I want to call on the President Adama Barrow and Foreign Minister Ousainou Darboe to publicly condemn and dissociate themselves from the security officers who arrested and harangued one Omar Touray for his unsavoury comments against them.
Furthermore Pres. Adama Barrow must summon the heads of security agencies to which these irate officers belong to admonish and impress on their officers to refrain from the use of acts and tactics that are typical in police states. The president must tell his security services that the Gambia is a democracy in which citizens must be free to express their views even if we find those comments to be bad-mannered and distasteful.
The foundation of democracy is freedom of expression. Freedom of expression is the right and the ability to express oneself including expressing ideas that can be deeply offensive. As Thomas Jefferson said more than 150 years ago the basis of a democratic government is the opinion of the people. Nelson Mandela went further to state that freedom of expression and free media are the lifeblood of democracy. Hence if we have decided to make democracy our system of governance then we must be ready and willing to enjoy the benefits and endure the bitter pills of democracy at the same time, regardless!
Freedom of expression is however not absolute but can be restricted in order to protect public morality, national security, the Gambia’s sovereignty or to prevent contempt of court. Such restriction must be guided by the law and necessary in a democratic society. But it is not the case that every expression or opinion that is perceived to be offensive, violent or rude is therefore a violation of freedom of expression. In a multiparty democratic republic the use of offensive speech is not strange as we have seen in all democracies around the world.
Indeed the expressions of Omar Touray were offensive, rude and violent. They are abhorrent and uncouth and unnecessary. It is a speech that we must shun and discourage. His speech certainly disregards our sociocultural norms and values completely. He could have expressed his ideas by using better words and still make his point succinctly. But that is still a choice that Omar has for which the State must not punish him. We must also understand that his foul-mouthed speech was directed at public officials who must be ready and willing to take the heat so long as they are in public office.
Therefore we must recognize that Omar’s speech came within the context of our democratic dispensation that must be respected and protected. His speech is no different from similar speeches one would hear in various official and unofficial Whatsapp forums of our various political parties, communities and associations. We have seen similar language used in the recent election campaigns where leaders and supporters of various parties and candidates unleashed invectives against each other. Across the social media we see and hear constantly how individuals would insult political leaders, parties and even tribes. Yet in none of those forums have the police arrested anyone for their speech. Therefore why would Omar Touray be arrested just because he insulted other political leaders?
While we need to promote decency and civility in our politics and society as a whole, but we must bear in mind that our Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and in a multiparty political context, the use of unsavoury words against politicians and elected officials is part of the game.
The other fundamental issue we must highlight is that our law enforcement agencies must understand that they are not thugs or militia of any political leader or party neither are they moral officers. Hence in the execution of their job, they must not act as defenders of a political leader or a moral guide or cultural teacher in our society. Our security officers must understand that they are mere law enforcers which in other words mean human rights protection. They must understand that they are not in conflict with a suspect rather it is the suspect that is conflict with the law. For that matter they must rise above sentiments and judgements to the point of harassing suspects. The Constitution provides that a suspect is innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
Therefore the video of Omar Touray and security officers is a very concerning and serious matter that must alarm all citizens. The action of these officers is intimidating, violent and unprofessional. It is a direct threat to our emerging democracy and for that matter the President and his Foreign Minister, no matter how much offended they may feel and rightly for that matter, must see the wider picture and stand against these officers and their malpractice. They must condemn such malpractice and demand that our security officers at all times uphold the principles of democracy and our Constitution.
The speech by Omar Touray is nothing strange and unprecedented in a democratic political discourse. One can hear such statements in all forums across our society even though such speeches are inimical to nurturing a true democratic culture. But the truth must be told that it is out of our political parties that such culture of uncouth language and tribalist and sexist narratives were born. Hence this is a wakeup call to our political leaders and indeed all societal leaders, parents and teachers to begin to promote and nurture a culture of decency and civility in our politics.
Democracy is a marketplace of ideas where divergent and dissenting opinions flow and clash. Let the ideas hit each other but we must not drop so low as to hit each other’s person, family and dignity. In other words we can agree and disagree but we must not allow being disagreeable as Omar Touray did. However even in such disagreeability, our law enforcement agencies must not interfere with our right to freedom of expression unless if such expression is hate speech directed at ethnic or religious groups, communities or private citizens or exposes the country to instability. Omar’s speech however has not caused any of those.
For The Gambia Our Homeland
The Gambia Police Force, at least from analyzing the visual and audio content of the recording done, is only out to serve three politically clueless masters. That’s the UDP, Ousainou Darboe and Adama Barrow.
Omar Touray is not the perpetrator any more, and the police operatives have by virtue of their conduct turned themselves into criminals by breaking the laws guiding interrogation and the cardinal principle of innocent until proven guilty.
This method of policing is pervasive in the GPF all over the country thereby turning this institution into one of thugs and bullies.
This incident should be a learning curve for the minister of interior to take appropriate measures in inculcating human rights standards into policing practices of GPF.
PS LAMIN:-
From my experience, and I am a LUNTANGO, the Gambia Police Force and INDIVIDUAL Gambian Police Officers are AT LEAST TEN TIMES better than UK/USA/FRENCH police.
