Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issues
Issue No. 139/2007, 26 – 27 November 2007
Editorial
They Keep Him In Office And Curse Him In Secret
Reading the criticisms of Jammeh’s regime by young literate Gambians in the
Diaspora, one is bound to gather authentic information on the repeated cases
of violation of human rights, endless violations and amendments of the
constitution and the alarming frequency of removal from and appointments into
public office. However the outcry is not only coming from Jammeh’s opponents, it
is also coming from those who are working within the corridors of power.
Why is Jammeh not listening? Jammeh is not listening because he gains more
friends than he loses by removing one person and appointing another. Once he
removes a person the associates of such a person become disgruntled for a
while as the person tries to get closer again in anticipation of a rapprochement.
The associates of the newly appointed person would start their jubilation
even before the appointment is formalized. This is how most dismissals are
known. Once a person is approached for appointment, which must be done before a
post becomes vacant, the news spreads like wild fire that the person occupying
the place is about to be dismissed. The celebrations will start and those
who used to condemn the regime because of distance from the corridors of power
would now be its praise singers.
Some months ago a supporter of an opposition party was seen in her best
dress going to the inauguration of a newly appointed chief in Kiang West. Her
neighbour was very surprised that she was going to the ceremony because of her
vehement opposition to the regime. When she asked her what had changed, she
retorted: If you are asked to side with yourself or another person who would
you choose?
The reply was clear. The appointed chief was a member of her clan. She would
therefore prefer to side with the member of her clan and proceed to support
the APRC. If the clan of the person who is removed is still hoping and the
clan of the person who is appointed becomes elated, how will the frequent
changes in appointment lead to his alienation?
Instead of examining the problem to find a solution many of Jammeh’s critics
would accuse these post seekers as pseudo intellectuals who deserve only
contempt. The truth however is that Jammeh has made himself owner of what
belongs to all and is giving it away according to his whims and caprices. In actual
fact, the public service derives its revenue from the taxpayers’ money and
all the people are entitled to public service on the basis of equal
opportunity and to assume public office on the basis of merit. Hence the problem is not
the public servant but the system, which makes him or her the servant of a
person rather than that of a sovereign nation and people and which goes with
security of tenure and autonomy from politically motivated decisions and
motivations.
Hence all those who subscribe to the emergence of a professional public
service where people occupy public office on the basis of merit and are accorded
security of tenure irrespective of their place of origin or other
affiliations should accept that the APRC has failed and should be replaced by a
government which will be committed to the principle of linking taxation to the right
to deliver public service according to merit and benefit from public service
according to need.
Every Gambian has the right to exercise one’s freedom of expression. The
interest young Gambian intellectuals have taken in the way the country is
governed is commendable.
However it is important for them to combine the exposures with proposals on
what to do to change the system. In short, while they do the exposures those
who support the regime are bringing containers of football gears to establish
football academies to draw the youths into their camp. The middle persons
are sent to influential elders. Chiefs, alkalolu or village head men and
religious leaders to appoint them to be members of the committee of elders, who are
given kola nuts, sugar, rice and even fares to go to Mecca in exchange for
their support for the regime.
In fact, Jammeh’s first move when he had the ambition to stand for election
was to caution every one that politics was a dirty affair. This simply refers
to the politics of intimidation and inducement. If Gambians abroad are
interested in combating dirty politics to bring about progressive change they must
be willing to identify the political forces which have a track record in
going to the community and villages to enlighten people and provide them with the
resources to do so in a consistent and sustained manner. Those who can come
should do so and show by example how real intellectuals contribute to change
in contrast to the people they term as pseudo intellectuals. Those who cannot
come should provide the resources for thousands of youth to be mobilized to
meet the people in their communities and farms to sensitise them. They would
have to do what the supporters of the regime are doing. They must contact the
football teams to get the football gears, raise funds for projects in
villages and encourage their families to give support to the forces of
enlightenment and change. If this is not done all the exposures will be mere words on
paper.
ECOWAS COURT SITS TODAY
The Community Court of the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS) is to sit today after adjourning the judgment on the case of the “
disappearance” of Chief Ebrima Manneh, a reporter for “Daily Observer” newspaper in
November 20, 2007.
According the Media Foundation for West Africa the case set for judgment was
adjourned when the judge was reported to be ill and had travelled overseas
for treatment. Before the adjournment of the case, which was observed by
Ghanaian human rights lawyer, Akoto Ampaw and an American media lawyer, Dan Byron,
the Court said although the sick judge been replaced under Article 22 of the
protocol establishing the Court, the new judge only received the documents
on the case on the day set for judgment. The Court further observed that it
was not possible for the new judge to make any contribution. The Court
therefore adjourned the case to November 26 for a fresh hearing of the case. It
directed Manneh’s lawyers, led by Femi Falana, a Nigerian human rights lawyer and
president of the West Africa Bar Association (WABA), to present all necessary
evidence on the matter on the new judgment date.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) filed a legal suit at the
sub-regional court to compel the government of President Yahya Jammeh to
immediately release and produce Manneh from arbitrary detention since July 2006.
At the Court’s hearing on July 16, 2007, the Gambia government failed to
make an appearance and no explanation was also offered. The Community Court
therefore adjourned the case to September 26 to enable it duly serve the Gambian
government for the second time. The court confirmed that the Gambian
government was duly served with the hearing notice through its High Commission in
Abuja, Nigeria. Again, the government failed to appear.
In reaction to the continuous demands for the release of Chief Manneh the
police have denied ever arresting him.
Allegation Against Senegalese Government in Court
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The nine alleged Senegalese insurgents who are standing trial at the Banjul
Magistrates Court were receiving three million CFA Francs every month from
the Senegalese government, a prosecution witness told the court on Thursday,
November 22. The group is charged with espionage, planning attack on Senegal
and illegal possession of Gambian national documents. The prosecution witness,
Amadou Sanneh of the Serrekunda Police Station, told the court that one of
the accused persons, Abdou Salam Jammeh confessed to him that they received
three million CFA from the Senegalese authorities through one Latif Hydara in
Senegal. “They used it in their operations and shared it with other factions in
Cassamance,” the witness said.
Mr. Sanneh told the court that they found about seven million, seven hundred
and ninety thousand CFA francs and one thousand euros with the insurgents.
He said the other items he discovered from the insurgents were two
motorcycles, a laptop, a camera, a bag of talisman (Jujus), a cashbook, map of The
Gambia, map of Senegal, military camouflage clothes, military boots and AK 47
magazines.
