses for natural resource extraction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fiscal transparency is a critical element of
effective public financial management, helps build market confidence, and
underpins economic sustainability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Fiscal transparency fosters greater government accountability by
providing a window into government budgets for citizens, helping citizens hold
their leadership accountable, and facilitating better-informed public debate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the review period, The Gambia published its enacted
budget and end-of-year report online and improved the completeness of budget
documents. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Information on debt
obligations was publicly available and updated at least annually. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Budget documents were substantially
complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The criteria and procedures by
which the national government awards contracts or licenses for natural resource
extraction were specified in law and followed in practice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Basic information about natural resource
extraction awards was publicly available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The report also noted that The Gambia’s fiscal transparency would be
improved by publishing its executive budget proposal online within a reasonable
period of time and ensuring the supreme audit institution publishes audit
reports within a reasonable period of time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The U.S. Embassy in The Gambia commends the government of
The Republic of The Gambia, and in particular the Ministry of Finance and
Economic Affairs and the National Assembly, for the continued focus and
attention on enhancing transparency in this and other important areas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The full report is available at: <a href="https://www.state.gov/fiscal-transparency-report/">https://www.state.gov/fiscal-transparency-report/</a>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-70042782651952328962020-07-12T16:33:00.000-04:002020-07-12T16:33:29.474-04:00Statement on State of Affairs in The Gambia of the Right2Know Civic Society Group<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO50FM6rG-jk0n7YYp-H4bq0oaAps-PAk_bjhkyTBk3X-4mTLBGRLw9AvhS6RfnXq_Qe_pVRY4tuYG8Q-Od09Al6eBlUXNI24TCt3RL-NVZ20dpOiumAViRCoAPMeKw11OUtC03Xew15W/s1600/right2know+LOGO+gambia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="406" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFO50FM6rG-jk0n7YYp-H4bq0oaAps-PAk_bjhkyTBk3X-4mTLBGRLw9AvhS6RfnXq_Qe_pVRY4tuYG8Q-Od09Al6eBlUXNI24TCt3RL-NVZ20dpOiumAViRCoAPMeKw11OUtC03Xew15W/s200/right2know+LOGO+gambia.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16pt;">Dear R2Kers: It is now abundantly clear that the country is
on a slippery slope to disaster. We have a government that has demonstrated
time and again, that the it will not put country first and abide by the most
sacrosanct wishes of the people, that they be governed well. In 2016, December
2</span><sup>nd</sup><span style="font-size: 16pt;">, our collective future was pregnant with hope and possibilities
that a new beginning, after being abused and scared for </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">over 22 years of brutality and authoritarian
dispensation, had arrived.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We voted for
CHANGE. We voted and expected a new era of hope- hope for a better life; hope </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">for job prospects for the youth, health care
for all, especially our vulnerable children and women in hard to reach
areas.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We thought we voted for a
compassionate administration, that would deliver and live up to expectations of
a country renewed.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We had the world
behind us in this aspiration.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We even had the intervention of a region that demanded that
our wishes be respected and fulfilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gambia
was the envy of the continent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our flag,
that was tattered and torn, was given a chance of liberty and pride to flutter anew,
in an atmosphere of freedom vested in people power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we were the envy of African states that
yearned for the opportunity we had in 2016. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it has been four difficult years
since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear R2Kers: In this period of hardship, disbelief, dashed
expectations, and wonderment, we are now left to ponder on our next steps in
this journey, which for many is filled with worry, despondency, anxiety and
anger. And rightfully so. The possibilities of being Gambians again remains in
doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since when did things get so dark
that we no longer recognize each other? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are known as a society where religion, ethnicity, socio-economic
or regional background never mattered- hence we were known as the smiling coast,
a happy people filled with optimism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is no accident that our birth, all be it improbable, at the dawn of
independence, was in fact debunked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
forged on, and became a viable nation- although not perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were viable. We were viable in the eyes of
the world. We were that little hamlet on a Hill that punched above its weight. We
sustained a vibrant re export trade, becoming a breadbasket for nations that surrounded
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A safe haven to those that were
displaced in 1980’s and ‘90’s (Liberians, Sierra Leoneans; Guineans;).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We became a bastion of Human Rights, and a
pluralistic democracy in a sea of military regimes, until that reputation ended
in 1994. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">After 22 years of surviving an ordeal that almost consumed
us, we decided- Gambians and Gambia Decided that enough was enough and we
unshackled ourselves from the bondage of dictatorship.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We vowed to each other- a bond that cannot be
broken- that no more shall we be held hostage to corruption, incompetence,
abuse of the constitution, weaponization of state institution to perpetuate
injustice, non-delivery of basic services on education, health, infrastructure,
water and electricity. We AGREED.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Those
that we put in power to safeguard these agreement ACCEPTED to do right by us
and respect our wishes.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">They FAILED us.
They failed on their promise.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear R2Kers: In 2017, we, as Right to Know, sent them a
reminder of their obligations to stay true to the social contract of putting
people first, when the Semlex deal, which was fraught with irregularities and
corruption, surfaced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They ignored us. The
Barrow administration, with the Coalition still on honeymoon, told untruths to
justify their actions. They went ahead, despite our concerns, went ahead and
signed an illegal contract with a company that was at the time being
investigated for corruption and money laundering activities in Belgium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The matter was also at the level of the NA for an inquiry
when Pres Barrow signed a new contract with Semlex regardless. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was the first year into the new Gambia. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We have now taken Semlex and GoTG to court
over the matter. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the same vein we have the evidence to show that the Barrow
administration is not a listening government and are out of touch with reality.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have chosen to proactively engage
with this administration from inception. As far back as 10 April, 2018, (the 18th anniversary of the killing of protesting students), we wrote urging the
president to show political will and leadership in confronting acts of
illegality and corruption in government and prioritize civil and security
sector reforms, by ensuring that impunity is rooted out of the system of
government he inherited. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We never received a response. President Barrow,
instead demonstrated the exact opposite actions, to what we had expected from
an incumbency, which enjoyed enormous goodwill, both internally and externally.
He did nothing. </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Impunity reigns supreme in this government, and lessons and
warnings have gone unheeded. We have communicated to Pres. Barrow our utterly
dismay at the signs of an uncaring, unresponsive and defensive administration,
which he leads, uncanny traits, which are being routinely displayed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We have, over time, also sent out several more missives to
members of his cabinet. On 28 September, 2019, (International Day for Universal
Access to Information), we released a letter to former Minister of Justice Tambadou
and current minister of Communications & Information, Ebrima Sillah,
requesting them to make the Janneh Commission report accessible to the public.
In that letter, we demanded access to the Janneh Commission report, because it
was financed by the public purse, through tax payers’ money.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This was something that no citizen should have to request
for, especially after the lofty promises were made towards deepening and
promoting a culture of a transparent government. Sadly, no response has been
forthcoming from either Minsters, and to date, the Janneh Commission report
remains inaccessible to the public. However, today, we hear and see evidence of
mass impropriety on how Jammeh’s assets were ‘sold’, with little or no
transparency in the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Assessing the figures one would see that the value placed on
most items sold, including luxury cars, landed properties, tractors, is a total
mismatch to proceeds received.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides,
there is clear evidence that the process of sales of Jammeh’s property may have
been illegally done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Undermining all the
efforts put forth in bringing to bare those responsible for looting our
country. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So many people are now left wondering whether this was all
worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if it was, the benefits of
the process to investigate corruption under Jammeh has not translated to
effective recovery of stolen assets by the state for the benefit of the Gambian
people….but instead it was for the benefit of a few people that are politically
connected. Including those in Cabinet, friends and family members of Cabinet,
and those directly linked to the Janneh Commission itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We
will be issuing a separate report on this in the near future.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Today, we are faced with a culmination of outright endemic
corruption in our body politick, where funds have been looted with impunity. The
COVID response has been an utter disaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The funds have been subject to abuse, and mis-allocation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The original resource envelope pegged at D500
million, has since ballooned to four times that amount. The contradictions made
by ministers as to the utilization of these funds is shocking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">More bizarre still, is the fact that health workers who are
on the frontline of the COVID-19 response, for which these resources were
initially meant, have confirmed not receiving anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only remuneration they got was a paltry
D5000, that was over three months ago. So the question remains: <u>where did
the COVID money vanish to?</u> <u>Where did more that D2 billion disappear to
over a period of four months? </u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Gambia Participates, a partner of R2K, has produced a report, which documented
the COVID response:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>On 28th April,
2020, we are told that D160 million was already expended. In addition, that
D100 million was spent on medical equipment, including ambulances and D60
million was spent on hotels, allowances, training, and rehabilitation of health
centers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Upon closer
analysis, the report shows that of the said expenditure only 12% or D3.3
million was spent on actual medical equipment (sanitary items); 40% or D12.8
million went to purchasing new cars; 45% or D14.5 million went to paying hotels
for holding people in quarantine. The rest went to food (3% or D1.1 Million)
and office equipment 0.3% or D111,700).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>D3.7 million
dalasi was said to be spent at the Basse District Hospital, yet the 126 staff
lack hand sanitizers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>There are 12
identified COVID-19 centers with 67 beds in total.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Soma District
Hospital (a population of 82,201), it only has capacity to hold six infected
patients- as it only has six beds, which were put in place 20 years ago. This
means that if there is a COVID case they will not utilize the facility but will
instead send the patients west to Banjul, 178 kms away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">• The entire LRR region has only one overhead thermometer,
which is used by border health officials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The hospital however, does have one armpit thermometer, which
is unsuitable for responding to a COVID cases (s). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Despite the D2
billion in financial resources meant for combat COVID-19, the LRR regional
health directorate was compelled to apply for a small grant from the
International Organization for Migration (IOM) to conduct outreach and
sensitization within its region.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">•<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In Basse, the
hospital is severely handicapped. A massive power surge, which occurred on
March 2nd 2020, due to some maintenance work by NAWEC, affected all the
electronic medical equipment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> Staff complain about lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and training, even
though the Finance Ministry claims that a part of the D160 million was spent on
these things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As if these major anomalies were not enough, we have a
President that decided to take ‘leave’ off us. President Barrow spoke to the
nation twice- by way of a recording to explain his government’s response to the
pandemic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have not seen him in public
in months- this is at a time when the country, like much of the world, is in a
state of disaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is at a time
when the country needs leadership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>President Barrow had decided to be ‘missing in action’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is extremely worrying that with this act
of abdication of responsibility to lead, he keeps extending the SoPE, through
his aides, without showing the courtesy, respect and statesmanship, to explain
to the citizens his reasons for such baffling extensions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On April 6, R2K and other CSOs and business entities wrote to
Barrow, imploring him to take the country in his confidence. We reminded him
that a State of Public Emergency, where movement and freedoms are curtailed,
must include incentives and other actions that would buffer against the
opportunity cost and consequences of such a decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We told him that Government must give support to the populace
and the various sectors of the nerve center of the economy, if such a decision
to declare a SoPE wishes to receive reciprocal support.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It must have the backing of the public,
without which any plan will not succeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We attached these suggestions to an outlined proposal titled: “Policy
options for Gambia’s convid-19 response.” Again, our proposal was ignored. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nevertheless, it is now clear that President Barrow has and
will continue to attract the wrath of his citizens, many of whom have lamented
the overall state of governance in the country, compounded by the mounting
evidence that has emerged over the collusion to loot, redistribute and
re-purpose state resources under the guise of a COVID response activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And evidence shows that GoTG expended
$15 million in 72 hours through a ‘food assistance program’, yet we are to
receive evidence that the targeted 80% of the population’s most vulnerable,
received such food assistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All such
bungling and calamitous outcome, despite the fact that we were told that the
government had a Cabinet Committee; an Emergency Committee (at Health); the
World Bank Expert/Committee; a Procurement Committee formed for the D500 million disbursement. Plus six sub-committees dealing with COVID. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What are all these Committees doing?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are yet to receive a plausible explanation as to how D115
million was spent of a school feeding program that supposedly took place at a
time when schools were closed due to the COVID.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are yet to receive a plausible
explanation as to why the ambulances ordered form Turkey, at an astronomical