And Lamin, I write as someone with, according to my police certificate:
No Warnings,
No Reprimands,
No Cautions,
No Convictions … All inspite of 42 years of Rights Activism in UK.
INSPITE of my clean record, I think Gambian Police are far more human.
Dida, just as our modes of social and cultural inter-actions and interactions differ greatly from those countries you mentioned, it’s no surprise that our police force and individual police officers are equally and vastly different from those countries you mentioned in conduct and comportment. It’s just a natural fact. That is not an accolade for our police force and should therefore not be worn as a badge of honor. That’s the first point.
………………………………………
Second and most important of all for me, since when has Great Britain, France, Germany, the USA and all white countries been good examples of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
Well only when it applies to white people in those geographical territories will those ideals be called into action.
You see, I don’t measure myself, my country, my people, morality and ethics according to white standards. After all, they are NOT created for me, for you or for us.
So it’s better when you and I are exchanging, you leave out the scavenging beastial savages for good.
Any such action from your part again cannot attract a response from me for obvious reasons.
No disrespect to your person intended, it’s just a matter of principle.
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Hey who won the game? Bron?
Now that Madi works for The WESTMINSTER Foundation for Democracy, we must ask Madi to practice BRITISH standards when promoting BRITISH Democracy in The Gambia. We must also ask Madi to “raise his game”, i.e. stop writing anti-UDP/anti-Barrow PROPAGANDA and look for SOLID FACTS before putting pen to paper.
So here we go:-
1. If I, Dida Halake, shouted “FUCK YOU PRIME MINISTER” as Mrs. May walks past, I will be arrested INSTANTLY by British police under NUMEROUS laws such as:-
a) Breach of the Peace (because I would certainly have provoked Mrs. May’s supporters to violence);
b) Common Assault (under UK law verbal abuse is an assault if it puts the persons it is directed to in fear);
c) Public Decency laws – this particular abuse of Darboe and Barrow certainly comes under that.
2. The problem with Madi’s writings GENERALLY is that he has had a particular Anti-UDP/Anti-Barrow stance from day 1 … and he makes up arguments to fit his own prejudices. So, in this case because it is Darboe and Barrow who are being abused, the police should NOT act – according to Madi. But just a few months ago when it is another lady abusing the Serahulle Community, the police MUST act – according to Madi. Sure Madi will argue that “the Serahulle Community” are not public officers and should not be abused and insulted. But Madi, Darboe and Barrow are also members of a “community” and members of “families” – so insulting and abusing Barrow and Darboe is also abusing their “communities” and their “families”.
3. Madi argues that it is OK to insult “public officers”. No it is NOT – and British police have even charged people who have used social media to insult and threaten British MPs. Google it.
4. Abuse and insult of public officers in Africa has SERIOUS POTENTIAL to cause violence and conflict – Rwanda’s genocide which started as abuse and insults on the radion is an example. The appalling abuse against Darboe and Barrow, which Madi thinks is OK in a democracy, should certainly not be allowed – and I am sure 90% of Gambians would agree.
5. Madi has a tendency to run off to his key-boards at the drop of a hat: LET ME ASK, HAS IT BEEN CONFIRMED THAT THE PEOPLE IN THE VIDEO ARE ACTUALLY POLICE OFFICERS? I see no one in police uniform and it is quiet possible that these are aggrieved individuals pretending to be police officers.
FINALLY, Madi, as the Gambia Officer of Wesminster Democracy Foundation, please promote Westminster Parliamentary behaviour: Jeremy Corbyn CANNOT say “Prime Minister May is lying” … that is un-parliamentary language and is insulting and Jeremy will be kicked out of parliament by the Speaker.
Am sure all the points you raised can be answered by Madi himself. I think they are legitimate questions but I wonder if you will ever get hold of Madi to answer those questions for you.
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On my side, am not holding sway for Omar Touray for insulting Adama and Ousainou. Far from it. I think what he has done is wrong and there is no excuse about that. In fact it would vex me if I should ever hear him insulting any person in such a manner.
But the police should have known better. They are the custodians of our safety and our rights. How could they in such a blatant manner go on to violate what they swore to uphold.
Their actions smell of a far too familiar character patter, i.e cozying up to the people or party that occupies the centre of power.
Isn’t it the same police force that arrested UDP members when Yaya was in power for all the wrong reasons?
No one should try to legitimize a conduct that we all know to be legally and morally reprehensible.
Lamin, the police done wrong in the way & manner the video leaked out; yes, the police should’ve know(better), to rise above this error & such (in kind & equivalent) in future; as Responsible Professionals; acting within the Law Constitutionally; those arresting officers needs a word with; by the inspector General & the general police command…
Omar Touray deserves where he is; being the aprc Councillorship contestant warrants no one to infringe & transgress against law & others including opponents; in real fairness to one another; let him face the law courts in respect of his rights as enshrined constitutionally….
Omar called for Ounsainou’s assassination ” – “Ounsainou nyanta faalaleh?…” in one of the audios….?