Mr. Sanneh added that they also found pictures of key military installations
in The Gambia such as State House and Fajara Barracks with the insurgents.
The prosecution witness testified that on May 18, 2007 he was informed by the
Crime Management Coordinator of The Gambia Police Force to report to the
National Intelligence Agency Headquarters (NIA) in Banjul where a panel was
formed to investigate the activities of the alleged insurgents in The Gambia. He
said the first to appear before the investigative panel was Abdou Salam Jammeh
who told them that he is from Cassamance and that he is a resident of
Brakemen Nyambai.
Mr. Sanneh added that Mr. Jammeh was asked whether he has a right to be in
The Gambia, and he said he has a Gambian passport, birth certificate and
identity card. “He was asked about his MFDC activites. He said he is not an MFDC
member but their marabout, especially the group of five based in The Gambia,”
the witness recalled. He said the group of five is constituted by Nuha
Jammeh, Sidat Jarju, Ebrima Colley (all on trial), Hatab Jatta and Kasaly Sonko
(both at large).
According to Mr. Sanneh, the group of five have been sponsored by the
Senegalese government and they are here representing the other factions fighting in
Cassamance. Mr Sanneh narrated that Abdou Salam Jammeh told the panel that he
was given money on two occasions to buy arms but he diverted it for his own
use. He testified that Jammeh said he was confronted to pay it. According to
him, Jammeh said he was expecting money from his brother in Germany.
“He was asked if he is willing to give a statement and he answered in the
positive. I was asked to go with him in one of the offices to obtain his
statement”. The witness said he then invited one Tijan Bah, a retired civil servant
to serve as an independent witness and introduced them to each other. “I
then took out a cautionary form and told him that whatever he said could be used
in court as evidence and that he is free to say what he wished. He then
signed and the independent witness also signed,” the prosecution witness told the
court.
Mr. Sanneh also said the accused person then wrote his statement and signed
it at the bottom. “I also put in my name as the officer present and finally
the independent witness signed,” he said. The prosecution witness testified
that Abdou Salam Jammeh later appeared on May 30 and June 5 to clarify certain
issues and was again asked if he is willing to make a statement, and he
agreed. He said the same procedure was applied and the same independent witness
attended the recording of the statement.
On May 21, 2007, according to Mr. Sanneh another accused person, Nuha
Jammeh, was questioned by the investigating panel and he told them that he was from
Cassamance and that he is a member of the MFDC, part of the group of five
based in The Gambia and the one responsible for their finance. Mr. Sanneh
narrated that Nuha Jammeh confessed that he has a Gambian Identity card, money,
camera, laptop, military boots and camouflage, AK 47 magazines, the
motorcycles, cash book, maps of The Gambia and Senegal and the pictures.
According to Mr. Sanneh, Nuha Jammeh said they received the money monthly
from Latif Hydara with the knowledge of the Senegalese Embassy in The Gambia.
Mr. Sanneh said the money is received at Praia Motel in Serrekunda and shared
within the group of five and those in Cassamance. The witness said Nuha
admitted owning one of the motorcycles that is among the many motorcycles and
vehicles given to them by the Senegalese authorities. He added that Nuha was
asked if he is willing to make a statement, which he agreed to and they went with
an independent witness to an office where he was cautioned and his statement
recorded. He said Nuha volunteered to make the statement, which was signed
by the three of them, and it was translated to him in Wollof and he did not
ask for anything to be amended. Mr. Sanneh told the court that he could
recognise Nuha’s statement because it is in his own handwriting. He said the accused
person did re-appear before the investigating panel but no statement was
obtained from him.
On May 24, 2007, Mr. Sanneh said the 7th accused person; Joseph Jatta was
brought before the panel and he acknowledged being a member of the MFDC, and
said he has a Gambian identity card. According to the prosecution witness,
Joseph said he has no relationship with the group of five based in The Gambia. He
said Joseph agreed to give a statement and he went with him to an office
where he took a statement from him, applying the same procedure as in the case
of Nuha and Abdou Salam with the independent witness present. Mr. Sanneh said
Joseph volunteered to give his statement and it was read to him in Wollof to
his satisfaction and all of them signed it. He said he could recognise the
statement if it is shown to him. He said the accused person made no other
statement.
The trial continues on Wednesday and Thursday before Magistrate B.Y Camara.
Marabout Sowe To Appear in Court
By Fabakary B. Ceesay
Marabout Hamadi Sowe who is charged with concealment of treason 006, is to
appear before Justice Mabel Maame Yamoa of the high court on 5 December.
Marabouout Sowe was supposed to stand trial alongside Captain Abdoukarim
Jah, Captain Pierre John Mendy, Lieutenant Momodou Alieu Bah, Corporal Samba
Bah, Lance Corporal Badou Janha and Private Alagie Nying. His case was later
separated from the case of the soldiers who were later sent to the court martial
for the same charges. Marabout Sowe was arraigned before Justice Sanji
Monageng. His case did not proceed since November last year as the state intended
to withdraw the case from the court. Hamadi Sowe has since then not been
appearing in court.
The case was called on Thursday and the State Counsel, Marley Woods informed
the new judge of the transfer of the case of the soldiers to the court
martial. She told the court that it is only left with Marabout Sowe to answer to
the charges. The trial judge asked for the reason for Marabout Sowe’s absence
in court on that day. The Prision Waders indicated that they were not
informed to bring Sowe to court on the day. Justice Yamoa then ordered for Hamadi to
be brought before her on December 5 for the case to proceed. It could be
recalled that Mrs. Marley Woods had in November last year informed Justice
Monageng about the state’s intention to withdraw the case against the accused, but
that plan has not been effected. Hamadi Sowe was arrested at his residence
at Ebo Town after the March 21, 2006 coup plot was foiled.
Fatoumatta Dem’s Murder Trial Moved To Children’s Court
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
The criminal division of the High Court on Thursday, November 22,
transferred the murder case of Fatoumatta Dem to the Children’s Court after discovering
that she was a juvenile at the time she committed the alleged offence.
Mrs. Dem is accused of murdering one Batoli Dem of Dongoroba village in
2005. The transfer of the case to the juvenile court came on the heels of an
argument by the defence counsel, Lamin Camara which prompted a medical
investigation to determine the accused person’s age.
The medical report has shown that Mrs. Dem is eighteen years above this
year, meaning that she was sixteen years old in 2005.