cost, millions of USD we are told, are yet to arrive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are yet to see any form of action taken
against those that the Minister referenced in a scam, to create a payroll of
ghost workers, so as to establish and racket of fraud and corruption. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are yet to receive a plausible explanation as to why in
less than one month into the job, a very competent, high reputable health
expert, in <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the name of Mr. Alasan
Senghore, threw in the towel and resigned as the COVID -19 national
coordinator.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But we probably will not receive any explanation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because this government, under a Barrow
presidency does not think, nor believe that it owes the citizens an explanation
for anything they do or fail to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
this government must and will be held to account.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that day of reckoning is fast approaching
for this government. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear R2Kers: Next week is a pivotal one for the country- it
will be the week that shall witness the first encounter between the National
Assembly and the Executive, namely the President, over his abuse of the
constitution and arbitrary adoption to deploying his powers given to him by the
1997 constitution. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">President Barrow, through the Vice President, will have to
explain to the nation, via the NA, the rationale, and purpose for his decision
to subject us into perpetual SoPE for the last 56 days. He will have to, for
the first time in his presidency, make a spirited submission as to whether he
failed in his duties to adhere to the constitution- in essence he will have to
show us that he is not a law breaker. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">On the other hand, the NA must ensure that they too abide by
their oath, and defend the constitution at all costs, and do the needful and
expected, if President Barrow has been found to have broken the law in his
Executive exuberance in taking the decisions he has taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The country watches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this is a first of several tests. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear R2Kers: The most pivotal test is yet still to come, and
that is the issue of the Referendum. We must ready ourselves for this chapter
of our national history. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We see signs of impunity being firmly entrenched at a time
when processes we invested (emotionally and financially) as a nation, are being
systematically undermined by the leadership of this country starting with the
President Barrow himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sound and
impactful investment made into the CRC and the processes of constitutional
making is at risk. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The irrational utterances emanating from the Presidency-the
irrational and irresponsible grumblings about dismantling guardrails around
term limits, Executive power over the National Assembly, and other
anti-democratic ideas being bandied about, including the encouragement of the
military to speak up on civilian matters, for public sympathy and eventual
support WILL NOT WASH. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The tactics being employed by President Barrow, and his
ministers and possibly his new NPP, is a clear demonstration of the lack of
leadership to steer us in the transition to transform the country from one of
trauma to one of triumph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have
chosen the former.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And this is why we as R2K Gambia, are currently on the early
stages of establishing a plan whose objective is simple: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to ensure that the decision to Birth the Third Republic must reside
with us- the people.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not the
vestiges of legislative procedure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We will be asking, in the coming weeks, the NA to resort to
unanimously voting for the referendum; in essence agreeing to a national
plebiscite; whereby, us the citizens, who were central to the CRC consultative
process, will be the final arbiter on whether the time has arrived for this
Country to become a Third Republic, through a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>YES or a NO vote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will be
our main focus in the coming weeks and months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This will be our priority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we
hope that it shall also be yours. So the coming weeks are pivotal for our
country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We need to remain vigilant, embark on citizenry activism,
engagement and solidarity to ensure that our voices are heard, and that we are listened
to and respected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The elements of imperial presidencies are over; endemic
corruption will be probed and rooted out, and the people shall govern. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dear R2Kers let us remain united, as citizens who care for
and love this country, and citizens who shall protect our ideals to dare to
dream of a better Gambia- we deserve it, and only we can deliver it- but we can
only do so if we remain united and focused in our resolve in the demanding hat
we are governed well, through a strong, compassionate and capable leadership
that espouses the principles of clean<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and
ethical government. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> ###</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-15413840522307306532020-04-08T15:34:00.000-04:002020-04-08T15:34:41.884-04:00The Gambia: A Stimulus Plan to address the socio-economic impact of Coronavirus on lives and livelihoods<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrp7vEryq64zSSLgM4KWn9IbJJsSP__006ym8i7eHbRP5EYZwhKBuHCrR9nJl-K3tPsRX2CC-BLPAW8aynGmHXnF4fxtXWeG9Y2E7n55Y2XkhmhlSyrMI6BbhV32u6a2n_iwv5PxqAsbU/s1600/right2know+LOGO+gambia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="406" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrp7vEryq64zSSLgM4KWn9IbJJsSP__006ym8i7eHbRP5EYZwhKBuHCrR9nJl-K3tPsRX2CC-BLPAW8aynGmHXnF4fxtXWeG9Y2E7n55Y2XkhmhlSyrMI6BbhV32u6a2n_iwv5PxqAsbU/s200/right2know+LOGO+gambia.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Business, civil
society and youth ask the Gambia to prioritize poor and vulnerable in its
Covid-19 response plan<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Banjul- April 8, 2020 </i>- A four-page proposal entitled: “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Draft
Concept Paper for a Stimulus Plan: ‘Addressing the Socio-economic Impact of the
Coronavirus on lives and livelihoods’”</i></b> calling on the government of
President Adama Barrow to prioritize its resource allocation to the poor,
vulnerable and struggling SMEs and strategic businesses, was released today. It
details modes of financial assistance to the poor and vulnerable to provide
cash transfers/payments using Government – to – person (G2P) and other
mechanisms to cover three months of lost income to those who have lost their
jobs and/or their incomes due to Covid – 19.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It also proposes the introduction of systems and mechanisms to obtain
data on the informal sector, like taxi drivers via the Transport Union to
assist them with fuel subsidy using fuel coupon schemes, to incentivize those
who adhere to the 50% passenger regulation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It also proposes support to SME’s/businesses affected by the economic
slowdown in the form of tax and import duty rebates, access to foreign
currency, concessional loans and other economic stimulants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It proposes a set aside financial package of thirty
million dollars for this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“We understand the rationale for
a effecting a State of Public Emergency, we concur that this is indeed is a
necessary strategy to ‘flattening the curve’. However, a State of Public
Emergency, where movement and freedoms are curtailed, must include incentives
and other actions that would buffer against the opportunity cost and
consequences of such a decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It must
give [financial] incentives to the populace and the various sectors of the
nerve center of the economy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It must
have the backing of the public, without which any plan will not succeed,”</b>
said one of the authors of the plan. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The backers of the plan, which
includes the Gambia Chamber of Commerce, have asked President Barrow to
consider giving support to strengthen the Central Bank’s Supervision Department
to better manage the licensing, regulation and supervision of the banking
sector and mobile money operations. It also proposes a lowering of interest
rates and introduction of deferrals on repayment of loans in critical sectors,
like the hospitality industry, to cover the January- May 2020 period, where
loss of tourist revenue has had a direct impact on the sector.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eighteen million dollars is proposed, as an
allotment, for this component. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“This proposal is smart, realistic, time bound, attainable and
applicable to our unique circumstances as a nation that is struggling
economically, and is still to recover from a legacy of attendant corruption,
and poor governance experienced over a period of 22 years of its half a century
of existence,”</b> said one of the endorsees of the proposal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The proposal is coming at a time
when the country rests at a precipice of a health, social and economic
catastrophe, as it stares down into an abyss whose depths are unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a letter, which accompanied the submission
sent to the President Barrow, the endorsers stated that: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">‘We hope that this modest proposal will be taken in the spirit in which
it is meant: to strengthen our national response to the situation through
collective action; transparent partnership led by an accountable government and
supported by a willing and able citizenry at home and abroad.’ <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Background:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The proposal has been forward to
the Authority of the national Assembly and the multi-lateral and bilateral
partners of The Gambia. The proposal was endorsed by: Gambia
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI); BPAS- Democratic Union of Gambian
Activists (DUGA); Gambia Participates; Gambia Conference of Reforms and Democracy
(GAMCORD); Right to Know (R2K) Gambia; The Association of Non-Governmental
Organizations in the Gambia (TANGO); and Team Gom Sa Borpa.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
For more information, please
contact: <a href="mailto:r2kgambia@gmail.com">r2kgambia@gmail.com</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
***End***<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Context:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Gambian President, Adama Barrow,
declared a State of Public Emergency, in a televised statement, on 27 March.
The proclamation orders closure of non-essential commodity shops, bars, cafés,
casinos, sporting venues, and all forms of public gatherings. The order also
included all public and private institutions scaling down staff presence at
work. It was revealed that an Emergency Fund of half a billion dalasi has been
earmarked to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak, which had infected four and killed
two. On 3 April 2020, the National Assembly granted the President an extension
to the proclamation by an added 45 days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A detailed plan of the Covid-19 task force, nor has its aggregated budget
been made public. The National Assembly has constituted an oversight committee
that would monitor the implementation of the Covid-19 task force.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-20881670138770702412020-03-23T00:11:00.000-04:002020-03-23T00:24:24.389-04:00WESTWOOD : Dealing in conflict timber, criminal complaint against Mr. Buzaianu at a Swiss court<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROFpZdr3nPHGNaDWL-_QOTTBAIYOgwuXRPl6gcYxoJJoxshFGccw5rLbraoLKGM0pBurAtk6JeFszbpHDE7pUZNA-vDli5yZCwZ1W3bAZKJ10tRz8heoQT1gQwfn93XJ5Jkl5_Lj86olq/s320/Nicolae+Bogdan+Buzaianu+%2528Rumanian+businessman%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Between 2014 and 2017, The Gambia exported nearly 163 million US dollars-worth of rosewood, a rare and precious
tree species, to China. During this time, Westwood, a Gambian company allegedly owned by Swiss national Nicolae
Bogdan Buzaianu and former Gambian President Jammeh, had the exclusive license to export rosewood. The timber
it exported was illegally felled in neighboring Casamance where the separatist armed group has been fighting the
Senegalese army for decades. TRIAL International filed a criminal complaint with the Swiss Office of the Attorney
General against Mr. Buzaianu accusing him of having pillaged conflict timber. </div>
<br />
<u>A TRIAL International Press Release</u><br />
<u>about the criminal complaint filed against Mr. Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu </u><br />
<br />
<br />
According to the criminal complaint (denonciation penale) filed by TRIAL International, Swiss businessman Nicolae
Bogdan Buzaianu’s company was involved in the pillaging of precious rosewood from Casamance between 2014 and
2017. During this period, Westwood Company Ltd –which TRIAL International alleges Mr. Buzaianu co-founded with
former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh– had a monopoly on the export of rosewood, a precious tropical wood from
The Gambia. But with Gambian rosewood nearly depleted since 2011, most of the timber was actually imported from
Casamance, a region in southern Senegal that borders The Gambia. For several decades, large areas of this region have
been under the control of the separatist armed group, the Mouvement des forces démocratiques de Casamance (MFDC).<br />
<br />
‘Exploiting natural resources from a conflict zone is a war crime that must be punished. Without the pillaging of natural
resources, many armed groups would have no means of financing their wars’, said Montse Ferrer, Senior Legal Advisor and
Corporate Accountability Coordinator at TRIAL International. ‘Despite numerous documented cases of pillage, not a single
conviction against corporate actors has been made since the end of World War II.’<br />
<br />
TRIAL International filed a criminal complaint for pillage against Mr. Buzaianu in Switzerland with the Office of the
Attorney General (OAG) in June 2019. ‘We have waited until today to go public because we wanted to give the Swiss
prosecutorial authorities sufficient time to review the evidence and take decisive action against Mr. Buzaianu. We are hopeful
that these steps have been taken and that the OAG is investigating the matter’, she added.<br />
<br />
LOGGING THAT BENEFITS AN ARMED GROUP<br />
<br />
Some estimates suggest that Senegal loses the equivalent of 40,000 hectares of forest per year, several dozen
hectares of which are lost due to the illegal exploitation of rosewood in Casamance. This selective deforestation has
led to a decrease in rainfall and increased desertification in the region. It has also led to conflicts between rebels and
communities who can no longer use the forests for sustainable livelihoods.<br />
<br />
Illegal logging of precious woods is problematic, as it undermines reforestation efforts in the region. According to the
International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), "in the village of Koudioube, the restoration of the
community forest has helped to overcome conflicts." Illegal logging has stopped, fruits and wildlife are abundant, and
local people are once again able to sell forest products. Communities that used to fight each other are now working
together.<br />
<br />
A large share of the trafficking and logging has been taking place directly in the territory controlled by the MFDC for
almost thirty years. ‘Westwood’s illegal activity is all the more serious because it contributed to an illegal timber trade that
has historically financed the MFDC. Equally striking is that this trade has had such a negative impact on the lives of local people
contributing directly to the deforestation of the region’, said Jennifer Triscone, Legal Advisor at TRIAL International. The
armed group exercises de facto control over the precious wood industry by issuing logging authorizations and transport
permits, and by ensuring the security of the latter. The rebels also illegally exploit and sell precious hardwood timber to
finance their armed struggle: an illegal trade fuelled by demand from the global tropical hardwood market. |
TRIAL International is a non-governmental organization fighting
impunity for international crimes and supporting victims in their quest
for justice.<br />
_________________________________<br />
<br />
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
SUMMARY OF THE CASE<br />
<br />
In June 2019, TRIAL International
filed a criminal complaint against
Swiss national Nicolae Bogdan
Buzaianu, a close business associate
of former Gambian President Yahya
Jammeh, for the alleged pillaging
of protected, Senegalese rosewood.
Between June 2014 and March 2017,
Westwood, a Gambian company
owned by entities affiliated to Mr.
Buzaianu and former President
Jammeh, allegedly exported over
315,000 tons of Pterocarpus erinaceus
to China (roughly equivalent to
USD 163 million). This precious
rosewood species was illegally
harvested from the neighboring
Casamance region, where the
armed group the Mouvement des
forces démocratiques de Casamance
(MFDC), has been fighting the
Senegalese army since the 1980s.<br />
<br />
Yahya Jammeh as an ally, the MFDC
was able to monopolize the timber
trade in Lower Casamance, using its
profits to finance its armed struggle.
Westwood benefited generously
from this trade, transferring its
profits to individuals and companies
associated with Former President
Jammeh and Mr. Buzaianu.