Why can’t Omar & anybody else express their opinions in civility; without stirring at strife; the Community belongs collectively…?
On the contrary; Theresa May & all other British & other “world leaders” everywhere, (as documented) have been & continue to be call liar(s) directly &/ in insinuating inferences, time & again; in their very faces too…
Certainly, politics runs on deceptive-wheeled-manoeuvres (everywhere); to outdo the other political opponents for political domineering; but there can’t be borderlier between truth (=God SWT Himself) & lies(falsehood=SATAN/SAYTAN)….
God bless Gambia…
The naive and untruthful people like Dr Isatou Sarr, Bax, Bajaw, Tafel & CO would never say anything against the beating/torturing of Omar Touray, simply because he insulted Barrow. We all saw the gruesome scenario in audio videos.
They were claiming President Jammeh beat/tortured detainees, but are now witnessing exactly the same occurences under their eyes without raising a finger. They are just HYPOCRITES. The 3rd of June marks the deliberate shooting in cold blood of Haruna Jatta just for exercising his Gambian-citizen rights. He was shot by the invading Senegalese forces under Barrow and “ecomig” tutelage.
Can a wrong be corrected by a wrong? As a professor I have never made my students to believe that we can keep on making wrongs/mistakes to come to right solutions.
This rogue CORRUPT, TRIBALIST, INCOMPETENT and VERY SELFISH administrators, with the deliberate appointment of Fatoumatta Tambajang’s son to the Islamic Conference Site without public notice, qualification and/or experience only shows the naked nepotism that will continue until they are flushed out of power and brought to justice for mismanagement and malpractices. Those days will come. In Sha Allah!
Babu, I’m not up to date with current happenings. I’m only just reading about this (Omar Touray) incident. I haven’t had the opportunity to listen/watch the incident, but judging by what is being said, I can only add to my voice to those who condemn both Omar and the Police.
I have criticised the actions and involvement of the ECOMIG Forces in the incident that led to the death of Haruna Jatta. So, I don’t know why you would call me a hypocrite.
I will try to update myself with this incident to be able to hold an informed position on the matter, but as a matter of principle, I condemn all attempts of personality politics, insults and any unprofessional Police conduct.
Dr Isatou Sar, Tafel, Bajaw & CO, please read this piece and come out with your usual of the President Jammeh arguments!
Gambia: Public Displeasure at the Lavish Foreign Trips of Govt Officials
June 3, 2018 533
Public Displeasure at the Lavish Foreign Trips of Govt Officials:
Written By Alagi Yorro Jallow
It’s not every invitation from another government that President Adama Barrow must accept. There’s need for the President to rationalize his travel expenditures.
“President Adama Barrow, accompanied by a high-power delegation, will on Monday, 4th June 2018, travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of ongoing preparations for the forthcoming Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Summit. The next OIC Summit will be hosted in The Gambia in 2019.
While in Saudi Arabia, the President will use the opportunity to perform Umrah in Mecca.” According to a press release from the office of the President.
Every day senior Gambia government officials must travel and claim per diem payment while others travel with imprest funds and paid per diem, the President at any time he travels aboard the plane with over 50 people accompanying him with hefty allowances. The Gambia is rich, it’s just mismanagement by our political leaders and greedy civil servants. In Tanzania, President Magufuli has only left the country less than three times this year, while President Adama Barrow has done 18 foreign trips since he became President in less than three years spending huge and massive amounts of money.
In a poor country where presidential extravagance, wastefulness has been a central political issue for several years, the mockery has struck a chord with a public displeasure at the lavish foreign trips, lifestyles of President Adama Barrow and his minions. Gambians have been trading jokes online that portray President Barrow and his cabinet ministers, senior civil servants are always waiting for invitations, opportunities to earn some travel allowances. It sometimes feels as if the president Barrow and some of his ministers are more comfortable away than being in the country.
When President Barrow travels, his delegations usually include quite several joy riders, people who really don’t have a role. President Barrow’s jet-setting ways are being compared with the cost-cutting measures being undertaken by the President of Tanzania, John Magufuli, who since taking office has restricted official travel. Foreign trips are not just trips. They are significantly more than that. Typically, when a president visits another country, it is the highest track. It sends out a message that the country is important to them. It is not a regular vacation visit like the ones we take to go and enjoy ourselves.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is supposed to decide which countries are important to the Gambia. Countries may be important due to local geopolitics, international politics, resources or just as “friends” who may be useful in times of crisis and based on our foreign policy. All these visits must, in fact, be according to an aim that has been properly planned to take into consideration the views of bureaucrats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
For a President and ministers, travel costs a lot of money and time. And therefore, we have ambassadors, a minister of foreign affairs, a vice-president and other government officials to help in dealing with international relations.
Surprisingly, the people President Barrow takes on these very expensive trips tell a big story about their nature and importance. And we can learn something valuable from how the United States deals with the President’s foreign travel. For security and other reasons, for example, the United States president, vice-president, and first lady use military aircraft when they travel. The White House generally categorizes the trips as fulfilling either official or political functions. Often, a trip involves both official and political, or unofficial, activities. When a trip is for an official function, the government pays all costs, including per diem (food and lodging), car rentals, and other incidental expenses. When a trip is for political or unofficial purposes, those involved must pay for their own food and lodging and other related expenses, and they must also reimburse the government with the equivalent of the airfare that they would have paid had they used a commercial airline.