DOSH Holds Press Briefing On Integrated Measles Campaign
By Sarjo Camara Singhateh
The Department of State for Health and Social Welfare convened a press
briefing on the forthcoming measles campaign slated for the period 27 November to
3 December 2007. The briefing took place at the Department’s conference hall
on the 22 of November 2007.
Speaking at the meeting the Permanent Secretary of Health and Social
Welfare, Dr. Sulayman Samba, stated that the campaign is a very important one and
the media’s presence is highly solicited. He commended the media for their
usual cooperation.
On his part, the Manager for Expanded Programme on Immunization, Mr. Kebba
Gibba, said, three years ago his Department targeted 93% but this year they
are targeting 95% country/- wide coverage among children from 6 to 59 months.
He said that would affect over 246,000 children nation-wide. He stated that
the campaign would integrate three areas: de-worming, vitamin A and measles.
He said with or without clinic cards people should ensure that their children
benefit from the campaign. He said this year’s exercise would be inclusive
of trained medical staff in each of the 238 teams.
On his part Mr. Amadou Sowe, the Manager of Health Education Unit, said the
media has responded well during the regional and community sensitisation all
over the country. He stated that the venue for the launching would be at the
July 22nd Square instead of the previous venue in Kanilia.
Mr. Katim Touray, Health Programme Officer of Red Cross Society, said this
time the measles vaccination requires technical experts, as it involves
injection. He announced that the Red Cross Society, as partners, footed the bill of
the training and payments of the volunteers as part of their contribution to
national development. Mr. Yoro Bah of the Health Education Unit chaired the
programme.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Yamoundow Lowe Jallow, appealed to the public
and private sector to come to their aid as they are short of vehicles. She
said they need 124 vehicles and they secured only 73 leaving them with a balance
of 49 vehicles.
In another development the Gambia Red Cross Society has also embarked on a
pre-week campaign for the forth-coming country-wide measles campaign slated
for 27th-3rd December, 2007.
Speaking to this reporter, the Health Programme Officer Mr KatimTouray said
the Red Cross is both a partner of Government and the United Nations Children’
s Fund and are solely involved in the sensitization before the pre-week
exercise.
Mr Njie said they lack financial resources but are blessed with Human
resources, which they are using as partners, and their main aim is to eradicate
measles, he stressed.
Team leaders generally expressed that they have difficulty to meet people at
their homes because as he said many people are busy harvesting their crops.
NaNA Sensitizes 40 Parliamentarians
By Sarjo Camara-Singhateh
The National Nutrition Agency, on Wednesday, embarked on a two- day
sensitization workshop for the National Assembly from 21st to 22nd November, 2007.
The main idea behind this meeting is to sensitize Assembly members on the Agency
’s Programmes and the International Baby Food Action Network (IBFANS).
In her opening statement, the Permanent Secretary Office of the Vice
President, Mrs. Fatou Jasseh Kuyateh, said “The members of the National Assembly,
our law makers of this country need to be abreast with current developments in
nutrition and IBFAN issues”. She said the Agency was established in 2000
under the office of The Vice President. It is mandated to coordinate all
nutrition and nutrition related activities in the country including IBFAN Africa
activities.
Mrs.Jasseh Kuyateh stated that IBFAN is a pro-advocacy network of
professionals, institutions, organisations and individuals that advocate for the
protection, promotion and support of optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding
practices (IYCF). She said IBFAN’s major strategies are to support governments in
implementing the global instruments and policies on infant and young child
feeding through advocacy and social mobilization, capacity development,
networking, information dissemination, and monitoring and evaluation.
She said The Gambia has made significant achievements between 1990 and 2007
in the area of nutrition, particularly infant and young child feeding. “This
is due to the work of NaNA, its partners and collaborators particularly
UNICEF- Gambia,” she noted.
During this period exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months has increased from
0% to 45 % and 48% for 4 months,” she noted. “In communities where NaNA is
implementing the Baby Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) programme, where
more than 60% of mothers deliver, exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months has
increased to over 80% due to increased peer support to months” she said.
On his welcoming statement, the Acting Director of NaNA, Mr. Momodou C.
Phall, said: “Today, November 21 will go down in the annals of the history of
NaNA as one of the most successful since this is the first time in the history
of the Agency that a meeting brining together such a large number of National
Assembly Members has been organised.”
“You are the representatives of the people and I believed that when we talk
to you we are directly or in indirectly talking to the people. I also believe
that whatever is discussed here will surely reach the people outside this
conference hall,” he remarked. He promised that at the end of the two- day
meeting participants will be adequately informed about the work of IBFAN-Africa,
in general, and IBFAN-Gambia chapter, in particular. On his part, the Deputy
Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon Abdoulie Bojang, said the National
Assembly is happy to be associated with NaNA and promise NaNA of their fullest
support.
FOCUS ON POLITICS
1988 CORRUPTION SCANDALS
EDITOR SANNA MANNEH ACQUITTED AND DISCHARGED ON TWO COUNTS, GUILTY ON ONE
COUNT
With Suwaibou Touray
“In a democratic country such as the Gambia, the public certainly is
entitled to know what is going on,” Says honourable Grante.
We have been focusing on Politics in this column. We have successfully
covered the narration of significant political events for the year 1988. We are
covering the case of Sanna Manneh versus the state in which Sanna was accused
of defamation and Libel. The case was one of the most sensational political
trials in the History of the Gambia.
Let us follow the rest of the judgment delivered by Hon. Grante in verbatim.
As regards the rice deal, there is evidence that Dibba had given
preferential treatment to Sainey Sabally the Minister’s brother, and as far as was
disclosed in this court, to no other customer of the Gambia Co-operative union.
There is evidence that Sainey Sabally bought 1000 bags of rice and paid D100,
000-00 by cheque to the storekeeper Mama Jawo who issued a receipt to Sainey
for that amount. As far as Mama Jawo was concerned, it was a sale of 1000 bags
of rice. At that time a bag of rice cost D100. Sainey Sabally was able to
take delivery of 520 bags.
These were loaded on to two Co-operative Union vehicles and taken away.
A few days later, Sainey Sabally returned to collect the balance of 480
bags, but by then, the price of a bag of rice had been reduced from D100 to D90.
There is evidence before this court that when Sainey Sabally collected the 520
bags, there was enough rice in store to supply him the 1000bags.