FILING’S STATEMENTS
Ê A Swiss national partnered with –and benefited from– former
Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, accused by the Gambian
Commission of Inquiry of having stolen millions of dollars in
state funds. The MFDC exercised de facto control over the timber trade out
of Lower Casamance by issuing authorizations for logging and
transport permits and by providing safe passage to the timber
traders. Westwood benefited generously from this trade, transferring
millions of dollars in profits to individuals and companies
associated with Former President Jammeh and Mr. Buzaianu. The illegal felling of rosewood has had a detrimental impact
on the Senegalese forests, contributing to declines in rainfall
and desertification, as well as preventing the sustainable
livelihood of local communities.<br />
<br />
© TRIAL International / Montse Ferrer
TRIAL International filed the criminal
complaint before the Swiss War
Crimes Unit. This is the first case
where illicit timber traders are accused
of pillaging conflict resources in
Switzerland; and if this case succeeds,
it would be the first case anywhere
to convict someone for the pillaging
of timber or any natural resource. It
is also a groundbreaking case as it
seeks to use the existing international
criminal legal framework to punish
non-enumerated environmental
crimes, a subset of crimes that go
mostly unpunished, in part given the
lack of applicable legal regimes.<br />
------------------------------------------<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>References from the sidisanneh.blogspot.com </b>on the subject of Westwood and suspected/possible resource flows:-<br />
<a href="https://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2016/10/how-westwood-company-ltd-and-yaya.html%20(Part%20I%20)">https://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2016/10/how-westwood-company-ltd-and-yaya.html (Part I )</a><br />
<a href="https://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2016/10/how-westwood-company-ltd-and-yaya_26.html%20(Part%20II)">https://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2016/10/how-westwood-company-ltd-and-yaya_26.html (Part II)</a><br />
<a href="https://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2020/03/900000000-from-gambian-registered.html">https://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2020/03/900000000-from-gambian-registered.html</a><br />
<a href="https://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2020/03/how-ocean-bay-hotel-and-resorts-and-sun.html">https://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2020/03/how-ocean-bay-hotel-and-resorts-and-sun.html</a><br />
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<br />Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-57094905321211674212020-03-22T13:50:00.000-04:002020-03-22T13:50:52.918-04:00How Ocean Bay Hotel and Resorts and Sun Beach Hotel continue to cost SSHFC millions in revenue<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROFpZdr3nPHGNaDWL-_QOTTBAIYOgwuXRPl6gcYxoJJoxshFGccw5rLbraoLKGM0pBurAtk6JeFszbpHDE7pUZNA-vDli5yZCwZ1W3bAZKJ10tRz8heoQT1gQwfn93XJ5Jkl5_Lj86olq/s1600/Nicolae+Bogdan+Buzaianu+%2528Rumanian+businessman%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="1129" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROFpZdr3nPHGNaDWL-_QOTTBAIYOgwuXRPl6gcYxoJJoxshFGccw5rLbraoLKGM0pBurAtk6JeFszbpHDE7pUZNA-vDli5yZCwZ1W3bAZKJ10tRz8heoQT1gQwfn93XJ5Jkl5_Lj86olq/s320/Nicolae+Bogdan+Buzaianu+%2528Rumanian+businessman%2529.png" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu</td></tr>
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This blog post was first published on the 2rd October, 2018. Given that Mr. Buzaianu is in the news lately, we find it useful to re-publish this blog post with a reminder that it may take years to bring culprits to book, it is a sure as the sunrise that it will come to pass.<br />
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Nicolae Bogdan Buzaianu is a naturalized Swiss of Romanian origin who has been described as one of Yaya Jammeh's least-known but highly consequential business partners and a central figure in partnering with the former-dictator to plunder the country's wealth.<br />
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He is also owner of <a href="https://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2016/10/how-westwood-company-ltd-and-yaya_26.htm">Westwood </a>, a company found to be in cahoots with Jammeh in the illegal exploitation of Senegalese redwood timber for export, causing environmental havoc as well as threatening the diplomatic relations between neighbors.<br />
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Prior to venturing into The Gambia, the Swiss-Romanian was alleged to have been involved in a 7 million dollar gold-smuggling ring that was unearthed. A sizeable amount of gold was seized by the Zambian drug squad in 2007.<br />
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The late Zambia President Michael Sata implicated Mr. Buzaianu which led his to threaten to sue the government of Zambia for $100 million which he never carried out. He, instead, returned to Switzerland before trying out Gambia as a business destination.<br />
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Records show that both the Ocean Bay Hotel and Resorts and Sun Beach Hotel were leased to the BP Investment Group FZE (BPI), a company believed to belong to the Swiss-Romania,<br />
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Ocean Bay Hotels and Resorts (OBHR) was leased for an initial term of 10 years from 1st December, 2013 and Sun Beach Hotel was leased for 15 years 10 months from 9th August, 2016.<br />
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OBHR monthly rental: The monthly rental for OBHR was 13,000 (thirteen thousand) Euros payable quarterly in advance for the first five years increasing to Euro 14,000 per month for the second five years. The lease agreement also stipulated that any and all investments made by BPI in the physical structure of the OBHR during the term of the lease shall be deducted from the monthly rent up to a maximum of 6,000 Euros.<br />
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Sun Beach Monthly rental: The monthly rental of Sun Beach is the sum of $10,000 from 1st November, 2016 to 31st December, 2021 increasing to $12,000 from 1st January, 2022 to 31st December, 2026 and to $15,000 for the remaining duration.<br />
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BPI was to take Sun Beach on an "as is" basis and be responsible for all renovation and remodelling at its own expense and spend not less than 2 million Euros in accordance with its own renovation schedule/plans. BPI failed to honor this commitment.<br />
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In March, 2017 under the new Managing Director, SSHFC decided to review the investments and decided that the consideration was scandalous, extortionately low and detrimental to SSHFC investment returns.<br />
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The returns on investments (ROI) for Ocean Bay Hotel and Resorts never reached 1%. The rage was from 0.8% - 0.9% per annum. BPI since inception of the OBHR lease 31st March, 2017 were paying a monthly rental of 7,000 Euros which means they were deduction automatically 6,000 Euros for purported renovations/ remodeling without prior consent of SSHFC.<br />
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ROI for Sun Beach was 2.55% annually. The poor returns on investments together with the fact that BPI was at the time owing SSHFC several months rent arrears nd woefully falling short of meeting its other obligations such as payment of utility bills, led the SSHFC management under Mr. Manjang to terminate the leases.<br />
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In August of 2017, the corporation instructed its solicitors to issue notices of termination which was challenged by BPI in the High Court to prevent SSHFC from reentering the hotels. In May 2018, the case in the High Court was struck due to non-diligent prosecution.<br />
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The Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation is prepared and ready to re-enter the hotels, according to sources, but the Commission of Inquiry into the illicit wealth of Yaya Jammeh has placed them under receivership. The corporation has tried unsuccessfully to discharge their order. Meanwhile, SSHFC has an offer of 1.2 million Euros annually for the two hotels which they cannot pursue further because of the current status of the hotels.<br />
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######Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-37235789126575079612020-03-10T16:53:00.003-04:002020-03-10T16:54:06.062-04:00How WestWood Company Ltd. and Yaya Jammeh collude to defraud the Gambian people - Part IFirst published October 18th, 2016<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Nicholae Bogdan Buzaianu, Gambian Ambassador</td></tr>
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The name Nicholae Bogdan Buzaianu may not ring a bell to many Gambians despite being one of Yaya Jammeh's closest and consequential but one of the most illusive business partners. He is also one of the most illusive who prefers travelling in and out of Banjul in his private jet to supervise his business interest, expatriate physical transporting business proceeds in contravention of Gambian and, perhaps, international law, according to a source in Banjul.<br />
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Mr. Buzaianu is a naturalized Swiss citizen of Romanian origin who was involved in a gold scam worth $ 7 million that was seized by Zambian drug authorities in 2007. The late Zambian president Michael Sata implicated the Swiss businessman which led him to threaten to sue the government of Zambia and the Zambian press for <a href="https://wiredproject316.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/flash-swiss-businessman-to-sue-zambia-for-us100-over-gold-scam/">$100M</a>. The threat was never carried out.<br />
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Returning to Switzerland, Mr. Buzaianu focused his attention on restoring what he saw as a soiled reputation from the gold scandal that was widely publicized in the Zambian press by engaging in environmental causes. He immediately declared war on plastic bags as an environmental hazard - an effort he said should be replicated in Africa because of his Zambian experience.<br />
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Although he never returned to Lusaka, he took his project to The Gambia where he was able to convince the Gambian dictator to put a ban on plastic bags without providing the general population with environmentally-friendly bags as sustainable alternative. For a more elaborate and dramatic narration of how he got in the environment business, visit his blog post <a href="https://drnicolaebogdanbuzaianu.wordpress.com/tag/zambia/">here</a>.<br />
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Saving the planet one plastic bag at a time was not the surest way of getting rich. So Mr. Buzaianu's primary business interest in this slither of a land in West Africa was the limited natural resource endowment that Yaya Jammeh was prepared to illegally supplement Gambia's limited forest cover with a relatively larger supply of timber in neighboring Senegal.<br />
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Mr. Buzaianu formed the WestWood Company Ltd. several years ago (precise date unknown) but has been exporting forest products, primarily African mahogany and keno for the past three years, according to shipping records. Because Jammeh granted WestWood Company monopoly power to export wood products to China, it became a brisk and profitable business which, in turn, accelerated the exploitation of the forest resources, primarily in the Casamance.<br />
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A former Senegalese Minister of the Environment raised the alarm at the unsustainable rate of exploitation of southern Senegal's forest cover which he attributed primarily to traffickers operating from Gambian territory. One million trees have been felled by loggers illegally, according to the former Senegalese Minister who claimed that at that rate Casamance will lose all of its forest cover by 2018. <br />
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Mr. Buzaianu may be a Romanian-born naturalized Swiss national but he became <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/news/upi20140217-160541-2088/">Gambia's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)</a> in 2014 which should make him a Gambian citizen as well, flying around the world with Gambian diplomatic passport. According to Breitbart.com, he presented his letters of credence to Abdoullah bin Mohammed bin Butti AI Hamed, Under Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Swiss businessman is also listed as Consul of The Gambia in Monaco. Before he fell out with the late President Sata of Zambia, Mr. Buzaianu was also Zambia's Ambassador to the UNESCO suggesting he has a special affinity to diplomatic assignment to go along his African business ventures. we wonder why.<br />
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Part II will look at WestWood's operations in the Gambia and how the public treasury is losing money as a result of the monopoly status and other export concessions accorded to WestWood by Jammeh.Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-40059262775888844192020-03-09T17:22:00.001-04:002020-03-09T17:22:14.716-04:00$ 900,000,000 from Gambian-registered companies stashed in Panama, Gambians demand explanation - A Re-publicationExactly three years ago, we published this post on the<br />
Panama Papers and the Gambian companies listed in<br />
them which helped Gambians focus attention on how<br />
international criminal syndicates used weak states, like<br />
our own, to launder money and other criminal activities.<br />
This post was first published on 22nd May, 2016.<br />
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According to the Panama Papers, a number of companies registered in the Gambia have stashed almost $ 1 billion in offshore accounts.<br />
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We are studying the details in consultation with tax accountants, financial and legal experts with a view to gaining insight into this massive transfer of financial resources from one of the world's poorest countries.<br />
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We wish to draw the attention of our esteemed readers that operating offshore accounts in and of themselves may not necessarily be illegal unless it can be established that the origin or origins of these funds are as a result of illegal activities, such as drug or human trafficking or other forms of international criminal activities.<br />
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The Gambia is, of course, not the only country that is shown to have its citizens operating offshore accounts in tax heavens. Prominent Senegalese businessmen are among those listed as operating accounts offshore. The difference between them and the Gambian businessmen listed in their forthrightness.<br />
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The Senegalese businessmen listed in the Panama Papers were quick to respond to the revelation by explaining the rationale for these accounts which, according to one, was to legally reduce or eliminate further exposure to higher tax liabilities. To some, this is unethical or unpatriotic. To others it is a smart business move. In short, one man's tax dodger is another man's astute businessman.<br />
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Amadou Samba, a Gambian businessman, a business partner and a close associate of the Gambian dictator is listed as operating one or several offshore accounts. The amounts in one or several of these accounts are unknown. However, the global figure for the country is listed as $ 900,000,000 a figure close to Gambia's estimated GDP of $ 1 billion.<br />
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Gambians deserve a response from both Amadou Samba and Yaya Jammeh as initial step in a process that will take the expertise of world class legal, financial and tax professionals to ascertain the facts on behalf of the Gambian People.<br />
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When Jammeh seized power, "rampant corruption" was the reason he advanced to justify the illegal coup. A team of investigators were dispatched to comb the offshore centers in search of funds they believed were derived from the Nigeria Crude allocated to the then government as balance of payment support by the Nigerian government. Today, the shoe is on the other foot.<br />
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Gambians must hear from Amadou Samba and Yaya Jammeh.<br />
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<u>Amendment:</u> The initial blog post figure read $ 900,000 instead of $ 900,000,000<br />
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#####Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-86342813930739213202020-03-09T16:44:00.000-04:002020-03-09T16:44:33.962-04:00How WestWood Company Ltd. and Yaya Jammeh collude to defraud the Gambian people<b>Republication of a blog post </b><br />
<b>first published October 26th, 2016</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Senegalese timber destined for Gambia for re-export to China</td></tr>
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The Gambia, the smallest country in continental Africa with only 4,000 hectares of forest, is the second biggest exporter of redwood to China behind Nigeria, according to El Ali Haida a former environment minister in the Senegalese government of Macky Sall.<br />According to Mr. Haida, almost all of Gambia's redwood exports originated from the southern Casamance region of Senegal where 10,000 hectares or over one million trees illegally felled and smuggled into the Gambia. It is estimated that The Gambia has <a href="http://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2016/05/senegals-decision-to-re-open-its.html">earned US $ 238.5 million since 2010.</a><br />
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It was not until the rate of exploitation of the forest products reached unsustainable levels that threatened to turn the lush forest cover of the Casamance into another arid desolate land like northern Senegal that the government decided to take action to <a href="http://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2016/06/three-senegalese-ministers-denounce.html">disrupt the illegal trade</a> and break up the cartel, Of course, local Senegalese actors had to be accomplishes in the illegal trade to make such a huge operation possible. In June this year, the Senegalese Armed Forces minister who was accompanied by the Interior and Environment ministers toured the region - the extent of the indiscriminate exploitation of the forest cover by traffickers was "scary and devastating" and, according to him the illegal logging was " destroying the future and the Senegalese economy and that is unacceptable."<br />