When a trip involves both official and political activities, a formula determines the amount to be reimbursed for that part of the trip involving political activities. Whether a trip is for official or political purposes, the Air Force pays all operational and other costs incurred using the aircraft. While the travel policies of specific administrations concerning the reimbursement of expenses for unofficial travel generally are not publicly available, it appears that policy guidelines developed by the Reagan White House have served as a basis for the travel policies of subsequent administrations.
President Adama Barrow should not forget or ignore the fact that he came to power on an election campaign that was based, among other issues, on criticism of Yahya Jammeh’s excessive travel expenditure.
“…As a professor I have never made my students to believe that we can keep on making wrongs/mistakes to come to right solutions….”
Babu, please refer to my response already; in advance…?
How, do you hypocrisy-professor of kanilai Devildom University manage (to) acknowledge those “admitted mistakes” to those “students” while head-burying into the kanilai Evildom curriculum at the very same time; building castles fanfares…?
No Lamin, Madi does not answer challenging questions because he is into propaganda. Lebron lost but later about that.
Calling for a political leader’s assassination is a CRIMINAL act and this Omar must be charged and if convicted jailed. Madi is showing his foolishness to be asking for Omar’s release.
Babu, I’m sure, there’s a story on somewhere about aprc in-fighting; why not “recycle-publisher” that for us too, on here to discuss…?
Devil kanilai the Evilness hiding on the equator remote-implanted Maba over the weekend as the devil aprc leader; only to rescind on the recycled-fabakary tombong Jatta’s pointing out to writings, that, the disintegration of remnants of aprc is final for burials….
Now, as usual (ALWAYS) on the kanilai Evilness ‘Devil’s farm’; it’s Maba who is paying for the Devil; being labelled all sorts; for being “greedy” among all the dirty modus operandi of fabakary himself & the devilish lot of bunch….
those arresting officers needs a word with; by the inspector General & the general police command…
⬆️ from Bajaw.
They only don’t need words of warning, they should be reprimanded in one way or the other. Besides, I will strongly advice Omar to institute legal action against them and seek damages. He only needs a good lawyer for that.
—————————————————————————————————————-
Omar called for Ounsainou’s assassination ” – “Ounsainou nyanta faalaleh?…” in one of the audios….?
⬆️ From Bajaw:
“Ousainou nyanta faalaleh“ in the Mandinka language cannot be equated only to calling for Ousainous assassination. It you do a linguistic analysis of that phrase, it could be translated into English as follows:
1) Ousainou should die. Non action oriented.
2) Ousainou should be killed. Both action and non action oriented.
3) Ousainou should have died. Both action and non action oriented.
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A good lawyer will capitalize on the various translations to render any interpretation of the phrase to incitement to assassinate/kill as bogus.
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In Mandinka, the word “faa“ has numerous subtranslatable meanings in English.
a) Kill
b) Execute
c) Assassinate
d) Die
e) Perish
f) Liquidate
g) Murder, etc.
I have listened to the audio and I know for a fact that Omar was speaking contextually, in very broad terms. So one cannot reduce that word to a single meaning. In a court of law, a lawyer worth his or her salt will demolish any prosecution that comes with such a folly.
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I deduce you are a UDP sympathizer and that somehow makes you not to be objective in this matter. WHY?
Well, you expect Omar to express his views with civility without stirring strife. So do I. But you and I and the police are not here to be moral guardians. We all just have to uphold the law. Full stop!
Yours in the service of The Gambia and Africa, I remain.
Sorry Lamin, no lawyer can save Omar on this. He will be convicted – and jailed.
On the police who released the video, IF IT IS THE POLICE, I agree with you what they did is very SERIOUS and they should be disciplined – even dismissal from service would be appropriate.
Dida conviction does not automatically mean jail. Common you know this.
Besides, whether he will be convicted or not should be a matter for him to be proven guilty beyond all reasonable doubts in a competent court of law. For now, let’s just assume the man is innocent.
Finally, you and I have agreed on the misconduct of the police officers in question. They should learn from this by making human rights and ethics a core component of the police training program. That’s the only way this shameful episode could be turned into something good.
LoL Lamin!! “They should learn from this by making human rights and ethics a core component of the police training program”!!! They were trained on this by ……… Madi Jobarteh himself!!! Madi was a BAD teacher (LoL).
“… I deduce you are a UDP sympathizer and that somehow makes you not to be objective in this matter. WHY?”
Lamin, unless you want to teach me another new mandinka – there’s no mistake in the meaning of the quoted statement on “nyanta faalaleh” either in words & in insinuating connotation contextualised in anyway/s manipulated…
Political argumentative “grappling” (suppose to be on ideas) never calls for “needing killing & execution” of one another in civility, does it…?