Sainey Sabally wanted a refund, but Mama Jawo who had sold the rice to him
refused, and told him that he had bought a bag of at D100 and he could not be
refunded. However, the General Manager Mr. Dibba called Mama Jawo and
instructed her to make the refund. This was after Sainey Sabally had referred the
matter to Mr. Dibba. Then in order to justify the refund, Mr. Dibba admitted
that he wrote on receipt i.e. (Defence Exhibit 7, No. 006451) and put the words
“DEPOSIT ACCOUNT”.
The cheque was paid not to a “Special Deposit Account” but to the Union’s
regular cash sales account and it was entered in the Union’s journal as
payment to the Union.
Mrs. Mama Jawo told this court that while this case was on, all her receipt
books were collected from her by Mr. Dibba. She was surprised to see the
words “DEPOSIT ACCOUNT” written on Defence Exhibit 7. She said she never wrote
them and she did not know when the words were written.
Mr. Dibba who was not present when Sainey Sabally came to buy the 1000 bags
of rice, said in evidence that Sainey Sabally only deposited the money for
rice. I do not believe him. I find as a fact and I have no doubt at all that
Mr. Dibba tried to help Sainey Sabally as he was the brother of the Minister,
his friend. There were other buyers of rice on that day apart from Sainey e.g.
Dr S J Palmer and Alhaji Sana Jawneh to mention a few, but not one of them
was refunded.
By admitting writing “Deposit Account” on Defence Exhibit 7, Mr. Dibba was
trying to deceive this court. This is an offence for which he can be charged.
After Sainey Sabally was refunded D4800, he bought 40 extra bags of rice
with part of the money and added them to the 480 bags. The total of 520 bags
were again loaded on to two Co-operative Union trucks for Sainey Sabally to take
away.
The other rice deal came about when, on the 30th July 1987, it was alleged
that one Mrs. Thomas, an Administrative Assistant in the Co-operative Union
paid the sum of D21, 350-00 in respect of 100 bags of rice for Sainey Sabally.
Just over a week later Sainey Sabally went to the General Manager Mr. Dibba
for a refund and was refunded D9600-.
There is evidence from Mrs. Thomas that she never paid that sum or any other
sum on behalf of Sainey Sabally at any time.
Looking at the receipt i.e. Defence Exhibit 9B, No. 004166, the Court
observed that the words “To Sainey Sabally” was added when a different carbon was
used.
Was this done to justify a refund to Sainey Sabally?
There is also no entry in the journal of the Co-operative Union showing that
D21, 350- was ever paid. This is a serious matter and I shall be making an
order accordingly.
Indeed Sainey Sabally was given D9600. The prosecution submitted that the
Defence should have called the Cashier Mr. Jallow who issued the receipt. I do
not agree with that proposition. The prosecution knew or ought to have known
that Mr. Thomas never paid that money on behalf of Sainey Sabally but chose
not to call the cashier. Why then was Sainey Sabally refunded? The court is
told that Mr. Dibba, the General Manager authorized the refund. On what grounds
was the money paid to Sainey Sabally? The receipt did not show the quantity
of rice alleged to have been bought. Only the documents in Defence Exh. 9
showed that the quantity supposed to have been bought was 100 bags of rice. Who
told the officers who prepared the documents for the refund that it was 100
bags that had been bought, when the receipt did not show the quantity? This
court is led to believe that the whole transaction was not genuine; however,
money was paid to the Minister’s brother Sainey Sabally. Sainey Sabally was
never called to explain the part he played. The court feels that it would have
been more prudent to have called Sainey Sabally as a witness as his name
featured prominently in the co-operative deal. The defence has been saying that
there was some indirect moves and deals between Saihou Sabally who was then the
Minister of Agriculture responsible for policy matters of the co-operative
Union and Momodou Dibba, the General Manager of the co-operative Union. The
onus was on the prosecution to discharge that burden. This apparently has not
been done.
We now turn to the supply of petrol. Saihou Sabally said under
cross-examination that he bought petrol for his private car and spent D100 per week.
Mr. Dibba said that the Minister’s Official car used to be supplied with
fuel when he was going on Co-operative Union matters. He forgot that he had
earlier said that the Minister had nothing to do with co-operative Union policy
and that the Ministry of Agriculture was informed of matters through the
Permanent Secretary.
However Defence witness 4, i.e. Chernor Njie recalled supplying Saihou
Sabally’s private cars with fuel particularly G1A 0500. He said that when this
case was on he was queried by Mr. Dibba, the General Manager about information
supplied to the Defence.
Defence witness No 11 i.e. Kebba Ceesay, the Deputy General Manager said he
could remember when he went to the fuel store and found Chernor Njie, the
fuel storekeeper extracting petrol vouchers of the Minister for both his private
and official cars. Chernor Njie said he was ordered by Mr. Dibba to do so.
Kebba Ceesay said they were numerous and that he also had in the absence of
Mr. Dibba approved the supply of fuel to the Minister. He said the vouchers
were taken to Mr. Dibba and Mr. Dibba took them in his car heading towards
Banjul.
Those and other vouchers were subpoenaed by the Defence, the other vouchers
were produced in court and only one voucher for the supply of fuel to the
Minister’s official car was produced. A remark made by Mr. Dibba when he was
being cross-examined that if the defence had the voucher numbers they should
produce the vouchers, lend support to the fact that the vouchers concerning the
Minister’s private and official cars were suppressed by Mr. Dibba.
I believe that the fuel vouchers concerning the Minister’s cars were given
to Mr. Dibba and he failed to produce them in court. If Saihou Sabally was not
his intimate friend, why did he not produce the vouchers?
Concealing evidence is an offence, and this court has a very dim view of the
behaviour of Mr. Dibba. He has persistently lied to this court on many
matters and tried to show the court that his relationship with Saihou Sabally was
only on the surface.
The Bakau project is another example in which the relationship between
Saihou Sabally and Momodou Dibba comes to the forefront. We have heard the
evidence of Daddy Sowe that when he went to make enquiries about moneys received
from abroad for the garden project, the General Manager, Mr. Momodou Dibba got
Mr. Saihou Sabally, the Minister to get him off the project which he Daddy
Sowe had initiated.
Upon consideration of the totality of the evidence before me and having
observed the demeanor of the witnesses, I find, as a fact and I have no doubt
whatsoever that the allegations were true and that the publication was for the
benefit of the public. In a democratic country such as The Gambia, the public
certainly is entitled to know what is going on. It is for the public good
that clandestine deals and other related matters should and must be brought to
light, so that others who may be tempted to practice such unworthy things will
refrain from doing so.