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Meanwhile, on the other side of the border, the Gambian leader, who is the principal actor and beneficiary of the redwood export trade reacted by announcing a ban on 'importing' timber an announcement seen by many as a ploy to quiet down critics of the regime, environmentalists and the Senegalese government. The illegal logging activities are expected to resume once Jammeh ensures his re-election to a 5th term in December and public attention is redirected elsewhere.<br />
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WestWood Company Ltd. which started operations about three years ago is owned by Nicholae Bogdan Buzaianu whom we featured in a blog post that we can find <a href="http://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2016/10/how-westwood-company-ltd-and-yaya.html">here</a>. The company's offices are located in a hotel (Ocean Bay Hotel) bought by Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) a government agency that used public funds but offered the Gambian dictator an equity stake in the hotel the size of which still remains a mystery,<br />
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The day-to-day operations of WestWood Company Ltd. rests with Buzaianu's son, Dragos Buzaianu who is based in the Gambia while the elder Buzaianu shuttle between his base in Europe and Banjul where he, reportedly visits periodically in a private jet to transport cash out of the country. Dragos is assisted by Romanian and French nationals in the export of redwood timber illegally logged from Senegal.<br />
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WestWood, like many companies of its kind, does all of its transactions in cash and specifically in US dollars. It enjoys concessions offered by the Gambian dictator among which is the sole legal entity allowed to export timber products, mainly to China with Chinese and Gambian intermediaries acting as middlemen. The monopoly status of WestWood, coupled with being in business with Yaya Jammeh affords it the luxury of being highly influential and thus dictating the terms of its business transactions which are unusually at the expense of the treasury and the public interest.<br />
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According to Customs records, 10,000 containers of redwood have been exported by WestWood at US $3,000 per container per exporter netted the company $30 million. In addition to the $ 3,000, Westwood collects D 2,800 (approx. $ 60.00) per container as custom duty but surrenders only D 1,000 ( approx. $20.00) to the Revenue Authority (GRA), it is uncertain who benefits from the $ 40.00 that is withheld from the public revenue authorities.<br />
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With the ban on importation of redwood from Senegal that came into effect last month, the timber export business has come to a screeching halt because all of the redwood was coming from illegal felling of trees from Senegal, primarily from the Casamance region. The ban is generally believed to be a stunt by the Gambian dictator and once he get re-elected and attention is focused elsewhere, he will signal the resumption of the illegal trade to, once again, threaten the region's savanna forest. Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-86944279734319773122020-02-23T17:27:00.001-05:002020-02-23T17:27:07.926-05:00Trans-Gambia Bridge Project design is a legitimate concern of Gambians - Republication The TransGambia Bridge Project has become current again as a topic of discussion following the recent visit of President Barrow to Senegal where it appears that of the Bridge Project is one of the three Agreements signed.<br />
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We have written a great deal about the genesis of the project and about subjects related to it. The most recent one was the 25th May, 2016 when we expressed concern about the final design of the bridge which, if it's mishandled, will have a lasting impact on the economic, social and environmental fabric of our society. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BP2NTQDHh8rg4rhfoxltQnU7w1ZG6nuebu1pc3CKqQhTcE4h3BNaOZqIxT6kREOGzHhnkf92lWFPHBdfOYchLj52cF_FaQKbHtdtqhBmVI7RLRbu_50fUOw6lH1hvMo9RCksrk3fzjI/s1600/cantilever+bridge.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BP2NTQDHh8rg4rhfoxltQnU7w1ZG6nuebu1pc3CKqQhTcE4h3BNaOZqIxT6kREOGzHhnkf92lWFPHBdfOYchLj52cF_FaQKbHtdtqhBmVI7RLRbu_50fUOw6lH1hvMo9RCksrk3fzjI/s320/cantilever+bridge.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Example of a cantilever bridge </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Gambia River, one of the most navigable and important rivers on the African continent, is the single most important natural resource of one of the world's poorest countries - The Gambia.<br />
<br />
The Gambia exists because of the river that it took its name from. The River Gambia is The Gambia and The Gambia is River Gambia. It is, therefore, a natural resource that must be protected at all cost and to be preserved for generations yet unborn. To protect and reserve it is to protect and preserve Gambia's national identity.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLubzrsUxPSSfEzToxgi4SElW350Ka-y9QzIwLuNlD9fBhlBm0i4QkqHrSLzZ6jTZbTaqAtt9XhWyb5lworAF32cYuCLhvXoxUd1LRL4JWW6Xs85hzJFd4wfzrQAtbbQvWxdn8WVoUKI/s1600/River+Gambia+-+THE+SOURCE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLubzrsUxPSSfEzToxgi4SElW350Ka-y9QzIwLuNlD9fBhlBm0i4QkqHrSLzZ6jTZbTaqAtt9XhWyb5lworAF32cYuCLhvXoxUd1LRL4JWW6Xs85hzJFd4wfzrQAtbbQvWxdn8WVoUKI/s1600/River+Gambia+-+THE+SOURCE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Source of the River Gambia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bridge over River Gambia has always been central to Senegal's, as well as the regional's, interest that will connect northern and southern Senegal, as well as to connect a critical link of the ECOWAS highway system linking Abuja to capitals along the west African corridor.<br />
<br />
The original project, under the purview of the OMVG was first mooted in the late 1970s. The project included a barrage component (Bridge - Barrage Project) to provide irrigation water for rice production, a component that was proven to be environmentally unsustainable, according to a USAID-funded University of Michigan study. Gambia's interest which centered on the barrage for irrigation fell when it proved an unsustainable proposition.<br />
<br />
Senegal managed to keep the bridge project alive for over three decades until fairly recently when the project was reconstituted as a Bridge Project. It is important, at this stage of the negotiations, for Gambians to familiarize themselves with the history of the project to appreciate the geopolitical importance as well as the implications of the outcome of the negotiations that is taking place in Dakar.<br />
<br />
During negotiations, the Gambian Foreign Minister, Mrs. Neneh MacDouall-Gaye, <a href="http://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2016/05/transgambia-bridge-project-now-you-tell_15.html">raised the design issue </a>of the bridge which, according to her, obstructs or impedes the navigability of River Gambia. The fact that Gambia is raising fundamental design objections, albeit late in the project cycle, is extremely important an issue that MUST be satisfactorily addressed by both parties and the donor community, including the AfDB.<br />
<br />
The late objection should not be an excuse to proceed without satisfactorily addressing the issue because, if indeed the design obstructs navigation of one of Africa's most navigable rivers, it will be a national tragedy of monumental proportion that will be revisited by an successor government to Yaya Jammeh.<br />
<div>
########## </div>
Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-5726391509583646342020-02-18T05:46:00.002-05:002020-02-18T05:46:25.440-05:00Senegal officially closed its border to the cashew export trade through Gambia - Re-publication<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-dGMzX-BIRNnBAKLwX2k_ET_0mX9ISyns5LpZDxhVbyBJiDwdvLsmUiwE0NzObb5BPEC_47DFHjXK283fodgiOXYpR0Hgocvy66TxWzqIG1qZwdo7j6RFZ42Wg8jTSpobx3jWnLt87SC/s1600/Senegal%2527s+Commerce+Minister%252C+Alioune+Sarr.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-dGMzX-BIRNnBAKLwX2k_ET_0mX9ISyns5LpZDxhVbyBJiDwdvLsmUiwE0NzObb5BPEC_47DFHjXK283fodgiOXYpR0Hgocvy66TxWzqIG1qZwdo7j6RFZ42Wg8jTSpobx3jWnLt87SC/s200/Senegal%2527s+Commerce+Minister%252C+Alioune+Sarr.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Senegal's Commerce Minister, Alioune Sarr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<b>First published 9th May, 2018 </b><br />
<br />
The Senegalese government of Macky Sall has decided on Tuesday to close its border to the cashew export trade that has been going on for over a decade.<br />
<br />
A Senegalese delegation from Dakar headed by the Senegalese Commerce Minister, Alioune Sarr, convened a meeting in Ziguinchor with local authorities, customs officials, transport unionists and stakeholders to discuss the new government policy.<br />
<br />
Henceforth, cashew from the southern Senegalese region of Casamance will not be allowed to be transported to the port facilities in Banjul for export purposes. Speaking to the officials and stakeholders in the southern Senegal capital of Ziguinchor in Wolof, the Minister assured exporters full government support, including bank financing of their operations, to win their cooperation.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
The port of Banjul, despite its less than ideal conditions during the Jammeh era, is still a relatively attractive alternative to the Dakar Port both in terms of distance from source and turnaround time. The operators, exporters and transporters favor Banjul to Dakar port for these reasons.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoPyluGF4IbB2Dob9bXqDSe9hjqtJkFdXQTq0wBE96BTNQstn0s6zLt05VgJF6LzufuG7IZgBebV2dSzgn-xmYbPQRvRvHgiFjfVLFxTpmjv0rvhOjOnGku32x5t3357SALUqccLLTxqf/s1600/Gambia+Port+of+Banjul+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoPyluGF4IbB2Dob9bXqDSe9hjqtJkFdXQTq0wBE96BTNQstn0s6zLt05VgJF6LzufuG7IZgBebV2dSzgn-xmYbPQRvRvHgiFjfVLFxTpmjv0rvhOjOnGku32x5t3357SALUqccLLTxqf/s320/Gambia+Port+of+Banjul+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Port of Banjul </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As expected, the Senegalese transport union is reportedly opposing the new policy which is seen as interfering in the basic tenets of the ECOWAS Protocol of free movement of goods and people.<br />
<br />
Our sources are reporting that the transport union has refused to transport the cashew to Dakar because it is not profitable for them. They have also refused to transport the cashew crop from the bush if they the destination is Dakar and not Banjul.<br />
<br />
Thus the Commerce Minister's suggestion that the commercial banks will provide financial facilities for the operations is to make the new policy profitable for the transporters and exporters, according to sources. Time is neither on the side of the Senegalese nor on the Gambian governments because the cashew season commences next week.<br />
<br />
The Gambian government is yet to make a pronouncement on what clearly is an attempt by Senegal to contravene ECOWAS Protocols on the movement of goods and people across Member State.<br />
<br />
This development is one more reason for the Barrow government to move judiciously and with patriotic fervor to put Gambia's interest ahead of personal or partisan interest first. We are to protect the family jewels from being sold.<br />
###Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-47755334344278613602020-02-04T13:36:00.000-05:002020-02-04T16:39:30.130-05:00Open Letter to President Adama Barrow : The time has come for national introspection through genuine and inclusive dialogue <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYr5InHkn_lVkSdDmCrwDG8qsMEZKVYoB0KWiz4GGr974ecVtvZjmd1n_4MVb_x0aBCWYigTmXY9Zy3MK7LsHRgYoJv3DYQq1UB5BLAwvDc_WTHq6-sZzmqXhAoB8WU9xQ5IuDHOZshAB0/s1600/right2know+LOGO+gambia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="406" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYr5InHkn_lVkSdDmCrwDG8qsMEZKVYoB0KWiz4GGr974ecVtvZjmd1n_4MVb_x0aBCWYigTmXY9Zy3MK7LsHRgYoJv3DYQq1UB5BLAwvDc_WTHq6-sZzmqXhAoB8WU9xQ5IuDHOZshAB0/s200/right2know+LOGO+gambia.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">His Excellency President Adama Barrow</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">President
of the Republic of The Gambia</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">No 1
Anne Marie Javouhey Ave<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">State
House<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Banjul</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">2/02/ 2020<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Open
Letter to President Adama Barrow: The time has come for national introspection
through genuine and inclusive dialogue<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Your Excellency, Mr. President:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">We, the undersigned organizations, extend warm
greetings to you and your cabinet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
write to you, with regards to a series of occurrences in The Gambia, which is
cause for grave concern for us, citizens, who have been engaged in the
promoting and strengthening the principles of democracy, good governance and
rule of law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have, since the
inception of your presidency, supported the processes of national
reconciliation, social cohesion, demand for public accountability, access to
justice, and the right to freedoms of assembly, association and
expression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have, as you may recall,
written to you as far back as 10 April, 2018, (the 18<sup>th</sup> anniversary
of the killing of protesting students), urging you to show political will and
leadership in confronting acts of illegality and corruption in your government
and prioritizing civil and security sector reforms, by ensuring that impunity
is rooted out of the system of government you inherited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We never received a response from you, or
your office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">You instead demonstrated the exact opposite
actions, to what we had expected from an incumbency, which enjoyed enormous
goodwill, both internally and externally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You did nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Impunity reigned
supreme in your government, and lessons and warnings went unheeded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are utterly dismayed by the signs of an
uncaring, unresponsive and defensive administration, which you lead, uncanny
traits, which are being routinely displayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We have, over time, also sent out several more missives to members of
your cabinet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On 28 September, 2019, (International
Day for Universal Access to Information), we released a letter to Ministers
Tambadou and Ebrima Sillah, requesting them to make the Janneh Commission
report accessible to the public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that
letter, we demanded access to the Janneh Commission report, because it was
financed by the public purse, through tax payers’ money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was something that no citizen should
have to request for, especially after the lofty promises were made towards
deepening and promoting a culture of a transparent government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, no response has been forthcoming from
either Minsters, and to date, the Janneh Commission report remains inaccessible
to the public.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The refusal of your
Ministers to respect the demands of their citizens, and do the right and lawful
thing, has now become a pattern, and some may argue, given the evidence, that it
is now a firmly embedded policy under your watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But nevertheless, we shall continue to forge
ahead and engage you and the administration you lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our correspondences, were done in the spirit
of partnership and in accordance with exercising our civic duty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And our concerns and proposals are being
recorded for posterity, and in the not so distant future, history shall be the
arbiter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Mr. President, we are utterly dismayed by your
government’s response to the 26 January, 2020 demonstration. We are saddened to
learn that what was to be a peaceful march turned violent, leading to the
government's unprecedented, and illegal decision, by way of a statement issued
by your spokesperson, Mr. Sankareh, banning the Three Years Jot Na movement and
closing down Home Digital FM and King FM radio stations. We consider the
government's actions unlawful, provocative, and destabilizing. We, therefore,
call on the government to rescind these actions with immediate effect, for they
have no legal basis. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">We are to this day,
a week on, unsure whether this extraordinary decision was reached through the
legal and policy processes prescribed by both the 1997 constitution, and
regular cabinet and administrative channels.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The mishandling of this and other events
lately, starting with the vacillation over the issuance of routine meeting
permits by the police, bore all the hallmarks of an inept, paranoid and
incompetent administration. It further highlights the fact that your
administration has thus far failed to make any meaningful reform of the
security sector, or to take serious measures to safeguard the rights of Gambian
citizens. Despite the fact that lessons should have been learned from the
fallout and consequences of two decades of intolerance, intimidation, and
outright abuse meted out to Gambians by the former Jammeh regime; which has now
been placed under the spotlight by the ongoing TRRC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore, the Faraba Banta Commission of
Inquiry report submitted to you, which investigated the tragic events of 18
June 2018, leading to the deaths of three civilians, injuries and large-scale
destruction of property, provided concrete recommendations in order to avoid
future recurrence of such events. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
again clear that the most important aspects of the conclusions and further
recommendations of this commission, to urgently embark on security sector
reforms, were ignored. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hence increasing
the likelihood of the chances of mishandling of civilian protests in the
future, as was witnessed last week. We once again, strongly urge your
government to accelerate the pace of reforms of the security sector by hiring
the right personnel capable of maintaining and enforcing the rule of law
without bias.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Mr.