I’m PDOIS & other political parties “sympathiser” too; if I can qualify to equate UDP “sympathising… ”
You now aren’t disputing the Central Bank governor’s Economic forecasts; is it because Foroyaa is the source…?
Bajaw,
You know very well there is a distinction between all the English words I have mentioned, which all mean “faa“. Mandinka, interestingly, does not differentiate between these concepts. Why that is the case, is a topic that we don’t need to deal with today.
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You the formulae for calculating actual growth in The Gambia is a very out dated one. No, I did not say anything to that because Foroyaa was only reporting what’s been said. The information in that report is not a Foroyaa product.
Nevertheless, I have a few things to tell you.
Even though Yaya has decimate our economy to an oususu status, the economy was said to have grown year after year during his tenure. So there is nothing new there. It was the same story during Dawada`s time.
——————————————————————————————————
The true problem is however, constantly swept under the carpet. And that is: we are consumers of everything from foreign lands and producers of NOTHING. Don’t tell me peanuts and tourism. They are fifty years old and still our youth are dying on their way to seeking greener pastures. That’s what our true economic growth has to reflect. Not mumbo-jumbo central bank statistics.
Remittances making up 20 percent of our economy is nothing to be proud of. It just shows how weak our economy is.
Bajaw,
Any APRC squabble that is internal is not your business. It’s like every household that can have differences at any time , on any issue. The most important is to arrive at an amicable understanding/solution. And I’m sure the APRC will soon resolve its internal squabble. You may rejoice at it. That’s your business. But it would never bring this great party down !
Hahahaha!!!!
APRC is imploding and the despot Jammeh is told to shut his toothless mouth. The old dog FTJ is fighting back to hold unto the poisoned chalice. RIP APRC.
Luntango Suun Gann Gi,
And what about the MILLIONS of abuses on President Jammeh, his mother, his father, his wife, his children and his tribe, everywhere?, Haven’t you ever read those VERY ABUSIVE languages for 22 years?
But I have, Babu Soli, and I CONDEMNED it then. Abuses and insults make US ALL worse – not better – human beings.
“…APRC squabble that is internal is not your business…”
Annwahkhooo? Babu; nteh daa-foofengo leh teh fang; Masha!…
BAARI-Laa-bungo la jaanoh, bukka foo daaboh komma; “…EEDAH BOH NNAKUOTO, BARRI, ENYAH, WALLAH ETULO BOH NNAKUOTO/KUMOHTO; MOOK”…, Moo buka woo buyndi no…!(Mandinka)
It’s your fellow aprc militants spilling your beans outside; not Bajaw; but I think we could (might) as well talk about; fairly, just as you like talking about others’ too..,?
“… those arresting officers needs a word with; by the inspector General & the general police command…
⬆ from Bajaw.
They only don’t need words of warning, they should be reprimanded in one way or the other…”
Lamin; That’s expertly what I was saying in inferences; we were both saying the very same thing differently; since a misappropriation of limitations have been indicated in the police blunder; Laws enforcement (both enforcers & peasantry) must always remain(with)in the legal legitimate domains as per Constitution; but that doesn’t absolve Omar from any of his criminal acts; evidently on recorded on tape wilfully; for whatsoever reasons…
Bajaw,
If they are law enforcement officers no REPRIMAND would suffice. They should be arrested for bullying, torture, misuse of authority, abuse of a citizen’s rights….. That calls for suspension from duty, investigation and when found guilty, jail terms. PERIOD.
What democracy are you preaching? I believe you should exonerate President Jammeh for all the “wrongs” you persistently accuse him of.
A citizen making palaver in our community by calling and inciting his “followers” to kill a human being is a criminal. He/She should be arrested and charged to court. If found guilty, should be punished. Now why we must politicize this is baffling to me. Does it matter who was threatened or who was making the incitement to commit murder. No. We should try to get past this “we against them” mentality killing Africa. When it is wrong, it is wrong. I think we all know what this man did was wrong. No need for attempt at justification. Madi, what is going on here. There is some clouding of your objectivity. You should be advocating for the rule of law, not trying to shift blame. It is a shame when we allow our soul to be bought and sold like cattle.
Well said Doc. Shocking position by Madi.
Whether Omar should be prosecuted for this malfeasance or not could be open to debate.
Ultimately sending him to prison will serve no other purpose than to soil the little democratic credential that is left. I think he should get away with an injunction to maintain the peace for a certain period of time.
Dr Isatou Sarr,
Even where you kill and is arrested, your right as a human being should always be observed and kept while in detention.
Unless you are speaking from the USA dispensation of justice, where detainees are butchered at Quantanamo, where the police shoot innocent blacks from the back, I wouldn’t take you to be any serious about democratic and human rights advocacy.
Anyway we are talking from different sources of justice administration. Such cases would never happen here in Holland. Physical and psychological mishandling of a detainee by law enforcement agents, NEVER.
Please calm down. His rights must be protected at all times. Nobody said otherwise. What does the unequal dispensation of justice in the USA have to do with our country. Who said anything about the prosecutorial misconduct and racism in the US justice system. Can we focus on fixing our problem and leave others to theirs. Thank you.
Correction:
Even where you kill and are arrested……………………..