It is an open secret that during the course of the trial, several
irregularities were highlighted by Defence Counsel during cross-examination of
prosecution witnesses revealing top officials of the Gambia Co-operative Union
indiscriminately dissipating huge sums of the Union funds in the form of imprests
and other related matters, which were not substantially refuted by the
prosecution.
Although this evidence is not directly germane to the charges before this
court, I have decided to refrain from making any comment on the matter. However
it is hoped that the authorities concerned would take appropriate measures
to redress this embarrassing situation.
I therefore find the Accused NOT guilty of count 1, and I acquit and
discharge him of this count accordingly.
Finally, I wish to thank counsel from both sides for the skill and candour
exhibited in conducting this rather complex and intricate case meticulously
and with great vigour professionally.
To sum up, I find the accused
q NOT guilty on count 1, i.e. the charge dealing with Saihou
Sabally and I acquit and discharge on that count.
q Guilty on count 2, i.e. the charge dealing with Landing Jallow
Sonko.
q NOT guilty on both parts of count 3, i.e. the charge dealing with
Dr Lamin Saho.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
‘TUMAL’ (ACCUSATION)
Part 4
By Amie Sillah
18 Years On
18 years past, Emma grew up into a beautiful damsel. Her mum and dad’s genes
combined into her. She took some vivid features from her mum and also her
fair complexion. She is intelligent and well mannered. Her granny adored her.
She is on scholarship. Her books are her friends. She is to sit to the Grade
12 exams.
Granny Queries
Granny sells at the market. She came to a compound that looks dirty. She
called her “Baby E, where are you? Why is the compound like this? She asked. You
have not done any sweeping today?” She shouts. Emma came running. “Mummy, I
am completing my assignment before I come to do my household chores. It can
wait but my exams can’t. Granny softened. “Okay my daughter! Go and read.
That is the priority. Your reading gave you the scholarship. Both myself and
your brother Victor are proud of you.” Emma smiled and went back to complete
her assignment.
The exams
Emma got through her papers. She had read well and was pleased with herself.
As she was going home with her best pal Bintou or BB, Sally ran to catch
with them. Sally accused her. “Emma you are selfish. You refused to show me the
last question. You are very mean. You always want to top the class”. Emma was
crossed with her. “BB! Listen to this ingrate. I have shown her all the
answers except the last one. Our supervisor was already there. I would have been
caught red handed and you know what that means. Why didn’t you study your
books like the two of us? Please! Stop disturbing me! Did I make you a dunce?”
Sally has a sharp tongue. “You call me a dunce? But listen and listen well! I
may be a dunce but I don’t have a prostitute mother!” “What!” BB was
embarrassed. Emma was shocked. “What did you just say? She asked again. “Your mum
is a harlot. She was caught at her matrimonial bed making love to her husband’
s boss. Your dad is Victor. He is not your brother as your granny told you.
Your granny reared up so that your rotten mother would not contaminate your
miserable life.” BB protested. “You should not tell her that. It is wrong.”
Emma interrupted. “What is happening? Do you people know what I don’t?” BB
tried to trivialized the incident. “Don’t mind Sally. She is mouthy and
troublesome”. Emma believed Sally because she said what she was saying with
confidence. “Go home and ask your granny. Demand for the truth!” Sally challenged.
Confronts Granny
Emma went home very sad. Why did grandma deceive her. She met granny at
home. She addressed her. “Grandma!” Aunty Ebi answered her. “So it is true?” “
What is true?” Granny asked. “That you are not my mother and Uncle Victor is
not my brother but my dad.” “Who told you?’ Granny became defensive. “A girl
insulted me at school and told me. Grandma tell me the truth”. Emma demanded
Grandma spilt the bin and told Emma everything she wanted to know about her
mum, dad and the separation. She felt a great relief.” You should have told
me. That’s my life.” Emma said.
Emma Is Happy
BB visited Emma at home. She found her very excited. “Grandma have gone to
town to buy me clothes and a traveling bag. We are going to my dad, Victor in
the city.” The girls giggled. “I’ll be attending the city university. “Emma
announced. “We will be traveling by the same transport. I am also attending
the city university.” “What!” They both exclaimed. “We will attend the same
university, the same house, and we will share the same boyfriend.” “What!”
BB exclaimed. “I am kiddy.” Emma shared the joke.
At Victor’s House
Victor was not informed about the development that Emma heard the truth. It
was a big surprise. After greeting his daughter and welcoming her, he drew
his mother aside and protested. “Why didn’t you tell me mum?” “Tell you what?”
“That you were bringing Emma to the city.” “Sooner or later your daughter
would join you and that had happened. Why are you protesting?” “You know I
don’t know her. She did not know me. She knows you throughout her life.” “
Yes! Now she has come to know you. She is attending city university. You know
there is no village university. Now open up to your daughter. She is a
beautiful, well trained girl. She is brilliant and a government scholarship. Isn’t
that a blessing to you?” “It is. You told her the history?” “Yes! I have no
choice. She learnt it from village gossip and she have learnt to live with it.”
Granny reassured her son. “God help me get acquainted with my daughter. May
I not be found wanting. Help me to be the good dad she missed in her growing
years.” “Amen!” They both chorused.
Emma Is Afraid
The long discussion between grandma and Victor worried Emma. What are they
discussing? Is dad comfortable that I’ve come to stay with her? Time will tell.
” She soliloqued.
Emma Resumed
House Work
She is hard working. She enjoyed house hold chores and studying her books.
She is an ‘Ouus pickin’ (indoor girl). Victor is easing up. He called her
name wrongly “Emily! Come here. Come and eat your breakfast before it gets cold.”
Emma protested. “Dad! Why are you calling me by my estranged mother’s
name. “I am Emma not Emily.” Victor apologized. When he sees Emma she visualizes
Emily. She have her mom’s distinct features. Emma has grown into a lovely
damsel, very attractive and sensitive as her mom. Victor is jealous. He over
protected her daughter. She does not want Emma to have anything to do with the
opposite sex.
Talking With The Houseboy
Emma is down to earth. She assists the househelp and looks after his
welfare. She wanted to assist him doing the laundry. Victor came and embraced her. “
What are you doing with Musa? Is this trait in your blood also? Get out of
here before I spake you!” He hit Musa and threatened to sack him if he speaks
to his daughter again.