President, the continuous disregard to promote the right to peacefully protest
as a fundamental pillar of any democracy to which the Gambian people are
entitled, after two decades of dictatorship, cannot go on. Freedom of assembly
is an additional outlet, besides the ballot box, for citizens to voice their
concerns and hold their elected leaders to account and make their desires
known. We believe that the best governments are the ones that treat protests as
an indispensable part of the national conversation, rather than an excuse to
crack down on dissenting views and unacceptable accts of imprisonment of citizens
as if they are enemies of the state. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
the recent decision to ‘go to war’ with people that hold a different political
view point to you, and the administration you lead, is a dangerous tipping
point for the stability of the country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">We
are further troubled by the unreasonable, and heavy-handedness shown towards
the media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The arbitrary decision to
close media houses and the arrests and detention of journalists is also a major
cause for concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While recognizing that the government must
maintain law and order and safeguard the stability of the nation, any use of
force by the police against unlawful acts by elements within a larger context
of peaceful demonstrations must at all times be proportionate, transparent,
targeting those responsible and in accordance with due process of law. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Mr.
President, the 2016 elections were monumental because the Gambia did not only
decide on a ‘new’ President. Instead, our vote was also fundamentally a
repudiation of a system of governance that removed sovereignty from the people,
had no respect for the rule of law, and had no place for divergent views
besides those of an individual, who happened to the be the head of state at the
time. So fast forward 36 months, to 26 January, 2020, with Gambians witnessing
the muzzling of dissent, which sent a chilling effect on our emergent political
discourse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The incident undermined all
the promises made to us about a new Gambia, thus bruising your credibility and tarnishing
your image, because you refuse to be accountable to the public, and showed your
utter disdain for free speech and dissent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The actions of your security forces only served to buttress the opinions
of the protesters against your administration and your leadership. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 26 January 2020 incident was eerily
reminiscent of the events of 14-16 April 2016, when Solo Sandeng and his colleagues
were arrested, beaten and tortured; Solo Sandeng later succumbed to his
injuries and died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was followed by
further protests by the UDP 31, members of your former party, and senior
partner to the coalition that brought you to power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They too were arrested, detained and charged.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Ironically,
a judgement from the ECOWAS court was issued against the government you now
lead, barely days before the clamp down on peaceful protesters occurred last
week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the salient instructions
handed down by the community court was that you must now open an inquiry into
the events of that fateful day, 14 April 2016, and bring the perpetrators to
book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We await a pronouncement on this
order, and we trust that your administration, led by the Attorney General and
Minister of Justice, will give this pronouncement the same earnestness,
enthusiasm and urgency he gave the Rohingya matter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Mr.
President, we have always maintained that what we have in common as Gambians, is
more than what divides us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as
diverse as we are: politically; socially; ethnically and economically; such
diversity is our strength and salvation. And we all must start from a place of
goodwill and open-mindedness. The beauty of multiparty democracy is that we
disagree while never losing sight of the fact that those disagreements are for
the betterment of our beloved country, which we must, at all times, put first. We
therefore, call for a national dialogue among all stakeholders, especially the
politicians, as an avenue to reduce the unhealthy contestation and rhetoric,
which has grown toxic, and lay the groundwork for a peaceful transition to a
new constitutional order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hope that
this clarion call will be supported by your good self and the administration
that you lead, for the sake of peace, progress and the transition from the dark
days of a 22-year dictatorship, to a new dawn of hope, good neighborliness,
tolerance, and real and meaningful change for all and sundry. A listening and
caring government will always gain the respect and garner the support of the
citizens it leads. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Sincerely:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Right
to Know Gambia (R2K)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
Democratic Union of Gambian Activists (DUGA)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
Gambia Press Union (GPU)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Gambia
Participates<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Team
Gom Sa Borpa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The
Victims’ Centre<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">____________________________________________________________</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Who are we:</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Right 2 Know- (R2K) Gambia</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">, started its work in October 2016, focusing
on elections integrity around the then, now famed, 2016 Presidential elections,
when Jammeh was ousted from power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
membership/following has since grown to 4,800 people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The founders are a grouping of individuals
with professional backgrounds ranging from geology, demographics, economics,
international relations and law, communications, and academia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All members are human rights activists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are located in The Gambia, US, UK, West
and Southern Africa. We are a non-partisan entity that focuses on rule of law
and democracy, good governance, human rights and the principles of access to
information and freedom of expression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Gambia Press Union (GPU)</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> is a trade union for journalists in the
Gambia. It was established in 1978 by a group of journalists, led by the
veteran Gambian journalist and publisher William Dixon Colley (1913-2001).Other
co-founders included Deyda Hydara (1946-2004), Melvin B. Jones and Pap
Saine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Around 200 journalists in the
field of print and electronic media are registered members of the GPU.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Democratic Union of Gambian Activists
(DUGA)-</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> is an umbrella movement to unite
Gambians in North America (US and Canada), Europe and Africa, mobilizing
citizens to achieving the goal a sustainable democracy in The Gambia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Gambia Participates</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">- promotes accountability policies and
institutions that will prevent the occurrence of corruption. The organization
also work on budget transparency, elections and participatory democracy by
engaging community and policy makers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Team Gom Sa Borpa</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">-is a youth movement dedicated to raising
awareness and participation among young people through Art and supporting their
interest in the development of The Gambia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Victims’ Centre</span></b><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">- provides support to victims and families
that underwent untold suffering of torture, kidnapping, forced evictions,
illegal seizure of property, and murder under the Jammeh regime. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Institutions and Diplomatic Missions to which
this Open letter is copied:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">African
Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights- Commissioner Jasmina Essie King<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">African
Union Commission- H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">British
High Commissioner to The Gambia- H.E. Sharon Wardle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">ECOWAS
Commission- H.E. Jean-Claude Brou<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">EU
Delegation to The Gambia- H.E. Attila Lajos<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">UNOWA-
H.E. Mohamed Ibn Chambas<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">IMF
Resident Representative for The Gambia-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>H.E. Ruby E. M. Randall<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">US
Ambassador the United States of America to the Republic of The Gambia- H.E.
Richard Paschal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> ####</span></div>
Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-59010258276689582582019-10-04T21:08:00.000-04:002019-10-04T21:23:21.995-04:00GDC's National Youth President receives a death threat from a military police officer <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvk9cqPRK1fxAnLDvZGUiWxU5XxFivglUhZ8iPawEzv1nAekz94gjh3oEztfXusDFNhT2KrKyoDHvVv0vkCO1Cj_kVn4wEbcxOhPf6Q6s5_U6hyphenhyphenTbaBoI2_NPOUlM3MIn_gMCpepBnqTxr/s1600/M.C.Cham+Jr.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvk9cqPRK1fxAnLDvZGUiWxU5XxFivglUhZ8iPawEzv1nAekz94gjh3oEztfXusDFNhT2KrKyoDHvVv0vkCO1Cj_kVn4wEbcxOhPf6Q6s5_U6hyphenhyphenTbaBoI2_NPOUlM3MIn_gMCpepBnqTxr/s200/M.C.Cham+Jr.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M.C.Cham Jr. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The National Youth Mobilizer of the Gambia Democratic Party (GDC), Mr. M. C. Cham Jr., was threatened with bodily harm, including an explicit death threat from a military police officer identified as Mr. Sarjo Conteh.<br />
<br />
According to Mr. Cham, the officer in question told him "in the presence of many that the military and State Intelligence Agency (SIS), formally the notorious NIA, were mad at him for always criticizing President Barrow and for talking about the 3 years Jotna campaign."<br />
<br />
"If you take part in the demonstrations, I will break your leg. I will gun you down and I would care less about any investigation or face another TRRC", the officer was quoted as saying.<br />
<br />
To underscore the fact that his view of GDC's National Youth Mobilizer political activism is shared by many of his colleagues, the military officer warned him "he (Mr. Cham) is being targeted by the security forces loyal to Barrow." His final threatening words to M.C.Cham Jr. were "I will make sure you are killed."<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5mlZ0Akkj8d-cxXuzJ4QXU291tIwzWjSuYvE8d6EpccvZ8Z7uM08xIxUgY2BRQw_MYv-k5nVOD_J8PoBWME3Korv2H5Fdl3HMTUFFJJ2OtOX1m49aMTgxVu0pmve4OKJZ4wwzlInBfXW/s1600/Sarjo+Conteh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="529" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA5mlZ0Akkj8d-cxXuzJ4QXU291tIwzWjSuYvE8d6EpccvZ8Z7uM08xIxUgY2BRQw_MYv-k5nVOD_J8PoBWME3Korv2H5Fdl3HMTUFFJJ2OtOX1m49aMTgxVu0pmve4OKJZ4wwzlInBfXW/s320/Sarjo+Conteh.JPG" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Military Police Sarjo Conteh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The campaign slogan (3-Years Jotna) is roughly translated from the local vernacular meaning "the 3 years are up" in reference to the stipulated duration of the term of office of transitional presidency of Adama Barrow, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of the Coalition of seven opposition parties.<br />
<br />
In the characteristic style of the military during the dictatorial regime of Yaya Jammeh, the military police officer Conteh revealed that 100 soldiers are currently undergoing intense training in readiness for the "3-Year Jotna" campaign in the event members of the group carry out their promise of sustained public demonstrations next December.<br />
<br />
The ultimate objective of the campaign organizers is to galvanize public opinion to the optimum level to force President Adama Barrow to step down at the end of the 3-year term, as stipulated in the MOU entered into by the Coalition partners.<br />
<br />
The entire episode of the death threat took place at the residence of radio journalist Pa Nderry Touray in the presence of many other witnesses including one Omar Tunkara.<br />
<br />
####<br />
Note: An earlier version of this blog post referred to Mr. Cham as National Youth Mobilizer. He is presently GDC's National Youth President. Our apologiesSidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-51980228393880123332019-09-11T19:36:00.001-04:002019-09-11T19:38:17.186-04:00The €1.45 billion pledge heard around the world - Re-publication<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NbXbgl68O3EmdvhD3E6AAqXSlk0WDLb7DihZqPaE2QLSadG9IT4EMdak5PmYe7NCKRlP3MAgyBJgdiTC8CTe7HeK0QNlz5QRUoBDk-exOstrbqU3e4BKS_lgSCEs5JeqlWUrTMUPhN-8/s1600/President+Barrow+and+European+Commissioner+for+International+Cooperation+and+Development.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="720" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6NbXbgl68O3EmdvhD3E6AAqXSlk0WDLb7DihZqPaE2QLSadG9IT4EMdak5PmYe7NCKRlP3MAgyBJgdiTC8CTe7HeK0QNlz5QRUoBDk-exOstrbqU3e4BKS_lgSCEs5JeqlWUrTMUPhN-8/s320/President+Barrow+and+European+Commissioner+for+International+Cooperation+and+Development.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">President Barrow and European Commissioner, Neven Mimica </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>A blog post first published May 28th, 2018</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">---------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The recently concluded two-day Donors’ Conference on The Gambia hosted by the European Union in Brussels closed on a high note with a total of €1.45 billion in pledges from donors to help finance the 3-year National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 – 2021 of the coalition government of President Adama Barrow. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">In addition to this amount, the European Union is contributing €140 million in grants on top of the € 225 million already committed by Gambia’s single biggest donor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The total amount pledged is roughly equal the amount The Gambia came to Brussels to raise in pledges that led the EU Commissioner to declare the two-day affair a great success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">The eight priority areas of the NDP aimed to ensure sustainable and inclusive were fully supported by the EU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further support of government priorities areas of democratic reforms, agriculture, promoting job creation for the youth, in energy sector and granting access to renewable and sustainable energy for the Gambian people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">The Gambian delegation shared the sentiment of the EU Commissioner that the conference was highly successful, confirmed by the competing press releases from State House touting similar sentiments and urging Gambians to come out in droves to welcome the president from his Brussels trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">We expect that once the celebratory mood has waned and reality sets in, the daunting task of managing the high expectations driven, in part, by the citizen’s lack of familiarity with and understanding of what transpired in Brussels will begin. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Managing high expectations starts with explaining to Gambians that a pledge is nothing but a promise.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Thus the €1.45 billion in pledges by the donor community is a collection of promises from donors – both bilateral and multilateral – to contribute towards the financing of the projects and programs suggested in the National Development Plan. As expected, the World Bank, AfDB, IsDB, BADEA, EIB will provide the bulk of the financing of the NDP on </span>concessionary terms. <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">To illustrate our point, the State House is reporting on its Facebook page that France appears to have been the first to transform its pledge into a €50 million actual contribution towards the global figure of about a billion and a half euros in pledges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The swift decision by France did not come as much of a surprise as the level of its contribution, given its increasing role and influence in post-Jammeh Gambia. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">That said, the road to translating the €1.45 billion pledges into actual contributions had just started and it is going to take a great deal of effort to reach the goal because the international community is notorious for failing to fulfil their pledges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Haiti, Syria and, most recently, the Democratic Republic of Congo, are few examples where actual contributions fell far below pledges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the case of Haiti, the figure was as low as 30% of pledges and even lower in the case of the Haiti Trust Fund housed in the World Bank. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">Therefore, to translate pledges into contributions would require renewed commitments by the Barrow administration to institutional and structural reforms – something they’ve been reluctant to do so far - while taking firm steps on the fiscal front to provide the financing of the other half of the total cost of the NDP, according to the official submission of the Gambian delegation to the conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;">The challenges on the fiscal as well as the monetary fronts are daunting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Government must explain the process to ordinary Gambians to avoid misconceptions or run the risk of having government initiatives buried by national euphoria, driven more by politics than rationality, a condition that Alan Greenspan referred to as irrational exuberance. They must understand that to transform pledges (promises) into actual contribution usually is contingent on further conditionalities imposed by prospective donors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is encouraging, however, that President Barrow saw the need to signal, upon his return from Brussels, that the time for politics is over. The time has come to work hard towards national cohesion to achieve the objectives of the economic and social agenda set out in the National Development Plan. President Barrow's legacy, a major preoccupation of his, rests, in large part, on how successful the </span>implementation<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> of the new undertaken will be. </span></span></div>