Lamin, yes, he can getaway possibly; if the court litigation tempers with mercy; as in “first offender” terms, for example, etc, but Omar brought this particular arrest to himself; some of his audio messages are culpable; (if one is) to acknowledge the truth…
Putting our(very)selves & even Omar himself, into Ounsainou’s shoes; how would you (/one) have felt differently…?
What of, if Omar himself & /aprc militants are attacked physically, by the UDP supporters in reactionary, on these coded-Devilings in provocative shroud-politically free-speech/opinions…?
Lamin; be true to the community & fairness unto one another; speak truth to your own self sometimes, even when you are all by yourself, alone; you can (then) be contented (ready mentally), to meet your Creator (SWT) anytime; even when caught unaware…
God bless Gambia…
Oh! Bajaw is now preaching me to be self critical?
I don’t mix religion with politics.
Omar is like anyone of us, he has erred and recognized the mistake. No one should take him to the gallows for that.
Yes, prayers rest bedrock for Bajaw; sorry, you can observer “minutes silence/applauds” at same time; is it not in the spirit of do unto one another; “makes fairer place for living…”; as we only can be fallible (sinful) beings; (who are/must be) accountable to one another…
I’m with you Lamin; in the spirit, of very same Oneness, all the way; president Barrow & Minister Ounsainou as our Community Leadership, please hear our collective plea; as your collective community-condtituents; please spare the error in Omar Touray’s utterances so far; provided & binding (only), that, Omar swore, to behave himself, from henceforth; ELSE face the consequences as deserved & required….
Whether this plea succeeds Lamin, is matter entirely for the judge to deliberate upon if the aggrieved offended parties happen to proceed on with the court case; BUT a line has been crossed; that isn’t acceptable, at all; you can as well help; by saying so….
God bless Gambia….
Rectification please – as your collective community-constituents….
Thank you
“… Remittances making up 20 percent of our economy is nothing to be proud of…”
Lamin, you haven’t understand the economic analysis statement, at all…
Devil yaya’s manipulation (polishing) of data, was for purpose & fiddle; Foroyaa would have challenged the reports, if any gloss-glistening were suspected & still in practice (in doubts); I suppose; not just for reporting…?
At least, the Economic officials are on the ground generating indicators that can show resemblance in measuring; though, yet more efforts must apply to continue going, to realise satisfying levels…
Do you think, Gambia should give up on these officials & buy into your textbook theorems… ¿
Clarification please – buy into your(Lamin’s) textbook theorems… ¿
Thanks
This is what the economic report said “…reflects a marked increase in current transfers (mainly remittances), by 62.2 percent, to U$ 60.71 million…” among others; you can’t (even) commend your fellow compatriots (much needed) efforts (in) moving your community forward; (if you at all understood & digested the report) in this precarious trying times; you claim Pan-Africanism…¿
Bajaw, I believe you now want to engage in a frivolous game of ping-pong instead of a genuine conversation.
Who am I to tell the government to give up on some kind of official for my “textbook theorem”?
I have read the statement from the CB governor and I know it just falsely depicts a rosy picture of a catastrophic economic situation. Take that or leave it but it’s the reality we have to confront either with honesty or self deception as you are doing.
I was on clarification purposes only; & probably in some hilarity in humour, that’s all; I’m done; I have better things to do; you can travel down town Gambia to go & serve & defend barrister for Omar possibly; Bajaw can’t side with anyone on falsehood; against the community together…
If you (Lamin) are the economist you claim (to be), who can’t even understand, more so digest something clearly stated as above in simplicity; then Gambia is indeed in some real trouble for “interlectuals”…
Bax,
I’m really sorry if you were not abreast with current issues. I didn’t read or hear anything from you which prompted my reaction. As for the learned Doctor, anything in the name of Barrow is OK.
You may find the Omar Touray case on YouTube or other social media. Just a horrendous case of meting out injustice in the name of defending a president. Where are the laws that should be enforced to guarantee the rights of our citizens? I am sure our citizens will soon start to FEAR the CULT of your fat-bellied British Argos watchman, a CORRUPT, TRIBALIST and INCOMPETENT man in presidential clothing.
Our people have already started groaning against the excessive use of police brutality undercover, Alkalolu, Seyfolu, Councillors and UDP henchmen harrassment of all opposition personalities. We’ll see the real outcomes soon.
Babu Soli
A typical Munafique you are. You complaining about injustice meted out in the name of defending a president, when that is what we’ve lived with and even worst during the 22 years of Jammeh’s misrule, and you Babu Soli being the biggest supporter of that era. When did Babu soli have our people’s interest with regards to police brutality when our people were brutalized not only by the police but the PIU, NIA, NDEA and all the shadowy creepy killers under the command of Jammeh for 22 long miserable years. The culture of impunity within the police,piu and other shadowy paramilitaries are the legacies of Jammeh’s brutal misrule and it is just ugly propaganda to blame this government for a culture embedded for 22 years.
We all know that efforts were made by this government to strengthen the rights of citizens and that is something noticeable on the streets of our cities, towns and villages.