To be cont
Businessmen Petition SoS For Local Government
By Bubacarr K. Sowe
A group of six canteen owners in Soma, Jarra West, have petitioned the
Secretary of State for Local Government, Lands and Religious Affairs objecting the
decision of the Mansakonko Area Council (MAC) to evict them from their
canteens. The vendors alleged that the MAC authorities intend to allocate that
part of the market to a Malian businessman.
The men, Kassim Fadera, Karamba Jabbi, Mustapha Kambi, Demba Camara, Afang
Njundu SaidyKhan and Momodou Konteh said in their petitions, “the decision to
transfer the occupied disputed area from us which we have been occupying
since 1989 to an individual, more so to a foreigner is unjust and unfair. We are
soliciting for your intervention to help solve this problem once and for all
in an amicable way.”
The petition added: “According to the eviction letter of the Chief Executive
Officer, the area will be taken from us to be given to Mr. Hamidou Jah for
the purpose of establishing a super market. We believe the reasons advanced by
the Permanent Secretary for the Department of State for local Government and
Lands on this subject matter are genuine and reasonable that, (1) There
should be an approved project document with public interest, (2) There should be
a clearance certificate from the Highway Authority, because a permanent
structure is to replace temporal structures”.
The businessmen said the governor of Lower River Region, Modou Soma Jobe,
should not ask Mr. Jah to prepare a sketch plan and a project proposal for a
purported supermarket to be built in the area and ask the department to approve
it.
B.K Jobarteh, the Chief Executive Officer of Mansakonko Area council gave a
notice to the businessmen to vacate the area, initially saying a bank will be
built there and later on claimed that a supermarket would be built by the
Malian businessman after the eviction of the canteen owners.
This reporter spoke to the governor of the Lower River Region on phone, but
he said he is reserving his opinion on the matter. He further directed the
reporter to the Department of State for Local Government.
British Philanthropists Donate To Salikenni Health Centre And School
By Gibairu Janneh
Two British Philanthropists, Mr. Roger Ling and Mrs. Cheryl, have, on
Tuesday 20 November, donated medicines worth over D10,000 to Salikenni Health
Centre and an amount of D21,000 to the Basic Cycle School to start construction of
teachers’ quarters in the school.
The principal of the school, Mr. Sankung Daffeh, thanked the donors for
their kind gesture towards his school. Mr. Daffeh pointed out the need for
housing the teachers in the school vicinity. He assured the donors that the amount
would be put into good use. Dawda Manka Dibba, one of the friends to the
donors, urged the students to take their classes seriously as they are the future
leaders. Mr. Dibba advised them to initiate good citizenship like Abdoulie
Touray who initiated the whole project. He told them to do more than Mr.
Touray has been doing for the village.
Speaking on behalf of the donors, Mr. Royer Ling said the result of the
donation will be put into record so as to convince more donors to participate in
boosting the development of the village. Mr. Reger said they would also use
the opportunity to encourage their efforts in different sections of the
village development. He assured the principal that by their next visit in January
next year. The building would be completed.
In handing the carton of medicines worth more than D10, 000 excluding other
cartons of drugs brought along from UK. Mrs. Cherly said they are happy to
donate to the people of Salikenni and stated that they intend to do more. The
Nursing Officer at the Health Centre, Mr. Babanding, pointed out that the
drugs would take a long way to improve the medicament situation at the Health
Centre. He said the drugs would not only benefit the people of Salikenni but
also the Sattelite villages who also come to Salikenni for medial treatment. Mr.
Yaya Marenah delivered the Vote of Thanks on behalf of the village elders.
It could be recalled that last year the two philanthropists assisted Salikenni
Basic School with 200 bags of cement and drums of paint with a cash amount
of D7, 000 to fence the school. They also donated several medical equipment to
the Health Centre.
NOVA SCOTIA-GAMBIA ASSOCIATION ASSISTS IN LANDMINE RISK AWARENESS IN THE
FONI REGION
Fajara, The Gambia,
20th November 2007
The Nova Scotia-Gambia Association (NSGA), in collaboration with UNICEF, is
set to embark on a landmine awareness campaign in the Fonis. The campaign is
one of the most important activities in UNICEF’s Child Protection Project in
The Gambia.
For many years NSGA has worked extensively in schools and communities across
the country with their Peer Health Education Programme, drama troupes,
community film shows and group discussions. All of these efforts have focused on
promoting health awareness issues, including HIV/AIDS, STIs, reproductive
health, and malaria and gender equity.
Now NSGA, in partnership with UNICEF, is tackling the vital topic of
landmines. These explosives have handicapped many people - particularly children -
in the neighbouring Cassamance, a region that has been at the heart of the
troubles over the past few decades.
Lamin Gibba of NSGA is coordinating the project. His team will educate the
refugees about landmines, their dangers and how to avoid them back in
Cassamance, since the refugees are expected to return to this dangerous
landmine-riddled area.
“I think the successful implementation of the landmine,” says Mr Gibba.
Using their expertise in education techniques, NGSA will go to communities
and villages to show films, and then lead interactive community information
sessions.
About 15 communities have been identified in the Foni region along the
Gambia-Cassamance border, an area occupied by a large number of refugees, who
have been displaced by the civil war in the Cassamance region.
This campaign will have immense importance to the people of the Foni region,
especially the refugees who are expected to return to their villages in the
Cassamance where there remains a high volume of unexploded landmines.
The joint effort of NSGA and UNICEF is to create a world where children can
be comfortable and free from hazards, a pre-requisite for their survival and
development.
The landmine awareness campaign of UNICEF’s Child Protection Project begins
November 20th, and continues to December 4th.
Nusrat President’s Award Scheme Unit Holds Silver Award Ceremony
By Yaya Bajo
The President’s Award Scheme Unit at Nusrat Senior Secondary School, on
Friday, November 23, organised a Silver Award Ceremony at the school grounds for
its members.
Speaking at the occasion, principal Karamo S. Bojang said that a school is
like a small community where students meet and interact among themselves. He
said President’s Award Scheme Nusrat Unit has a large membership and expressed
hope that the membership of the unit will continue to expand. He called on
them to remain steadfast and be committed to the ideals of the President’s
Award Scheme as a whole.