<br />Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-3451470908559854132019-08-13T19:56:00.000-04:002019-08-13T19:56:59.734-04:00President Barrow must step down in 2019 unless...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ftfz4AxJWM9v5ISEGj7v3k-bnk74QFapvGBWC-788-HbFsObuAa4kYKTcq2qioAfeh1_nnh8lKUZ0zTSzcY0Jhm4Mn5A28Jq5uOQmjP6KbM3FKuuktoNFSpkilPvn9FbU9r9lYKNzi-7/s1600/Coalition+Leaders.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="1080" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ftfz4AxJWM9v5ISEGj7v3k-bnk74QFapvGBWC-788-HbFsObuAa4kYKTcq2qioAfeh1_nnh8lKUZ0zTSzcY0Jhm4Mn5A28Jq5uOQmjP6KbM3FKuuktoNFSpkilPvn9FbU9r9lYKNzi-7/s320/Coalition+Leaders.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">The Coalition of 7+1 </td></tr>
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<b>We are republishing our February 24th, 2018 blog post on the MOU as it becomes more topical with each passing day. The national conversation must commence.</b><br />
<br />
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<br />
The adage that a person is as good as his or her word will be tested in the coming months as President Barrow presidency approaches the halfway mark of the three-year MOU-specified tenure in office, which, in our view, must be respected.<br />
<br />
For Barrow to serve beyond December 2019, the Coalition Partners comprising of the seven opposition parties and the independent presidential candidate must reconvene, in a convention-style forum, to agree to extend the mandate prescribed in the MOU beyond the 3-year limit.<br />
<br />
During normal times, the issue would find an easy solution by simply referencing the MOU which created the Coalition under certain terms and conditions. Unfortunately, these are not normal times. The country is beginning to emerge from twenty-two years of one of Africa's most repressive regimes, the trauma of which is debilitating to both the democratic institutions as well as the human spirit.<br />
<br />
The dictatorship also weakened the political parties to the point of rendering them impotent. The former regime succeeded, as well, in blurring the lines that distinguished one political party from the other. The resultant effect is a symbiotic relationships between them, driven partially by expediency and political opportunism rather than by shared values and principles.<br />
<br />
The blurring of the boundaries occurred among opposition political parties, as well as among political parties' interests and, the personal interests of individual party members that were beginning to converge after the electoral victory of Adama Barrow. It immediately resulted in the trading of party membership for positions in the civil service.<br />
<br />
Recently, we cited the various sentiments expressed across the political divide regarding whether President Barrow should stick with the provisions or principles set out in the Coalition's MOU that requires the Coalition President to vacate the seat after three years or to follow the stipulated constitutional presidential term of 5 years.<br />
<br />
The matter may have been a topic of discussion during the negotiations that led to the selection of Adama Barrow as the Coalition's flag bearer. Whereas there are some who feel that the Coalition partners should stay true to the MOU, there are other voices that favor the stipulated presidential term of 5 years.<br />
<br />
Because the National Assembly Members were elected to serve the full 5-year term, it becomes necessary to realigned the president's term with that of the NAMs. The shortening the term of the NAMs to 3 years would be an unlikely option because it is already consistent and in line with the constitutional provisions.<br />
<br />
That leaves open the options of formally extending the term of the Coalition president for an additional two years or not extending the president's MOU-mandated 3-year term which automatically allows the Vice President to assume the presidency for two years.<br />
<br />
A convention of the Coalition partners must reconvened sooner than later so as to determine the length of term of the transitional president created by an MOU that is still operational, independent of the standard constitutional provisions and, only if to confirm maintaining the current status quo. The MOU created the current political dispensation.<br />
<br />
The MOU should form the basis for untangling the untidy mess created as a matter of necessity. It is therefore an absolute and necessary imperative to untangle the mess to allow The Gambia to start the recalibration of the term of office of the President of The Republic with that of Members of the National Assembly.<br />
<br />
#####<br />
<br />Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-12856161587250676762019-07-27T18:03:00.002-04:002019-07-27T18:03:47.060-04:00EDITORIAL: President Barrow must put his stamp on the transition government - Republication <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DATWiRbFCKGyDCZG9ICB-Qu1DlVOo6M6N-l3B6TIt75zewGJRFN7DEw4p0NT9GHdsobT1BxzfPBLoUtkkhnyFFRVBWCv4JqekKna6ZbkPtw1lLTZyNRfTP0MdKsAvr3M4CJI_mthQr_L/s1600/Adama+Barrow+1..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="999" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DATWiRbFCKGyDCZG9ICB-Qu1DlVOo6M6N-l3B6TIt75zewGJRFN7DEw4p0NT9GHdsobT1BxzfPBLoUtkkhnyFFRVBWCv4JqekKna6ZbkPtw1lLTZyNRfTP0MdKsAvr3M4CJI_mthQr_L/s320/Adama+Barrow+1..jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">President Adama Barrow </td></tr>
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<b>This editorial blog post was first published on November 11, 2017 </b><br />
<b>-------------------------------------------</b><br />
<br />
When Gambians went to the polls last December 1st, their choice to lead the Coalition of 7 +1 was Adama Barrow. He campaigned and won an election that the entire world, except Yaya Jammeh, acclaimed as free, fair and credible.<br />
<br />
In fact, Barrow's election was historic as being the first time that a sitting dictatorship, with all the instruments of power still firmly under his control, was defeated at the ballot and democratically without a shot being fired.<br />
<br />
African dictators have lost power in the past but it has almost always been through the use force or the threat of the use of force. Because of the uniqueness of our last December experience, we have been pleading with the new administration to avoid stepping on a very powerful and unique story that should serve as a platform to start the consolidation of out new found democratic freedoms.<br />
<br />
The Coalition government stumbled right out of the gates as some of us expected. If you ask a dozen Gambians the cause for it, you are likely to get a dozen but one different answers. The one reason they all share in common is that the majority of the cabinet lack experience in governance. Whereas this common factor may not be sufficient reason for failure, it is a necessary condition for a slow start as cabinet members feel their way around the treacherous terrain. Most, if not all, have been out in the political wilderness for over two decades.<br />
<br />
After almost a year at the helm, President Barrow and his team have made some progress, not of the earth-shattering kind, but progress nonetheless especially in the judiciary where discernible progress is being registered in appointing qualified and experienced Gambians on the bench. Members of the Commission of Inquiry into the illicit wealth of the former dictator have been seated over three months ago and its live extended for an additional six month.<br />
<br />
The law establishing the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparation Commission is on its final stage of being tabled before the National Assembly. The security sector has also been scheduled for restructuring. This is by no means an exhaustive list because there are ministries where public information is thin.<br />
<br />
All of the gains enumerated here will come to naught if hard choices are not made in the country's economic management team. A significant draw down of the ballooning domestic debt over the last decade must be made to start the reversal of the crowding out of the private sector that has been starved of cash from the commercial banking sector for investment purposes.<br />
<br />
The rebuilding effort of the Central Bank must commence from the ground up after what has come to light at the Commission of Inquiry. Without the restructuring of the civil service, it'd not be possible to successfully implement the reforms that must take place to set us on the road to economic recovery. Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-90603211640822810742019-07-27T13:17:00.002-04:002019-07-27T13:17:42.557-04:00The fracture that threatens the peace and stability - A republication <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_D_UlNnrkVjV5jpXxPNOCfifBWJ9s3OM62qsKZSoV98ZOAWTEynWBoCl5vjS5a-voVqOHwJH6lqYqvOkP-a1hiSR-p9BmU4_YWiBLIehqkNJKfVzy4gm_AtE_muVBCQfF3IS8kbuN_z2-/s1600/Barrow+and+Darboe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_D_UlNnrkVjV5jpXxPNOCfifBWJ9s3OM62qsKZSoV98ZOAWTEynWBoCl5vjS5a-voVqOHwJH6lqYqvOkP-a1hiSR-p9BmU4_YWiBLIehqkNJKfVzy4gm_AtE_muVBCQfF3IS8kbuN_z2-/s320/Barrow+and+Darboe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Barrow and Darboe </td></tr>
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<b>A blog post first published October 8th, 2018.</b><br />
<b>-------------------------------------</b><br />
<br />
The coalition of opposition parties that contested the December 2016 presidential elections against the regime of Jammeh, although it ended up victorious, was wittingly or unwittingly made to fracture. Halfway into the three-year transition government of Adama Barrow, discernible cracks, deep enough to prove irreparable, emerged, confirming the temporary nature of what can now be characterized as a political alliance of convenience - an admission that would have invited the wrath of the partisan supporters of the coalition.<br />
<br />
Presidential candidate Adama Barrow was the by-product of the political realities of the time when the leader of the single largest opposition party, Ousainou Darboe, leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP) was imprisoned for leading a demonstration to demand the release of the body of Solo Sandeng, a member of his party's executive and youth leader killed by paramilitary police. In addition to facing a leadership deficit, the unification of a plethora of opposition parties into a coercive and unified force to contest the December 2016 presidential elections, will again, prove to be a special challenge after failures in three successive times in 2001, 2006 and 2011.<br />
<br />
The coalition of opposition parties was finally realized but not before it became a precondition of the electorate who demanded it. Days into the campaign, it became clear that the electorate will not tolerate another fragmented opposition to fail at the hands of a well-financed and state-subsidized incumbent candidate with all the state machinery behind him. Only a coalition of all of the opposition parties can defeat Jammeh. In response to this demand, a convention of opposition parties was convened, literally days before the December 1st 2016 elections, that produced an obscure UDP party treasurer of unknown quantity to many named Adama Barrow, the UDP party treasurer, as the coalition's candidate for the presidency.<br />
<br />
Recognizing his lack of experience in governance with low public profile, presidential candidate Barrow pleaded for patience for his lack of experience and solicited support and assistance from coalition members in his quest for the presidency. After his surprise win, followed by a political impasse that lasted several tense weeks of negotiations, Jammeh finally decided to vacate State House under threat of the ECOMIG forces. He went into involuntary exile to Equatorial Guinea and President-elect Barrow assumed office in January 2017,<br />
<br />
Few days after he won the presidential elections, Ousainou Darboe, the leader of the UDP was released on bail from Mile II prisons and subsequently pardoned together with other senior members of his political party. The man the incoming president refers to as his political 'father' swiftly assumed a central figure in the kitchen cabinet of the incoming administration and helped shaped the cabinet. He assumed the post of Foreign Minister, a strategic error in the eyes of some astute observers of the political scene. By insisting on being a member of the cabinet, the UDP leader voluntarily subordinated himself to his political 'son', The President.<br />
<br />
Mr. Darboe's subsequent promotion to his current position of Vice President notwithstanding, the prevailing view is that he should have opted to stay away from assuming a cabinet post in a transition government that would have allowed time to take care of his after his health after his imprisoned at the notorious Mile II before embarking on the task of preparing his party for the next presidential elections. This option would have also made it possible for him to act as adviser to the Barrow government while concurrently strengthening the UDP into a formidable political machine in time for the 2021 presidential elections.<br />
<br />
It can be argued that by joining the transition government, Darboe inadvertently introduced an element of competition between the boss (Barrow) and his subordinate (Darboe), a role reversal that is manifesting itself in a very complex relationship between the two gentlemen.<br />
<br />
Conversely, Adama Barrow's performance as president only adds to the imbriglio the transition is turning out to be. The results of the first eighteen months of the Barrow has been anything but encouraging. On the economic management front, the economic is still anemic with high youth unemployment. Little or nothing has happened on the restructuring front which was a top priority of the coalition because the institutions were seriously seriously weakened under Jammeh. Lack of fiscal discipline is still pervasive despite promises to control the recurrent budget.<br />
<br />
The scourge of corruption has come to be associated with the Barrow government with a series of recent scandals involving over US$750,000 deposited into and transferred from the First Lady's Foundation, SEMLEX, the 57 vehicles gifted to parliamentarians and the latest being the alleged D10,000 per month stipend offered to some parliamentarians by President Barrow which was reported by a sitting member of the National Assembly.<br />
<br />
Barrow's record has caused him to lose political support by increasing doubts about his ability and competence to manage The Gambia as president, further making his political position untenable. Thus his recent move to organize a Youth Movement to rival a similar movement in the party he calls home - the United Democratic Party led by Ousainou Darboe.<br />
<br />
Tensions are already high as a result of competing camps within the same political party, with allegations of huge sums of money being handed out to UDP leaders in the length and breadth of the country by the Barrow camp as a means of encouraging them to switch allegiance from Darboe too Barrow. In fact, social media is awash with rumors including a claim that Barrow dispatched a delegation to Darboe encouraging him to step down from the leadership of the UDP that will permit him to be nominated the presidential candidate of the UDP in the 2021 presidential elections.<br />
<br />
The political maneuverings have taken its toll with Barrow spending more time politicking at the expense of his main task of governing a country whose economy and security are both in a fragile state as a result of 22 years of bad governance. Popular dissatisfaction with Barrow style of governance is growing with every new scandal that has cost him dear, further dimming his chances of securing an <a href="http://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2018/02/president-barrow-must-set-down-in-2019.html">extended term of five</a> instead of the current three stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding - the document outlining both his Manifesto and his term of office as a non-party affiliated candidate of the coalition of the unified opposition parties.<br />
<br />
The peace and security implications of an uncertain alliance between President Barrow and Vice President Barrow are great and may have played a part in the Gambian president, inappropriately and publicly requesting through the AU Chairperson the extension of the ECOMIG Mission in The Gambia to 2021, instead of through ECOWAS as dictated by and in accordance with AU's principle of subsidiarity. This is a move that signals to donors, investors, tourists and Gambians that the peace and security of the country cannot be guaranteed by the transition government, even after eighteen months at the helm, thus sending a message that is anything but reassuring.<br />
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####<br />
Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-7489238276609864152019-07-26T15:13:00.001-04:002019-07-26T15:13:07.931-04:00Is Jammeh behind the human trafficking that feeds the "Backway" syndrome? - A re-publication <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjs2NLI_QKRfDpM1vB7M2Xzvi94GDoaNpyTvkXySml-lzwDsEUz7Am_HSTHqQRW5E9VKdb49lHqZxfZfB2apQU11xzsNviUR1aHGOytLjea4WwoIfNHOJ_X5_LCh6YDG2mDJmRhAmxc0/s1600/Bus+%2528small%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjs2NLI_QKRfDpM1vB7M2Xzvi94GDoaNpyTvkXySml-lzwDsEUz7Am_HSTHqQRW5E9VKdb49lHqZxfZfB2apQU11xzsNviUR1aHGOytLjea4WwoIfNHOJ_X5_LCh6YDG2mDJmRhAmxc0/s1600/Bus+%2528small%2529.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">The white shiny bus</td></tr>
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<b>A blog post first published June 15th, 2015.</b><br />
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<br />