BABU SOLO,
Firstly let me highlight you on the APRC fracass that has been swiftly resolved. You have been DISGRACED at stupidly rejoicing at a family feud. The APRC top brass are indeed intelligent, far more intelligent than you foolhardy clown.
I’ll come to you later!
Babu Soli
APRC is imploding from within and these words of your old hag FTJ is a testament of a last breath of a comatose political party. If the APRC top brass are intelligent as you claimed, then your leader is an exception, and i doubt if Babu Soli know the difference between intelligent and being dumb ass. Read his ramblings below:
”“I just read now.. He (MA) said HE president Jammeh never told him what we are saying. That’s very interesting. Let me, assure MA, that president Jammeh is not with him. No genuine APRC is with him. I am talking between me, and God. If I, and him, were presented before Jammeh, Jammeh will take me. If their so called Executive and that of ours is presented before Jammeh, Jammeh will take ours. If you place me, on any plate, I am heavier. I don’t want to talk about myself; morally I am clean; me, I don’t play double standards. Capacity wise, he cannot challenge me. He is morally bankrupt for me. He is morally bankrupt. I done a lot of things with him. Me, I am content; contentment of mind; and my life is to serve, and to serve honestly. That’s all. I am different from him,” Jatta posited.
“He can come back. He is still where he is, but he cannot continue to destabilize the party; otherwise disciplinary action will be taken against him. The party is governed by laws,” he added.
Is this what you called a family feud? You need to get yourself examined by a competent doctor Babu as your rationality is worsening by the minute. When i say competent doctor, i don’t mean the likes of Dr.cure aids on national television. RIP APRC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Babu Soli
I refer you to view the interview of your party’s stalwart MA Bah, his second deputy and spokesperson and see what is being played by Jammeh, pitting his closest loyalists against each other. Conference call to dismiss a whole executive of the party and selected new executives, only to rescind that decision in a private call to the leader of executive dismissed. This is what Jammeh has always been about, a master manipulator who will remained loyal to none. A cruel sad soul. An ego driven lunatic could not realize that the norms he created, the fear he spread is defaced, defeated and that left Gambians now to live the spirit of democracy and the rule of law and that gave them courage to say no to the dictates of a fallen dictator. The boost that the APRC gives to his fallen ego is now compromised by his devilish machinations. Time has revealed his true self and the Babu Solis should awaken from their daydreams by glorifying a heartless despot. This is how Jammeh governed……Divide and Rule….. but his latest game will ultimately eradicate the remnants of his tool of torture, death and misapproriation….APRC. R.I.P. I hope M A Bah and others like Seedy Njie, who withstood the scorn of the nation for Jammeh should realize that Jammeh is no one’s friend. He is a betrayer that is why he outlasted all the members of ruling council of the Junta.
BABU SOLO,
I wonder if you know the meaning of MUNAFIQ. I have NEVER changed my allegiance from the APRC nor have I ever betrayed the cause of that great party. Then I would have been a MUNAFIQ. A MUNAFIQ pretends to belong to a group without taking it at heart. That’s why the Holy Prophet (PBUH) strongly desisted from asking The Almighty Allah (SWT)’s curse on MUNAFIQs least they come from his own disciples. GO AND LEARN, BABU SOLO, the MUNAFIQ, the man who pretends to know a lot!!!!.
You are realy SELFISH, UNDEMOCRATIC and JEALOUS just like your Ousainou Darbo who made away with the “good” services of the USELESS coalition grouping and dropped them as rubbish when he saw a way forward for his TRIBALIST UDP.
What do you have to say about the APRC? You only desire is for disintegration of that great party. You will NEVER see that in your horrendous life. That party is the single largest opposition gathering that can one day flush your CORRUPT and INCOMPETENT administration out of office.
A good democrat does not desire the disintegration of another gathering. That ‘s SELFISH and UNDEMOCRATIC. A good democrat always wants to see a consolidated gathering that could work side by side with others
Babu, you (aprc) lot are now fighting over the crumbs & left bits, of the stolen loot; stashed out of our collective blood & sweat while you are halfway buried to Doom; the Gambia will carry on spading more sand, to fill up & drown the Devilish aprc remnant bunch in the sea of quick (sinking)-sand under your(aprc) Devilish-feet; fortunately it’s the gallant Gambia women folk, who have taken the spades in majority from the men; do the spading themselves, burying the late decapitated kanilai Evildom anaconda….
Soon Devil yaya the Evileness will wake up to the fact (in reality) that, NO amount of money can ever force God’s (SWT) Hands back; with the lessons we learnt from been to Hell & back collectively together in the last 22 Murderous years under the kanilai Pharaoh(un) …
Soon, there’ll be some formal request to the Equator; for surrender & prosecution for the calculated cold blood murders & rape of women OR capture of the Murderdom yaya Devil, Dead &/ Alive…
God bless Gambia…
Jammeh has also broken the terms of his asylum in EG:- NO INTEFERENCE in post-Jammeh Gambian politics. His last week calls to APRC in Gambia may speed-up his extradition.
Lol Dida is out to revenge. How many days have you being incarcerated? And what was the prison condition for you?