For his part, Baboucarr Kebbeh, the president of the Nusrat President’s
Award Scheme Unit said the movement started at the school a long time ago and
that it has achieved numerous undertakings. He said the unit registered about
254 members and it continues to render services to the school, which is part
and parcel of their mandatory duty.
Mr. Kebbeh added that his unit has undergone expedition tours to Kanilai and
Sanyang villages where members received basic training on leadership quality
and First Aid. He thanked the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority and Jammeh
Foundation for Peace Hospital for supporting that cause.
Other speakers included a representative of GCAA who advised the unit to
continue the good service they are rendering to humanity. The programme, which
was moderated by Mr. Buba Manjang, a teacher. It was also punctuated by a play
on the role of President Award Scheme.
CRC Clocks 18
By Sarjo Camara-Singhateh
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has, on Tuesday November 20 sent
a press release on the appointment of Ishmael Beah as Unicef Ambassador on
the 18 Anniversary of the convention on the right of the child.
“On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of the adoption of the Convention
on the Rights of the Child, author and former child solider, Ishmael Beah, was
today appointed UNICEF’s Youth Advocate for children affected by war,” says
Ann M. Veneman, Executive Director of Unicef .
“Ishmael Beah speaks on behalf of young people around the world whose
childhoods have been scarred by violence, deprivation, and other violations of
their rights,” said Veneman. “He is an eloquent symbol of hope for young victims
of violence, as well as those working to demobilize and rehabilitate
children caught up in armed conflict.”
“As a child soldier, your rights are constantly violated,” said Beah, who
was forcibly recruited in his native Sierra Leone when he was only 13. More
than two years later UNICEF negotiated with warlords for the release of Beah
and other child combatants and placed him in a rehabilitation programme.
Eventually, Beah found his way to New York and finished his education. His
childhood memoir, “A Long Way Gone,” became an international bestseller and
through the book, and through lectures and speaking engagements, he has given
the world a better understanding of the life of a child soldier.
“For many observers, a child who has known nothing but war, a child for whom
the Kalashnikov is the only way to make a living and for whom the bush is
the most welcoming community, is a child lost forever for peace and
development. I contest this view,” Beah said. “For the sake of these children it is
essential to prove that another life is possible.”
The announcement of Mr. Beah’s appointment coincides with the 18th
anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), an international
treaty created to help prevent the kind of suffering that he endured. Today is
also the day when the first of the generation of children born after the
creation of the treaty reach adulthood.
The Convention was opened for signature on 20 November 1989. It sets the
ground rules for a better life for all children, and is the most widely ratified
human rights agreement in the world. The rights it identifies include the
right to survival, the right to be protected from harmful influences, abuse and
exploitation, and the right to participate fully in family, cultural and
social life.
The CRC has become a universally accepted measure of global responsibilities
regarding children and an effective tool for promoting conditions and
circumstances favourable to children’s survival and development.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help
children survive and
thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest
provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and
nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and
girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS.
UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals,
businesses, foundations and governments.
Peace Corps Commemorates 40th Anniversary
By Annia Gaye
Peace Corps The Gambia last Friday commemorated its 40th anniversary at a
ceremony held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi.
Delivering his keynote address on behalf of the president, the Secretary of
State for Forestry and Environment, Hon. Yankuba Touray, said the celebration
marks along standing relationship between The Gambia government, its people
and the United States. He said it is a clear testimony of the importance The
Gambia government attaches to a relationship which aims at genuinely sharing
useful values.
He stated that the Peace Corps volunteers are a shining example of sacrifice
to serve the Gambian people by teaching in schools in most remote
communities, working with health clinics and national parks as well as in women’s
gardens. He further stated that 1,400 volunteers have made tremendous contribution
to the progress of The Gambia. “The relevance of Peace Corps volunteers in
providing services that meet the emerging needs of our communities cannot be
over-emphasised,” he said. He urged everyone to always endeavour to promote
peace, love and understanding, share the knowledge, which positively influence
the lives of people. He concluded by thanking the Peace Corps volunteers,
staff and trainees for serving The Gambian people.
For his part the Peace Corps Country Director, Mike McConnell, said Peace
Corps volunteers teach in schools, work as community members to improve health
condition, improve the environment and livelihood of community members who
work with them. He noted that in the past 40 years, nearly 1,400 volunteers
have come to The Gambia.
The Secretary of State for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Fatou Lamin
Faye, said the education programme is the oldest of all the programmes in
which Peace Corps has been involved in the country. She noted that the
partnership between Peace Corps and The Gambia government is one that began in 1967
with the services of Peace Corps volunteers who served as mechanics and
teachers. “Since inception volunteers have continually been registering with the
agency to come to The Gambia to assist in addressing the emerging needs of the
education sector in particular, in the most crucial areas of teacher training,
Math, Science and, more recently, the introduction of Information
Communication Technology in schools,” he said. She dilated that in teaching, volunteers
have worked in curriculum research and development, adult education and the
production of material resources in schools. She further said that currently
the Department of State for Basic and Secondary Education is taking steps to
positively impact classroom teaching and to improve the performance of
students. She continued to say that more targeted pre-service and in-service
trainings are being provided for teachers.
Society of Gambian Sculptures Hold Forestry Workshop
By Isatou Bittaye
Society of Gambian Sculptures (SGS) held a day workshop on Forestry at the
Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism (ASSET) on Thursday November
22. In opening the workshop, Mr. Sulayman Sowe of Society of Gambian
Sculptures said the workshop aimed at creating greater sustainability of the forest.
The
He said they are conscious of the importance of the forest and the need for
its preservation and that that was what motivated them to work with their
partners, in order to limit deforestation. Mr. Sowe noted that Playmouth Banjul
Challenge funded the workshop. The Resource person, Mr. Ousainou Cham,
Regional Forestry Officer of Central River Region (CRR) said forests have been
devastated as a result of deforestation. Mr. Cham added that the forest is also
affected as a result of expansion in agriculture and commercialization. He
said there is need the preservation of forests inorder to ensure sustainability.
Mr. Cham indicated that the Forestry for Department was a unit under the
Department of State for Agriculture but became a department of its own Minister
and Forestry Act.
He said the department was sponsored by Germany to conduct an inventory
in1980 with the use of satellite and the objective was to determine the quality
of wood in The Gambia, including medicine, firewood and timber. He noted that
after the inventory they came out with a proposal to ban the production of
charcoal in The Gambia in 1980 but allowed importation. Mr. Cham said the
licensing and permitting also came to regulate the use of the forest. Mr. Cham
said that only individuals with valid permit and license are allowed to chop
down trees in limited numbers and even there it is only for local consumption
but not export. He said individuals are issued license through the Alkalolu,
chiefs and the regional officer of the region who made the final stamp on the
permit.