The white shiny bus shown here has been identified in a Washington Post article authored by Kevin Sieff that serves as the beginning of the "Backway" journey from The Gambian capital of Banjul with the final destination of Agadez, Niger.<br />
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We wrote <a href="http://sidisanneh.blogspot.com/2015/04/is-jammeh-regime-complicit-in-human.html">a piece last April</a>, identifying Banjul as one of the centers of human trafficking. Greater Banjul is a city at war with itself with military road block every 500 meters along the highway which made us to conclude that it is inconceivable for the authorities to be unaware of the human trafficking activities going on right in front of their noses.<br />
<br />
Light is finally beginning to be shone on this aspect of the 'Backway syndrome', thanks to the focus that highly reputable news outlets' increasing focus on this sliver of a land that is contributing more than any country in Africa, proportionally speaking.<br />
<br />
The "Backway" traffic increased markedly since last December, resulting in a significant increase in drownings in the Mediterranean. 14% of those who drowned in the first quarter of this year were Gambian, a country of 1.8 million which triggered international curiosity as to what's going on in The Gambia.<br />
<br />
The bus pictured here is of particular interest because it cannot be allowed to circulate freely without someone higher up the chain of authority assuring its free movement across the Gambia with human cargo on board whose finally destination is known.<br />
<br />
If Jammeh is opposed to human trafficking and has accused parents of those allowing their children of being un-Islamic because they are contributing towards their fares, why buses, like the one depicted here, operating freely.<br />
<br />
Jammeh appears to be augmenting his campaign of deception by asking the ICC Chief prosecutor to investigate why Gambians and African emigrants are allowed to die in the Mediterranean, and accusing Italy and EU of deliberately causing the deaths. It is also a preemptive move since the Italian government has announced their investigation of the human trafficking aspect of the tragedy.<br />
<br />
Just as Jammeh has refused to accept that his bad economic policies and the human rights conditions of Gambians, he has deliberately turned a blind eye to the human trafficking going on at his front door.<br />
<br />
Help us identify this shiny white bus. Thank you.Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-40572205331151758082019-07-26T14:37:00.000-04:002019-07-26T14:37:07.288-04:00Gambian youth as economic migrant - A republication <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dLN45WVOUlKAPiU3SiR-Kz7Dz6m8yqD8-w1ETq9-dM6NeKngIJdMqVDCNGwMsAi8OD7xcVgqaZ91HuCO3OK6zvZ32vZR0DqfusdbVEIs9ec-upiRHk_87oTTvUMftVpQQSDB36G6n00/s1600/Migrants+walking+in+Libya.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dLN45WVOUlKAPiU3SiR-Kz7Dz6m8yqD8-w1ETq9-dM6NeKngIJdMqVDCNGwMsAi8OD7xcVgqaZ91HuCO3OK6zvZ32vZR0DqfusdbVEIs9ec-upiRHk_87oTTvUMftVpQQSDB36G6n00/s1600/Migrants+walking+in+Libya.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">African economic migrants walking along a Libyan desert road</td></tr>
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<b>This is blog post first published July 7th, 2014 </b><br />
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<br />
One of the most painful legacies that the Jammeh regime will be the emptying of The Gambia of its youthful population. It pains me to say that a disproportionate number are of these economic and human rights migrants are non-Jolas. We cannot discuss the Jammeh regime without talking about tribalism as an instrument of suppression by playing one tribe against another. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At this point of this narration, it is tempting to say it is to be expected because Mandinka and Fulas, in particular, form the largest chunk of the country's population, thus should form a majority in many categories which is generally true, but only to a point. The social status categories like high-paying jobs in the public service, scholarship awards and membership to statutory Boards paint a different picture. The trend is scary, and more so when the qualifications and experience do not seem to be correlated with the numbers of the one of the smallest and least educated of one section of our population. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is important to note at this point that our faith in the Gambian people is unshakable. Many politicians of past years who tried using tribe as a divisive tool have failed, and Jammeh will fail also.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Daily Observer warned us this morning of the scourge of economic migration and the risk involved in venturing in small boats and canoes on their journey to Europe via Italy - a journey that usually end up in tragedy. The regime's official mouth piece, blames the youth's lack of "strong commitment" to the Motherland, implying that these young men and women are more committed to their respective families. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
After all, these economic migrants are making the trip because "they are pursuing work in foreign countries in order to support themselves and their families" according to the Daily Observer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfXXk1hld088NgmUHgPVGLuJfd5gn7e_wNQnpAvmA4OBkN-fpnTQoLAfAPhSgTC4PerTDA7uvtFstPUeEIO2UUBARTVMGtdz4854oa7xPNxYZMsWlkhrL6FUYuorBXzfc-GDSdmiJ-bM/s1600/african-migrants+(boat).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfXXk1hld088NgmUHgPVGLuJfd5gn7e_wNQnpAvmA4OBkN-fpnTQoLAfAPhSgTC4PerTDA7uvtFstPUeEIO2UUBARTVMGtdz4854oa7xPNxYZMsWlkhrL6FUYuorBXzfc-GDSdmiJ-bM/s1600/african-migrants+(boat).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">Boat full of African migrants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nothing from our friends at the Daily Observer about the causes of this frantic pace of adventurism into the unknown at extraordinary risks. Could it be that the regime’s inability to make it attractive for these young people to stay at home? Unemployment is high and getting higher, while the lucky few to be employed have seen that wages stagnate, eroding their purchasing power to a level that cannot sustain life. Yet they see their Great Leader ride around town in a Rolls Royce. The insensitivity and the tone deafness of this regime is bordering on insanity.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Daily Observer continues to blame the young men and women for not investing locally the money they pay for the dangerous trip, which assumes that there is free entry and exit in an economy that is directed by one man - Yaya Jammeh. How many houses built by Gambian retirees and those living in Europe have been bulldozed by Yaya Jammeh, and their land seized without due process? Why are businessmen/women fleeing Gambia for friendlier and safer destinations for their investments; these include Jammeh closest business partners. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The Gambian economy is contracting because of its mismanagement, and the contraction will continue. </span><span style="text-align: center;">In fact, the economy is headed for a complete collapse.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">The young men and women venturing out at seas see the bleak future, and they are voting with their feet, and they see it worth the risk.</span></div>
<br />Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-73854406637374282052019-07-13T20:40:00.001-04:002019-07-14T07:29:45.120-04:00Peoples Progressive Party: Resolution of the Second Conference of Delegates held, Saturday 13th July 2019, at The Friendship Hostel, Bakau<span id="docs-internal-guid-cb477b1d-7fff-3f94-ad3e-ae5a7ca9d81f"></span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-cb477b1d-7fff-3f94-ad3e-ae5a7ca9d81f"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> PEOPLES PROGRESSIVE PARTY</span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-cb477b1d-7fff-3f94-ad3e-ae5a7ca9d81f"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> RESOLUTION OF THE SECOND CONFERENCE OF DELEGATES HELD ON </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> SATURDAY 13</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 6.6pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">TH</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> JULY 2019</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Peoples Progressive Party convened in its second special Delegates Conference at the Friendship Hostel in Bakau, on Saturday 13 July 2019. It was occasion for a thorough review of the life and program of the party as well as deep reflection and exchanges on future prospects.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this regard,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Conscious</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, as ever, of the historic bond binding the PPP to the people of the Gambia;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aware </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of the overwhelming desire among the party’s following, as well as the widespread yearning among the Gambia populace at large, for a resumed active presence of the PPP on the national political scene;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Deploring</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> the recent actions of certain unscrupulous individuals which resulted in the rigged December Congress, a fraud-ridden election and a bare-faced attempt to hijack the party, out of inordinate ambition and in pursuance of an unavowed agenda;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Conscious</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of the deleterious effect of the resultant protracted intra-party dispute, including court litigation, on the life and development of the party; </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hereby Resolve as follows</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Reaffirm its complete rejection of the flawed Congress process and its truncated leadership election result;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Reaffirm its strong commitment to the principles and decisions of the Bakau Declaration;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Further reaffirm its strong support for the on-going action initiated through the courts to ensure that truth and justice prevail in all aspects of the life of the party;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Decide to grant approval for the option canvassed for circumventing the present impasse by setting up a new and distinct party to pursue the P.P.P.’s historic mission with appropriate adjustments to reflect changing times and circumstance;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Set up a high-level Steering Committee to immediately start work on putting this decision into effect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Done at Bakau</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">13</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 6.6pt; vertical-align: super; white-space: pre-wrap;">TH</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> July 2019</span></div>
</span>Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-90304115054565210282019-06-26T09:06:00.001-04:002019-06-26T09:06:40.599-04:00GAMCORD Press Release: Diaspora calls on government to accelerate promised reforms, extend the franchise <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Gambia: Diaspora calls on The Gambia Government to prioritize and accelerate promised reforms</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Lament the disenfranchisement of at least 100,000 Gambians living abroad</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Banjul, 27 June 2019</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Participants of the Gambia Conference on Reforms and Democracy- GAMCORD, met on 10-12 June, 2019, under the theme: ‘</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Diaspora’s potential for impactful reforms in times of transition’, </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and raised concerns over the slow progress being made in prioritizing and accelerating democratic reforms in the country. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;">The conference produced a three-page Resolution, which observed that transitions are challenging, especially after 22 years of tyranny and dysfunctionality across the entire system of government. They stated that revamping such anomalies is daunting. However, participants agreed that, there was no excuse for the slow progress being made to consolidate, promote and protect the democratic gains made, when the citizens elected to remove dictatorship from their midst. They pointed to the disintegration of the Coalition 2016, and lack of political will, as responsible factors for the deviation from promises made, which has precipitated a worrying trend of political polarization, and politics of ethnicity in the country.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Participants also expressed shock and frustration over the actions of the government, whom they blamed for deliberately ‘</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">engaging in a set of </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">selective amendments</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">which do not inspire confidence and undermines public trust and goodwill in the current Administration</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.’</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> These, they said included the Elections Amendment Act 2017; and the Gambia Public Procurement Act 2017. Concerns were also raised about the continued disregard for environmental laws and policies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">The conference expressed deep disappointment at the disenfranchisement of more than 100,000 Gambians, which they say violates fundamental rights of expression and universal adult suffrage. ‘</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;">The 1997 Constitution guarantees every Gambia the right to vote and be voted for, and this has been selectively applied in every election. This illegal practice needs to cease, as a matter of urgency, to allow for Gambians abroad to vote in the upcoming referendum, and beyond’.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> Failing which, delegates said they will propose legislation to align the electoral law with the 1997 Constitution, otherwise they will take legal action against the government. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The gathering zeroed in on the corruption, a legacy of the Jammeh regime, which has crept into the Barrow Administration. Delegates requested the Office of the President to desist from interfering in contracting and procurement processes, which only entrenches the culture of secrecy and corruption. They urged the Presidency to re-delegate such responsibilities to The Gambia Public Procurement Agency, a move they believe will ensure that transparency in contracting and procurement are in line with the laws and procedures. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This will also discourage tender rigging, price fixing, cartelism and rent seeking behaviour, which are the hall marks of secrecy, corruption and arbitrariness, which is being entrenched in the Barrow administration’</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, the Resolution states.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The National Assembly was not spared either. Delegates implored National Assembly members: ‘</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to show leadership and exercise their oversight role by ensuring that the constitutional review process is protected from political interference’. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> They called on the MPs to pave the way for a referendum on the finalization of the review draft (Constitution), by passing a law that expressly provides for a vote on the proposed constitution before the 2021 general elections.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The GAMCORD Resolution focused on key sectoral areas, which were identified for urgent reforms: the security, civil, and foreign service sectors; media legislation, and accession to the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM); and the educational sector. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The two-day meeting saw about 50 participants from the Diaspora, CSOs, and private sector, also interact with the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), as formal submissions for inclusion in the review of the constitution were made through the Right to Know (R2K) Gambia chapter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">About: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The GAMCORD document was first drafted in January 2017. It was shelved mainly due to the dashed expectations experienced over the period. The 2019 meeting was jointly organized by the Right 2 Know-Gambia (R2K) and others partners. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">I.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">To interface with the Constitutional Review Commission and exchange views on the CRC process in general and on issues specific to the relevant provisions of the Constitution that impacts directly and tangentially on the lives of Gambians living and/or working abroad.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">II.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">To initiate / strengthen citizen driven processes, in collaboration with NAMs (particularly the Foreign Affairs Standing Committee) who derive their authority directly from the citizenry, and elevate the most pressing issues/challenges that the country must tackle if the principles of a citizenry centred developmental agenda is to be attained. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">III.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">To assess and identify the thematic areas of intervention (for the government, the private sector, development partners, and friends of The Gambia) through an open, systematic process commencing with an agreed to methodology, set of evidence based exercises including discussion papers, technical documents and broad national debate. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">IV.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Agree to a strategic developmental and legislative agenda.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">V.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Ensure that the GAMCORD Conference is participatory, representative and vibrant- working with CSOs, the CRC, development partners and NAMS ensures that representation at a constituency level is guaranteed, in a strategic and systematic manner.</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-weight: 700;">Who:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Right 2 Know- (R2K) Gambia, started its work in October 2016, focusing on elections integrity around the then, now famed, 2016 Presidential elections, when Jammeh was ousted from power. Our membership/following has since grown to 10,000 people. The founders are a grouping of individuals with professional backgrounds ranging from geology, demographics, economics, international relations and law, communications, and academia. All members are human rights activists. We are located in The Gambia, US, UK, West and Southern Africa. We are a non-partisan entity that focuses on rule of law and democracy, good governance, anti-corruption, human rights and the principles of access to information and freedom of expression. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> ###</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">For more information please contact:</span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="mailto:R2kgambia@gmail.com" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: normal;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">R2kgambia@gmail.com</span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; text-align: justify; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-74862952085724821632019-06-24T11:41:00.000-04:002019-06-24T11:41:13.190-04:00Barrow to hand over Gambia Port to Nigeria?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7bi66Zh4dPiHaYZzPieXpEYpk_6BZ85epBpQ59hHt4741bMF52VybLo54kX25xcn9tiM7wyRuGVvYwcKcYXk8OqTKYpkNJNMOfKsOut22UAPCSolWd2N_Gp6ysgNJEBE5blOi4gQa8cw/s1600/SIFAX+Logo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="321" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7bi66Zh4dPiHaYZzPieXpEYpk_6BZ85epBpQ59hHt4741bMF52VybLo54kX25xcn9tiM7wyRuGVvYwcKcYXk8OqTKYpkNJNMOfKsOut22UAPCSolWd2N_Gp6ysgNJEBE5blOi4gQa8cw/s200/SIFAX+Logo.PNG" width="200" /></a></div>