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Well I have also being silently asking myself: How and why is Yaya still pulling the political strings in The Gambia? After all he is a fugitive.
That should legally speed up the disbanding of the APRC as a political party.
One more thing, I hope the Gambian authorities are monitoring all calls coming from and to EG.
If not, we might be in for another impasse-like situation.
LoL! OK, Lamin, all is fair in love and war! But no, I am not out for “revenge” because:-
1. Done it … within a year of my release Jammeh said to his Deputy Protocol: “I wish we never let that Ethiopian go”! And he kept regretting until January 2017.
2. My “incarceration” was pretty comfortable – not in a cell and with a folding bed at Police HQ – pictures!
3. I am leaning more and more towards Minister Omar Jallow’s “forgiveness” approach – though Jammeh’s crimes are too heinous for that.
You know I would like to write a book or make a documentary film on Jammeh`s personal perspective on his alleged crimes. From his own mouth.
Equally, the perspectives of his alleged surviving victims or the loved ones of those who died or went missing will be of essence to me.
Dida, I might just as well start with you.
Four meetings, each lasting a couple of hours might do.
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Hey Mr. Yaya, If you are reading this and not too busy at your farm, send me a line. I will pick it up from there.
The police should not let this guy escape, they should contact their French counterpart about his criminals record to ensure they are dealing with the matters appropriately.
1. They should check his medical records wether he has a contagious disease that could be risky to public.
2. His record should be search for any complains from any nations for being paedophile.
3. He could be one of those guys who travel around the world looking for vulnerable young people for sex in a poor countries by taking the advantage of being a tourist.
4. Authority should send a clear message that such behaviour will not be accepted and our young people must be protected
For BABU SOLO, TAFEL, BAJAW, Dr. ISATOU SARR & Co…….
Racha tei sa kanam: VP’s son elevated from a taxi driver to prestigious OIC job
Racha tei sa kanam: VP’s son elevated from a taxi driver to prestigious OIC job
Created on Wednesday, 06 June 2018 01:47 | Last Updated on Wednesday, 06 June 2018 01:47 | Written by Lamin Saidy
When Senegal hosted the Organization of the Islamic Conference summit in 2009, former President Abdoulaye Wade appointed his son, Karim as the secretary general of the organising committee.
It looks like The Gambia’s vice president, Fatoumatta Tambajang also repeated the nepotistic precedence set by Wade after meeting an OIC delegation that was in the country to discuss preparations for the next summit to be held in Banjul.
According to Freedom Newspaper, her son, Omar Ann has been appointed to serve on the organising committee.
The eldest of Tambajang’s children, his new job means his monthly income will surpass the annual income of many Gambian civil servants.
Here is what some Freedom Newspaper readers said about Omar’s appointment:
Batch Samba Nyang:”This post wasn’t advertised anywhere and that’s not the right thing to do in a democratic country. We are appealing to the Government to explain how this appointment was done.”
Momodou B. Kebbeh: “I worked with PIEC/IEC, Standard Chartered Bank, UNDP and Gambia Government – all the positions were advertised and I competed to get the jobs. I have confidence in myself. I do not beg for jobs.”
Mory Kebba Munkajang: “Nepotism will never end in the Gambia.”
Musa Fofana: “Barrow teri kafo government always promotes nepotism.”
Babu, if the man is otherwise qualified for the job, does it matter if he is a taxi driver, a lawyer, teacher, doctor or goat catcher. Your questions should be. Is he qualified and was there a fair and open process to give him the opportunity?.
Elevated from a taxi driver’s income to hundreds of thousands of dalasis monthly salary.
That’s how the flat-faced CORRUPT and TRIBALIST VP Fatumatta Tambajang gave public office to her son without notice.
That’s your administration Bajaw, BABU SOLO, Tafel……….
Dr Isatou Sarr,
I have always reiterated your naivety in matters relating to the bad governance in The Gambia. What qualifies one to hold a public position? Unless you are working in a private hospital in the USA, you fully well know how you got to the position you are now occupying. Stop beating about the bush, condemn your CORRUPT administration for NEPOTISM and live free from total bondage and mental slavery to the VERY BAD and SELFISH Barrow administration.
Imagine how Fatumatta Tambajang was appointed VP. Wasn’t it a flagrant abuse of office by Barrow and an insult on the Gambian people?…to deliberately leave vacant a responsible public office until an individual’s case is modified/resolved in the statutory books!!! Where does that exist in the world?
Even if Omar Khan were educationally qualified, why wouldn’t the position be announced for all qualified Gambians to apply? Is it a Jallow Kunda, Tambajang Kunda or Khan Kunda position?
We are not talking about swapping jobs (from taxi driver to executive position at the Islamic Conference Secretariat), we are talking about the flagrant odd procedure in appointing her son merely on family ties.
It ‘s reminiscent of the Jawara era(NEPOTISM), which forced most of the children of the poor especially from the provinces to leave the country. We are witnessing a recurrence of the same NEPOTISM, ABUSE of public office and discrimination.
Can a country head for peace and progress in those ambits, Dr?