Mr. Cham noted that on leased lands the individual is free to chop down
trees. He said that the Department of State for Local Government and Lands
sometimes overpower them and lease certain areas of land where there are important
species of trees for forestry. Mr. Cham added that sometimes too certain
individuals issued licenses to people to export wood but now there is a total ban
of that which is supported by the government. Group presentations were done
by the participants and a group presented on the past, present and future
access to forest resources. They said that in the past, there was easy access to
water but now, as a result of deforestation, as a result of deforestation
there is low rainfall. He said there was also easy access to firewood and
enough trees in the forest. They added that the present situation is there are few
big trees and the only available ones are ironwood, mahogany, rosewood
(keno) and bush mango. They indicated that there is the possibilities of
diversifying to bony tree and if deforestation is not controlled, no tree will be
available in future and that can lead to poor qualities of products. They
recommended that reforestation, caring and nurturing of plants, proper supervision
by the Forestry Department and encouragement of community participation in
forestry should be enhanced. The second group presented on the role of the
associations to improve forestry extension and reduction in deforestation. They
said that the associations should set up control organisations scouting for the
Department and help enforce the regulation already in vogue. They also said
that criteria should be set up for the use of wood and agree on the type of
wood to use inorder to prevent loss of certain species. They said that the
association should encourage ecotourism and planting more trees, set up
publicity by all and introduce difference types of wood from outside. The final group
presented on the SWOT analysis of the Forestry Department. On the
weaknesses, the group said the Forestry Department is too weak on the control of
licensing, that there is lack of community awareness and corruption of authorities
and communities on the issuing of licenses. On strength, they said that the
policy acts should be strengthened, community forests should be encouraged and
the employment of community forest guards maintained. They noted that
poverty is a threat to the Department as it causes many people to embark on
deforestation and chopping down trees. They said that the Department of Local
Government and Lands overpowered the Forestry Department as they are in control of
all lands; that the “Maslaha” syndrome, (comprise), favouritism and
nepotism, farming and construction of buildings as they lead to cutting down of
trees, lack of support from the government and communities and the international
laws and policies all serve as threats to the Department. They said the
Department has opportunities of teamwork and collaboration by individuals,
government and institutions. They highlighted that appropriate technology such as
solar and renewable energy is needed to limit the use of firewood and tightening
forestry laws.
President Of UTG Students Union Rescinds Resignation
By Yaya Bajo
The President of the University of The Gambia Students Union (UTGSU), Mr.
Kemo A.M Cham, who tendered his resignation letter to the Executive Committee
barely a week has rescinded his resignation on Thursday 22 November, 2007.
Confirming this to Foroyaa, Mr. Cham said his decision to withdraw his
resignation letter came in the wake of popular demand from the student body and
outsiders to continue serving the union. “I received a lot of calls from
students and non- students who appealed to me to finish my term which is ending in
a month’s time,” he stated. Mr. Cham said his resignation was a consequence
of the attitude of some disgruntled members in his Executive who are bent on
tarnishing his image. He warned such executive members to desist from their
selfish acts as they may lead to the disintegration of the whole union. Mr.
Cham added that he is not interested in power; that his ultimate aim is to
serve the student body in good faith.
Mr. Cham finally called on the student body to support and rally behind the
student Executive Council in order to enhance the cause of student unionism
in the University of The Gambia.
Tough World Cup Draw for Gambia
Senegal, Algeria and Liberia Back Calling
By Modou Nyang
Gambia has been handed a tough World Cup preliminary qualifying drawn that
bring back some ugly memories in Gambian football.
The Scorpions are in Group 6 with strong neighbours Senegal and 2008 Nations
Cup qualifying round foes Algeria and, 2006 World Cup Preliminary round
nemesis Liberia, also making the group. The draw that was held in Durban, South
Africa, will see the Scorpions revisit venues where they will face fierce
opposition from the home crowd.
A visit to Dakar to face rivals Senegal will bring back sweet and bitter
memories of the two-legged matches in 2003 for the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations
qualifiers between the Scorpions and the Teranga Lions.
But a return to Monrovia, Liberia, is sure to awaken some bitter memories
when the Scorpions thrown out of Germany World Cup 2006 qualifiers. Gambia
travelled to Liberia with a 2-0 home advantage in 2003 but returned empty handed
having suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Lone Stars, and accusations
of camp breaking and heavy boozing and flirting with prostitutes making the
rounds among the players.
But Dakar and Monrovia are not the only venues that will present a hostile
reception to the Scorpions. A quick return to Algiers is certain to provide
another big test for the Scorpions. Gambia defeated Algeria 2-1 at home in
September this year, effectively denying them the chance to qualify for the 2008
Nations Cup and a desire for revenge is certain to occupy the Algerians who
left Banjul very bitter.
Forty-eight African countries have been drawn into twelve groups of four,
and the winner of each group together with the 8 best runners-up will be drawn
into five groups of five. The winner of each of those groups will qualify for
the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 and the second and third placed
countries will qualify for the Africa Nations Cup in Angola in the same year
together with the group winner.
Zone II: Gambia Open With Mali
By Modou Nyang
The Scorpions will open their account in the Zone II Amilcar Cabral
tournament against Mali on Saturday 1st December.
The biannual tournament among the eight countries in the Zone II of West
Africa is scheduled to start on Friday November 30th. And the Gambia who are
pooled in Group B together Mali, Cape Verde and defending champions Guinea, will
first face the Malians before taking on Cape Verde in their second match on
December 3rd and end the group games against Guinea, on December 5th.
The Gambia are not strangers to all three group opponents, the Scorpions has
recently played Guinea and Cape Verde in the qualifiers of the Africa Cup of
Nations losing only to Guinea. However, the Cyli National who eventually
qualified for the Ghana event in January from the group that also included
Algeria is certain not to field in Class A players for the tournament likewise
Mali also.
Gambia too has opted for a team composed of only home based players to
execute their quest for a first ever triumph in the history of the championship.
And it remain to be seen if Cape Verde will opt for more quality players that
the rest of the group.
Gambia’s Group Matches
1st January Gambia VS Mali
3rd January C/Verde VS Gambia
5th January Gambia VS Guinea
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