It now appears that China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) is attracting a surprising and unlikely competition from the SIFAX Group, a Nigerian company that describes itself as a conglomerate with diverse investments, in its bid to take over the GPA port facilities. <br />
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The Chinese take over bid of the port facilities involving an investment package of $177 million ran into a snag last year when it did not meet the donor-imposed 50% grant threshold for projects that will be finance during the transition period. <br />
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The Chinese bid enjoyed the support of the Office of The President and forcefully stirred by the Minister of Works against the wishes of the Ministry of Finance and the Board of Directors of the GPA who appeared to have been left out of the negotiations, including the consultation process. <br />
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The ensuing fall-out resulted in the unceremonious transfer of the former GPA Managing Director, Tambadou, to the moribund Gambia Public Procurement Agency (GPPA) that is routinely bypassed in major procurement decisions of the transition government of president Adama Barrow.<br />
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Although unclear why the sudden bromance between Barrow administration and the SIFAX Group of Nigeria despite the parallel project preparation activities underway with the African Development Bank playing the lead-lender role, what is evident is the aggressive drumbeat emanating from State House, led by Permanent Secretary, Yankuba Saidy, who heads the Investment Desk. <br />
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Mr. Saidy's role has raised a few eyebrows because, aside from driving the SIFAX Group train through hostile territory, he is alleged to have acted as a paid consultant to the Nigerian company that prepared the proposal to take 75% of the port facilities, thus posing a monumental conflict of interest challenge to a point man to some of the most influential members of the Barrow administration. <br />
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Mr. Saidy has been demanding the Gambia Ports Authority management to come up with what he refers to as "Counter Proposal to SIFAX Group" by the deadline of 30th May, 2019. The GPA was also expected to propose a draft contract by the same date. The slippage in not meeting the deadline "without showing any cause" has not been viewed kindly by State House. Of course, the delay had to do with the myriad of extremely issues of national importance.<br />
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The cautious approach adopted by the Gambia Ports Authority has clearly frustrated Mr. Saidy who has accused the MD of GPA of "foot dragging", a term coined by the Yaya Jammeh's Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council that was interpreted as an infringement of the junta's decrees. Many a Gambian have gone to Mile II prisons or dismissed or both.<br />
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- This is a developing story<br />
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Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-404860931917051805.post-65140316690634527022019-06-22T03:29:00.003-04:002019-06-22T03:29:26.207-04:00Communique: Gambia Conference on Reforms and Democracy - GAMCORD 2019<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbn2y9LI8QDg6Asf9YoFiJ9d2SQgRitOYEpRI1Wj4Hw0ufRTH8Kh-gULBi_YlcurLyfFVEWT3vGWe3MUoDgI-w46s7qOkdkXolzxp1OOa9nk1KEY_rqvMe1yYlEa1pE7xe3OD6Ka1N7-oD/s1600/GAMCORD+e-flyer+lighter+file.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1031" data-original-width="1600" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbn2y9LI8QDg6Asf9YoFiJ9d2SQgRitOYEpRI1Wj4Hw0ufRTH8Kh-gULBi_YlcurLyfFVEWT3vGWe3MUoDgI-w46s7qOkdkXolzxp1OOa9nk1KEY_rqvMe1yYlEa1pE7xe3OD6Ka1N7-oD/s200/GAMCORD+e-flyer+lighter+file.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We</span></b><span style="background: rgb(255, 249, 238); color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif;">, participants of the GAMCORD forum from the
Gambian Diaspora, CSOs, and the private sector, met in The Gambia to deliberate
on the theme: <b>‘The Diaspora’s potential for impactful reforms in times of
transition’. </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recalling </span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the Gambia Civil Society Forum II Resolution
adopted at the WACSOF convening, prior to the 49th Ordinary Session of the
ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Dakar, Senegal, on 2 June,
2015 theme: Gambia- governance, democracy and respect for the rule of law.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recognizing</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> that The Gambia has undergone a democratic
transition through the ballot box.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Congratulating</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the entire Gambian citizenry for mustering
the courage in exercising their right to freedom of expression and their right
to vote in a candidate of their choice.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Further Congratulating</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the Independent Electoral
Commission for discharging its mandate without fear or favour and delivering on
the will of the people on December 2, 2016.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Acknowledging</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the supportive role played by ECOWAS, under
the leadership of Her Excellency Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the governments of
Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana, for their unflinching commitment to promoting the
culture of democracy in West African region.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cognizant</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> of the fact that The Gambia has been an
example to other AU member states, that an</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">aspiration
of a nation to be freed from tyranny and be governed well is possible.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aware</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> that transitions, in whatever form,
especially given the Gambian context, is challenging.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fully Aware</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> that after 22 years of tyranny, and
dysfunctionality across the entire system of government, revamping such
anomalies is daunting.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recognize</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> that the 2017 National Development Plan
makes a strong pronouncement of elevating the needs of the Diaspora and
prioritizing their involvement in the national debates and decision making
processes.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Appreciate </span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the efforts of the current administration in
establishing the transitional justice road map by deploying a Truth,
Reconciliation, and Reparation Commission (TRRC), and the Constitutional Review
Commission (CRC).</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Expressing </span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">our full support to the TRRC and the CRC.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Further Expressing</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> our gratitude to the CRC for according us
the opportunity to interface and deliberate on core proposals that will further
the quest for good democratic practice, strengthened institutions, and rule of
law in the constitution and the constitutional making process.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Disappointed</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by the disintegration of the Coalition 2016,
and the deviation from the coalition manifesto and MoU, which has precipitated
a worrying trend of political polarization, and politics of ethnicity in the
country.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Concerned </span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">at the dearth of leadership across the
political spectrum to stem the rising tide of ethnic and regional politics.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Further Concerned </span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">that the anticipated reforms as envisaged in
the Coalition 2016 Manifesto, public pronouncements of President Barrow and
members of his administration are being deprioritized.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shocked</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> at the actions of deliberately engaging in a
set of selective amendments, which do not inspire confidence and undermines
public trust and goodwill in the current Administration- these include: The
Elections Amendment Act 2017; and the Gambia Public Procurement Act 2017;</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Condemn</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the continued policies of opacity of state
contracts and contracting, procurement and investments in the country.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Further condemn</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the continued disregard for environmental
laws and policies, specifically the Banjul Declaration 1977, which aimed to
protect our flora and fauna, as well as the National Environmental Act 1994;
Environment Management Act 1994; Forestry Act 1998; environmental regional,
continental and international normative frameworks and treaties of which The
Gambia is a party.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We, participants of The Gambia Conference on Reforms and
Democracy GAMCORD:</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Urge </span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the Office of the President to desist from
interfering in contracting and procurement processes, which only entrenches the
culture of secrecy and corruption in our national contracting processes; we
therefore, urge the Presidency to re-delegate such responsibilities to the
appropriate institution- the Gambia Public Procurement Agency- so as to ensure
that transparency in contracting and procurement are in line with the laws and
procedures that discourage tender rigging, price fixing, cartelism and rent
seeking behaviour, which are the hall marks of secrecy, corruption and
arbitrariness.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Implore</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the Gambia Government to urgently act on the
Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) report, which
documents and provides irrefutable evidence on how the country was robbed of 1
billion US dollars by ex-president Jammeh.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Further implore</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the Gambia Government to urgently undertake
action in bringing those implicated in facilitating the looting of 1 billion US
dollars, from the state, to book; and expedite the country&#39;s asset
recovery efforts.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Call upon</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the Gambia Government to urgently review the
Public Order Act to bring it in conformity with regional and international
standards on freedom of assembly;</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Further call upon</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> political parties to become more proactive
and engaging in the governance processes of the country, in particular to
effectively and actively participate and influence, as well as monitor public
policy, legislation and hold public institutions accountable.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Urge</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the National Assembly to play a more
proactive leadership role in the performance of its oversight functions and to
holding the Government accountable.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Further urge </span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Gambia Government to urgently convene a
national conference to deliberate on the state of education in the country,
which has reached a crisis point.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Call upon </span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Gambia Government, under the leadership
of President Barrow, to elevate and prioritize a progressive and strategic
legislative agenda which shall include: - An amendment to the Elections Act
2017 to align with the 1997 Constitution section 26- Political Rights, (a);
(b); (c); and section 39 (1). - Embark on a robust exercise to roll out a rapid
set of media legislative reforms that reflects our collective aspirations to
build a democratic state - Transforming GRTS into an independent public
broadcaster - Enact legislation to establish/strengthen a media/public
regulatory authority in line with regional and continental standards. -
Repeal/claw back the GPPA Amendment Act 2018. - Enact an Access to Information
law in accordance to Article 9 of the AUCPCC, which Gambia is a signatory, and
deposited its instruments ratification on 9 July 2009.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We urge </span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the Gambia Government to prioritize security
sector reforms with urgency, and consult and engage with relevant Gambian
experts in the sector to deliver an effective and efficient set of changes to
the sector.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We further urge</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the government to develop a strategic
planning capacity across the civil service by creating a Planning Ministry with
the primary mission of developing a rolling strategic plan for the entire
economy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>We call upon </b>The Gambia Government to accede to the African
Peer Review Mechanism-APRM by signing the MoU of the primary governance
instrument in Africa, and take the necessary steps to roll out the Country
Review as a matter of urgency.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We further call</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> upon the Gambia Government to organize a
national dialogue, as a matter of </span><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">urgency,
to address the pressing issues the country faces, which includes challenges to
social </span><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">cohesion.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We implore</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the National Assembly to show leadership and
exercise its oversight role and ensure that the constitutional review process
is protected from political interference and pave the way for a referendum on
the finalization of the review draft, by passing a law that expressly provides
for a vote on the proposed constitution before the 2021 general elections.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We support</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> the call for the establishment of a
Constitution Implementing Committee/Commission to lead and monitor the
implementation of the revised constitution under the forthcoming Third
Republic.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We express</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> a willingness to work with the Gambia
Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to design a
strategy/methodology to enable us to be accounted for through an external
census.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We commit </span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to tracking the progress and implementation
of this Communique, by establishing a steering committee to follow through on
agreements reached during GAMCORD 2019.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We express our resolve</span></b><span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to continue to engage with
Gambian CSOs, particularly The Association of Non-Government Organizations
(TANGO), to continue to play its role in promoting good governance, strong
democratic practice, and fundamental rights to protect popular participation
and elevate the general principles and demand for public accountability. </span></div>
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<span style="background: #FFF9EE; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b> ###</b></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<br />Sidi Sannehhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14842740001172363018noreply@blogger.com